The Pulps Dominated Movie Box Office During Past Decade

“Phantom Detective” was published in the 1930s and featured

illustrated novel-length stories of heroic characters.

By Ed Martinez

December 28, 2009

As America again faces both economic collapse and multiple wars, pulp fiction appears to be making a comeback as entertainment, according to the latest movie box office and publishing figures. America’s fascination with pulp classics dates back to the 1930s and 50s—a time known as the “Golden Age” of pulp fiction and the last period that America faced similar challenges.

During the first decade of the 21st century, 8 of the top 10 films were stories written during fiction’s golden age. Lord of the Rings, Batman: The Dark Knight, Spider Man 1 and 2 and Star Wars Episode 3 grossed well over $3 billion in the U.S. alone. In publishing, L. Ron Hubbard’s multi-genre pulp fiction series, “Stories from the Golden Age,” Walter Gibson’s “The Shadow” and Lester Dent’s “Doc Savage,” all saw marked increases in distribution and sales in traditional and non-traditional outlets.

Hollywood-based Galaxy Press reported a 500% sales increase spurred by a strong domestic demand from the library; education and transportation markets since the launch of its line of 80 pulp fiction print and audio books by pulp master L. Ron Hubbard.

"It's clear that these audiences are looking for high-action entertainment with a broad appeal to readers of all ages—including readers who need to see the story take off right away," said John Goodwin, president of Galaxy Press, publishers of the Stories from the Golden Age book series.

Pulp fiction characters, like the stories, were bigger than life and that is what appealed to the 30 million readers caught in harsh economic times. America needed and wanted heroes and the pulps provided them. Adventure House publisher, John Gunnison, a Maryland-based republisher and distributor of pulp fiction, understands why Hollywood is so enamored with pulp fiction, stating, "There are no better heroes than the pulp heroes."

Goodwin believes that for a few decades “Americans didn’t need their heroes with America’s global expansion, housing, technology and Internet booms—who needs a hero to save you if you're not in danger?"

Based on film success and publishing figures, America's love for heroes and desire to see them win has definitely returned.