DM10

This is a momentous time. Not only has Giant Robot reached 50, but Drunken Master just hit 10. I bought the latest copy at Meltdown today. The DM himself, Kiyoshi, was our ad guy for 25 issues. Somehow, he cranked out this zine and two little girls at the same time. Talk about a multitasker.

As in every issue, Kiyoshi mixes up comics, music, and tomfoolery. In the latter department, the cauliflower ear gallery is quite good. You'll see some of your favorite fighters (Sakuraba, Coutoure) and some less famous ones, too.


Of particular interest to GR readers will be the "director's cut" of his Fight Back! article from GR48. Not-so-sharp eyes should be able to spot the differences. Did we screw it up? You be the judge.


The main event, though, is the comic. Kiyoshi has many talents, but I like his comics most. This installment makes a lot of headway into the plot about a MMA fighter developing his skills and coming to grips with his family issues. Don't hold off for a collected graphic novel, because that won't come out for a while.


I think the best part of the publication is that it's a true zine. Yes, you find out about the band Ninja Academy, new toys by Gargamel, and other neat stuff, but mostly you take away a glimpse into Kiyoshi himself. An indie-comics zine doesn't seem like a vehicle for fighting, rock 'n' roll, and good times at the bar, but Kiyoshi blends it all seamlessly.

$4 for 60 b&w pages with 4-color cover at a cool comic-book store near you or online at myspace.com/dmzine.