Before the internet, science fiction and science fact enthusiasts had to find their literary fixes at the local bookstore or newsstand, with publications such as Analog and Amazing Stories to keep them going.
At the same time, there was a large group of people who liked to read about science "fact" that contained an edge, which focused on the newer, speculative aspects of science. This second group wasn't quite served by the available magazines at the time, which included Popular Science and Scientific American That all changed in 1978, with the founding of Omni magazine.
History of Omni Magazine
Launched by Kathy Keeton, wife of Penthouse publishing magnate Bob Guccione, she described the first issue as "an original mixture of science fiction and science fact." During its run, which lasted until 1995, the magazine often enjoyed huge circulation numbers and was able to attract forerunning authors of science fiction and science fact.
William S. Burroughs, Joyce Carol Oates, Harlan Ellison, and William Gibson. Stephen King's novel Firestarter was excerpted in Omni, along with a short story entitled "The End of the Whole Mess."
What Made Omni Magazine so Great?
Subscribers could look forward to spectacular layout and artwork with each coming issue. The covers usually featured original works by (at the time) unheralded artists and the magazine was cleverly separated into departments and features.
One memorable issue in the early 1980s told of GM's efforts to launch an entry level electric car aimed at younger people. The Chevrolet Impact was a dolphin shaped sports car that resembled a modern Mitsubishi Eclipse, would have been priced around $10,000, was powered by a large battery and featured breakthrough technology such as regenerative braking. GM killed the car because it was judged to be "too quiet."
Other issues spotlighted the AngelWatch Network, the end of the world, and a man who claimed human intelligence could be downloaded into machines and allow us to "live" forever.
How is the Legacy of Omni Magazine Kept Alive?
Today, the science fiction and science fact enthusiast can choose from a dizzying array of webzines and webgroups, dozens of dedicated satellite and cable television channels, and all night radio programs that explore the paranormal, such as "Coast to Coast."
Still, there is a popular website Omni Magazine Online which keeps the Omni mystique alive by showcasing the phenomenal artwork in the magazine and descriptions of the articles contained in the issues. A video clip page offers glimpses of the the television programs and commercials the Omni Magazine group was involved in during its run.
People who remember Omni magazine can also buy original issues of the magazine through the magical entity known as Ebay. An all category search for the magazine reveals over thirty auctions for back issues in either single copy or multiple issue lots, with prices ranging from $5.00 to $15.00.
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