Earlier this month I was sorting through some boxes in the attic and came across a box file of Harbinger Magazines. A full set of all 25 paper published magazines.
When Harbinger first came out in August 2003 it really was a 'breath of fresh air' in a market that was truly dominated by Games Workshop. I eagerly picked up my copy from W H Smiths and within two or three issues decided to subscribe. In the very early days there were special limited edition miniatures offered to early subscribers - miniatures that I still have to this day.
At just £3.50 per issue I read each from front-to-back and absorbed the articles and review with some relish.
Later I allowed my subscription to lapse, but as you can see I still supported the publication, right up until issue 25. The last paper published magazine (2005). I am aware that there was at least one On-Line edition which was available via www.harbingermagazine.com although recent attempts to access this site have been unsuccessful.
The main reason for this post was to have a look-back at this publication and try to assess what it was that called to me when this magazine was originally launched.
I spent a week or two reading the articles and reviews and in truth was a little disappoint. It could be that this magazine 'was of an age' and has not lasted as well as others, but I found the articles to be less enjoyable than I had expected or remembered. I am not suggesting that I will sell-on my collection. I think I am too sentimentally attached to the memory of the earlier editions and looking back through 'rose-tinted' glasses am a little blinkered. I find that earlier White Dwarf's still hold some fascination while Harbinger is just a reference read and a look back at what-was.
I would be interested to read what others think of this now long gone magazine and if they like me find the memory of the writing greater than the fact?
For anyone not familiar with the magazine I would suggest that you pick one or two up (there are a number available via e-bay) and have a read. They are fun, informative and give a very good overview of what game designers and figure manufacturers were working on back then.
Finally I long for a truly independent fantasy miniature/gaming magazine, but I also think this role has now been taken over by the Internet, suppliers web pages and forums. How I long for holding a paper edition of these electronic magazines - but as time moves on I firmly believe that the electronic Web based magazine, Blog and Forum is the real way forward. I may not like it, but I doubt if there really is room or a market for such a paper based publication today.
Tony
