Editor's Note

As the first magazine of a new committee, I knew we had to make this one special. Where New Beginnings was all about change and fresh starts, it also worked as an excellent chance for the new committee to learn more about their new roles. Moving onto this magazine and seeing the committee manage everything on their own backs, I wanted a theme just as unique and engaging, will a healthy dose of infuriation. So came the idea of 'Hot Takes', a magazine filled with all those opinions that many will likely disagree with, and I know for a fact our writers couldn't have had more fun drumming up some controversy in the meantime.

Hot Takes is all about those opinions we have that don't necessarily align with the general consensus of others. One could argue how Ed Sheeran's X is overrated (pg.5) or how Scorsese' Casino isn't all it's chalked up to be (p.7). We've had writer's question whether Hollywood has lost its imagination (p.6), and others argue in favour of those controversial books we often shy away from (p.9). There are articles on art and fun reflections on who really should have won Eurovision in different years (p.11) because all these themes, ideas and opinions are what make for an incredible Hot Takes magazine. It's these articles, the ones that I hope you, the reader, will look at and either secretly agree with or become keyboard warriors and defend them on our website (hopefully without slandering our writers, though).

Although, our theme is more than a stunt to annoy the most passionate readers; instead, pushing us to look at supposed greatness in the face and question its integrity. We may all celebrate the artistic genius of Pablo Picasso, but when we reflect on his life and the way he lived, is it fair to separate the artist from their work (p.10)? It's a similar question asked multiple times throughout our magazine, and its weighty connotations are there to make us think. Yet, Hot Takes also comes in the form of defence, celebrating games or media like the first Far Cry game, relegated to the realm of the forgotten in the years that have passed since its release (p.8). Then we question popularity, considering social media influencers' effects on the music industry, whether they're crowding an already sinking boat or genuinely providing something great to an already oversaturated market (p.4).

Worked into one relatively small magazine, all this is a demonstration of the quality of work we hope to produce as a committee over the coming year. Our magazines may be smaller, and Covid-19 may have made the world of entertainment a little more of a struggle. Still, The Edge is committed to driving through to the next year and producing magazines, content (and possible redesigns) unlike anything we have seen before. So, is my Hot Take the one that says this committee may be our best one yet? Well, I have faith we can be!