Drink Tank’s Spider-Man Spectacular Is a Free Download

Drink Tank 453, edited by Chuck Serface, Alissa Wales and Christopher J. Garcia, and with a striking cover by Hugo-winning artist Sara Felix, takes a deep look at everyone’s favorite friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

Articles include Juan Sanmiguel considering the 1967 Spider-Man cartoon, Julian West looking at “Spider-Man: The Combination Super-Hero”, and British fanhistorian Rob Hansen talking about how Marvel stories were edited for political content, in an article entitled “Damn Bodavians…”

James Bacon takes a deep dive into the time when Spider-Man went with Joy Mercado to London, encountering an IRA assault, and then onto Belfast where suddenly all political matters were expunged, building on the work of Brian Corcoran some 12 years ago when it was revealed that Marvel offices received a bomb threat in 1986 and speaking to Len Kaminski.  

Helena Nash takes a look at the landmark stories in the 1980’s while Pádraig Ó Méalóid considers the history of Ireland and the source of the troubles as described in Web of Spider-Man #19. Chuck Serface looks at books that talk about the Psychology, Philosophy and theology of Spider-Man and wrapping up the issue is an interview with David Hine about Spider-Man Noir, one of the most interesting iterations of the character. 

With 80 pages, the zine is free to download as a PDF here.

[Based on a press release.]

Journey Planet 65 – Rogue One 

Celebrating Rogue One, the stunning cover of the current issue of Journey Planet, is by Iain Clarke, one of two pieces that he has contributed to this issue. 

Alissa Wales joins Christopher J. Garcia and James Bacon on this issue which looks at Rogue One with thoughtfulness and affection.

What is it about Jyn Erso that fans find so compelling?

A series of fans spend time thinking about Jyn and Rogue One. James Mason, Ann Gry, Ken Marsden and Noelle Ameijenda share their thoughts. 

Art is provided by Micheal Carroll, Sara Felix, Colin Arthurs, while professional comic artists, Will Sliney, Ruarí Coleman and Keith Burns contribute thoughts on the film. 

Amongst the many contributors, we hear from Victor D’Agostino II, Keith Perrin and David Ferguson. 

This issue includes a data visualization by Phoenix, prints of which are being sold to raise money for the Royal British Legion Red Poppy Appeal — providing lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families. https://www.phoenixdataart.com/rogue-one

Peppard Saltine takes an informed and reflective set of considerations into account regarding the filming, and asks some hard questions about what happened pre and post production. Their experience and insight in the film industry offer an interesting view. 

Download the issue here.