Crank: Urban Commentary Political Fiction

Crank is subtitled “urban commentary political fiction” and the impressive debut issue seamlessly merges these four streams. Whether it’s a photo essay about carnies by Elia Kirby or Sheelagh Davis reporting on Vancouver citizens defeating the privatization of water services, or fight fiction by Michael Turner, the seemingly disparate snugly dovetails. The writing in Crank is punchy, and the visuals and design elevate it to knockout status. It’s always refreshing to see a literary endeavor that isn’t afraid to look good (since this happens all-too-rarely). Strong, short articles are given plenty of room to breathe and luxuriate, complemented by sharp photography and illustrations. In a word, it’s gorgeous. Crank’s political lineage descends directly from Adbusters, be it spoof ads or tips on chopping down billboards, but culture jamming is only one spice in the Crank recipe. There’s a strong mediation on returning home to Africa by Gabrielle Martin, a tight little treatise on quitting smoking by Ivan E. Coyote, and a three-part travel guide to Canadian suburbs that neatly mocks the depressing sameness of the big and the boxy. In an interview with Matt Hern, long-time sex-industry advocate and transgendered political candidate Jamie Lee Hamilton talks about her desire to join forces with the CAW. As she optimistically notes, “Maybe we just need to set Buzz Hargrove up with someone nice.” Her comment serves as the perfect summary of the sass and smart that makes Crank so vital. (Ryan Bigge)

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