''SFX'' is a British
magazine
A magazine is a periodical publication, generally published on a regular schedule (often weekly or monthly), containing a variety of content. They are generally financed by advertising, purchase price, prepaid subscriptions, or by a combinatio ...
covering the topics of
science fiction
Science fiction (sometimes shortened to Sci-Fi or SF) is a genre of speculative fiction which typically deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts such as advanced science and technology, space exploration, time travel, parallel unive ...
and
fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction involving Magic (supernatural), magical elements, typically set in a fictional universe and sometimes inspired by mythology and folklore. Its roots are in oral traditions, which then became fantasy ...
. Its name is a reference to the abbreviated form of "
special effect
Special effects (often abbreviated as SFX, F/X or simply FX) are illusions or visual tricks used in the theatre, film, television, video game, amusement park and simulator industries to simulate the imagined events in a story or virtual wor ...
s".
Description
''SFX'' magazine is published every four weeks by
Future plc
Future plc is an international multimedia company established in the United Kingdom in 1985. The company has over 220 brands that span magazines, newsletters, websites, and events in fields such as video games, technology, films, music, photogr ...
and was founded in 1995.
The magazine covers topics in the genres of popular
science fiction
Science fiction (sometimes shortened to Sci-Fi or SF) is a genre of speculative fiction which typically deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts such as advanced science and technology, space exploration, time travel, parallel unive ...
,
fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction involving Magic (supernatural), magical elements, typically set in a fictional universe and sometimes inspired by mythology and folklore. Its roots are in oral traditions, which then became fantasy ...
, and
horror, within the media of films,
television,
video games, comics, and literature.
According to the magazine's website, the ''SF'' stands for "science fiction", but the ''X'' doesn't stand for anything in particular.
Given the magazine's cinematic content, SFX may stand for 'Special Effects'.
Matt Bielby
Matt Bielby is a magazine editor based in the UK. He is best known for launching and editing many successful titles in assorted markets during the 1990s, mostly on the subjects of computer and video games, and film and television. These include ' ...
was the
editor
Editing is the process of selecting and preparing written, photographic, visual, audible, or cinematic material used by a person or an entity to convey a message or information. The editing process can involve correction, condensation, orga ...
for the first 11 issues. He was followed by Dave Golder
who left the magazine in 2005 but later returned as its online editor. Golder was replaced by David Bradley, who edited for over nine years before being promoted to Group Editor-in-Chief, handing over the issue editor role to Richard Edwards, who had been deputy editor. In 2019, Edwards left and was replaced by Darren Scott. Other members of staff include deputy editor Ian Berriman who ran the reviews section for many years, and, until January 2019, features editor Nick Setchfield.
The magazine featured a column written by
David Langford
David Rowland Langford (born 10 April 1953) is a British author, editor, and critic, largely active within the science fiction field. He publishes the science fiction fanzine and newsletter ''Ansible'', and holds the all-time record for most ...
from issue one to issue 274. Additional contributors have included
Simon Pegg
Simon John Pegg (né Beckingham; born 14 February 1970) is an English actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer. He came to prominence in the UK as the co-creator of the Channel 4 sitcom ''Spaced'' (1999–2001), directed by Edgar Wright. H ...
,
Mark Millar
Mark Millar (; born 24 December 1969) is a Scottish comic book writer and television producer who first came to prominence with a run on the superhero series '' The Authority'', published by DC Comics' Wildstorm imprint. Millar has written ex ...
,
Paul Cornell
Paul Douglas Cornell (born 18 July 1967) is a British writer best known for his work in television drama as well as ''Doctor Who'' fiction, and as the creator of one of the Doctor's spin-off companions, Bernice Summerfield.
As well as ''Docto ...
, Jayne Nelson, and
Bonnie Burton
Bonnie Burton (born July 12, 1972) is a San Francisco-based author, journalist, comedian, actress, and show host. She is best known for arts & crafts books like ''The Star Wars Craft Book,'' and appearances on web series including ''Geek DIY'' on ...
. ''SFX'' also publishes regular special editions.
In April 2013, the 35th European Science Fiction Convention in Kiev named ''SFX'' Best Magazine in its Hall Of Fame award category.
The magazine's website sfx.co.uk used to feature news, reviews, competitions, reader blogs, and a reader forum. In November 2014, the website was closed and the URL redirected to the website ''
GamesRadar'' which is now the online home of
Future
The future is the time after the past and present. Its arrival is considered inevitable due to the existence of time and the laws of physics. Due to the apparent nature of reality and the unavoidability of the future, everything that currently ...
's sci-fi content, featuring TV and film features alongside videogames.
SFX Awards
The ''SFX'' Awards celebrate the previous year's achievements in science fiction and are voted on by the readers of the SFX magazine. The first SFX Awards took place in 1997.
The winners were announced at the SFX Weekender (a sci-fi Festival in North Wales) and in the magazine. In 2013, the event continued under the name SciFi Weekender, without SFX's sponsorship.
References
External links
*
{{Authority control
1995 establishments in the United Kingdom
Magazines established in 1995
Mass media in Bath, Somerset
Monthly magazines published in the United Kingdom
Science fiction magazines published in the United Kingdom
Science fiction-related magazines