Scoops, Vol. 1, No. 1
Scoops was Britain’s first science fiction magazine. Launched by the publisher Pearson’s as a weekly in February of 1934, Pearson’s aimed the magazine at younger readers (and only boys, in their view). Readers at the time found the fiction generally sub-par, and the magazine failed to find an audience. After 20 issues, it was shut down. Because of this, it was felt that Britain couldn’t support its own science fiction magazine. British fans had to rely on imported American magazines until the 1937 debut of Tales of Wonder, which remained in business until paper shortages forced its shutdown in 1942.
A tabloid sized (12.5” tall by 9.25” wide) magazine bound with staples. An illustration of an enormous robot dominates the cover, rendered in stark black, red, and white. It is perhaps 20 feet tall, made of riveted metal plates. It clutches an unconscious man under its right arm. The man is wearing stiped pajamas. Five other robots march in the background.
A banner across the top of the cover reads: “NO.1 of an AMAZING NEW WONDER WEEKLY”. Below that is the title in large letters: “SCOOPS”. A column on the right side of the illustrations reads, top to bottom: “The STORY PAPER of TO-MORROW / 2d. EVERY THURSDAY / Free Inside / GREAT NEW PUZZLE / 1,000 GIFTS / TO READERS FOR SOLVING”
