The Official Magazine of the Sci Fi Channel

Sci Fi Magazine is the official publication of the cable TV network The Sci Fi Channel. As such, you would expect each issue to read like one big TV Guide. That is not the case, however, as the magazine covers other movies, and Hollywood particulars that would be of interest to science fiction lovers. In my hand, I have two recent issues for review – August 2002, and June 2003 (which is currently on shelves).

Sci Fi is published bimonthly. Each issue is around 80 pages in length, and has a very modern layout, much like you’d expect to see from People Magazine, or some other entertainment magazine. The cover will generally feature some shot of a current film or television star, as the magazine is trying to capitalize on the hype of some upcoming new feature. Each issue is loaded with ads for things like gaming software, DVDs, science fiction collectibles, new TV shows and movies, and more. The cover price of the magazine comes in at a reasonable $4.99 ($6.99 Canadian). A subscription offers a modest discount, at $16.95 for a one-year, six-issue duration. Two years will run you $29.95.

As usual, the magazine has regular departments and special features. Some of the regular departments include: Sci Fi Wire, which gives some brief updates on upcoming films, and movie stars; Premiere is a kind of paparazzi type of column that just features some recent photos of celebs (no value whatsoever); Videos + DVDs gives the skinny on some new releases for home entertainment; Anime provides news on the comic and animation world; Games, reviews of new software programs; Books is a column of reviews on recent literary offerings; TV In Focus covers the developments in the plots of your favorite TV shows, as well as previews some new shows currently in development; Web Guide gives information on where to go on the net to find out more about your favorite Sci-Fi or Fantasy tastes (after I write this review, I am going to have to go check out Dragonlance.com); and finally TV on TV is a sort of closing editorial, which leaves the reader with something to ponder until next time.

The main articles are mostly “behind-the-scenes” type of articles that gives the lowdown on upcoming movies and television series. Most of the television series are ones that air on the Sci Fi channel, but occasionally you will see something broadcast elsewhere, like the August 2002 interview with X-Files creator, Chris Carter. In the latest issue, readers will find an expose on the upcoming X-men sequel, X2. Next Men is an article that features some interviews with the cast and crewmembers of the project. Inset photos provide a hint into some of the action scenes. Another article in the latest issue covers the upcoming sequel to The Matrix. Much of the discussion centers on the technological wonders that are being employed in the making of this film. There are usually about ten main articles in each issue, and they cover all sorts of different aspects of science fiction.

Overall, Sci Fi is an excellent magazine that gives much bang for the buck. It is a great magazine to pick up and skim when waiting in the lobby of your doctor’s office, or barbershop. It’s informative, well written, and easily read. The bias toward programs from the Sci Fi Channel is a bit obvious, and for that reason prevents this from being an excellent magazine. But if you look past the blatant self-promotion, you will find that Sci Fi is a very high quality publication. Four and a half stars.