The term "retro review columns" refers to a style of writing that appeared in magazines during the 1950s. These columns were written about pulp fiction novels and magazines which had been published in the 1920s through the 1940s. Pulp fiction is defined as low-cost, mass-market paperback novels that were typically printed on cheap wood pulp paper. It was often considered low brow literature due to its subject matter, but it could be an entertaining read for those who enjoyed stories of crime, adventure, romance, and horror. Retro reviews were designed to evoke nostalgia for these books and their era. They would include light analysis and imagery from the time period being discussed and would often compare them to more modern works. This placed Gent magazine in a broader erotic publishing lineage because it showed how they saw themselves as part of a larger cultural history.
Gent's retro review column featured covers and blurbs from old pulps as well as some commentary on the authors and artists involved. The writers looked back at stories from authors such as Harold Q. Masur, whose pen name was Henry Kuttner, and Charles Beaumont, who wrote under the name Robert Bloch. They also covered sexually explicit artwork by Roy G. Krenkel and Al Bare. Some of the titles included in this series were "Tales of Sword & Sorcery," "Space Opera," and "Science Fiction Adventures." Gent ran these columns sporadically throughout the late 1990s, but they provided insight into the origins of erotica and helped readers appreciate the genre's roots.
The retro reviews served two purposes: to educate readers about past erotica and to provide context for modern readers about where Gent fit within the genre. In addition, these columns encouraged people to explore classic literature and appreciate its value, which helped cultivate literacy among its audience. By exploring vintage fiction through detailed descriptions of cover art and plot summaries, Gent's columnists revealed their own knowledge of literary history and shared that knowledge with their readers.
These articles had an impact beyond just entertaining readers; they offered a glimpse into the evolution of eroticism in popular culture. While modern audiences might be more familiar with romance novels or even pornography, it is important to remember that these genres owe much of their existence to the pulp era. Retro review columns remind us that there has always been a desire for fantasy-filled escapism in our culture and that erotica can take many forms over time. Additionally, these columns show how eroticism has changed over the years and how it continues to evolve today.
In conclusion, retro review columns were an interesting look at 1950s pulp erotica by Gent magazine. They allowed readers to learn about older works while also providing context for modern audiences. These columns are an essential part of understanding both the history of sexually explicit materials and the evolution of eroticism in general.