The Dark Side Magazine Updated -

Visually, The Dark Side embraces its name—heavy on moody black-and-white imagery, crimson accents, and lurid cover art that nods to old-school horror magazines like Famous Monsters of Filmland . The writing is scholarly yet spirited, often championing underappreciated films and forgotten auteurs.

Then there was the legendary . While Balun was an American writer (famous for his Deep Red magazine), his presence in The Dark Side bridged the gap between the US and UK scenes. His "Piece o' Mind" column was a chaotic, enthusiastic love letter to practical effects and DIY filmmaking. Balun hated CGI with a passion, and his rants against "computer cartoon bullshit" became legendary. He introduced a generation of British readers to the concept of the "guerrilla filmmaker."

While many publications transitioned purely to digital, The Dark Side maintained its physical presence, serving as a nostalgic yet forward-thinking "slick glossy magazine". After a brief hiatus, the magazine returned with a renewed passion, proving that the hunger for print, high-quality, long-form horror journalism was stronger than ever. As of 2026, it is recognized as Britain's oldest operating horror magazine. Why The Dark Side Magazine Stands Alone the dark side magazine

Launched in October 1990, The Dark Side emerged at a fascinating time for horror cinema. Initially, the magazine was associated with Robert Maxwell's publishing empire before being acquired by Stray Cat, with editor Allan Bryce establishing its enduring, gritty, and insightful tone.

A magazine is only as good as its writers, and The Dark Side boasted a roster of personalities that readers felt they knew personally. Visually, The Dark Side embraces its name—heavy on

Other regular contributors, such as and Sharon Siddoway , brought diverse perspectives, covering everything from the Gothic romances of Hammer to the splatterpunk of Troma. The magazine also fostered a community feel; the letters page was a bustling forum where readers debated the merits of subtitles versus dubbing, shared tape-trading lists, and organized fan clubs.

, known for its extensive coverage of horror cinema ranging from classic Hammer Horrors to modern masterpieces. Core Content and Features The magazine is published every While Balun was an American writer (famous for

But what exactly is The Dark Side Magazine ? Is it merely a review outlet, or does it represent a deeper, more dangerous current in film criticism? This article dives deep into the history, the controversy, and the enduring legacy of the world’s most unapologetic horror publication.

The Darkside Magazine - The Dark Side 262 Back Issue - Pocketmags

Here’s a concise write-up for The Dark Side magazine:

For over two decades, The Dark Side magazine stood as the United Kingdom’s most controversial, comprehensive, and cherished horror publication. It was not merely a collection of reviews; it was a lifeline to a subculture that was under siege by censorship and misunderstood by the mainstream press. This is the story of how a small, independent magazine became a titan of genre journalism, terrified the establishment, and ultimately defined a generation of horror fandom.