If you are
a mass media, pop culture addict and nerd such as myself then you know who
produces the best products.
When
it comes to magazines about TV shows and movies Titan Magazines ranks as number one.
Each
magazine they print (regardless of the subject matter) is of the highest quality,
boasts superior editorial context and articles and showcases stunning
photographs (both archival and current).
A
lofty position to be sure. But for all
the years I’ve read Titan Magazines the more I am impressed by their consistent
high standards.
Speaking
as graphic designer who is well acquainted with magazine production I can testify
it is no small feat to turn out a magazine, especially on a consistent, timely
and with such high production values.
That
being said I’d like to talk about five recently released Titan Magazines: two
special one-shots and three bi-monthly publications.
‘Justice League The
Official Collector’s Edition’ spotlights the new DC Comics movie recently released
by Warner Bros.
What
I found especially intriguing and interesting about Titan Magazine’s Justice
League one-shot is that it goes far and beyond simple still photos and trivial fan
boy fodder.
The
magazine gets into the meat of the movie with cast interviews, exclusive and
behind-the-scenes photos, concept art, pre and post production, character comic
book and cinema histories and appearances, costume designs, set pieces and
practical and visual effects.
It
encompasses the entire making of the movie from concept to completion. The art and photos are stunning and the text
is compelling, easily urging the reader to read more.
Last
year was the 50th Anniversary of Star Trek, beginning with the
original series. Unless you’ve been
living under a rock somewhere in Ursa Minor somewhere then you are aware of the
whole Star Trek phenomenon.
In
2009 Star Trek was effectively reborn with the new ‘alternate timeline’ Star
Trek Universe which became a big hit with Star Trek fans both old and new.
Every
other month Titan Magazines publishes its ‘Star
Trek’ magazine.
I
hold issue #63 for November and Decembers in my hands.
In
this issue the magazine examines the IDW Star Trek comic book series (plural),
the recently launched Star Trek: Discovery TV series that re-introduced Star Trek
to the small screen and brings pertinent Star Trek trivia and news to the
reader.
Other
articles visit Star Trek Las Vegas 2017, talks to Star Trek: Discovery’s
Michael Burnham as played by actress Sonequa Martin-Green, examines Starfleet’s
finest, visits the woman who saved Star Trek: Bjo Trimble, encounters the new
Klingons, goes through the wormhole, revisits The Next Generation, talks Trek
toys and much more.
The
Marvel Cinema Universe took a decided different approach to its movies when it
released Thor Ragnarok to cinemas.
While
many of the classic Thor comic book elements are present the movie is funny and
Thor is the chief kidder.
In
Titan Magazines’ ‘Thor Ragnarok’
one-shot, readers enjoy ‘The Official Movie Special’ including exclusive photos
and concept art.
Sporting
a spectacular color cover the magazine talks to the key actors and actresses in
the film, displays stunning art and photos (some never seen before), visits
sets, examines key scenes and sequences, details computer generated effects and
characters and offers insider information on how the film was made.
I
especially enjoy reading about costume and character designs and looking at the
end results, how vast vistas were created digitally and seamlessly melded into
the film and the interplay between the characters-both good and bad.
The
magazine offers the best look at the making of the film with so much information
packed into its pages it will satisfy the reading requirements of the most
die-hard of fans.
Star
Wars-what more can be said about the ground-breaking film series. Plenty if Titan Magazines’ ‘Star Wars Insider’ magazine has anything
to say about it.
If
I’m not mistaken Star Wars insider is the longest continually published pop
culture/film magazine put out by Titan Publishing.
I
have a number of the older issues and all are worth reading as are the two most
recent issues numbers 176 and 177,
In
#176 Star Wars Insider pays tribute to the women of Star Wars, both good and
bad including Captain Phasma, Leia, Rose (in the upcoming film), Padme, Mon Mothma
and many more.
There’s
tons of new Star Wars merchandise to droll over including toys, books, etc, see
how the Star Wars Rebels animated series is conceptualized and completed, watch
how ILM paints alien landscapes, revisit Star Wars teaser trailers, and stroll
along Artist Alley.
In
issues #177, Star Wars Insider tells Luke Skywalker's story from child to
adult, there’s two free Star Wars Destiny Cards included, game on with Star Wars
Battle Front II and discover how legendary music composer John Williams brings
new musical themes to each Star Wars film, encounter the villains of the last
Jedi and like Star wars Insider magazines before it this issue showcases a plethora
of Star Wars mechanize, insider info, cast sightings and much more. It’s a veritable galaxy of Star Wars goodies.