If I asked you, Mister/Ms. Asian American, to name an Asian American magazine — any Asian American magazine — you could probably come up with a list of a couple: Hyphen, KoreAm, and a couple of now-defunct print magazines as well: Jade, Yolk and A Magazines come to mind. Giant Robot seems to be forgotten on a lot of people’s lists, but is a damn shame; what started as a humble zine has turned into a solid magazine devoted to Asians and Asian Americans in the art, film and pop culture worlds, with retail outlets in California and New York. My friend Schlomo puts it best: “Giant Robot has done more to bolster/unite/hype Asian American arts culture than anyone else I have ever seen. As a curated outlet, this is indispensable.” And let’s be honest: you know that statement is true if a guy named Schlomo is saying it.
But now — as with a lot of print based publications out there and like a couple of AA magazines — Giant Robot is in financial trouble, and is asking for financial support from fans. The idea of donating has gotten a fair amount of criticism from readers, of which co-editor Martin writes about in the GR blog:
… [W]e’re not looking for a free ride. Other changes are in the works to get help, evolve GR, and secure its place. We have support of our printer, large advertisers, and other plans that are kicking in. But this is something to provide stability while they take effect. It’s not easy to ask for assistance — and we’re not saying that we expect it or necessarily deserve it — but if you can offer help, we can use it.
To which I say this: Giant Robot is one of the most successful Asian American-based brands to successfully crossover to mainstream pop culture. As someone who has visited the New York store and has met one of their managers, it would be a shame to see all of that go away. If you have the money and want to see a brand you believe in stick around, donate to the cause. But if you don’t believe in the way their doing it, hey, buy a magazine or a subscription.
