SFX (magazine)


 * ''You may be looking for the filmmaking abbreviation from which this publication derives its name.

SFX was a periodical which covered science-fiction and fantasy related media. It was launched in the UK in August 1995 by Future Publishing.

Although launched in 1995, it was not until 'SFX Issue 13' that 'Doctor Who' first graced the cover (this being to mark Paul McGann's turn at playing the Time Lord with the cover caption quote of "I thought I was going to look like a tosser!"). 'Doctor Who later featured on the covers of 'SFX Issue 46' (exclusive Tom Baker interview), 'SFX Issue 128' (Marking a new look for the magazine and the return of Doctor Who to the screen.The Ninth Doctor and Rose "Look Who's Back! "We've come to put you back behind the sofa!", 'SFX Issue 129' (Cover features Billie Piper "Times are Changing Billie Piper heads up a whole new look for Doctor Who"), 'SFX Issue 132' (with a Dalek cover "Who's next? The future of Doctor Who Russell T Davies talks Season 2"), 'SFX Issue 136' (a Tenth Doctor and Rose cover against a union flag heralding "Doctor Who leads our TV revolution HOPE & GLORY The new wave of British SF shows: we predict a riot!"), 'SFX Issue 139' (The Christmas Invasion - where Russell T Davies talks exclusively to SFX revealing his plans for the new Doctor) and 'SFX Issue 142' (Tenth Doctor and Rose Series 2).

Indeed such was the popularity of the series that by SFX Issue 150 (which incidently featured a Torchwood cover and article), included a huge double sided poster on one side showing all 150 covers, and the reverse being given over to a wallchart that showed 'Doctor Who is connected/ seperated from Everything (in the sci-fi fantasy world) - without resorting to actors!

In addition to the regular issues, a further SFX Collection title was released six times a year which focuses on a specific theme and is often packaged with 'extras'. 'Doctor Who' has has had a number of these special editions which often included premiums and a higher price. Initially issues collected togteher a range of previously released material, supplementing it and updating where possible before establishing a tradition of 100% all-new material.

The publishers take pride in its independence, often using a cover flash of 100% unofficial and unauthorised.

In 2010 the SFX brand was extended with the launch of a new title, Comic Heroes.