Where Were We?

Well, it's been a year! Can you believe a full year since the release of our first issue? It seems like a million years ago. So much time, effort and love goes into each issue of Masters, I feel like I've spent years developing each one. But here we are at issue # 6, planning issue # 7 and I know the year to come is going to be fantastic! Bet you didn't think we'd last this long. There were days I wondered it myself. But here we are, about to cross a double hump. Most new magazines won't make it past 6 issues without some major backing, and if they do, they won't make it past a year without reader support. Putting out issue # 7 will certainly cement our staying power.

What's in the year to come for Masters? Wider circulation. With any luck we'll be carried in all Media Play stores in the country, and distributed by three great distributors. If you're not find MORP in your local game/comic shop, bug the owner. We've been all but snubbed by the local retailers. Thank God for chains like Media Play who are willing to give us a chance!

If you've been with us since # 1, take a look back and see how far we've come from that thin, black & white first attempt. By # 2 we were running color covers and had finally filled the book. By # 4 we were "bleeding our covers," and by # 5 we managed to drop the old comb-binding method for the much more professional looking "perfect binding." 1999 looks to improve us even more.

What will you be seeing in the next 6 issues? More great adventures (has anyone subjected their players to one of these? Write me and let me know how it went), great fiction, and articles about the industry. We're planning on running a 3-4 page ongoing comic book; plus more fun in Bob's basement (that's really why you read the mag isn't it?) as well as news and updates on the industry. So if you're dubious about subscribing or renewing your subscription, don't give it another thought. MORP will be running for a good long time.

Will we have the same delays as we had in 1998? I hope not! What you have to understand is, this is a true labor of love. Each page must meet mine & Jake's high standards before you can see it. Not to mention how many times we've waited for a writer or artist to submit their much-promised material. And, both Jake & I work full time jobs on the side to support our families (I'm soon to be a father for the first time). So, with all those elements combined plus the cost of printing, you can understand why we may be a wee bit tardy from time to time…

So, what did you think of our first year? Drop me a line via email chalice@xmission.com and let me know…

What's that from? Let me know an I'll send you a prize...

CHEERS!