STE VE CO HEN foreword by
DAV I D CO P P ERF I EL D
keith champagne • peter krause • jordie bellaire
M I L L I O N A I R E S ’ M AG I C I A N
• Copyright 2017 by Steve Cohen. All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Published by XXX XXX Rockefeller Center 1230 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10020 The Millionaires’ Magician is a character of XXX, and this book is based on material copyrighted by XXX in which all rights are reserved. Manufactured in XXX 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Cohen, Steve. The Millionaires’ Magician. I. Cohen, Steve, joint author. II Title. XXXX XXXX ISBN X-XXX-XXXXX-X •
conceived by
STEVE COHEN foreword by
D AV I D C O P P E R F I E L D story
K E I T H C H A M PA G N E art
PETER KRAUSE coloring
JORDIE BELLAIRE lettering
B I L L T O RT O L I N I cover art
TA R A P H I L L I P S book design and cover lettering
SPENCER CHARLES
F O R E WO R D i n t h e f i e l d o f m a g i c , success does not happen by accident. There is an immense amount of experimentation, perseverance, and personal sacrifice to achieve something exceptional.
Steve Cohen has found his calling as an exceptional magician and
businessman. After spending a lifetime practicing sleight of hand, he conceived of a close-quarters magic show called Chamber Magic, and hunted for the appropriate venue.
In 2000, he convinced executives at New York’s legendary Waldorf
Astoria hotel to give him their largest and most ornate suite so that he could transform it into his magic showroom. To date, over half a million people have attended, paying full Broadway ticket prices. Chamber Magic is a masterful performance—I know because I’ve attended, and highly recommend it.
This graphic novel tells the backstory of Steve’s character, the
Millionaires’ Magician. Alongside some of the top talents in the comic business, Steve has created a dramatic tale of how he landed at the Waldorf Astoria. The behind-the-scenes story is as engaging as the feats of magic he performs. Like any good fable, it seamlessly weaves fact with fiction, truth with tall tale, into a memorable read.
As you enter the world Steve has designed, think about what you
can achieve in your own endeavors. Like Steve, you must find your own calling. What do you do memorably, and like no one else? What makes you feel fulfilled and whole? When you can answer these questions, you will come one step closer to creating a world of your own design.
— D AV I D C O P P E R F I E L D, 2 0 1 7
This dramatization is inspired by true events. Dedicated to my mentor m a x m a l i n i who taught me to travel light, always be ready, and aim high.
go ahead, don't be shy.
pick a card.
how about you-in the front there? this trick is very dangerous, I could really use your help.
careful!
but all the cards are black or red!
memorize your card but don't let me see what you picked.
I'm sensing...
your card is either black or red.
obviously, this isn't your first time at a magic show. if you could slip your card back into the deck, I'll just do this the hard way.
my lovely assistant max, if you'd be so kind...
thank you to my lovely assistant max.
CHiLDREN, MAY I PRESENT TO YOU...
your hair looks beautiful, by the way.
THE BLADE OF DOOM!
the katana is the traditional weapon of the japanese samurai warriors.
legend has it that this blade was used, hundreds of years ago, to slay an ancient dragon.
the warrior held it high over his head and sliced down with all his strength--
--THROUGH THE DRAGON'S NECK LiKE
this!
SHOOT. max, I got carried away again. do you have another deck of cards I could borrow?
in this profession, it behooves one to always carry a spare, children.
all right, I think max, I'm ready please now. hand me the cards.
everyone stand back now, and don't try this at home...
your six of hearts, young lady.
My name is STEVE COHEN. Thank you all for coming, Max and I are--
That's quite a trick there.
The card, the Six Of Hearts, I'll bet it never actually goes back in the deck.
M-mister victor pasiakos, ladies and gentlemen.
Whattaya do, palm it or something?
it's thanks to his generous donation that we're all here today.
Calm now. it appears we have a skeptic in Shall we our midst. transform him into a believer?
I'm right, ain't I? So how do you get it on the sword?
A magician never reveals his secrets, Mr. Pasiakos.
But if you'll please join me in front, I'll show you one more.
I wish I had time but the Turns out MAYOR is waiting when you donate downstairs. twenty mill to a cancer ward, they give you the key to the city.
Anything for the kids, Mr. Pasiakos. isn't that I'm sure what you say? the Mayor will understand.
Please, Mistah Pasikos?
Right. For the kids.
Just don't make my pants disappear or This is a any of that family show, nonsense. after all.
Thank you for taking the time, sir.
Just make it snappy.
What makes a man? is it heart and compassion? Strength and resolve? Or is it MONEY and resources? That's what our next tr--
There you are! You're needed downstairs. The entire city is waiting.
Don't pop a blood vessel, Andrea. I'm just having a little fun.
Andrea, one sec.
Sorry, kids. Sometimes my assistant here thinks SHE'S the boss. Maybe another time.
That little angel, the one right there in the front?
Do something special for her.
What's on your mind, Max? You're not usually this quiet after a show.
My thoughts are often like a thick forest; so easy to get lost in. Besides, you have nothing except for my APPROVAL.
For an hour, you made a group of sick children forget they're dying. illusions don't get any more incredible, dear boy.
I recall a show I performed once, perhaps twenty years ago. Children, like today but fortunately not ill.
it was perhaps the finest hour of prestidigitation of my entire career. Everything simply...clicked.
Nothing about my technique? I tried something different with my patter, too.
Perhaps halfway through my performance, I realized that, to the Were I to crowd I was playing to, scratch my derriere, it didn't matter. they would applaud with the same gusto. I learned an important lesson about both magic and life that day.
A child's head is already full of magic. We're just there to make them smile.
I can't tell if that story ends happy or not.
As long as we do our jobs well, all stories end happy, dear boy.
You're twice the magician I ever was, Steven, yet you lack the one thing I was also never able to find.
Geez, Max. Tell me how you really feel. Don't take it personally, dear boy. I've been at this game fifty years and I'm no closer than I ever was.
identity. Once you find your own, the world will open up to you.
if it assuages your feelings, your purloining of Pasiakos' WALLET was far smoother a lift than I ever could have pulled off.
Max, I just realized...
I've still got Victor's wallet!
This must be the place.
You're forgetting the most important rule my dear mother ever taught me, Steven. Finders keepers.
Using somebody's property in the act and not giving it back. it's every magician's worst nightmare.
Definitely not the kind of REP I want to earn.
it's difficult to imagine victor even noticing it’s gone.
Maybe he'll be impressed I brought it back. I mean, look around...
it wouldn't be the worst thing for a struggling magician to get plugged into a scene like this.
Ah, your sense of business rears its head. How reassuring. I wasn't sure it existed after you spent more on the cab ride out here than you earned performing earlier.
I don't care if their plane CRASHED, we booked them MONTHS in advance. This is a VERY important function for Mr. Pasiakos.
is that--?
What do you MEAN the band CANCELED?!?!
You two. The magic men, right? You shouldn't be here. Now is NOT a good time.
He is NOT going to be pleased.
Sorry, lady. I was just asked to relay the message.
I'm sorry for the intrusion, ma'am. in his hurry earlier, Mr. Pasiakos left this behind. I took the liberty of slipping my business card inside.
Fine, I'll bring it to his attention. Now if you'll excuse me...
Come, Steven. Let us find a phone and conjure up another CAB.
Wait a minute, Max. I've got an idea.
Man up and dazzle 'em, right?
I couldn't help but overhear about the band.
I've got my gear. Lend me your crowd for an hour and I guarantee every one of them goes home happy.
We'd be more than happy to help.
You don't even have to pay me.
Oh, really? Can you pull the deposit we paid The Rolling Stones out of your hat?
I'm a magician who sometimes performs for children. There's a difference.
You're a kid-show magician. Last I checked, this isn't quite your crowd.
There are two things Mr. Pasiakos never forgets. People who do him right and people who do him wrong. Think hard about which one you DON'T want to be.
Honestly, I'm not sure you have a better option right now.
You go on in an hour.
This was a bad idea. I saw two Oscar winners out there. I'm WAY out of my league.
Five minutes 'til curtain, Steven.
You do the show, Max. I'll back YOU up.
The only difference between you and that crowd out there tonight are your respective bank accounts. Every illusion you're performing tonight, you've honed countless times.
The only weights you bring onto the stage tonight are your gimmicks and your final loads. All your doubts, all your NERVES, are left back HERE.
Take a second, BREATHE, and remember Thurston's mantra before each show. “I love my audience. I love my audience.�
Carry this with you. My lucky card box. Houdini once carried it himself. I promise, when the chips are down it will always save your life.
if you're anything but confident out there, that audience won't believe in you.
Max, I don't know what to say-Maxim of magic number eighteen. if they don't believe in you, you've lost them before the first trick.
Let's do this.
Ladies and gentlemen. Good evening.
How many children were, just today, given a fighting chance against cancer thanks to the generosity of the Pasiakos Foundation?
Before we begin our show, might I suggest a round of applause in honor of our host?
Anything for the kids.
Would you lend me a dollar?
Victor, there's an old expression. Do something nice for someone and it will come back to you a hundred times over.
I think I can cover that.
Did I give you this dollar earlier and ask you to give it back to me now?
To the best of your knowledge, have I ever seen this bill before?
Nope. Not a chance.
if you'll notice, this is just an ordinary dollar bill.
There's absolutely nothing special about it. Yet.
I was in the fourth grade when I learned I could do this. As you can imagine, I quickly became Every day, the most popular kid almost the in school. entire student body would line up with their lunch money.
instead of playing kickball, I'd spend all my recesses folding and unfolding their dollar bills.
Cash is king.
I finally had to stop when the TEACHERS started bringing me their I couldn't paychecks at the help them with end of the their checks but I did week. learn an important lesson...
Don't you give me back a hundred of HER. I can barely handle the one.
Your generosity comes back to you a hundred fold, sir.
Victor, please. I don't want--
Would your lovely wife be willing to assist me for my next trick?
May I ask your name?
C'mon! First time I met you, you were on a stage. Ain't like you're shy.
Danica.
As you know, I'm not the original entertainment for this wonderful evening. Sorry, Mick Jagger fans... Truth is, I wasn't even planning on doing a show tonight so, in order to prepare, I raided the kitchen for a few things.
Let's have a warm hand for danica, ladies and gentlemen.
You have a lovely kitchen, by the way.
Danica, I notice you're wearing a Bulgari blue diamond ring on your left hand. it's absolutely I'm going stunning. to need you to take it off and place it in this handkerchief.
My wedding ring? I don't know...
Unfortunately, I can't turn it into a hundred rings but I promise you'll get it back safe and sound.
Now, would you mind choosing a walnut from this bowl?
This one?
Whichever you choose is absolutely perfect.
this, by the way, is my magic nutcracker.
All the calories disappear. Ohmigod!
Walnuts are one of my favorite snacks but I find them fattening.
Luckily, with my magic nutcracker--
Now, Danica, if you could just pick out an EGG.
--OH!
On the bright side, if anyone thinks we weren't using real eggs... I'm so sorry! I hope I didn't ruin your little trick.
Eenie, meeie, miney, mo--
Not to worry, we've got eleven more. Please, pick another and hand it to me.
I knew you could do it.
What can I say? it's a talent.
CAREFULLY this time!
Unfortunately, in all this commotion I've lost my appetite for eggs.
if they weren't a necessary ingredient in chocolate cake, I mighT make them ALL disappear.
Danica, would you please fetch me your ring from inside the handkerchief?
I'd much rather have some nice, fresh fruit for breakfast.
it's—it's not there! My ring is gone!
wow.
Try not to panic. I'm sure it's around here somewhere. I neglected to mention I also borrowed this paring knife from your kitchen.
oh.
That's where that egg went to.
And inside the egg...
if you'll just give me one moment here...
HOW did you do that?! VO|LA!
And now, with the magic nutcracker...
And there's your--
--ring?
You lost my wedding ring!?!
I—I'm sorry. I seem to--
That is, I mean--did I pick the wrong walnut?
Max? I don't know what to do.
if you'll just give me one second, I seem to be having some technical difficult--
He TOOK it, Victor! He stole my ring!
You're playing with an eight million dollar piece of jewelry, kid. I suggest you cough it up.
I didn't STEAL it! Something's obviously gone wrong here.
This one was out cold backstage. What you want we should do with him, sir? uhhh...
Sorry about this, folks, but our magician's got a bad case of sticky fingers.
A few minutes down there, they'll be begging to give it back.
Help yourselves in the dining hall. I'll be with you after I sort out this mess.
Crack all these eggs and walnuts, make sure he didn't just screw up. if you don't find the ring, take them down to the basement.
Get in there!
You boys could save yourself a lot of trouble if you just cough it up. You've got to listen! This is all a big misunderstanding.
Max!
What-what is this place?
Save your breath, dear boy. We're way out past the looking glass here.
is that the girl from today's show?
Get up against the wall and spread 'em. We'll do it the hard way.
What's going ON here? Why do you have these kids in CAGES?!
Not your concern. Now spread 'em.
The hell I will! Let her OUT of--
I said sit down!
STEVE! This isn't going to HELP us--
UGH!
Easy, man. Victor wants to deal with them.
Please... Help me. M-Max--?
Can't help it. I HATE magicians.
Stay calm, dear boy. We must keep our wits.
You OK, Steven?
gah!
I didn't get where I am letting people STEAL from me. This is on YOU, making me do what I gotta do.
Rise and shine, sticky fingers.
Now where's my wife's ring?
You—you're supposed to be a philanthropist. Why do you h-have kids in your basement?
Wrong answer.
no!
Max! Oh, God, oh, God...
{Btonacgh}
I'm gonna ask you one last time.
I'm telling you I don't know! This is all moving so fast, can we just TALK a--
Wrong answer.
I don't like your answer, you better hope your dead buddy there taught you how to catch a bullet.
Where's. The. Ring.
TOKYO.
Five years later.
< pardon me, steven? >*
Hai!
< it would please my grandmother if you would join us for tea this morning. >
*TRANSLATED FROM JAPANESE.
< That's funNy. >
< My grandmother always used to say that a cup of tea is goOd for the soul. >
< My apologies to you both but... | can't. > < |—| have toO much to do to prepare for my show tomorRow. >
< |...| don't understand. We seE each other every morning. | can telL < Emiko... > when we talk that you LIKE-- >
< The wind must have blown THIS into your hair. >
< Don't MOVE. >
< | should have left it there It was much more beautiful atTached to you. >
< Steven, please...|-- > < This doesn't help. >
< |--|'lL just seE you tomorRow morning. >
< This one. And you can't fire me, Ton-san. | live in the back and work for supPlies. >
< Five minutes late but don't worRy. As if by magic, you're just in time to pick a card. >
< That reminds me, do we have any FLASH PAPER in storage? |'m thinking of using some tonight. >
<ChoOse wisely. If you ruin my trick, you're FIRED. >
< You can't ask me to pick another card. >
< | don't LIKE that card. > < Pick another one. >
< It's MY trick, not yours. | said choOse AGAIN! >
< Don't get your shorts in a knot. >
< Do you like this one betTer? >
< When | was a child, | felL in love with magic. It's beEn the background of my entire life. | make my living SElLING it. > < Ever since | broke my HAND, |'m the worst magician alive! My fingers don't CoOPERATE anymore! > < ...Stupid nerve damage.... >
< It's not fair! >
< But |'ve told you before, | can help you build an act out of being terRible. >
< You're forgetTing the first Maxim Of Magic; at least as it was taught to me. >
< No one ELSE is doing that. You'lL corner the market. >
< Magic is a fickle mistresS. No matTer how much we love her, she'lL eventualLy turn her atTention to someone younger, betTer... >
< Screw you, Steve. Now telL me, did you seE Emiko at your Slow-Motion Fighting group this morning? >
< ...honest with you. You're NOT the magician you used to be.>
< Do you even LIKE girls? In the five years |'ve known you, you've never beEn on one date. > < If you don't ask that girl out tomorRow, | wilL; and |'m NOT kidDing. >
< Tai-Chi. She asked me to have TEA this morning. With her grandmother present but stilL... > < By the way, is her grandmother single? >
< She'lL wish she WASN'T after you do a card trick for her. > < Take your American sarcasm to the back. Today's shipment isn't going to organize itself. >
< | just thought of the PERFECT trick | could impresS the grandmother with... >
“Drag striker across magnesium base to generate a flame source.”
“--With attached steel striker.”
Perfect!
definitely using this.
perception. is there anything more subjective? You getting paid by the word, pal?
Two people can see the exact same thing, yet perceive them in completely different ways.
A businessman might look like a criminal. A sick child like little more than a profit margin.
To you, it may look like these cards are raining down. To your assistant, perhaps they seem to be moving upwards, defying gravity itself.
The truth is, it doesn't MATTER what card you picked. Which of those is true and which is only the perception of truth?
What the--
I don't do card tricks for the MURDERER who killed my friend.
Victor, it's--
This is for every child you've ever hurt. And for MAX.
You.
Kill this punk! Make sure he's gone for good this time!
< Victor says-- > < | get it, | get it! >
< Our new asSociate has beEn dishonored. >
< A bonus to the one who brings me the magician's hands! >
< Take it easy, guys. >
You can't be here for this.
< Have it your way. >
< | don't want to hurt you. >
{oof}
< Come on, magic boy... >
{urrf}
< Why don't you make me disapPear? >
aaiieee!
“...The only good magician is a DEAD magician.”
Would you care to pick a card?
The Metropolitan Club They're balanced so delicately. I fear I'll cause you to drop them!
You're worried about me? How polite.
I do feel much safer choosing a card now, thank you very much.
I couldn't ask for anything more. Please. Show it to your table but don't let me see it.
Allow me to make the task a little easier for you.
Can everyone see it all right?
Don't say what it is!
This trick was created by one of my heroes, a man named johann hofzinser, considered by many to be the FATHER of card magic.
I've doubled the number of cards, making it statistically impossible to correctly Because of choose. the EXTREME level of difficulty, I ask that you allow me FOUR chances to pick out your card.
You object to my terms, miss?
No. Draw the card in one attempt.
You say you've made the trick harder to perform but magicians, by nature of their trade, lie to the audience. I believe you should only get one chance. yumi, please.
I don't normally allow my audience to dictate my performance. But when a beautiful woman asks me to jump, I've been known to fly.
Ma'am, I've laid out before you FOUR cards.
I'm sorry but they're all wrong.
One of these is the card you picked. Just close your eyes and point out whichever one you feel is the card you chose.
These are all red. Mine had a BLUE back.
But...
You know what else is red? My cheeks right now. Yumi, was it? I'm sorry I didn't rise to your challenge.
What?
That's IT! The Queen Of Diamonds! That's my card!
Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle.
By the way, not to embarrass YOU but I believe you're sitting on something I need.
later that night...
Gonna ask ya one last time.
it's a kind of magic. Almost like the way I've just paralyzed your hand.
AAGH!
Dammit, Paul--just END this guy!!
How'd ya get in here?
Gihh!
Worse men than you have tried, Paul.
{gurk}
Wooolf!
And...
What the h--
The linking rings, ladies and gentlemen!
I'm so pleased to be performing for you tonight, your Highness.
Your beauty certainly hasn't been exaggerated but...
Forgive my saying but it's missing something.
That outfit you're wearing...
A certain SPARK, if you will.
Or SPARKLE, if you prefer.
Courtesy of your husband, The King, who regrets he couldn't be here with you tonight. He asked me to wish you a Happy Anniversary.
My assistant, yumi, your Highness.
Would you be so kind as to choose a member of your staff to shuffle these?
All of my people are highly competent. I'm sure either can manage just fine.
Shuffle these thoroughly. Please.
Your Royal Highness, may I ask you to cut the cards into four equal piles and place them on this table here?
I haven't shuffled a deck of cards in YEARS. I'll try not to drop any.
Certainly.
Perfect. Only a QUEEN could cut to these four cards.
My word, how delightful. When his Highness the King visits, you MUST show him this as well.
Please, your Highness, turn them over and see for yourself.
Absolutely!
Only when HE cuts the cards, he'll find all four KiNGS.
two nights later... This whole place is coming down!
there's no children, nothing here. it was a trap.
I'll hold them off, you get out of here
behind you!
I've GOT this. You need to GO!
Ahhh! STEVE!
{koff} {koff} ...steve.
STEVE!!
...No...
Yumi.
You're alive! I don't understand, how did you get out? I am my own greatest illusion, Yumi... Steve? You're not making sense.
Sorry. I'm having trouble concentrating. I've lost a lot of bl--