The long-running, highly illustrated children’s magazine AQUILA has just announced the launch of a digital catalogue through its new app, offering online access to the latest magazine, and a huge archive of back issues on multiple devices.
For those unfamiliar, AQUILA is a monthly, subscription-based magazine for boys and girls aged eight and up, created and owned by New Leaf Publishing, an independent British company based in Eastbourne. Over 30 years of publication, it’s built up a subscription base of over 35,000 readers, regularly offering a themed mix of witty, well-written articles, thought-provoking ideas and great contemporary artwork.
Each monthly issue is centred around a new topic, and the reading level is suitable for eight – 80 years, its articles investigating science, culture, mystery and comedy, which may appear side-by-side in the magazine’s pages as the team strive to encourage children to be open-minded as well as self-motivated.
“The content is enjoyed by both children and adults, so puzzle-solving is often a family affair,” say New Leaf Publishing, “and as children mature they will often go back again to their old AQUILA magazines and enjoy them again at a whole new level, appreciating the articles from a more mature, enlightened perspective.”
Responding to concerns about offering a digital edition from some, the team were quick to assure readers AQUILA remains, first and foremost, a print magazine.
“Print is our passion,” the team enthused on Facebook. “We think nothing can beat the real thing, but we want the magazine to be as accessible as possible for our readers around the world. That’s why we’ve made a digital version available as an addition to the print subscription.”
If you’ve never read the magazine before you can now access AQUILA digitally, as well as by physical subscription. (You can check out a sample issue here).
Curious minds can now plunder a treasure trove of back issues until their brains are positively bursting, including sold-out editions devoted to Harry Potter, Japan and Roald Dahl.
“Accessible on multiple devices – both on-the-go using the AQUILA app, or via your web browser, AQUILAnauts will have the AQUILAverse at their fingertips,” enthuse New Leaf, “enjoying thousands upon thousands of AQUILA fun!”
The latest issue of AQUILA delves into the “Science of Stars”. As Christmas and the shortest day of the year draw near, the team investigate the enduring mystery of the winter sky at night. Are we all made of stardust? Plus: Star life cycles, Rocket Art and the mystery of Sirius B.
• Find out more about AQUILA – both print and digital editions – here
• Check out a sample issue of AQUILA here
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Art and Illustration, Digital Media, downthetubes News, Magazines, Other Worlds
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