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Smut Peddler #6
Smut Peddler Presents: Sordid Past
Shelve those dusty tomes, fold up your smoking jacket, and lock the door of the study; this research trip is going to be wild! The latest in the Smut Peddler series of high-end erotic anthologies, Sordid Past is our most scholarly smutty journey yet as we dive into the annals of human history around the globe. From the depths of antiquity to the ancient 1990s, this collection is a whirlwind hands-on history lesson in the tried-and-true Smut Peddler style: broadly diverse, sex-positive, consent-driven, and tons of fun!
Featuring some of the biggest names in mainstream and small press comics and illustration, including Eisner Award winner ERICA HENDERSON, Harvey and Lambda Award-winning EK WEAVER, tall-ship-sailing adventure cartoonist LUCY BELLWOOD, and many more!
Featuring some of the biggest names in mainstream and small press comics and illustration, including Eisner Award winner ERICA HENDERSON, Harvey and Lambda Award-winning EK WEAVER, tall-ship-sailing adventure cartoonist LUCY BELLWOOD, and many more!
264 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 4, 2021
This was great! I didn’t love the last two anthologies (I don’t love sci-fi/robots and Silver was uneven), but Sordid Past was a lot of fun. The stories are different lengths, which is not all that common in anthologies, but I’m glad since the creators were able to fit the length to their plot.
This is very queer (are there any purely straight stories?) and highly sapphic. I especially liked the variety of depictions of historical trans and non-binary characters. It’s not all tragedy, folks.
This is very queer (are there any purely straight stories?) and highly sapphic. I especially liked the variety of depictions of historical trans and non-binary characters. It’s not all tragedy, folks.
July 1, 2025
I always appreciate how these erotic comics push on boundaries of showing queer, trans, BIPOC, fat, and older bodies. However, I'm not sure this volume leveraged historical as much as it could have. Many of the comics feel longer than those in previous volumes, and I'm not sure if that's just due to the historical setup.
My favorites included: "The Commission" by Lucy Bellwood, "Conversion" by Otava Heikkilä, Hypnerotomachia by Kit Seaton, and Offbeat by Dapperpunch and Momo L.
My favorites included: "The Commission" by Lucy Bellwood, "Conversion" by Otava Heikkilä, Hypnerotomachia by Kit Seaton, and Offbeat by Dapperpunch and Momo L.
March 10, 2022
LGBTQ+ erotica that's fun to flip through even if it didn't do much to trip my personal triggers or kinks.
My favorite piece was "Conversion" by Otava Heikkilä about a religious mission gone awry. I wouldn't mind seeing the stories by Lucy Bellwood, Rowan Woodcock and E. K. Weaver fleshed out into fuller works, though I'll happily check out anything they choose to produce in the future.
My favorite piece was "Conversion" by Otava Heikkilä about a religious mission gone awry. I wouldn't mind seeing the stories by Lucy Bellwood, Rowan Woodcock and E. K. Weaver fleshed out into fuller works, though I'll happily check out anything they choose to produce in the future.
January 30, 2022
Smut peddler always offers an array of stories and sex, and this volume is no exception.
May 21, 2022
Smut peddler is always fun. Good collection of short stories about getting it on, in various times, and places. Two female ship builders trying to hide that they are female. A vaudville star reliving his past with his current lover, and thinking of his drag shows.
Fun, sexy times. Lost of Gay and Lesbian sex.
If you have read other smut peddler collections, this is more of the same.
Fun, sexy times. Lost of Gay and Lesbian sex.
If you have read other smut peddler collections, this is more of the same.
May 24, 2023
A beautiful addition to the series and my personal favorite for highest proportion of knock-em-flat PERFECT stories, particularly given the fact that I'm not usually all that into historical fiction! I admit I partake in a pretty outfit from time to time, but I don't know anything about history anywhere and I didn't expect to like this half as much as I did. As usual, reviewing my favorite tales (which are, I think, all but 3-- so basically everything is great, and most everything is greater than great).
BLESSED BY BAAL BY TZOR EDERY
This was a perfect opener; it kickstarted the trend for me of being about a place/period I knew nothing about and yet instantly enrapturing me with art style and genderfuckery. The use of ancient erotic writing/art styles is an incredible bonus!
FORGED STEEL BY HARRIET MOULTON
HARRIET MOULTON. Need I say more. You already know to expect older-of-center, butch-of-center women, and I'm happy to report there are KNIGHTS and METALSMITHING and LATE NIGHT STEAMY RENDESVOUS to boot!! God damn was this everything I wanted and more. I need a Harriet Moulton erotica collection NOW.
THE FIFTH HOUR BY WITH A TOUCH OF SIN
Ancient Egyptian erotica is not something I ever would have known I needed, so thank fuck (literally?) for SP giving it to me unasked. The art style is perfect, the playfulness is on point, the religious aspects are exactly what the doctor ordered... it's everything to me. I keep saying that but this truly is everything to me. THE STRAP(S)? I need to be put away.
CONVERSION OTAVA HEIKKILA
Everybody knows I love a limp-as-hell dude, and this is pretty much peak. Limp as hell dude does cringefail missionary work until massive brick shithouse guy in the woods gives him a hard-on and then some. Literally angelic and that scarecrow at the end didn't hurt anybody either.
A QUEER SORT OF CREATURE BY ROWAN WOODCOCK
Soooo cute!!! Points for polyamory, obviously, but I also love the way it switches from black and white while they're filming to color once they're done, and the specific relationship between the different characters both on and off screen... just adorable, and that effortlessly fluid linework is a visual delight.
ONCE IN FORTRIU BY E.K. WEAVER
Again, I am not remotely a Celtic history person, and I didn't need to be-- this was super-accessible, not to mention super-hot... GIANT BUFF WOMEN >. Not much to say other than that, really; if you like giant women you'll love this.
HYPNEROTOMANIA BY KIT SEATON
This honestly is my very personal favorite. It incorporates a bunch of my favorite tropes-- there's a limp submissive little guy, there's a slow burn (in a short story!), there's meta funtimes, there's a vibrantly colored dream sequence... it really knows exactly what you want from "sexy surreality in Venice" and delivers 110%.
PICKUP ARTIST BY LYNDSAY MCSEVENEY
Butch4butch fans rise up!!! This has to be some of the best ever printed in SP. The fashion, the art style, the tender and gentle relationship... the transness... I gotta stop before I bawl. So so so incredibly good.
Overall I just feel like SP keeps going up and up and up; every critique I have winds up addressed by the next volume. The space given to artists for narrative play, the color, even the amount of text in each story seems endlessly improving based on reader feedback, and I love it.
Plus I have to throw in a bonus word of praise for the cover: just gorgeous. The way it includes genderplay, polyamory, cheesy romance cover tropes, historical fashion, racial diversity... AUGH! Just perfection. Pick this one up for sure.
BLESSED BY BAAL BY TZOR EDERY
This was a perfect opener; it kickstarted the trend for me of being about a place/period I knew nothing about and yet instantly enrapturing me with art style and genderfuckery. The use of ancient erotic writing/art styles is an incredible bonus!
FORGED STEEL BY HARRIET MOULTON
HARRIET MOULTON. Need I say more. You already know to expect older-of-center, butch-of-center women, and I'm happy to report there are KNIGHTS and METALSMITHING and LATE NIGHT STEAMY RENDESVOUS to boot!! God damn was this everything I wanted and more. I need a Harriet Moulton erotica collection NOW.
THE FIFTH HOUR BY WITH A TOUCH OF SIN
Ancient Egyptian erotica is not something I ever would have known I needed, so thank fuck (literally?) for SP giving it to me unasked. The art style is perfect, the playfulness is on point, the religious aspects are exactly what the doctor ordered... it's everything to me. I keep saying that but this truly is everything to me. THE STRAP(S)? I need to be put away.
CONVERSION OTAVA HEIKKILA
Everybody knows I love a limp-as-hell dude, and this is pretty much peak. Limp as hell dude does cringefail missionary work until massive brick shithouse guy in the woods gives him a hard-on and then some. Literally angelic and that scarecrow at the end didn't hurt anybody either.
A QUEER SORT OF CREATURE BY ROWAN WOODCOCK
Soooo cute!!! Points for polyamory, obviously, but I also love the way it switches from black and white while they're filming to color once they're done, and the specific relationship between the different characters both on and off screen... just adorable, and that effortlessly fluid linework is a visual delight.
ONCE IN FORTRIU BY E.K. WEAVER
Again, I am not remotely a Celtic history person, and I didn't need to be-- this was super-accessible, not to mention super-hot... GIANT BUFF WOMEN >. Not much to say other than that, really; if you like giant women you'll love this.
HYPNEROTOMANIA BY KIT SEATON
This honestly is my very personal favorite. It incorporates a bunch of my favorite tropes-- there's a limp submissive little guy, there's a slow burn (in a short story!), there's meta funtimes, there's a vibrantly colored dream sequence... it really knows exactly what you want from "sexy surreality in Venice" and delivers 110%.
PICKUP ARTIST BY LYNDSAY MCSEVENEY
Butch4butch fans rise up!!! This has to be some of the best ever printed in SP. The fashion, the art style, the tender and gentle relationship... the transness... I gotta stop before I bawl. So so so incredibly good.
Overall I just feel like SP keeps going up and up and up; every critique I have winds up addressed by the next volume. The space given to artists for narrative play, the color, even the amount of text in each story seems endlessly improving based on reader feedback, and I love it.
Plus I have to throw in a bonus word of praise for the cover: just gorgeous. The way it includes genderplay, polyamory, cheesy romance cover tropes, historical fashion, racial diversity... AUGH! Just perfection. Pick this one up for sure.
July 11, 2022
13. A collection of short stories: Smut Peddler Presents: Sordid Past edited by Andrea Purcell
List Progress: 20/30
The Smut Peddler series has always been a great collection of erotic writing and art, from some thrilling names in the indie comics industry. The latest installment, Sordid Past, continues this pattern and has an even higher hit-rate than previous volumes. Obviously, trying to review and rate smut quickly wanders into the realm of the subjective, but there is a good variety to appeal to many tastes (and kinks).
The premise of Sordid Past is a simple one: each of the stories is set in a historical time period, ranging from ancient civilizations to gamers in the 80’s. There is not too much to say beyond singing the collection’s praises, so I will instead list some of my favorites.
-“Blessed by Baal” by Tzor Edery- The first story in the collection and the oldest time period, this story sets the tone of the book with a seductive, deliberate energy. A fertility ritual is set to begin, and two gender divergent people find each other and their places in their society. The strong, bold art style is very impactful and the orange and red color palate embodies the sultry summer heat.
-“Dances and Dalliances” by Jessi Jordan- Edwardian ballroom dramas are all about the rigid rules of etiquette and polite society, so seeing a pair of sisters behave shamelessly is a great contrast. A widowed woman is her younger sister’s chaperone to a ball, but while she sneaks away for an assignation with her female lover, the younger sister is having her own fling with a young man she’s had her eye on. There’s something special about erotica that is allowed to be fun, and this story is as fluffy and frilly as the gowns they’re all wearing.
-“Conversion” by Otava Heikkila- In a strong collection, this is a standout, both sexy and sensual. A Christian missionary has trekked into the Nordic wilderness to spread his message, but only finds a single man living in an isolated cabin, with no shared language between them. When a blizzard strands the missionary, the two men start to bond and find a connection stronger and more real than anything prescribed religious dogma could create.
-“A Queer Sort of Creature” by Rowan Woodcock- A polyamorous triad of silent film actors fool around after a day of shooting. It’s not that deep, but not everything has to be, and it’s hot.
These four are the tops, but there are plenty more to recommend; having read almost every Smut Peddler collection, Sordid Past has the highest percentage of stories I enjoyed, with only a couple not doing it for me. If you are in the mood for some fun, occasionally moving, illustrated smut, Sordid Past is a great place to start.
Would I Recommend It: Yes yes yes!
List Progress: 20/30
The Smut Peddler series has always been a great collection of erotic writing and art, from some thrilling names in the indie comics industry. The latest installment, Sordid Past, continues this pattern and has an even higher hit-rate than previous volumes. Obviously, trying to review and rate smut quickly wanders into the realm of the subjective, but there is a good variety to appeal to many tastes (and kinks).
The premise of Sordid Past is a simple one: each of the stories is set in a historical time period, ranging from ancient civilizations to gamers in the 80’s. There is not too much to say beyond singing the collection’s praises, so I will instead list some of my favorites.
-“Blessed by Baal” by Tzor Edery- The first story in the collection and the oldest time period, this story sets the tone of the book with a seductive, deliberate energy. A fertility ritual is set to begin, and two gender divergent people find each other and their places in their society. The strong, bold art style is very impactful and the orange and red color palate embodies the sultry summer heat.
-“Dances and Dalliances” by Jessi Jordan- Edwardian ballroom dramas are all about the rigid rules of etiquette and polite society, so seeing a pair of sisters behave shamelessly is a great contrast. A widowed woman is her younger sister’s chaperone to a ball, but while she sneaks away for an assignation with her female lover, the younger sister is having her own fling with a young man she’s had her eye on. There’s something special about erotica that is allowed to be fun, and this story is as fluffy and frilly as the gowns they’re all wearing.
-“Conversion” by Otava Heikkila- In a strong collection, this is a standout, both sexy and sensual. A Christian missionary has trekked into the Nordic wilderness to spread his message, but only finds a single man living in an isolated cabin, with no shared language between them. When a blizzard strands the missionary, the two men start to bond and find a connection stronger and more real than anything prescribed religious dogma could create.
-“A Queer Sort of Creature” by Rowan Woodcock- A polyamorous triad of silent film actors fool around after a day of shooting. It’s not that deep, but not everything has to be, and it’s hot.
These four are the tops, but there are plenty more to recommend; having read almost every Smut Peddler collection, Sordid Past has the highest percentage of stories I enjoyed, with only a couple not doing it for me. If you are in the mood for some fun, occasionally moving, illustrated smut, Sordid Past is a great place to start.
Would I Recommend It: Yes yes yes!
August 28, 2023
I'll be honest (whether you believe me or not), I haven't once read a Smut Peddler for the, ahem, adult content. The paperback versions, in particular, it feels like ruining a perfectly good book trying to do any "additional" activities while reading.
Granted, this is how I am with reading and, say, eating at the same time, too. Can't do it, too much effort and too great a risk of ruining the book.
So why read it? Well, the artwork is beautiful, in particular E.K. Weaver's faces in all of her work (and they're GORGEOUS in "Once In Fortriu"), and I would be happy reading "Golden Age" even with the adult portion cut off (which, it does feel a bit tacked-on just to fit the anthology). Also, heck if I wouldn't swear "Offbeat" isn't Sherlock and Watson consummating their relationship (haha).
The, uh... cat "pussy" is a bit of body horror, though, if it's not your exact cup of tea, but it's not so major a thing that you couldn't just skip over it quickly to read the rest of the story.
"Pick-up Artist" is the one story I question, since it feels a bit more contemporary. It COULD be that it's 1980s-90s, but the "Sordid Past" theme sort of suggests older than that? Might be my one complaint. (I'm not complaining about "Golden Age" in particular because I dig the old arcade scene! Also, the actual references linking it to the late '70s-early '80s.)
Story-wise, I feel like all of the "good" adult short story content I've read (in as far as it seems to be popular) follows the same general formula: introduction to characters, characters do some completely innocent (or at least MOSTLY innocent) activity, then they sneak off to/initiate adult shenanigans, with or without a suggestive endpoint. There are two just in this volume where someone saves a stranger in trouble, and the stranger repays them with physical pleasure. The short story format for the most part precludes more complicated narratives than that. I wouldn't really expect anyone reading ONLY for the story, though.
Definite recommend for anyone... well. Not recommended for anyone who dislikes LGBTQ and/or gender-bending content, because there's quite a LOT of that in this anthology.
Granted, this is how I am with reading and, say, eating at the same time, too. Can't do it, too much effort and too great a risk of ruining the book.
So why read it? Well, the artwork is beautiful, in particular E.K. Weaver's faces in all of her work (and they're GORGEOUS in "Once In Fortriu"), and I would be happy reading "Golden Age" even with the adult portion cut off (which, it does feel a bit tacked-on just to fit the anthology). Also, heck if I wouldn't swear "Offbeat" isn't Sherlock and Watson consummating their relationship (haha).
The, uh... cat "pussy" is a bit of body horror, though, if it's not your exact cup of tea, but it's not so major a thing that you couldn't just skip over it quickly to read the rest of the story.
"Pick-up Artist" is the one story I question, since it feels a bit more contemporary. It COULD be that it's 1980s-90s, but the "Sordid Past" theme sort of suggests older than that? Might be my one complaint. (I'm not complaining about "Golden Age" in particular because I dig the old arcade scene! Also, the actual references linking it to the late '70s-early '80s.)
Story-wise, I feel like all of the "good" adult short story content I've read (in as far as it seems to be popular) follows the same general formula: introduction to characters, characters do some completely innocent (or at least MOSTLY innocent) activity, then they sneak off to/initiate adult shenanigans, with or without a suggestive endpoint. There are two just in this volume where someone saves a stranger in trouble, and the stranger repays them with physical pleasure. The short story format for the most part precludes more complicated narratives than that. I wouldn't really expect anyone reading ONLY for the story, though.
Definite recommend for anyone... well. Not recommended for anyone who dislikes LGBTQ and/or gender-bending content, because there's quite a LOT of that in this anthology.
August 28, 2025
An excellent collection of erotica, and my first Smut Peddler that I've actually purchased a hard copy of. (From Charlie's, in Seattle! Everyone go support a trans-owned bookstore!) As ever, a diverse collection of tales in every sense of the word. Various body types, various pairings, a range of ethnicities and backgrounds all represented in the stories. So much great art!
Several other reviews mentioned this, and I'll agree -- the standout piece for me was "Conversion" by Otava Heikkilä. So gorgeous, told without dialogue, just really spectacular.
My one critique is that, for a historical volume, things did skew Global North/Empire/Colonizer-historical. It's great to see diverse figures represented within those societies because OF COURSE they weren't all rich cis white men etc. etc., but I would've enjoyed seeing something from, e.g., precolonial Filipino culture, or Mayan culture, pre-Britain India and Pakistan, things like that.
Several other reviews mentioned this, and I'll agree -- the standout piece for me was "Conversion" by Otava Heikkilä. So gorgeous, told without dialogue, just really spectacular.
My one critique is that, for a historical volume, things did skew Global North/Empire/Colonizer-historical. It's great to see diverse figures represented within those societies because OF COURSE they weren't all rich cis white men etc. etc., but I would've enjoyed seeing something from, e.g., precolonial Filipino culture, or Mayan culture, pre-Britain India and Pakistan, things like that.
December 16, 2024
Never judge a book by its cover. I should have kept that in mind, but I'm not too disappointed I didn't.
Look at that cover, look at the beautiful art, the bisexual throuple that evokes a bit of piracy and regality. You'll only find that specific combination on the cover though. There's no story that reflects exactly what the cover suggests, and I was sad not to read anything about bisexual pirates.
That doesn't mean I'm not happy with my purchase though.
I enjoy Smut Peddler for the stories as well as the smut, but particularly for their representation.
I have no complaints about this collection aside from my own unsupported expectations falling short.
Look at that cover, look at the beautiful art, the bisexual throuple that evokes a bit of piracy and regality. You'll only find that specific combination on the cover though. There's no story that reflects exactly what the cover suggests, and I was sad not to read anything about bisexual pirates.
That doesn't mean I'm not happy with my purchase though.
I enjoy Smut Peddler for the stories as well as the smut, but particularly for their representation.
I have no complaints about this collection aside from my own unsupported expectations falling short.
March 18, 2023
I don't know how this wound up at my public library, but there it was and I had to know.
A compilation of short romance stories set throughout different ages and eras. While there is a variety of beautiful art by many different artists and authors, overall it's erotica with a thin veneer of story for a lot of the time so read at your own risk and most definitely not at work. Generally there's also a wide variety of genders and sexualites shown like m/m, w/w, polyamorous, trans characters, the whole nine yards. The biggest strength of this anthology were the stories which were just amazingly executed to show cultural or language, like the one told solely in pictures as the culture depicted had no written language, the one mimicking the style of one culture's ancient stone carvings, etc. The stories featuring ancient Egypt, ancient Celtic cultures, Old Norse, and a take on the Holmsian aesthetic were my favorites. (4.0/5)
A compilation of short romance stories set throughout different ages and eras. While there is a variety of beautiful art by many different artists and authors, overall it's erotica with a thin veneer of story for a lot of the time so read at your own risk and most definitely not at work. Generally there's also a wide variety of genders and sexualites shown like m/m, w/w, polyamorous, trans characters, the whole nine yards. The biggest strength of this anthology were the stories which were just amazingly executed to show cultural or language, like the one told solely in pictures as the culture depicted had no written language, the one mimicking the style of one culture's ancient stone carvings, etc. The stories featuring ancient Egypt, ancient Celtic cultures, Old Norse, and a take on the Holmsian aesthetic were my favorites. (4.0/5)
October 24, 2022
The Smut Peddler erotic comic anthology series returns with a wonderful new installment focusing on tales set in the distant (and not-so-distant) past. This collection travels all over the world and far beyond the gender binary, not to mention the variety of sexy scenes, situations, positions, and pairings—or trios—to be found. Beautifully illustrated, lovingly told, this collection of stories makes a wonderful read when all you want is a first-rate naughty comic.
July 26, 2024
This series is relying heavily on each story's couple "surprising" the viewer with different gentials that don't align to their femme or masc presentation. It is beautifully well written when done right but it happens SO MUCH that it feels like they want us to feel the novel twist or shock of the shift from the norm that achieved well the first few times but NOW when am bored from being served the same pairing over and over and over and over again.
September 17, 2022
Oh my! Oh my! Oh yes! A sexy and erotic anthology featuring various historical erotic stories by various artists. Some stories had fantastic art, like the Anubis love story, that was fantastic.
Loved this book. Very LGBT. Very sexy. Very steamy. Very hot. Very yes. I am very happy that I took the chance and bought this one when I could.
Loved this book. Very LGBT. Very sexy. Very steamy. Very hot. Very yes. I am very happy that I took the chance and bought this one when I could.
April 24, 2026
3 Stars
There's no way I can return this to the library branch I work at without my coworkers thinking I'm a huge pervert. (I definitely am, but they don't need to know that.) Despite that, I loved seeing all types of bodies, people, queerness, and time periods represented! And everyone had bush!!! Hell yea brother
There's no way I can return this to the library branch I work at without my coworkers thinking I'm a huge pervert. (I definitely am, but they don't need to know that.) Despite that, I loved seeing all types of bodies, people, queerness, and time periods represented! And everyone had bush!!! Hell yea brother
May 25, 2022
Wow... That anthology sure has some strong storytelling! I was quite impressed by the diversity of styles of art and time periods represented. Lots of good diversity when it comes to relationships too. Definitely recommended if you want good smut appropriate for the female gaze in comic form.
July 11, 2025
An amazing collection of Smutty stories!!😆❤️
I am absolutely amazed by the higher level of Smut and everything erotica in this collection of stories in one book and I am all for it!🤩
Incredible work from all the writers and illustrators from this book🔥👍
I am absolutely amazed by the higher level of Smut and everything erotica in this collection of stories in one book and I am all for it!🤩
Incredible work from all the writers and illustrators from this book🔥👍
May 5, 2021
As always I liked some of the art styles better than the others, but I enjoy the dedication to enthusiasm and the many different conbos available.
May 17, 2021
Another stellar anthology from Smut Peddler.
June 5, 2021
The latest installment in Smut Peddler's yearly or so Kickstarter projects. A nice mix of stories and different graphics styles. A short read.
August 17, 2021
Another delicious collection! The final story was by far my favourite but I enjoyed all of the varied art styles and time periods explored.
February 16, 2022
I just devoured this in one sitting and 🗣🗣 it was delightful
June 2, 2022
Iron circus really does produce the best porn out there and this is a perfect addition to the series. Wonderful range of art styles, genders, sexualities, time periods. Just an excellent read.
June 14, 2022
Really a 3.5, but rounding down because a 4 felt too high. Solid art throughout, but it got a bit same-y for me in terms of the stories themselves.
June 18, 2022
Sooo much smut lmao 🤣
June 26, 2023
Very very dirty, very very good!
December 14, 2023
The cover was not one of the stories! 🥲
December 18, 2023
I wrote such a long review and then saved it on my computer. Not for goodreads.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2024
A distinct lack of beauty. I did not enjoy this book. The illuminated 'O' was the only redeeming feature of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews