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| October 11, 2008 |
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SkateBook - Issue 1
We just got our hands on the first issue of SkateBook and all I can say is…wow.
SkateBook just as a concept is pretty amazing: to present skateboarding’s iconic moments, individuals, events, eras, brands and the culture as a whole within a book, on the web and on a DVD for FREE. That’s right FOR FREE. If I were to read this without seeing the finished product I would certainly be skeptical. I mean, how compelling could a free publication be in this day and age? And a DVD and website as well? Get outta here!
Well, I’m here to say that SkateBook is the real deal. True to its name, this first issue is more a book than a magazine. Three hundred and fifty plus pages printed on thick matte paper inside a perfect bound spine. One heft and you can feel how important this thing is.
Yes, there are ads. I mean, it’s free, how can there not be ads? But that being said, there are no more than in your typical skate mag and I wasn’t bothered by them at all. Besides, the content makes it all worth it. Although I enjoy long interviews and editorials (and, of course, skate news) SkateBook has none of that. This first issue contains twelve stories ranging from an amazing pictorial on Max Schaff, with his motorcycles and skate history, to images of Christian Hosoi to a piece on beer. All are done with beautiful full-page photos, killer quotes and informative captions. It’s a bit hard to explain, but it works. It works so well. The piece on the classic Fucked Up Blind Kids vs. the new Ghetto Kids line by DGK is an instant classic. Scattered throughout are a new kind of product review. Short, simple and mostly image they don’t feel intrusive but more like bonus content that highlights special finds you want to learn more about.
At the time of this writing the website hasn’t launched yet, the countdown can be seen here, and my issue didn’t come with a DVD…but that’s fine with me. If they put even half the effort they did into this print book into the digital end, it will be gold. But for now, I’m happy having this dense piece of skate culture sitting on my coffee table to pick up again and again.
It’s rare to see fresh ideas in skateboarding and SkateBook has given me renewed faith in creativity. It’s filled with passion and a pride in skateboarding that has me so stoked on our little part of the world. Thanks Mike and Salman, I think we all need that.
- Chris
01/05
02/19 - The Bacon Video
01/05 - SkateBook - Issue 1
10/24 - Brixton Fall/Winter 2007
09/08 - Momentum Wheels
- Full Archive