Newtype USA Begins 2008 With Vertical Spreads?

January 9, 2008 in Commentary, Polls by Tom Langston (calaggie) | No comments

Rental Magica (vertical spread)

I just got this month’s issue of Newtype USA in the mail today and was a bit surprised when I began flipping through it. Among their regular two-page series spreads were eight consecutive vertical spreads (16 pages in total) that composed the Japanese half of their Anime Invasion ‘08 theme. This caught me off guard since I don’t remember them doing this in the past. When I read a magazine I might be fine turning it sideways to read it maybe once or even twice but it gets to be uncomfortable if it happens on a regular basis. I might get used to it but it’s bugging me right now.

On a positive note, I was glad that many of the “new style” layouts involve currently airing anime such as Bamboo Blade, Ghost Hound, Dragonaut, and Rental Magica. I’m also making a poll about this topic so let your voice be heard there as well as in the comments about whether you prefer vertical or horizontal photo spreads or simply don’t care.

After the jump: some more vertical spread pics and, for comparison, the two horizontal layouts that bookend them in the volume.

xxxHOLiC A Midsummer Night's Dream