SFX magazine

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SFX is a British magazine devoted to science fiction and fantasy subjects, especially media-related topics, but not containing fiction. It is published every four weeks, and is the best-selling title of its type in the UK.

It was launched by Future Publishing in 1995, as an alternative to the increasingly unfashionable likes of Starburst and TV Zone. In common with other magazines in the Future stable, it has a glossy cover, extensive features and interviews, and a self-referential writing style. Although SFX is the common abbreviation for special effects, the SFX website FAQ suggests that the magazine is not named after this ("It certainly doesn't mean we're a special FX magazine"): the SF stands for "science fiction", but the X may stand for anything.

Matt Bielby was the founding editor for the first 13 issues, moving on to work on the launch of sister publication, Total Film. Dave Golder took over as the magazine's editor from the 14th issue, but in 2005 handed over to David Bradley. Since its launch, SFX has gone on to become a market and industry leader, and is one of the most well-recognised titles in the UK magazine industry.

The magazine's stance allows the expression of strong opinion on topics, sometimes being highly critical of films, books or TV shows that other magazines have rated highly. It has also printed the opposite of earlier opinions on occasion - for instance, comments damning the early years of Stargate SG-1 were counter-balanced by more positive opinions of the series a few years later. The same could not be said for its critical attitude towards the modern series of Star Trek, (particularly Voyager) although it warmed to Deep Space Nine towards the end of the show's run. The magazine is, however, a collaboration of many different reviewers and journalists and therefore cannot be said to have a "view" of its own. Other members of staff include Features Editor Nick Setchfield, News Editor Richard Edwards and Reviews Editor Ian Berriman. The advertising manager is currently Adrian Hill who has been with the title since issue one, though he was briefly replaced by Charlotte Morgan.

There are few changes in personnel, and many former staff members continue to write for the magazine in a freelance capacity, often contributing reviews and articles, such as Jayne Nelson's regular column and Steve O'Brien, who often hosts the Couch Potato feature. Well-known SF writer Dave Langford has also had a column since issue one, and several other famous individuals from the world of cult TV, books and film have contributed, including Simon Pegg, Mark Millar and Paul Cornell.

SFX had a tendency to place the cover picture over the bottom of the F in SFX thereby making the logo look like it may read SEX, although according to the magazine’s FAQ: "We do not select or reject cover images based on whether or not they’ll cover up the F. It's not intentional and you'll find a number of issues where our logo isn't covered up". In early 2005 the magazine underwent a redesign, including a logo change. Issue 150 (2006) had a brief statement that the magazine would undergo another redesign; this manifested itself in the form of several updates across a series of issues in 2007, including the readers' letters pages, news and reviews sections. The magazine has a popular feedback forum.

See also

• Total Film
• Future Publishing

External links

• SFX home page
• SFX forum

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Last updated on Tuesday March 04, 2008 at 17:25:48 PST (GMT -0800)
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