$wap by Nicholas Lawrence and Vanishing Inc.

$wap is Nicholas Lawrence’s moving graphic on a dollar bill trick released in conjunction with Vanishing Inc. With $wap, the performer shows the spectator a stack of dollar bills and points out that on each and every bill there are two seals. A black seal on the left face side of the bill and a green seal on the right face side of the bill… except one of the bills was “misprinted” as the and the seals are opposite and in the wrong place. Then, magically, in an instant, the seals transpose by a quick finger rubbing movement by the performer and the bill can be instantly handed out. It is very visual, evocative and impressive.

$wap comes with a well-produced 25 minute DVD and some “things” that are needed to construct your gimmick. The construction is very easy and takes about 5 minutes to complete with standard arts and crafts supplies. If you have made any gimmicks before, or have kids in the house, you will likely already have what is needed to complete the construction.

Lawrence starts off the DVD with a studio performance in what appears to be a living room that is appropriately sparse as to not distract the viewer. The DVD did not contain any real world performances like the promotional video and that is lacking only because watching the creator perform his own trick is informative as to the best handling you may choose. The studio performance takes about 30 second and the trick is over. It is a great quick little piece of magic.

Lawrence walks you through the gimmick construction and the two handlings. You will need to destroy two $1 bills of American money. I do not know if this will work with other currencies because you will need two seals or logo to transpose that are the exact same size. It is unlikely that plastic money will work as effectively, but I have not tried that out on Australian bills. This is not discussed on the DVD.

Although there are no real angles to be concerned about as far as where the spectators are standing, you want the bill to be viewed from a bird’s eye view (not an angle). You also don’t want to let the spectators closely examine the bill before you do the magic. Strong lighting may allow the spectator to see some of what is going on and if you perform in a very quiet, almost silent, environment, something may be heard that could be noticed but won’t really give you away. However, because this gimmick is so hard to detect if you are not paying attention, you may just spend your gimmick if you keep it in your wallet.

Although the ad copy says that you can hand out the “bills” and nothing suspicious can be found, that is only true if you do some cleaning up, which is easy and quick. You cannot allow inspection before the effect is performed.

The trick is very easy to learn and perform. It can be carried in your wallet and will likely last a long time if you are careful. If you need to make a new gimmick, it will be very easy.

The DVD comes with a “bonus” trick which is Lawrence’s Sharpie through dollar bill. I don’t care for it too much. Stick with the main effect.

For $25 you get a great idea and the perfectly sourced “things” needed to make the gimmick. It is worth it.