Sarna News: Bad 'Mechs - Icestorm

Difference between revisions of "Mecha-Press"

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{{infoBoxProduct
 
{{infoBoxProduct
 
| image =  
 
| image =  
 
| name = ''Mecha-Press''
 
| name = ''Mecha-Press''
 
| type = Magazine
 
| type = Magazine
−
| development = Chief editor: Daniel Faucher
+
| development = Daniel Faucher (Editorial Director, V1#1);<br>Martin Ouellette (Editor in Chief, #1–6);</br>Marc-Alexandre Vézina (Editor in Chief, #7–17)
 
| primarywriting = Various contributors
 
| primarywriting = Various contributors
 
| pages = varies
 
| pages = varies
 
| cover = Various artists
 
| cover = Various artists
 
| illustrations = Various artists
 
| illustrations = Various artists
−
| publisher = IANVS
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| publisher = Ianus Publications
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| year = 1991-1993
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| year = 1991
−
| production code =  
+
| productioncode =  
 
| ISBN10 =  
 
| ISBN10 =  
 
| MSRP =  
 
| MSRP =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
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'''''Mecha-Press''''' was a North American anime and manga magazine that was published by IANVS Publications in the early 1990; it ran 17 issues plus a #0.
+
'''''Mecha-Press''''' was a Canadian anime and manga magazine that was published by Ianus Publications of [[w:Montreal|Montréal]] in the early 1990; it ran 17 issues after an initial one-shot co-published by Ianus and New Order Publications.
  
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The magazine was released on a roughly bimonthly schedule, with 5 to 6 issues per year. Each issue usually focused on one particular anime or manga, dedicating up to one third of its page content on related synopsis, character and mecha presentations. Gundam was the most usual game, but there was quite a lot of BattleTech information.
+
The magazine was released on a roughly bimonthly schedule, with 5 to 6 issues per year. Each issue usually focused on one particular anime or manga, dedicating up to one third of its page content on related synopsis, character and mecha presentations. Numerous mecha games were featured on a regular basis along with reviews and models; most issues carried some [[BattleTech (board game)|BattleTech]] material.
  
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It has a limited content on BattleTech, consistent mostly in new custom 'Mechs.
+
Although ''Mecha Press'' sometimes appeared as the magazine's name in articles, it was consintently styled with a hyphen in the indicia and on page headings.
 +
 
 +
Only BattleTech-related material is listed.
  
 
==Mecha-Press Vol. 1 No. 1==
 
==Mecha-Press Vol. 1 No. 1==
 
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[[File:Mecha_press_00_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 00]]
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[[File:Mecha_press_00_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' Vol. 1 No. 1]]
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* Succession Wars Circle. A one-page description of what you could be in the BattleTech universe.
+
* Succession Wars Circle by Daniel Faucher. A one-page description of what you could be in the BattleTech universe.
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* BattleTech: The Basic Game. A one-page review.
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* [[BattleTech (board game)|BattleTech: The Basic Game]] by Daniel Faucher. A one-page review.
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* Battles from the Training Field. A three-page how-to, including optional rules for hidden movement and the Paladin Shield, a ten-ton piece of equipment with its own armor factor, internal structure, and a payload of vibrabombs and command-detonated mines.
+
* Battles from the Training Field by Daniel Faucher. A three-page how-to, including optional rules for hidden movement and the Paladin Shield, a ten-ton piece of equipment with its own armor factor, internal structure, and a payload of vibrabombs and command-detonated mines.
−
* Mechas Designs and Modifications. A one-page article on modifications and using Gundam models. The 'Mechs are presented as the table at the start of a TRO description, with brand names and models for components.
+
* Mechas Designs and Modifications by Daniel Faucher. A one-page article on modifications and using [[w:Gundam|Gundam]] models. The 'Mechs are presented as the table at the start of a TRO description, with brand names and models for components.
 
:* PLN-2MP ''Paladin'', a 90-ton conversion of the Gundam RX-78 Prefect.
 
:* PLN-2MP ''Paladin'', a 90-ton conversion of the Gundam RX-78 Prefect.
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:* LCT-1MP ''Locust''. Carries a split-configuration SRM-6 in the arms.
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:* LCT-1MP ''[[Locust]]''. Carries a split-configuration [[SRM-6]] in the arms.
 +
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==Mecha-Press No. 1==
 
==Mecha-Press No. 1==
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Much of this issue is reprinted from Vol. 1 No. 1. Only differences will be noted.
 
Much of this issue is reprinted from Vol. 1 No. 1. Only differences will be noted.
 
* Succession Wars Circle.
 
* Succession Wars Circle.
−
* Mecha Designs and Modifications. Option shield rules moved here and revised, connecting shield size and states to size of 'Mech.
+
* Mecha Designs and Modifications by Stephane Matis. Option shield rules moved here and revised, connecting shield size and states to size of 'Mech.
 
:* CVL-8RD ''Cavalier''. Reprint of the ''Paladin'' with armor and weapon placement added.
 
:* CVL-8RD ''Cavalier''. Reprint of the ''Paladin'' with armor and weapon placement added.
 
:* LCT-2MP ''Locust''. Reprint of the LCT-1MP with armor and weapon placement added.
 
:* LCT-2MP ''Locust''. Reprint of the LCT-1MP with armor and weapon placement added.
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* News from FASA. New, material, a sidebar on the first page of MD&M. BattleTech 3E announced for June, Pacific Rim released ''BattleTechnology: The Lost Issues'' in May.
+
* News from [[FASA]]. New, material, a sidebar on the first page of MD&M. [[BattleTech, Third Edition|BattleTech 3E]] announced for June, [[Pacific Rim Publishing Company|Pacific Rim]] released ''[[BattleTechnology#The Lost Issues|BattleTechnology: The Lost Issues]]'' in May.
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* Battles from the Training Field. Now includes only the hidden movement rules.
+
* Battles from the Training Field by Stephane Matis. Now includes only the hidden movement rules.
 +
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==Mecha-Press No. 2==
 
==Mecha-Press No. 2==
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 +
* Actuator Systems by Dominique Durocher. BattleTech briefly mentioned.
 +
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==Mecha-Press No. 3==
 
==Mecha-Press No. 3==
 
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[[File:Mecha_press_03_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 03]]
 
[[File:Mecha_press_03_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 03]]
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This issue started with a description of the expected [[FASA]] works during the year (a full-page review) and also contained information on the Solaris VII supplement and an arena 'Mech. This 'Mech is linked to the stable [[Seven Deadly Sins Stables]] featured in ''[[Unbound]]'' and integrated with an adventure idea.
 
  
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* [[Templar (Mecha-Press)|TPL-8R ''Templar'']] (not related to the [[Templar|canon 'Mech]]), a 90 ton 'Mech with a lot of level 2 & 3 technology (like [[torso mounted cockpit]] and [[VRPP]]) and the custom shield created by them. It also has a [[BattleMech Self-Destruct|battlemech self destruct]], (from ''Unbound''). Using the existing shield rules it is possible to create this 'Mech.
+
* What's Cooking at FASA.
 +
:* Hot Out of the Oven. Capsule reviews of ''[[Wolf Pack]]'', ''[[Bloodright (scenario pack)|Bloodright]]'', ''[[Objective Raids]]'', ''[[Record Sheets Volume Five: Vehicles|Vehicle Record Sheets]]'', ''[[Technical Readout: 3055]]''.
 +
:* Still Baking. ''[[BattleTech, Third Edition|BattleTech 3rd Edition]]'', ''[[ComStar (sourcebook)|Comstar Sourcebook]]'', ''[[Jade Falcon Sourcebook]]'', ''[[McCarron's Armored Cavalry (scenario pack)|McCarron's Armored Cavalry]]'', ''[[Natural Selection]]''.
 +
* Welcome to Solaris VII by Stephane Matis. Two-page review of ''[[Solaris VII: The Game World]]''.
 +
:* TPL-8R ''Templar''. TRO of a 90-ton Solaris VII arena 'Mech with short Q&A. Not related to the canon ''[[Templar]]'', it carries a lot of [[Rules Level 2]] and [[Rules Level 3]] technology (like [[torso mounted cockpit]] and [[VRPP]]) and uses the custom shield rules introduced in earlier issues. It also has a [[BattleMech Self-Destruct|BattleMech self-destruct]] system from ''[[Unbound]]''. Using the existing shield rules it is possible to create this 'Mech.
 
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[[File:Mecha_press_04_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 04]]
 
[[File:Mecha_press_04_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 04]]
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This issue was covering custom rules for the [[A/C]] and [[missile weapons]], changing a bit the ranges, heat and missile distribution.
+
 
 +
* [[Autocannon|A/C]] and [[Missile]] Rules by Nicholas Gendron. A two-page description of flaws in existing rules and optional rules to address them.
 
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==Mecha-Press No. 5==
 
==Mecha-Press No. 5==
 +
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 +
 +
* Mecha Questionnaire. A one-page reader survey that includes BattleTech among the content options are asked to rank.
 +
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==Mecha-Press No. 6==
 
==Mecha-Press No. 6==
 +
<div style="clear:both"></div>
 +
 +
* Mecha-Press Info. One-page photo catalog of recent models and figurines.
 +
:* Battletech ''[[Mad Cat: The Vinyl Kit|Madcat]]''. 1/30 scale vinyl model kit from [[Horizon Hobbies & Toys|Horizon]].
 +
:* [[w:Macross|Macross]] Models. Includes the Zentradi Battle Pod that was the original ''[[Marauder]]''.
 +
* Mecha Questionnaire. BattleTech no longer an option when ranking content preference.
 +
<div style="clear:both"></div>
  
 
==Mecha-Press No. 7==
 
==Mecha-Press No. 7==
 
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[[File:Mecha_press_07_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 07]]
 
[[File:Mecha_press_07_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 07]]
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This issue contained a brief overview on [[BattleTech (Japan)|the Japanese version of BattleTech]].
 
  
−
Since BattleTech originally used licensed artwork from existing Japanese intellectual properties, artwork which was also somewhat dated, the primary difference was the creation of brand new artwork in a drastically different art style to appeal to the 1990s Japanese market, though care was taken for each image to accurately represent the configurations available for each 'Mech in 3025.<ref>''Mecha-Press'', issue #9, pp. 34–35</ref>
+
* Mecha Models. Several pages, including two in color.
 +
:* Zentraedi ''Glaug''. Split over two pages; there but for the sake of a name goes the ''Marauder''.
 +
* [[BattleTech, Second Edition|BattleTech: The Japanese Edition]] by Stephan Matis. Two-page review, including list of anime sources for 'Mechs. Since BattleTech originally used licensed artwork from existing Japanese intellectual properties, artwork which was also somewhat dated, the primary difference was the creation of brand new artwork in a drastically different art style to appeal to the 1990s Japanese market, though care was taken for each image to accurately represent the configurations available for each 'Mech in 3025.<ref>''Mecha-Press'', issue #7, pp. 34–35</ref>
 
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[[File:Mecha_press_08_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 08]]
 
[[File:Mecha_press_08_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 08]]
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This issue contained a medium 'Mech, the [[Dugger (Mecha-Press)|DGR-01 ''Dugger'']], a 45 ton 'Mech full of L2 technology. The 'Mech's idea came from '''Combat Mecha Xabungle''' game.
+
 
 +
* Mecha Models. Several pages, some in color.
 +
:* [[w:Fang of the Sun Dougram#Second Generation|Soltic H8 Roundfacer]]. Noted as the ''[[Griffin]]'' to BattleTech players, "borrowed and later licenced" [''sic''] from the anime studio.
 +
* Adaptation for BattleTech by Marc-Alexandre Vézina.
 +
:* DGR-01 ''Dugger''. 45-ton OmniMech conversion of a model from ''[[w:Combat Mecha Xabungle|Walker Machine Xabungle]]''.
 
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[[File:Mecha_press_09_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 09]]
 
[[File:Mecha_press_09_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 09]]
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This issue contained a small review of [[AeroTech]], and also a light aerospace fighter, the [[Ako (Mecha-Press)|PBA-1C ''Ako'']], a 35 ton fighter with a lot of L2 technology and considered by the magazine as a hilarious tribute to the well-known parody '''OVA "Project A-KO"'''.
+
 
 +
* So You Wanna Be a Star Captain? Capsule reviews of space combat games.
 +
:* ''[[AeroTech|Aerotech]]'' [''sic''] paragraph.
 +
* Adaptation for BattleTech by Marc-Alexandre Vézina.
 +
:* PBA-1C ''Ako''. A 35-ton "(hopefully) hilarious tribute" to the well-known parody [[w:Original video animation|OVA]] "[[w:Project A-ko|Project A-Ko]]" with a lot of L2 technology.
 
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[[File:Mecha_press_10_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 10]]
 
[[File:Mecha_press_10_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 10]]
−
This issue contained a two-page article on shield rules. This shield is created by [[Team Banzai]] in [[3055]]. The rules are different from the previous [[shield]] rules present in ''Mecha-Press'' No. 00 and ''Mecha-Press'' No. 01. It introduced a new 'Mech, the [[Watchman II (Mecha-Press)|WTC-5A ''Watchman II'']], a version of the ''[[Watchman]]'' with L2 technology and a shield using their custom rules. This 'Mech can be constructed with existing BattleTech L2 shield rules.
+
 
 +
* Mecha-Press News. Product news from various publishers.
 +
:* FASA Corporation News. New and upcoming product: ''[[Mercenary's Handbook 3055|Mercenary Handbook 3055]]'', ''[[Day of Heroes|Days of Heroes]]'', ''[[BattleSpace]]'', ''[[Solaris: The Reaches]]''.
 +
:* Flash News. ''Medium OmniMechs Blueprint Set'' canceled; ''[[Blood of Heroes]]'', ''[[Assumption of Risk]]'' blurbs.
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:* ''[[MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat|Mechwarrior II: The Clans]]''. [[Activision]] press release.
 +
* Heavy Armor by Marc-Alexandre Vézina. Reviews of models for various systems.
 +
:* ''[[Stone Rhino (Behemoth)|Behemoth]]'' ralidium alloy miniature by Ral Partha.
 +
* BattleTech: Shield Rules by Stéphane Matis. Optional shield rules different from those in either first issue.
 +
* Technical Readout by Stéphane Matis. WTC-5A ''Watchman II'', a 40-ton successor to the WTC-4X6 ''Watchman''. A version of the ''[[Watchman]]'' with L2 technology, using the magazine's latest optional shield rules. This 'Mech can be constructed with existing BattleTech L2 shield rules.
 
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[[File:Mecha_press_11_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 11]]
 
[[File:Mecha_press_11_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 11]]
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This magazine covered DOUGRAM explanations on their Mecha (so we have nice pictures of some Unseens).
 
  
−
Next there is an article on the MadCat Kit and how to prepare and work with it.
+
Issue 10 (November/December 1993) announced that ''Mecha-Press'' would be replaced by ''Mecha Gear'' with MP subscribers receiving the first two issues. Issue 11's Editorial page stated that the change was canceled due to reader reaction and a refusal by distributors to carry the new title.
  
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Finally, there is a new arena for Solaris: [[Nashan SolDesign]] arena (owned by the Nashan Corporation), and two arena 'Mechs with different arena mods. The 'Mechs are:
+
* Mecha-Press News.
−
 
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:* Win a 1/35 Scale ''Madcat''! Reader contest with a single copy of the model signed by sculptor John Ferrari as the prize.
−
* [[Pit Bull (Mecha-Press)|NSD-01 ''Pit Bull'']], a 15 ton 'Mech with 8T of "pod" space
+
* The Thundering ''Madcat'' by the Dream Pod 9 modeling team. Interview with model sculptor John Ferrari and review of the model.
−
 
+
* Heavy Armor by the Dream Pod 9 Modeling Team. Reviews of miniatures.
−
* [[Pit Bull (Mecha-Press)|NSD-02 ''Pit Fighter'']], a 30 ton 'Mech with 8T of "pod" space
+
:* Light Omni 'Mechs Boxed Set by Ral Partha.
−
 
+
* Nashan's Arena by Stephane Matis and Marc A. Vezina. [[Nashan Diversified]] Corporate profile and arena 'Mechs.
−
Both 'Mechs were procured by Nashan.
+
:* NSD-01 ''Pit Bull''. 15 tons with four tons of [[pod space]] in each arm.
−
 
+
:* NSD-02 ''Pit Fighter''. 30 tons with jump jets mounted on legs and center torso and four tons of pod space in each arm.
−
Attached two this 'Mech there are a set of examples of 4T and 8T pods, plus also close combat pods.
 
 
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[[File:Mecha_press_12_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 12]]
 
[[File:Mecha_press_12_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 12]]
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This magazine covered [[Solaris VII]] matches. It included information on a new stable ([[Victory Stables]]) and the team that formed it plus its 'Mechs. It adds some adventure seeds for players wishing to use this stable. It also adds a third Nashan 'Mech:
 
  
−
* [[Corvus (Mecha-Press)|DD-02 ''Corvus'']], a 50 ton 'Mech (that shares some of the ''[[Shadow Hawk]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s looks and features) with a lot of L2 Technology not related to the Clan ''[[Corvis]]'' 'Mech.
+
* Mecha-Press News. Product announcements.
 +
:* Win a ''Madcat''! Contest in Full Swing.
 +
:* BattleTech Convention. Supernova in [[w:Herndon, Virginia|Herndon, Virginia]].
 +
:* FASA Corporation. ''[[The BattleTech Compendium]]'' hardcover, ''[[BattleTech: The Animated Series|BattleTech Animated Series]] both on release schedule.
 +
* Heavy Armor by the DP9 Modeling Team. Miniature reviews.
 +
:* [[Salamander (BattleMech)|''Salamander'' PPR-5S]] by Ral Partha.
 +
:* ''Medium OmniMechs Boxed Set'' by Ral Partha.
 +
* Victory Stables by Jake Brenner. A Solaris VII 'Mech stable with a stable of 'Mechs ranging from two ''Pit Bulls'' to a ''[[Stalker]]''.
 +
* Technical Readout by Stéphane Matis.
 +
:* DD-02 ''Corvus''. Unrelated to the Clan ''[[Corvis]]'', it masses 50 tons and carries a lot of L2 Technology.
 
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[[File:Mecha_press_13_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 13]]
 
[[File:Mecha_press_13_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 13]]
−
This issue contained the second part of the [[Mad Cat|MadCat]] Kit article: painting it.
 
−
The issue also included the [[Hover-Tank 'Mech (Mecha-Press)|''MUSCATech'' VHT1AHTM]], a 50 ton hover-'Mech vehicle, similar to actual QuadVees (a sort of LAM), with their own custom rules.<ref>''Mecha-Press'', issue #13, pp. 46–48</ref>
 
  
−
Though it is not explicitly stated as such, the example 'Mech in question is in fact a recreation of the Spartan/Veritech Hover Tank from the ''Southern Cross/Robotech'' animated series.
+
* Mecha-Press News.
 +
:* Win a ''Madcat''! Contest Extended!
 +
* Thundering Madcat Part II by the DP9 Modeling Team. Includes Prime and all A–D configurations.
 +
* MUSCATech Hover-Tank 'Mech by Prabal Nandy. See errata in next issue.
 +
:* VHT1AHTM ''Hover-Tank 'Mech''. A 50-ton convertible 'Mech with Gun Emplacement and Hover-Tank modes, capable of jumping like a [[Kanga]] when in Hover-Tank mode.<ref>''Mecha-Press'', issue #13, pp. 46–48</ref> Though it is not explicitly stated as such, the example 'Mech in question is in fact a recreation of the Spartan/Veritech Hover Tank from the ''[[w:Robotech|Southern Cross/Robotech]]'' animated series.
 
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[[File:Mecha_press_14_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 14]]
 
[[File:Mecha_press_14_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 14]]
−
This issue included a BattleTech short story ('''Lost''' by Jake Brenner), and also a new 'Mech.
 
  
−
* [[Cannon (Mecha-Press BattleMech)|GAL-2DSM ''Cannon'']], a 20 ton 'Mech designed by [[Blackwell]], a sort of scaled down version of the ''[[Gallowglas]]''. The 'Mech used a lot of L2 Technology but not [[double heat sink]]s (an issue by the way, because of their weapons choice). It also implies that these issues could be corrected by the usage of Clan Tech.
+
* Mecha Gaming by Marc A. Vézina. Brief mention of BattleTech animated series with a montage including ''The BattleTech Compendium''.
 +
* Mecha-Press News. Product news.
 +
:* Win a ''Madcat''! Contest Going Fast!
 +
:* Errata. The ''Hover-Tank 'Mech'' from issue 13 was based on the DD-1 Battlemover from [[w:Bubblegum Crisis|Bubblegum Crisis]], Episode 5, not an original design.
 +
* Lost: A BattleTech Story by Jake Brenner. Original fiction.
 +
* Technical Readout by Jake Brenner.
 +
:* GAL-2DSM ''Cannon''. 20 tons, uses a lot of L2 Technology. Loosely based on the GM Cannon first featured in ''[[w:Mobile Suit Gundam|Mobile Suit Gundam]]''.
 
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[[File:Mecha_press_15_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 15]]
 
[[File:Mecha_press_15_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 15]]
−
This issue included an article on how to mount and paint the BZK-F3 ''[[Hollander]]''.
 
  
−
Next to it there is an article on [[lithium-fusion batteries]] converted to be with 'Mechs, hence creating the [[Lithium Fusion Engine (Mecha-Press)|lithium fusion engine]]. This rules are used to create a new 60 ton 'Mech: [[Prodigal Son (Mecha-Press)|DD-03LF ''Prodigal Son'']], an upgunned and enhanced version of the ''Mecha-Press'' No. 12 ''Corvus'' 'Mech. This 'Mech will be piloted by a [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]] from ''Mecha-Press'' No. 12 article on Victory Stables in his first fight.
+
* Mecha-Press News. Product news.
 +
:* [[BattleTech: The Animated Series|BattleTech Animated Series]]. A list of stations carrying the show and timeslots used.
 +
:* Win a ''Madcat''! Contest Winner!
 +
* Building the BZK-F3 ''[[Hollander]]'' by Marc A. Vezina. [[w:Kitbashing|Kitbashing]] instructions.
 +
* BattleTech: More Power by Stéphane I. Matis. [[Lithium Fusion Engine (Mecha-Press)|Lithium-fusion engines]] for 'Mechs.
 +
* Technical Readout by Stéphane I. Matis.
 +
:* DD-03LF ''Prodigal Son''. A 60-ton upgunned and enhanced version of the ''Mecha-Press'' No. 12 ''Corvus'' 'Mech using a lithium-fusion engine.
 
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[[File:Mecha_press_16_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 16]]
 
[[File:Mecha_press_16_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 16]]
−
This issue contained an article about customizing your own OmniMechs miniatures.
 
  
−
The issue also includes the review of two BattleTech Novels: ''[[Bred for War]]'' and ''[[Close Quarters]]''.
+
* Mecha-Press News. Product news.
−
 
+
:* News & Releases. Upcoming products, including ''[[Critter-TEK|Crittertek]]'', ''[[CityTech, Second Edition|CityTech]]'' new edition, ''[[The Black Thorns]]'', ''[[1st Somerset Strikers (sourcebook)|Somerset Strikers Sourcebook]]''.
−
It also included a section Muscatech 'Mech Rifles, a section dedicated to the BattleMech pistols (for example the ''[[Griffin]]''). After that section, it provided the stats for the GRF-1RU ''Griffin'', with 3 variants on the 7T "rifle": the GRF-1N, the GRF-1S, and a new one (the 1RU), with 4 Streak SRM-2s and one ton of ammunition.
+
* Changing OmniMechs' Configurations by Marc A. Vezina. Kitbashing alternate configurations.
 +
* BattleTech Novels by Marc A. Vezina. Reviews of ''[[Bred for War]]'' and ''[[Close Quarters]]''.
 +
* MUSCATech 'Mech Rifles by Prabal Nandy. Really, really big guns.
 +
* Technical Readout by Marc A. Vezina.
 +
:* [[Griffin#Apocryphal Variants|GRF-1RU ''Griffin'']]. The right arm now carries modular weapons packages: A [[PPC]], a [[large laser]] and two [[medium laser]]s, or four [[Streak SRM-2]]s with two tons of ammo.
 
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[[File:Mecha_press_17_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 17]]
 
[[File:Mecha_press_17_cover.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Mecha-Press'' No. 17]]
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This issue started with the review of the BattleTech Animated Series (history, characters and 'Mechs).
 
−
 
−
A third set of rules on [[shield]]s (Muscatech Shields) were added in this magazine, and related to it, a new 'Mech.
 
  
−
* [[Horned Beetle (Mecha-Press)|HRB-7A ''Horned Beetle'']], a 45 ton 'Mech with a lot of L2 Technology with their own shield. This 'Mech can be created with the existing L2 rules. This 'Mech is in many ways similar to the ''[[Hatchetman]]''.
+
* ''Mad Cat'' cover.
 +
* BattleTech: A Short History by Marc A. Vezina.
 +
* Battletech Show Overview by Marc A. Vezina. A complete overview of the show, from development to episode guide, along with technology specific to the show and capsule readouts of all the 'Mechs.
 +
* Mecha Comic Books by Marc A. Vezina. Reviews.
 +
:* ''[[Fallout (Comic series)|BattleTech Fallout]]''.
 +
* MUSCATech Shields by Prabal Nandy. The third (fourth, really) set of shield rules the magazine published.
 +
* Technical Readout.
 +
:* HRB-7A ''Horned Beetle'' by Marc A. Vezina and Normand Bilodeau. A 45-ton 'Mech with a lot of L2 Technology and a shield using the magazine's new rules. This 'Mech can be created with the existing L2 rules.
 
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Latest revision as of 17:48, 31 October 2023

Mecha-Press
Product information
Type Magazine
Development Daniel Faucher (Editorial Director, V1#1);
Martin Ouellette (Editor in Chief, #1–6);
Marc-Alexandre Vézina (Editor in Chief, #7–17)
Primary writing Various contributors
Pages varies
Cover Artwork Various artists
Illustrations Various artists
Publication information
Publisher Ianus Publications
First published 1991
Content

Mecha-Press was a Canadian anime and manga magazine that was published by Ianus Publications of Montréal in the early 1990; it ran 17 issues after an initial one-shot co-published by Ianus and New Order Publications.

The magazine was released on a roughly bimonthly schedule, with 5 to 6 issues per year. Each issue usually focused on one particular anime or manga, dedicating up to one third of its page content on related synopsis, character and mecha presentations. Numerous mecha games were featured on a regular basis along with reviews and models; most issues carried some BattleTech material.

Although Mecha Press sometimes appeared as the magazine's name in articles, it was consintently styled with a hyphen in the indicia and on page headings.

Only BattleTech-related material is listed.

Mecha-Press Vol. 1 No. 1[edit]

Mecha-Press Vol. 1 No. 1
  • Succession Wars Circle by Daniel Faucher. A one-page description of what you could be in the BattleTech universe.
  • BattleTech: The Basic Game by Daniel Faucher. A one-page review.
  • Battles from the Training Field by Daniel Faucher. A three-page how-to, including optional rules for hidden movement and the Paladin Shield, a ten-ton piece of equipment with its own armor factor, internal structure, and a payload of vibrabombs and command-detonated mines.
  • Mechas Designs and Modifications by Daniel Faucher. A one-page article on modifications and using Gundam models. The 'Mechs are presented as the table at the start of a TRO description, with brand names and models for components.
  • PLN-2MP Paladin, a 90-ton conversion of the Gundam RX-78 Prefect.
  • LCT-1MP Locust. Carries a split-configuration SRM-6 in the arms.

Mecha-Press No. 1[edit]

Mecha-Press No. 01

Much of this issue is reprinted from Vol. 1 No. 1. Only differences will be noted.

  • Succession Wars Circle.
  • Mecha Designs and Modifications by Stephane Matis. Option shield rules moved here and revised, connecting shield size and states to size of 'Mech.
  • CVL-8RD Cavalier. Reprint of the Paladin with armor and weapon placement added.
  • LCT-2MP Locust. Reprint of the LCT-1MP with armor and weapon placement added.

Mecha-Press No. 2[edit]

  • Actuator Systems by Dominique Durocher. BattleTech briefly mentioned.

Mecha-Press No. 3[edit]

Mecha-Press No. 03
  • What's Cooking at FASA.

Mecha-Press No. 4[edit]

Mecha-Press No. 04
  • A/C and Missile Rules by Nicholas Gendron. A two-page description of flaws in existing rules and optional rules to address them.

Mecha-Press No. 5[edit]

  • Mecha Questionnaire. A one-page reader survey that includes BattleTech among the content options are asked to rank.

Mecha-Press No. 6[edit]

  • Mecha-Press Info. One-page photo catalog of recent models and figurines.
  • Battletech Madcat. 1/30 scale vinyl model kit from Horizon.
  • Macross Models. Includes the Zentradi Battle Pod that was the original Marauder.
  • Mecha Questionnaire. BattleTech no longer an option when ranking content preference.

Mecha-Press No. 7[edit]

Mecha-Press No. 07
  • Mecha Models. Several pages, including two in color.
  • Zentraedi Glaug. Split over two pages; there but for the sake of a name goes the Marauder.
  • BattleTech: The Japanese Edition by Stephan Matis. Two-page review, including list of anime sources for 'Mechs. Since BattleTech originally used licensed artwork from existing Japanese intellectual properties, artwork which was also somewhat dated, the primary difference was the creation of brand new artwork in a drastically different art style to appeal to the 1990s Japanese market, though care was taken for each image to accurately represent the configurations available for each 'Mech in 3025.[1]

Mecha-Press No. 8[edit]

Mecha-Press No. 08
  • Mecha Models. Several pages, some in color.
  • Adaptation for BattleTech by Marc-Alexandre Vézina.

Mecha-Press No. 9[edit]

Mecha-Press No. 09
  • So You Wanna Be a Star Captain? Capsule reviews of space combat games.
  • Adaptation for BattleTech by Marc-Alexandre Vézina.
  • PBA-1C Ako. A 35-ton "(hopefully) hilarious tribute" to the well-known parody OVA "Project A-Ko" with a lot of L2 technology.

Mecha-Press No. 10[edit]

Mecha-Press No. 10
  • Mecha-Press News. Product news from various publishers.
  • Heavy Armor by Marc-Alexandre Vézina. Reviews of models for various systems.
  • Behemoth ralidium alloy miniature by Ral Partha.
  • BattleTech: Shield Rules by Stéphane Matis. Optional shield rules different from those in either first issue.
  • Technical Readout by Stéphane Matis. WTC-5A Watchman II, a 40-ton successor to the WTC-4X6 Watchman. A version of the Watchman with L2 technology, using the magazine's latest optional shield rules. This 'Mech can be constructed with existing BattleTech L2 shield rules.

Mecha-Press No. 11[edit]

Mecha-Press No. 11

Issue 10 (November/December 1993) announced that Mecha-Press would be replaced by Mecha Gear with MP subscribers receiving the first two issues. Issue 11's Editorial page stated that the change was canceled due to reader reaction and a refusal by distributors to carry the new title.

  • Mecha-Press News.
  • Win a 1/35 Scale Madcat! Reader contest with a single copy of the model signed by sculptor John Ferrari as the prize.
  • The Thundering Madcat by the Dream Pod 9 modeling team. Interview with model sculptor John Ferrari and review of the model.
  • Heavy Armor by the Dream Pod 9 Modeling Team. Reviews of miniatures.
  • Light Omni 'Mechs Boxed Set by Ral Partha.
  • Nashan's Arena by Stephane Matis and Marc A. Vezina. Nashan Diversified Corporate profile and arena 'Mechs.
  • NSD-01 Pit Bull. 15 tons with four tons of pod space in each arm.
  • NSD-02 Pit Fighter. 30 tons with jump jets mounted on legs and center torso and four tons of pod space in each arm.

Mecha-Press No. 12[edit]

Mecha-Press No. 12
  • Mecha-Press News. Product announcements.
  • Heavy Armor by the DP9 Modeling Team. Miniature reviews.
  • Victory Stables by Jake Brenner. A Solaris VII 'Mech stable with a stable of 'Mechs ranging from two Pit Bulls to a Stalker.
  • Technical Readout by Stéphane Matis.
  • DD-02 Corvus. Unrelated to the Clan Corvis, it masses 50 tons and carries a lot of L2 Technology.

Mecha-Press No. 13[edit]

Mecha-Press No. 13
  • Mecha-Press News.
  • Win a Madcat! Contest Extended!
  • Thundering Madcat Part II by the DP9 Modeling Team. Includes Prime and all A–D configurations.
  • MUSCATech Hover-Tank 'Mech by Prabal Nandy. See errata in next issue.
  • VHT1AHTM Hover-Tank 'Mech. A 50-ton convertible 'Mech with Gun Emplacement and Hover-Tank modes, capable of jumping like a Kanga when in Hover-Tank mode.[2] Though it is not explicitly stated as such, the example 'Mech in question is in fact a recreation of the Spartan/Veritech Hover Tank from the Southern Cross/Robotech animated series.

Mecha-Press No. 14[edit]

Mecha-Press No. 14
  • Mecha Gaming by Marc A. Vézina. Brief mention of BattleTech animated series with a montage including The BattleTech Compendium.
  • Mecha-Press News. Product news.
  • Win a Madcat! Contest Going Fast!
  • Errata. The Hover-Tank 'Mech from issue 13 was based on the DD-1 Battlemover from Bubblegum Crisis, Episode 5, not an original design.
  • Lost: A BattleTech Story by Jake Brenner. Original fiction.
  • Technical Readout by Jake Brenner.
  • GAL-2DSM Cannon. 20 tons, uses a lot of L2 Technology. Loosely based on the GM Cannon first featured in Mobile Suit Gundam.

Mecha-Press No. 15[edit]

Mecha-Press No. 15
  • Mecha-Press News. Product news.
  • DD-03LF Prodigal Son. A 60-ton upgunned and enhanced version of the Mecha-Press No. 12 Corvus 'Mech using a lithium-fusion engine.

Mecha-Press No. 16[edit]

Mecha-Press No. 16
  • Mecha-Press News. Product news.
  • Changing OmniMechs' Configurations by Marc A. Vezina. Kitbashing alternate configurations.
  • BattleTech Novels by Marc A. Vezina. Reviews of Bred for War and Close Quarters.
  • MUSCATech 'Mech Rifles by Prabal Nandy. Really, really big guns.
  • Technical Readout by Marc A. Vezina.

Mecha-Press No. 17[edit]

Mecha-Press No. 17
  • Mad Cat cover.
  • BattleTech: A Short History by Marc A. Vezina.
  • Battletech Show Overview by Marc A. Vezina. A complete overview of the show, from development to episode guide, along with technology specific to the show and capsule readouts of all the 'Mechs.
  • Mecha Comic Books by Marc A. Vezina. Reviews.
  • MUSCATech Shields by Prabal Nandy. The third (fourth, really) set of shield rules the magazine published.
  • Technical Readout.
  • HRB-7A Horned Beetle by Marc A. Vezina and Normand Bilodeau. A 45-ton 'Mech with a lot of L2 Technology and a shield using the magazine's new rules. This 'Mech can be created with the existing L2 rules.

References[edit]

  1. ↑ Mecha-Press, issue #7, pp. 34–35
  2. ↑ Mecha-Press, issue #13, pp. 46–48

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