It’d be fair to say that Spook Magazine is a bit of a publishing sensation. Founded by three friends in Melbourne just over a year ago, in this time they’ve put out four amazing issues, secured international distribution, smashed all kinds of sales records and generally raised our expectations for how well a new magazine should perform.
This is definitely one of the most up-and-coming titles out there and we really can’t wait to see what they come up with next. While Spook plot their next move, we managed to convince their editors to tell us about their favourite magazines…
STAB – Marcus Thompson, Editor
Stab Magazine was probably the first real magazine I felt spoke to me. It came out at a time when surf culture had lost it spontaneity and was stuck in the conservative. The archetype was surf once at dawn and again after your eight hours, love Australia day too much, wear stencilled boardies and work to live.
The best thing about this magazine, the reason I like it anyway, is because of its transparency and self-awareness. They told you about the people they pissed off, the money they squandered and the business they’d lost and won, it was really exciting to pick up the next issue and see where they were.
It’s dropped off in the last year or so, but I hear they are getting away from the tabloid and back into the quality. Which is a good thing.
Purple Fashion – Jordan Moore, Fashion Editor
I always wished I were tortured and French. Purple Fashion is the print version of that desire.
I will always want Purple, like a hazardous lover I’m addicted to, its not around enough and makes me feel a little inferior because its so much cooler and effortlessly sexier than I am. When I see it gleaming on the shelf I grab like a junkie.
Monster Children - Nick Rieve, Photographer
I first picked up Monster Children at a mates house in 2002. He’s one of those guys who’s into everything new first. It was on his coffee table and I remember being really drawn to the magazine’s ability to cross-over, surfing skating and art without looking too pokey or girly.
I like it for the design and photography, it’s pretty out there not super safe. The photography is pretty grimey, film based. Old and raw. It’s not too candid it’s got that behind the scenes look, which gives the photos more depth and longevity.
Vice - Alice Williams, Sub Editor
It would be glaringly remiss to exclude Vice from our list of influences.
As a delightfully yet terribly sheltered small town girl, Vice was the first taste of a literal alternative. It gave me the fundamental cliff notes of coolness that never made it as far as my hometown. Caustic, offensive, razor sharp and hilarious… Vice taught me to not go gently into that good night, to make fun of the dying of the light.
MAD - Nick Melin, Editor
Along with Penthouse, Mad was what got me into magazines. What better way is there for a child to be introduced to the world of satire and social criticism? With segments like ‘The Lighter Side’ and ‘A Mad look at…’ Mad Magazine is the perfect publication for kids to learn how to questions pop culture, and develop an understanding of irony.
Do I read Mad now? Well I can’t really remember the last time i have bought one. But just like I used to hide Penthouse under my bed during my early teens, I do have a few hidden copies of Mad around my apartment.
