ADV News
First ADV canceled their linear Anime Network. Then they got rid of Newtype USA in favor of a new magazine called PiQ. & now word comes out that they'll be stopping their ADVocates program, which has up until now provided anime clubs around the country with free DVDs & other goodies of their properties. ADV responded saying they just couldn't afford sending out so many freebies anymore.
But going back to news on their Newtype USA replacement, Comic212 got their hands on a PiQ media kit to give an idea to writers & advertisers what the new magazine will be like. According to the kit, PiQ will mainly only be a change in name for Newtype, & not an entirely new magazine. Despite that, the concept cover seen above makes it clear that the magazine will be focusing on far more than just anime now, such as games, in a smaller page format. Not only that, but it seems like they wont be including free DVDs with each issue anymore either. PiQ describes itself as “entertainment for the rest of us, squarely addressing the needs of a cutting-edge young male audience.” A breakdown of what the magazine will exactly cover can be seen below:
- 20% Anime
- 20% Gaming
- 20% U.S. Comics / Japanese Manga
- 20% Genre Movies / TV / Home Video
- 10% Toys / Collectibles
- 5% Gadgets / Hi-Tech Gear
- 5% Lifestyle (fashion, accessories, events)