hustler is a monthly pornographic magazine published by larry flynt in the united states. it was introduced in 1974. it was a step forward from the "hustler newsletter". the magazine grew to a peak circulation of around 3 million. it has since dropped to about 500,000. it shows explicit views of the female genitalia, becoming one of the first major us-based magazines to do so. it is seen as a rival to the modest publications like "playboy".