To those in the know about British small press (and if you’re reading Bugpowder, then that probably includes you), Redeye doesn’t need that much of an introduction. A cottage industry magazine, which is well produced with each consecutive issue looking increasingly professional, issue 4 doesn’t disappoint.

There’s articles within on Malcy Duff, Ian Edginton and Disraeli, David Hitchcock and Jeremy Dennis to name but a few as well as reports on comics festivals (Copenhagen 2004 and The UK Web and Mini Comix Thing 2005) as well as 7 pages of smallpress reviews. All in, it provides a couple of hours of good reading. There’s some excellent journalism here too. Writers like Matthew Badham seem as conversant in the fan-boy end of the spectrum as he does in the alt-comix arena.

However to those new to British small press or just casually interested, would Redeye stand out as a ‘must buy’ magazine? I’m not so sure. The front cover would have probably put me off had I not been keen to read about the names on the cover. And I feel that’s a bit of a problem. When reviewing Redeye it’s very easy to use words like ‘solid’ or ‘chunky’. And as a reading experience, they’re fitting adjectives, I only wish that the editorial approach would be a little more daring as far as packaging goes.

The previous covers have been pretty samey and boring, usually a pinup style illustration incorporating the Union Jack in some way. Number 4’s no exception, this time it’s David Hitchcock’s turn to drape the flag.
It lends weight to the perception that 'a chick holding a gun' imagery typifies ‘indie’ comics, and that’s as far from the truth as it is boring. Seeing as how the comic has articles on experimental artists like Malcy Duff and hugely original talents like Jeremy Dennis, the editor Baz Renshaw could be commissioning some really amazing cover artwork here instead of peddling the Union Jack gimmick for another issue.

Well my two-pennorth aside, despite it’s lacklustre cover, this is a really great magazine aiming high and delivering at providing a balanced, in-depth tour of UK independent comics. Recommended.

Available from Engine Comics