Absurdist Ammunition

by Parker Hutchinson

Following the warm reception and unexpected success of their art book LE GUN, its editors have assembled more of Europe's budding talent to publish a second edition. LE GUN 2 is a large-format collection of paintings, drawings, collage, comics and illustrated fiction that teeters somewhere between social criticism and absolute absurdity. The compilation features work by relative unknowns, as well as established artists, the likes of Sir Peter Blake and Alan Kitching. Always expecting to release a sequel, LE GUN's London-based editorial team was blown away by the submissions they received after the first edition hit the stands. They describe the newly-featured artists as "the dreamers, the misfits, people who love drawing and storytelling, the eccentric rather than the fashionable, and people who appreciate a rare, collectable, and unusual publication."

With that in mind, they've succeeded wildly in their aim; LE GUN 2 is a visually fantastic compilation of skillful, provocative and intelligent art. It begins with a fitting quote from Andre Breton: "The man who can't visualise a horse galloping on a tomato is an idiot." Each following page switches gears effortlessly between fantastical dadaism, pointed fable-telling, and grotesque realism. Within nearly all of its works are underlying preoccupations with the notions of faded glory, youthful exploits and a culture destined to collapse upon itself at any moment. Playfully vibrant yet soberingly dark, the narratives simultaneously serve to subvert and reverence European culture, especially that of Paris.

The book is now available in high supply at the Tate Modern's bookstore, Magma in Covent Garden, Art Words in Shoreditch and the Whitechapel Art Gallery, as well as online, for only £8. Satisfied buyers and up-and-coming artists can expect a third edition in the future, for which its editors are currently accepting submissions.

Cocoa Coal

by Evan Orensten

I'm really excited that more and more companies are creating "adult" food products that hit the sweet spot without pummeling you with extra sugar, HFCS, additives and preservatives; companies like GuS, and Fizzy Lizzy come to mind. Add to this growing cateogory my new favorite popcorn snack, Cocoa Coal from LesserEvil. Once you get beyond the name and the packaging you'll discover popcorn that is impeccably balanced with just the right amount of chocolaty goodness. The tender kettle corn is dusted with cocoa powder and very lightly sweetened. The result is incredibly addictive. Look for Cocoa Coal this fall, but enjoy some of their other all-natural and sugar-free flavors today (SinNamon and Black&White also come highly recommended). Order online here.

Future Relic

by Carol T Chung

Future Relic was started by Paul Kim (NYC) and Kenyon Bajus (Phila). Born during the summer of 2002, the duo explores and questions pop culture conventions and values through striking imagery on the ever humble yet powerful means of communication known as the t-shirt. Shown above is the t-shirt entitled Reality TV.