VIZ MAGAZINE – AUGUST 2009 – ISSUE 177 – ORIGINAL BRITISH HUMOUR COMIC

Original Viz Magazine, Issue 177, August 2009, featuring a striking illustrated front cover with a giant snarling black bear, a cartoon gentleman in a checked suit and a small rabbit.

A collectable edition of the long-running British adult humour magazine, famous for its outrageous cartoon characters, satirical articles, spoof advertisements and distinctive comic-strip humour.

This issue features the amusing cover slogan "GRR! BRITAIN'S GRIZZLIEST MAG", alongside a red promotional banner advertising "Now With 20% More Bears!"

An interesting addition to any collection of classic British comics, Viz publications or alternative comedy memorabilia.

MAGAZINE DETAILS

• Publication: Viz Magazine

• Issue Number: 177

• Publication Date: August 2009

• Original UK Cover Price: £2.80

• Language: English

• Format: Printed comic magazine

• Genre: British comedy, satire, parody and cartoon humour

• Condition: Pre-owned – visible age and handling wear

• SKU: 1574

FRONT COVER – DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This issue features a distinctive bear-themed cartoon cover with a bold yellow, black and white colour scheme.

The central illustration depicts an enormous black bear standing upright with both front paws raised. The bear has exaggerated claws, bright orange eyes, a large blue-grey snout and an enormous open mouth displaying sharp teeth and a pink tongue.

Its dramatic appearance is deliberately over-the-top, creating a humorous contrast with the much smaller characters standing in front.

Directly beneath the bear stands a cartoon gentleman wearing an orange and yellow checked jacket, matching waistcoat, brown trousers, bow tie and small bowler-style hat.

The character has an exaggerated expression, a prominent red nose and a cigarette, while carrying a double-barrelled shotgun. His deliberately old-fashioned clothing gives the illustration a traditional British countryside and sporting-comedy appearance.

At the bottom of the artwork sits a small brown rabbit beside a flower, providing another amusing contrast to the enormous bear towering above it.

The oversized white VIZ masthead appears behind the bear against a bright yellow background.

Additional cover details include:

• "GRR! BRITAIN'S GRIZZLIEST MAG" – the main humorous cover slogan.

• "Now With 20% More Bears!" – a prominent red promotional banner in the upper-right corner.

• Issue 177 – August – printed in a red starburst near the top.

• Bright yellow background lettering advertising various recurring Viz features.

• Original barcode and printed retail information along the right-hand edge.

The overall design is a particularly colourful example of Viz's absurdist cartoon humour and exaggerated cover illustrations.

FEATURED CHARACTERS & COMEDY CONTENT

The cover advertises several of Viz's established characters and comic features.

Among the readable references are:

Raffles – A recurring Viz character associated with exaggerated upper-class adventures and traditional British comic parody.

Spoilt – Another comic feature advertised on the cover.

Sid the Sexist – One of Viz's best-known recurring characters, famous for his exaggerated confidence and consistently unsuccessful romantic adventures.

Drunken Bakers – A long-running comic strip following the chaotic misadventures of two unreliable bakers.

Roger Mellie – The outspoken fictional television personality whose exaggerated broadcasting antics have become a recognisable part of Viz's comic history.

The cover also includes several additional feature names, although some lettering is obscured by the large central illustration.

As with other editions of Viz from this period, the magazine represents a distinctive combination of illustrated comic strips, parody, satire, deliberately absurd situations and adult-oriented British humour.

Please note: The specific contents of every internal page have not been individually verified, as the supplied photograph shows the front cover only.

COLLECTOR INTEREST

Viz Magazine has developed a strong following among collectors of British humour publications, alternative comics and satirical magazines.

This August 2009 edition is particularly interesting for its:

• Distinctive oversized black bear cover illustration.

• Humorous bear-themed promotional slogans.

• Bright yellow and black colour scheme.

• Classic Viz cartoon drawing style.

• References to established recurring comic characters.

• Original late-2000s publication design.

• Collectable Issue 177 identification.

A suitable addition to an existing Viz collection or a nostalgic gift for someone who enjoys classic British comic humour.

CONDITION – IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Pre-owned magazine showing noticeable signs of age, storage and previous handling.

The following observations are based on the actual photograph supplied.

Front Cover:

The original illustrated front cover is present, with the main artwork, magazine title, issue number and publication details remaining clearly visible.

There are visible surface scuffs, light scratches and handling marks, particularly across the large black bear illustration and darker printed areas.

Spine:

The left-hand spine shows noticeable wear, including rubbing, creasing and several small areas of white paper exposure where the printed surface has worn away.

There is visible stress along portions of the spine, particularly around the middle and lower sections.

Top Edge:

The upper edge appears uneven and slightly wavy, with visible handling creases and some bending.

There is noticeable wear around the upper-left area and slight distortion along the top edge.

Corners:

The corners show age-related handling wear, including minor softening, rubbing and slight bending.

Cover Surface:

There are fine surface scratches, light crease lines and general storage marks.

Some faint vertical handling creases are visible, particularly towards the left side of the cover.

Lower Edge:

Minor rubbing and handling wear are visible along the bottom edge.

Colour & Printing:

The cover retains strong yellow, black and white colouring, with the main illustrations and printed text remaining clearly recognisable.

Binding & Interior:

The magazine appears assembled in the photograph, but the internal pages, binding strength and complete page count have not been individually inspected.

No claim of mint condition or complete internal contents is made.

Overall Condition:

A visibly used copy with noticeable spine wear, surface marks and handling creases, but with an attractive, recognisable front cover.

Please examine the supplied photograph carefully before purchasing, as it forms an important part of the condition description.

IMPORTANT – ORIGINAL EXTRAS & FREE GIFTS

This listing is for the magazine only.

Any original free gifts, promotional supplements, loose inserts, additional booklets or other items that may originally have accompanied the magazine are no longer included, unless specifically visible in the listing photographs.

No additional promotional items or accessories are supplied.

PACKAGING & POSTAGE

We take care when packaging collectable magazines to help minimise the risk of damage during transit.

UK Orders: The magazine will be dispatched in a protective hardback envelope.

International Orders: The magazine will be dispatched in a sturdy cardboard mail-size box for additional protection during international shipping.

PLEASE NOTE

You will receive the actual magazine shown in the photograph.

This is an original pre-owned publication and not a modern reproduction.

Age-related wear, surface marks, creases and other signs of previous handling should be expected.

Please review the condition description and photographs carefully before purchasing.

SKU: 1574