Dez Skinn rejected the name Starfall for his new magazine because he considered it too negative, settling instead on Starburst to launch in December 1977. This decision marked the beginning of a publication that would outlive its original publisher and evolve from a quarterly print magazine into a digital hub for science fiction culture. Skinn, who founded Starburst Publishing Ltd, envisioned a magazine that would cover not just comics but the entire spectrum of genre media, including television, film, soundtracks, books, and multimedia. The magazine's early days were defined by its eclectic mix of content, which set it apart from other publications of the time. When Marvel UK took over the title with issue #4, Skinn was placed in charge of the UK comic reprints division, a move that would shape the magazine's future direction. The transition from Skinn's independent venture to Marvel's ownership was a pivotal moment that ensured Starburst's survival and growth in a competitive market.
The Editors Who Shaped A Generation
The magazine's editorial history is a testament to its adaptability, with a succession of editors who each left their mark on its identity. Dez Skinn served as editor from 1977 to 1981, followed by Alan McKenzie, who held the position until 1985. Cefn Ridout took over briefly in 1985 before Stephen Payne assumed the role, serving multiple stints between 1985 and 1999, and again from 2005 to 2009. Payne's tenure was particularly significant, as he steered the magazine through its most challenging years, including the transition to digital media. David Richardson edited from 1999 to 2001, followed by Andrew Cartmel and Gary Gillatt, who both served in 2001 and 2002 respectively. Simon J. Gerard took the helm from 2003 to 2005, and Jordan Royce led the magazine from 2009 to 2022. Kris Heys served as editor from 2022 to 2025, and Martin Unsworth took over in 2025. Each editor brought a unique perspective, ensuring that Starburst remained relevant across decades of changing media landscapes. The magazine's ability to survive the folding of Visual Imagination in 2008 and resume publication as an online magazine in 2011 speaks to the resilience of its editorial team.From Print To The Digital Frontier
Starburst reached issue #365 in 2008 before ceasing print publication due to Visual Imagination folding, a moment that seemed to signal the end of an era. However, the magazine's story did not end there. In early 2011, Starburst Magazine Ltd announced that Starburst would resume publication as an online magazine, with founder Dez Skinn named Honorary Editor-in-Chief. The first online issue, #366, was released on the 14th of May 2011, and carried an editorial by Skinn, marking a new chapter in the magazine's history. The transition to digital media allowed Starburst to expand its reach, with additional news and reviews being published daily on the website. In February 2012, the magazine returned to print publication with issue #374, demonstrating its ability to adapt to the changing media landscape. The magazine celebrated its 40-year anniversary with issue #443 in 2017, which included an editorial by creator Dez Skinn. Starburst headquarters is now based in Manchester, a city that has become a hub for its operations. The magazine's evolution from print to digital and back to print reflects its commitment to staying relevant and engaging with its audience.