![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
So the newest issue of NEO arrived on my doorstep on Wednesday. For those not living in the UK or for those living in the UK and simply unaware NEO is a UK based publication dedicated to Animé, Manga, Games and Asian film. I've been subscribed to this publication for something like five years now (since issue 18). It's been described as the UK equivalent of the now defunct Newtype USA, especially with the redesign which is what I'm writing about today.
Issues 82 marks yet another redesign and I think the mag is all the better for it. The old design was full of acid colours, felt confused and rather dated. This new design uses colour reservedly in the layout itself, saving it for the copious amounts of screen shots and promotional artwork contained within (as well as the short, full-colour comic story mid-way through this issue). The modern layout brings the mag bang up to date, makes the mag look fresh and also gives it a sense of professionalism. The overall tone of the mag hasn't changed but I am pleased to see an article on the series Wandering Son-a show about transgender issues and something much more meaty than many of the other series usually featured in the NEO (though that's no fault of the magazine itself. The article in question discusses the Japanese's somewhat immature attitude to sex and sexuality in its opening paragraph).
The magazine is still mostly a light hearted affair with it's 'wacky' captions (that I feel occasionally come across as 'trying way too hard'). Which is understandable as a sudden change in appearance and tone would likely alienate much of NEO's readership (Which would suck). My personal preference would be to see much meatier articles that go into greater depth about the series they're covering. Possibly plot analysis of retro series? IDK LOL :'D I personally feel that the publication needs to adopt a much more 'film literate' tone (But that may just be me).
None of the series reviewed this issue are rated lower than three stars which is a bit of a shame-the publication seems to still be playing it rather safe (some may say too safe). That said, I definitely want to check out Summer Wars which is this issues main review.
Coming towards the end of the magazine are two double sided pages of posters-a much requested and welcome addition to the magazine. For a publication dedicated to such visual stories it's a wonder this wasn't made a regular feature a long time ago...
Now, if you'll excuse me I've got a Summer Wars poster to add to my wall...
...and possibly a Battle Vixens Pin-Up too...
TL;DR: Don't hate on the new NEO, I like it and I think it's a step in the right direction.
Join us next time which will hopefully be sometime next week as opposed to sometime next year.
Issues 82 marks yet another redesign and I think the mag is all the better for it. The old design was full of acid colours, felt confused and rather dated. This new design uses colour reservedly in the layout itself, saving it for the copious amounts of screen shots and promotional artwork contained within (as well as the short, full-colour comic story mid-way through this issue). The modern layout brings the mag bang up to date, makes the mag look fresh and also gives it a sense of professionalism. The overall tone of the mag hasn't changed but I am pleased to see an article on the series Wandering Son-a show about transgender issues and something much more meaty than many of the other series usually featured in the NEO (though that's no fault of the magazine itself. The article in question discusses the Japanese's somewhat immature attitude to sex and sexuality in its opening paragraph).
The magazine is still mostly a light hearted affair with it's 'wacky' captions (that I feel occasionally come across as 'trying way too hard'). Which is understandable as a sudden change in appearance and tone would likely alienate much of NEO's readership (Which would suck). My personal preference would be to see much meatier articles that go into greater depth about the series they're covering. Possibly plot analysis of retro series? IDK LOL :'D I personally feel that the publication needs to adopt a much more 'film literate' tone (But that may just be me).
None of the series reviewed this issue are rated lower than three stars which is a bit of a shame-the publication seems to still be playing it rather safe (some may say too safe). That said, I definitely want to check out Summer Wars which is this issues main review.
Coming towards the end of the magazine are two double sided pages of posters-a much requested and welcome addition to the magazine. For a publication dedicated to such visual stories it's a wonder this wasn't made a regular feature a long time ago...
Now, if you'll excuse me I've got a Summer Wars poster to add to my wall...
TL;DR: Don't hate on the new NEO, I like it and I think it's a step in the right direction.
Join us next time which will hopefully be sometime next week as opposed to sometime next year.
