Which is sexier, the truth of photography or the illusion of illustration? The question could be debated from multiple points of view, with the likely conclusion a tie between Danny, the model in the Playguy layout from March 1985, and the slightly older men in the portfolio of drawings by RAM, from the January 1983 Honcho.
Space limitations prevent my including the fiction “Border Boss,” which is so explicitely illustrated here. I will show more of RAM’s work in the coming months. He was one of our many outstanding illustrators, although his work appeared less frequently than that of some others. I regret to say that I never met him, nor do I have even his name on my Rolodex from my time as editor-in-chief of Mandate, Honcho, and Playguy. Since one of my duties was making a monthly budget sheet, and then mailing checks to contributors, I would at some point have had not only his name but his contact information. If he should see this post, I hope he will get in touch.
DID YOU SLEEP WITH THE MODELS? by SAM STAGGS is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.
I remember that issue...