I have to say that some of the negativity here about the upcoming mook format is bothering me. Rather than addressing those posts, I'm going to present something positive. I'm going to tell you what I'm looking forward to as a writer for Super7.

I can sum it up in one word: SPACE. Space to convey an unlimited depth and breadth of information. Previously, the articles I wrote needed to fit a two to six page target. Not any more. This time around I can dump everything from my brain onto the page, and the photos that accompany the article can be larger.

Now, if it needs to be, that six page article can be a twenty-six page article. No more sidebars being cut for space considerations, no more whittling down sentences to hit a word count, no more photos dropped because there wasn't enough room to show the entire product line-up.

Already I have ideas for three large articles that would be ill-suited for a magazine format, but ideal for a 200 page mook, and as I'm starting to put them together I'm visualizing how cool the final product will be. In fact, I'm not even viewing them as articles any more, but rather as entries in a new English-language Japanese toy encyclopedia. I'm hoping that everyone else feels the same way when they read them.

Obviously, it's going to take more time and effort for Brian, Chad, and the rest of the staff and contributors to produce material on this scale as opposed to the magazine, and I hope that everyone gives the new format and schedule a chance.

But if some people are already building up such negative expectations only days after Super7 #15 was released, then I don't know what's going to change their minds.

I agree. Who needs a magazine to "make news"? Everything is already on the web before I see it in the zine. The timely parts of S7 magazine are read once material. I use the articles as a reference all the time but I never revisit the News section.

Yes, I want Japanese toy encyclopedias. I always read the S7 articles for reference and wish that there was more information about this toy or that. For some of the topics covered, there's nothing even nearly equivalent available on the Internet. I'm all for the mook format, even if it will be published only semi-annually.

"This time around I can dump everything from my brain onto the page"

You say that like it's a GOOD thing!

Personally, I'm looking forward to the "mook" concept. The "encyclopedia" concept has always worked for me, though, be it the Saito books, Chogokin Chronicle, Super #1 Robot, etc. And, because I'm quite biased, between you and mecha, and Brian and vintage vinyl, the old shit will be well represented.

Oh, and Rog...come Feb., are we going to need to send you on a rescue mission to M1 to free Jetty?

Im excited for the Mook, but am sad that I wont get the S7 magazine quarterly also.Im just worried the mook wont be produced on time and next thing you know 6 months turns into 8 months.Also it means that if the first Mook dosent have the comprehensive Secret Base article and photo checklist that Im dying for I might have to wait years!YEARS!!

I think the Mook will look rad though.

I like Mooks.

They help it all flow when I'm on the potty

That should be the new slogan

Super7 The Mook:
Keeps you regular twice a year

DONALD: OK, HISTORY. THIS IS FOR THE GAME. HOW YA DOIN' OVER THERE? NOT TOO GOOD!

GEORGE: All right BB. Let's just play... Who invaded Spain in the 8th century?

DONALD: THAT'S A JOKE. THE MOORS.

GEORGE: Oh, Noooo, I'm so sorry. It's the MOOPS. The correct answer is, The MOOPS.

DONALD: MOOPS? LET ME SEE THAT. THAT'S NOT MOOPS YOU JERK, IT'S MOORS. IT'S A MISPRINT.

GEORGE: I'm sorry the card says MOOPS.

DONALD: IT DOESN'T MATTER. I'S THE MOORS. THERE'S NO MOOPS.

GEORGE: It's MOOPS.

DONALD: MOORS.

GEORGE: MOOPS,

DONALD: MOORS!

moops

I agree that the mook format is much better for S7.

By the time the magazine comes out I thumb through it and think "Oh look a bunch of toys that came out already." Like Pogue said, by the time it comes out in the magazine it's old news. When I want to know what's new I can come on here.

Compiling detailed articles and tons of great pictures in an encyclopedic format, as Roger suggests is a much better purpose for the the talents at S7. And the end result will be something much more worthwhile to me as a collector.

Basically, a hardcover reference book with extensive information and LOTS of pictures, is better than a magazine that I read once and put aside.

I'm looking foreward to the switch in a big way!

Well, usually carry at least 2 issues of S7 in my backpack to read on the bart, sometimes 3.Maybe this will cut down on the total weight of magazines I carry.

The Mango says "No Mook for you either!"

Mooks baby!

Get On Street Bible, Henshin Cyborg references and Microman - all live on my shelves and get referred to. As to certain key S7 articles.

I think Mooks are great for us guys, and as pointed out, the news is old news by the time it hits the printer, whereas referenc ematerial never dates. I think Mooks isn't so good for S7's visibility, but it does indicate where their intent lies - which is about toys and not about creating some kind of lifestyle brand....like so many others.

Go Mook!

PS. Someone probably already said this, but where exactly does MOOK come from? Wiktionary says:

mook

(colloquial) An insignificant or contemptible person.
(colloquial) A Sap.

Well, that sounds like us...

I think it's just a combo of "magazine" and "book". Those inventive Japanese...

they should have the mook open from the left side

MOOK...MOOK
who comes up with this shit, this isn't Napolean Dynamite and ligers you know!
Its either a big magazine with staples or a book that is bound.....
A mook I give up, what is the English language coming to!

Japanese

Ha !
send me back to school

That's ok...even between you Brits and us Yanks...we don't speak the same laguage...

Now it's possible. With the space provided by the mook format, I could write a "Heart of Darkness" short story around it. ;p

If you put "define:mook" into Google, these two definitions fit the bill:

# A Japanese contraction of the English words magazine and book. Mook are books with the look, design, and layout of magazines. There are literally thousands of these beautiful, full color publications to be found relating to the world of anime and other topics.
http://www.theblackmoon.com/Gloss/agloss.html

# "Magazine + Book = Mook" A Japanese term used to describe magazines that cost more than a typical magazine and are generally bound more like a book and have harder covers. Gothic & Lolita Bibles, Pride Visions and special issues of Shoxx are considered mooks.
http://www.supercosplayband.com/plc/plc_dictionary.php