Deck Review: “Hellions” by Daniel Madison

Christopher Seaton
Aug 9, 2017 · 3 min read

The wait is over, if you’re a Hellion. If you haven’t been following the story of Daniel Madison’s infamous “Hellions” line of playing cards, you’ve probably missed out on a tribute deck that may never see production for a second edition.

Madison’s “Hellions” were originally designed as a tribute to all of Daniel Madison’s inspirations in the magic industry, his friends, and colleagues. In the initial phases, Madison meant the first edition to only go to people who followed through with certain challenges to prove themselves worthy of the title “Hellion.” Stories are mixed at this point, but apparently Ellusionist, Madison’s distributor and team, wanted the decks to go as promotional items for various events.

After a protracted period where Madison went radio silent on social media, the Hellions made their debut two weeks ago through Madison’s mailing list. Madison predicted a sellout, and he was right. By the time Wednesday, August 2 hit, the pre-release sales meant the first edition was officially sold out and discontinued.

Let’s take a look at the deck from top to bottom.

TUCK CASE

In discussing the Hellions, Madison originally said he wanted an inverse tuck case for the deck. This means the Hellions open from the bottom of the deck, as opposed to the top. The front of the tuck case is a shout-out to David Blaine’s Gator Back decks, with Madison’s signature stamp. It is red, with an embossed devil tail, and the word “hellions” in black.

The back of the tuck case is a replica of the card backs. There’s devils, Madison’s mantra “Magic is Dead,” the phrase “As Above, So Below,” and so much more. Madison’s name is on the back, as is co-collaborator Oban Jones.

Finally, the back of the tuck case has a red arc that says “Open and forfeit all.” It’s very reminiscent of the saying at the gates of hell in Dante’s Inferno: “Abandon All Hope, Ye Who Enter Here.”

Sliding the tuck case open reveals a number of interesting details. The flap itself reads “As above, So Below” with an inverted triangle that is half white and half red. A number of red devil tails combine to form Daniel Madison’s signature “M” logo. The tuck flaps have arcane symbols allegedly representing God and the Devil. Looking into the bottom of the tuck case shows a devil laying on his back with the words “Sexy Devil” printed next to the image.

One final detail to mention regarding the tuck case. I hadn’t noticed this until someone else pointed it out to me. The white sides of the tuck case have white on white printing, with one side saying “Don’t Play Cards” and the other “With The Devil.” Fitting enough.

The Cards.

With your standard 52 you’ll get a gaff card, a double backer, and two jokers. The first joker is a raven quill pen in a vial of red ink, with a Nine of Clubs marked on the ink vial.

Joker number two is a contract selling your soul to Daniel Madison.

The cards themselves are all high quality and fan nicely on the first open. The back is the same as the tuck case, very confusing and missing the red arc of the case. Red dots are the only color on the backs of the Hellions.

Madison’s next tribute is in the Court Cards. David Blaine is the King of Spades, while Madison is the King of Diamonds. Madison’s King features the nine of clubs on one hand and a sort of stigmata on the other. Oban Jones is the King of Clubs, and Strange Famous MC Sage Francis is the King of Hearts.

Usually the Ace of Spades is the most ornate Ace in a deck. Madison opted out of this tradition, making the Ace of Diamonds his ornate card. It features a devil and is surrounded by the words “Don’t Play Cards With The Devil.”

There’s a double backer and a gaff card in the deck, both of which work nicely with various magic and card cheat routines.

I give this deck high praise for the first edition run. Unfortunately, that run is discontinued. However, as of publication, Ellusionist has just released the second edition Hellions which you can buy here for $10.

Get a deck and see what the hype’s about. Are you a hellion?

Christopher Seaton

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Attorney. Mediator. See http://mediationisdead.com