I am a longtime Heavy Metal fan, and I have every issue back to the first in 1977, though I did not begin reading the magazine until the mid-eighties. (I would have been too young earlier and would not have been allowed to read it since it is for adults.) The magazine features science fiction and fantasy graphic art and storytelling, several stories per issue. Over the years, I have fallen in love with the works of Frazetta, Manara, Royo, Moebius, Serpieri, and many others. As a fantasy writer myself, though not an artist, the work featured in Heavy Metal has been a constant source of inspiration and pleasure for me. If not for this magazine, I would never have been able to experience the creativity and talents of these great artist storytellers. Even now, it is difficult to find sources with this much variety and quality, especially since I don't have endless hours to surf the web looking for fantasy art and stories.
One of the most fascinating things about Heavy Metal is the artists' portrayal of women: Of course it goes without saying that most of the female characters of the stories are strong, independent, warrior types who wear very little clothing; but what is especially nice is the fact that most of them are not drawn as unrealistic, ultra-thin women like those featured in many magazines, television shows, and movies. Although clearly fantasy, the powerful women of Heavy Metal have the ability to make real women feel less self-conscious about their muscles and curves. If it weren't for the sexual content of the stories, I would say that these fantasy women would be good role models for girls because they would not contribute to problems such as poor self-image and anorexia. Rather, these fantasy women would inspire weightlifting, sword fighting, wrestling, and other athletics.
I don't believe the covers of Heavy Metal actually do justice to what is inside the magazines. The covers generally feature a pin-up pose of a female fantasy character, which does not give the reader much of an idea as to the quality of work these artists truly produce. The stories inside are original, exciting, meaningful, interesting, and sometimes even funny and quirky. The editors strive for both quality and variety, and the work is obviously carefully selected. I have never been disappointed with my subscription. (To the editors: "Nice job, and keep up the good work.") Each Heavy Metal issue includes work by true masters/legends of fantasy art, along with emerging talent.
Since the publisher only briefly mentions in their comment that this is an adult magazine, I would like to stress that the sexual content (stories, art, and advertising) makes this magazine inappropriate for younger readers.
If you know HM already, you know that it's not like other comic magazines. It has no fixed characters, artists, or story lines. Instead, each issue is a collection of illustrated stories, portfolios, and reviews of varied material.
That said, some artists (Suydam, Corbin, and lots of others) have been regulars here for decades. And yes, some stories do last from issue to issue. And yes, HM does have a consistent look to it: adventure/fantasy/SF, with a post-PG13 emphasis on fully inflated female figures. It's ideal for 14-year-old boys with inflamed if uninformed imaginations. It's not "adult" by any means, but advertises lots of videos, books, and magazines that are.
If you're serious about comics, you must pay attention to HM. I'm not saying you have to pay attention very often or even like it my own feelings are mixed. Still, the artwork is consistently good and you're likely to see the artists again elsewhere.
//wiredweird
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I have been subscribing to this Magazine for a while, ever since my Friend showed me it. I enjoy fantasy art and comics. This Magazine has both. I do say though this magazine is for Adults eye's only. It has lots of Adult content. Well if you're looking for a Magazine that is described above, this is a keeper.
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Honestly look at the delivery date! October 4th 2013!! Does that make any sense at all? Its completely unacceptable! If I could give out a negative star i would! I give this whole shame 4 black holes!
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Ilove to read the books a love the art work. look foward to getting books to read I can sit outside and read.
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I'm not sure why this magazine is so highly rated. Sure it's an O.K. magazine, if you like immersing yourself in hype, marketing-speak and incredibly superficial language. Admittedly the pictures are pretty and as an obsessed mountain biker i can say we like bike porn. I just cannot read any of the articles. Chock full of over-the-top adjectives and 'xtreme' language. I don't trust a magazine that calls every new incremental advancement in biking technology 'revolutionary' or 'amazing' or any number of disgustingly inappropriate modifiers. They ceaselessly use vapid 'technical' jargon made up to sound high-minded and high-tech, but is nothing more than marketing spew.
