Issue 1 - April 2008
Ladies and gentlemen, here’s a look at the premiere issue of PiQ! Since our subscribers have already started receiving their copies and stores will be putting out issues in the next week, we thought now would be the perfect time to share with everyone all the stuff we’ve packed into this issue. That would include anime, movies, TV shows, comics, games, blood, sweat, tears and lots o’ love.
More specifically, our cover story is all about Appleseed Ex Machina and includes some exclusive access to producer John Woo as he discusses his involvement with the project. It’s a pretty good read and if you’re looking forward to catching this on DVD soon, you won’t want to miss our take on it.
In fact, you’ll find we’ve got a wide variety of tastes covered, including a CLAMP double-bill of xxxHOLiC and Code Geass, games like Crisis Core: FFVII and N, movies and TV series like Speed Racer, Honey & Clover, The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Tin Man, a handy piece on Marvel’s Secret Invasion, and a particularly enlightening story on Avatar (and why you should care about it). In our LIST section, we review some of the best stuff you’ll find available for March, like Tweeny Witches, Aquarion, Patapon, BSG: Season 3, Frisky Dingo, Justice Society and more.
Sure, you might wonder what some of these titles are doing in an “anime” magazine, but that’s the beauty of PiQ. We’re not just an anime magazine! We’re sure your interests are varied and eclectic as the next guy’s, so there’s sure to be something in every issue you’ll be happy to read about.
What’s even more interesting than all that, I think, is our MONITOR section, where we take a critical look at important topics. We’re particularly proud of our opening story titled “Is Anime Dead?” which features perspectives from five unique anime industry professionals and tackles some of the biggest questions of the day. You’ll also find some examinations of all sorts of things, like music, gadgets, toys, games, artists, foreign films and even some crazy insights we like to call “PiG” (I suppose we might as well own it, right?).
Finally, there’s our special manga insert, where we bring you a special excerpt from some of our favorite upcoming titles from the best publishers in the business. This month: Crayon Shinchan. Of course, this part of the magazine reads right-to-left, so all you have to do is jump to the last page and start reading in reverse (but you already knew that).
And, you know, that’s not even all of the magazine! There’s still loads more stuff in there that’s probably too long to list out, but this should give you a good idea of what we’re aiming for with each issue. We know it’s never easy to please everyone, but we’ve got even more lined up for Issue 2 and we’re always looking for ways to make this magazine better. Now we want to know what you think!
I must admit, I was skeptical that PiQ would be what I wanted in a mag. So, I got the issue in the mail a few days ago and was surprised to find that I love it (probably more than I did Newtype). I thought that when I got Newtype, that I only wanted anime. That still holds true to an extent, but to have all the other non-anime nerd/geek/otaku items is so much more fulfilling.
I had almost forgotten that I’m an American who still enjoys many of its entertainment offerings. (Entertainment such as: Battlestar Galactica, Tin Man miniseries, Avatar: The Last Airbender, along with several other series and movies that have my interest piqued, many of which have articles in the first PiQ issue.) I’ll admit that I never got into comics much, but I still have a interest in those characters, so I enjoyed the PiQ comic articles. The mag also has plenty of anime to sate that particular craving of mine. And since it is, by and large, still executed by the same staff that did Newtype, PiQ still has the same style that I came to enjoy in Newtype.
Overall, I’d say I am extremely pleased with the first issue of PiQ.
I am really looking forward to getting my copy soon. I live in Australia so it might be a while. I am a pure anime fan and i was worried that this new magazine would shy away from there, but from what i have read here, it seems that it is going to be just as good as always with even more!
One question…You see, i really loved getting posters, will there be a poster included in this issue, or in future editions.
Anyway, congratulations on the first magazine, can’t wait to read it. =]
You don’t want to know what I think.
I received my issue yesterday. While I will definately go through it in more detail later I was kinda underwhelmed. For a first issue I was hoping to be blown away.
To start off with it had a great looking cover which was cool though I did note it did not come in plastic so if they ever have a more moe or adult cover I will be annoyed. I then open the mag to page one and there is an upside down letter to subscribers. Wow upside down. Not a good sign.
I browsed through the mag and saw some interesting articles and such but I so far didn’t see much talk about shows coming out in Japan except Code Geiss. I used to love the snipets in Newtype about Japanese stuff.
I didn’t see much if anything on manga beyond the Crayon Shin Chan type of strip in the back which also underwhelmed.
Other things I didn’t see where the contests, centerfolds, posters, DVD. I didn’t really miss this stuff but when items get removed I always hope they get replaced by better stuff.
The biggest shift I have seen so far is the concentration on other types of things like Avatar etc.
I must admit my first thought was to cancel and move on to the other new Anime magazine but I need to spend some time with this issue and maybe wait for the second. I was lucky\unlucky in that I had just reupped my subsciption to Newtype so I have 2 years of PiQ coming to me.
Great first issue! I remember how much NTUSA improved from the preview issue to the very last one, so I can’t wait to see what will be done in later issues. I could tell after skimming through it that the same staff worked on this.
Can’t wait for the next one.
I am looking forward to seeing the first issue, even though I live in the U.S. it hasn’t arrived yet : ( Calls to NewType-USA customer service to make certain that my subscription has carried over results in no one picking up the phone : / Guess there is a phone ringing in an empty office somewhere.
Yup, Good stuff. Keep up the great momentum.
It’s sad that Newtype isn’t publishing anymore but this new magazine seems like a great magazine to transition over to. Personally I like a bunch of geeky stuff and this magazine has pretty much got it covered! I can’t wait to sit down and really start reading. ^_^
But I have the same question as OtakuBen, will you be including any posters or preview DVDs like Newtype did? Those were some of my favorite things about Newtype and it’d be great if this new magazine could include it too.
i love the new issue of piq magazine but i was wondering by any chance that the next will come with a dvd like newtype usa did
It looks fantastic! ^^
A couple of questions: when will it be released (if ever) in Australia? How much will it cost in AUD?
Thanks in advance. xD
I must say I was disappointed to hear that the February issue of NewType was the last issue; however, the first issue of PiQ isn’t bad at all. In fact, I thought it was pretty good for being the first issue.
I want to try and think of PiQ as almost being a child learning how to walk. The first steps are shaky and they might fall down, but with practice they’re soon up and running. With something new, you have to work the kinks out. Here’s to the future!
On a side note, I was also wondering about the DVDs and I particularly liked the section on manga reviews in NewType. Are you going to have something like that in future issues? Thanks.
Wow……uhhhh…..Not quite sure how I feel about the first issue… At first glance I believe my opinion was really close to oldschools. I must have gotten pretty damn comfortable with the whole backwards reading, monthly DVD, and mostly anime content thing. Sad it has to come to a end……Anyways, I don’t mind the anime review layout. That can grow on me I guess, but the video game crap has to take a hike. That’s the reason I have an EGM subscription. As for actual movie reviews let people stick to yahoo.com. There was a bunch of needless stuff in there, also that I won’t get into. I understand trying to appeal to a wider audience. Money talks and bullshit walks as this is a business after all, but let’s hope some changes (possible big) occur and PiQ struts it’s stuff. I’ll give it a few months and reserve judgement……
I thought the magazine was brilliant although I do miss the Posters that came with it. You guys think you can add a free poster? or sticker? DVDs are nice too.
Its like you made the mag just for me. =D
It has everything im into, and everything I SHOULD be into.
I was worried when Newtype went under but i’m glad someone is picking up the slack. I dont mind not having a DVD just keep the quality of the magazine as high as it is now.
Thank you.
I’ll be honest. I will subscribe blind, so we’ll see how this magazine will turn out. I am hoping for the best, and may my investment not be in vain. I would have subscribed to NewType USA as well as Shonen Jump, but I never made the commitment. Here’s to my first long-term monetary commitment!
Thanks for all the feedback, guys! It’s great to hear so many people are enjoying it!
Just to clarify, as we’ve said before, we will consider extras like DVDs/posters/etc in the future, but right now we’re focused on making the best magazine we possibly can.
@No. 261: I wish I could comment more on international sales, but I simply don’t know! I’ll try to scare up some answers for you!
Heyas! I just got my issue of PiQ today, through my old subscription to NTUSA.
Least to say, i hadnt heard about the change, so i was VERY surprised to find PiQ in my mailbox instead of NT.
So, of course i was skeptical about PiQ. I miss my old mag…
BUT PiQ IS AWESOME! I wasn;t sure it was what i wanted in a mag, but heck i think its great.
yay for more otaku stuff!
any DVDs in the future, perhaps? i LOVED those.
well, great job with the first issue!!
VIVA LA ANIME!
<3
After reading 1st Issue Piq on “Is Anime Dead?” dont know how bad Anime industry the USA is in turn oil , that is Big blow for me was looking forward Black Lagoon Season 2 on DVD due disbanned of Geneon Entertainment (USA) Inc , man that sucks .
Any well Piq give you guys 7/10 but going miss old New Type Usa mag forever , speacil without Dvd and anime buster schoolgirl poster .
Good news still same old staff from NT.USA could be a good thing .
Do like new sci-fi look to Piq , could be better in coming months
- Xtreme from England UK
Well, I will admit, it’s no Newtype-USA. BUT! I will applaud you guys, it’s a really nicely rounded magazine.I just got mine in the mail today. More than anything, I’m actually really digging the design of it. The layout is pleasant and graphically appealing. (forgive me, I’m a multimedia/web design degree so those things matter to me. ^^;) I’m encouraged to look though it more in-depth. I haven’t yet had a chance to read though it cover to cover, but I want to thank you guys for having an article about such an important topic.
“Is Anime Dead?” talked all about the things I’ve been telling my friends about for years. So Rob Bricken, here’s special applause to you. You might have just hooked a possible continuous subscriber for PiQ. I hope that PiQ will feature other similar articles in the future, not about the same topic of course, but you know what I mean. Those important ones that most people want to shrug off or hush hush.
Congrats on your premier, PiQ staff!
Sorry, adding an edit onto my comment, looking at the article again, I realize it’s written by 3 people. =__= Excuse my ignorance. Applause to Monica Rial and Amos Wong as well. You guys don’t know how much seeing that article meant to me.
At first, I confusedly looked down at my hands as I walked back into my home, wondering where and when I subscribed to this, not to mention how drunk I was not to remember it. And I flipped the front cover, and I was immediately pissed. Completely turned off, all I could do is complain. So I brought it to work with me and complained some more. I didn’t even bother to read any more as I waved it to my peers, complaining still.
But then, as I sat waiting for the next subscriber to call in about how she can’t check her email because “Today” is collapsed in Outlook, I read it. I flipped through the pages, shocked and impressed, and found that the cover letter wasn’t kidding. I see the same cunning as I always did in Newtype USA. Although it reads like the same magazine, unfortunately it doesn’t feel quite the same. Nonetheless, I was pleasantly surprised.
As bearmoon said above, the article about the cold reality of the industry was straight and true, though no one wants to admit it. I always liked to tell myself and fansubbers and licensing giants lived in perfect harmony, the fansubbed anime’s popularity being a good gauge on what to license and bring over. While partially true, a lot of people don’t like dubs much and continue to download torrents regardless of the license. And though the retail DVDs include subbing, you know the pirate’s mentality… Universities across the world all house similar mindsets. It’s a delicate subject and hard to find a solution that would be lucrative.
But on a tangent… PiQ caught me off-guard. I think I will be investing on more issues. Besides, it’s slim pickings out there when it comes to decent anime mags. I’d rather lean on what I trust, and PiQ did deliver, so far.
Oh, and thanks for dropping the overwhelming number of ads. :p
Um well hmm how can i say it with out sounding mean. Im not feeling it, i got the issue today and im just not feeling it. I actually did like Newtype A LOT. But i’ll try to get used to this one. It broke my heart knowing about Newtype, im gonna try to get used to this PiQ. But I dunno. Its like having sugar in your coffee but then all the sudden sugar is gone. no more sugar. but i’ll try. =::(
Oooookayyy, where to begin? First, even though Newtype isn’t being published anymore, I just wanna say thanks for all the years of cool stuff. You guys and gals rocked! Second, I think you need to stop production of this magazine for a little while. Why? Simply put, your magazine looks like it was put together on the fly , with no apparent planning or organization in mind.
I know, I know. Some of you folks out there are going to be angry with what I’m saying, but just hear me out for a minuit. With Newtype, everything seemed to have an order and a place where it went. I know it was a bigger magazine, but even though yours is smaller in size, I think it needs to be better organized, and right now it just seems to be thrown together, a piece here, and one there.
I know Newtype was Newtype, and Piq is Piq, and I realize that there are going to be many differences betyween the two, but even if you don’t take the time off, please just organize it a little better than it is now. Thanks for reading this.
Waffo!
What did you guys do?! I swear on all that is holy if you don’t keep the level of quality in this premiere issue throughout ALL of the other issues… I’ll cry, don’t think I won’t!
Congratulations ADV, I’ll miss NewType USA (not the high cover price, why in the heck?) but I think you guys put out a worthy successor. The focus on anime, games and entertainment that we can find in America, (that is what country we are in, right?) is a welcome change and “The Whine and Cheese Party” was so funny, (way to stick it to the ignorant ranters). My subscription check is in the mail.
Some thoughts I had while reading through the magazine and looking for a reason to hate it, “Deunan rocks like Whoah!”, “Evryone is a Skrull”, “Honey and Clover, I need to get on Amazon!” and “What is this, manga I can read in entirety without having to dig up/ track down/ re-purchase my previous issues?”
Can you guys add a How To ART section to the magazine, or some PHOTOSHOP lessens like in the Newtype? this new magazine is great by the way.
The anime magazine business in the States needs a kick in the pants; so here’s to hoping that PiQ delivers on all cylinders.
Great cover!
i just got my first issue and was rather surprised. i hadn’t heard that feb. was the last issue of newtype-usa so i had actually renewed my subscription to newtype in jan. and was wondering if i had somehow signed up for the wrong mag. at first i was very skepitcal, but after reading though it i am very happy with PIQ. the only problem i had was that i found myself going through it in right to left format like i was reading newtype. i guess old habits die hard.
keep up the good work
Aw man, I just have to say, I’m impressed beyond all expectations.
The Mag was just so perfect; It was clean, covered so much, and very high quality!(I like good stuff o_o;) The only thing I’d like to recommend is more anime. I know so many people are gonna hate me for this, but I really rather see some Japanese related stuff over Tin-man. It’s good to have variety, but in smaller portions.
I had fun with Crayon Shin Chan.
It doesn’t even look like the comic anymore xD
Thanks!
-Hikaru
So you filter the comments that say anything negative about your shitty magazine and publish only your puppet posts / positive and neutral posts, and the pointless posts like “Great cover!”?
sad to say, but I really hate this change. I liked Newtype much better. PiQ is a lot less interesting, and has too much focus on non-anime stuff. Not to mention it doesn’t seem to have as interesting of features or focuses.
I’d much rather be able to have a refund of my subscription than 2 issues per issue I’m owed. I didn’t know when I re-subscribed in October that I’d only get 5 issues of the magazine I wanted. I don’t want a free year of PiQ. I’m highly disappointed.
So… not to be too much of downer, but when is it supposed to show up?
I guess I’m in the same boat as Shawn is (was?). I started seeing reports of people getting theirs a week (May 5, to be specific), and I just saw a press release that it hits newstands tomorrow. It’s starting to bug me.
I came here to see if there was an subscription service email address for PiQ so that I could ask, but no luck.
The specific articles I enjoyed in this issue: ‘Is Anime Dead?’, CLAMP’s xxxHOLiC, Code Geass, Crisis Core: FFVII, Tin Man and Avatar.
I still prefer the old Newtype (and I even like my Anime Insider better now) but overall I’m able to say that this wasn’t so bad. I could care less about the DVD missing, but see if you guys can put the poster inserts back.
I’m still mourning the loss of the cover DVD.
I thought that I’d found a great route to introduce myself to new Anime without having to risk my green on expensive DVDs that I might not like, or having to even sniff a pirate DVD, but now I’ve got to look else where.
I was getting a little tired of NTUSA, and was actually not going to renew my subscription. PiQ has definitely piqued my interest and I might subscribe. I like that there is so much more American coverage, and my boyfriend (who hates anime and manga and always made fun of my reading of Newtype) was engrossed in the article about Marvel’s new mini-series. Also, at times, Newtype seemed to be more aimed at guys, but PiQ seems a little more blanced, although I imagine the readership still is largely male (but please don’t forget about us female readers). The one thing I miss, though, is the giveaways!
I forget to mention that I also really like how you can actually read all of the articles! Newtype had way too much writing over graphics that made it impossible to see the type.
@Aaron - Yes. Obviously.
@Ken - I don’t suppose it’s all that odd, but if you don’t receive your copy in the next week or so, please write to us at subscriptions-at-piqmag.com and maybe we can check on that for you.
@Ricki - Glad you’re liking it, and of course we won’t forget the ladies. In fact, the girls here in the office make it a regular habit of keeping the boys in check. Except, of course, when it comes to opening jars and changing light bulbs! HA!
I might as well as check this out. Who knows? It could be a really big disappointment to the newtype fans or it could be a success. Yes I know newtype was a anime magnazine but this has a variety of other stuff ,most of which I don’t like but Avatar and various others. But if PiQ turns into something like how G4 is, I lost all my trust and I’ll pray that newtype will be revived.
I sorta might know why newtype “usa” ended(note the usa). The reason why it ended is that the next issue that was release in Japan had spoilers for a upcoming series to America. The series was Code Geass for the second season.
[...] been curious to see the response to the debut issue of PiQ magazine (the former Newtype) out now. I haven’t seen it myself, but response has been mixed, with [...]
@Gilbert - I just read yours dude. I don’t think thats the reason Newtype ended. PiQ supposedly had a spoiler about Geass but like I said, i doubt thats the reason.
I miss New type but we have to move on,cant wait to get the first issue of PiQ
My husband got our copy of PiQ in the mail this weekend. We’re not too happy about the changes. No DVD and too much non-anime material are making us think this isn’t the magazine for us. I really did not appreciate the “PIG” article. We buy anime series for our collection. We enjoy it and if we don’t have access to cable then it serves us well. But the way that article was presented I got the feeling it was meant to be offensive and was not a good start for a new magazine especially since it was the first article I read as I was thumbing through the mag. It may just be me but it seemed more like anime bashing in the new mag with the “PIG” article and the “Is Anime Dead?” articles. It almost makes me wonder if PiQ is planning on getting more into entertainment than anime in the future.
I just saw the first issue of PiQ at my local Borders, and I have to say I was really impressed with how diverse and well put together the premiere issue was.
You guys really covered a myriad of entertainment topics (I’m particular to comics). Since I’m not much of an anime reader or manga viewer, I definitely like the reach of the magazine being broader than Newtype USA.
I showed PiQ off to a colleague of mine and hopefully she’ll be on board with it, since she was also impressed with the quality of the issue. Once I let her know how it’s from the former Newtype USA team, I know she’ll be on board permanently. Great job, guys, I’ll keep spreading the word!
Larry “Liontamer” Oji
Head Submissions Evaluator, OverClocked ReMix
Creator, VG Frequency
Staff, VGMdb
http://www.ocremix.org
http://www.vgfrequency.com
http://www.vgmdb.net
Awesome. Here is a magazine that I can read wile eating crawfish or half-vanilla, half-chocolate cake and be interested more in what I’m reading than what I’m eating. Looking forward to more issues!
KRAD
I got the first issue of PiQ. It was good, but I’m not completely sold. I see what you guys are trying to accomplish. You see that most Anime and Manga fans have other interests as well and you are trying to address those interests as well. I get it.
I liked the stuff on Sarah Connor and Battlestar Galactica. However, I can just as easily pick up Sci-Fi Magazine for that stuff. I got into your predecessor because I wanted to find out about Anime and Manga. I’ll continue with my subscription. I’m curious to see the direction you go in and I have hope you will do the right thing.
Just remember the old words of wisdom; A person can be mediocre at a lot of things or a person can be really good at one thing.
Really good to say the least (I said more about this issue on my comment on the #1 episode of the podcast), I never really subscribed to newtype and had second thoughts about it but I tried this one and liked it, I especially like the format of the magazine, I had never seen one formatted like that before at my Borders and decided to pick it up I like it alot, I hope you guys stick with the first issues format and I hope it’s not just a one time thing.
I picked it up yesterday at Borders, and I’m glad I did. The price point- both for issues and subscriptions- is now well within my price range. I liked Newtype, but it was just too expensive and I didn’t really need the DVD, and I dropped my subscription when it ran down. So, in summary, love the reboot, like the style, and will definitely subscribe.
Newtype was better!
Too much American stuff. >_> And I miss the DVDs and the Posters. x_x Back issues of Newtype will still be available, right?
i loved new type so much! i was about to subscribe to it because i fianally got a job and enough money T-T im really gonna miss newtype! it was my favorite magazine! much better then otaku usa or anime insider or any of the other anime magazines.
i have 2 questions about PiQ… >>> 1. will PiQ have posters and DVDs like Newtype did?
and 2. will the older volumes of Newtype still be available to buy online or in stores?
thx
ill be sure to check out PiQ next time i go to Chapters
I was a big fan of Newtype since about the time it came out. I never did subscribe I just bought a copy ever now and again through the years. I picked this up after I finally decided to subscribe to Newtype and found out I had just bought the last issue. I like PiQ very well though after going through it, and am considering to subscribe to it.
However, I have an issue with my copy from pages 37-44 the print is messed up and some of the stuff at the bottom of the page is left out about 1/6 of the page. At the top it shows prints of bottom of 53-60, I was wondering if anyone else had gotten any copies that the print was messed up. Also, my last Newtype issue had a messed up poster. This usually doesn’t bother me too much, but the last two magazines I had bought were these two and both have printing issues. Which is something that is making me worry if I will continue to get issues like this again a lot.
Anyways, I love the magazine and hope it has a lot of success and it gets better. Only thing I miss would be a little more on anime, which was reason I even tried this one. There just isn’t many mags with anime content that are of good quality. The DVD loss isn’t that big of a factor. Posters are nice ever now and then though, but not too big of a deal. Keep of the good work and try to get the machines that print these out not to mess up :P.
Yeah, I would like to know that too. If it will have extras like posters or DVDs or postcards, then it might be worth subscribing. Although, judging from the price of the new magazine, I doubt it. Newtype was more expensive, but it was well worth it.
Man it sucked when geneon entertainmet went out of business and now new-type is going! I hope this new magazine is going to be better. I hope that it will have freebees like a free dvd and poster.
I was quite surprised when my dad forwarded this to me in the mail, hence I’m in another country for school and all. But I like how you guys are trying to have another round of it, I was really expecting new-type. I’ve been collecting it ever since it first came out. I’m really sad to see New-type go. However I do have to say this the “is anime dead” article really caught my attention.
And brought an issue that really needs to be talked about more, I hope to see great things come out of this magazine. In the feature, I enjoyed the little time I had to spare to read some of the articles.
Best regards,
Yuki
Congratulations. PiQ #1 is already an upgrade from NTUSA. Thanks for aiming for an older audience with more diverse tastes and interests.
It seems that I’m not alone in wishing to have DVDs included in the PiQ Mag.
If inserts aren’t possible, how about an additional mailing of promo DVDs?
I really love this magazine. It covers great topics…anime (live, breathe and probably die trying to eat anime), games, videos, and just plain weird (in the most awesome way possible) stuff. I think this magazine might just be the answer to anime/manga/gaming fans prayers. I love NT, but PiQ really hits the nail on the head when it comes to a well-rounded entertainment magazine. Can’t wait for more. PiQ for the masses.
The magazine is awesome. I had no idea the anime industry was in such dire straits (ooh, fancy phrase), and you guys put Firefly in there, so you defiantly got me hooked.
Can’t wait for issue 2!
I’m also curious about posters and dvds and whatnot but my main concern is the regularity of this mag. I got my PiQ issue long ago and my Game Informer as well. Newtype-USA used to come out at the same time or a little after my GI so I’m wondering when I will get the second issue? I agree with some of the people here I bought a few Newtypes and then subscribe to it and i only got 2 issues before it closed down so I’m very dissapointed. I subscribed to Newtype for anime and manga I don’t particularily care for the other stuff. I mean, hey, a little bit of the here and now and information of whats going on in America is alright but I just dont care about movies or tv shows if I want to read about those I’ll pick up a tv guide. The games are a nice addition but that’s why i have a Game Informer subscription. If you can get back to me on the secod issue and just take my comments and think about them.
I’m sorry about double posting but I don’t know how to edit my comment. I really like the article about OhayoCon and LARPing. I think you should include more articles on conventions and the otaku/anime/manga community and any events that are happening or have happened or going to happen. The convention dates really helped me out it was a quick reference to the cons I have been planning to go to. If possible you should include more con dates and maybe some info on cosplaying or something(the usual congoers cosplay).
hi. I live in canada and is wondering when I will get my issue???
I was a newtype subscriber so the piq magazines are suppose to replace my remaining issues.
what no march issue
Very reminiscent of Starlog… I am looking forward to future issues…
Well, I have mixed feelings. I had been thinking about subscribing to NewType for years… and the one time I finally decide to do it I only get one issue in the mail (I had off and on bought issues beforehand). I didn’t realize what this magazine was at first and it got pushed aside for awhile and meant to look at it. A friend picked up first and pointed out that it was replacing Newtype–at first upset and sad, I calmed down and decided to read it cover to cover.
Overall I liked it. I don’t mind the compact size — it was easier to read through all the articles and stuff I was interested in. I found the “Is Anime Dead” article very interesting. The article on Avatar actually made me interested enough to check it out now. It seems less cluttered than NewType and I read it through in two sittings instead off off and on in bits and pieces.
At the same time, I wasn’t so interested in the non-anime stuff that’s been added. I’m not into US comics at all, or am much of a gamer, and though I love Sweeny Todd and watched the new OZ mini-series… it’s nothing I didn’t know already or could easily find anywhere at my fingertips. Yes we ARE in America…. but I’m more interested in Japan, and that’s what’s harder to connect to or get inside stuff for.
Newtype, as my friends agree, was an awesome magazine and will be very missed. I’m still debating if two of Piq is worth one of Newtype, but I’m willing to let my subscription play out awhile and see where this magazine goes. I look forward to any extras that might be added in the future. And in the end I hope that even if you are widening your topics and subjects that the focus could still remain on anime or japanese pop culture.
i was wondering when will the new issue come out cause i was kinda expecting for it to be in the mail so seriously what’s up?????
@dude: Subscribers should’ve already received the April issue. If you haven’t received it yet, contact our subscriptions rep here
Well, issue 1 FINALLY dropped into my mailbox over here in Norway. I have to say, i’m impressed - so far, PiQ actually seems a little better than Newtype USA. Crayon Shinchan is, in my opinion, better than Kobato, so that’s an improvement as well. I hope we’ll be seeing some posters soon though, because my walls are rather barren at the moment. (DVDs can wait though. Just give us some posters!)
Posters is the one thing keeping me back from subscribing. If they get put in then you have my full support. Until then i will just sit in borders and sift through the articles and then put it back. Sorry if that sounds a little mean but thats the main reason i bought newtype.
Just wanted to say the magazine is awesome. It’s like all of the geek interests crammed into one place. Keep up the good work!
not really into the first issue (I got pretty bored reading it) >___<
but I think i’ll try the second one to see if I should continue with this magazine.
(no previews for new anime have put me in despair)
I do enjoy the new mag. i wounder will it come with any dvd’s?
I actually loved the magazine a lot, and I was very happy so see it out. It saddened me to find that Newtype had gone the way of the Dodo (seeing as how I loved to practice drawing with all of their wonderful cover artwork,etc.), but as long as nothing happens to the remaining issues I have, I’m sure I’ll manage. XD
The first issue of PiQ struck me as…mature. Not in a “Rated M for Mature meaning naughty bits and angry language” way, but a “Hey, let’s treat our readers like intelligent adults with fun -albeit not so mainstream- hobbies and discuss important issues pertaining to those hobbies in a well thought-out manner. I especially loved the article on LARPers. It made me laugh. Not because it was funny or because I would laugh at any of those people, but because it was insightful and if I could show that article to all of the people I know who make fun of LARpers…Ah, would that show those silly fools….
The only thing that I disliked about the issue was the whole “Is Anime Dead?”, pessimistic-anime apocalypse theme that was running through the issue. I know there’s truth to what all of the writers are talking about, and I myself am worried about a possible future without anime, but….
I can’t bear to see the words in print. It’s like if someone ruined the last episode of Outlaw Star for me! Don’t do it! c(T_Tc)
@Kalvarius: Not that your holding out on a purchase because of a lack of posters isn’t a noble gesture (because, really, it isn’t), but you just might get your wish sometime soon. In the meantime, thanks for reading!
@Allie: Glad you liked the issue! Yes, our main goal is to explore those things that people might otherwise laugh at or consider ridiculous and discuss them in a thoughtful, in-depth manner that doesn’t condescend or mock. The fact that some of our readers are interpreting this in the complete opposite manner is a little unsettling, but it’s good to see that people do get what we’re trying to do with the magazine. The contributors to “Is Anime Dead?” are all professionals or experts in the industry and sure, it’s a scary thing for a lot of people to consider, but we think there’s something to be said for confronting the issue and getting people to talk about it, rather than sweeping it under the rug.