Acquired Tastes XLIII Gay Pulp Fiction, Part 120: Adonis Classics, Part 4 of 25

Acquired Tastes XLIII

Gay Pulp Fiction, Part 120

Adonis Classics, Part 4 of 25

Greenleaf Classic Books, the publishers of  the Adonis Classics imprint, began in 1959 and continued until 1971, when management lost focus on the business as the government's prosecution for obscenity became a major concern.

By 1974,a new management team and staff were in place, operating out of an office at 7523 Raytheon Road in San Diego and production ceased on all existing imprints. In an attempt to break into mainstream markets, two new imprints were started which used cover art and titles that were not provocative. These efforts failed.

The year 1975 marks the end of  Greenleaf Classics' Vintage period. It is at this time, with the loosening of censorship laws, that the Adonis Classics imprint began production. It marks the end of Greenleaf Classic's Classic Age (1959-1975.) 

Adonis Classics would release a total of 252 titles during it's lifespan. 

The first twenty covers feature white backgrounds (with one exception) and colored drawings or black and white pencil illustrations. After the first two titles, a particular type-face was established, with the title appearing above the illustration. The distinctive Adonis Classics symbol was established with either the seventh or eighth title in the series.

After the first twenty titles, the imprint switched to their iconic red covers (though sometimes pink,) featuring a black and white illustration framed in a black circle which has an arrow attached - a universal sign designating something as 'male.' The book's title at the top of the cover is encased in a white circle with an arrow (the symbol for male.)

Today, we'll take a look at another ten titles, of which I was able to find eight.

Bondage Boy

Author: Lambert Wilhelm

AC 131

Another by William Maltese. His written it all - porn, sci-fi, horror, romance, even a children's book about a dog who skate boards. I must confess, I have yet to read one of his books, and I own several of them. It's on my to-do list and when I do? I promise to report back.

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Keep On Suckin' 

Author: F.W. Love

AC 132

Truckers have a mystique all their own. Masters of the open road, road warriors... considering their 24 hour a day lifestyle its easy to see how they might end up in some hard-up situations. I guess that's what truck stops and rest stops are for! This illustration leaves little to the imagination, though, based on personal experience, most truckers are not nearly so hot.

Available as a pdf or e-book at Hommi Publishing.

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Dorm Buddies

Author: F.W. Love

AC 133

(Cover Not Found)

College age frolics are sure a popular topic for these books. Given modern times, dorms are probably no longer the hotbed of homophobia they once were. No, that's now reserved for fraternities.

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Hungry For Seamen

Author Damon Marks 

AC 134

A well-used pun, this book appears twice in imprint's history, but by different authors. The one with the dude tied to the helm  is for AC 134. An interesting variation on the traditional 69 position, yes? Hope the dude is not prone to seasickness.

Available as a pdf or e-book at Hommi Publishing.

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Chicken Hawk 

Author: F.W. Love

AC 135 

Back to a familiar subject. Remember all the HIS69 titles dedicated to this topic? I don't understand the appeal, but suspect it has to do with a thirst for youth and a matter of control. Both hungers sort of creep me out. It's taking advantage of someone who isn't a fully developed, highly functioning adult. Also, depending on just how young they like them (looking at you, Bryan Singer), consent can also be a big issue.

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Strung And Hung 

Author: Lambert Wilhelm

AC 136

Whips and ropes... so not my thing. But it sure is a popular subject for these books. Again, it has to do with control or a desire to be dominated. I used to love a take-control top, but there are limits. I think I worked through all my rope tying fantasies during my adolescence. Well... some of us get stuck. 

 

Available as a pdf or e-book at Hommi Publishing.

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Dirt Road Buddies 

Author: Rance Manning

AC 137

 

What a strange name... Rance. That makes me think of the word 'rancid.'

Oh, my... It appears someone is in trouble.

Of course, that is also the favored position of a couple of folks at the prairie. Talk about presentation-ready!

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Jail Bait Boy

Author: F.W. Love

AC 138

(Cover Not Found)

Prison is another great gay porn set-up. But adding the 'boy' aspect places it in another category. I wonder how juveniles tried and sentenced as adults end up faring in modern prisons. 

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Hung Up And Hard

Author: Damon Marks

AC 139

Great illustration. Hard to argue with the bulge of that jock, although the torture chamber vibe seems a tad heavy-handed for my taste. A medieval mace? A bed of nails? Really?

I show up at your house and see those? It's adios time.

I love a good adventure... but not an insane one.

Available as a pdf or e-book at Hommi Publishing.

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Hustle With Muscle 

Author: F.W. Love

AC 140

Love that title The term hustler doesn't quite have the negative connotations now connected with the term prostitute. Sex workers are working hard to distinguish themselves from the old stereotypes.

There used to be such a thing as hustler bars... places men would go to pick up rough trade or young ones willing to trade their bodies for quick cash. I appreciate the sleazy 1970's vibe, but now, with the internet, those bars, like most gay bars, are rapidly becoming a thing of the past. 
 

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And that's it for today.

Next week? Ten more scintillating Adonis Classics!

Until then...

Thanks for reading!

Keep On Truckin' - Eddie Kendricks