Newtype magazine was “a popular monthly magazine publication originating from Japan, covering anime and manga (and to a lesser extent, tokusatsu, Japanese science fiction and video games)“. Technically it was called Newtype in Japan, and Newtype USA in America. The name of the mag was derived from a Gundam reference. While the Japanese version still continues publication, the American counterpart ceased operations February of 2008. I think I actually still have that copy lying around somewhere. I also think it’s kinda funny how subscribers got a letter from Newtype 2 months in advance announcing the end of days.
But better early than never I guess…
Now I know a lot of fans kinda overlooked this factor and its influence of the current state of the anime industry, but looking back, I for one see this a clear warning sign. You ever watch a movie and all the animals start running away and fleeing. Newtype crumbling is exactly what I’d call that point for the anime industry. I mean, it wasn’t the most popular anime publication, but it was up there. One of many blows to come to the community.
Newtype was replaced with a title called Piq. Run by anime company ADV (just like NTUSA) Piq focused on all around geekdom and diviated greatly from the anime-centered content fans of Newtype had come to expect. Suffice to say fans were not happy, and Piq folded after issue 4. But this is, as we say, only the begining….
