A Buck Rogers Mini Exhibit Presented by Lucina Press
Step back to an age when science was young and every tomorrow seemed within reach. From his first flight in 1928 to his television rebirth half a century later, Buck Rogers carried the dreams of adventure-hungry readers into the boundless reaches of the 25th Century. His rocket ships and ray guns were more than fantasy—they were a promise of progress, courage, and the endless frontier ahead.
Buck Rogers — 500 Years Into the Future
See how one man’s leap into the future ignited a century worth of imagination!
1928
“Armageddon — 2419 A. D.”
The first appearance of Buck Rogers was in AMAZING STORIES magazine in the August 1928 issue. The short story by Phillip Francis Nowlan was illustrated by Frank R. Paul. The flying man on the cover isn’t Buck Rogers, however. He is the main character of “The Skylark of Space” by E. E. “Doc” Smith and Lee Hawkins Garby,
1929
“Meeting the Mongols”
The first Buck Rogers comic strip by Phillip Francis Nowlan (author) and Dick Calkins (artist) appeared on January 7, 1929. Buck Rogers comics are still being published in 2025, nearly 100 years later!
1929
“The Airlords of Han”
The sequel to “Armageddon — 2419 A. D.” came out in the March 1929 issue of AMAZING STORIES.
1932
Buck Rogers Radio Program
The radio program began in 1932 and ran sporadically until 1947. You can still listen to some of the episodes online: https://archive.org/details/BuckRogersInThe25thCentury
1933
The First Buck Rogers movie
The movie was shown at the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago. It was a ten minutes long and later shown in department stores to advertise Buck Rogers merchandise.
1933
Big Little Books
Starting in 1933 “Big Little Books” put out twelve Buck Rogers adventure titles for kids.
1933
Merchandising Boom
Also starting in 1933, Buck Rogers merchandise hit the shelves: ray guns, toy spaceships, games, puzzles, paper dolls, action figures, and more! These toys and games are highly collectible today.
1939
Buck Rogers Serial
The serial ran for twelve cliff-hanging episodes. It starred Buster Crabbe as Buck Rogers and Constance Moore as Wilma Deering.
1950-1951
Buck Rogers on television
The TV show ran for two seasons and ten thirty-minute episodes. It featured Robert Pastene as Buck Rogers and Lucy Prentis as Wilma Deering.
1979-1981
Buck Rogers updated for the 1970s
Gil Gerard played Buck Rogers in “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” (film) and then “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” (TV series). The series is remembered for its “Disco Era” stylings. Erin Gray played Wilma Deering.
2019
Remembering Buck
In honor of Buck Roger’s first appearance in 1928 I painted a larger-than-life mural on my garage illustrating the famous 1928 AMAZING STORIES magazine cover.
2022
Original artwork based on early Buck Rogers designs
This hand drawn pen and ink and graphite piece is available as greeting cards and prints. Contact me for more information.
2025
Spotted on eBay
A copy of Amazing Stories v.3 #5 August 1928, professionally graded in very good condition, is up for sale for $1,599.20 (U.S. dollars). Some lucky collector will certainly buy it.
12/16/2025
The last Buck Rogers actor dies
Gil Gerard has died at the age of 82. “Don’t waste your time on anything that doesn’t thrill you or bring you love. See you out somewhere in the cosmos.” -Gil Gerard in a public facing farewell to fans.
As long as we imagine the stars ahead, our adventure will continue.
Buck Rogers exhibit — 500 Years Into the Future will be live on the Lucina Press site for November and December 2025. Look for a new exhibit in January 2026. Thanks for visiting!
Curator’s Note — December 17, 2025
In Memoriam:
Actor Gil Gerard (1943–2025), who portrayed Buck Rogers in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979–1981), passed away on December 16, 2025.
This exhibit has been updated to reflect his passing as part of the continuing historical record. Lucina Press treats pulp history as a living archive—one that remembers its stewards as carefully as its stories.