Steve Davidson, Publisher Who Revived Amazing Stories, Dies at 67
Steve Davidson, publisher of Amazing Stories, science fiction fan, and longtime champion of the genre, died November 4, 2026. He was the brother of Andy Davidson and a beloved son, whose passing leaves a loss for his family as well as the science fiction community. Davidson acquired Amazing Stories in 2012, relaunching the historic publication as an online blog. Founded in 1926 by Hugo Gernsback, *Amazing Stories* was the world’s first science fiction magazine and played a pivotal role in establishing science fiction as a literary genre. In 2018, Davidson successfully brought the magazine back into print through a successful Kickstarter campaign A former Top 100 Paintball Player of All Time, Davidson came to science fiction publishing after retiring from active competition. He devoted himself to preserving the magazine’s remarkable history while ensuring it remained relevant to contemporary readers and writers. In an interview with author Jason Sanford, Davidson described his mission as publishing “new, ground-breaking science fiction from the current era.” He believed that Amazing Stories should do more than celebrate its past; it should provide a platform for new writers, encourage established authors to experiment, and help introduce readers to fresh ideas. Davidson was also an outspoken advocate for science fiction magazines and short fiction, recognizing the financial challenges facing genre publishing. He proposed greater cooperation among magazine publishers to promote short fiction and attract new readers. His ambitions extended beyond the magazine. He worked toward expanding the operation into book publishing, developing new imprints and exploring anthologies. He also took seriously the responsibility of protecting the Amazing Stories name and preserving its place in science fiction history. Davidson understood that a magazine was more than a collection of stories. As he told Sanford, it was an experience combining fiction, artwork, design, and editorial content into something unique. He believed magazines remained essential to discovering new talent and bringing writers and readers together. For more than a decade, Steve Davidson worked to ensure that Amazing Stories would not simply survive as a historic name but would continue contributing to the future of science fiction. Following Davidson’s passing, Amazing Stories will continue under the leadership of its new publisher, Kermit Woodall, who will carry forward Davidson’s commitment to publishing imaginative fiction, supporting writers and artists, and preserving the magazine’s historic place in the genre. Steve Davidson’s legacy is more than the revival of a legendary magazine. It is the opportunity he created for future generations of writers, artists, and readers to be part of its continuing story. As Amazing Stories enters its second century, the publication he worked so hard to restore will remain a lasting tribute to his dedication and vision.
