Comparing the two latest editions of Radical Affairs, the gonzo sex-video magazine, to its original entry is like comparing the Love Boat to Noah's Ark. Radical Affairs has come of age rapidly with slick camera work, pungent humor, whacked-out concepts, acerbic editorials and provocative interviews. So provocative that the interview with Dominique in Radical Affairs #5 on the subject of racism in the adult industry will one day result in an editorial in Adult Video News.

A sex scene between Rebecca Wild and Randy Spears highlights #4, and you've got to like the way host J.B. hypes these pairings —almost like he's doing a Wrestlemania promotion, with the corresponding overdrive sense of mood, drama and theatrics. These Radical Affairs tapes come as close to effectively promoting the spirit of the sex industry in a positive way as anything I've seen.

Spears and Wild go at it in a caveman-type stint with appropriate backdrop and costumes. Spears pops two wet shots in the process, and I can't say as I blame him. Locked in a lesbian duel supported by bikes and black leather, Las Vegas Palomino Club dancers Skye Blue and Tracy West tear into one another, or as reasonably as two bodies can on top of a motorcycle. An editorial on banning tactical assault weapons, and an interview with Alex Jordan on her Best New Starlet Award win (and a sex scene with Steve Drake) round out the tape. You're not going to get more timely than that.

Radical Affairs #5 makes us think in terms of next year's Best Couples Sex Scene award, when Rocco squares off with Dominique in an open Corvette. Anytime Rocco's dick gets within a foot of a woman, you've got potential nuclear fallout. This is a riveting coupling. Ditto when Crystal Wilder and Brittany O'Connell fool around on a pool table with an eight-ball going up (or nearly going up) somebody's snatch. The pairing between Angela Summers and Tim Lake results in Lake's being a crash and burn victim, but that's the spirit of gonzo, isn't it? The truth is thee for all to view. Also as food-for-thought, J.B. offers up some interesting views on the Miller obscenity decision and why it's about time this archaic touchstone for obscenity be junked once and for all.

If you're tired of the same old crap, Radical Affairs #4 and #5 are two absolutely great tapes that offer a fresh and exciting perspective on the whole business of sex.