FROM
THE
EDITOR
VANISH
MAGAZINE
PUBLISHER
Paul Romhany & Joomag
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & DESIGN LAYOUT
HAPPY 2020
Paul Romhany
THANK YOU TO
Chipper Lowell
ASSOCIATE EDITOR / LAYOUT FEATURE
Hal Meyers
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Nick Lewin
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Ben Robinson
STAFF WRITERS
Jeff Christensen, Louie Fox, Nick Lewin,
Paul Romhany, Gregory Wilson, David
Gripenwaldt, Hal Meyers, David J. Atwood,
Joe Ledoux, Felicity Fields,
EDITORIAL SUPPORT EXECUTIVE
Hal Meyers, Ben Robinson
ADVERTISING COORDINATOR
Paul Romhany & Sydnie Anderson
CREATIVE DESIGNER & LAYOUT
Paul Romhany
VANISH CONVENTION DIRECTOR
Steve Hocevar
CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTION
Harry Morgan
ADDRESS
1183 Blind Bogey Drive
Qualicum Beach, BC.
V9K1E6
CANADA
This year VANISH MAGIC MAGAZINE celebrates eight years as a publication.
With an amazing team of contributors the magazine has grown in readership
to truly staggering numbers. Some of the editions have exceeded 300,000
downloads. There is a secret behind these figures which has to do with how
I went about putting Vanish online. One day I might share that information,
however, for now my ‘lips are sealed.’ After all - a magician has to keep some
secrets.
During the latter part of 2019 I decided to take over the print side of VANISH.
This now means the magazine is printed in the USA, cheaper than in the past.
Be sure to visit the website www.vanishmagazine.com to see the available
editions.
2019 saw the loss of many great names in magic, one in particular was Johnny
Thompson. He helped guide many careers in magic, his loss will always be felt
deeply by the community. One trait about any art form is the legacy left behind
for generations to learn from and enjoy. We can delight in reading Johnny’s
books, learn by watching his digitally captured lectures and be enthralled with
his work both in front of and behind the camera on television and YouTube. He
will be here forever, influencing generations of magicians to come.
Late last year we learned of the passing of the incredible Simon Aronson. While
he was unknown to the general public, he was a veritable magic trick incubator
for decades, publishing books on card magic, creating countless tricks and
maintaining Chicago’s little-known tradition as a hub for card-trick innovation.
I loved the quote from a reporter who said, “Aronson is part of the international
brain trust behind modern-day magic.” Again, thankfully we have his books and
videos to guide the future wave of magicians.
Our feature artist this issue is my dear friend
Jeff Christensen. Jeff is one of the few truly
inspirational magicians I know. His story is like
no other, and what he does with his magic
is remarkable. It is an honor to feature him
and his family in the first issue of 2020. One
of the most rewarding gigs of my career was
being asked to perform my full act as Charlie
Chaplin for Jeff’s fundraising organization in
An Evening of Magic. We can all look forward
to more of Jeff’s series EDUCATION IS MAGIC
throughout the year.
Have a wonderful 2020.
Paul Romhany
GROUP EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
JANUARY | 2020
7