Wikipedia:Today's featured article/April 11, 2023

Science Fiction Monthly was a British science fiction magazine published from 1974 to 1976 by New English Library (NEL). It was launched in response to demand from readers for posters of the cover art of NEL's science fiction paperbacks. The magazine was published in tabloid format, with high-quality colour reproduction; it was not stapled, so that it could be disassembled and the artwork used as posters. It was initially very successful, its circulation reportedly reaching 150,000 by the third issue. It reprinted artwork by Chris Foss, Jim Burns, Bruce Pennington, Roger Dean, and many others. Well-known writers whose work appeared in its pages included Brian Aldiss (pictured), Bob Shaw, Christopher Priest, and Harlan Ellison. The high production costs meant that a high circulation was necessary to sustain profitability, and when circulation fell to about 20,000 after two years NEL ceased publication. A new magazine, S.F. Digest, was launched in its stead, but lasted only one issue.