In “Radar’s” world, Barack Obama, Pamela Anderson, John McCain and a yacht full of 30-something nudists live in glossy harmony. Actually it’s glossy like the pages of a magazine, and harmony like the result of good editing. “Radar” is a magazine publishing “pop culture for smart people.” Who knew the two could co-exist?

“Radar” is based out of New York, publishing articles about “pop, politics, scandal, and style.” The articles range from 300-1200 words and incorporate intelligence and insight into otherwise shallow pop-culture stories.

The features are witty, long, analytical and usually encompass both politics and fashion. The sidebars are funny, and filled with clever facts and photographs. Each issue is topped off with a theatrical, fashion photo spread.

“Swindle” is an artistic social commentary. Betty Boop is this month’s cover pic, competing with bedazzled big rigs and India’s religious festivals for the issue’s feature story. Like many other indie mags, it’s published on paper thicker and wider than the normal magazine, and without the lacquered finish.

The articles are partnered with a plethora of photographs and artwork. The publishers, based out of L.A., incorporate a lot of variation in colors and fonts, making the piece, in its entirety, aesthetically pleasing. The magazine brings art and social issues together, and as the publishers put it, “more than just reporting on culture, Swindle influences it.”

“Radar” and “Swindle” are just two of the many small magazines that don’t get the audience or the kudos they deserve. “Radar” covers pop culture as efficiently as the tabloids, but also analyzes the trends while including political and social issues. It’s funny, shocking, and actually educating.

“Swindle” puts an artistic spin on every story. The pages are primarily filled with profiles, but the articles are never only about art. The writers find a way to make social issues artistic, or at least find the beautiful in the ugly. It’s creative, entertaining and a witty cultural evaluation.

Magazines give their audience stories more thorough, specialized and creative than most newspapers. They’re more opinionated, but therefore give the reader a deeper view of issues. More importantly they encourage the reader to think.

Any ASU student who wants to have a well-rounded understanding of the big bad real world should do some magazine research and find a publication that gives a little insight into an otherwise textbook-and-media ruled population.

Borders and Barnes and Nobles have a decent selection of magazines in a variety of genres. There’s a magazine for almost every hobby or interest. If nothing else, the glossy photography might even be an exhilarating break from the thick textbooks, monotone professors and shabby classrooms that have to be mechanically endured. Give your brain a break from the routine and start reading the glossies.

— kahavens@asu.edu