Poster Magazines
Poster Magazines were a curious thing. They were the type of publication that combines the visual appeal of posters with the informative and educational content of a magazine.
Unlike a standard stapled periodical, a poster magazine was typically printed on a single large sheet of high-quality (or sometimes newsprint) paper. They tended to be folded, usually to A4 or Large Letter formats, to function and represent a magazine with information, stories, articles and pictures of the subject matter that was being represented.
This would then fold out to reveal a massive, high-resolution image (Poster) often measuring 20x30 inches or larger that you could hang onto your wall creating a visual representation of the subject matter you were interested in.
Poster magazines flourished by targeting niche fanbases that craved visual representation of their idols. The most common of subjects most used as Poster Magazines could be summed up as the following:
Sci-Fi and Horror - One of the most famous examples was Starlog’s various poster magazine spin-offs. Shows like Star Trek, Doctor Who, and Battlestar Galactica were perfectly suited for this format, as fans wanted both the technical "behind-the-scenes" data and a giant image of a starship or a lead actor.
Music and Pop - frequently utilized poster-style layouts. During the height of Beatlemania, subsequent glam rock, punk and new romantic eras, these publications were the way teenagers "decorated" their bedrooms.
Science and Education: Publications like Knowledge or certain history monthlies used the format to display intricate anatomical diagrams, star charts, or historical timelines that required more space than a standard page could provide.
Poster Magazines were not always printed in large numbers so over time they are becoming increasingly harder to find.
Today, poster magazines in "Mint" or "Near-Mint" condition are exceptionally rare for several reasons:
The "Pin-Hole" Factor: The primary purpose of these magazines was to be hung on walls. Most original copies from the 70s and 80s bear the marks of thumbtacks, adhesive tape, or "Blue-Tac," significantly degrading their value.
Fold Wear: Because the paper was folded and unfolded repeatedly, the "cross-folds" (where the horizontal and vertical creases meet) often developed tears or "colour breaks."
Disposable Nature: At the time, they were viewed as ephemeral pop-culture items rather than collectibles, leading many to be thrown away once the trend or show had passed.
While the digital age has made high-resolution images instantly accessible, the physical "reveal" of a poster magazine remains a nostalgic touchstone for many. The format survives today mostly in the form of "special editions" for major film releases, but the heyday of the monthly poster magazine remains a colourful chapter in the history of print media.