In an era dominated by digital media, it’s easy to assume that print is dead. Yet, a fascinating array of niche magazines thrives, catering to incredibly specific interests. Forget the overly politicized and preachy publications; these mags offer unique content you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s a list of ten bizarre magazines that prove there’s a publication for every passion, no matter how unusual.
Emu Today & Tomorrow
Want to dive deep into the world of emu farming? Emu Today & Tomorrow is your go-to source. This magazine caters to a dedicated community of ‘dromaius fanciers,’ providing insights into everything from harvesting bright blue eggs to enjoying surprisingly delicious emu meat. Learn about the unique classification of emu meat as red meat by the USFDA due to its color and pH value, despite technically being poultry. Most importantly, the magazine offers comprehensive guides on safely raising these potentially dangerous birds, known for their razor-sharp claws. Sadly, no centrefold birds are included.
Spudman
Formerly known as ‘The Times of Ireland,’ Spudman offers an academic understanding of potatoes. This industry magazine delves into technical topics such as research papers from the University of Idaho on potato storage best practices and forecasts on the fiscal wealth of the potato chip industry. The online Spudwoman section profiles leading ladies in the potato world. Published eight times a year, this magazine is a must-read for potato lovers. Disappointingly, no centrefold spuds are featured.
Girls and Corpses
Girls and Corpses, founded by Robert Steven Rhine, combines “beautiful girls and rotting corpses.” This irreverent publication features real corpses imported from countries with lax regulations on cadaver transportation. The corpses are photographed before being sent to bio labs or museums. This magazine offers a genuinely funny and transgressive experience for those not squeamish about death.
According to Rhine: “Why Girls and Corpses, you ask? Well, if you’re like me, you like two things, beautiful girls and rotting corpses. So, I thought, why not bring these two great tastes together in one magazine?”
Elevator World
Elevator World explores the comprehensive universe of elevators. While it may not be as mind-bending as an MC Escher-like planet of elevators, this magazine is surprisingly slick and informative. With a dedicated bookstore section, you can purchase titles like ‘Elevator Maintenance Handbook and Manual’ or ‘The Vertical Transportation Handbook—Fourth Edition.’ A subscription might even inspire you to attend ‘Lift Expo Italia 2021’ in Milan, though hopefully not held on the ground floor.
Practical Sheep, Goats and Alpacas
If you’re looking for a guide to livestock rearing, Practical Sheep, Goats and Alpacas is the magazine for you. This quarterly publication covers everything you need to know about raising these animals, from choosing the right goat breed to managing alpaca care and dealing with sheep orf virus. Sorry, llama owners, this one isn’t for you.
The Fortean Times
The Fortean Times catalogs and presents news and events that defy conventional explanations. Stemming from the writings of Charles Fort, this monthly publication explores strange deaths, paranormal encounters, pop culture Forteana, and the weirdest news stories. It’s a magazine for skeptics and believers alike, promoting a balanced approach between doubt and faith. The magazine also hosts an annual ‘UnConvention’ featuring leading minds in the Fortean field.
Twins
Since 1984, Twins has been the bi-monthly resource for parents of multiples. This magazine offers book and product reviews, interviews, and scholarly articles on all things twin-related. It’s a comprehensive publication for parents blessed with ‘doublers,’ ‘trips,’ or even a ‘double doubler’ of babies. While they offer a free digital subscription, it’s disappointing that the physical subscription only includes one copy.
Miniature Donkey Talk
Miniature Donkey Talk is dedicated to the scintillating world of tiny donkeys. For 25 years, founders Bonnie and Mike Goss have provided this niche community with informative articles and a hub for buying and selling goods and services. If you love Eeyore or the donkey from Shrek, you’ll enjoy reading about their real-life counterparts in this newsletter-style magazine.
PRO
PRO Monthly is a glossy magazine for portable restroom operators. It’s fascinating that this industry has such an exhaustive and well-written publication. The magazine highlights individuals like John McGreavey, a former accountant who bought a porta-pee-pee business. This magazine celebrates the unsung heroes who provide essential public utilities, making events and festivals much more bearable.
Crappie Now!
Crappie Now! is a magazine for fishermen obsessed with crappie, a North American genus of freshwater sunfish. The magazine dives deep into the subculture of crappie fishing, covering topics like ‘spider rigging,’ a technique that employs multiple rods arcing over the water. This magazine is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the world of crappie fishing.
Conclusion
From emu farming to portable restrooms, these magazines prove that there’s a publication for every niche interest. They offer unique insights, community, and a deep dive into worlds you never knew existed. So, next time you’re looking for something different to read, explore the bizarre and fascinating world of niche magazines.
Leave a comment below and let us know which of these magazines you found the most surprising!
