Now you see it...

It's weird how some guys look really good in eyeliner - King Tut, Johnny Depp, Howdy Doody. And now it's safe to add master illusionist Criss Angel of "Criss Angel Mindfreak" to that list.

If Marilyn Manson and Tony Danza had a love child, it would be Angel: Italian and gothic with his own television show and a love of music that would make most parents lock their doors at night.

But as much as there is to debate regarding Angel and his fascinating talents, there is no arguing this guy has style. Of course, illusionists often do - Harry Blackstone Jr., Harry Houdini, Gallagher (OK, the latter may not be an illusionist, but keeping a career going for 30-some years by smashing fruit with a sledgehammer has got to entail some type of sleight of hand).

Nevertheless, Angel looks as Anne Rice (Complete Vampire Chronicles) is his personal stylist: luxurious long black hair, cleft chin, eyes possessed by the underworld. And the clothes, woo baby! Richly hued velvet sport coats over flouncy shirts, long silver chain necklaces supporting heavy crosses, black jeans or leather pants over black boots built for walking all over skeptical minds. Yep, like most magicians, the guy loves black. It's dark, it's mysterious, it hides the stains.

Of course, the vampire Lestat angle is more for promotion than actual day wear. For that, he tends to work a more gothic/rock-star vibe that appeals to a more varied audience. That dark rock-star look has helped him fit in with friends such as Jonathan Davis of Korn and Sully Erna of Godsmack, both of whom appear on Angel's album "Mindfreak: The Official Soundtrack." Think dark denim jeans with an unbuttoned black shirt replete with the necessary heavy chains and black boots. Of course, the long hair is key to this look.

And if the clothes don't seem to suit him that day, rest assured he will take his shirt off and show you what hours in the gym can do for the male form. That or pecs implants. Again, that might all be an illusion - he's that good. He may, in fact, be a 12-year-old girl from Fargo, N.D, for all we know. Yep, he's that good.

And to prove just how much clothing means to him, take a look at the merchandise portion of Angel's personal Web site, because you can never have enough black T-shirts with the Angel "A" logo or the word "Mindfreak" written down the arm - or jewelry featuring skulls and handcuffs. The best part about Angel's official clothing is that he actually wears a lot of the items, albeit layered under slightly more sophisticated options. The long-sleeve T-shirts, hoodies and necklaces are perfect choices for those wanting to stick their toes in the gothic waters without visiting a store called "The Crypt."

Helping America embrace goth may end up being his greatest trick of all.