''Mecha Press'' is a North American

anime is hand-drawn and computer-generated animation originating from Japan. Outside of Japan and in English, ''anime'' refers specifically to animation produced in Japan. However, in Japan and in Japanese, (a term derived from a shortening of ...

and

manga Manga ( Japanese: 漫画 ) are comics or graphic novels originating from Japan. Most manga conform to a style developed in Japan in the late 19th century, and the form has a long prehistory in earlier Japanese art. The term ''manga'' is use ...

magazine that was published by

IANVS Publications Anime News Network (ANN) is a news website that reports on the status of anime, manga, video games, Japanese popular music and other related cultures within North America, Australia, Southeast Asia and Japan. The website offers reviews and oth ...

in the early 1990s. The magazine was released on a roughly bimonthly schedule, with 5 to 6 issues per year. Each issue usually focused on one particular

, dedicating up to one third of its page content on related synopsis, character and

mecha In science fiction, or mechs are giant robots or machines controlled by people, typically depicted as humanoid walking vehicles. The term was first used in Japanese (language), Japanese after shortening the English loanword or , but the mean ...

presentations.

The magazine

''Mecha Press'' was originally started as a sister magazine to '' Protoculture Addicts'', the oldest

and

magazine in North America. Its name derives from its main focus,

, although the content also covered characters, stories, toys,

game A game is a structured form of play, usually undertaken for entertainment or fun, and sometimes used as an educational tool. Many games are also considered to be work (such as professional players of spectator sports or games) or art (su ...

s and

scale model A scale model is a physical model which is geometrically similar to an object (known as the prototype). Scale models are generally smaller than large prototypes such as vehicles, buildings, or people; but may be larger than small prototype ...

s. The publisher of ''Mecha Press'' was Ianus Publications. The first issue, a red duo-tone test called issue #0, was published in 1991. Issue #1 officially launched the magazine the next year. Issues #1 through 6 had an oversized format similar to a tabloid newspaper. From issue #7 and onward, the magazine was shrunk to a more standard size, but gained a color section. When the design team, Dream Pod 9, started focusing exclusively on games, the magazine was cancelled with issue #17. It appeared in March–April 1995. The remaining unpublished content was then merged into '' Protoculture Addicts'' magazine. Archive issues are available as PDF e-books from the publisher.

Detailed content

Starting with #2, each issue has one main topic and several derivative ones. The following abbreviations are used in the listing to save space: Basics of Mecha Modeling - BoMM;

Battletech ''BattleTech'' is a wargaming and military science fiction franchise launched by FASA Corporation in 1984, acquired by WizKids in 2001, which was in turn acquired by Topps in 2003; and published since 2007 by Catalyst Game Labs. The trademark ...

- Btech; Engineering Outlook - EO; Heavy Gear - HG;

Heavy Gear Fighter Heavy Gear Fighter is a stand-alone two-player card game set in the Heavy Gear universe. It was published by Canadian game publisher Dream Pod 9 in 1994. The game is currently out of print. Game Description ''Heavy Gear Fighter'' is a card-bas ...

- HGF; Jovian Chronicles - JC; Mobile Suit - MS;

Mekton ''Mekton'' is a role-playing game which centers on the conventions of mecha anime and science fiction (although it can easily enough be adapted to other genres like police drama or high fantasy). It has seen several editions since its introduc ...

II - MkII; Questions & Answers - Q&A. *MECHA PRESS #0: prototype issue, duo-tone, oversized. MS

Gundam is a Japanese military fiction media franchise. Created by Yoshiyuki Tomino and Sunrise (now Bandai Namco Filmworks), the franchise features giant robots, or mecha, with the name "Gundam". The franchise began on April 7, 1979, with '' Mo ...

, Introduction to Mecha Gaming, EO: Space Flight, Votoms and

Gunbuster ''Gunbuster'', known in Japan as , is a Japanese OVA anime series produced by Bandai, Victor, and Gainax and released from 1988 to 1989. It was the directorial debut of Hideaki Anno, best known as the creator and director of ''Neon Genesis ...

Overview,

Patlabor , also known as ''Patlabor'' (a portmanteau of "patrol" and "labor"), is a Japanese science fiction media franchise created by Headgear, a group consisting of manga artist Masami Yūki, director Mamoru Oshii, screenwriter Kazunori ...

Models Review and more. Primarily a collector's item. *MECHA PRESS #1: Reprint of prototype issue w/color cover and large format (9.25" x 12"). *MECHA PRESS #2,

: MkII Alternate Construction Rules (pre-MTS), Introduction to Mecha!, EO: Actuator Systems, Gundam F-91 Models Review, Madox-01 Review and more. *MECHA PRESS #3,

Gundam 0080 War in the Pocket is a six episode 1989 Japanese science fiction original video animation series. It is the first OVA series in the Gundam franchise. It was directed by , written by Hiroyuki Yamaga with character designs by Haruhiko Mikimoto. As suggested ...

: MkII Alternate Construction Rules (pre-MTS), The Game of the Gods (Mecha!),

Solaris VII ''BattleTech'' is a wargaming and military science fiction franchise launched by FASA Corporation in 1984, acquired by WizKids in 2001, which was in turn acquired by Topps in 2003; and published since 2007 by Catalyst Game Labs. The tradem ...

(Btech), Votoms Overview Part II, Heavy Metal L-Gaim Models Review and more. *MECHA PRESS #4, Bubblegum Crisis:

Gundam 0080 is a six episode 1989 Japanese science fiction original video animation series. It is the first OVA series in the Gundam franchise. It was directed by , written by Hiroyuki Yamaga with character designs by Haruhiko Mikimoto. As suggested ...

Synopsis Part II,

3D Rules, Mecha! Optional Construction Rules, Optional Autocannon/Missile Rules (Btech),

Dominion The term ''Dominion'' is used to refer to one of several self-governing nations of the British Empire. "Dominion status" was first accorded to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Newfoundland, South Africa, and the Irish Free State at the 1926 ...

Overview, Scopedog Model Conversion and more. *MECHA PRESS #5, Gundam F-91:

Synopsis part III, EO: Structural Materials, MkII Alternate Construction Rules (pre-MTS), The No-Space Weapon (Mecha! scenario), Mecha! Models Review, Introduction to Garage Kits and more. *MECHA PRESS #6, Five Star Stories: Mamoru Nagano's Previous Works, Framed! (MkII scenario), Mecha! Optional Construction Rules part II, Modeling Bits'n Tricks, How to Build the XM-06 Daghis-Iris and more. *MECHA PRESS #7, The Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Lovers, Again: History of the

Valkyrie In Norse mythology, a valkyrie ("chooser of the slain") is one of a host of female figures who guide souls of the dead to the god Odin's hall Valhalla. There, the deceased warriors become (Old Norse "single (or once) fighters"Orchard (1997:36 ...

Fighter, Modeling Color Section,

Miniatures Review,

Japanese Edition Overview, The Mecha Invasion Campaign, Combat! Preview and more. First issue of new format (8.125" x 10.5"). *MECHA PRESS #8,

Gundam 0083 is a 13-episode anime OVA series set in the Gundam universe. The first volume containing two 30-minute episodes was released in Japan on May 23, 1991. Subsequent volumes, containing one 30-minute episode each, followed every one or two ...

: Modeling Color Section, GP-02A Color Poster, History of the Gundam, Victory Gundam Preview,

: Closer to Japanimation, Official Mecha! Armor Rules and more. *MECHA PRESS #9, Spaceship Special: Captain Harlock,

Space Cruiser Yamato is a Japanese science fiction anime series produced and written by Yoshinobu Nishizaki, directed by manga artist Leiji Matsumoto, and produced by Academy Productions. The series aired in Yomiuri TV from October 6, 1974 to March 30, 1 ...

, MS Gundam,

Synopsis Part II, Modeling Color Section, RGM-79N Color Poster, Starship Games Overview, Combat! Technology Briefing and more. *MECHA PRESS #10, Aura Battler Dunbine: Detailing Neck Units,

Synopsis part III, Miniatures Review, Korean Models Kits, Jovian Chronicles Preview,

Shield Rules, Mobile Suit

, Mecha! 2nd Edition Playtest Rules and more. *MECHA PRESS #11, Combat Armor Dougram: Madcat Model Overview,

Synopsis Part IV, Rebel Assault Review, Miniatures Review, Moonlight Mechanix Scenario (MkII), Mobile Suit

Part II, Nashan's Arena (Btech) and more. *MECHA PRESS #12,

Synopsis Part V, Miniatures Review, Modeling Spaceships, Heavy Gear Preview, Mecha in

Ogre An ogre ( feminine: ogress) is a legendary monster depicted as a large, hideous, man-like being that eats ordinary human beings, especially infants and children. Ogres frequently feature in mythology, folklore, and fiction throughout the wor ...

, Mecha Shop 101 (TFOS), Victory Stables (Btech) and more. *MECHA PRESS #13, Armored Trooper Votoms: Madcat Model Overview Part II, Votoms Synopsis, V Gundam Models Review, B0MM Part 1: Introduction, OHMU Review, Silhouette Preview, Cyberwalkers for

, Jovian Chronicles Uniforms, Hover-Tank 'Mechs (Btech) and more. *MECHA PRESS #14, House Special ( Jovian Chronicles, Heavy Gear, Moonlight Mechanix): Zeorymer Overview, Detonator Orgun Overview, Votoms Synopsis Part II, HGF "Mishaps" Card Insert, HGF Questions & Answers, V Gundam Models Review Part II, BoMM Part 2: Tools, Miniatures Review, EO: Cockpit Systems,

Short Story and more. *MECHA PRESS #15, Victory Gundam: Building Btech's Hollander in 1/72 scale, Jovian Chronicles Miniatures Review, Votoms Synopsis Part III, HGF: Continuous Play, HGF: Mastering Combos,

Speed Racer ''Speed Racer'', also known as , is a Japanese media franchise about Auto racing, automobile racing. ''Mach GoGoGo'' was originally serialized in print in Shueisha's 1966 ''Shōnen Book''. It was released in tankōbon book form by Sun W ...

Models Review, BoMM Part 3: Paints, Marauder 2107 Review, The Secret Organization Campaign, Super Deformed Jovian Chronicles, Revised Play Sequence for Mecha!, Lithium-Fusion Engines (Btech) and more. *MECHA PRESS #16,

the Movie II: Building the "Guinness" C1/Zeta Gundam, Changing Omnimechs Configurations on Miniatures, Votoms Synopsis Part IV, HGF: "Fortune" Card Insert, HGF: Improved Fighting, Bubblegum Crisis Miniatures Review, Btech Novels Review, BoMM Part 4: Pre-Assembly, BoMM Part 5: Glues, Dirtside II Review, HG: Duelling Scale, Ultra

(Giant Monster in MkII), Mecha! Battle Scenario, Btech 'Mech Rifles and more. *MECHA PRESS #17,

the Animation: Galaxy Fraulein, Comic Book Review, Building the Victory Gundam, Votoms Synopsis Part V, HGF: Q&A II, Legion of Steel Miniatures Review, BoMM Part 6: Assembly,

Full Thrust ''Full Thrust'' is a science fiction strategy wargame written by Jon Tuffley and published by Ground Zero Games of England. It is usually played with miniature figurines representing imaginary starships, although cardboard chits representing ...

Review, HG: Bio of a Rover, The Mecha Rescue Campaign, Btech Special Shield Rules and more.

References

External links

Protoculture's WebsiteDream Pod 9's WebsiteMarc A. Vezina
(Editor-in-Chief, Issues 4-17) {{italic title Anime and manga magazines Bi-monthly magazines published in Canada Defunct magazines published in Canada Magazines established in 1991 Magazines disestablished in 1995