You have probably noticed there's a new drawing of me on this page. Deano Cook's wonderful, life-like illustration decorated this spot since May of 2000 and, before that, the inimitable Pepe did the caricature. Deano's amazing talent has made him a celebrity in the tattoo world but, in the celestial scope of things, it's time for another star to grace our pages. And a star he is. I'm speaking of Mr. Bob Tyrell of Night Gallery in Eastpointe, Michigan and King of Fools in Toronto, Ontario. It's quite a thrill to have my dear friend, Bob, join us on the pages of SKIN&INK.

Another exciting addition is the East Coast Ink column by the feisty cheerleader of all things east of the Mississippi, Erik Desmond of Peter Tat-2 in West Hempstead, New York. We've always said that, when you open the pages of SKIN&INK, you can virtually hear the voices of the contributors. That being true, one voice we're certain will broadcast loud and clear is the brilliant and opinionated artist known as Horifudo.

This issue also showcases a couple of other new items, namely, a return to our Talkback page, in which we feature sometimes controversial but never boring issues involving the tattoo community. This time, Our Living History's C.W. Eldridge has a few pointed things to say about the convention scene. Will you agree with him? Or do you think Chuck's full of hot air? C'mon and let us know. Maybe we'll print your words in Talkback or our Letters to the Editor.

Another new highlight is our ongoing tribute to feminine pulchritude, Suicide Girls. Fabulous backpieces and flaming eagle chestpieces are great on big, furry, barrel-chested sailors, but there's nothing quite like righteous ink on a pretty girl to soothe our bleary eyes.

There will be more changes in the future, along with the familiar columnists, Matty, Danielle, C.W., Travelin' Mick, Tennessee Dave, C.G., Baba, Vyvyn and, of course, Captain Eddie. Many of the same writers, photographers and illustrators have been with us for several years, but a lot has changed since our first issue in May 1997. The magazine has changed, the tattoo world has changed, but one thing remains constant, no matter if you're young or old, first-timer or have a full-blown bodysuit: tattoos are forever!

Bob Baxter
Editor in Chief
Baxter@skinandink.com