Taboo-Inspired Spin-offs
The publication of Taboo magazine was a significant event in the history of erotic magazines, introducing new themes and approaches that would shape the genre for decades to come. It is estimated that around fifty thousand copies were printed initially, but sales quickly soared, reaching more than a million per month by the end of its first year. This success prompted other publishers to create similar titles, leading to an influx of taboo-themed spin-offs that explored kinkier content in more explicit ways.
The first spin-off publication to emerge from the success of Taboo was Pornography Illustrated, which featured hardcore pornographic images interwoven with stories about sexual fetishes and fantasies. The magazine ran for just over a decade before folding, but it helped pave the way for later publications such as Bizarre Sex and Extreme Hardcore. These magazines pushed boundaries further, featuring photos of extreme sex acts and graphic depictions of violence, sadism, and masochism. While they did not achieve the same level of commercial success as their predecessor, they helped establish a niche market for adult media that catered to specific tastes and interests.
This trend continued into the 1980s, as magazines like High Heels and Nylon Honeys focused on female domination and bondage imagery, while others like Leg Show and Girls Gone Wild explored voyeuristic topics like public nudity and exhibitionism. In the late 1990s, magazines like Fetish Mania and Xtreme Magazine brought fetish and BDSM back into the mainstream, featuring models dressed in leather and rubber and engaging in activities like flogging and foot worship. Despite controversy and criticism, these magazines were popular among readers who found them thrilling and exciting.
Today, there are many taboo-themed spin-offs still available, including titles like Kink, Whipped Ass, and Torture Garden. They continue to explore topics like dominance/submission, spanking, bondage, and roleplay, often using sophisticated photography and writing to create immersive experiences for readers. The legacy of Taboo lives on through these publications and beyond, inspiring new generations of creators to push boundaries and redefine what is considered acceptable in erotic media.