Hustler (magazine)
A pioneering explicit magazine known for hardcore themes and controversy.
Hustler is an American pornographic magazine published monthly by Larry Flynt Publications (LFP). It was among the first major American magazines to feature graphic photos of female genitalia and simulated sex acts, distinguishing itself from more modest competitors like Playboy.
- founder
- Larry Flynt
- field
- Pornographic magazine publishing
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Explicit sexual content, 'Asshole of the Month' column, controversial cartoons
- peak_circulation
- ~3 million (early 1980s)
Lore & Background
An old member described the relationship: 'Larry is the show, and Jimmy makes it go.' The magazine grew from the Hustler Newsletter, originally conceived as cheap advertising for Flynt's strip clubs. Hustler is published by LFP, Inc., which also produces pornographic films. A Canadian version is published by a Quebec-based firm under license, and there have been Australian, British, and South African versions. Regular features include the 'Asshole of the Month' column, the 'Hustler Honey' centerfold, the comic strip 'Honey Hooker,' the amateur 'Beaver Hunt' section, and the controversial 'Chester the Molester' cartoon. The magazine also runs 'Ads We'd Like to See,' which sexualizes or violentizes everyday advertisements.
Reader's Guide
Hustler's significance lies in its role as a pioneer of explicit sexual content in American magazines, pushing boundaries far beyond competitors like Playboy and Penthouse. It remains more explicit and self-consciously lowbrow, frequently depicting hardcore themes such as sex toys, penetration, oral sex, and group sex. The magazine's legacy includes the landmark Supreme Court case Flynt v. E. Cupp performing oral sex. The Hustler brand has been extended through licensing to a casino, a chain of clubs, and a store chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What set Hustler apart from Playboy in the 1970s?
Hustler pushed further into explicit territory by publishing graphic photographs of female genitalia and simulated sexual acts, going well beyond the more restrained approach Playboy took with its centerfolds.
How large was Hustler's readership at its height?
The magazine reached a peak circulation of roughly three million copies per issue in the early 1980s before gradually declining to around half a million in later years.
What is the 'Asshole of the Month' feature?
It is a recurring editorial column in which the magazine publicly shames a public figure or private individual, blending satire with the publication's trademark provocative tone.
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