On the Rag, Vol. 65

A weekly look at what's making news in New York's free gay rags:

Merely four months after Next bought and dismantled arch rival HX along comes a new entry into the gay rag scene, the L.A.-based Odyssey. (Apparently there are L.A., Brazil and Hawaii editions as well.) Issue 4 (and my first) is heavy on columns by gay "celebs" (think Lady Bunny, Miss Guy et al.) and nightlife photos (no complaints there). And cover model Kain Warn certainly doesn't hurt. I don't know how big publisher Mike Everaert's dick is, but if he's willing to enter the world of gay publishing at this stage in the game, I think it's safe to say he has really big balls.

Meanwhile, Next asks if nearly 30 years after the disease changed the face of the gay community in New York, have we begun to forget about AIDS? And on a more festive note, the mag's Holiday Gift Guide is worth a look, if for no other reason than this hunk in a pair of Piss & Vinegar Jesus Briefs.