Another of my thing-a-week ideas was to add a new magazine to my reading repertoire. Taking the opportunity to read up on an alien topic, or at least read a magazine I’ve not read recently. SFX was my choice last week, I was a reader many years ago but I drifted away. The publication seems thinner than I remember, but I imagine that’s pretty much the norm for most paper-based output these days.
I was impressed that they managed to stretch the announcement of Matt Smith as the new Dr Who onto two pages. Certainly Tennant played the role to perfection, and it’s always difficult for a new actor to make any role their own but the metamorphosis element of the story allows for more latitude here than most. Personally I’m looking forward to the new series, and the intervening specials.
Lost got several pages of cast profiles. This wasn’t really my cup of tea, because I’m afraid I’ve watched very little Lost as it never really caught my imagination. When I learned there was no defined story arc, my worst fears about the series were realised and I resolved not to waste any time on it.
Finally it provided a very comprehensive review of the recently released Star Fleet DVD box set. I though the tone here was just right, while quite correctly unfavourably comparing the visual quality of the modelling to Gerry Anderson productions such as Thunderbirds, and rightly praising the quality of the storytelling and at times more adult nature of the narrative.
Overall it was a worthwhile read, and one which I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase again. Although I won’t be buying monthly, if I ever have some time to kill I may well choose to do it with SFX.
Issue: SFX180 March 2009
Cover Price: £3.99