Rogue (magazine) no four-color reproduction, or full-page cartoons, and certainly no centerfold. Hamling was the editor and publisher, his wife, Frances, was executive editor; and Frank M. Robinson was the first managing editor. Henry Botts, a friend of Hamling's, became the first associate editor. Lead fiction was by a hot science fiction author, Harlan Ellison who became associate editor with the third issue (April 1956). The first issue of "Rogue" was published in November 1955, with a December release date. Following Hefner's successful lead with the first issue of "Playboy", that first issue of "Rogue" contained "A New Aspect of Marilyn Monroe,"
Playboy calendar rather than for "Playboy". Hefner chose what he deemed the "sexiest" image, a previously unused nude study of Marilyn stretched with an upraised arm on a red velvet background with closed eyes and mouth open. The heavy promotion centered around Marilyn's nudity on the already-famous calendar, together with the teasers in marketing, made the new Playboy magazine a success. The first issue sold out in weeks. Known circulation was 53,991. The cover price was 50¢. Copies of the first issue in mint to near mint condition sold for over $5,000 in 2002. The novel "Fahrenheit 451", by Ray Bradbury,