I'm not sure how one of the reviewers computed 3 pages of ads... I count 10 (pages 3, 19-23, 30, 36-39) and considering pages 1 and 48 are the cover and page 2 is the index that leaves 35 pages of 5.5" x 4.25" (half size pages when compared to other magic magazines) of content.

I just don't see how this has a $10 price tag on it... granted it was a freebie with my $50 order and the content is good, but this is clearly a vehicle for Penguin to advertise their stuff (Tarbell, Penguin live, Open Box deals, ... etc). Is there anything wrong with that? No, it's the Penguin Magic Monthly and I fully expected that, but I don't see this as being meant to compete with GENII or Magic Magazine or ... as least not in its current form.

As an add in for $50 order this is great. The content... the pictures... all very nicely and professionally done. If it ever becomes a subscription I see $3-$4/issue as a reasonable price especially as I presume they'd advertise other recent produce in there.

In a nutshell I like it, but it's not exactly amazing.

This magazine was wonderful and I enjoyed reading it more than any other magician magazine I have read in the last year. It’s filled with insightful knowledge and aside from only a few adds, its focus is purely on magic. Below you can find my take on the pros and cons of this issue of Penguin Magic Monthly.

Pros:
-Each article is well written and covers a different aspect of the art of magic, not just effects.
- Eric Leclerc’s “think of a card” interview was a great quick look at the great card effect and was fun to read.
- Kranzo’s article on Edward Bagshawe was a great read, having never heard of him, I enjoyed learning about his contributions to the world of magic.
- No Rip For Roy by Frank Fogg is a clever reworking of the classic effect it could be a blockbuster for the right performer
-Spidey’s article on Social Dynamics Applied to Magic and Mentalism is pure gold and a must read for anyone looking or wanting to do magic socially.
- Tony Brent is a working professional with this own show in Flordia which has been running for the last 13 years. His article on how little things making a big difference in you act was amazing. I loved it and I’m happy Penguin included it in this issue, as this topic is rarely talked about.

Cons
-Yes, they're quite a few close-up card effect in this issue. It would have been nice to see a more diverse array of magic aside from cards, such as coin, mentalism, stand-up, stage, etc.
-Overall the tricks covered in this issue would have benefited by having figure or picture numbers embedded in their text to correspond to their accompany pictures. In that way, it would be easier for the reader to follow the effect and learn it.
-The “Jay Sankey is Insane” gag seemed to be lacking in instruction and it would have benefited from a bit more detail.
-The cover article on Dan Harlan’s take on the Tarbell course to me seemed like old news. A year ago when the project started it would have been great, but now as Dan nears entering book four of Tarbell more recent users of Penguin Magic will know of the project. A Q&A interview with Dan talking about the challenges with the projects, his favorite/least favorite parts of the project, etc. would have been, in my mind, a better read.

Overall, this magazine was a great read and should have something for everyone. Aside from the some flaws and minor formatting issues, this is a must read for any magic fan. The magazine an apparent labor of love. I can't wait to read the next one! So check it out, or not, the choice is yours.

Spideys article elaborates on social dynamics (as it says in the title) when performing magic in a social setting. No, not weddings and corporate venues, but when you are walking around performing magic on the streets or in a bar, and especially at school or work. There is great advice here. The little section on amazing spectators has also provided great advice. If you are a social magician, pick this up. If I did not use any included effects, I treated them as inspiration for my own creativity. I didnt really care much about the formatting but to me this was gold and a huge eye opener for me performing social magic.

The insight and informed views on magic gave me reason to think about my magic and how it gets the reactions I like and want .

Despite DVD's, downloadable items and Internet videos - Nothing beats a great booklet that is delivered in the mail every month! Get this - NOW!

this is a great idea that's long overdue! sign me up for a subscription. it's not a standard size for a magazine 5 1/2 x 8", nor is it very big (as in number of pages), but it's jam-packed, and there are only two (maybe three) "ads" in 48 pages. great writing, awesome pics and illustrations. Well done!!

WOW!So much stuff! Packs small....plays BIG! Can't wait for the next issue!

The average Joe can't afford 9.50 a month for a mag......Hey! Don't get me wrong I really enjoyed the contents....I Ordered and learned how to fold a rose......something I thought I would ever do ,but you are going to sell more mags and make more of the almighty buck if you offer a reasonable subscsibtion price.....
AS USUAL ITS ONLY MY OPINION.......UNCLE ROY

Really enjoyed the Penguin Magic Monthly magazine. Lots of interesting stuff to read. I especially liked the routine "No rip for Roy" - a twist on the classic Card warp routine. A real magician's fooler!

I love the interviews and the bits of magic history that I can pick up fairly quickly. I think the content could use a little work but otherwise pretty fantastic.