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I don't know how many of you guys know this, but I got my start in the anime industry in late 2006 writing the Tune in Tokyo column for Wizard's Anime Insider magazine, which (except a short break when I was working at animeOnline) I've continued to do up until this last issue, along with various features. But apparently this issue may be THE last issue.


The legendary Rob Bricken over at Topless Robot, who pushed the original quarterly Anime Invasion magazine into the monthly news-and-mild-snark-fest Anime Insider we know and love, heard the news from his former coworkers, who have been fired.


I've always loved the magazine and its “if it's not good we don't include it” attitude, so I'm really sad to see it go. What I'm not sure about at this time is whether or not the magazine will publish its next issue or two (being print, they work very far in advance-- the next issue is probably already complete). Nor do I know what Wizard will be doing to compensate subscribers.


But you can bet that I'll be finding out as much as I can, so I'll keep you guys informed.

9 Comments
gia on March 26, 2009
This seriously bums me out. I'm thinking of taking a nap until next week.
otakureview on March 26, 2009
Wow, that does totally suck. I've just recently started to read the trade mags on a much more regular basis and this one easily topped my 'want to work at someday' list ~_~
Kuro on March 26, 2009
All I can say here (after a big TR comment, discussing it with Gia, and making a myspace/facebook bulliten about it)  is RIP Anime Insider, I love you.
DJTyrant on March 26, 2009
Bummer, but I haven't read an anime mag since probably 2006 and that was Newtype :/
Void_Wizard on March 26, 2009
I quit reading magazines since Newtype's last issue came out in the U.S. for the most part. It's sad but not really surprising that more magazines are biting the dust.
HeeroYuy on March 26, 2009
I would be another in that crowd of "Newtype USA was the last anime magazine I read regularly" group. It's unfortunate to see another go, but I think what we're seeing is the effects of a slow shift away from printed media for news, or at the very least entertainment news. Heck, I could probably find out about the same amount of stuff in a month here on AnimeVice, possibly more, for free. And yes, it's unfortunate, but sometimes you got to move on...

Maybe if Otaku USA actually covered stuff OTHER than the mainstream crud I've seen over and over again and focused on off-the-beaten-path shows more often then I'd get a subscription... (I mean, how many times can you use Gurren Lagann and DBZ as your front cover article?)

As for anime insider, *takes off kamina glasses and salutes*
Niko on March 26, 2009
I'm going to try not to just repost what I commented over at Topless Robot, but here goes.

This is sad. Only after following AI for the past year, I found it to be fairly enjoyable. The writers seemed to enjoy what they were doing, and that makes for a better reading experience.

I am weary for other anime magazines, now with both Newtype USA and AI gone in just over a year's time (NUSA ended Feb '08, IIRC). I didn't expect AI to go with its Wizard connection, but now I'm also wondering what'll happen to Wizard's other titles.

I am curious as to if any money-saving tactics were taken before the overall cut was made. Perhaps a switch to a quarterly or something.

It's sad to hear the AI staff fired though. Does this also mean the removal of the anime section in regular Wizard?

So many questions.
gia on March 26, 2009
Niko: I have a lot of questions too (like, for example, what's going to happen to the feature I just turned in?)

As for money-saving tactics, I'd heard rumors that their freelance budget had been cut, although I continued to do my usual column and occasional larger features as regular, so I can't really confirm that or anything. I definitely know they didn't switch to quarterly though.

Unfortunately it's really not the right time for me to go and ask the staff  anything, I think, but Rob is going to try and find out what he can from the Wizard people in the meantime. I'll definitely keep everyone updated.
Niko on March 26, 2009
Yeah, now would be somewhat insensitive to ask about this kind of stuff to people who just lost their jobs. I wish them the best of luck in finding future employment soon.
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