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James Hoare's Secret Passages is back on Kickstarter with Issue 2, continuing his mission to excavate the cultural DNA of classic RPGs and Oldhammer gaming.
This second instalment adds another 64 pages of deep-dive journalism exploring "the RPGs and wargames that raised us," building on the success of Issue 1's remarkable debut that we covered in-depth earlier this year. Editor Hoare, bringing nearly two decades of magazine experience from Terrorizer and SciFiNow, created a publication that treats classic gaming with the same cultural seriousness you'd expect from RetroGamer or Classic Rock - thoughtful analysis, gorgeous production values, and just the right amount of knowing nostalgia without tipping into maudlin sentimentality.
Hoare's editorial philosophy remains unchanged: "depth rather than breadth" - diving deep into specific releases not regurgitating the same tired details. It's cultural archaeology for what he calls "the graph paper generation" - those of us who cut our teeth on Fighting Fantasy, Advanced HeroQuest, and the gloriously overwrought lore of early Warhammer. The first issue delivered exactly that with articles on everything from the 1990 secret service raid on Steve Jackson Games to, memorably, "the horniness of the first Warhammer novel". There's still room for thoughtful journalism that doesn't chase algorithms or cater to the attention economy.
The Kickstarter for Issue 2 is in its final week - Death Star trench run stylee - with just seven days left to lock in your copy. You don’t want to miss "cursed content, baffling tangents, and that same old-school, slightly-feral energy" including personal stories from the trenches:
Jeff Butler's inside account of making Marvel Super Heroes his own and stepping into Frazetta's boots for Conan
Bill Slavicsek discussing The Star Wars Roleplaying Game that set an ambitious new standard for licensed games at the feverish height of Phantom Menace hype (bringing Jedi to D&D whilst navigating the shadow of the Lucasfilm empire)
Warhammer Ahoy! plus WFRP legend Graeme Davis sharing his formative gaming experiences
Sculptor Trish Carden's behind-the-scenes tale of creating Citadel's first plastic dragon.
With just 24 hours to save the Earth (wrong franchise - Ed.), Get yourself over to Kickstarter before this particular exhaust port closes.
Images and text courtesy of Secret Passages/James Hoare.
A vibrant comic-style cover for "Secret Passages Issue 2" features a muscular, armored figure with a crown and flowing red cape, standing confidently amidst a gritty, urban backdrop. The character wields a sword and is surrounded by crumbling walls adorned with graffiti, evoking a sense of adventure and nostalgia for classic tabletop gaming. The title is prominently displayed at the top in bold, stylized lettering, with a red and black color scheme enhancing the dramatic atmosphere.
A vibrant illustration features a wizard with a long beard and flowing robes, casting spells amidst a backdrop of swirling clouds and lightning. In the foreground, a character dressed in a suit and sunglasses holds a futuristic device, embodying a blend of mystery and action. The text "EARTH vs. the FLYING SORCERERS" is prominently displayed, alongside a section titled "Guide to the Technocracy," which includes details about the role-playing sourcebook and its creators.
A vibrant magazine spread features a colorful illustration depicting a chaotic scene with various fantasy characters, including armored warriors, a wizard, and a troll, all engaged in a tabletop gaming session. The left page contains an interview titled "Dwarf Days are OVER," with bold red text and a black-and-white photograph of Paul Cockburn, who is discussing his experiences in the gaming industry. The overall design combines dynamic artwork with engaging text, reflecting the nostalgic and adventurous spirit of classic RPGs and wargames.
A vibrant illustration features a pale-skinned vampire, Count Strahd von Zarovich, seated on a throne in a dark, gothic setting, holding a goblet. He wears a lavish, dark cloak and has a sinister expression, surrounded by shadowy figures and flickering candles. To the right, text titled "Born Strahd" introduces the article, alongside an image of the "Ravenloft" sourcebook cover, which includes its title and publication details.
A vibrant illustration fills the pages, showcasing a diverse array of fantasy characters, including wizards, warriors, and monstrous creatures, all set against a dark, atmospheric background. The title "The Martin Chronicles" is prominently displayed in green, highlighting the tribute to artist Martin McKenna, who significantly influenced the visual style of classic RPGs. The characters are depicted in dynamic poses, conveying a sense of action and adventure, while intricate details in their costumes and expressions reflect the rich lore of the gaming world.
A two-page spread from "Secret Passages" features an article titled "Walk Among Us," discussing "Vampire: The Masquerade." The left page includes stylized text and a brief overview of the game's impact, alongside a black-and-white image of a masquerade mask. The right page showcases a colorful collage with a character in a dark, ornate costume adorned with a large flower, set against a backdrop of vintage photographs and splashes of red, evoking a dramatic and immersive atmosphere.
A vibrant illustration features a large, imposing stone statue of a figure with a stern expression, surrounded by characters from the Star Wars universe, including a young boy and R2-D2, who are positioned in the foreground. The background depicts a dark, cavernous space with angular architecture, enhancing the dramatic atmosphere. Accompanying text discusses the ambitious nature of the Star Wars Roleplaying Game, highlighting insights from designer Bill Slavicsek and its impact on licensed games.
A quote from Gav Thorpe, a Black Library author and former Games Workshop games designer, is displayed against a textured dark background resembling stone. The quote expresses his enthusiasm for "Secret Passages #1," mentioning he read it in one sitting during a flight and looks forward to more issues. His name and title are presented in a bold, white font at the bottom, accompanied by a circular image of him.
