Last summer at BlizzCon 2009, we reported one of the "smaller" announcements released by Blizzard; the company would soon begin publishing its own "official" World of Warcraft magazine, described as being "packed with fascinating features, in-depth interviews, expert analysis and player points-of-view covering all aspects of World of Warcraft," according to the initial preview description.

It now appears that the first issue will be published any day now; the magazine's official website was recently updated with new information, including a preview of content to be included in launch issue. The magazine is a joint venture between Blizzard and Future US, Inc., a popular print-media publishing company. You can preview a few of the upcoming feature stories by visiting the website and clicking one of the content links, like this "Siege of Icecrown Citadel" story. The features are viewable in a Flash-based Web app that allows you to "flip" through virtual pages, zoom in, "clip" selected portions and email them to friends.

According to the website, each issue will be printed as "a deluxe, high-quality, collectible quarterly
coffeetable [sic] publication" with 148 pages, and no advertisements. Each cover will feature exclusive "commissioned artwork created by a top Blizzard approved artist," as well. As announced last summer, a one-year subscription will cost $39.95 USD, and the two-year subscription is $69.95. It's a quarterly magazine, which means four issues will be published each year. For more information and international subscription rates, check out the official website.