Fangoria No. 1 (Premiere Issue)

Item Details

New York:, O'Quinn Studios / Starlog Group,, Late July–August 1979., Stapled illustrated wraps

Premiere Issue., Very Good

THE MAGAZINE THAT LAUNCHED A GENERATION OF HORROR FANDOM—SIGNED BY DON MAITZ
The landmark first issue of Fangoria, the magazine that would become the defining publication for horror, fantasy, and special-effects cinema during the final decades of the twentieth century. This collectible premiere issue is further distinguished by the signature of acclaimed fantasy artist Don Maitz, signed at his featured FantasticArt section, and retains the sought-after giant color Godzilla centerfold poster.

Issued as Alien was redefining science fiction horror and Tom Savini was emerging as the leading innovator of practical special effects, the premiere issue captures a remarkable moment when classic monster films, Japanese kaiju cinema, and modern horror briefly converged. Today it stands as one of the foundational publications of modern horror fandom.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Original publisher's pictorial wrappers. Quarto. 68 pages. Profusely illustrated throughout with color and black-and-white photographs and artwork. Includes the original giant color Godzilla centerfold poster, present and firmly attached. Signed by fantasy illustrator Don Maitz at the opening of his Fantastic Art feature.

CONDITION: Very Good. Signed by Don Maitz. The original Godzilla centerfold poster remains present and attached. Binding remains sound with light rubbing along the spine and a small scuff affecting the front cover logo. Interior is clean with the expected even marginal toning associated with the inexpensive paper stock used for late-1970s magazines. A solid, collectible example of the premiere issue retaining one of its most important inserts.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE – The Birth of Modern Horror Publishing
The publication of Fangoria No. 1 marked the beginning of what would become the most influential magazine devoted exclusively to horror and fantastic cinema. Appearing during the watershed year of 1979, the magazine bridged the era of classic Universal monsters with the emerging generation of effects-driven films led by Alien, Dawn of the Dead, and the groundbreaking makeup work of Tom Savini.

Capturing Horror's Golden Renaissance
Unlike general science fiction magazines of the period, Fangoria embraced horror as a serious collecting and fan culture, documenting filmmakers, special-effects artists, illustrators, and genre actors whose influence continues today. Early issues—particularly the premiere number—remain cornerstone collectibles for horror historians and popular culture enthusiasts.

PROVENANCE: From the estate of Jeri Kandel of Sarasota, Florida.
An aspiring science fiction and horror writer, Kandel was active in Florida's science fiction and fantasy community, volunteered with Dragon Con, and participated in ASFA and numerous regional conventions throughout Florida and the Southeast. Her collection contains many convention-acquired autographs obtained directly from artists, authors, and genre professionals, providing an appealing and well-documented collecting context for signed material.

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES: Grand Comics Database; Internet Speculative Fiction Database (Don Maitz bibliography).

SUBJECTS: Fangoria; Don Maitz; Tom Savini; Christopher Lee; Alien (1979); Godzilla; Kaiju; Creature from the Black Lagoon; Horror Magazines; Science Fiction Collectibles; 1970s Pop Culture; Special Effects, Horror Cinema; Science Fiction; Popular Culture; Film History; Magazines & Periodicals.

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