Front is the new 'lads' magazine targeted at young men between the ages of 18-24.

The magazine comes with 3-D leer goggles

Its first issue boasts interviews with the Kray brothers' right hand man - Dave Courtney, the referee who sent off footballer Dave Beckham in the World Cup, a chat with Valerie Campbell, mother of supermodel Naomi, and an in-depth interview with Maxine from ITV's top soap Coronation Street. The magazine also has its own agony aunt and sex specialist - Lauren Booth - the Prime Minister's sister-in-law.

If that doesn't titillate enough, the first issue comes with go-go gadgets and 3-D leer goggles supposed to enhance nude images of the women featured.

Editor Piers Hernu believes his magazine caters for a younger niche in the market.

But how does it differ from the men's magazines currently on offer on our stands?

Editor Piers Hernu : "It will not corrupt the nation's youth"

"My magazine is different from any other lads' magazine because it has more women without poncy models. It is edgier, verges on the dangerous, is humorous and comes complete with 3-D goggles!," he said.

Critics from the publishing world are already questioning the magazine's high picture and low text ratio, which is said to be the key to keeping and attracting younger readers.

Front's editor is adamant that his magazine is challenging and breaking new journalistic ground. Issue one also features an interview with a man who has been on the run for armed kidnap for the last six months,

Piers Hernu, editor of Front :"There is certainly some interesting stuff in the magazine"

"We interviewed him in the most populated place in the British Isles where he came to have a drink.

"I didn't know it was going to happen but he just turned up, then we got a photo of him with the policeman, the policeman didn't know who he was obviously. There is certainly some interesting stuff which I haven't seen in any magazine yet.

"And no, this will not corrupt the nation's youth - they will have a wider choice in the magazines they buy."

Editorial boundaries

Anna Griffith from Campaign magazine is concerned that the influx of yet another 'lad' magazine will further blur the boundaries between soft porn and valid entertainment and lifestyle editorial.

Anne Griffith : "Revolting pictures and a lot of bare flesh"

"There are some articles on breaking the law, some quite controversial material - revolting pictures and a lot of bare flesh.

"What you're finding with magazines like this, and in the lads marketing in general, is the line between top shelf magazines and lads magazine becoming increasingly blurred."

It is intended that Front will reflect the lifestyle of the modern younger man whose main concerns are football and women.

There is an emerging tendency for rival publishing houses to predict doom and gloom - saying there isn't room for another man's glossy.