Queer Print: The Interviews For my essay Queer Print I interviewed the publishers of three top zines: Christopher Schulz of Pinups Magazine, Darren Ankenbaur of Handbook, and Amos Mac of Original Plumbing. As much as I would have liked to, it was impossible for me to quote extensively from the interviews within the essay, so I'm publishing the complete interviews here on my website. Two of the interviews, Ankenbaur's and Mac's, were conducted by e-mail. I wish that I had had more of a chance to have a conversation with each of them but time constraints and learning curves got in the way. Both guys were extremely helpful and kind in answering my questions, a lot of which grew out of my conversation with Schulz. The following interview is with Darren Ankenbaur. Of the zines I coverd in my essay, Ankenbaur's Handbook is probably the closest to a traditional porn magazine. It is unabashadly sexual, filled with hot guys photographed with a vintage flair in poses that intentionally suggest old porn shoots.
Johnny: Why print? Given that a website or blog would be easier to create and promote, why did you decide to create Handbook as a print entity? Darren: I wanted to print Handbook because there are so many collectors around the world of small print publications. The size is unique as well as the content. I feel that with nude erotica, it should be more tangible rather than simply images on your computer screen. You can't curl up in bed with your computer as comfortably as you can with Handbook! However, that being said, Handbook does have a web presence at www.handbookmen.com which will be going under a little construction soon. Johnny: Is Handbook your first attempt at a small-press print publication or have there been others? Darren: Nope, This is my first and I am enjoying every minute of it. Johnny: Did you have any education or experience in print prior to taking on Handbook? Darren: I was working as graphic designer for a large trade publication and had been tossing the idea around for a while. When I was laid off and looking for other work I started writing ideas into a notebook, contacted friends I knew who are business owners to advertise and the rest is history. All this took place October 2006 and the fist issue was released January 2007. It all happened pretty fast but I knew exactly what I wanted to create. That was a small, vintage inspired beefcake quarterly publication that didn't look like your everyday zine. I wanted Handbook to look and feel like a small high quality publication incorporating a pleasing design, thought provoking editorial sections and of course, hot naked men!
Johnny: What do you think it says overall for print that major institutions are struggling right now while small press publications are finding an audience and proliferating? Darren: I know things have been tough for some major publications but with a zine, it's the size that makes it more manageable for it's reader. Also, the cost is much cheaper for a publisher to produce. I know that there more and more zines popping up but I feel that they are a great way to express yourself and bring a different perspective to your average read. Johnny: Have you been surprised by the overall reaction to Handbook? If so, how? Darren: No not surprised at all. I knew that there was a market for this type of material and who doesn't like to look at naked men!
Johnny: Now that you've been publishing Handbook for some time, how has it performed compared to your expectations you had when you first started? Darren: It's only getting better. It does make me feel proud that handbook started with writing a few notes down and now it's being read all over the world. Johnny: What has surprised you most about publishing Handbook? Darren: I wasn't expecting that so many people want to be involved with Handbook. Nude models, writers and contributors. With every issue I am approached more and more. It's a great thing! Johnny: Why do you think we're seeing an explosion of small press publications not only aimed at but created by young gay men at this moment in time? Darren: People are so much more sophisticated now with so much access on the internet and since there are so many small publications out there I think it inspires more men/women to create something they are passionate about. It is very easy (if you know a page layout program) to create and publish your own zine. The trick is to be connected to the right people and have an original idea that is appealing to a target market.
Johnny: Why do you think that so many of the current breed of gay zines are so candidly sexual while not necessarily crossing into the realm of pornographic? Darren: I would say that most gay zines contain some form of pornography. Perhaps the difference is that most of the editorial content is more cerebral and thought provoking. Johnny: Why do you think that the past is playing such an important role in the aesthetics and contents of the current crop of gay zines? Darren: I have always been a fan of vintage beefcake and the producers of it that came before us. That imagery is such a huge part of our gay culture that is should be celebrated. I myself prefer classic images of regular good looking guys who don't tan or trim or overly work out like you see in today's slick mainstream porn. Naked images of men back in the day were so raw and natural that most everyone could relate to that model or models. This is also the time of the DYI'ers (do it yourself) who want to bring some of that past into this century. Johnny: Handbook has probably the most robust website connected to it of all the gay zines, and the website trends toward 'porn' more than the publication itself, with a larger focus on pictorials and even jerk-off videos. Do you have plans to reconcile the editorial content of the two, or are you happy for them to exist as complimentary to one another? What role do you see the website playing in conjunction with the print magazine? Darren: The handbookmen.com website will be going under a redesign in February and I am so excited. I designed the website as more of a companion entity to the publication. With the new website we will be including some of the
(all photos courtesy of and © Darren Ankenbaur) Find Handbook online at: handbookmen.com The original essay: Queer Print: Keeping the Counterculture Coming Return to: johnnymurdoc.com |
