Hong Kong 97 Magazine Here
As it matured, the editorial direction shifted toward hard-hitting investigative journalism, earning both praise from the public and notoriety among powerful interests. This confrontational style set it apart from mainstream outlets that were beginning to practice self-censorship to avoid antagonizing Beijing. Content and Classification
If you are searching for , you are likely not looking for a financial quarterly. You are looking for the blood-soaked, satire-drenched, and incredibly rare comic that has become a holy grail for collectors.
Moreover, the aesthetic of the magazine has enjoyed a renaissance on social media platforms like Instagram and Reddit (specifically r/ObscureMedia and r/BadComics). People are rediscovering the sheer audacity of the art and writing.
If you find a copy today—especially the notorious "Ashcan" edition or the complete mini-series run—you are looking at a book worth several hundred dollars, sometimes more depending on grade. For collectors of "Bad 90s Comics" or "Pre-Code Moderns," this is a crown jewel. Hong Kong 97 Magazine
: Developed in just two days by Yoshihisa "Kowloon" Kurosawa with the help of an anonymous Enix employee.
However, high-resolution scans are traded within collector circles. If you want to read it, you will likely have to hunt down a physical copy at a comic book convention (look for the "dollar bin" dealers who know what they have) or join a Facebook group dedicated to indie 90s comics.
Key features of the magazine included:
"Hong Kong 97" refers primarily to a 1995 video game known for its bizarre, politically charged intro text and its cult status within underground Japanese gaming culture. The game, created by Kowloon Kurosawa and published by the fictional "HappySoft," was promoted in underground magazines like Game Urara
The magazine's inception was driven by dissatisfaction with the existing media landscape, which many felt was becoming increasingly cautious as the 1997 deadline approached. Its founders aimed to create a publication that would tackle sensitive issues including corruption, government scandals, and the future of civil liberties in the territory.
The magazine featured a diverse range of content, often mixing high-stakes political analysis with cultural and economic commentary. However, it is also notable for the existence of differently targeted publications under the same name: As it matured, the editorial direction shifted toward
: It gained massive popularity in the West after a 2014 review by the Angry Video Game Nerd. 2. Archival Magazines & Reports (1997 Handover)
Have you ever held a copy of Hong Kong 97 Magazine? Share your stories of hunting this elusive piece of comic history in the comments below.