History of Pulp Magazines

Pulp magazines were a significant cultural force during the first half of the 20th century. These inexpensive fiction magazines, which were printed on low-quality paper made from wood pulp, were known for their lurid and sensational subject matter. They featured a wide variety of genres, including science fiction, crime, adventure, and romance.

Pulp magazines emerged in the late 19th century as a cheap alternative to the more expensive “slick” magazines that were popular at the time. The term “pulp” refers to the low-quality paper that was used for the magazines. Pulp magazines were a popular form of entertainment during the first half of the 20th century, and they helped to establish many of the conventions and tropes that are still found in popular fiction today.

Some of the most famous pulp magazines included Weird Tales, Black Mask, and Argosy. These magazines were known for their gripping stories and larger-than-life characters. Many well-known authors and artists got their start in the pulp magazine industry, and the genre conventions that were established in the pulps went on to become staples of popular fiction.

The influence of pulp magazines on popular culture was significant. They helped to shape the crime, science fiction, and adventure genres, and many of the characters and stories that were created in the pulps went on to become iconic figures in popular culture. Today, the legacy of the pulp magazines can still be seen in many forms of entertainment, from comic books to television shows. Many well-known characters from popular fiction have their origins in pulp magazines. Some examples of characters who were created in the pulps include Batman, Tarzan, and The Shadow. Batman was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger and first appeared in Detective Comics #27 in 1939. Kane and Finger were both fans of the pulp magazines of the time, and they drew heavily on the conventions of the genre when creating Batman – specifically The Shadow. For example, the character’s grim and gritty crime-fighting adventures were influenced by the hard-boiled detective stories that were popular in the pulps. Additionally, Batman’s secret identity as a wealthy playboy was similar to the characters found in many pulp stories. Overall, the character of Batman was heavily influenced by the pulp magazine tradition. Tarzan was created by Edgar Rice Burroughs and first appeared in the magazine All-Story Magazine in 1912. The Shadow was created by Walter B. Gibson and first appeared in the magazine Detective Story Magazine in 1931, and Doc Savage was created by Lester Dent and first appeared in his own title in March 1933. These characters, and many others like them, were all created in the pulp magazine tradition and went on to become some of the most iconic and enduring characters in popular fiction.

Overall, the history of pulp magazines is a fascinating tale of cheap thrills and imaginative storytelling. These magazines may have been printed on low-quality paper, but their impact on popular culture was undeniable.

I want to sell my pulps, what should I do?

If you are a collector of pulp magazines, you may be interested in selling some or all of your collection at some point. There are a seemingly infinite number of Pulp titles, and some can be valuable and sought-after collectibles, but it’s important to know how to sell them and the effort required. If you are interested in selling your collection together, we would love to talk with you and better understand how we can help. If you prefer to sell on your own, here are some tips for selling pulp magazines:

1. Determine the value of your pulp magazines. Before you sell your pulps, it’s important to know how much they are worth. This will help you set a fair price and ensure that you are not over or underpricing your items. You can consult a professional appraiser or look up similar items on online marketplaces to get an idea of their value, though pulps are relatively uncommon and finding recent price comps can be difficult if you are not deeply embedded in the market.
2. Choose the right platform to sell your pulp magazines. There are many different ways to sell pulp magazines, including online marketplaces, auctions, and specialty websites. Each platform has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that is right for you. For example, online marketplaces can be a good option if you want to reach a wide audience but you often pay a 20%+ fee for your sales. Selling on forums can be a rewarding way to reach collectors, however it is a much narrower audience and often required building trust over a period of time. For larger collections, selling to a collector or reseller is another option if you prefer to avoid the work required to sell or would like to liquidate quickly.
3. Take good photos of your pulp magazines. If you are selling your pulps online, it’s important to take high-quality photos of your items. This will help potential buyers see the condition of your magazines and make a more informed decision about whether to purchase them. Be sure to include clear, close-up photos of the covers and any notable features, such as illustrations or signatures.
4. Provide detailed descriptions of your pulp magazines. In addition to photos, it’s important to provide detailed descriptions of your pulps. This will help potential buyers understand the condition of your magazines and any unique features they may have. Be sure to include information about the publication date, genre, and any notable authors or artists. We recommend using isfdb.org to source some of that information for more popular pulp magazines.
5. Be patient and flexible. Selling pulp magazines can take time, so it’s important to be patient and flexible. Be open to negotiation and be willing to consider offers from potential buyers. With the right approach, you can successfully sell your pulp magazines and get a fair price for your items.

Overall, selling pulp magazines can be a rewarding experience for collectors. By following these tips, you can successfully sell your items and find new homes for your beloved pulps.

What pulp magazines will you buy?