![Iconic Issues: Mean Machines Issue Zero 1](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.timeextension.com/a9e383c716059/iconic-issues-mean-machines-issue-zero-1.900x.jpg)
Mean Machines is a magazine that is near and dear to many 40-something UK gamers, and evolved out of a section within the pages of Computer & Video Games which was focused solely on console gaming.
However, despite the amazing success the magazine would have, its publisher EMAP had to be convinced that the concept had commercial merit – hence the creation of a 'dummy' issue which could be shown to prospective advertisers to gauge interest.
This was the legendary Mean Machines "issue zero" – a short sample of the magazine that gave a flavour of what the eventual publication would look like.
Put together by editor Julian Rignall, designer Gary Harrod and publisher Graham Taylor, Mean Machines issue zero is just 16 pages long, but it's easy to see why it was so convincing when it came to selling the magazine's appeal.
From Harrod's stunning bespoke Ninja Gaiden cover artwork to the equally well-designed tips spread for the PC Engine title Gunhed (known as Blazing Lazers in the West), the sample magazine still looks fresh and interesting, even after all this time.
Mean Machines would evolve when issue one eventually appeared at the close of 1990, sporting a new logo and more colourful page design, but it retained the signature 'super-deformed' avatars for the staff and the short bursts of Japanese text on each page.
While it was never sold in newsagents, issue zero was reprinted in issue 15 of Mean Machines, offering fans the chance to see the magazine's true genesis.
Comments 8
American comics hog all the spotlight. It’s funny actually hearing about UK comics every now and then. XD
@Yousef- this is a gaming magazine, not a comic.
Mean Machines was about as good as it got with gaming magazines imo.
I used to and wish I still had all the physical issues for nostalgia's sake, but at least I have digital versions of them all now. Dunno about Issuse Zero now that I think about though. . . .
PS. That Issue 15 with the awesome autostereogram Super Mario Bros. 3 cover and Issue Zero included is just special.
PPS. It's crazy how long it took before the SNES and its games properly started turning up, despite it being promoted since the first issue.
@Lorfarius apologies! I didn’t have my morning tea yet. 😅
That is a really badass illustration of Ryu Hayabusa, even though he appears to be holding his sword backwards.
@OldManHermit
Most artists get the ninjaken wrong anyway.
If you look closely it doesnt appear that Ryu isn't holding the sword at all but just clenching his fist.
He doesn't appear to be gripping it.
I'd forgotten they'd reprinted Issue 0 in a later issue of Mean Machines. I remember back then you were considered to be in possession of some sort of precious heirloom having the first issues of certain mags, with Mean Machines Issue 0 being the most desirable of all.
Having a look on eBay, you can get issue 1 for £30, which is a lot for an old games mag, but not quite the nest egg we thought it would be back then. 😂
@KitsuneNight Haha, now that you mention it, I think you're right. The artist probably forgot Ryu was supposed to be holding a sword and hastily stuck one in.
Tap here to load 8 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...