The Detailed History of Zzap! - Part 6 by Demetrius Kiminas
The Fifth Period: December 1992 to February 1994 (1 year, 2 months)
Zzap!64 issue 91 was indeed issue 1 of so-called ‘new magazine’, Commodore Force (‘so-called’ because ZZAP! 90 and CF1 had essentially the same design!) -- This fifth and last period where ZZAP!64 was called Commodore Force lasted until February 1994 and ZZAP!64 issue 106 (CF16) when Europress bankrupted. During this period the C64 slowly ceased to be a machine with commercial significance and the average number of reviews per issue dropped to 7, most of which were budget re-releases -- At least there was time to celebrate ZZAP!64’s 100th issue in a special feature included in CF10: a feat not many computer magazines have accomplished…
Zzap!91/CF1 appeared in the shops in 26 November 1992. Normally it should be labelled ‘December 1992’, but for some reason a month was jumped and the new magazine had ‘January 1993’ on the cover – this would lead to problems, but more on that later. The magazine remained essentially the same with minor cosmetic changes and the replacement of some Zzap-related names. Specifically: ‘Sizzler’ was replaced by ‘Hurricane Hit’, ‘Gold Medal Award’ was abolished, and ‘Mega Tape’ was replaced by ‘Reel Action’ (tapes on this issue were called Real Action No.1 and No.2). Other than that: A 100-page free tips booklet promised last month never appeared for overseas readers, Mark Caswell departed, a new reviewer, Chris Hayward, was introduced and given the tips section, the Scorelord appeared for one last time, and Lloyd Mangram returned as the man answering readers’ letters – this last move was enough to make CF1 look closer to past Zzaps than the last eight Zzap issues! Finally, a new Technical section was introduced, written under the pen-name ‘Professor Brian Strain’.
Issue 92/CF2 saw the addition of the phrase ‘Incorporating ZZAP!64’ in the masthead, the departure of Phil King and James Price, the introduction of new reviewer Miles Guttery, and the addition of a third reviewer comment to some game reviews. Issue 96/CF6 saw the return of reviewer James Price. Issue 97/CF7 saw the cover price increasing to £2.99 (!).
Issue 99/CF9 contained a review by Miles brother, Rod Guttery. Issue 100/CF10 contained a much publicised Zzap!64 anniversary pull-out special. The centennial issue also saw the departure of both Steve Shields and Ian Osborne, and the ascension of James Price to the editorial chair. Issue 101/CF11 saw the departure of Chris Hayward and the tips section passing to Miles Guttery. As the cover date was way out of sync with the real date, issue 101 came with a cover date of ‘Autumn 1993’, enabling the real date to catch up with the cover (Issue 100 being Oct 1993 and 102 Nov 1993)! As circulation & advertising income dwindled, issue 104/CF14 saw the price increasing to £3.50, the pages decreasing to 52, and the tapes on the cover decreasing to one (but long-play!). Also in issue 104, Ian Osborne returned and reviewer Rob Millichamp appeared.
Issue 106/CF16 was the first to contain no reviews whatsoever -- it was also the final issue, as Europress became bankrupt just after it hit the streets. The magazine remained profitable until its very end, but there was no hope of anybody resurrecting an 8-bit magazine in 1994. This sudden discontinuation also meant no final issue was ever produced, leaving the way open for a future continuation…
The End!
If you found any errors of facts in this article or just want to discuss any of it, visit the forums and let us know!
Zzap!64 issue 91 was indeed issue 1 of so-called ‘new magazine’, Commodore Force (‘so-called’ because ZZAP! 90 and CF1 had essentially the same design!) -- This fifth and last period where ZZAP!64 was called Commodore Force lasted until February 1994 and ZZAP!64 issue 106 (CF16) when Europress bankrupted. During this period the C64 slowly ceased to be a machine with commercial significance and the average number of reviews per issue dropped to 7, most of which were budget re-releases -- At least there was time to celebrate ZZAP!64’s 100th issue in a special feature included in CF10: a feat not many computer magazines have accomplished…
Issue 99/CF9 contained a review by Miles brother, Rod Guttery. Issue 100/CF10 contained a much publicised Zzap!64 anniversary pull-out special. The centennial issue also saw the departure of both Steve Shields and Ian Osborne, and the ascension of James Price to the editorial chair. Issue 101/CF11 saw the departure of Chris Hayward and the tips section passing to Miles Guttery. As the cover date was way out of sync with the real date, issue 101 came with a cover date of ‘Autumn 1993’, enabling the real date to catch up with the cover (Issue 100 being Oct 1993 and 102 Nov 1993)! As circulation & advertising income dwindled, issue 104/CF14 saw the price increasing to £3.50, the pages decreasing to 52, and the tapes on the cover decreasing to one (but long-play!). Also in issue 104, Ian Osborne returned and reviewer Rob Millichamp appeared.
