Big Brother 44

Big Brother Issue #44 (January 1999), the magazine's infamous "Kids Issue," flips the usual skateboarding formula by putting the next generation front and centre while never abandoning the provocative humour that made Big Brother notorious. Equal parts genuine skate coverage and satirical social commentary, the issue mixes profiles of talented young skaters with absurd editorials, comics and irreverent features that blur the line between prank and journalism.

Highlights include a feature on 16-year-old Jerry Hsu before he became one of skateboarding's most respected professionals, an interview with Chet Thomas, a look at child skateboarders and skate culture through the eyes of younger riders, Sean Young's illustrated "The Unknown Asshole," and the tongue-in-cheek "How to Be Nice to Kids" by Dave Carnie. The issue also features "Life of the Party," Fresno scene coverage, Beau Sia, music and video reviews, regular news and letters, plus the bizarre humour, artwork and offbeat writing that defined Big Brother at its creative peak. Today it stands as a fascinating snapshot of late-1990s skateboarding, capturing emerging talent like Jerry Hsu alongside the magazine's uniquely fearless and influential editorial voice.

Minor wear to cover.