Mecha Press
Encyclopedia
Mecha Press is a North America
n anime
and manga
magazine that was published by IANVS Publications in the early 1990.
The magazine was released on a roughly bimensual schedule, with 5 to 6 issues per year. Each issue usually focused on one particular anime
or manga
, dedicating up to one third of its page content on related synopsis, character and mecha
presentations.
, the oldest anime
and manga
magazines in North America
. Its name derives from its main focus, mecha
, although the content also covered characters, stories, toy
s, game
s and scale model
s.
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. The remaining unpublished content was then merged into Protoculture Addicts
magazine. Archive issues are available as PDF e-books from the publisher.
- Btech; Engineering Outlook - EO; Heavy Gear
- HG; Heavy Gear Fighter - HGF; Jovian Chronicles
- JC; Mobile Suit - MS; Mekton
II - MkII; Questions & Answers - Q&A.
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
n anime
Anime
is the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
and manga
Manga
Manga is the Japanese word for "comics" and consists of comics and print cartoons . In the West, the term "manga" has been appropriated to refer specifically to comics created in Japan, or by Japanese authors, in the Japanese language and conforming to the style developed in Japan in the late 19th...
magazine that was published by IANVS Publications in the early 1990.
The magazine was released on a roughly bimensual schedule, with 5 to 6 issues per year. Each issue usually focused on one particular anime
Anime
is the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
or manga
Manga
Manga is the Japanese word for "comics" and consists of comics and print cartoons . In the West, the term "manga" has been appropriated to refer specifically to comics created in Japan, or by Japanese authors, in the Japanese language and conforming to the style developed in Japan in the late 19th...
, dedicating up to one third of its page content on related synopsis, character and mecha
Mecha
A mech , is a science fiction term for a large walking bipedal tank or robot, including ones on treads and animal shapes.-Characteristics:...
presentations.
The magazine
Mecha Press was originally started as a sister magazine to Protoculture AddictsProtoculture Addicts
Protoculture Addicts was a Canadian-based North American anime and manga magazine published by Protoculture Inc., an Anime News Network company...
, the oldest anime
Anime
is the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
and manga
Manga
Manga is the Japanese word for "comics" and consists of comics and print cartoons . In the West, the term "manga" has been appropriated to refer specifically to comics created in Japan, or by Japanese authors, in the Japanese language and conforming to the style developed in Japan in the late 19th...
magazines in North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
. Its name derives from its main focus, mecha
Mecha
A mech , is a science fiction term for a large walking bipedal tank or robot, including ones on treads and animal shapes.-Characteristics:...
, although the content also covered characters, stories, toy
Toy
A toy is any object that can be used for play. Toys are associated commonly with children and pets. Playing with toys is often thought to be an enjoyable means of training the young for life in human society. Different materials are used to make toys enjoyable and cuddly to both young and old...
s, game
Game
A game is structured playing, usually undertaken for enjoyment and sometimes used as an educational tool. Games are distinct from work, which is usually carried out for remuneration, and from art, which is more often an expression of aesthetic or ideological elements...
s and scale model
Scale model
A scale model is a physical model, a representation or copy of an object that is larger or smaller than the actual size of the object, which seeks to maintain the relative proportions of the physical size of the original object. Very often the scale model is used as a guide to making the object in...
s.
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
Dream Pod 9
Dream Pod 9 is a Montreal-based Canadian game publisher. In addition to games, they have been known to work on special projects, creating worlds and stories to order for a variety of clients.-History:...
, started focusing exclusively on games, the magazine was cancelled with issue #17. The remaining unpublished content was then merged into Protoculture Addicts
Protoculture Addicts
Protoculture Addicts was a Canadian-based North American anime and manga magazine published by Protoculture Inc., an Anime News Network company...
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; BattletechBattleTech
BattleTech is a wargaming and science fiction franchise launched by FASA Corporation in 1984, acquired by WizKids in 2000, and owned since 2003 by Topps. The series began with FASA's debut of the board game BattleTech by Jordan Weisman and L...
- Btech; Engineering Outlook - EO; Heavy Gear
Heavy Gear
Heavy Gear is a game universe published since 1994 by Canadian publisher Dream Pod 9. It includes a tabletop tactical wargame, a role-playing game and a lesser known combat card game...
- HG; Heavy Gear Fighter - HGF; Jovian Chronicles
Jovian Chronicles
Jovian Chronicles is a science fiction game setting published by Dream Pod 9 since 1992. It introduces a complete universe for role-playing and wargaming space combat, featuring mecha, giant spacecraft and epic space battles....
- JC; Mobile Suit - MS; Mekton
Mekton
Mekton is a role-playing game which centers on the conventions of mecha anime and science fiction...
II - MkII; Questions & Answers - Q&A.
- MECHA PRESS #0: prototype issue, duo-tone, oversized. MS GundamGundamThe is a metaseries of anime created by Sunrise studios that features giant robots called "Mobile Suits" ; usually the protagonist's MS will carry the name Gundam....
, Introduction to Mecha Gaming, EO: Space Flight, Votoms and GunbusterGunbusterGunbuster, known in Japan as is a six episode anime OVA series created by Gainax in 1988. It was the directorial debut of Hideaki Anno, best known as the director of Neon Genesis Evangelion. The title is a combination of the titles of classic tennis anime Aim for the Ace!, whose plot inspired...
Overview, PatlaborPatlaborPatlabor also known as , is an anime and manga franchise created by Headgear, a group consisting of director Mamoru Oshii, writer Kazunori Itō, mecha designer Yutaka Izubuchi, character designer Akemi Takada, and manga artist Masami Yūki.The popular franchise included a manga, a TV series, two OVA...
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, PatlaborPatlaborPatlabor also known as , is an anime and manga franchise created by Headgear, a group consisting of director Mamoru Oshii, writer Kazunori Itō, mecha designer Yutaka Izubuchi, character designer Akemi Takada, and manga artist Masami Yūki.The popular franchise included a manga, a TV series, two OVA...
: MkII Alternate Construction Rules (pre-MTS), Introduction to Mecha!Mecha!Mecha! is a tabletop miniature wargame published by American game publisher Seventh Street Games in 1993. As its name implies, Mecha! is a game featuring gigantic mecha that allows players to simulate raging battles on land, air, sea and space...
, EO: Actuator Systems, Gundam F-91 Models Review, Madox-01 Review and more.
- MECHA PRESS #3, Gundam 0080 War in the Pocket: MkII Alternate Construction Rules (pre-MTS), The Game of the Gods (Mecha!Mecha!Mecha! is a tabletop miniature wargame published by American game publisher Seventh Street Games in 1993. As its name implies, Mecha! is a game featuring gigantic mecha that allows players to simulate raging battles on land, air, sea and space...
), Solaris VII (Btech), Votoms Overview Part II, Heavy Metal L-GaimHeavy Metal L-Gaimis an anime television series, begun in 1984, which was directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino. Its characters and mecha were designed by Mamoru Nagano, who would later go on to create The Five Star Stories. Heavy Metal L-Gaim takes place in the Pentagona System, a solar system made up of five planets...
Models Review and more.
- MECHA PRESS #4, Bubblegum CrisisBubblegum Crisisis a Japanese cyberpunk direct-to-video animated series. It displays strong influences from Blade Runner, also making occasional references to it.- Setting :...
: Gundam 0080 Synopsis Part II, MektonMektonMekton is a role-playing game which centers on the conventions of mecha anime and science fiction...
3D Rules, Mecha!Mecha!Mecha! is a tabletop miniature wargame published by American game publisher Seventh Street Games in 1993. As its name implies, Mecha! is a game featuring gigantic mecha that allows players to simulate raging battles on land, air, sea and space...
Optional Construction Rules, Optional Autocannon/Missile Rules (Btech), Dominion Tank Police Overview, Scopedog Model Conversion and more.
- MECHA PRESS #5, Gundam F-91: Gundam 0080 Synopsis part III, EO: Structural Materials, MkII Alternate Construction Rules (pre-MTS), The No-Space Weapon (Mecha!Mecha!Mecha! is a tabletop miniature wargame published by American game publisher Seventh Street Games in 1993. As its name implies, Mecha! is a game featuring gigantic mecha that allows players to simulate raging battles on land, air, sea and space...
scenario), Mecha!Mecha!Mecha! is a tabletop miniature wargame published by American game publisher Seventh Street Games in 1993. As its name implies, Mecha! is a game featuring gigantic mecha that allows players to simulate raging battles on land, air, sea and space...
Models Review, Introduction to Garage Kits and more.
- MECHA PRESS #6, Five Star StoriesFive Star Storiesis a manga series created by Mamoru Nagano, building on his work on the anime series Heavy Metal L-Gaim.The story is staged at an alien cluster of four major planetary systems. The God of Light, Amaterasu, the immortal emperor of the Grees Kingdom on the planet Delta Belune, is destined to rule the...
: Mamoru Nagano's Previous Works, Framed! (MkII scenario), Mecha!Mecha!Mecha! is a tabletop miniature wargame published by American game publisher Seventh Street Games in 1993. As its name implies, Mecha! is a game featuring gigantic mecha that allows players to simulate raging battles on land, air, sea and space...
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, AgainThe Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Lovers, Again, also known as The Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Lovers, Again or Super Dimensional Fortress Macross II, is the first animated sequel to The Super Dimension Fortress Macross to feature a new cast of characters...
: History of the ValkyrieValkyrieIn Norse mythology, a valkyrie is one of a host of female figures who decides who dies in battle. Selecting among half of those who die in battle , the valkyries bring their chosen to the afterlife hall of the slain, Valhalla, ruled over by the god Odin...
Fighter, Modeling Color Section, MektonMektonMekton is a role-playing game which centers on the conventions of mecha anime and science fiction...
Miniatures Review, BattletechBattleTechBattleTech is a wargaming and science fiction franchise launched by FASA Corporation in 1984, acquired by WizKids in 2000, and owned since 2003 by Topps. The series began with FASA's debut of the board game BattleTech by Jordan Weisman and L...
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: Modeling Color Section, GP-02A Color Poster, History of the Gundam, Victory Gundam Preview, MektonMektonMekton is a role-playing game which centers on the conventions of mecha anime and science fiction...
: Closer to Japanimation, Official Mecha!Mecha!Mecha! is a tabletop miniature wargame published by American game publisher Seventh Street Games in 1993. As its name implies, Mecha! is a game featuring gigantic mecha that allows players to simulate raging battles on land, air, sea and space...
Armor Rules and more.
- MECHA PRESS #9, SpaceshipSpacecraftA spacecraft or spaceship is a craft or machine designed for spaceflight. Spacecraft are used for a variety of purposes, including communications, earth observation, meteorology, navigation, planetary exploration and transportation of humans and cargo....
Special: Captain HarlockCaptain Harlockis a fictional character created by manga artist Leiji Matsumoto.Harlock is the archetypical romantic hero, a space pirate with an individualist philosophy of life. He is as noble as he is taciturn, rebellious, stoically fighting against totalitarian regimes, whether they be earthborn or alien...
, Space Cruiser Yamato, MS Gundam, Gundam 0083 Synopsis Part II, Modeling Color Section, RGM-79N Color Poster, Starship Games Overview, Combat! Technology Briefing and more.
- MECHA PRESS #10, Aura Battler DunbineAura Battler Dunbineis an anime television series created by Yoshiyuki Tomino and produced by Sunrise Studios.Dunbine is set in Byston Well, a parallel world that resembles the countryside of medieval Europe with kingdoms ruled by monarchs in castles, armies of unicorn-riding cavalry armed with swords and crossbows,...
: Detailing Neck Units, Gundam 0083 Synopsis part III, Miniatures Review, Korean Models Kits, Jovian ChroniclesJovian ChroniclesJovian Chronicles is a science fiction game setting published by Dream Pod 9 since 1992. It introduces a complete universe for role-playing and wargaming space combat, featuring mecha, giant spacecraft and epic space battles....
Preview, BattletechBattleTechBattleTech is a wargaming and science fiction franchise launched by FASA Corporation in 1984, acquired by WizKids in 2000, and owned since 2003 by Topps. The series began with FASA's debut of the board game BattleTech by Jordan Weisman and L...
Shield Rules, Mobile Suit MektonMektonMekton is a role-playing game which centers on the conventions of mecha anime and science fiction...
, Mecha!Mecha!Mecha! is a tabletop miniature wargame published by American game publisher Seventh Street Games in 1993. As its name implies, Mecha! is a game featuring gigantic mecha that allows players to simulate raging battles on land, air, sea and space...
2nd Edition Playtest Rules and more.
- MECHA PRESS #11, Combat Armor Dougram: Madcat Model Overview, Gundam 0083 Synopsis Part IV, Rebel Assault Review, Miniatures Review, Moonlight Mechanix Scenario (MkII), Mobile Suit MektonMektonMekton is a role-playing game which centers on the conventions of mecha anime and science fiction...
Part II, Nashan's Arena (Btech) and more.
- MECHA PRESS #12, Gundam 0083: Gundam 0083 Synopsis Part V, Miniatures Review, Modeling Spaceships, Heavy GearHeavy GearHeavy Gear is a game universe published since 1994 by Canadian publisher Dream Pod 9. It includes a tabletop tactical wargame, a role-playing game and a lesser known combat card game...
Preview, Mecha in OgreOgre (game)Ogre is a board wargame first released in 1977 as the first Metagaming Concepts Microgame, designed by Steve Jackson.Its basic premise is that it is an asymmetric-forces gameset in the late 21st century....
, Mecha Shop 101 (TFOS), Victory Stables (Btech) and more.
- MECHA PRESS #13, Armored Trooper VotomsArmored Trooper Votomsis a 52-episode anime television series, created by Ryosuke Takahashi and Sunrise, featuring mechanical designs by Kunio Okawara. The series originally aired in Japan from April 1, 1983 to March 23, 1984 on TV Tokyo...
: Madcat Model Overview Part II, Votoms Synopsis, V Gundam Models Review, B0MM Part 1: Introduction, OHMU Review, Silhouette Preview, Cyberwalkers for OgreOgre (game)Ogre is a board wargame first released in 1977 as the first Metagaming Concepts Microgame, designed by Steve Jackson.Its basic premise is that it is an asymmetric-forces gameset in the late 21st century....
, Jovian ChroniclesJovian ChroniclesJovian Chronicles is a science fiction game setting published by Dream Pod 9 since 1992. It introduces a complete universe for role-playing and wargaming space combat, featuring mecha, giant spacecraft and epic space battles....
Uniforms, Hover-Tank 'Mechs (Btech) and more.
- MECHA PRESS #14, House Special (Jovian ChroniclesJovian ChroniclesJovian Chronicles is a science fiction game setting published by Dream Pod 9 since 1992. It introduces a complete universe for role-playing and wargaming space combat, featuring mecha, giant spacecraft and epic space battles....
, Heavy GearHeavy GearHeavy Gear is a game universe published since 1994 by Canadian publisher Dream Pod 9. It includes a tabletop tactical wargame, a role-playing game and a lesser known combat card game...
, Moonlight Mechanix): Zeorymer Overview, Detonator OrgunDetonator Orgunis a Japanese original video animation series by AIC and Artmic, directed by Masami Ōbari. It was released on DVD by Central Park Media in the United States in 2001.-Part 1:...
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, BattletechBattleTechBattleTech is a wargaming and science fiction franchise launched by FASA Corporation in 1984, acquired by WizKids in 2000, and owned since 2003 by Topps. The series began with FASA's debut of the board game BattleTech by Jordan Weisman and L...
Short Story and more.
- MECHA PRESS #15, Victory Gundam: Building Btech's Hollander in 1/72 scale, Jovian ChroniclesJovian ChroniclesJovian Chronicles is a science fiction game setting published by Dream Pod 9 since 1992. It introduces a complete universe for role-playing and wargaming space combat, featuring mecha, giant spacecraft and epic space battles....
Miniatures Review, Votoms Synopsis Part III, HGF: Continuous Play, HGF: Mastering Combos, Speed RacerSpeed RacerSpeed Racer is an English adaptation name of the Japanese manga and anime, which centered on automobile racing. Mach GoGoGo was originally serialized in print form in Shueisha's 1958 Shōnen Book, and was released in tankōbon book form by Sun Wide Comics, re-released in Japan by Fusosha...
Models Review, BoMM Part 3: Paints, Marauder 2107 Review, The Secret Organization Campaign, Super Deformed Jovian ChroniclesJovian ChroniclesJovian Chronicles is a science fiction game setting published by Dream Pod 9 since 1992. It introduces a complete universe for role-playing and wargaming space combat, featuring mecha, giant spacecraft and epic space battles....
, Revised Play Sequence for Mecha!Mecha!Mecha! is a tabletop miniature wargame published by American game publisher Seventh Street Games in 1993. As its name implies, Mecha! is a game featuring gigantic mecha that allows players to simulate raging battles on land, air, sea and space...
, Lithium-Fusion Engines (Btech) and more.
- MECHA PRESS #16, PatlaborPatlaborPatlabor also known as , is an anime and manga franchise created by Headgear, a group consisting of director Mamoru Oshii, writer Kazunori Itō, mecha designer Yutaka Izubuchi, character designer Akemi Takada, and manga artist Masami Yūki.The popular franchise included a manga, a TV series, two OVA...
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 CrisisBubblegum Crisisis a Japanese cyberpunk direct-to-video animated series. It displays strong influences from Blade Runner, also making occasional references to it.- Setting :...
Miniatures Review, Btech Novels Review, BoMM Part 4: Pre-Assembly, BoMM Part 5: Glues, Dirtside II Review, HG: Duelling Scale, Ultra MektonMektonMekton is a role-playing game which centers on the conventions of mecha anime and science fiction...
(Giant Monster in MkII), Mecha!Mecha!Mecha! is a tabletop miniature wargame published by American game publisher Seventh Street Games in 1993. As its name implies, Mecha! is a game featuring gigantic mecha that allows players to simulate raging battles on land, air, sea and space...
Battle Scenario, Btech 'Mech Rifles and more.
- MECHA PRESS #17, BattletechBattleTechBattleTech is a wargaming and science fiction franchise launched by FASA Corporation in 1984, acquired by WizKids in 2000, and owned since 2003 by Topps. The series began with FASA's debut of the board game BattleTech by Jordan Weisman and L...
the Animation: Galaxy Fraulein, Comic Book Review, Building the Victory Gundam, Votoms Synopsis Part V, HGF: Q&A II, Legion of SteelLegion of SteelThe Legion of Steel is a neutral-aligned fictional knighthood in the Dragonlance series of novels. They are headquartered in Solace, a town in southeastern Ansalon. They were originally headed by Sara Dunstan, their founder. Unlike other knightly organizations, the Legion of Steel are not always...
Miniatures Review, BoMM Part 6: Assembly, Full ThrustFull ThrustFull 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 the vessels can also be used...
Review, HG: Bio of a Rover, The Mecha Rescue Campaign, Btech Special Shield Rules and more.
External links
- Protoculture's Website
- Dream Pod 9's Website
- Marc A. Vezina (Editor-in-Chief, Issues 4-17)