HORRORSCOPE
NIGHTMARES OF THE PAST
NEWS FLASH!
Who comprises horror’s most devoted enthusiasts? It’s those aged between 30 and 44, a demographic hailing from the 1980s and early 1990s, considered by many as the pinnacle of American horror.
In the U.S., horror is the second favorite TV and movie genre among Gen Zers (aged 13-26), comedy taking first place.
It’s the best time for unconventional magicians delving into the dark realms of spirit summoning and otherworldly narratives to adapt to changing audiences and entertain in a way that resonates with new and seasoned viewers.
Like a horror movie providing cathartic relief for anxiety and depression, your show’s success relies on a relevant connection with the audience. Modern magicians understand that traditional props and tired spooky tropes can feel cliché, leading to less-than-enthusiastic responses. The content of their shows often lacks the impact suggested by their marketing. There is a craving for fresh material that elicits genuine audience reactions, talked about long after the show.
Entertainers in our alternative genre often face challenges in obtaining the necessary resources for effects and props to craft a unique and intense show. If you’re prepared to integrate theater, horror, and magic to produce a truly immersive and terrifying experience, elevating your performance beyond your audience’s expectations, then you’ve come to the right place. I’m here to assist you in showcasing the frightening nature of your performance.
Although the specialty lies in darker themes, not all offerings adhere to that bloody vein.
Step into the realm of authentic macabre theater – welcome to the MR. Darkness experience!
TESTIMONIALS
N3CRO MENTALISM
"Wonderful bizarre piece, I love how you explain every detail with great care, and the "extra images" are powerful in order to understand the ambience needed in performance, congratulations!"
“This piece is definitely dark. How appropriate, given the creator's moniker. Most importantly for me, is that the audience is drawn in right from the very beginning and they have little choice but to hang on to see where the piece is going and how it will turn out. It takes the audience on a journey that won't soon be forgotten.”
"MR. “Rick” Darkness has devised a very dark, mysterious, and compelling routine that, if executed with forethought and good story telling, could become a reputation maker. When done well, your audiences can become emotionally moved. This is NOT a simple “revealed selection” routine, but the foundation for a presentation that will be long remembered."
"N.3.C.R.0. is one of those rare pocket effects that work for mainstream magicians, mystery entertainers, séance workers, or hardcore bizarrists who prefer darker and more disturbing performance pieces. The backstory is solid; the props are aged and look authentic, the revealing process is easy to follow and logical, and the effect is shocking."
“N3CR0 is a beautiful and very well thought-out routine. It is the best thing I've read all year. The attention to detail, the backstory, and source materials (articles and photos) are really wonderful. MR. Darkness is a very analytical thinker, in addition to being an intuitive/creative one.”
"This is a great effect that has a number of performance possibilities from parlor to close-up. It will allow the performer to fully immerse their audience in a captivating story that they will surely remember. Don't let it's ease fool you, allow it to sweep you up and into the tale and leave them awestruck."
“Darkness has created a from your pocket effect that is wonderfully disturbing and applicable anywhere from a bit of chilling after dinner discussion to a parlor situation. The premise is solid, and tickles my historical accuracy fetish, and is not difficult to learn!”
"MR. Darkness has fallen once again! The effect packs small but hits hard. Easy to learn and reasonably priced. A chilling little piece that is cleverly gaffed to give you all of the deceased patient's info at a glance! You can play "N3CR0" any way you wish, but I plan to use it as a pocket Séance for walk around.”
THE HAND of FATE TAROT
“It’s a great thing of dark beauty. If a performer brings that out, and the audience isn't immediately pulled into a new realm of reality, then it's the fault of the performer. I bought THOFT because I knew that it was something wonderful and it would not be around forever. I knew I had to grab one right now or I would regret it later on.”
“The presentation is superior to other decks I've worked with. The accompanying book preps the reader while circumventing the need for years of comparative study to acquire the same level of awareness. The cards are aged to perfection, and printed on a thick sturdy card stock. The markings would enhance any usual reading to supernatural levels of awareness beyond the scope of comprehension.”
“This is a stunning deck no sitter will have ever seen before. The markings are crystal clear to the reader but absolutely invisible to the sitter, and zero memory work is required. The book, which comes with the deck, has accelerated my learning curve substantially. I have no prior relationship to Mr. Darkness. I'm just a guy who found him through a search. He is an absolute gentleman, pleasure to deal with, and the customer service is stellar.”
“Everything Darkness makes, the attention to detail is meticulous and the quality is first rate. They look, and feel right. I collect antiques, and these are utterly convincing as period tarot cards. I have the original tarot from Outlaw and improved version from Gemini and other decks as well. This deck is without doubt the finest cards I have ever encountered. The stock, artwork, and aging, are all at a level above anything I have seen. They are damn near perfect.”
"I am so glad I made this purchase. The cards are outstanding... but the book that accompanies the set is the real value. The book is one of the best info books on Tarot I've ever read. A BIG congrats to you for the obvious work and research that must have gone into putting the book together. Thank You Very Much. I am way more than pleased with the H@nd of F@te T@rot."
"Everything about this release screams quality the cards look and feel amazing. It’s a work of art. The booklet is incredibly concise. My favourite sections are the ones on NLP and how to assemble a story in a reading. Previously, I said that N3CR0 was the best thing I bought all year, but THOFT is the new greatest thing I’ve bought all year! I'm so pleased that I got this."
“The aging was well-done and they have a nice glide to them. The hands bring a nice feature to tie in a psychologically-visual aspect of the cards being dealt by "the h@nds of fate". For any bizarre enthusiast, this will pair nicely with any dark-themed effect, but could also play strongly for a reader who uses the major arcana only.
“The matte finish is ideal, allowing the cards to be easily manipulated. The markings are easy to work with, even in low light. The accompanying book is a great resource for beginners, yet still contains gems for more experienced readers. THOFT is a worker and has a permanent place in my tarot cabinet.”
“Don't pass this by, it is very cool, the pictures don't do it justice, it has a very tactile presence, it looks feels and smells "authentic", the cards have just the right touch and are easy to "acquire " info from if you don't grab it now, once you see one in person you will be paying much more on a secondary market to catch up with the rest of us.”
"The cards are large and sturdy, they glide smoothly and are a dream to handle! So many handmade or aged decks don't spread well or they are hard to mix and deal, not the case with these. I love the illustration on the back; it is very Victorian, very creepy without being ghastly. And I've only begun looking through the manual, and am already deeply impressed with the quality and originality of the material for straight up readings. This is a superior production, and well worth the price. Another MR. Darkness piece that I'll likely never sell!"
THE DRUID ESP
"I absolutely love them! The cards themselves are even more stunning in person than they are in photographs too. As for the marking system, it is bulletproof! The cards also seem to have an aura about them, the very sight of them indicates that something special is about to happen. Last night alone I performed for around 100 tables and used these cards at least half of them, and there was a noticeable difference in how much more mystical the performances became when these cards were in play. The booklet is also well written and is a joy to read! I am always going to have these cards with me from now on!"
"These are exceptional. I spent 15 minutes trying to find the marking and failed miserably. When I read the marking system it blew my mind. I’m absolutely stunned. The booklet is absolutely incredible! I’ve put a post on Facebook saying that another product was the best I’d ever purchased, that’s no longer true, this is. I’m going to try and build my entire act around the Druid. Rick I can’t emphasis enough how pleased I am with this whole experience, your quick replies, speedy shipping, going out of your way, the overall value, and the amazing booklet with incredible ideas and routines. 10/10 is an absolute understatement.
"I have to say this is a great investment 5 stars. 30 years in magic and this one goes into the pocket as a full-time carry. This is a worker and will last for years. The people I’m presenting to will not see or figure out the marking system. Reading them is not hard once you know them. The booklet will provide some routines and ideas for reading. Several uses for this one. Don’t miss out on this set it’s well worth it."
"I must say that the quality of this set is phenomenal! The leather is thicker than I imagined it would be and the cards should last a lifetime. This set is one of the most impressive packages I've ever received. I'm so impressed with the quality of everything, even the booklet is badass!"
"I wanna thank you for inventing one of the best ESP cards to ever hit the market that’s why this is my second order. I love them they are the best. I wish more people would go out of their way to print on beautiful plastic card stock and have overall excellent quality products. It’s well worth the extra money. Thank you for producing such a beautiful product."
“Wow! Is this offering from Mr. Darkness ever different. Not your typical cheap ESP cards that everyone else has. These cards are very well made and will pretty much last forever. Mr. Darkness has again spared no expense to bring out a top quality effect. Easily the complete package as far as ESP cards are concerned. Once you actually see one you will want it.”
"I was delighted with The Druid as I consistently am with all of your releases. My loyalty is selfish, and derives only from the fact that you deliver more than you promise with every single effort. The Druid supports this assertion with its artful design, sturdy craftsmanship, and mindful instruction. Like a true impassioned artisan, you look at a design problem from top to bottom, from the inside out, and it shows. I love everything about this set from the quality of the leather wallet and card finish, to the symbol illustration and back design. Even the "tells" are unique and well-conceived."
"I am already getting some good play from these after only a week. The heavier weight and smaller size screams "Not a playing card" and, by association, "not a card trick." Lots of good lead-ins for mentalism and mystery!"
“The cards are incredibly well made, the design is easy to read and creatively dark. I was thinking about ordering a backup, but the cards are so well made aside from a spectator purposely ruining them they will last several human lifetimes.”
"I absolutely love the concept of the cards! This is without question a top quality product and one that I would highly recommend to any discerning bizarre/storytelling performer."
“The manuscript is extremely well written and provides a number of very interesting and entertaining routines. The method of hiding the markings in the design is deceptive and clever. The markings flow seamlessly in the design yet provide instant recognition of the value of the card. The design of the back of the cards are artistically beautiful.”
“Beautiful product, great ideas. The manuscript is well written and the cards are built to last. I will be using this for a long time as these cards will not wear out. The case is well made of quality leather. Another happy purchaser. Thank you Mr. Darkness.”