Review of The Red Envelope by J C Sum

Reviewed by: John Teo

Kenton Knepper’s clever concept used in his original effect “Kolossal Killer” is so versatile that it spawned many variations in presentations.  This is evident in the many editions of “Killer Konceptions”, a book that contains subsequent contributions by various magicians to Kenton’s Kolossal Killer effect.  Just as you thought all ideas concerning the “Killer” have been covered, along comes “The Red Envelope” by J C Sum.

In effect, the performer takes out a red envelope from his wallet and places both the envelope and his wallet on the table in full view of the audience.  He also mentions that there is a prediction card inside the wallet, and he will reveal it as well as the content of the envelope at a latter stage.  A spectator mentally chooses a playing card in a very fair way.  The performer takes out the prediction card from the wallet – it proves to be the wrong card!  All is put right when the content of the envelope is revealed!

• The trick seems impossible to explain since the spectator merely thinks of a card – no physical deck of cards is involved in the selection.
• There is a comical element where a wrong prediction is righted.  There is a version where the correct prediction is revealed, and there is still a comical climax at the end.
• It is easy to perform.

For those who are familiar with Kenton’s “Kolossal Killer” trick, you will appreciate that the introduction of the “red envelope” (and its content) gives the following benefits:

• Psychologically impresses the fact that everything is on the table at the onset before the revelation of the chosen card.
• A comical ending to the routine.

Other positive contributions to the “Killer” effect:

• A clever equivoque to simplify the card selection.
• The prediction card can be examined.
• The thin wallet helps to eliminate the idea of using “outs” in the revelation.

This routine has been officially endorsed by Kenton Knepper himself.  The manuscript is well written by J C Sum, and includes a script for patter.  He covers all aspects of the presentation and gives alternative endings to the routine.  However, you need to have the original instructions for Kenton’s “Kolossal Killer”.  There is information on how to download a PDF version of the instructions.

Highly recommended.