Under an unassuming black and white photo cover and simple (very simple) title logo, lies the first issue of Mirek Lipinski's latest entry in the world of European horror films. His last publication, SHOCK MONSTERS, sold on the merit of a magazine of full-color fiends, lasted but one issue. It is my hope that his latest, GOLDEN AGE OF SPANISH HORROR, lasts for more than that. But first, Mr. Lipinski must change a few things.
First, there is no better promotional opportunity for a magazine than its front cover. The vintage still that is used would be better suited for an inside cover and a more visually arresting image used, such as the full color picture of the movie poster shown on the back cover. Next, a title with a little more design element would add additional visual appeal. As a consumer, I'm just sayin'...
Another shortfall is the issue runs a mere 32 pages, less than even a comic book. In addition to that, the price tag of $15 and change for the cover price and shipping will be too steep for many interested fans. That it is a "print on demand" publication helps the publisher from paying out for a print run in advance, but the selling price does not reflect that and seems unreasonable.
As for the contents, after a short introduction to the magazine (no contents page, but not really needed considering the page count), it jumps right in with articles on current DVD releases of Spanish horror films with a focus on CRYPT OF THE LIVING DEAD (aka HANNAH, QUEEN OF THE VAMPIRES). There is a short piece on Julian Ugarte, a popular actor in Spain who starred in a few horror films, including the US-titled FRANKENSTEIN'S BLOODY TERROR. Mr. Lipinski's upcoming book, Paul Naschy: A Life on the Screen, is previewed. Five pages are used for a short story that CRYPT OF THE LIVING DEAD was based on -- "The Tomb of Sarah", from the December 1900 issue of the Pall Mall Magazine. What I thought most interesting, however were the photos, to my knowledge largely unseen before, from various Spanish horror movies. The two-page spread of stills from Ugarte's films, in my opinion, is the highlight of the issue.
GOLDEN AGE OF SPANISH HORROR is a very nice looking magazine, and is printed on quality matte-finish paper. The images are all crisp and well-reproduced and the text content shows a true and deep interest for the genre.
As a result, there is an opportunity here for a periodical to provide its readers with a glimpse into one of the more unexplored areas of horror films, but at 32 pages and $15 it will no doubt have a difficult time getting past this first issue.
You can buy GASH by clicking HERE.
If you missed it last time around, here's one more chance to download your FREE PDF file of the MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD ARCHIVES VOL.1. This file contains every post from the first year of MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD in easy-to-read PDF format. You do need Adobe Reader to use the file. That's free, too. Download the archives HERE (free link period expired).
As promosed, here's your "Big Surprise" -- the first official archives edition of MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD BLOGSPOT now available for immediate download! But hurry, it's only going to be available FOR A VERY LIMITED TIME!
So what's the big deal, you might ask? Why should I add another couple dozen megs to my hard drive? Well, if you are a regular reader of MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD, or a new reader who would like to see what was happening during this blog's first year -- and don't feel like contracting carpal tunnel of the claws from clicking on the "Older Posts" selection forever, then this special PDF DIE-JEST file might just be something right up your blood-stained alley! The PDF file is an easy and convenient way to browse the multitude of monster goodness of the kind that you see every day in MONSER MAGAZINE WORLD . . . only without the gooey, chocolately center!
So what do you get with your download?
1. One 26.2 mb PDF file (you must have Adobe Acrobat(TM) installed on your computer to open and read this file, Brainiac!).
2. 451 pages from the first year of MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD posts.
3. A cool cover (see below).
4. Hours of fun for free (depending on your sense of humor, of course, ya chucklehead!).
The download file is hosted at RapidShare. If you already have an account with them, so much the better. If not, you'll have to choose the "Slow Download" option, but hey, you can read the latest MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD post while you're waiting, right?
So, don't dilly-dally, fellow fiends. Download it NOW right HERE (LIMITED DOWNLOAD PERIOD EXPIRED -- I warned you!).
Remember, free don't last forever! Happy reading!
Yes, dear readers, you'll be screaming for joy when you next see this symbol on the heading of a MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD post. Within the next week, when you see this crazy and way-out SHOCK! MONSTERS symbol, it will be accompanied by a link to the (Drums of Voodoo drumroll here) one-and-only MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD ARCHIVES VOL. 1 special FREE PDF download edition.
That's right, for a limited time, you will have access to the link to download the PDF file of MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD's first year of posts, all in a convenient, easy-to-read "die-jest" version!
Remember, this special free edition will only be available for a few days, then the link will be removed. So, don't miss your chance to have at your bony fingertips every post from the first year of MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD, conveniently compiled into an easy-to-read PDF file. What could be better than free, I ask you?