Magic 8 Ball
What is the origin of the 8 ball ?
The main component of the Magic 8 Ball, the tube inside, was invented by A.C. Carter, who was inspired by a spirit writing device used by his mother Mary, a clairvoyant.
Then, the Magic 8 Ball was produced by Mattel from 1950.
It is supposed to predict the future and answer any question asked.
It has the shape of a black billiard ball, 10 cm in diameter, with the number 8 painted on the top in a white circle. The ball contains an icosahedron, a solid with 20 faces, floating in a dark blue liquid. Each face offers an answer visible through a round transparent window located opposite to the 8.
To use the ball, simply hold it in your hands with the number 8 facing you and ask a question. Then, turn the ball over (it is possible to shake it a bit before turning it over) and a triangle will appear with a message in white on the colored background.
Recognized by generations of adults and children alike, the mystical 8 Ball has become a pop culture phenomenon.
Different styles, different versions
There are several other magic balls inspired by the original one, mostly marketed in the United States. The best known is the Pink 8 Ball, also known as the "Love-Ball". It is a version especially used for questions related to love or dating.
Some other versions are:
- Sarcastic Ball : Which is a bit more for parties.
- Yoda Magic 8 Ball : Directly inspired by the StarWars character, with answers like "Yes it is so" or "No the answer is".
- Simpsons Magic 8 Ball : Which sometimes answers "D'oh!" or "WHOO-HOO!".
- Kirby Magic 8 Ball : From the AL Laboratory character edited by Nintendo.
It is part of the culture
The Magic 8-Ball appears in many fiction.
Movies
- Toy Story (1995): Woody's character asks the ball if Andy is going to invite him to Pizza Planet. The answer is: “Don't count it”.
- Will Hunting (1998): Skylar's character uses one several times during the scene where she is in bed with Will.
- Ken Park (2002): the main character uses it when on the phone.
- Interstate 60 (2002): The 8-ball helps Neal on his journey, offering wisdom and guidance.
- Ghost Rider (2007): Roxanne Simpson's character pulls one out of her purse.
- The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018): Lewis uses it for all his questioning.
- Shazam! (2019).
TV
- Fringe (season 3, episode 12) : It is a device which can be used to access alternate universes.
- The Pretender : The 8-ball is a recurring object in The Pretender, serving as a symbol of the mysterious connection between Jarod and Miss Parker..
- Dr House : Dr. Gregory House has one in his office, and he uses it to answer for him, or to get an "opinion" on a medical case.
- Friends : It is is a common object in the Friends universe. It is often used as a prop on the show to help comedic moments..
- Scrubs : The doctor uses a human as a magic 8 ball.
- The Simpsons (season 3, episode 23) : Milhouse has this fortune-telling toy.
- Dawson's Creek : When Pacey celebrates his birthday, Andie gives him a Magic 8-Ball.
- Angel.
- ICarly.
- The Big Bang Theory (season 2, episode 12) : Howard builds a fighting robot equipped with a circular saw.
He wants to try it out on an object.
Rajesh suggests the magic 8 ball, as he's curious to know what's inside.
Of course, Sheldon already knows the answer and breaks the element of surprise...
I hope I didn't just do the same thing... By the way, I'm going to stop here ! - Whose Line Is It Anyway ?
- Charmed (season 1, episode 8).
- iZombie (season 2, episode 15).
- SpongeBob (season 3, episode 42a).
The 8 ball is not about to be retired. There was even a rumor about a movie she would star in at Blumhouse.