While I excitedly posted about Arthur's rise from the ashes here already, I feel compelled to crow about it again, having just finished reading my copy of the new issue last night. First, let's talk content. It manages to pack an impressively powerful punch in 16 (giant) pages, with pieces about occult ritual artist Frank Haines, oneiric comicsmith Rick Veitch, and Philly fingerpicking legend Jack Rose. It also brings back old favorites, like Nance Klem's Weedeater column, Byron Coley & Thurston Moore's ars obscura reviews, and writing by the Center for Tactical Magic. One of the barometers for me re: how much I'm enjoying reading something is how many notes it makes me take. By the time I was done with this issue, I had a list 15 bullets long, with names of albums and books to check out, phrases I dug, and insights I was brought to. Arthur is as inspiring as ever, to put it mildly.
Looks-and-feelwise, it's a beaut. Released on newspaper in gembright ink and illustrated by today's finest fringe-gilders, it reminds us why print is still king. Arthur in its new form is big and bold and wonderful to hold in your hands, preferably while accompanied by a mug full of tea and a lap full of felines. Order your copy here.
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