Issue 10 41 22

03 Editor’s Letter Gaming 05 Badger Tails 06 Confession Box 07 Wishlist 08 Freeware 09 Game Of The Year 11 Game Retrospective 09 12 Suda51 15 Game Reviews Film 19 Remote Rehab 20 TV Of The Year 22 Battlestar Gallactica 25 Californication 27 Film Retrospective 28 Mr Biffo Interview 32 Film & TV Reviews 05 Music 35 Grammatics Interview 37 Stone Gods Interview 39 Best Albums Of 2007 41 Album Of The Year 43 Doormat Live 44 Album Reviews 25 Comics 46 Start Here 47 Shaman 49 Comic Of The Year 51 Comic Retrospective Art Gallery 53 Reader’s Art Backpage 37 57 Coming Next Issue... Publisher Tim Cheesman Editor Dan Thornton Section Editors Andrew Revell/Dan Gassis/Ian Moreno-Melgar/Keith Andrew Contributors Adam Parker/Andrew Campbell/Chris Schilling/Colm Wood/James Downing/ Jezz Bolton/Jim Miles/Kimberley Fisk/MAp/Mr Biffo/Rachel Wild/Rob Crossley/Rob Fahey/Tasha Caine Cover-art Mr Biffo @ http://mrbiffo.com/ [© Disposable Media 2008. // All images and characters are retained by original company holding.] dm10/editor’s letter

a big year for Disposable Media. 2007 We saw our audience jump by a WAS huge amount (thanks again David Perry), and more and more people in the entertainment industry have admitted to being part of our audience. But we’re going harder, faster, better and stronger for 2008. We’ll continue to bring you the best interviews, features and reviews – to match anything you’ve paid for. But we also want everyone that reads DM to know they can contribute – whether it’s a story, a design, some art, or a forum post. This isn’t ‘my’ magazine. It’s our magazine. The last year has also seen some changes with staff arriving, leaving, and occasionally trying to escape by tunnelling their way out under a wooden horse. But we’re not going to let our best talent get poached by people dangling shiny coins at them. Which is why you may notice adverts appearing in the mag and on the site. Rest assured that that advertising will have absolutely, positively, and 100 per cent fuck all effect on what we feature, and how it’s covered. The decision was inevitable if we want to pay our server bills and craft more than a couple of issues a year. And especially if we want to invest in more cool stuff for the future, without being bought by a publishing company. If you’re really worried about the idea of adverts, you can always register your disapproval by using the Paypal donation button on the website.

Have a good one. Dan [email protected] games

dm10/games

f you’re still reading Disposable Media after all this time, it’s safe to assume that you’ve kept an interest in the magazine’s views, opinions and biases without being enraged and insulted. IYou see, it’s ever so easy to use the release of a big-name game as an excuse to whip up some controversy with insincere negativity. This issue, our mini-reviews show a catalogue of special games - uncommon for the magazine, but certainly not unjustifiable. The icing on the cake is our Game of the Year feature, where one beautiful example of gaming perfection has caused DM to cast away unnecessary cynicism and recognise what is undoubtedly an incredible, exceptional title. As well as all this, we have three eloquent screams from our columnists, the regular freeware recommendation and retrospective critique on a somewhat under-appreciated EAD gem, plus an interview with Goichi Suda on his latest stylised curio, No More Heroes. All of which injects our games section with more positivity than it has ever seen, which we hope will reflect onto you.

Dan Gassis Games Editor [email protected] currently playing . . . super mario galaxy / the orange box / clean asia / call of duty 4 / crysis / halo 3 / phantom hourglass games/rant SINCE I FIRST hooked up my original Xbox to the internet, online gaming has become an addiction. Victory over bitter human rivals is usually preferable to computer characters, and it’s even better when I can bump into my vanquished foe at work the next day, or in the pub. Obviously, it’s also a bonus to be able to chat with mates I can, but other commitments interfere. The only problem is, when I get back and catch up with people I wouldn’t have had online, those with more time (mainly kids and students), have had a few days to time to visit, but that’s very much a hone their skills, learn all the maps, and figure out which weapons are most secondary thing. deadly. And they’ve inevitably levelled up and unlocked superior armour, One of the main chat topics is ‘randoms’ – weapons, and skills. that is, players we don’t know who either join our Within the space of a couple of days, I’ve gone from being slightly games, or we’re forced to join when our entire advantaged by my experience of playing a huge number of games, to being the friend list is busy or offline. Whether or not these doddering old fella in the middle of the map, desperately wondering who just badgERTaIlS dm EdIToR daN ThoRNToN sniped him, and whether this ‘needler’ thing is any good. ExplaINS why vIdEogamE So why don’t game designers level the field? Instead of dESIgNERS havE goT IT all unlocking weapons with time and points, why not make them all aRSE baCkwaRdS... available at the start? Then, as players get better, reduce the number of guns and armour available. That way clueless newcomers can score players turn out to be OK is largely down to luck, lucky kills with the rocket launcher and redeem some self esteem, while skilled although geography is usually a clue (Europeans players can earn grudging respect when they can earn a kill using nothing more = good, Americans = bad - according to the than a pointy stick. stereotypes). But the main problem faced by most It also means a longer life for Microsoft and the developers to earn cash for of my online gaming chums is the same. And it’s downloads, as the game won’t fall out of favour so quickly. After all, what’s the down to game designers. fun in playing a shooter or racing game if you know you need 48 hours of solid See, as much as I hoped I’d be paid to play play to unlock the unbeatable car everyone else is using? games, my life generally revolves around working It’s the reason why American sports teams have a draft system to avoid the on a website, household chores, and paying bills. best players always ending up with the same franchises, and why British So when a game comes out, for instance Forza 2 Touring car race winners get a weight penalty for the next race. It makes for or Halo 3, I try and cram in as much game time as closer results, and more fun, especially as user-controlled handicap systems are rarely used unless playing with a family member. And even then it’s still just an “INSTEad oF uNloCkINg excuse to beat them 25-0 and be able to boast just that little bit more... wEapoNS wITh TImE So come on games companies. Be a bit daring and turn the elitist curve aNd poINTS, upside down. Then we’ll really get to see who the best gamers why NoT REduCE are, and not just who has the most free time. Now I’m off to go ThE advaNTagES aS and fit a laser sight to my pointy stick, in case my shotgun gets playERS gET bETTER?” taken away...

Illustration: MAp games/rant thAt’s Where the people go gone over several underpasses before reaching the one overlooking the for, um, please...” said the chauffer, meadow. And I realised that anyone who wanted to get to this particular bridge pausing for a moment to consider would need to pass others, all of which met suicide-spot criteria. I pondered, the translation, “for dying. They go why do people chose to die here instead? up here and they jump to die.” Perhaps it offers a final bargain, I thought. Take away family, take away Odd to have it said to me with such friends and lovers, take away all the tiny insignificant joys that get us through enthusiasm, akin to how I imagine a zesty coach- our days – take it all, and the world still has something we can appreciate, tour-announcer would have said it.‘Coming up on admire, give to ourselves. If you can jump from that, then you well and truly have your right, a suicide hotspot’ was the punchline I no second doubts. jokingly repeated to myself as the chauffer made Suicide may be senseless, but here it sort of made sense. And it became smalltalk, interspersing his view on the autobahn clear to me that – even in the darkest corners of the human mindset – location stretch with the kind of probing eye contact that is an essential impetus. And art, reflecting our mindsets, is indebted to the you can only get from a rear-view mirror. impression setting can make. This is something videogames can actually be However, the chauffer’s odd little ice-breaker proud of; not only can they capture a scene, but they offer us the chance to worked. My attention was stolen by the setting explore it, and exploit it, as much as we care. confessionBoX roB crossley seArches for the Not only do videogames have the advantage of interactivity (or, to elusive BeAuty avoid debate,absolute interactivity), but gaming has a lent us a host of of the future in diverse and interesting locations to play in. From the abstract, rhythmic videogAmes. network infrastructure of Rez to the soothing swirls in Fl0w’s petri dish to (and here’s my habitual Half-Life 2 reference) the fallen mining town beyond the bridge’s side-railing. Halfway across, of Ravenholm. the underpass leaned out of sight and a spread of But there is a type of setting that gaming never takes full advantage of. Nor soft, hilly grassland scrolled into view. does film for that matter, nor books, poems, paintings or TV. Nothing has quite It was a solitary acreage, trapped by stretches got the future right. Too many shortcuts are taken to give an impression of the of autobahn, yet somehow well-kept. The patch future, like an oven in Back to the Future that cooks food in milliseconds, or a gently dipped in on itself, with a slender thread of teleportation device in Star Trek. Aren’t these just a fulfilment of today’s water lined across its foot. The sun was sitting fantasies, rather than solid thought on ideas for the future?In fear of ending up directly above, flickering silver in the brook, and as embarrassed as Charles Duell (google him), I’ll say this: we’ll never be able spread a healthy glow across the strokes of to time travel, we’ll never be able to teleport. But our social habits and lifestyles grass. It was a voiceless, timid little meadow, will always adapt technology and innovation. Small-but-big-and-most-recent sitting between the raucous buzzes of efficient example: mobile phones. German automobiles. “Aren’t these And there are people out there who are facing future challenges, who have This is the last thing they made innovations that are just waiting to be funded and implemented. If, in a just simply A would see, I thought.“ fulfilment of game’s development process, writers are hired for its script and composers are Beautiful, yes?” hired for its music, why are not architects consulted in envisioning the wildest todAy’s fAntAsies, And I did, for a rAther thAn solid of worlds? moment, pause to think At first, it may sound utterly specious; hiring wise old architects to add a little thought on ideAs about those with nothing for the future?” bit of future in games like Crackdown, despite the fact that such more they’d like to think things will always be a mystery. But this isn’t about accuracy or about. I’d noticed we had hitting predictions, no. Like a suicide hotspot in Essen, Germany, this is about taking our breath away.

Illustration: James Downing games/rant WHY IS IT THAT developers are quite so obsessed with bi-pedal, humanoid avatars? Do they believe, in order to be accepted by us, as humans interacting with an electronic input bond with thus far. Avatars have also made it possible for developers to give device, videogames need to appear more human, cheeky winks, literally, to the camera, in an explicit way that most other mediums more approachable? Is this not patronising the wouldn’t dare to emulate: Sonic tapping his foot with impatience; Commander audience? Or is it just intrinsically more satisfying Keen sitting down to read a book; countless other characters yawning, peering to be able to control a digital avatar in ways that round back through the screen at the player, and cheerfully breaking the we may never be able to control ourselves? fourth wall. Neuromancer author William Gibson recently And there are countless links between our physicality in the virtual and real said, of videogames: “[they] are models of our world. The stories of physically (and mentally) handicapped people finding reality; in order to work they have to be, to some escapism through videogames, and being able to interact with others more extent, mimetic – representations of something effectively and with less prejudice in online virtual communities, are well we have actually experienced in life.” documented. Meanwhile gait – the unique personal style which every person WISHlIST ADAm pArker TellS uS WHAT He WoulD WISH has when they walk – is being analysed by numerous research for To mAke gAmIng institutes, some of which are receiving funding from military beTTer. THIS ISSue: more sources, in order to see whether the way in which we move ImAgInATIve AvATArS. could betray a potential jittery terrorist. Nintendo is a company that clearly understand the There is certainly the argument that, in role- relationship between user and their technology. It revolutionised the games play, most narratives will need characters to focus console controller with the Wii-mote, but also in the astonishingly simple, and on for development; for the user to have a role to less noisily-trumpeted, user interface for the Wii. Its ‘multi-screen’ aesthetic, assume. The increasing familiarity with of your calling to mind The Architect’s domain in The Matrix Reloaded and Mr. avatar – by the very nature of it being, in third Universe’s media war room from Serenity, almost satirises user input and the person games, permanently on the screen during user’s role as a watching, critiquing, and media-aware being. Wii Fit, too, looks play – adds strength to the illusion of a cohesive set to revolutionise our own real world avatars, by helping us shed a few storyline. Perhaps this is why Metal Gear Solid 2 pounds; and it’s about time too! and Halo 2 received a negative response for their But where next for avatars? Might the future see the avatar done away with character changes, mid-story: you, the player, all together? User-created avatars, whether 3D models built from a template or have not changed, so it would be far better to from scratch, or ‘Digimask’ faces made from photo inputs, suggest otherwise, continue on as the character you’ve come to instead pointing to a trend of affirming the user’s role in-game. Above all, though, the onus must be on sensitivity when integrating the real- “IS IT juST more SATISfYIng To life user into a videogame, especially one based on actual historical events. be Able To conTrol An AvATAr Following the face mapping included in titles such as Rainbow 6: Vegas, In WAYS THAT We mAY never be imagine a scenario in which you’re required to become an Allied Able To conTrol ourSelveS?” soldier. And then imagine the reactions of elderly relatives, who may have experienced the war, watching you in battle.

Illustration: MAp games/freeware

t isn’t necessarily true that the only freeware ammunition, or the brutality of the initial punch games worthy of discussion are complex through an enemy. Thankfully, if such activity is iand obscure ones, but that can seem the off-putting, the other character available, case with something as diverse, as expansive, Mackey, has a gun from the offset. The debris and as full of crap as the free games scene. So doesn’t go to waste here though, either: it can much of the market is taken up by derivative be collected to make the gun more powerful, or material that shamelessly rips off the past – and the collected debris can be used up gradually usually does a far worse job of it – making it as a shield, or collectively as another powerful harder to find the simple gems. ThankfullyClean blast. Asia takes rudimentary building blocks and It all sounds quite confusing, but the game meshes them into a refreshing whole. It may be effectively describes how both characters’ played as a vanilla vertical shooter, but the abilities can be used and so a player can gameplay is solid and challenging, the graphics understand how it all works in a matter of minimalist and tidy, and the features minutes. The game is also full of unique complimentary and sensible. presentational touches, such as the simple Having chosen your character and level, you representations of the gameplay and characters, enter the bullet-dodging fare typical of many and the bizarre soundtrack which seems to Cleanasia freeware shooters. But as you take on enemies mash together Quake III vocals in a funky sweeping through the litter of freeware that approach one at a time - not unlike techno-style tune. However, the game play is shmups, dm finds a diamond in the rough Warning Forever’s boss-rush scenario - your the real star: the challenge of carefully weaving ClICk Here To DoWnloAD CleAn ASIA choice of character will have a big effect on the through hazards as Mickey and then breaking gameplay. As Mickey, play is risky and apart an enemy - only to then try and retire back aggressive: he has no ranged weaponry as to safety - makes a change from the kind of such, but he can punch his way through an shoot ‘em ups where you are continually enemy, breaking it up into chunks. Moreover, he hanging back, in no real danger, and letting an is also equipped with a magnet that can attract infinite supply of ammunition do the hard work

the smallest chunks of an enemy and then for you. either repel them as makeshift bullets or release Mackey also toys with typical shooter

them simultaneously in a blast powerful enough convention: whereas something like Giga Wing there’s to take down an enemy in one hit. It’s quite has a permanent rechargeable shield as well as nothing typiCal interesting to have to change tactics so firepower that gets bigger and better, a Mackey about the “ frequently, from suicidal blasts through the player has to decide which of the two abilities brutality of“ the enemy to careful expenditure of the debris, and would benefit him or her more. initial punCh it takes some getting used to before you are In placing such a unique range of abilities in through an accustomed to the way Mickey is supposed to the hands of the player - whichever character enemy be controlled. they choose - Clean Asia offers all the freedom DM could label this as a typical scrolling of choice one could hope for. The skill is in shooter, but there’s nothing typical about the carefully choosing the best method to succeed, limited ammunition or the way you acquire said the pure joy follows. games/game of the year

ario is Mario 64. And despite Nintendo’s superfluous and often game of the year Mtrite profiteering from his reputable name – Kart, Tennis, Golf, Paint, Baseball – the true identity of one of the oldest gaming icons can only be found in his most recent classic. Donkey Kong to Super Mario Bros. to Super Mario Bros. 3 to Super Mario World, these seminal titles were the embodiment of everything Mario – and the reason for his reputation – until the next arrived. It’s a testament to the exquisite conviction of Mario 64 that the standards of the genre have remained dormant for a longer period than Mario’s evolution from Jumpman to a Yoshi rider. Mario is Mario 64, and has sat on that podium – unchallenged – for over a decade. And after a gloomy holiday MAYBe THere’s A TYPo in and DS remake, Super Mario Galaxy has demonstrated the discipline, the aspiration THAT HeAdLine, PerHAPs iT and the utter gall to attempt shatter what is sHoULd reALLY reAd ‘YeAr set in stone. oF THe gAMe’. BUT WiTH Mario is free. What Galaxy offers is an so MAnY greAT gAMes utterly impossible idea of navigation, one reLeAsed THis YeAr, WHY that is remarkably fresh as it is alien as it is astonishing. He can skate the circumference did disPosABLe MediA Find of a doughnut-shaped ice-planet or loop iT so eAsY To CHoose A loops in its centre, he can jump between FAVoUriTe? the polar ends of a peanut-shaped globe or Words: rob crossley s the latest generation of consoles have run across its face, he can fall up, he can jump down. design: Tasha caine come of age, there’s been an enormous A It kills the conventions of platforming wealth of great games demanding our praise without creating any new ones; while it can and attention. Highlights have included titles be geocentric there’s no rule of geocentricity, like Halo 3, the Orange Box, Forza Motorsport while there are moments of falling to 2, God of War 2, and many, many more. death and climbing to proceed there is no In picking the game of the year we could Newtonian law. It’s one of the most playful have polled our staff, or our readers, to get and wild ideas ever seen in such a high- a title based on the popularity of a particular profile game – and one that can barely be console, publisher, developer, or what people contained with fingers and a thumbstick. think is the cool choice. Your Wiimote lends a hand in the proceedings, allowing you to snatch pieces of But DM does things differently. Our game the game’s currency – Star Bits – by moving of the year was picked because it produced the cursor over them. And at the touch of the most passion in one of our staff. And, after a button that currency becomes ammo and all, that’s the sign of the best games. They that cursor becomes a crosshair, stunning provoke passion, emotion, and debate. Which Goombas and Piranha Plants and the like we’re sure our choice will do. Feel free to come and join the debate at: www.disposablemedia.co.uk/forums super mario galaxy games/game of the year

E F ILL HAV IDEA O YOU W ELY NO with a well-aimed shot, allowing Mario to SOLUT XT GALAXY finish each with a conventional stomp. AB E NE Mario is diabolical. The pointer WHAT RINGTH becomes an essence of the gameplay, it WILL B will occupy your concentration as much as Mario does, yet it doesn’t shackle him the way Sunshine’s FLUDD did. The pointer and the plumber are separate entities, giving Mario the freedom to play as himself, yet are brought together as a team by the stick and nunchuk. If Galaxy courses encapsulated in a 3D tablet, or a wasn’t staggering enough with its stupefying peppering of lush, grassy planetoids, or a gravitational jazz-playing, it also demands seaside resort sitting in a bowl of floating you to traverse its luscious universe with water. two characters, asking you to run in one The level of variety on offer is dazzling, direction and point the other. How Nintendo and you will have absolutely no idea of what have managed to hold so many of these the next galaxy will bring. Mario will soar, demanding ideas together – to keep such Superman-style, between these narcotic complexity not feel complicated – is an worlds, held together by a backdrop of astonishing achievement. timeless, infinite space. Mario is epic, Mario is beautiful. Each of the forty-plus and it needed to be. Complemented by a levels are cut wide open, devoid of linearity sumptuous orchestral score, Galaxy has and doused in sugar-sweet, bright, bold the nerve to play as a more important, more colours. It’s Nintendo’s best-looking game celebratory, and more timeless game than by a light-year, it’s the Wii’s David GPU its predecessors. pushing a Goliath amount of polish and Mario is fearless, but not flawless. Such detail. It’s a relentless attack of boundless boggling confidence can occasionally bite off imagination, throwing at you 2D assault more than it can chew. The near-automatic camera is occasionally at the mercy of the astounding navigational freedom on offer, the thumbstick sometimes strains against Galaxy’s itinerant model of up, down, left and right. Such cracked eggs are utterly forgivable, and oddly reflect well on the game; they demonstrate how bold Galaxy is. Mario is not flawless, but fearless. Mario is essential. Mario is simply better. It ups the ante to an unexpected level, excelling in every single way when standing next to its predecessors. Mario is historic. It can’t replicate the impact of Mario 64, yet provides a harder act to follow. Mario is reborn. Mario is Nintendo’s best work. Mario is Super Mario Galaxy. games/retrospective AND THE hile no-one who has played a while. Backflip, wall jump, edge hop into a Nintendo EAD Tokyo’s second ground pound down to a squishy jelly, and Wgame will ever forget it, their first bounce to a flower to flip you to a flying outing was one of the most unfairly- enemy - the challenge was to stay off the overlooked gems of the previous console ground for as long as you could (sometimes generation. Donkey Kong Jungle Beat was even for the length of an entire stage). And dismissed by most corners of the gaming every time you completed a level, a grainy film BEAT press as a throwaway novelty - a simple way clip of an outrageous manoeuvre would of Nintendo getting more mileage out of the tempt you back to better your performance. GOES ON... plastic Konga Drum peripheral packaged with Part of its beauty lay in the satisfying SURPRISED AT JUST HOW GOOD SUPER MARIO GALAXY IS? bongo-bashing rhythm-actioner Donkey physicality of its control scheme - pummeling YOU SHOULDN’T BE. EAD TOKYO’S GAMECUBE DEBUT PROVED Konga. Yet it’s a far superior game - certainly enemies has never been so palm-blisteringly WHAT A TALENTED TEAM THEY WERE, among the best three first-party titles on the rewarding, and its boss battles, though EVEN IF SOME DISMISSED THEIR GAME console, and arguably the finest 2D occasionally cut-and-paste jobs for later AS A GIMMICK... platformer since the SNES. stages, were thrilling highlights. Clap-dodging WORDS: ChRIS SChIllING The game could be controlled using a Ninja Kong’s attacks atop a rain-soaked tree DESIGN: DAN GASSIS/KEITh ANDREw standard GameCube pad, but it was only trunk was incredibly dramatic, showing off the when using the plastic bongo controller that game’s vibrant visuals. Then there were the it really came to life. Tap the left or right skin simpler pleasures - simply pressing the skin to move Donkey Kong in that direction, hold to push off a wall gave you a tangible both to jump, and clap to grab items. That connection to youravatar’s actions. simplicity made it instantly accessible, but it Revisiting Jungle Beat shows just how masked a deep combo system that gave the much Super Mario Galaxy is indebted to its game a surprising amount of replay value. developer’s debut, but it’s not the only reason Jungle Beats slight length was a frequent to give the monkey another chance. If you criticism in its mostly positive reviews, many want an exemplary lesson in game design, a of which seemed surprised at the quality of reminder of how good the GameCube could the game, but unwilling to rate it too highly - be when people made the effort, or simply to as if anything controlled by such a gimmicky relive that moment with the killer whale, then peripheral couldn’t possibly be this good. Yet grab your bongos and get ready to grin. it was only upon completion that the game really came to life, and players could exploit the intricacies of the genius level design to aim for those tricky platinum medals. Beats - represented physically by bananas, THE GAME’S SIMPLICITY were DK’s life force and also the game’s MASKED A DEEP COMBO scoring system. The idea was to collect as SYSTEM THAT GAVE IT many beats as possible by chaining jumps SURPRISING REPLAY VALUE. and swings to increase a multiplier - you might only see one banana, but that could equal seven beats if you’d not hit the floor for games/suda51

Can games do punk? If they Can, they have. suda51’s latest CurIo No More Heroes Is CertaInly a game that embodIes the provoCatIve nature of a b o r e d - w I t h - soCIety punk b a n d . It’s a game that has thieved George Lucas’ copyright-guarded lightsaber and proceeds to Words and design: rob crossley parade it about in every cut-scene, attack pattern and finishing move. It’s a game with a narrative that follows an otaku, Travis an Touchdown, who wins said weapon from an IntervIew online auction website and decides to slay his wIth way through hundreds of people to earn the the notoriety of a serial killer. It’s hard for a game to be more anti- vIdeo establishment and rebellious towards the game mainstream media than that. Suda51’s stylistic band successor to Killer 7 carries the charismatic front arrogance and youthful, loud energy that lifted man, punk into a cultural phenomenon. And suda51 fortunately, it offers so much more. games/suda51

Most notably, it’s wickedly violent, and stands out “ skills, will usually lose their life gauge to a single even more so against the backdrop of the Wii’s The version of A-A-A combo, after which a QTE command will take catalogue of family-friendly titles. Pools and Killer 7 for the the screen, asking you to swipe the controller in a fountains of blood (or an anonymous black liquid for PS2 actually has certain direction to deliver a charismatic finishing Europeans) will drench the screen after a successful in place on some slash. The complexities that follow this template will killer move. What must Nintendo think of such a ofrestrictions the violent scenes in the game, so the quality grow; the B button delivers a melee attack in which serial-killing, sensationalistic blood-fetish of a game between both the GameCube and PS2 versions are a finishing QTE asks for a simultaneous jolt of the sitting on the same shelves as Big Brain Academy actually different. That’s why I’m happy to make games stick and nunchuk, delivering a growing range of and Eledees? for Nintendo, because they’re respectful of the kind of copy-cat wrestling throws, DDTs and suplexes. games I like to make.” While the game’s attitude may mirror the nature “I think that Even so, the Wii’s odd dichotomy of its casual and of punk, it eschews the process. In No More Heroes Nintendo has hardcore audience makes it difficult for developers to you will not find the gaming equivalent of a always been happy judge what to cater for. The list of once-solely- stripped-down instrumentation in three-minute with my games, hardcore franchises that suffer from a preoccupation blasts. Rather, it is a 3D scrolling fighter with an Killer with Iwata’s revolution manifesto grows by the month. essential chunk of depth. For instance, each even with From Twilight Princess to Metroid Prime 3 to the finishing slash will bring up a fruit machine window 7 on the GameCube, laughable Soulcalibur Legends, each of these that randomly (and we can’t stress that word respected franchises have, to some extent, fumbled enough) spins three symbols. Matching three bars, and are respectful when transfixed by how intuitive they could be, and three bells, three logos and so on will result in a shift of the way I design lose a part of themselves when allured by the glowing on the gameplay rules, from slowing time to something with sales figures of casual games likeWii Sports in empowering Travis with one hit kills. says Suda, Japan, and Wii Play in the West. It’s a game that unapologetically puts mum back whoviolence speaks to DM during the in,” preview showing of No “Actually, when I was developing No More Heroes, where she was before the Wii and DS appeared: More Heroes in London’s Wii House. I barely played other titles for the Wii. I didn’t want to behind the sofa, appalled by the content and be influenced by other game designs” says Suda. And confused by the controls. This is a game for the in play, it’s clear he hasn’t been distracted by the Wii’s hardcore fraternity, yet it’s unclear how many profits a family-friendly design policy can yield.No Wii owners fit into that category. Did this ever More Heroes is manifestly hardcore, from its concern Suda during the development of NMH? Title reluctance to use the Wiimote’s gesture controls for No More Heroes anything other than finishing moves, to the growing “Well, I wasn’t Developer complexities in its battle system. expecting that Grasshopper “I knew the Wii’s launch titles were going to focus Manufacture around the motion sensing and, for the first year at the Wii and DS Release least, all companies would have this fascination with would have such a Feb 28 (EU) its control system,” says Suda. “People get tired of focus on casual Website that, and I think that one of the most important things Here in developing No More Heroes was to only use the Evenand before I started non-gamers. work on No More Heroes, I motions for something special.” expected that the console would host more games Going against the mass-assumption that for hardcore gamers. But I have a strong confidence swordplay on the Wii deserves motion control, swiping in gaming, and I really believe that the Wii’s audience and stabbing with the ‘katana beam’ is assigned to who stick to the casual games will eventually tire of the A button. A successful hit, punctuated deliciously them. They will move onto the hardcore games, and by a micro-pause, can extend into a combo. NPC I feel that by the time No More Heroes is released in drones, who challenge by their numbers and not their Europe and the US, many of those casual Wii games/suda51 owners will begin to move towards playing the more Suda maintains that a more manageable ‘real’ video games.” investment had little to do with his decision to ship After a somewhat embarrassing launch event No More Heroes on the Wii: “While it’s true that the that Suda attended in Japan last December, with a budget is not as high as some games on PS3 and poor turnout at Akihabara’s Sofmap Amusement 360, the budget for No More Heroes is far higher store and 20 agonising minutes where there were than other Wii titles. With this game we are targeting no purchases for Suda to sign, it’s uplifting to see he gamers all over the world and not just Japan, so we doesn’t blame the game’s style, content and premise actually had the money to produce the games for for its lack of appeal in Japan. the PS3 or 360, but we chose the Wii.” While No More Heroes is destined not to be one “Whilst the sales of he biggest selling Wii titles out there, today it weren’t as high stands as the most violent, the most stylised, the most hardcore and certainly one of the best. For as I had hoped, Suda, without these accolades (earning a very other titles for respectable 34/40 in Famitsu, to name just one) Wii aren’t selling commercial success would leave him feeling pretty vacant. And that is Suda in a nutshell. He’s a CEO very well either. that does what he wants, and clearly does what he In Japan, because loves. He’s someone who won’t sacrifice that for of the growing anything else. Of this attitude and philosophy, DM casual audience, can only think of one word to best describe that. only the Nintendo titles are doing iMport review Thisespecially isn’t just because of the current situation well. in o More Heroes makes explode in a shower of coins and Japan, this is happening outside Japan. The Nabsolutely no attempt to take black pixels - at least in the feedback from gamers we’ve had has also been very you out of your armchair and Japanese version reviewed here. good. I expect that other gamers will hear about our immerse you in a coherent Constantly surprising, gloriously game four or five months later, and they will go and gameworld. Instead, it revels in its silly yet wonderfully stylish, No More buy it. So that’s what I expect, that gamers will talk status as a videogame - characters Heroes’ technical niggles take little about it and people will play it later.” break the fourth wall to comment on away from its hugely satisfying Even so, it seems that a title like No More events, while Goichi Suda’s clearly combat and dazzling boss battles. Heroes would sit better on the 360 and PS3 simply misspent youth is evident in the Significantly, it’s proof that Wii’s because these consoles have an easier-to-read, 8-bit fonts, high score tables and future needn’t lie in minigame more united fanbase. Considering the usually lower 2D shoot-em-up dream sequences. collections and shoddy ports. A time and financial investments required to develop a Its gameplay is a curious mix of deliriously demented masterpiece. top-tier game for the Wii - as opposed to its accessible and hardcore - attacks Chris Schilling competition - to what extent can this be an are launched by tapping A and B, influence for an independent developer like NO MOrE with remote swipes delivering the Grasshopper Manufacture? HErOES coup de grace, as your opponents “No More HeroeS’ teCHNiCal NiggleS take little away froM itS Hugely (WII) Scoupati deS grace,fyiN asg yourC oopponentsMbat” games/reviews

hen DM assesses its quality, and its inclusion of past eople willingly forgive Valve’s tiresome delaying Wvideogames, we refuse to glories doesn’t overshadow the new Pbecause, when a product of its sensational Half- applaud a title’s low price. The long showpieces it brings to the table. Life franchise eventually arrives, there’s an unwritten list of ‘budget’ titles makes it The new titles included stand on guarantee that the game will never slip below the perfectly clear that we shouldn’t, their own merit, and across this series’ high standards. That promise only gets either. When DM assesses page we have reviewed them as stronger with the release of Episode Two; a prized videogames, we refuse to admire such - individually. On their own, FPS of thrilling set-pieces, fascinating narrative and a any accumulation of old ideas. The they’re wonderful pieces of gravity gun. long list of ‘classic’ compilations entertainment. Together, they’re the The hilly countryside setting is a surprisingly linear makes it perfectly clear that we definition of an essential purchase. one, which is perhaps fortunate, as the only ePisode two shouldn’t, either. If you haven’t played Half-Life 2 unrestrained set-piece never quite manages to fulfil Two, however, never fails to annunciate Valve’s The Orange Box then - with its yet, then The Orange Box truly is the promise made at last year’s Leipzig demo. Tight, perfected formula. inclusion of the seminal Half-Life 2, the second coming... focused battles remain at the heart of Episode Two Rob Crossley and the admirable Episode One on and are as entertaining as ever; always solid, top of three new titles, sitting on “the new titles occasionally stunning. “tight, focused battles the orange box shelves with a perversely small included stand on New arrivals are a mixed bag, with the muscular, remain at the heart of number of of dollars, euros and their own merit, intimidating, wild and relentless Hunter synths adding ePisode two and are as pounds on its ticket - is the and have been a razor-sharp panic to battles, and a new Strider- entertaining as ever.” exception to the rule. Here, its reviewed as such.” buster weapon that dulls the proceedings. Episode (xbox 360/ps3/pc) bargain price doesn’t detract from

Just like the student project, Portal utilises t’s been nine years since Team Fortress 2 – in its gravity, momentum, inertia and, of course, portals Ioriginal form – was announced, and despite the with a robust, simplistic logic. Such trustworthy lack of concrete information and the breakthroughs in logic – a puzzle’s DNA – is the solid foundation to gaming technology that have come and gone during Portal’s germ-free prisons of hard plastics and that time, people were still confident that the game chaste porcelain walls, which slowly ascend from would eventually see the light of day. Not only has it simplistic box-room puzzles to abominable mini- done just that, but it’s proven itself to be a triumph in dungeon perplexities. knockabout fun and tactical variety. Utterly charming, playful and distinct, with a Whilst a hardcore Team Fortress cognoscenti will Portal pathological undercurrent that lingers behind the inevitably emerge over time, the charming aesthetics team fortress 2 isions of a first-person physics-based puzzle walls, as well as a self-referential dark-humour that’s and accessible objectives make it welcoming for the Vgame may have infected the imagination of desperately needed in videogames, Portal allures most clueless of newcomers. “finely-tuned for gamers since their first encounter with a seesaw in and amuses the player in the precious few The Quake-style pacing gives the game an arcade enthusiasts without Half-Life 2. Yet it was only when seven tenderfoot hours it offers. feel, and each of the nine classes are so delightful to alienating new converts, DigiPen students showcased a game called Rob Crossley use that it’s impossible to ascertain a “favourite”. team fortress 2 deserves to Narbacular Drop to Valve’s Gabe Newell that such a “Portal allures and amuses Finely-tuned for enthusiasts without alienating new be exPerienced by any and daydream became reality. Reportedly, it took Gabe the Player in the Precious converts, Team Fortress 2 deserves to be all fans of the fPs genre.” ten minutes of showcase footage to offer the rookies few hours it offers.” experienced by any and all fans of the FPS genre. a development contract at Valve. It only takes ten Dan Gassis minutes of play to see precisely why. games/reviews

he flaw: It won’t take long to creations it has allowed are nothing ssentially a disaster, Corruption Delightful Space Pirates as well as Tcomplete it. On normal difficulty, short of genius. And the second you Emoves under the helm of a purposeful gesture-based colouring two sittings will see it finished. do something astounding in-game, stick and nunchuk with peerless and a number of exciting pressure- Whilst it lasts longer on harder you’ll wonder how you lived without precision, engagement and fluidity - cooker set-pieces cannot remedy difficulties, it doesn’t offer any every second of your gaming surpassing navigational benchmarks the game’s plunge from the additional content. being recorded. for a console FPS with profound heavenly heights of the Everything else is great. Single Halo 3 is exactly what everyone assurance - only to build on these series’ original. player levels are wondrous and wanted. As such, we’re left looking solid foundations with straw walls. ‘The controls work but the game online co-op gives more reasons to back fondly on when Bungie told us Narratively vulgar, Corruption doesn’t’ is an all-too common trend play them again. New weapons are what we wanted, not the other cuts into the series’ purity with a for Wii titles to date, and Corruption a joy and new equipment, such as way around.... collection of petrified-forest-cut- never manages to overcome this. the bubble-shield, offer fresh Andrew Revell scenes, offensively ugly hunter- Retro has lost their touch, and the tactics. Multiplayer is just as good antagonists and an incongruous original Prime now stands alone as as before, but with more polish and departure of the trilogy’s the studio’s one moment of glory. a fantastic new set of maps. Forge past strengths. Rob Crossley halo 3 metroid prime 3: might not be a level editor, but the corruption “we’re left looking back fondly on when “metroid Prime 3 only builds on its solid bungie told us what we wanted, not the (wii) foundations with straw walls.” (xbox 360) other way around.”

rytek’s CryENGINE2 is a eyes to observe the mesh of foliage andhelds have often served Unfortunately, the game is Ccanvas of remarkable might; and find the boots, the arms and the HNintendo’s highly esteemed marred by repetitive and tedious one that Crysis exploits to design eyes of the enemy. AI plays the Zelda franchise very well, and three sea-faring and the increasing islands of peerless detail, flair, same way, creating a distinctly years after the DS was released, annoyance of the ocean temple - a freedom and beauty. Entanglements tense, sensitory play dynamic. Nintendo has finally delivered a stage the player must traipse of leaf, grass and bark sway Meticulously balanced Nano-suit much-demanded Zelda with touch- through over and over again, in a together in the wind; casting superpowers add depth and screen support. cynical attempt to stretch the shadows, bending, burning and exhilaration, as does the exhaustive Phantom Hourglass has some of game’s lifespan. breaking at the mercy of crossfire. customisation of the game’s the best presentation yet seen on Phantom Hourglass is a There’s nothing quite as alive as beautiful arsenal of weaponry. the DS. The graphics are technically stunning game, but sadly Crysis’ deep, dense forestry - Crysis is unflinching, and makes the legend of breathtaking. the music is sweeping its flaws and short gameplay there’s nothing quite as real. no apologies for mastering what zelda: phantom and the touch-screen controls are prevent it from meeting the Such stunning immersion FPSes have always done best. hourglass superbly executed - so well in fact, franchise’s usual high standards. camouflages the ingenuity ofCrysis ’ Rob Crossley that controlling Link with a stylus Jezz Bolton playground. This is a sandbox like can make you wonder how he ever crysis no other, one which commands the got around before.

“there’s nothing quite as alive as crysis’ “controlling link with a stylus can (pc) deeP, dense forestry.” (ds) make you wonder how he ever got around before.” games/reviews

ews that Project Gotham more than just a marketing tactic is ang, bang, bang... BANANG! players to make as much noise NRacing 4 will be Bizarre both the appearance of bikes and, BWhile its commonplace these as possible. Creation’s last addition to the more importantly, the game’s vast days for big budget FPS titles to Graphically immersive without franchise will have been greeted by variety of weather. Both manage to rival Hollywood blockbusters, few being overly realistic (killing people glum faces from a serious chunk of feel instantly indispensable by give you as much bang for your isn’t quite so much fun if you feel the 360’s fanbase, but in reality, the subtly changing the nature of play buck as Modern Warfare. guilty afterwards), Modern Warfare Liverpool-based development team from the word go. Stylistically a completely new really shines online, where the would be hard pushed to ever Bizarre manages to sign out with direction for the series, Call of Duty developer’s deft touch in map better this, their series’ swansong. its head held high. When a game is 4 retains one the series’ core design is worth the game’s fee PGR4 is the result of a gradual this good, it’s perhaps a little greedy ethics: to have fun making war. alone. Bang, bang, bang? More, evolution of every outing since the to expect a sequel. The plot is no slouch, Spooks more, more in the inevitable Dreamcast classic Metropolis Keith Andrew has nothing on Infinity Ward’s sequel, thanks. Street Racer. Everything, from the apocalyptic view of the future. Keith Andrew tracks to the cars, hits top form However, Call of Duty 4 shies away here. This is not just a simple from taking itself too seriously, project gotham rehash, however. Proving to be call of duty 4: instead focusing on encouraging racing 4 modern warfare “Both Bikes and weather manage to feel “modern warfare really shines online, instantly indispensiBle from the where the developer’s deft touch in map (xbox 360) word go.” (xbox 360/ps3/pc) design is worth the game’s fee alone.”

way from the hype and the to flow, they make the free running f nothing else, Mass Effect feels the nth degree. Something for Aunkept promises, there’s much much less satisfying. Couple that Ilike a hugely important game, everyone, then. to admire about Assassin’s Creed. with assassinations that are far too particularly for the RPG genre. It’s a If its plot leans towards po- It has some of the best animation regimented, clunky combat and game that makes BioShock’s much- facedness once too often and its you’ll ever see in a videogame, some bizarre inconsistencies – vaunted moral choices look as myriad bugs and restrictions draw coupled with a remarkable hiding on a bench in plain sight of crude and unsophisticated as a Jim you out of its immersive universe, gameworld in which you can climb pursuers, for one – and you’ve got a Davidson jokebook, and its then Mass Effect, at least, deserves virtually every building. Lithe game that fails to live up to its own characters deal with thorny issues applause for its ambition. It might protagonist Altair clings onto ledges self-promotion. Its incredible of sex and race with rare subtlety. over-reach at times, but what can and grasps tiny handholds as he universe feels intoxicatingly real, but Its combat system can be as you expect of something that aims clambers up spires to observe his there’s just not enough of any great deep or as simple as you make it; for the stars, and just – just – falls environment, perched like an eagle interest to do in it. orchestrate tactical squad agonisingly short? waiting to swoop down upon Chris Schilling commands from behind cover, or go Chris Schilling its prey. in all guns blazing, GRAW or assassin’s But while its simplified parkour mass effect Gears-style. Character development creed controls allow the chase sequences can be automatic, or customised to “its universe feels intoxicatingly real, “mass effect aims for the stars, and just (xbox 360/ps3) But there’s just not enough interesting (xbox 360) falls agonisingly short.” things to do in it.” filmfilm && tvtv

dm10/film&tv

orking at Disposable Media is very much like being part of a select group, these days. A team of talented individuals who pool their resources together every issue, but one Wstill willing to whore itself out to the bigger boys at every single opportunity. Clearly such spirit appealed to the likes of former GamesIndustry.biz editor Rob Fahey, who thankfully submitted his first piece to the DM fold this issue - and fans ofBattlestar Galactica are sure to appreciate his work. Fear not – this editor will be bribing him regularly to make sure he keeps coming back. Mr. Biffo, a.k.a. established television writer and regular Edge columnist Paul Rose, also spilled the beans regarding his take on the current ‘crisis’ hitting children’s television. We’re sure you’ll agree it’s as insightful as it is amusing – we certainly weren’t expecting anything less. And so, on we go, out on the streets in our ensemble of fishnet stockings and suspenders – figuratively speaking, of course. There’s not much I personally won’t do to ensure these pages continue to be packed with quality, issue after issue. That’s how I justify the late lonely nights on the streets in my head anyway.

Keith Andrew Film & TV Editor currently watching . . . [email protected] 30 days of night / battlestar galactica / californication / the darjeeling limited film & tv/rant A FEW MONTHS AGO my PC went caput. It was one of those random shutdowns; upgrading to Vista had gone fine. Fitting new hard-drives had gone without halt. But a beefier graphics card, while initially hitch free, seemed Eventually, I found a solution. To fill those long, dark nights, I decided to go later to cause my hard-drives to start failing, my through my old (and barely watched in recent years) DVD and VHS collection. PSU to give up the ghost completely and, to cut a Nights that would have usually been dominated by time working at the PC were long story short, resulted in me taking a now filled by digital-trips down memory lane. Forgive me for going a bit screwdriver to the whole damn thing. shopping channel here, but you’d be amazed just how much it changed my life. Picture it: PC parts randomly sprawled across the My pre-bedtime half-an-hour in front of the box improved the quality of my sleep floor, and me, with no clue as to what the hell I no end. I was calm, serene, and drinking nowhere near as much coffee was doing. as before. It was a good fortnight before I finally got my You might think switching from PC to DVD hardly dented my dependency on PC back up-and-running again – an utterly technology, but those nights of sitting down to watch an old episode of rEMOTErEHAb kEiTH ANdrEW dinnerladies or a classic Davison Doctor Who was a very different WONdErS WHETHEr proposition to the kind of experience television offers now. THE biG rEd buTTON No red button. No voting, texting, ringing in or entering competitions. Will bE THE dEATH OF No constant obsession with trying to get me to communicate. Just a one TV AS WE kNOW iT. way conversation without the need for me, the consumer, to relentlessly unsettling fortnight. Needless to say, work justify my TV’s output. became an issue, but it was the unexpected gap That’s the problem these days – traditional media, in all forms, feels in my life that the lack of a PC made that really threatened by the metamorphic nature of the internet. It begs for attention, got to me. I don’t consider myself tech-dependent validation. It thinks if it involves us at every stage, hands us power and immerses in the slightest, but it was genuinely startling just us completely in the process, we won’t switch off. It’s democracy gone mad. how little I could do without it. In the end, it just makes television more predictable. As with all facets of life, It’s like when you have a power-cut. Everything if you have your own way all the time, you soon get bored. By handing the keys you think of doing to pass the time until the power of the studios over to us, all the men and women in charge have done is stalled comes back, funnily enough, involves power. In progress. All we seem to want is glorified talent contests, freak shows and to this case, a life without a PC meant I was send our pictures of interesting weather formations into fucking BBC News. desperately Two-way conversation was never television’s strength. Unlike magazines, the “TV THiNkS iF iT clinging to any internet very rarely challenges television’s core asset: the ability to take us aside iNVOlVES uS AT tech I could find – for an hour or so a day and show us something new. Television’s obsession EVEry STAGE, even the thought with fighting its borders against its flexible enemy has resulted in it playing by HANdS uS pOWEr of a quick play on the internet’s rulebook instead of drawing on what made it all-conquering in the ANd iMMErSES uS a calculator made first place: it used to surprise us. cOMplETEly iN THE me oddly horny. Someone should really do us a favour and pull out TV’s plug prOcESS, WE WON’T for a while. Give those executives time to think, and let me get SWiTcH OFF. iT’S back to those DVDs of mine. Right now it would feel like dEMOcrAcy a holiday. GONE MAd.”

Illustration: MAp tv&film/bestof2007

iring late on Monday evenings, in a slot which remained largely without Apublicity, The Tower took years in the Tv of The yeAr: making. Over just eight weeks, it promised to look at “The transformation of Lewisham council tower blocks into chic apartments”, but The Tower (BBC one) this was no Property Ladder or Grand Design. In truth, this was something more akin to enTerTAinmenT AwArds, wheTher They’re The osCArs or one of The legions of BBC One’s early forays into docu-soaps in the pretenders, can be indeterminably length all-night affairs. So as not to offend people, they make mention of every big early-to-mid 1990s. The Tower was a look at name title, and every star, and throw in some notable independent productions to try and remain credible in the face of London’s changing climate; both for better, complaints of bribery and corruption. In addition to the designer clothes and goody bags, there’s also the huge reward of and for worse. increased cinema audiences and DVD sales for the winners and runners-up. More specifically, The Tower tracked the To be fair, with the huge amount of new films and TV shows released each year, the idea of being able to select a social implications of turfing out the inhabitants of the former council flats, and selling them off comprehensive shortlist for even one genre is an almost impossible task, let alone deciding on the one supreme champion. to a private developer to turn into high class and Meanwhile the self-perpetuating top films lists on wesbites like the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), consist of comparatively expensive apartments for mainly safe bets, with just one release of 2007 even making the top 15 of films since 2000. And the Coen brothers are London’s glitterati. But the series wasn’t limited always a safe bet. by the actual tower’s somewhat rectangular With countless ways to get an idea of a film to watch (recommendations, reviews, directors’ name), DM’s TV & Film Editor geography, or even the Pepys Estate in which it simply picked the one TV show he’s raved about to friends and family all year. No stars, not even a DVD release in sight, resides: The Tower was the BBC’s attempt to but if you need help locating it, ask Keith Andrew himself on the DM forums (www.disposablemedia.co.uk/forums) take a snapshot of life in the nation’s capital in the noughties – perhaps its first since the words: keith andrew design: rachel wild excellent Paddington Green in 1998. tv&film/bestof2007

no longer were The Tower’s CounCil TenAnTs ABle To gAze ACross The river in eiTher Anger or wonder AT london’s money shoT – now, insTeAd, The resT of The esTATe Could look up AT The feArful fACes of The BloCk’s new inhABiTAnTs, hAsTily Closing Their Blinds.

The Tower’s London is one of makers of The Tower delved deeper than that, uncomfortable change. It’s in our very nature and uncovered an almost equal amount of to celebrate London’s renaissance – the despair and depression in the lives of those transformation from dirty recession-riddled moving into Z – albeit in somewhat less capital of the early 1990s to the financial obvious senses. and fashionable architectural star of films like Arranged marriages, tempered family Notting Hill, Closer and many more, is relations and couples whose relationships something a lot of Britons are proud of. seem to thrive on loneliness rather than love, But with success often comes neglect, and The Tower’s new tenants are seemingly intent The Tower wasn’t scared of putting the tainted on locking the world beneath them out for fear side of London life on the screen for all to see. of what it might do, yet arguably their own lives The redevelopment of some of London’s poorer are just as sour – if not even more so. areas – something which is being ramped up in Those behind The Tower were no doubt the run-up to the Olympic Games – is often keen to avoid projecting their own views and more about short-term profit than it is any kind opinions on the final product, with the series’ of positive social legacy. voice-over never straying from simple (and And so, while the majority of the Pepys thankfully brief) descriptions. The pictures did Estate remains in financial squalor, The Tower the talking, with the eight programmes tracked the lives of those affected by the tower beautifully summarising the Pepy’s transition. – sat by the banks of the river Thames opposite No longer were the tower’s council tenants able London’s Canary Wharf of all places – and to gaze across the river in either anger or revealed that what, on the surface, looks like wonder at London’s money shot – now, urban regeneration, more closely resembles instead, the rest of the estate could look up at slum clearance. Only problem is, if you clear the the fearful faces of the block’s new inhabitants, ‘slums’, where do the people go? hastily closing their blinds. People was The Tower’s ultimate focus: What did The Tower say of London? It squatters flooding the flat of mother-of-seven added a touch of humanity to a city dominated Edith, homeless Lol’s daily life (and near death) by landmarks, national history and the smell of with heroin, the eviction of the tower’s last money. It suggested that we no longer want to council tenant – a performing clown, pub deal with our problems, we just want to move landlord Doug’s desires on attracting a more them on. classy clientele to his empty boozer, retired It took less than four years from the initial gangster Harry out and about on his ‘beat’ – sale of the tower for ‘Z’ to make its initial all contrasted with the lives of those moving in presence amongst the city’s people known. to the newly branded ‘Z Apartments’. It would Perhaps the BBC will treat us to a look at its be easy to offset such hardship with the riches more longterm legacy in years to come. of youth and a healthy bank balance, but the tv&film/battlestar galactica

By your command Battlestar galactica drags tV science Fiction kicking and screaming into the 21st century. Words: Rob Fahey design: Rachel Wild

or science fiction fans, the last few years have simultaneously been the Fbest of times - and the worst of times. The long-suffering genre, looked down upon for decades by everyone from literary types to In television, though, the “shelf space” is TV programming commissioners, has finally much more limited. In this arena, sadly, the rise achieved something almost approximating of some great shows that borrow heavily from acceptance. It’s a trend visible from the science fiction and cyberpunk has been resurgence of Doctor Who or the success of matched by a decline in the kind of series sci-fi / cyberpunk crossovers by the bucketload that appeal to dreamers who look up at the at your local multiplex, right through to the stars and think, “what if?” - the audience for Nobel Prize for Literature being awarded to the whom sci-fi has always been both a lifeline wonderful, venerable author Doris Lessing. and an inspiration. So that’s good, right? Well, yes - but along Star Trek, the daddy of the space opera, is the way to widespread acceptance, science tottering about on its last legs - some solid fiction has had to make some sacrifices, diluting storytelling in the latter seasons of Enterprise and dumbing down to reach people for whom being totally unable to win over an audience What’s left, then, for those who dream of spaceships and aliens cause an immediate who hated the start of the series, and were in a the stars? With Babylon 5 twitching like the recoil of knee-jerk intellectual snobbery. bad mood after almost ten years of the god- unwelcome zombie corpse of a once beloved In the literary arena, things aren’t so bad; awful Voyager anyway. relative, and the networks seemingly willing after all, populist authors like Dan Brown Gloriously Shakespearean, Babylon 5, after to let Gene Roddenberry’s grave remain or Michael Crichton can write their science a disappointing fifth season, failed to spawn any undisturbed at last in the wake of failures like fiction “lite” (for, in all honesty, it’s hard to credible spin-offs - with more recent efforts at Enterprise and Andromeda, the answer is classify stuff like Brown’s Angels and Demons resurrecting the universe being nothing short of “not much”. There’s Stargate SG-1, largely or Crichton’s NEXT as anything else) without embarrassing, the televisual equivalent of series propelled forward through strong, charismatic necessarily pushing heavy space opera tomes creator J Michael Straczynski turning up at a casting more than anything else, and its by the likes of Alastair Reynolds or family wedding, getting roaringly drunk and spin-off, Atlantis, which is even sillier and vastly Peter F Hamilton off the shelves. puking down the bride’s front. less enjoyable. tv&film/battlestar galactica

But then, gloriously, there’s Battlestar Within a few episodes, the Cylons - the Galactica. By all rights, it should be rubbish - a robotic race created by humans, which rebelled kitsch late-seventies space combat series that and evolved into human-like form - have been rode on the wave of Star Wars’ success, established as characters with complex focused heavily on the tight trousers of its motivations, not just an evil force hell-bent on heart-throb stars, Dirk Benedict and Richard destruction. Meanwhile, the human fleet is torn Hatch, and was finally resurrected by Sky One between military authoritarianism and the desire and the Sci-Fi Channel only after a decade of to retain some aspect of civilian government. failed attempts to bring it back to the screen. Over the next three seasons, Galactica and It should be terrible. It should be camp its crew confront issues that will be painfully almost to the point of being cringeworthy, a familiar to anyone who follows current affairs. candyfloss series that lacks all substance and Religious fundamentalism, suicide bombing, the makes you feel vaguely nauseous. It definitely moral case for abortion, the erosion of civil shouldn’t be a series that was nominated for liberties - it’s all in there, even down to a gut- four Emmy awards last year, picked up a wrenching storyline about the rape and torture Peabody award for creative excellence, and of prisoners of war, which cuts incredibly close was described by Time Magazine as the best to the bone in the wake of the Abu Ghraib thing on television. scandals. So how did it all go so right? Along the way, the show manages to retain Taking that question at face value, the its realism - from the gritty, increasingly battle- answer is relatively simple; Battlestar Galactica scarred Battlestar itself, through to the is the first space series to seriously take on startlingly fine performances from some equally board the lessons American television has gritty and battle-scarred character actors. learned since the advent of fast, tense shows Veteran actor Edward James Olmos, as the like 24 and The West Wing, which reference Galactica’s commander William Adama, is a the real world and draw people in with the superb lead for the cast - but James Callis, as dramatisation of themes that dominate current the traitorous and increasingly tormented Gaius affairs. Baltar, chews up the scenery with every Where previous space drama series - appearance, while Michael Hogan’s alcoholic including the original BSG in 1978 - have and self-destructive Colonel Saul Tigh is an largely been black and white, upbeat and discomforting delight to watch. patriotic tales, with a fixed cast of heroes and More than anything else, though, Galactica somewhat two dimensional villains, the new works because of its script writing - Battlestar Galactica is as complex a piece of unflinching, uncompromising, and unafraid storytelling as you could ever hope from a TV to tackle dark subjects in ways which drama. Eschewing the “cowboys and indians in audiences, especially in America, can find space” mentality of previous series, it uses the difficult. One sequence of episodes, in which premise of a desperate human fleet fleeing the humans find themselves being “occupied” from an attack that destroyed their home by the Cylons and forced to fight back using planets to set up stories that address issues guerilla tactics and suicide bombings, was most shows are terrified to touch. breathtaking in its daring - coming, as it did, tv&film/battlestar galactica

at the point when the insurgency in Iraq was time to retell the story of the Battlestar making headlines on a daily basis. Pegasus, a colonial ship encountered in Much of this daring can be attributed to the season two, commanded by the icy and show’s creator, Ronald D Moore, a long-haired ruthless Admiral Helena Cain. Subsequently, Californian who is a veteran of writing for Star the season will kick off in full swing in February Trek - having scripted many well-liked episodes 2008, with the first ten episodes running from for both The Next Generation and Deep Space then; the latter ten episodes are rumoured to Nine. With Galactica, Moore and his team have be airing from February 2009 onwards. tapped into a strength of science fiction and With shows like Star Trek and Stargate fantasy which authors in the field have been routinely running to over seven seasons, one using for years - the amazing capability of the might question why something as highly genre to tell important stories about current acclaimed as Battlestar Galactica is ending after events, without addressing them so directly as only four seasons - but according to Moore, it’s to turn the audience off. a decision that was taken out of a desire to end The down side of the show, however, the story properly, rather than cobbling together exhibited itself clearly in the third season - the an ending when the ratings fall low enough for down side in question being that it is produced the network to cancel the show. by the Sci-Fi Channel, a US channel which has “This show was always meant to have a repeatedly demonstrated an astonishing ability beginning, a middle and, finally, an end,” Moore to destroy its best series by interfering with and his fellow executive producer, David Eick, their production. In series three, Moore came said earlier this year. “Over the course of the under heavy pressure to produce more stand- last year, the story and the characters have alone episodes, a major departure from the been moving strongly towards that end, and previous seasons, which had mostly developed we’ve decided to listen to those internal voices ongoing storylines rather than worrying about and conclude the show on our own terms.” stand-alones. Therein, perhaps, lies the real joy of The results were obvious, with a large Battlestar Galactica. It’s a show that tells its number of slow and disappointing episodes stories on its own terms, addresses delicate which earned the ire of fans for being “soap real-world issues on its own terms, and will end opera in space” type scripts. Moore, however, on its own terms - taking no prisoners, stopping is a rare series director in that he interacts to consider no fragile sensibilities or easily very directly with fans online and elsewhere - offended patriots, and spinning a superb yarn in and has vowed not to repeat the season’s the process. The desperate flight of Galactica mistakes as the show gears up for its finale, and her fleet may be more about our own world a 22-episode fourth season which will wrap than about science fiction, in the final analysis - up the entire story arc. but in providing a window on the harsh realities The first two episodes of that fourth season of war, and simultaneously an outlet for starry- it’s a shoW that tells its stories on its oWn terms, are due to appear in the coming weeks, as a eyed dreamers, it’s a show whose adulation, addresses delicate real-World issues on its oWn terms, feature-length release which will go back in and success, is richly deserved. and Will end on its oWn terms. film&tv/californication

california mating

Hank Moody is a dick. In more ways than one. The opening episode of Californication sees David Duchovny’s slovenly writer bedding several beautiful LA women, despite looking like he’s just woken up. He’s a man who thinks with his penis, and it’s something that gets him into all kinds of trouble. And yet, somehow, you can’t hate him for it. The main reason for that is that Hank is a lost soul in the City of Angels, frequently craving his soul-mate and ex-girlfriend Karen (Natascha McElhone). The two were together for several years until their recent break-up, though not before spawning a Wednesday Addams-alike daughter Becca who could only be the daughter of two tanned, statuesque stunners in TV land, but it’s a quibble most viewers will happily overlook. film&tv/californication

This is mainly down to the familial bonding Karen. Her fling with Hank - who at the time Just as he’s piecing together his fractured scenes, which feel incredibly real and is unaware of her age - is perhaps the closest relationship with Karen and Becca, he’s called unforced. Hank and Karen both clearly dote the season comes to a story arc, with her away. This eventually culminates in Mia on their daughter, and Duchovny and manipulative wiles constantly requiring Hank stealing Hank’s newly-written novel and McElhone share an unfakeable chemistry that to bail her out of trouble, as he fears she’ll attempting to pass it off as her own, to an can’t fail to make you smile when you see reveal all about their tryst, and blow his equally-manipulative Dani, who is them together. They really do look like a (admittedly slim) chances of wooing Karen simultaneously threatening to spill the beans couple that still have feelings for each other, all over again. on Charlie. It’s fair to say that the men in this gently brushing hands as they chat, with The season meanders along at its own show are generally dominated by the women, McElhone chuckling naturally at Hank’s pace - rather appropriately really, considering neatly sidestepping any issues of sexism or casual misogyny over the sexual content and early nakedness. If Californication has a flaw, it’s that it too often tries to have its cake and eat it - allowing Hank to have fantastic sex with a bevy of babes, but following that with plenty of soul-searching and pining over his lost love. It’s all done with a lightness of touch that minimises these issues, but the sudden bursts of too obviously sappy music whenever Becca Hank’s hazy, alcohol-and-sex-fuelled appears jar, as does the bizarrely out-of-place one-liners and Duchovny gazing at her existence. After the early nudity-filled happy ending to the final episode. While Mia is with adoring eyes. It’s telling that Madeleine episodes, the bedroom action is kept to a certainly effective as Hank’s bete noire, some Martin’s Becca is your typical sullen relative minimum - perhaps partly to focus on of her more outlandish behaviour defies belief late-pre-teen when they’re apart, but visibly Hank’s increasing closeness to Karen - from someone of her tender years. And the warms up when all three share the screen. though the dialogue is as fruity as ever. At one lack of a genuine driving force propelling the Her delivery might be a little flat in places, point, cajoled by an emasculated Charlie into a series onward might put off viewers more but she’s a vital part of the family dynamic. threesome, Hank decides to set some ground taken with a strong plot, or a more concrete This helps give the show its heart when it’s rules - “I’m not crossing swords with you over leaning towards comedy or drama. veering towards its bawdy sex comedy her vaganus” he casually intones. Charlie’s When it’s good though, there are few leanings, and it’s key to Californication’s marital issues form the most intriguing shows to touch it - as a comedy it’s very witty, appeal. Without this grounding, even sub-plot, with his S+M affair with his and on its occasional moves into more serious Duchovny’s implacable charm would struggle suicide-girl secretary Dani - a memorably drama it’s terrifically effective. The episode to make Moody sympathetic. sassy Rachel Miner - causing problems with where Hank revisits his relationship with his the middle of its third or fourth series, and it’s It’s not just this trio that makes the show wife Marcy. After a wincingly convincing sexual father through a series of flashbacks following little surprise that it’s been commissioned for a such a joy - the supporting cast are all accident with a nipple clam (you will say ‘ow’), the latter’s death is particularly memorable. It second series by broadcasters Showtime. It uniformly excellent. Evan Handler in particular it seems that Marcy and Dani prefer each somehow manages to avoid feeling rushed, remains to be seen whether it can sustain its as Moody’s agent Charlie Runkle shares an other’s company, leaving Charlie to move in and manages to be emotionally charged while laid-back approach for too much longer, but easygoing rapport with the star of the show, with Hank. Meanwhile, Mia plays the role of avoiding lapsing into schmaltz where so many that helps make it such an easy watch that it’s and their friendship again seems relaxed and chief antagonist - frequently imposing upon other shows would have stuck Coldplay on the hard to criticise its lack of momentum. And if it natural. Equally successful is Madeline Zima him at the worst possible times, with Hank soundtrack to jerk a few tears. gets the revelatory Duchovny - in career-best as Mia, sixteen-year-old daughter of the forced to ‘rescue’ her from a drug-fuelled As a debut season, Californication exhibits form here - some more work in Hollywood, rich-but-bland Bill, who is currently romancing party with her repulsively lecherous teacher. a confident swagger more fitting for a show in then it will have already done its job admirably. film&tv/retrospective

he image of a lone man playing Death at a lives tie in with the events around them, and setting K N I G H T chess game may be over 500 years old, but it up a satisfying resolution to the film - one which twas Ingmar Bergman who first made the reveals purpose to the knight’s actions that even scene iconic with his 1957 filmThe Seventh Seal. the most attentive viewer may not have picked up A N D The simple imagery is elevated in Bergman’s vision, on during a first viewing. for the man is given an identity: he is Antonius Block, Throughout, Bergman projects twentieth-century a noble knight returning from the Crusades to see his existentialist philosophies onto his characters, and A wife after ten years absence. As Antonius travels bends historical realism in favour of presenting through a country swept by plague, he encounters issues with which his modern audience can engage. characters ranging from the honest to the murderous Compared with current cinema, The Seventh Seal L I V I N G and witnesses first hand the atrocities that can occur feels like a stage play; the story naturally divisible in religious communities under the strain of disease. into acts, and the sparse action, strong symbolism, The film begins with Antonius standing in and long conversation scenes discarding the DEATH sombre-faced contemplation beside a sea shore, spectacle of cinema in favour of the brand of approached by the caped and white-faced figure of philosophical musings found in Shakespeare. worDs: jim miles Death. Antonius knows the end of his life is inevitable Bergman questions not only the value of life and Design: ANDReW CAmPBell and offers a game of chess - a conspicuous ruse to death - specifically the injustice of loss and the stall for time. When Death accepts, stating “Yes, I’m exchange of lives – but, more broadly, discusses the DM pays its respects actually quite a skilful player”, even viewers usually importance of religion to an individual. to ingMar BergMan averse to foreign, black and white art films cannot While Antonius questions and tests his own with a look Back help but be locked in Bergman’s master grip. faith, surrounded by the religious fanaticism of at his Most faMous The chess game forms the centre piece of the film witch-hunters and self-flagellators, Jöns - his filM, 50 years on. - a single match progressing a few moves per act smart-mouthed hard man aide - presents an atheistic when the two can find a quiet contrast to the religious context moment to sit and play. Cleverly, when Death accepts a gaMe of the film. He often argues the viewer is tricked as to the of chess, stating that he’s against conventional wisdom or importance of the game; at first quite a skillful player, widely held religious beliefs and it is implied that it is gravely the viewer cannot help is a cynic on every subject he important, but then reduced to But Be lockeD in BergMan’s discusses. Jöns also provides Master grip. triviality and finally exposed as most of the humour in the the knight’s most heroic deed. Death’s personality is film - his dead pan and edgy wit dispensing hard obscured by severity - a humourless character whose truths to the love-blinded couples that he and shrewdness is best shown in early attempts to trick Antonius meet on their way. Antonius into revealing his chess strategies before The Seventh Seal is a thought-provoking film, their next session. but not so intellectualised that it cannot be enjoyed Of those Antonius encounters on his journey, the as a straightforward and exciting story about one most crucial is a three person troupe of performers knight’s heroic deed. It is a classic of cinema which, who have a young baby with them. The baby’s parents once seen, is recalled endlessly in the films it have an innocence that contrasts with the womanising influenced. From marking a way for serious European nature of their third member, a risk-taking actor who cinema, to shallow but hilarious parody in modern woos a married woman at one of their performances. movies such as Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey, the As with the chess game, the significance of these legacy of Bergman’s most famous work is as roles is toyed with, teasing the viewer as to how their substantial as it is ever-growing. film & tv/interview

Besides designing our Cover for this issue, Mr Biffo, AKA. PAul rose, gAve us his tAKe on Children’s television in the noughties, And exPliAned just why he thinKs A CoMBinAtion of sArAh jAne sMith And josePh stAlin MAy well Be the Answer to All our Childish woes. WoRDS: KEITh AnDREW DESIgn: RAChEl WIlD

hildren’s television is in a crisis, with Children’s television on terrestrial traditional prime-time slots now taken stations seems to be at a crossroads at Cby a glut of cookery shows and loft- the moment. On the one hand, the likes of clearing auction house action. Even when the CITV has almost completely retreated to likes of CBBC and CITV do make an its digital channel and CBBC similarly axed appearance, the press claims cheaper foreign half of its presenters (and studio) this year. imports squash any genuine investment in new Then again, you have evidence of new home-grown series, leaving kids neglected for blood, like The Sarah Jane Adventures, any entertainment catering to them, and not which pulled in around 1.5 million viewers featuring American or Australian accents. an episode. How well do you think the So is the entertainment of the younger major broadcasters are handling their generation in crisis? We spoke to Paul Rose - children’s output at the moment? better known as Mr Biffo and a Teletext legend. To be honest, the only major broadcaster The ex-Digitiser man’s experience gained that really has any children’s output is the BBC. writing for the likes of My Parents Are Aliens, ITV may still have the CITV channel, but it as well as his work on more adults shows such stopped commissioning new shows over a year as EastEnders and Armstrong & Miller, means ago – and there’s no sign of that ever changing. he’s the most perfectly placed of all of us to Although, it remains to be seen for how long either damn the industry with criticism or lick its they can continue to recycle the same old collective face with unadulterated praise. repeats. Channel 4 hasn’t really had a film & tv/interview TURES © BBC © TURES

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life-lesson. T with hugging.” dedicated kids strand in ages, and what little thinking that everything that entirely generated by foreign Channel 5 does has been scaled back, and is happens in life must result in imports, and the number of being focused on pre-school shows. A couple some neat, sermonising, life- cable and satellite channels of the non-terrestrial channels are investing in lesson. With hugging. showing nothing but foreign original programming – Genie in the House and One of the accusations imports. I don’t think people Spy Family are two examples – but they’re the thrown around by the are sufficiently aware of the exception rather than the rule. It’s a wretched press when a kids show is problem. If anyone reading situation, but if I was a commercial broadcaster successful is that it this has any fond memories I’d have probably done the same thing; you highlights just how poorly of watching British-made can’t justify spending millions on shows which treated other series are. shows growing up, then I are watched by just a fraction of the audience, Do you think shows for implore them to visit www. and don’t generate significant advertising CBBC or CITV are savekidstv.org.uk and sign revenue. If I could wave a magic wand, I’d limit allocated big enough the online petition. the number of dedicated children’s channels, budgets, for instance, or is a series’ all the stops, and go the extra mile. It helps to Xenophobia doesn’t come into it: it’s about and impose public service commitments on success or failure ultimately down to the love the show you’re working on. Generally, ensuring that the current generation of British those that remained. That said, the BBC is talent working on it? there does seem to be more passion among kids – regardless of creed or colour – grow up continuing to produce decent shows for kids – TV budgets are never high enough, and kids people who work in children’s telly. watching shows which say something about your MI-Highs, Sarah Janes, Ravens et al, even TV is forced to chew on the rawest, most bitter A lot of tabloid attention has been their lives, rather than the life of some though the recent license fee settlement will end of that deal. As far as I’m concerned focused on the ‘rise of the cartoon’ in precocious Disney-brat. Not that all American see the corporation’s children’s department budget isn’t necessarily an issue. You don’t children’s TV output – most specifically, shows are worthless – indeed, on the whole have 10% of its budget slashed. Again, it’s sort need a fortune to be creative – you just need foreign imports. Do you think that’s they’re polished, funny, and likeable. But they of difficult to know who to blame, but it is the passion and imagination. A decent artist will still perhaps xenophobia on their part, or are lack an identity that is uniquely our own. Also, proliferation of digital channels that’s at the be able to create something beautiful, even if quality dramas and entertainment being imagine growing up in a world where you’re heart of it all. Certainly, it’s now reaching such a he only has a pot of mustard and a twig to work squashed out by cartoons? unable to go into school the next day and crisis point that the government is going to have with. I think people would be surprised by how I’d argue that there hasn’t been enough discuss what you all watched on TV the night to step in, before the current generation grows low the budget is for a show like Doctor Who, tabloid attention. There is a genuine crisis in the before, because everyone has watched up speaking in trans-Atlantic accents, and but because it is Doctor Who the team pull out British children’s TV industry, and it has been different things? I’d rather grow up under Stalin. film & tv/interview

iMAgine growing © BBC © uP in A world GH I where you’re unABle H to go into sChool the M.I. M.I. “next dAy And disCuss whAt you All wAtChed on tv the night Before, BeCAuse everyone hAs wAtChed different things? i’d rAther grow uP under stAlin. ” On a slightly cheerier Do you approach a long way. Though when I go back to watch note, what children’s TV writing for children’s those old episodes now they’re so painfully shows stand out for you at television in a different slow, and frequently make very little sense. the moment? way to the other God knows why so many of us remember it so Sarah Jane, obviously. programmes you’ve fondly, but maybe we’ve been spoiled by the And MI-High is a lot of fun. worked on? new one. I was also a big Swap Shop fan, in To be honest, I don’t get to Not really. Obviously, the days before Noel Edmond’s was Public watch a lot of kid’s telly. I’m there are things you can’t say Enemy No.1. I’ve just read that the BBC is usually working when it’s on. on children’s shows that you bringing it back, albeit hosted by Basil Brush. I’m fairly tuned into what is can in post-watershed telly – Bizarre. Grange Hill was a proper, gritty drama on, and what’s being made, I remember having to take when I was a kid, and everyone was sort of though. I do my best to keep out a gag in My Parents Are required to watch it. It seems to be skewed a up to speed with it. And, of Aliens, which involved bit younger these days. Weird, isn’t it? All these course, that’s much easier someone sticking a battery shows are around today still. All I need is for now there’s less of it. Hmm. up his bottom – but in terms someone to bring back Rentaghost, and my life You’re in the esteemed position of TV. The one exception to that rule does seem of story-telling you can be just as sophisticated, will be complete. having worked on some of the more to be My Parents Are Aliens, which everyone if not more so in some ways, with kid’s TV. Do you think the current crop of kids TV recent examples of quality children’s TV – seems to have watched, and loves. The guys Frankly, every show has its own format and will have much of a legacy? Will the kid’s specifically in the form of your work on who wrote Peep Show, and some of the writers tone, be it adult or children’s, so you always shows going out today inspire the writers My Parents Are Aliens. Do you find of Green Wing, all got their break on it – and have to adapt to a certain degree. Overall, of tomorrow? that people view your work writing for that totally came across on what was up on though – and I know it’s a cliché to say it – What’s changing is that there’s more focus such shows differently to the other screen. I’m biased, I know, but I genuinely think you never write down to kids. The minute they on family shows – Doctor Who, Robin Hood, programmes you’ve written for, or your it was one of the top 5 children’s shows this sense they’re being patronised I guarantee Primeval et al. Both the BBC and ITV are other writing work? country has ever produced. It’s going to be they’ll be reaching for the Xbox 360 controller. developing more of this kind of Saturday Oh, absolutely. There’s real snobbery where interesting to see how the loss of job What shows did you follow when you teatime telly - lordy, even I’ve got such a show children’s telly is involved. Far too many people opportunities in children’s TV affects the talent were growing up? in development with the BBC. Doctor Who has in ‘grown-up’ telly look down their noses if you base for grown-up telly. Pretty much every top The Young Ones and Monty Python, closely been such a hit that there’s no way it won’t say you’ve worked your way up through kids writer in TV today got their break in kid’s TV. followed by Doctor Who, were my favourites, by inspire that next generation. I think it’s telling, film & tv/interview

though, that my daughter wants to make video A few years ago, family viewing on shows, or magazine shows for teens, and more games when she grows up. Saturday evenings suffered a similar crisis. kids’ dramas and sitcoms will be co-productions Children’s Saturday morning magazine Now families, with Doctor Who and alike, with international broadcaster. But, I think, shows – from Swap Shop to Live & Kicking are spoilt for choice, with Saturday nights budgets are going to be more focused. There’ll – now appear to be a thing of the past, becoming a major ratings battleground be less money to play with overall, but there’s with both the BBC and ITV seemingly again. Do you think there could be a going to be more money put aside for the big, opting for the usual mix of cookery shows similar renaissance for Saturday mornings flagship shows; you’ll see more Sarah Janes, and ‘are-there-antiques-in-your-loft?’ in years to come? but fewer scripted narrative shows overall. packages. How much of a loss do you I doubt it, sadly. Not unless the government think that is? steps in, and orders ITV to start showing new I’m not sure, really. Though as I said already shows for children at that time. There are the BBC is bringing back Swap Shop - rumblings that some sort of official legislature Paul’s latest book, Confessions of a although I don’t know if it’ll be in its traditional is going to happen – the government has Chatroom Freak, is available to buy now. Saturday morning slot. My gut feeling is that it already fired a warning shot across the BBC’s Keep up to date with Mr Biffo at is a loss, but that might just be me feeling bows, telling it not to mess too much with its www.mrbiffo.com nostalgic. There’s no question that it’s just children’s output – but whether it comes in time another by-product of kid’s telly being is another matter. diminished overall. And that, obviously, is a bad What do you think, or maybe hope, will thing. Besides, aren’t kids all killing each other happen in the future? Where will children’s over Xbox Live, or chatting on MSN, on a TV broadcasting go in the next few years? Saturday morning now? I can’t see it coming It’ll be cheaper and more cheerful overall. back in any big way. The money will be pumped into pre-school

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es Anderson has carved out But crucially, Anderson forgoes 0 Days of Night takes place in a horror aficionados and a tight, Wa niche in American cinema the magic and whimsy of The Life 3town where the sun sets for 30 suspenseful plot for everybody else. for making films about bizarre and Aquatic and The Royal Tenenbaums days, thus allowing vampires to It’s low on substance, which is a extravagant characters - ones who and adds a little more humanity to move in and feast on the unwitting shame as it comes from the talented function as humans and dysfunction proceedings, resulting in a very inhabitants. What begins with a director behind the superb Hard as families The Darjeeling Limited touching and warm film that sits jumpy, shock-filled first act soon Candy. However, it rises above doesn’t buck the trend. closer in style to Anderson’s turns into a claustrophobic stand- most modern horror films with its This time three brothers decide masterpiece Rushmore. With off, as the humans try and survive great set-pieces, its extremely taut to take a train ride through India in heartfelt and amusing performances the titular time period reminiscent of pace and a surprisingly convincing order to overcome their grief for from Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody the classic Romero zombie films. performance from Josh Hartnett. their dead father. It treads similar and Jason Schwartzman as the In an age where horror films Jezz Bolton ground to Anderson’s previous three brothers, it’s fulfilling viewing. amount to no more than a busty films, from theme and content, right Jezz Bolton blonde getting gruesomely tortured, down to his use of slow-mo set to it is genuinely refreshing to see a an indie soundtrack during the film’s good old fashioned monster movie the darjeeling emotional plateaus. 30 days of with plenty of gore, scares for the limited night (15) “the darJeeling limited treads similar (15) “in an age Where horror films amount //director: ground to anderson’s previous Work.” //director: to no more than torture, 30 days of wes anderson david slade night is genuinely refreshing.”

merican Gangster documents engrossed thanks to the massive otion capture is a cinematic character comes from somewhere athe true story of a Harlem charisma and the odd outstanding mtechnique that, so far, other than ancient Denmark, where druglord, Frank Lucas (Denzel scene. doesn’t quite work. Director Robert the story is set, with Ray Winstone’s Washington) and the one honest While Ridley Scott has tackled Zemeckis has used the technique cockney Beowulf creating many, cop trying to bring him down, Richie many genres, American Gangster is before in The Polar Express and many unintentional laughs. Roberts (Russell Crowe). only his second stab at the crime now, with Beowulf, he has created On top of this, it is needlessly With two outstanding central movie after the whimsical more problems for himself. Some, graphic and plods along at a snail’s performances, the story is short on Matchstick Men. However, this is a however, are not always are the pace with unnecessary devices. It’s action and some moments are much more serious affair, taking its fault of the technology. an incredibly high-tech retelling of strikingly similar to movies of old. cue from the best that television What strikes the viewer first is an ancient story, but Beowulf’s There are flourishes of Scott’s and film have to offer, resulting in a that the characters fail to look either many flaws should banish it from trademark style, but on the whole it highly unoriginal but engrossing 100% lifelike or ‘cartoony’. Instead, history altogether. is a fairly measured and slow affair - thriller. Jezz Bolton they seem to be uncanny, even Jezz Bolton one that keeps the viewer creepy, representations of american beowulf established stars. However, what is gangster (12a) more striking is the fact that every (18) “american gangster’s tWo central “ray Winstone’s cockney BeoWulf //director: performances are outstanding.” //director: creates many, many unintentional ridley scott robert zemeckis laughs.” film & tv/reviews

howrunner Russell T. Davies Indeed, it is probably Steven nlike Doctor Who, Nonetheless, things improve Smust feel the pressure around Moffat’s aforementioned ‘Blink’ and UTorchwood’s festive boxset thereafter, with the writers and this time every year; the release of Paul Cornell’s adaptation of his own treads on much less stable ground. directors finally focusing on the each Doctor Who boxset only ‘Human Nature’ novel that take the Never certain of just who is narrative over the show’s sense of serving to remind him of the quality show to new highs. Both are watching from beginning to end, style: season closers ‘Captain Jack to be attained in the next series. examples of quality storytelling and BBC Wales’ spin-off is far from Harkness’ and ‘End of Days’ are up The Doctor’s third run since his go beyond the often clichéd disastrous, but spends the first half there with Who’s best. reappearance in 2005 is, without borders of standard science-fiction. of its debut run seemingly obsessed All bodes well for its second doubt, his most consistent. The Dodgy closing opus aside, with how it should be telling its splash early next year, this time on sheer variety of episodes on offer Doctor Who’s third series is stories, rather than the stories BBC Two, but for £54.99, here - from Martha Jones’ nothing less than a fine themselves. Torchwood’s first series is attractive spectacular first appearance, to documentation of quality ‘Cyberwoman’ is Torchwood’s only to the already dedicated. ‘blink and you die’ killer statues British television. low point, playing out like the result Keith Andrew – is testament to a series Keith Andrew of the series being let off the leash gaining confidence. when what it really needs is some DOCTOR WHO: TORCHWOOD: boundaries to bed it down. SERIES 3 BOXSET SERIES 1 BOXSET (PG) “DOCTOR WHO: SeRieS 3 gOeS beyOnD (15) “TORCHWOOD SpenDS THe fiRST HAlf Of THe OfTen CliCHéD bORDeRS Of SCienCe- iTS DebUT RUn Seemingly ObSeSSeD WiTH bbc fiCTiOn.” bbc HOW iT SHOUlD be Telling iTS STORieS.”

t’s perhaps a little spurious to dare it be said – a touch of erry Seinfeld decided to follow will appeal to children at all, as its ireview a Most Haunted package, credibility with resident medium Jup his comedy master series plot centralises around a it’s audience divided as to its David Wells. Seinfeld by writing and starring in a courtroom trial. authenticity. The cynics claim the There’s still nothing concrete CG cartoon about a bee who Whilst there is fun to be had, it will intellectual high-ground, pointing here, but with 15 episodes, each decides to sue humans for stealing eventually alienate audiences of all out that, in eight series, no hard lasting an hour and coming with an honey. It’s a dramatic, bold move ages. Jerry Seinfeld’s co-creator of evidence of spiritual activity has extra 25 minutes from behind the but he doesn’t quite make it. his eponymous hit sitcom, Larry ever been found. scenes., this is a consummate It treads familiar ground David, went on the create Curb On the face of it, it’s hard to boxset that entertains (in some everywhere, especially recalling Your Enthusiasm. Something a little argue. Series 8 is still just a respect) from beginning to end. Any those other two CG bug movies more along those lines next, please, collection of screams, blurred night ghosts are immaterial. (Antz and A Bugs Life) but the idea Mr Seinfeld. vision cameras and a dubious take Keith Andrew of animals suing humans is an Jezz bolton on history. But my, it makes good original idea. There are a fair few television. With the controversial gags to be had, but most fail to mOST HaunTED: Derek Acorah now thankfully a thing BEE mOvIE appeal to children or adults. In fact, SERIES 8 BOXSET of the past, this package gains – (u) it’s hard to say whether any of this (15) “WiTH DeReK ACORAH nOW THAnKfUlly A “iT’S HARD TO SAy WHeTHeR Any Of THiS THing Of THe pAST, THiS pACKAge gAinS A //director: Will AppeAl TO CHilDRen AT All; iTS plOT living/virgin media TOUCH Of CReDibiliTy.” simon j smith CenTRAliSeS AROUnD A COURTROOm.” music goldfrapp / t’s emotional, writing this introduction to Issue 10’s music section. It opens with our interview t’s emotional, writing this introduction to Issue you’ll hear at the moment, and it follows on with with the Grammatics, a new band unlike most the flames of The Darkness. the Stone Gods – returning like a phoenix from Then, finally, it casts a tear-filled eye over the best of 2007, including our album of the year, and Then, finally, it casts a tear-filled eye over the our beloved Music Editor, Ian Morengo-Melgar, But most of the emotion stems from the fact that depressed music, and looking like he forgot to So if you see a bemused man listening to slightly These issues don’t write themselves, you know... Dan Thornton Editor [email protected] I some reviews to kick start 2008. is currently backpacking his way around the world. at it, check whether he’s getting on with those turn the oven off, say “hi” from us...and, while you’re hits Australia, will you? features he’s already got planned for when he kylie minogue / radiohead / justice / lcd soundsystem / stone gods /

music grammatics dm10/ currently listening to . . . . . to listening currently music/grammatics

t’s often remarked that England has an Grammar so we didn’t call it the same thing.” innate ability to produce timeless guitar- So what’s with the link? “There’s an extension Ipop that stands far apart from its peers, of the ideals we had when running the club with a cultural identity and signature sound night and Grammar is where we spawned the ... like no other. From The Kinks to The Arctic idea for the band, which is why I like the Monkeys, The Jam to Blur, the history of connection.” The band seems to agree that e English guitar-pop is a long and varied one, the name has an English feel: “The word has with a common thread of vivid personality and literary connotations and as you say, feels very a knowing hint towards its influences. English and we’re a typically English band, in In this regard, Leeds-based four-piece the classic sense. Articulate, eccentric, diverse Grammatics are no different, but closer with quite a dark sense of humour.” Such inspection sets them apart from those who words embody the band’s sound quite well. follow the zeitgeist, and those who make it But was the sound planned? their own. Memorable melodies, English Singer Owen gives an emphatic response; sensibilities full of imperial majesty, “Grammatics’ sound was definitely planned. Grammatics cut a swathe through the recent Colour Of Fire’s (Owen’s previous band) trend for lad rock, and stand worlds away from sound and whole ethic was so minimal and no WITH TH drunken sing-along tunes and ‘lairy’ frills. The band was just about rocking out as proclamations of grandeur. hard as we could. I was very much in With their quirky time changes, their off- development as a singer and songwriter at kilter melodies and their disciplined that time. Grammatics falls on the other end of IAN MORENO-MELGAR o ANDREW REVELL T abstinence for easily-grouped power chords the spectrum in that everything is so TLY Ign: re to achieve their musical aims, Grammatics considered, almost self-consciously so. As Words: nd nd es en Y’ d C e FI offer a much more subtle affair. With two of Dom and I were only in the stages of talking IA o re “A BA TH T their tracks appearing on compilation CDs by about forming a band I knew that I wanted to e s e ed A C M nd the influential label Dance to the Radio, the be in the middle of a beautiful but e e HAV on band are currently on an ever expanding tour cacophonous sound, made with as many s M BA n ABL e and as well as their NME appearance. complimenting and clashing instruments as n or I F os P Disposable Media asked singer Owen possible.” ndIs Brinley and drummer Dominic Ord just how How would Owen describe the sound red d AMMATIC . they work, how their pop sensibilities came to then? Guitar pop? English Emo? Playfully ATU gr e on ... the fore, and about their plans for an album whimsical rock? “It’s a sound very much in F T HT UP WITH TH o full of “happy accidents and spontaneity”. awe of experimental music and has a kitchen- WATCH”P gA ore s The band name itself strikes as being sink philosophy in that we’ll chuck whatever CAUUT M o quintessentially English. The sort of name that we can into the mix. However, it’s also a Stephen Fry would like, something that alludes deeply melodious sound that’s equally in love to its influences as well as the band and their with pop. It’s pop disobeying its own rules, pop sound, but is it true that the name came from disobeying itself…Grammatics are post-pop.” a club night some of the band ran in York? ‘Post-pop’ as an idea seems especially well “Yes”, says drummer Dom, but pointing out constructed and considered. Grammatics’ own that “Grammatics isn’t the same thing as breed of twisted pop is clever, knowing and music/grammatics

executed with a flair that belies their relatively We’ll get 85-90% there as a band before DOM ORD: “WE’RE A TYPICALLY new status as a band. This is pop music as it’s hitting the studio. The icing on the cake ENGLISH BAND, IN THE CLASSIC rarely conceived or produced, pop music that comes spontaneously in the studio when SENSE. ARTICULATE, ECCENTRIC, knows it’s heritage and is trying to shape it’s we’re out of a noisy practice room DIVERSE WITH QUITE A DARK future by disobeying itself almost. It’s complex, environment and can really tailor and place SENSE OF HUMOUR.” but simple. But do the band’s songs arrive parts in the mix.” organically or via a construction or ideas and Hearing Owen detail the arduous writing hopes? “The sound is very constructed and process, one which is valued in its organic precise,” reflects Dom, “we spend a huge properties and complex structure, sounds like amount of time thinking about the ‘building’ of a perplexing situation when taking these ideas a song and the end product but at the same to the stage. Do the band feel it’s best to there is absolutely nothing that is contrived replicate this as much as possible for a live about what we do. We’re not making music to audience, or is recreation an inevitability? “I fit in with anyone’s ideas of what is ‘cool’ or think we’re still finding our feet live. I know ‘now’. I can’t think of anything worse to be we’ll become a great live band and are honest. We are simply making music that hopefully well on the way but there is a lot to means something to us.” improve on. I’ve never liked bands that sound Given the current trend for flash in the pan exactly the same live as on record. Where is genres, disposable acts who stick around for the fun in that? We can spend so much more one album and with labels now looking to time and play so many more instruments on invest in ‘safe’ acts, it’s a refreshing change to record so our live sound is slightly more see a band who don’t consciously subvert the stripped down but I think that rawness mainstream but do so for their own benefit transfers well in front of an audience.” OWEN BRINDLEY: “IT’S POP rather than anyone else’s. It’s very easy for Is the next step after more gigs the LP, or DISOBEYING ITS OWN RULES, new bands to fall into the needs of labels or is that in progress already? “We’ve always POP DISOBEYING ITSELF… their own artistic ‘need’ or ‘vision’, especially at planned to make it a concise but semi- GRAMMATICS ARE POST-POP.” a time when the music-buying public seem conceptual affair. Dom and I are really in love painfully fickle. Fortunately, great songs with the mid to late nineties era of British indie always shine through and it’s this basis that rock when albums had a sense of mystique… Grammatics rely on-cleverly constructed, secret tracks and brief musical interludes that intelligent ‘post-pop’. join songs. I’ll be disappointed if the end result That exhaustive, considered construction is isn’t something I could of dreamt it being… not the most straightforward process, Owen happy accidents and spontaneity are the most confesses: “We have many different ways of exiting aspects of recording. We’ll definitely be writing. I’ll produce either an embryonic or going to town on the album. “ half-way-there piece of music that is moulded It’s that sort of striking ambition that marks over months by the band into a song. It can be Grammatics out from the white noise of other a chord progression or sample with a melody, new bands. Not reliant on gimmick, uninspired just a riff, or a bedroom demo.” So is the entire outfits or ‘listen to us’ rants in the press, but band involved? “Well, everyone goes away and rather a carefully considered, ambition-fuelled stresses over their parts and I fuss over lyrics. desire to produce timeless and peerless pop. music/stone gods he Darkness spent a brief but turbulent few years Tin the limelight; their tongue-in-cheek lyrics and flamboyant costumes (who can forget the bare- chested cat suits?) - backed up with a fine slice of classic hard-rock - quickly caught the attention of the music press, and then the public at large. Their debut album went five-times platinum in the UK, showing plenty of fans capable of ignoring the ‘joke band’ tag, but things faltered as their second album failed to match their initial success. Front man Justin Hawkins eventually decided he couldn’t continue with the rock’n’roll lifestyle, quitting in October 2006. But just 30 minutes after The Darkness ended, Hawkins’ guitarist brother Dan was on the phone to

WORDS: TIM CHEESMaN STONE GODS DESIGN: TIM CHEESMaN/KEITH aNDREW

get bassist Richie Edwards and drummer Ed Graham No such surprises tonight though. Norwich is the closest the band get back on board, with Richie promoted to vocal and a hometown show, so it seems they’ve brought most of the crowd guitar duties. Toby MacFarlaine was then tempted along themselves. from Graham Coxon’s touring band to play bass. “My mum’s got a ‘Plus 16’, which is the biggest guest list I’ve ever Fifteen months later, and the Stone Gods have seen!” says Dan. “I’ve never seen that before! I’ve seen plus 8, plus 10 arrived. Their debut EP, Burn the Witch, isn’t released sometimes, but not plus 16! I’ve got all my Norwich mates here too. It’s until February 25th, but they’ve just completed their going to be a real party atmosphere tonight I think” first headlining UK tour, and took some time out before “I’ve got all my brothers, and my dad, and a few cousins coming as the final show to talk exclusively to Disposable Media well” adds drummer Ed Graham. “I think some people from (local BBC The tour has been a strange experience, as most TV News show) Look East are going to be here, and the of the audience have heard none of the new material Lowestoft Journal!” before turning up to the shows. But to the band’s “Wheeling out the big guns tonight! Fucking hell!” laughs Richie. relief, the crowds have liked what they’ve heard. Playing venues this size, with a capacity of a few hundred, is about as “It’s been a storming success” says Dan Hawkins. far as you can get from the huge arenas that held the final Darkness “I’ve been really surprised by the audiences; the fact shows, but Dan doesn’t miss those huge metal sheds at all. they turned up! I can’t believe it’s over!” “It’s nice to have a connection with an audience” he says. “If you’re watching a show from the back of an arena it’s not as enjoyable as when THE MUSICAL FORCE BEHIND you can almost reach out and touch them. It works the same way with THE DARKNESS ARE BACK AND TALKING the band. If you’re a bit blind like I am, and you’re playing these big EXCLUSIVELY WITH DM ABOUT arenas, then you can’t really see them. You can’t really feel the audience. THEIR NEW BAND That’s going to be my favourite bit of it, actually riding the audience. Like waves.” “Not literally though” says Richie, “Cos that’s very dangerous. Safety first!” music/stone gods That’s not to say the Stone Gods are adverse to they’re very, very loyal, and tend to stick with you, the dark chocolate…” playing huge venues again, of course, but mainstream whereas six year olds don’t really know what “Posh c**t!” says Richie. “I’d better say success is not something they’re specifically aiming they want!” it like that, in case someone for again. “Except for sweets” adds Toby. “And a good takes offence!” “I’m not particularly bothered about obtaining a pop- smack occasionally.” “He got a bollocking for saying c**t!” crossover audience really” says Dan. “We’re not snobs “There’s nothing wrong with smack and kids!” laughs Toby (Stars added for our family or anything, but we’re not after about having a pop agrees Dan. audience - Ed). audience that will desert you. We’re more interest in “No, not good smack! A good smack!” After a tirade of swearwords, (“Thirty- getting just a really big rock fan base, people who’ll laughs Richie. three years old and I still laugh when I say “All the kids are after these days is tits” says Richie, shaking his head. “Sorry some good smack” Toby says sagely. about that, we digress…” ), Dan explains Musically, the Stone Gods are taking how the recording process is a real a different direction to The Darkness, group effort. but there hasn’t been a deliberate effort “It’s kind of a four way thing really” he to avoid emulating their previous band.” says. “If anyone has an idea it gets “It’s certainly a more edgy sound, and worked on. It’s very much a bit heavier in parts” says Richie. “But a collaboration.” there was no agenda when we sat “Dan had a stock of pieces of music down to write the songs. We just threw he’d written” says Ed, “and so did Richie the shit at the wall and saw what stuck, I think.” there was no-one going ‘Right, we “I had a few” Richie agrees, whilst Dan cannot sound like the adds “and I came Darkness’. We just “All The kids up with a few lyrics did it and this is here and there, and what happened.” Are AfTer then Toby came in Ed adds “The way These dAys is and had a complete Richie sings and the thing finished, more or less. Well, “’…That guy in the hat, who kept getting drunk in way Richie plays some good it wasn’t finished.” Camden?’” laughs Dan. “No, Toby was our first choice. guitar is very different smAck!” “It was finished after I’d done We weren’t entirely sure he’d say yes, you know. We from Justin, so it was it” says Toby. were quite chuffed actually.” always going to sound different really.” When it came to compiling the new line-up, Dan Ed continues “He was playing a bit of a different “Plus actually in weight” says Dan, “if new straight away that he wanted Richie as the front style of music at the time, and we weren’t entirely sure you were to measure the weight of this man, and getting Toby on board to play bass proved he’d be up for what we were doing. But he was.” band, you’d find it’s a bit heavier. As are just as easy a task. “Exactly” concludes Toby. “I enjoy swimming in Lake we ourselves.” “Toby was definitely first choice” explains Richie. Rock. Having a good paddle.” ”But it is January,” Richie says “so “He’s known Dan and Ed for years, and he was the As the interview draws to an end Dan has a few Christmas has to be taken into account. person that they absolutely wanted from Day One.” closing words: stick with you.” Come and see us in August and we’ll be Ed adds “You instantly just thing of people you “Don’t forget to pick up the album when it’s out in “That’s the problem when you start appealing to the like whippets!” know, that you’re friends with, and play the bass, and the summer” says Dan. “And of course the EP. And, Saturday Morning Kids TV brigade” says Richie. “All “Yeah, not after an eating competition” says Dan. you think ‘I could ask him, or I could ask him’...” er… hello mum!” they’re waiting for is the next thing to come along, and “Which is what Christmas was for me. And I won, with “But I was the only one.” Toby deadpans. “They Stone Gods debut EP Burn The Witch is out on February 25th. See our then they’ll leave you like rats from a sinking ship. One the prize being a box of Ferrero Rocher. One of those thought, ‘Who do we know who plays bass? Who’s review of their Norwich show, and plenty more photos, on our blog: thing you can say about the rock audience is that pyramid shaped ones, with the white chocolate, and that wanker…?” http://disposablemedia.blogspot.com music/best of 2007

LCd soUndsYsTeM - soUnds oF siLVer he first time you listen to Sounds of Which leaves Sounds of Silver as an album 2007: TSilver you may find yourself asking where for music fans, whether they’re grown-ups or the singles are? From the get-go, it’s clear kids. It’s an album so immaculately conceived this album is about more than a collection and produced that at times it defies belief THe VerY of singles – it’s a classic LP celebration of that something from 2007 can sound so songwriting and musicianship. And the more perfectly now, and yet so utterly timeless. you listen, the less you’ll care about the lack It’s practically perfect, practically the best of top-40 fodder. LP released in 2007, and in years to come BesT oF It’s too hard to classify, anyway. It isn’t it’ll stand out as a highlight of the decade. It a rock, indie, grindie, big-beat or hardcore really is that accomplished. album. It isn’t even trying to be too different.

Words: IAN MORENO-MELGAR design: ANDREW REVELL

JUsTiCe - Cross ometimes, just sometimes, you really can dance album with no real musicianship sjudge a record by it’s cover. Cross is one involved. But that would miss the fact that of those albums - dark, a touch menacing, every single sound is full of purpose, and that THere CoULd HAVe Been 10 or More effortlessly cool – the cover art is a purpose is to thrust itself into your body and ALBUMs WHiCH JUsTiFied inCLUsion in wondrous thing and sets the tone for the consciousness. And the way it happens is the THe CLAss oF 2007. BUT iF An ALBUM TrULY music it contains. way each element is layered and structured rAnKs As greAT, iT deserVes More THAn And what is kept locked inside is so like chain metal, woven with some very heavy loud that at times it barely makes sense. drum beats. The Daft Punk comparisons are A singLe Line eXPLAining THe reAson Comprising of combinations of drum beats lazy – this is dance-metal and it is immense. WHY We LoVed iT so MUCH. And iF YoU and feedback for large sections, it would be reALLY WAnT More, THere’s ALWAYs THe easy to dimiss Cross as an overly simplistic dM BLog. in THe MeAnTiMe, disPosABLe MediA HAs TArgeTed THose geMs THAT deserVe To Be reMeMBered, BUT THAT HAVen’T PreVioUsLY FeATUred. THese Are THe ALBUMs THAT groW on YoU And BeCoMe BATTLes - Mirrored ust how does the Battles LP work? At else this year – and that makes it the perfect PArT oF THe FAMiLY. THe ALBUMs YoU Jtimes it tries too hard, and at others it partner for LCD Soundsystem. MigHT PLAY For PeoPLe BUT neVer Lend. seems as though it’s not trying at all. Beneath Both are trying for the same target by And THe ALBUMs YoU’LL ALWAYs KeeP the obvious math-rock influences and initially different methods, and this is a more modern oUTside oF THe ALPHABeTiCAL FiLing bewildering Tortoise-like jazz guitar noodling and noisy take on dance rock. Somehow, is an album of melody, pop sensibility and a even with all the intricacy, it never feels like sYsTeM. THeY’LL ALWAYs Be CLose To modern day understanding of how music can the product of a grand plan, and as far as we YoUr TUrnTABLe or Cd PLAYer, And affect by effect. It’s full of clever dynamics can tell, it’s how the music organically leaked Here’s WHY. between rhythm and power, it’s dense with from their brains and fingers. It’s new, it’s tight and intricate structures, and it’s rammed unique, and By God, how we love it! full of clever ideas. It sounds like nothing music/best of 2007

TWILIGHT SAD - 14 AUTUMS AND 15 WINTERS ALMOST... ALBUMS THAT CAME VERY NEAR onic majesty. Barrage of noise. Wall of and anger, poignancy and vague ideals, and Sfeedback. You could use any number it’s almost impenetrable at times. DILLINGERESCAPE PLAN of clichés to try and describe how Twilight There are waves of accent and noise, - IRE WORKS sound, but imagine layers of guitar that sound feedback and cymbals thrown at your A brutal album that shows DEP get a as though they’ve been ripped from the face like a rough Highland wind, but if you bit rockier and a bit more electronic, deepest depths of a sleeping dragon. Imagine persevere, you’ll find an album of fierce but still instantly recognisable as those a more majestic, powerful, and Scottish, beauty that begs for repeated listening and crazy metalcore kids. Explosions in the Sky, to get some idea of your undivided loyalty. just how wonderful this album is. Twilight Sad’s debut album is stuffed full of sentiment RICHARD HAWLEY - LADY’S BRIDGE Score two great albums in a row for Sheffield’s finest. Still edging close to easy listening, but much too musically capable for us to care. MINUS THE BEAR - PLANET ICE he last album by Minus the Bear, Menos Don’t be too afraid – it’s hugely inviting, Tel oso, was a summer record. The cover asking you to explore the layers and depth BAT FOR LASHES - FUR looked like summer, the music sounded like behind the clever pop-infused melodies that summer, and some of the lyrics were even MtB have always had a canny knack for. It’s AND GOLD about summer. But now comes Planet Ice – just much more subtle than their previous Fantastic debut from Britain’s newest the winter album. It still keeps the incredible effort, managing to be complex, without songstress, good enough to be finger tapping, ‘dance-prog’ structures and alienating anyone. Just listen on a wintery compared to Kate Bush. Melodic, knowing lyrics/titles, but Planet of Ice is a night and be sucked into the majesty. fascinating and incredibly individual. slightly more grown up affair, with much more emphasis on the prog. FEIST - THE REMINDER Sure, the ipod advert. But beyond that lays an album of consistently high quality French-sounding-folky-pop that LOW - DRUMS AND GUNS is incredibly easy on the ears. riminally overlooked in the end of the with Arab Strap are well founded, but Drums C2007 polls, Low’s latest effort is once manages a lightness, and an infusion of pop again a brooding affair, but now it broods to match the wit. The title may be bombastic, PHAROAHE MONCH over added drum loops. Enchanting and but Low have never truly dealt in noise and - DESIRE bewitching, it once again raises Low back won’t start now. Instead, it’s a call to arms Inspirational and uplifting music mixes up to the level of Things We Lost. After three for themselves and their audience. And who with great, angry lyrics making an albums which certainly weren’t bad by any could ignore the sound of drums and guns. album full of heart. One of the hip-hop means, Low have found yet another sound. highlights of the year. But this one embraces their pedigree with fresh flecks on inspiration. Comparisons music/album of the year

n a Friday back in October, DM held a pre-production meeting for issue o10. We discussed the Good/Bad column and a few ideas got thrown about, in / rAinBoWs many got chucked out and when all seemed lost, Radiohead began to post interesting cryptic messages on their website. When a countdown began at radioheadlp7.com, things went from interesting to fascinating. But, after years of in rAin/BoWs waiting, nothing came. Quickly dismissed by disPosABLe MediA doesn’T TAKe THe PressUre oF the band, the countdown timer expired and revealed nothing; as quickly as the fervour singLing oUT An ALBUM oF had started, it fizzled out, leaving fans empty. THe YeAr LigHTLY. iF iT WAs Further still, the messages on For disCUssion ALone, Radiohead’s website were ambiguous in rAinBoW/s in creation and meaning, and ultimately THe CHoiCe WoULd HAVe revealed nothing other than that Radiohead Been eAsY. BUT For THe were still alive. Good and Bad had MUsiC? THAT WAs HArder... seemingly written itself: Radiohead are brilliant, if painfully self aware and, possibly, hen it was agreed that Disposable possibly out of touch. in rAinBoWs/ With no new material for four years, Media would nominate an album of the W whispers of stagnation from the band and year for this page, In Rainbows hadn’t been no record deal, there was an element of released. There were already enough great doubt about The Greatest Band in the albums already to make a choice difficult, but World. Their back catalogue speaks for then Radiohead stole it at the last whilst itself, (Good) but with the new album in rAin_BoWs seemingly In Limbo, an early 2008 release creating furious debate. Do you think it should was rumoured, we felt somewhat cheated have? Has 2007 been a vintage year for by the lack of transparency. (Bad). music? We’d love to know, so visit our forum Then, on October 1st, a new message and tell us: appeared on the Radiohead website reading as follows: “Hello everyone. Well, the new r A d i o H e A_ d album is finished, and it’s coming out in 10 www.disposablemedia.co.uk/forum days; We’ve called it In Rainbows. Love from us all. Jonny” 10 days until the new Radiohead album? And it had a name. In Rainbows. And soon it was revealed the buyer would choose ALBUM_ o F_ how much to pay for it. In one swift move, Radiohead had literally flipped the long established model for the music industry on its head. Ten days passed, and the Radiohead site crumbled, seemingly unable to cope when THe YeAr / faced with a reported 1.2million downloads

Words: IAN MORENO-MELGAR design: ANDREW REVELL music/album of the year of the album. The Disposable Media team or even artwork, the digital format seemed downloaded with joy, frustration and almost acceptable. But would so many have surprise – and we listened. We complained paid for it if they knew the more traditional about the bit-rate, about the cost of the release was going to come before the end special box version and about the lack of of the year? artwork, but then we listened again. And Thankfully, In Rainbows rises above all again, and again and again. such issues. After listening and discussing, We discussed and argued, debated and this isn’t an album of gimmicks and agreed; In Rainbows is a classic Radiohead headlines suited to Good or Bad status, LP. Full of tender beauty, structured anger but one of genuine warmth, artistry and and pointed musicianship. It has moments simply spectacular songs. Radiohead of the brave originality that we’ve come to have simply made the best LP they could, expect over the last three LPs, but there and in turn 2007’s musical highlight. In was a welcoming, confident atmosphere IT’S UP TO YOU Rainbows is Disposable Media’s album of to the LP somewhat akin to the tracks the year. No other LP has come close to on Amnesiac that carried a strong guitar generating the discussion, fervent debate element, something that apparently everyone and impassioned vitriol that In Rainbows wishes they’d stuck to. has. Perhaps the initial delivery system of When the album finishes, the most ? the album overshadowed the music itself, striking element is that it sounds almost but within time everyone is realising just normal. There are no alien electro tracks, how exceptional the album truly is. From there are no instrumental interludes. the glitchy, distorted thumps that open This is an album that is almost perfectly the album with 15 Steps, to the beautifully conventional - it has ten tracks and each delicate guitar on Faust Arp, the vital pace lasts around four minutes. After the last of the rhythm section on Jigsaw falling three albums, it’s almost a disappointment into place and the hugely insistent drums to find Radiohead’s latest is incredibly on Reckoner, here is an LP that redefines normal, despite it’s unconventional Radiohead as musicians once again. distribution model. HOME VIEW BASKET The title of the album suggests a The recent release of the album, from comfortable, happy state of being and it XL Recordings on December 31st, offered seeps into the lyrics of the album as well. more intrigue into the initial move of offering Since the success of OK Computer, Yorke’s the album as download-only. With the lyrics had become full of personal paranoia, ‘leaking’ of albums before release becoming oblique references to social collapse. commonplace, it could be argued the digital They were often delivered through tight, release of the LP was the band pre-empting almost repetitive instructions; thoughts the album finding it’s own way onto the net. stuck in Yorke’s head pulsed and gushed By charging for the pleasure and making it headlong into the music. But with In available only through their own website, Rainbows, the lyrics become slightly less Radiohead made a profit, kept a tighter personal, a little more self-aware, a touch control of the albums movement and did more optimistic and perhaps even tinged nothing to prevent a physical release at a with a little romance. Don’t be misled; this later date. isn’t an album of stirring sentiment, but With the physical album now out, it’s it is one with a knowing softness to the difficult not to feel slightly short-changed worry and anguish: Yorke is seemingly if you were one of the many to pay for the content to welcome his dark streak, but download. For a start, the digital release it is now shared for all to see as well. It is of the album was encoded at such a low less cathartic, but more enveloping for the bit-rate that some aspects of the album, listener. In Rainbows is still dark but it is such as the bass and deep production, WE DISCUSSED, ARGUED AND AGREED; not uninviting, it welcomes but does not suffered. With no confirmed release date, IN RAINBOWS IS A CLASSIC RADIOHEAD LP embrace. It’s Disposable Media’s album of 2007. music/doormat live hen you go into a gig and they didn’t seem even slightly fazed. He might not cross your name off a list rather turn heads like a red-haired female Jeff IT ISN’T THE FIRST TIME THE DOORMAT HAS BEEN PUT UNDER Wthan giving you a ticket Buckley but it was very good. stuff For the ARM AND GONE TRAVELLING, BUT IT IS THE FIRST TIME IT HAS beforehand, you know you’re somewhere small. third time in the evening it was relaxing to find BEEN TAKEN TO A RELIGIOUS BUILDING... Add in a huge domed ceiling, a gorgeous another talented singer capable of doing the stained glass window and flickering candles venue justice and one that knew exactly what and it is already impressive, but consider that he was doing. Storytelling folk, with tales of part of the original design was to make the London, girls and whiskey that you’d swear DOORMATlive impressive organ sound perfect and you’re should have come from America despite UNION CHAPEL: FEBRUARY 1ST suddenly in a venue more impressive than any sounding thoroughly English. Perhaps the WORDS AND DESIGN: ANDREW REVELL tent or theatre falling into disrepair. most obvious comparison from recent years is Opening the night was MARY HAMPTON Willy Mason, sharing a knack for grabbing and a young folk songstress from presumably a keeping attention with generally understated quiet corner of Brighton. On stage alone and music. If the thought of an acoustic guitar and immediately welcoming comparison to Joan a beard doesn’t put you off, check him out. Baez and Kate Rusby, Mary Hampton played And finally,REVERE . I’ve reviewed them music with a tradional sound that felt perfectly before, and said that I like them and suited to the surroundings. Deserving of described them as “Grand stuff - Radiohead attention from anyone with an interest in the without numerous electronic gizmos”. Little recent surge of folk musicians. has changed - I still like them and in this From nothing more than a flash of bright venue their full-bodied sound is a perfect fit. red hair it was possible to guess that GABBY It’s catchy and singalong indie created with YOUNG AND OTHER ANIMALS were going proper instruments with a folkish song- to sound a little different. As the stage filled writing flair that when put together sounds with a backing band that wouldn’t be out of like it is made by grown-ups rather than the place in a jazz brunch (trumpets, double bass latest new kid on the block. This is a very and all). Just to keep it interesting, there was good thing. They’ve clearly spent plenty of also an accordian filling the room with the time on a stage too, putting together a well sound of a busker on Le Metro. If that all co-ordinated live act that meant their place at sounds wacky, it’s extremely pleasing to say the top of this fantastic bill is thoroughly that the music wasn’t. It was just really good. deserved. Beyond good use of all the instruments on In an incredibly depressing fact, not one stage, the most important aspect was Gabby of these bands is signed to a proper record Young herself who can really, really sing and label, although they have managed to get when combined with the amazing venue CDs out all of which I thoroughly recommend provided an awe-inspiring set. Just because you purchase. None of them sound like Take someone can sing and lets themselves go a bit That or Fall Out Boy...but if you think that is a doesn’t mean you should just throw the name bad thing, get out. Also, this is what churches Jeff Buckley at the page, but this time it feels should be for and if I ever see a church well deserved. Add in Muse’s trick of bringing complaining about lack of funds I’m going to songs to a cacophanous conclusion, red hair flip out like Jesus in a temple, because this is being tossed around whilst accordians are a great way of making money that would mashed that left listeners feeling thoroughly work for many. And yes, I did have to end on exhausted and from the raucous approval it left a biblical reference. them quite delighted as well. Recommended. Actually, no, I don’t need to end like that. I Following it wouldn’t be that easy, but SAM have to end saying I left with a massive, BEER, a folky musician complete with an massive grin. It was awesome. acoustic guitar, a mouth organ and a beard, PHOTOGRAPH COPYRIGHT HDC, uSED uNDER CREATIvE COMMONS LICENSE music/reviews

ou know you’re onto a good which leave the Scotman’s other rom the land of Edam, Radar Changes’ show some ambition to Ything when a pop record plays much-hyped collaboration ‘Heart FLove and Van Gogh comes be more than what I’m willing to bet out like a Greatest Hits package. Beat Rock’ wanting. the kind of unashamed classic is a great band to see live with a Kylie’s tenth studio album – the X’s main flaw, however, is that it rock band that only our European pint of Grolsch in your hand, in a appropriately titled X – is not isn’t quite as brave as ‘2 Hearts’ neighbours are available to sweaty club or cannabis cafe. outshone by its predecessors in suggests it might be. A collection of produce without irony. The six- It’s nothing that will start a that respect. While ‘2 Hearts’ multifaceted pop rather than a bold track CD kicks off with ‘House of revolution, but if you fancy some perhaps represents the singer’s step forward, fans might have Love’, an ode to “Hot Women” straight-ahead rock with a bit of an bravest (and arguably best) single expected something wilder for a and “Hot Night’s”. And the staple accent, it’s definitely worth a listen. for almost a decade, X is stacked comeback record, though rival themes of gambling (Pokerface), dan thornton KYLIE full of Minogue in more typical form. artistes will still be watching THE HEAVENS and drugs (Love Drug), also get MINOGUE Standout tracks include disco- with envy. DEVILS a mention. X epic ‘The One’, co-written with The Keith Andrew KINGS AND Probably the most fashionable Freemasons, electro-pop perfection KILLERS of the tunes is the Strokesian indie Wow and Calvin Harris’ summer-hit- tune ‘The Trap’, yet ‘House of in-the-making ‘In My Arms’ - all of Love’, ‘The Trap’ and finale ‘Life “You Know You’re onto A good thing “iF You FAncY some strAight-AheAd when A pop record plAYs out liKe A rocK, it’s deFinitelY worth A listen.” greAtest hits pAcKAge.”

oldfrapp’s forth album is first. You might find yourself oming from East Anglia, which ‘Return’ and ‘Relentless’. gsomething of a return to their wondering if you’ve put in the right chas a certain ‘redneck’ The majority of tracks help him roots (if you’ll excuse the tree pun). disc when the first track starts, but reputation, it’s perhaps no surprise along with some powerful and Dropping the electro-pop styling of once the shock subsides, you’ll find that this Peterborough-based band energetic drumming, and good solid 2005’s Supernature, this effort is far it’s an album you fall in love with. channel Lynyrd Skynyrd, via Temple guitar sound as the band straddle closer in tone to their debut. And it gets even better with of the Dog and some more modern the gap between rock and metal, That’s not to say they’re simply repeated listening. rock influences. with a hint of early 90’s grunge, and retreading old ground though. It’s ludicrously early to say this, What’s more surprising is that a definite Alice in Chains approach Seventh Tree is reminiscent of a but there won’t be many they’re able to rise above the local to post-production effects on the 60’s psychedelic folk record, taking challengers to Seventh Tree for studio production to show talent vocals. Only ‘Slow’ does as the title GOLDFRAPP some dreamy-soundscapes and album of the year. POINT 7 which could see them breaking out suggests, and in 12 tracks, only SEVENTH mixing in a few trippy little ditties tim cheeseman PISTOL of the local area. Singer James one, ‘Sterilise’ fails to excite. TREE along the way. POINT 7 Doherty’s talents are best displayed dan thornton Fans who got into the band with PISTOL on the louder tracks and rousing their later albums may find the choruses, backed by some great change in sound a little jarring at harmonies, particularly on tracks like “there won’t be mAnY chAllengers to “it’s perhAps no surprise thAt point 7 seventh tree For Album oF the YeAr.” pistol chAnnel lYnYrd sKYnYrd And some more modern rocK inFluences.” comics - . Shaman Warrior t might look like the Comics section is a bit on the short side this issue, but considering we’re t might look like the Comics section is a bit on to an entire genre of comics issue by issue, introducing a large proportion of our readership to keep you going. there should be more than enough inspiration For instance, Disposable Media newcomer Colm Wood takes a detailed look at Manhwa - an For instance, Disposable Media newcomer Colm also got a retrospective look at what hap And just to placate Western populist tastes, we’ve the other sections - DM also reveals its comic It’s in this celebratory spirit that - much like in all Dan Thornton Editor [email protected] entire genre no less - focussing on stand-out example entire genre no less - focussing on stand-out example the mind of an iconic superhero. Strangely enough, pens when a film director starts messing with has yet to produce – and some of his best. it’s probably the most mature work Kevin Smith address is right below. See you in my inbox. of the year. Disagree with our choice? My email I daredevil: guardian angel / shadowpact / shaman warrior /

comics getting into comics dm10/ currently reading . . . . . reading currently comics/start here etting on the road to falling in love with comics isn’t actually that easy. The most Glogical place to start, the comic book DO NOT: Read Movie Spin-Offs shop, isn’t often that helpful. It is unlikely to An increasing number of films are released with film tie-ins - such as the X- acknowledge that light is a useful tool for looking Men films to Transformers. In many ways, the movie tie-in is the exact opposite at words and pictures and instead instil a of Watchmen. The characters are known and they’re simple to read. In reality, permanent dusk. Filing systems based around working on movie tie-ins tends to be the comic equivalent of doing pantomime. publisher, publication date and a casual A collection of talented people and almost-famouses putting together work understanding of the alphabet make looking for a poorer than they are capable of because they know their regular fans, their specific title near-impossible. Especially as bread and butter, won’t read it. There are, of course, exceptions (there are a hundreds of titles are crammed into space that number of decent Star Wars spin-offs, for starters) but the chances of picking a would be insufficient for half that number. So good one at random are slim. START HERE ANDREW REvELL LOOKS AT THE vARIOUS BAD WAYS YOU CAN DO NOT: Just pick up a random comic START READING COMICS. Picking up a random comic and hoping for it to convert you to them is almost impossible. Picked at START HERE TWO: STARTING. random, the chances are it will feature super-heroes, people tend to rely on one of three methods of which despite frequent exceptions regularly rely on getting started, none of which are great. Three knowledge of obscure characters due to cross-pollination verging on incest. bad ways to get into comics: Stick with them and you’ll develop that obscure knowledge, but it isn’t a particularly rapid process. Even if you land on a good one you’ll not know what DO NOT: Read Watchmen happened previously and if you’ve picked an old comic finding out what Like everything, comics have their own master- happens next is depressingly unlikely which is incredibly unsatisfying. pieces that people are desperate to recommend and Watchmen is that title. But as a starting The lessons learned? It can’t be too uninviting however good, it has to be point? That is almost akin to recommending created specifically to be a comic and it has to offer a satisfyingly complete Canterbury Tales as a first book to read. Even on story. So what fits the bill? On the super-hero side of things, the Ultimate line, its simplest level, Watchmen is a satire of super- specifically Ultimates is not only well crafted but it was created as a self- hero comics a new reader has never read. Alan contained starting point. For younger readers, Brian K. Vaughn’s Runaways Moore spent more words composing the first serves just as good a purpose, welcoming, friendly and brilliant. And if you’re panel of Watchmen than there are in this entire not interested in super-heroes, go for the journalistic Palestine by Joe Sacco column, but that depth is as likely to put off a new good enough to make you forget you’re not reading a newspaper. And for reader as impress them. Watchmen is better something a little lighter than that, try the fantastic (in both senses) Fables by being read (and re-read) once an understanding Bill Willingham. of the medium has been developed. That might not be an innovative list, but it was never meant to be. The important thing is that it avoids the potential pitfalls. And if you like those, you “RECOMMENDING WATCHMEN IS can start listening to recommendations and even picking out things that also ALMOST AKIN TO RECOMMENDING seem to appeal as you’re well on the way. THE CANTERBURY TALES AS A FIRST BOOK” comics/shaman warrior

WITH THE INFLUX OF EASTERN CULTURE INTO THE MAINSTREAM, EVEN YOUR GRANDPARENTS KNOW ABOUT MANGA COMICS. BUT AS SHAMAN WARRIOR SHOWS, EAST ASIA CONSISTS OF MORE THAN JUST JAPAN OR CHINA. MANHWA THEF**K? o the uninitiated, the term ‘Manhwa’ Despite the title, it’s the exploits of Batu, may look like a typo, but it refers to the the bodyguard, which forms the centre of the Tcomic art of Korea, and in particular story, rather than his Shaman master, which South Korea, rather than Japan or China (see allows us to see the world in a more personal later for more explanation of Manhwa). way that might have been possible with his Many of the titles chosen for English- master. The sincerity we see in this towering translation are those aimed at teenage girls. ‘man tank’ (or ‘mank’) allows us to sympathise Thankfully Shaman Warrior is a more macho with his situation. And, as revealed in the example of the quality comics hitting ‘Author’s Note’, it’s a representation of the our shores. sincerity of the artist, Park The story begins in the “THE DEPICTION OF Joong-Ki, himself. WORDS: ColM WooD aftermath of a war in MOVEMENT IS INCREDIBLE The story is very fast DESIGN: KEITh ANDrEW which individual Shamans AND EMOTIVE, WITH EVERY paced, and develops into stood out as fierece PAGE FULL OF VIBRANCY.” a deeper serialisation, enemies capable of meaning that once you’re superhuman abilities. But after the fighting hooked, you’ll need to keep up-to-date. It also has finished, these warriors are seen as means that if you pick up a later issue, it’s liabilities, and are slowly hunted, one by one. best to keep it safe until you can start from The first volume introduces us to one such, volume 1. But the fast-paced episodic nature Shaman, named Yarong, and his local makes it great entertainment for a short break bodyguard ‘Batu’. Although initially focused from the real world. on the pursuit of the duo by unnamed The main selling point of this title is the henchman across a barren wasteland, the artwork. Similar in many respects to the more plot starts to develop a political tone as more familiar Manga style, the main difference is in information on their world becomes available, the design of the characters (Manhwa interspersed with our heroes creations are generally less cute and rounded defending themselves. that their Japanese or Chinese counterparts). comics/shaman warrior

“IT’S THE REALISM THAT SEPARATES MANHWA FROM In the past, the sudden popularity of Manga MANGA, AND SHAMAN WARRIOR in the West saw many publishers and importers FROM MANY OTHERS.” pushing out quality rather than quality, in order to cash in before any downturn. Yet some titles (for instance, the iconic Akira), continue to The depiction of movement is incredible and stand out as stunning examples of the genre. emotive, with every page full of vibrancy. The still By the same token, within confused marketing images almost leap of each page, giving a real and retailers who are as likely to file it under feel of kinetic movement, and shows a depth of Manga as Manhwa, the care and quality of Park understanding about dynamics of movement and Joong-Ki and Shaman Warrior marks it out as a the structure of the body, to enhance shining example of the genre that is an essential the realism. reference point for any fan or aspiring comic And initially it is the artwork that holds the title book artist. together. Although the story is compelling from the start, the plot development comes in later volumes and an increasing cast list. Initially the hook is from the fast-paced battle scenes and incredibly detailed full page illustrations. Sometimes the action moves so fast it can be hard to understand who is winning – which is usually true in the heat of a battle. The personality of the characters comes from their facial features and expressions, despite cartoonish body proportions, and it’s this realism that separates Manhwa from Manga, and Shaman Warrior from many other titles.

MANHWA EXPLAINED...

MANHWA IS THE name given for Korean comics (although within Korea it usually refers to South Korean work). The confusion with Manga comes from style similarities and befuddled marketing and retailers, although one big difference is that Manhwa is read left-to-right. A number of publishers have started to Unless you recognise Korean names and specialise in Manhwa translations, which may sound effects, the main way to spot mislabelled also be filed under ‘Original Korean-Language Manhwa is by examining the art. Korean manga’. One of these companies is Dark Horse, characters are generally more realistic and less publisher of Shaman Warrior. Check out the DM cartoon-like, with far more realistic hair, and website at www.disposablemedia.co.uk for some more obvious signs of Asian ethnicity. links to the more popular Manhwa specialists. comics/comic of the year f Shadowpact had been conceived in a As ALWAYs, 2007 HAs BEEN vortex, a land without a hundred and one Idifferent super-hero titles each trying A BUsY YEAr FOr COMICs, to capture the publics attention, it might INCLUdING PLENTY OF not have been the best comic of the year. FANTAsTIC ONEs. BUT It would certainly have been enjoyed, but WHEN THE dIsPOsABLE the almost satire, almost parody and totally tongue-in-cheek approach wouldn’t have had MEdIA COMICs EdITOr any effect. Because Shadowpact emerged, WAs AsKEd TO PICK A like almost all recent titles, as a spin-off from FAVOUrITE, THE CHOICE a major comics event it’s approach gives it a WAs sUPrIsINGLY EAsY.... feeling of being something a little different and something a bit special. Unlike other titles with similar backgrounds, Shadowpact has a card up its sleeve that few other titles have - it’s writer. Or more specifically, the fact that its writer and creator is so ideally suited to the project. If you were commissioning a comic about a team of super-heroes whose powers are all based around magic and are based in another dimension, there are a couple of names that come to mind. The obvious one if you want a deadly serious title is Neil Gaiman from his work on Sandman, but if f course, there were plenty to choose you want something a bit more relaxed and Ofrom. DC has continued its resurrgence want the team to work out of a bar then with each new series and little spin-off Bill Willingham fresh from his work on the wonderous Fables is an ideal choice. And consistently impressing more than they have that is exactly who it got. any right to. Meanwhile, Marvel has been Bill Willingham gives everything the hitting its own vein of form and captured the feeling that it has been thought about headlines by killing off Captain America whilst thoroughly, that each aspect of the team has of the year the of indie comics too are continuing to offer fresh been put there for a fully considered reason. tastes. The UK has managed to create the Take the base of operations being in a bar, as an example. Elsewhere the decision to wonderful Image series Phonogram, a late base a team in a drinking hole might be contender for comic of the year in Alan taken for a chance to dive at faux-maturity Moore’s Black Dossier and a resurrgent as it was in Warriors. Here it is used as a 2000AD that is the best it has been in years. gentle metaphor for the creation of the team EVELL

R In such a year, an individual choice is the and the disorganisation that they never lost. only way to get an answer without getting The Shadowpact team don’t have a Bruce Wayne or a Tony Stark to fund the creation trapped in arguements that will last long into of a moonbase but they do have a guy who ANDREW ANDREW 2008. But we’re keen to hear which comic runs a bar. So where else could they be you think should have been on this page, so

IGN: IGN: based? When an early storyline sees them

s visit disposablemedia.co.uk/ E disappear for a year (during DC’s messy One d forum and have your say. Here’s to a 2008 Year Later event) sees the owner disappear d as good as this year. for a year he loses ownership. Rather than being an excuse to move out, they simply rent out a backroom. It’d all sound a bit too rds AN rds

O pathetic were it not for the fact it is an W comic comics/comic of the year inter-dimensional bar that is visited only making him super-intelligent and ever young by highly powerful magicians. The aspects - it is fair to say that his isn’t the most tragic combined define the team, well-meaning of origin stories. and clever enough to make use of their This group of characters provides an surroundings but still disorganised enough interesting base, but the work put on them to emphasise the point that this isn’t a since is what defines them andShadowpact. traditional, earnest super-hero team that Each character’s traits are maintained always do everything perfectly. That mix throughout and it gives the book some of ensures that readers will pay attention. the most developed characters around. With The same kind of consideration has chracters regularly given their own stories gone into the cast. Whilst the DC universe to expand, be it Ragman getting to meet the has a plethora of magical characters there people inside his suit or Blue Devil hiring a are a few obvious choices for who should lawyer to go into hell. But for the most part, have been included. Famous characters like the key stories are treated with the utmost Captain Marvel or any of his extended family, seriousness. They might not be the most Zatanna or Zachary Zatanna and Etrigan innovative tales, typical super-villain fare for the Demon are nowhere to be seen in the the most part, but the way each is tackled is regular cast even if most of them appeared where the pleasure comes from. And seeing sooner or later as supporting characters. the team retire to their backroom to work on

Despite those characters not being tactics and creating the first 3 law’s of being chosen, this isn’t a cast of complete nobodies a super-hero (with more than a passing ,either. Anyone who has been reading comics resemblance to Asimov’s robot laws) is a joy. for a good few years should recognise It’s simply more interesting to spend time at least most of the team from guest with a super-hero team that is allowed to fail. appearances and failed titles. The only thing Truth be told, the last few issues have that seems to link the chosen characters been a little rougher with Matthew Sturgess is a sense of tragedy that compels them to taking over whilst Willingham works on the join a team whose future immediately looked (really quite good) Salvation Run. Partly it unlikely to be illustrious - or even very long. suffers just because of the excellent work Both team leader Jim “Nightmaster” Rook already created, partly because he simply and Rory “Ragman” Reagan both had to lose doesn’t seem as familiar with the characters. their fathers before receiving their powers Although as the series hits 2008 it has whilst Eve “Nightshade” Eden lost her mother seen a slight retrun to form and still worth before discovering her powers. Blue Devil appearing in anyones stack of comics. went one step further and sold all his families For anyone wanting to get started, the souls in exchange for the chance to become Day of Vengeance trade paperback is a movie star but in the process became a the place to start, followed by the start of demon. Enchantress frequently used her Shadowpact proper in The Pentacle Plot ability as a powerful sorceress for evil before and then Cursed. After that, you’re on to the joining the team. And the Detective Chimp issues themselves. Enjoy. is an ape that fell in the fountain of youth, comics/retro

t would almost be as easy to deconstruct saviour of mankind or the antichrist, brings in her opening letter to Matt Murdock, as this graphic novel with criticism, as it more confusion to the red devil, as does the she explains the reasons for her departure. Iwould to do so with praise. It features a urge to call old flame Natasha Romanov - Romanov is also well-handled (sorry!), foreword by Ben Affleck (the film wasn’t that also know as the Black Widow. As particularly when literally left holding the comics retrospective bad...), it’s written by Kevin Smith (whose Murdock finds himself torn between baby: “Good God – I was an Avenger!” EVERYONE CAN FIND THEMSELVES QUESTIONNING THEIR FAITH, THEIR SELF BELIEF AND THEIR SANITY - BUT WHAT DAREDEVIL: GUARDIAN DEVIL HAPPENS WHEN THEY’RE A SUPERHERO?

WORDS: DAN THoRNToN comic love is as famed as his efforts to outdo counsels advising him to protect the baby Daredevil’s history has always been DESIGN: KEITH ANDREW Clerks are overlooked), and the plot itself tails or kill it (protecting people from the curse dominated by the death of his boxer father, off as it brings itself to resolution. that it will bring upon anyone it comes into so it’s a change for Smith - via Romanov - Fortunately, I’d rather choose to fill this contact with), his friend Foggy Nelson is to point to the issues that Daredevil and page with the even easier task of persuading accused of murder. And Karen reappears Murdock have encountered with the you why you really should read it; it’s with the shock that she’s HIV Positive. deadlier sex. A list including Karen, the definitely a title which will inspire you to find Without revealing too much, the matters murdered Elektra, the murderous Typhoid out more about the character if you’re not do come to a conclusion, albeit a tragic Mary and more reveals more about already a fan, and will get you back up to one. But even though the plot moves along Daredevil than a list of his foes. speed – or even re-read the Frank Miller era - at a movie-like pace, packed with big Guardian Devil typically demonstrates a if you already follow the life and loves of “WHAT SHINES IS cinematic approach to comics. The angles Matt Murdock. THE WARMTH AND and flow of the artwork, the pace of the Blinded as a boy, skilled as a fighter, and KNOWLEDGE SMITH script, and the emotional rollercoaster the splitting his life between lawyer and HAS FOR DAREDEVIL.” cast and audience ride are such that it’s a superhero, Murdock walks the line between surprise that this tale wasn’t adapted for civilian and hero in a manner akin to revelations, what really shines through is the the DD debut on film. The plot may drop Spiderman. But Daredevil is a far darker title, warmth and knowledge Smith has for the slightly below the initial promise, but the art with the hero choosing to focus his heroic character. In-jokes, references to both and dialogue hold it together without efforts on making the less-than-delightful Dareveil’s past life and loves, and even difficulty – even after slightly more Hell’s Kitchen a safer place to be for the poor Smith’s career, are blended together with a epilogues than you’d generally consider unfortunates who dwell there. Abandonment real love; doubtless emphasised by the necessary. And since then, Smith’s further by his mother, the murder of his father, and shared Catholic upbringing of both writer forays into comic book writing have only regular dichotomies between the role of the and character. improved. If only he had quit making films, lawyer and hero are all pent up within the Rarely has comic art been quite so warm and instead focused his energies on calm and quiet blind man of Catholic faith. and vibrant, with the pencils of Joe Daredevil and Natasha Romanov, or, as And it’s this faith that Kevin Smith brings Quesada and inks of Jimmy Palmiotti, and a did happen, switch companies to DC and into question, armed only with a small baby. team of colorists consistently on the money. turn his hand to another of my favourite But first, Murdock’s long-term lover Karen As weird as it may be, I have to admit that characters, Green Arrow. Page decides to leave Hells Kitchen, despite the Black Widow has rarely looked sexier If you do pick up a copy of Guardian “MR MURCOCK, their survival of countless traumas together, than on these pages. (ahem). Devil, or already know the extent of the THE ANGEL TOLD ME and Murdock’s acceptance of a less than It’s easy to imagine the dialogue of the plot, feel free to come and chat about it on YOU’RE DAREDEVIL.” glorious part of Page’s life as a drug addict book resembling Smith’s cinematic fanboy the DM forums. Just promise to mark it as and porn star. exchanges, but he shows an immense skill a ‘Spoiler’... The discovery of a baby, apparently the in adopting the tone and emotions of product of a virgin birth, and either the several characters – particularly Karen Page gallery gallery dm8/gallery dm8/dm10/gallerygallery

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WHAT: CompliCiTy WHo: CHrisTiAn ATkin WHErE: lAzygunn.dEviAnTArT.Com christian atkin dm11/coming soon

Change is afoot...

...but one thing is certain: the artist formally known as Mr. Biffo will be back in DM11.

Talking exclusively to Disposable Media, Paul Rose will reveal all about Digitiser, five years since the magazine closed its digital doors.

“I have become a bloated, self-obsessed, egomaniac, drunk on the giddy elixir that drools from the ripe, veiny teats of self-satisfaction. You’d hate me.” 11 Coming soon.

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