Mental Athletic Issue #5: Spring/Summer 2026

This substantial, forward-thinking issue expands the boundaries of independent print, using sport as a broad cultural lens to explore the intersection of human movement, underground subcultures, art, and music.

Holding this pioneering biannual volume offers an immersive, grounding experience that rejects hyper-analytical training data and race schedules. Meticulously printed in Italy as a massive 432-page block measuring 26 cm x 33 cm, its physical scale and tactile layout elevate the narrative of athletic discipline into a permanent piece of collectable print art. We brought Issue #5 to the dashpress shelves because Mental Athletic masterfully deconstructs contemporary athletic culture, reshaping it into a vibrant ecosystem where style and community performance collide.

Dropping with five distinct, surprising cover stories—including profiles on skateboarder and artist Blondey McCoy, trans marathon runner and poet Cal Calamia, and Jiu-Jitsu culture via Shoyoroll founder Vince Quek—this issue ventures into uncharted subcultural territories. From deep dives into London’s creative sound design and Tokyo’s subcultural drifting to the visual language of running collectives like UVU and Satisfy, the editorial lineup bridges the gap between active performance and pure aesthetic form. Featuring heavy-hitting contributions from the likes of Saul Nash, District Vision, and Julian Klincewicz, this landmark volume is an absolute necessity for run culture enthusiasts, fashion archivists, and anyone who views sport as a canvas for creative identity.

Secure a copy of this expansive milestone issue and bring a fresh, subcultural perspective on movement to your collection.