FHM

OCTOBER 2022 $6.50 INCARCERATED luEtvioon- A MOTHER'S FAITH OF SPEED IN HER SON THE NEW PORSCHE BMW GT3 IS A BEAST! GOES GREEN REDUCING THEIR CARBON FOOTPRINT SATISSFAACUTICOYN FOOD IDEAS TO BEAT THE HUNGER PANGS The stunning Steph MiWWW.FHM.COM $6.50





PRECISION INSTRUMENTS FOR TIMEKEEPING 47MM CHRONOLUNAR OFFICER www.ernstbenz.com 4521 Sharon Rd. Suite 101 Charlotte, NC 28211 [email protected] (704) 295-9190

CONTENTS 10/22 Ashley Perkins p10 Tayana Kuroki p66 Top games you gotta play! p18 The all-new Purosangue p74 Candid with Tai Woffinden p30 On the cover | Steph Mi p40 Molly Rose p88 04 ANIME ALL-STARS! 50 LOOKING DAPPER! 80 BMW GOES GREEN 7 of the best shows out there A Guy’s Fashion Guide Reducing their carbon footprint 18 WE HEART JRPGS 60 INCARCERATED 82 SAUCY SATISFACTION Top games you gotta play! A mother’s faith in her son Food ideas to beat the hunger pangs 26 PHONES THAT FOLD! 74 FERRARI’S PERFORMANCE SUV & why they’re so hot right now The all-new Purosangue 30 PAINTED MAN 78 EVOLUTION OF SPEED Tai Woffinden’s Addiction to Risk The new Porsche GT3 is a beast! OCTOBER 2022 3

4 OCTOBER 2022

THE SEVEN BEST ANIME SHOWS OF 2022 SO FAR One of the most popular exports out of Japan to the West is without a doubt Anime. Since the days of Dragonball Z and Bleach to the early days of Robotech, anime has always found a huge audience out West. And that trend continues to this day, with Anime bigger than it’s ever been, and for good reason. Anime offers incredible animations, with wonderful stories and a varied array of genres to capture every single type of imagination out there. And thanks to streaming services like CrunchyRoll and Funimation, the latest and greatest from Japan is now but a button press away. In 2021, anime fans were treated to some amazing shows and 2022 is shaping up even better. So here are the must watch shows available to you right now in 2022. OCTOBER 2022 5

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc The initial Mugen Train Arc was first released in 2019 and saw a family is attacked by demons and only two members survive - Tanjiro and his sister Nezuko, who is turning into a demon slowly. Tanjiro set out to become a demon slayer to avenge his family and cure his sister. So fair warning, watch that arc first as it has major implications for the Entertainment District Arc. But if you watched and enjoyed the Mugen Train Arc then this next release is a must-watch anime. The Entertainment District Arc once again sees our hero Tanjiro and his friends Inosuke and Zenitsu following flashy Uzui, the Sound Hishara, as he goes undercover in the Entertainment District to sniff out a demon hiding in the midst. Tanjiro and his friends disguise themselves as courtesans and try to figure out where the powerful demon is hiding. The majority of the arc is around the final battle against two powerful demons and further explores the brother-sister parallel between Tanjiro and Nezuko and the two demons. It is beautifully animated with amazing fight scenes and a heart-wrenching story that will have you gripped from start to finish. Spy x Family A show that had as much potential to be amazing as it had to be an absolute failure, but fortunately it is the former as Spy x Family is one of the most exciting anime to be released in a long time. In the bustling Ostanian city of Berlint, special agent Twilight dons the alias of Loid Forger, an esteemed psychiatrist. However, his true intention is to gather intelligence on prominent politician Donovan Desmond, who only appears rarely in public at his sons’ school: the prestigious Eden Academy. Enlisting the help of unmarried city hall clerk Yor Briar to act as his wife and adopting the curious six-year-old orphan Anya as his daughter, Loid enacts his master plan. He will enroll Anya in Eden Academy, where Loid hopes she will excel and give him the opportunity to meet Donovan without arousing suspicion. Unfortunately for Loid, even a man of his talents has trouble playing the figure of a loving father and husband. And just like Loid is hiding his true identity, Yor, who is an underground assassin known as Thorn Princess and Anya an esper who can read people’s minds, have no plans to disclose their own secrets either. Although this picture-perfect family is founded on deception, the Forgers gradually come to understand that the love they share for one another trumps all else. It’s a heartwarming story about family, set amongst international spy intrigue and wonderful action. 6 OCTOBER 2022

My Dress-Up Darling For those who prefer the anime to be more about relationships and less about monsters and mechs, then My Dress-Up Darling is a wonderful addition to the genre. On paper the plot might sound a bit too whimsical form some, but behind the whimsy lies a truly touching story of two people from different backgrounds finding a common ground. High school student Wakana Gojou spends his days perfecting the art of making hina dolls, hoping to eventually reach his grandfather’s level of expertise. While his fellow teenagers busy themselves with pop culture, Gojou finds bliss in sewing clothes for his dolls. Nonetheless, he goes to great lengths to keep his unique hobby a secret, as he believes that he would be ridiculed were it revealed. Enter Marin Kitagawa, an extraordinarily pretty girl whose confidence and poise are in stark contrast to Gojou’s meekness. It would defy common sense for the friendless Gojou to mix with the likes of Kitagawa, who is always surrounded by her peers. However, the unimaginable happens when Kitagawa discovers Gojou’s prowess with a sewing machine and brightly confesses to him about her own hobby: cosplay. Because her sewing skills are pitiable, she decides to enlist his help. As Gojou and Kitagawa work together on one cosplay outfit after another, they cannot help but grow close—even though their lives are worlds apart. The Orbital Children Mitsuo Iso is one of the most celebrated animators and directors in anime, working on all-time classics such as FLCL and Ghost in the Shell. Yet it’s been 15 years since the last time we had the pleasure of experiencing this talented man’s work. Fortunately, the wait is over as he returns with The Orbital Children, a six-episode anime exclusively for Netflix. And thankfully it’s been worth the wait. In the year 2045, the Internet and artificial intelligence has become widespread in outer space. Following a massive accident at a space station, a group of children is left behind. Using narrowband and SNS, low intelligence AI, and smartphone-controlled drones, they overcome numerous crises. Through some wonderful world-building brought to life through beautiful animation, The Orbital Children weaves a coming-of-age story that takes the lives of five unsuspecting children and places them at the precipice of humanity’s expansion into the vast unknown of space. It’s a dense and beautifully animated anime that is as rewarding on the first watch as it is on the tenth. OCTOBER 2022 7

Ranking of Kings In this surprise hit of 2022, Ranking of Kings is a fantasy series where monarchs are measured on their deeds and strength. Unfortunately for the current prince, he is lacking on both accounts. The people of the kingdom look down on the young Prince Bojji, who can neither hear nor speak. They call him “The Useless Prince” while jeering at his supposed foolishness. However, while Bojji may not be physically strong, he is certainly not weak of heart. When a chance encounter with a shadow creature should have left him traumatized, it instead makes him believe that he has found a friend amidst those who only choose to notice his shortcomings. He starts meeting with Kage, the shadow, regularly, to the point where even the otherwise abrasive creature begins to warm up to him. Kage and Bojji’s unlikely friendship lays the budding foundations of the prince’s journey, one where he intends to conquer his fears and insecurities. Despite the constant ridicule he faces, Bojji resolves to fulfill his desire of becoming the best king he can be. Although this might sound like your typical underdog story, Bojji is one of the most loveable leading men in anime and one can’t help but to fall in love with the little prince and cheer his every move. Healer Girl Anime isn’t known for its musical numbers and one would be hard-pressed to find an anime based purely on the musical genre. However, HEaler Girl is the first show we’ve seen that comes close to being a full-blown musical. Of course, there is more to this than just musical numbers. An established discipline on par with conventional medical approaches, “vocal medicine” is the practice of using songs to treat health conditions and injuries. Young people around the world strive to master the art and become “healers” to help people through the power of their voices. Among the many healers in training is Kana Fujii, a naturally talented singer who was inspired to pursue the profession after a life-changing experience. Along with the driven Reimi Itsushiro and the easygoing Hibiki Morishima, Kana trains at Karasuma Phoniatric Clinic under the stern yet kind mentorship of Ria Karasuma. As they endeavor to achieve their dreams, Kana and her friends meet various colorful healers along the way, discovering that there is much more to vocal medicine than just diligent studying. If 2022 has been a tough year for you then Healer Girl is the perfect medicine. It’s truly a feel-good anime that will brighten up even the darkest of days and have you bopping along to the wonderful musical numbers that feature in each episode. 8 OCTOBER 2022

Ya Boy Kongming! Arguably one of the funniest anime to hit 2022 is Ya Boy Kongming!, a wonderful new take on the fish out of water genre that is so popular in the anime sphere. Zhuge Kongming earned a reputation as one of the greatest tacticians of the Three Kingdoms period of third-century China. Having led his army through countless grueling victories, Kongming falls gravely ill during the Battle of Wuzhang Plains. The weariness and regret stemming from the seemingly never-ending war catch up to him, and as he draws his final breath, Kongming wishes that if he were to reincarnate, he would be reborn in a more peaceful era. His wish comes true, and Kongming wakes up in modern- day Tokyo with a younger body and his memories intact. Thrust into an unfamiliar world, he finds his way into a nightclub and meets Eiko Tsukimi, an aspiring singer whose performance immediately captivates him. Pitying his confusion, Eiko takes Kongming under her wing and teaches him about the current world, which leads to Kongming’s interest in contemporary music. Seeing Eiko’s immense musical potential, Kongming vows to make the world recognize her and soon takes on the role of her manager. Unsurprisingly, the music industry is unforgiving to those who make even the slightest mistakes. Still, Kongming is determined to accomplish his goals—even if he must utilize the war stratagems he famously used in his previous life! OCTOBER 2022 9

Ashley Perkins Model @AshleyPerkinsOfNewYork 10 OCTOBER 2022



12 OCTOBER 2022

OCTOBER 2022 13

Such an absolute honor to glamour girls. I love sexy and by models as they have an idea have you on FHM! What classy lingerie and big hair - did that models are self-absorbed or are you currently working I mention I’m from the South? would not give them a chance. on? Thank you! I am so honored Haha Once again, this is not true. Most to have been chosen to appear in models I know are very kind and FHM. I recently became a puppy What is the fastest way to giving of themselves. Personally, Mom to a Shetland Sheepdog get a smile on your face? This a man who can make me laugh named Bandit and he is my is an easy one - Bring me a large is always tops with me and I’m current obsession, passion and bucket of Movie Theatre popcorn friendly to everyone! I think the job! I’ve always had a love for layered with extra butter - Instant greatest misconception regarding animals and Bandit has certainly Smile!  models is that it is easy work stolen my heart. which is totally false. Modeling What are some of and running a business is a What is your idea of a really your favorite outdoor full-time job and requires self- good time? Spending time activities? Living in the discipline and a lot of hours. with my family and friends is my Northeast has always been favorite activity. Living in the my dream as I was raised in What is the best way Northeast, I love hiking and of Charleston, South Carolina. to approach you as an course the snow! My absolute Since moving here, I have admirer? I love it when a favorite thing to do is leaf peeping developed a passion for hiking in gentleman approaches with a in the fall. I can’t wait to take my the snow and just enjoying the nice smile and a genuine hello new little guy, Bandit, along with beauty of winter weather. I also rather than a pickup line. Just be me this year as we explore the love traveling south to the sunny cool and funny, I am very easy to Northeast during the beauty of beaches where my inner beach talk with and I love to have fun! Autumn. girl resides! And of course, I still Of course, it doesn’t hurt if you hit the tennis courts at every offer me a glass of red wine... my Top 3 best moments of your opportunity. favorite! career? I was a competitive tennis player as a junior and had 3 ultimate deal breakers Where can our readers hoped to turn pro. Winning the when it comes to men? Also catch up with you and stay state championship when I was an easy question - Dishonesty, updated with your work? You only 13 was certainly a highlight. no sense of loyalty, and lacking can find me on Playboy When I was side-lined with a the qualities of a gentleman. No CENTERFOLD or on OnlyFans. recurring ankle injury, I had to exceptions! I also have a personal website: put that dream aside. I graduated AshleyPerkinsOfficial.Com or via with a degree in Culinary Arts Never have I ever... Been social media. and Tourism but found my true skydiving and I never will. Haha, passion as a Creator. I would have I have a pretty big fear of heights We are so happy to have to say the top 3 moments would so this is not happening. gotten to know you a little include finishing as a finalist in bit! Any last words out there the Miss Jetset contest, joining Top 3 myth busters when it for our readers? Absolutely! the Playboy CENTERFOLD comes to models? I believe First of all, I want to thank FHM platform and of course, being some people have an erroneous for giving me this opportunity. I selected to appear here on FHM! idea that models are not would also like to thank all of my intelligent. This is completely supporters who have been with What would you say is your false as some of the most me throughout my modeling signature look? I adore old intelligent women I have ever career. I love you guys! classic films and would have known are models. A lot of men to say I draw inspiration from tell me that they are intimidated 14 OCTOBER 2022



16 OCTOBER 2022

OCTOBER 2022 17

THE BEST MODERN JRPGS YOU SHOULD PLAY RIGHT NOW Fans of the Japanese role-playing game genre have truly been some of the luckiest gamers on the planet, consid- ering the wealth of top-class games they have access to and with the release of the recent Xenoblade game, that list continues to grow. But what if you’re new to the genre or you played Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and now you want more JRPG action? Well you are in luck as there are some amazing games in the gnre you can play right now, regard- less of your preferred console of choice. Here are four of the must-play JRPGs you can play right now.  18 OCTOBER 2022

OCTOBER 2022 19

The Yakuza series has long been celebrated as an over-the- top Japanese crime drama with epic battles and dramatic story-telling. What it was not known for was its RPG elements and turn-based combat. So when developer Ryu Ga Gotoku announced that the 7th game in the series would be a soft reboot and a shift from action-adventure beat-em’-up to turn-based JRPG fans of the series were up in arms. That is until they actually played it and realized it’s one of the best JRPG of 2020. You play as Ichiban Kasuga, a low-ranking grunt of a low-ranking yakuza family in Tokyo, who faces an 18-year prison sentence after taking the fall for a crime he didn’t commit. Never losing faith, he loyally serves his time and returns to society to discover that no one was waiting for him on the outside, and his clan has been destroyed by the man he respected most. Ichiban sets out to discover the truth behind his family’s betrayal and take his life back, drawing a ragtag group of society’s outcasts to his side: Adachi, a rogue cop, Nanba, a homeless ex-nurse, and Saeko, a hostess on a mission. Together, they are drawn into a conflict brewing beneath the surface in Yokohama and must rise to become the heroes they never expected to be. Yakuza: Like A Dragon was celebrated for its emotional story, characters exuding lovable charm, combat, and retaining the campy spirit of Yakuza’s side missions. It is an essential game to play if you’re a fan of the Yakuza series and especially if you’re a fan of JRPGs. 20 OCTOBER 2022

The Persona series has long been heralded as one of the premium JRPG’s ever to be created and with Perona 5 Royal you can clearly see why. Originally released as a PlayStation exclusive in 2017, it featured over 90 hours of gameplay and the 2020s update Royal added even more content to that. The Shin Megami Tensei spin-off series exploded in international popularity, praised for its street-level and intimate story and characters, layered life- simulation elements, and thoroughly engaging twists on the turn-based combat system. The art style and acid-jazz soundtrack combine to create an experience that oozes with a slick anime style. You play as Joker, a high-school student recently transferred to a new school. By day, enjoy your high school life in the big city, spending your time however you please. The bonds you form with the people you meet will grow into a great power to help you fulfill your destiny. After school, use your Metaverse Navigator smartphone app to infiltrate Palaces, surreal worlds created from the hearts of corrupt adults--and slip away to your double life as a phantom thief. With the power of Persona, make these criminals have a change of heart by stealing the Treasure of their distorted desires. Join your new friends in the fight to reform society with your own sense of justice. Even better news for gamers is that this once PlayStation exclusive will soon be joining GamePass so you have no excuse to play one of the most celebrated JRPGs of modern times. OCTOBER 2022 21

VFiInIaRleFmanatkaesy Final Fantasy VII is seen by many as the ultimate JRPG, the game that made JRPGs as popular as they are today and one of the greatest stories told in gaming. So of course when a remake was announced, fans around the world cheered as they got to experience one of the greatest games ever made in glorious 4K on modern systems. When it was released in 2020, fans quickly realized it was not a shot-for-shot remake, but instead a retelling of the original story. People were up in arms until they actually finished the game, quickly realizing that the Remake is a wonderful take on a wonderful game. FF7R was praised for fleshing out the cast of characters’ respective story arcs, but perhaps the biggest praise was reserved for its superb combat system. It essentially perfects the shift into real-time action that XV tried before it, providing a deeply exhilarating experience. By exploiting mako, the lifeblood of the planet, through their mako reactors, the Shinra Electric Power Company has all but seized control of the entire world. A ragtag group of idealists, known as Avalanche, are one of the last bastions of resistance. Cloud, an elite SOLDIER operative-turned-mercenary, takes part in an Avalanche operation to destroy Mako Reactor 1 in the city of Midgar. The bombing plunges the city into fiery chaos, and Cloud is tormented by visions of a bitter enemy long thought dead. Once more begins a story that will shape the destiny of an entire world. 22 OCTOBER 2022

ATarileses Of The Tales of series has been going for decades but never quite reached the fame or popularity that a Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest ever has. That is all about to change with the latest release of Tales of Arise. Developer Bandai Namco released a true next-gen experience and ticked all the right boxes to deliver not only a wonderful Tales of game, but a truly wonderful JRPG experience. On the planet Dahna, reverence has always been given to Rena, the planet in the sky, as a land of the righteous and divine. Stories handed down for generations became truth and masked reality for the people of Dahna. For 300 years, Rena has ruled over Dahna, pillaging the planet of its resources and stripping people of their dignity and freedom. Tales of Arise tells the story of two people, born on different worlds, each looking to change their fate and create a new future. The story is epic and will see you meet various wonderful characters along the way. The worlds themselves look amazing, especially on Series X and PS5, and truly feels like a next-gen experience. The combat itself is wonderfully animated and is incredibly in-depth, allowing for a customizable experience. If you’ve never played a Tales of game, then Tales of Arise is a perfect jumping-off point. It features everything that makes a great JRPG and the friendships made in the game will stick with you long after the end credits have rolled. OCTOBER 2022 23

PLAY- THROUGH REVIEW WITH  XENOBLADE CHRONICLES 3 The Japanese Role-Playing Game, better known as a JRPG, has been a staple of gaming since the early days of the beloved pastime. Offering mul- tiple hours of epic stories, insane battles against enemies the size of skyscrapers and hours upon hours of leveling up your team members. From Final Fantasy to Dragon Quest to the Tales of se- ries, JRPGs have become one of the most popu- lar genres of all time. In recent years, Nintendo’s Xenoblade series quietly became arguably one of the most respected and anticipated JRPG and with the new release of Xenoblade Chronicles 3, the series proves that it hasn’t lost any steam. De- veloper Monolith Soft has once again taken what made the previous installments so successful and built on top of that to deliver the best Xenoblade experience to date.  24 OCTOBER 2022

Xenoblade Chronicles 3, as with all previous away from handling mature topics either, quickly get a feel for how each character entries, is a Nintendo exclusive that takes and considering Xenoblade Chronicles 3’s plays and what the best tactics would be for place on Aionios, a world of natural splendor, darker premise there will be quite a few each. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 combat really and the backdrop to an endless conflict heart-wrenching moments throughout. shines when it comes to the lengthier battles between two opposing nations: Keves and Of course, a great story will fall flat if the against bosses of high-level monsters. This Agnus. Time is of the essence for the people gameplay and combat is weak, but once is where strategy will play a crucial role and of Aionios, who fight relentlessly to extend again Xenoblade Chronicles 3 excels in this will mean the difference between victory or their lives long enough to realize a 10-year department as well. Overall the combat feels defeat. Another new addition to the series period of service. You play as Noah, Mio and like a culmination of the previous entries are the Ouroboros powers. By triggering a their friends as they traverse epic landscapes, best ideas, with Monolith Soft learning what process known as Interlinking, specific tag- battle ferocious creatures and fight to worked and what didn’t from previous games team pairs in your party can fuse together break the never-ending cycle of violence and applying the best parts to the latest into a giant form called Ouroboros. These that binds their homelands. Unknowingly outing. You can control six characters in your mighty beings can use powerful Ouroboros sent on a covert mission during which they party, which you can freely switch between Arts to make quick work of even the most have a fateful encounter with each other’s mid-combat. There are three main classes formidable foes, but act fast – once the time undercover squad, the time has come for to choose from, from Attackers to Healers limit is up, your characters will stand apart six soldiers from the rival factions, Keves’ to Defenders, each one playing a vital role once more. Noah, Lanz and Eunie and Agnus’ Mio, Taion in your party’s success. You can also recruit Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a wonderful entry and Sena, to set aside their distrust for one Hero characters throughout the game that to the Xenoblade series and developers another and defy their fate, in an effort to will join your party of six to add that extra Monolith Soft did an amazing job in break the never-ending cycle of violence oomph to your party’s abilities. Fans of delivering one of the best JRPG experiences that binds their homelands and expose previous Xenoblade games will feel right at this year. The third main entry in the series those who are responsible for it. The key to home with the combat system, with favorites is a massive improvement over the previous a successful JRPG lies within its story and its like Auto-Attack and Arts, building Aggro entry, from gameplay to visuals and will combat and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 excels and performing an Art Combo such as Break, be a treat for any JRPG fan out there. in both regards. The story itself is heartfelt Topple, Daze and Burst to purge an enemy’s Considering that the Nintendo Switch and wonderfully told and after hundreds of rage status all featuring heavily in the games is starting to show its age, Monolith Soft hours you will feel a strong connection to combat system. extracted every bit of power from Nintendo’s the characters as well as care deeply about Xenoblade 3’s class system is also excellent, handheld to deliver a wonderful and the struggles they faced. The dialogue featuring enough depth to allow players to emotional experience that will definitely be is exceptionally written and emotively experiment with different combinations to in the game of the year discussions come the delivered by their respective voice actors, see what works best for their chosen style. end of the year. and the storyline’s exploration of their And thanks to the ease of switching between relationships is unwaveringly meaningful your six chosen party members, you’ll throughout. The story itself also doesn’t shy OCTOBER 2022 25

26 OCTOBER 2022

THE RIGHT phoneFOLDABLE FOR YOU Not many would have predicted a few years ago that the foldable phone would be as popular as it is in 2022, but then again not many would have predicted the top- quality phones that have appeared on the market recently. Now, many people might be put off by the term foldable, but it does have some serious perks to it as you’ll see in our list below of the best foldable phones on the market right now. OCTOBER 2022 27

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 As expected, Samsung would be the ones to create arguably the best foldable phone on the market right now. With its impressive main and cover screens, the Fold 4 has also been optimized for multitasking. Although the device might seem similar in design to the Fold 3, it’s what’s inside that counts. The Fold 4 features a much more powerful Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset, a great 50MP primary camera, and updated software that was far better suited to its large 7.6-inch screen. It is still quite expensive though and the camera might not be the best Samsung has to offer, as well as it not being an essential upgrade if you already own the Fold 3, but for any newcomers to the foldable space, the Fold 4 is without a doubt the best phone to go for. Huawei Mate Xs For years now, Huawei has delivered top-quality phones with fan- tastic features at very affordable prices and the Mate Xs is an- other top-quality delivery from the Chinese manufacturer and an excellent execution of the foldable concept. It’s an ‘outie’ foldable, with only a single external screen that’s either unfolded flat for an 8-inch tablet-size display or folded closed for a 6.6-inch for- mat. It’s also powerful, with a high-end Kirin 990 chipset, 8GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, a quad-lens camera (led by a 40MP main sensor), a 4,500mAh battery, and a stylish, notch-free design. Of course, being a Huawei device there are a few drawbacks. The biggest one is the lack of access to Google apps and its services so you do lose out on a lot of functionality app-wise. Another minor drawback is how tough it is to get hold of this device in the States, but one can still order it online unlocked. Even with those drawbacks, the Mate Xs is a great foldable phone with a great display and comes highly recommended.

Motorola Razr 2020 Back in 2004, Motorola released the Razr V3, a phone that took the world by storm and was arguably one of the most popular phones during that time with its sleek design and must-have fea- tures. Now 18 years later Motorola is rebooting its Razr line to invoke nostalgia and offer a decent clamshell folding device. The device looks great and features a large 2.7-inch display on the outside that allows for basic app browsing, texting, and preview- ing selfies effectively too. Being able to take selfies with the same 48MP main lens that you use when the phone is open is extremely convenient. The snapping open of the phone is hugely satisfy- ing and snaps in place with a perfect click. Although the phone looks nice and does have a few unique features it is let down by a below-average plastic internal screen and a rather paltry 256GB storage that is not expandable.The battery life is decent but noth- ing too spectacular. Considering how expensive the Razr 2020 is, one might be tempted to look at its competitors that offer better features for the same price, but purely on nostalgia value the Razr 2020 is a must-have. Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Unlike other phones on this list, the Surface Duo 2 isn’t exactly a foldable phone, but rather two separate screens held together by a hinge. The Surface Duo 2 features two separate 5.3-inch panels that open up to give you an 8.3-inch workspace. You can run apps across the two panels, though you’ll have to contend with a gap running right down the middle of your app where the screens come together. It’s better when using optimized apps where different tasks are relegated to different screens. You can also multitask, running two apps on different sides of the device. The Duo 2 is a major upgrade from the original Duo, with a big boost to processing power as well as a sizable upgrade to the cameras. The design is as slick as ever and it really is a good- looking phone. If you’re looking for a true foldable experience then the Samsung offering might be your best bet, but if the screen separation doesn’t bother you then the Surface Duo 2 is definitely worth a look. OCTOBER 2022 29

MANPAINTHETED an addiction to risk? by Ian Kirke | Twitter @ianjkirke Photography by Mateusz Wójcik | Monster Energy 30 OCTOBER 2022

OCTOBER 2022 31

The philosophy of identity has been family photograph albums the immediate Perhaps for the first time in my entire life, the subject of unceasing debate since recognition – even decades earlier – is my reflection was pleasing to me and – in the origin of humankind. If you are so effortless. my opinion at least – stepping away from minded, you can read the classical scholarly the norm for a guy of my age I felt excited, accounts, including the marathon poem Our thin yet resilient skin – the largest energized, and rebellious – other facets of ‘The Odyssey,’ understood to have been human organ – and especially the wrapping my identity that I had previously toned penned by Homer around the eighth around the contours of our faces, provides down to conform. I like the new me! The century BC, which, amongst other things, a pictorial element of identity to the second issue is perhaps more abstract but connects with the notion of self. Since I outside world. How much of our true self is nonetheless connected to a purposeful was a kid, and old enough to have deep represented by our outward appearance is decision to change how the world saw and meaningful conversations with open to conjecture, but what if you decide individuality. The link? Tai Woffinden ─ myself, the enigma of personality has been to significantly change this shop window the three times individual speedway world captivating. As I matured these ambiguities to the world? Does your overall identity champion. The 32-year-old athlete born lessened somewhat as I negotiated a career change? Do people treat you differently? in the UK, but having grown up in Perth, – starting as a police officer ─ getting Do you migrate to a different you? For Western Australia after emigrating with married and becoming a father. Loss has better or worse? his family, is the undisputed painted man also shaped who I am. However, since of this adrenalized motor sport ─ where adolescence one identifying feature has The more I wrestled with these 500cc motorcycles accelerate faster than remained fairly consistent – the way I look. uncertainties two themes became a Formula 1 car, with the added risk of Save a much later life decision to shave off dominant. First, my own decision to having no brakes. His decision to illustrate all my hair, my facial features have retained change the way I look. Having made this his body and parts of his face is a line of a consistent depiction. Flicking through landmark choice, my confidence grew to enquiry I needed to follow in my quest to another level, and I was cool with myself.

better understand the human construct of identity. professional, but I was kind of playing at it for the first few years – coming home and going out on big benders with all Madonna once said, “I am my own experiment. I am my my mates and letting my hair down for three months every own work of art.” How closely does this resonate with Tai summer back in Australia. This was good fun and I absolutely Woffinden?  “It not only resonates with me, but with every loved it!” Tai then paused as he reflected upon the moment person. Although there are millions of people all over the it all changed. “My dad passed away in 2010. That was like a world, we are each unique in our own special ways. I can see switch – from a teenager to becoming a man overnight. I got where Madonna is coming from, and I agree with her.” my head down and focused on my career.” Tai was right – identity is never ordinary and should never Tai’s effervescence quickly returned as he casually added that be ordained by others. Madonna’s take added a vital new he then won a few world titles. This, an understatement of dimension to self. When looking at my reflection in the mirror epic proportions when his individual and team titles across I was actually admiring a piece of art – and the rest of the many countries are tallied up. world can marvel at it for free! “There is not really much left for me to do other than win When did your body art start and what was the more world championships.” A driving ambition that won’t trigger? “I just wanted tattoos when I was young. Mum and please his rivals.  dad weren’t that happy; dad only had a standard one on his forearm. When I was fifteen and racing my dad challenged me The people I know who have tattoos have mostly to beat a couple of older guys, not expecting me to do so. I beat chosen to be discrete with their locations, and most them both – so a deal’s a deal and I got a tattoo!” can be covered with clothing. You have prominent ones on your face and hands too. Why did you make American writer, Jack London, proclaimed, “Show me a man this choice? “I just wanted to be different. I saw a great quote with a tattoo and I’ll show you a man with an interesting once that went something like this: ‘What are you going to past.” What’s your story Tai? “I grew up in Western Australia do with all those tattoos when you are older?’ and I think the and rode motorbikes. I came out to Europe to become a response was something along the lines of, ‘What are you OCTOBER 2022 33

going to do when you get older – look like on my face, but I will respect her decision flick through the pictures and think that everyone else?’ I thought that this was quite since she has to look at me every day.” looks sick, where can we put it? Then insightful when I read it.” boom, it’s done! Some have meanings but How have others reacted to your some are just filling in the gaps.” Tai disclosed his inner courage by taking look?  “It depends on which country you on his mum – who dares do that? I’ve tried are talking about. US, Australia, UK, and Identity, image, and profession are and failed miserably! “I had my sleeves Western Europe – not really a problem. intrinsically intertwined. You risk done and my mum said, ‘please don’t get Further east – for example, Poland, Russia, your life for the entertainment of your hands done.’ I said I wouldn’t, and she and Ukraine – older people do tend to stare others – how important is danger in replied, ‘you had better not!’ If she hadn’t and look down at me.” your life?  “Danger is really important in said that last bit I probably wouldn’t have my life but not only from the aspect of my got them done.” Who are you kidding Tai? How do you react to your look?  “It’s job. Danger gives you that adrenalin and Over the years mum has become far more just me now. I’ve seen photographs of me I’m an adrenalin junkie. I ride a motorbike accepting; nonetheless, his face is still when I was younger without tattoos and I for a living for a start, although I don’t wholly out of bounds. think ‘oh my God, I look so weird!’ I love actually get that much of a buzz anymore. my look. I’m very happy with it.” It’s something I’ve done over and over and “It just progressed then to my neck as I had over again for so many years and that buzz run out of space on my chest, and then a “Like a lot of people with tattoos, if I could does die off a bit. I’m searching in other little bit on the side of my face.” I would start again. I’ve got some really places.” amazing ideas – the most insane body art! Although Tai has considered more on his But I’ve kind of done it from fifteen and “I raced a sprint car in Australia. It’s an head, he heeds the wishes of partner Faye. added and added. Sometimes the guy will absolute weapon of a thing. Once I had “If she gave me the green light I’d have more come to my house and tattoo me, and I’ll done a backflip on a BMX, I did it on a 34 OCTOBER 2022

OCTOBER 2022 35

36 OCTOBER 2022



motocross bike. I’m trying to organise a We share the same significant loss – I often think that the majority of double backflip too.” Tai then reeled off that of our dads. My dad was my hero, people are so wrapped up in life that details of his other daredevil pursuit – and he first took me to speedway they rarely stop to consider who they skydiving – acknowledging that once he where I saw your dad, Rob, ride. really are – their identity. You display had finished jumping out of airplanes he Would you please tell me about the a powerful sense of self. What is Tai would start jumping off cliffs, adding, “The influence your dad had on your Woffinden’s message to those who more danger, the more adrenalin, the more life? “My dad was more my best mate than have yet to discover themselves?  “My buzz, and the more excitement. I’m forever my dad. Obviously, there were times when message to anyone is live every day, chasing that vibe.” he had to be the father figure and discipline don’t waste any opportunities and take a me for being a little out of control; but the moment out of your hectic day just to sit He concluded with the sober realization of: majority of the time he was my best mate. there and appreciate what you do have and “Where do you stop?” We traveled together around Europe in the not what you want.” early years, taking in different countries No brakes and no gears, racing a – Sweden, Poland, Denmark, Croatia, Meeting Tai in person for the first time at powerful engine essentially supported Slovenia, Germany – virtually everywhere.” the 2022 FIM Speedway Grand Prix of by two wheels – surely you have to be Great Britain was an opportunity I didn’t crazy to ride speedway? Tai was adamant “Then his life was cut short, and he didn’t intend to waste, and the premium risk taker in his reply: “No! You could say that about get to see me achieve the greater things that took my understanding of identity to a new many other sports. For many people I have accomplished in my career. But I’m level. Often what lies beneath is obscured looking in on what I do on my YouTube sure he’s watching down from above.” by what someone looks like and our own channel they may think that it is absolutely, latent prejudices. But Tai the sage stands but riding a speedway bike to me is like you In his compelling autobiography – Raw proud in an often confusing landscape walking down the road. When you walk Speed – Tai wrote this powerfully poignant of self-doubt, and his personal insights down a path 99.9% of the time, you do so tribute: “For Dad, my best friend, my perfectly compliment the words of writer without tripping up. That’s the same for teacher, my travelling companion, my father. Theodor Seuss Geisel who, under his pen me on a speedway bike because I’ve done Everything I have achieved came from what name of Dr Seuss, concluded, “Be who you it for so long. I began when I was twelve he taught me about life and how to live it.” I are and say what you feel because those and started riding speedway in 2002. It’s took a photograph of this page as this spoke of who mind don’t matter and those who become second nature.” my dad too. Thank you Tai. matter don’t mind.” 38 OCTOBER 2022

OCTOBER 2022 39

SteThepstuhnninMg i Model | @stephmi Photographer Ryan Dwyer | @letshoot PR services @mainstreetproductions HMUA @bridgetzglam 40 OCTOBER 2022

OCTOBER 2022 41

42 OCTOBER 2022

OCTOBER 2022 43

44 OCTOBER 2022

OCTOBER 2022 45

Such an absolute honour to have you feature on FHM! What has your journey as a certified bombshell been like so far? it’s had its ups and downs but mostly crazy unforgettable moments and lots of positive self-talk. Top 3 best moments of your career? Being able to make it as a “freelance model”, walking the runway for Miami swim week and last but not least, making the cover of FHM. What is your favourite chill time activity? Lying in bed and sexting. We are taking you out on your ultimate date and we really want to knock this one out the ballpark, what would that entail? Roll out of bed, grab breakfast & hit the golf course or literally just take me to a ball game. What are, hands down, your absolute favourite things to do? Anything that has to do with being athletic and active, such as golfing, boxing, hiking, and the gym. Of course, I got to add in real estate, designing and cooking. 3 ultimate deal breakers when it comes to men? Unhygienic, sketchy online behaviour, and physique. You have one last chance to do something you have always wanted to do, with no limits on anything, what are you doing? Going to space. Where would you say is your favourite place to be in the world and why? Orange County, CA. I love the people, the weather, and my family. What is currently playing on loop on your playlist? 90’s and early 2000’s Where can our readers catch up with you and stay updated with your work? You can find me on Instagram, twitter or FB @StephMi or my spicy free site ;). We are so happy to have gotten to know you a little bit! Any last words out there for our readers ? Stop trying to please everyone. 46 OCTOBER 2022

OCTOBER 2022 47

48 OCTOBER 2022