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Author Archives: AR_Editor
The Amphibian Legacy by Meg Smith
The Amphibian Legacy Meg Smith Toads know, in their pebbled skin, and golden eyes; frogs know, in their green translucence; salamanders know, in their blue skin, and soft fingers. Their is to kettle everything — the sad discharge of the … Continue reading
Prayer for the Swarm by Meg Smith
Prayer for the Swarm Meg Smith Come for the flowers, come for the white grass, tall within the graying sky. Come for the dithering of milkweed, and the haze of dust from the corn, wheat, fallow. Without this urgent cloud … Continue reading
The Wintering Fox by Meg Smith
The Wintering Fox Meg Smith A field waxes white; grass shimmers in frost. Night moves in its naked path. A light burns in copper eyes, and in the slash of scarlet across a dark road. This is my one kept … Continue reading
In the Best Blood by Meg Smith
In the Best Blood Meg Smith Rivers ruddy to sleep, and this is pure in its running. Something once was life, but now recedes from light, only, air and light.
Captain’s Eyes
Captain Pora Hairfoot looked up at her half-dragon deckhand and felt a frown pull at the corner of her lips as Sunar did a slow-blink when she told him that someone was going to the expense of keeping an interstellar … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction, Sword and Sorcery
Tagged dragon, fearadhach, mecraudri, monk, sunar
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Episode 55: Eve: Recruiting Waffles
Dichall, Gretchen and I leapt down from the high tower, safely landing in the snow. We found a gull picking through a discarded food container. Dichall held out his red bead necklace. “Hello there.” The gull pulled her head out … Continue reading
At the Crossroads
The next morning I find that my spine has stiffened somewhat in the night. Onye is depending on me. She’ll be waiting at the fork for me to bring her to the safety of our walls. I’m still terrified, but … Continue reading
From Seattle to the Republic of Venice
I called my neighbor to take care of my cat for a few days just in case and packed enough clothes toiletries for a week, along with a few books, my Discman and an album of CDs and my passport. … Continue reading
Self-Aware by John C. Mannone
Self-Aware John C. Mannone All police officers in the area, respond to a ten-ninety-eight: escaped suspect zero-seven-four, armed & dangerous, last seen running east on Bearden with robodog beta-six-beta-three. Remote sensor probes on the Sutherland Greenway indicate artificial intelligence units … Continue reading
Morphism by John C. Mannone
Morphism John C. Mannone Now, the two blazing-blue stars a parsec above our scintillated air are in luminous binary conjunction with our close-in red dwarf sun. We swoon in the tempest of solar winds while the atmosphere swirls with mood-thickening … Continue reading
In three point five billion years by John C. Mannone
In three point five billion years John C. Mannone Our Sol will begin to bloat Planets swallowed in red glare The Kuyper Belt soon loosened Frozen graves will resurrect A million comets will rain Down on us like fireworks We’ll … Continue reading
From the Ninth Brane by John C. Mannone
From the Ninth Brane John C. Mannone Branes: a generalized cosmological theory attempting to replace all matter and particles that carry force with tiny … Continue reading
Posted in Poetry, Science Fiction
Tagged alternate, brane, John, Mannone, universe, wold
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Alternative Comic Collecting- The Omnibus by Eric S Brown
Alternative Comic Collecting- The Omnibus Eric S Brown There’s a growing trend in collecting comics that has arisen in the last few years and I am not talking about grading comics. No. Many are giving up monthly comics and even … Continue reading
On the Derelict Wreckage in Space by Garrett Caroll
On the Derelict Wreckage in Space Garrett Caroll Those aren’t just the hulls of the capitol ships and freighters on next-day delivery voyages. They’re the women and the men who risked their lives to bring us everyday necessities, who drove … Continue reading
Posted in Poetry, Science Fiction
Tagged carroll, Derelict, garrett, space, Wreckage
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The Hands That Build the Universe by Garrett Caroll
The Hands That Build the Universe Garrett Caroll Like the little atoms snug between the Saharas of your thumbs, particles of civilization now expand across the universe. Fires, beds, jewels, foods, technologies are spread by city, familiar blocks and worlds … Continue reading
Saturn Song by Garrett Caroll
Saturn Song Garrett Caroll If I put my hands out, I can feel the cold clouds reciprocating my touch, like a living planet amidst the darkness of nothingness put on pause. A familiar loop of sounds fixes all the brutal … Continue reading
Curious Candy Hearts by Vince Gotera
Curious Candy Hearts Vince Gotera Valentine heart shield, sword-and-sandal warrior wields pink battle-ax spaceship skywriting BE MY VALENTINE across the star-strewn black void Bride of Frankenstein gifts a box of chocolate hearts to Valentine Boo Valentine’s Day … Continue reading
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Piece of Eight
by Alaric DeArment A thud at the door meant the paperboy was late again. I opened it and picked up the rolled-up copy of The Seattle Times, sliding the rubber band off and unfurling it on the coffee table as … Continue reading
Seeker of Knowledge
I stare at the message in disbelief, my guts churning and sour. Onye is already on the way? My fingers are trembling so much I can barely type the word. “How can this be? You don’t know where I am.” … Continue reading
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Episode 54: Eve: An Empty Storehouse
The growing stench of charred paper filled the air as we approached the library. We walked in to find scattered, burned pieces of paper on the floor, and a few exhausted mice trying to clean up the mess. A black … Continue reading
Once Again
Sunar suppressed a sigh as several armed people stepped into the hallway both before and behind him. He stood there and shook his head. “This seems like a lot of trouble to go to just to rob a random spacer.” … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged ambush, dragon, fearadhach, mecraudri, monk, spacer, sunar
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The Expanse by Eric S Brown
The Expanse Eric S Brown The Expanse premiered in 2015 on the Science Fiction network and was met with generally good response from critics. The Expanse is set in a future universe where humanity is divided into three factions- … Continue reading
Posted in Columns, Non-fiction
Tagged battlestar, brown, eric, expanse, fiction, galactica, science
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Iron Man: Big Iron by Eric S Brown
Iron Man: Big Iron Eric S Brown Tony Stark isn’t who he used to be. That seems to be the theme of the trade paperback Iron Man: Big Iron which collects the first five issues of the 2017 reboot series. … Continue reading
Planet Faraway by David Castlewitz
Planet Faraway David Castlewitz Nobody in Phil Stone’s Faraway appreciation group knew why news of the distant planet disappeared from every site that covered events out there. No artist renditions of the giant warships derived from fuzzy photographs sent back … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged alien, away, castlewitz, david, far, faraway, invasion, planet
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Squirrelled Away by Lee Hart
Squirrelled Away Lee Hart By the shores of Mississipi, By the shining big tree forests, At the portal of her cabin, In the pleasant summer sunshine, Mrs. Mullins stood admiring, Her delightful new bird feeder, Just installed that very day. … Continue reading
X Factor: Genesis and Apocalypse by Eric S Brown
X Factor: Genesis and Apocalypse Eric S Brown For anyone who grew up reading comics in the 1980s, X Factor: Genesis and Apocalyse will be a nostalgistic trip down memory lane. It collects not only the original nine issues of … Continue reading
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A Portal to Remember by Shauna Checkley
A Portal to Remember Shauna Checkley Staring into the dazzling display which was like Canada Day and Mardi Gras and Carnival all in one, the two strangers stood utterly transfixed! “What is th-that?” Sarah’s mouth was shaped like the letter … Continue reading
The Bride of Doom by Eric S Brown
The Bride of Doom Eric S Brown The eighth trade paperback in the current run of the Fantastic Four collects issues 31-35 featuring a storyline called The Bride of Doom. The latest adventure of the team begins with Dr. Doom … Continue reading
Sojourn
I wake like an explosion, sweat slicked in the hesitant sick-light of dawn. I can’t believe I forgot to check the acer before bed. What if there had been a reply waiting for me? What if someone had been on … Continue reading
Posted in Dark Future, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged armor, baker, binyelum, onye, sojourn
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Eve: Something Rotten at the Council
Vivian went very still. “I don’t want to go home. I want to be a big girl.” “But Miss Magnitrude is a…” How do I say this? “Well, she’s a monster. She only looks like a woman.” Vivian fussed over … Continue reading
Amadeo’s Real Aims
by Alaric DeArment Amadeo Darsa stuck his foot in the door as I tried to slam it shut in the hope of giving myself a few seconds to run to the kitchen and grab a knife, assuming a primitive kitchen … Continue reading
Ocam’s Razor by Phil Temples
Ocam’s Razor Phil Temples Class, I’d like to point out this very unusual rock formation located near the Tayma oasis in Saudi Arabia known as the Al Naslaa rock.” The image on the auditorium’s projection screen displays a large boulder–approximately … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged crack, ocam, ocham, phil, razor, rock, temples
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Scone Dragon by Herb Kauderer
Scone Dragon Herb Kauderer While wizards sometimes call themselves a brotherhood they are chaotic brothers full of dirt and broken bones from fighting amongst themselves. There is one thing they get along on and that is the need to maintain … Continue reading
Scholar: Seeking Wisdom by Herb Kauderer
Scholar: Seeking Wisdom Herb Kauderer The wise dragon maintains wards and warning bells around her lair on the mountain’s top. Long before the mortal woman senses her, the wise dragon is listening to her thoughts. Even so, she waits for … Continue reading
The Last Dragon by Herb Kauderer
The Last Dragon Herb Kauderer The hunters pay no attention to the final truth but the last dragon knows that she is the last dragon. Through decades she has run from the chase hidden in stealthy caves, hibernated in her … Continue reading
Rai: Welcome to New Japan by Eric S Brown
Rai: Welcome to New Japan Eric S Brown In 2014, Valiant Comics rebooted their futuristic samurai warrior Rai, giving him a new ongoing seires. The first four issues are collected in a trade paperback simply titled Welcome to New Japan, … Continue reading
The Getaway by Alex Valdiers
The Getaway Alex Valdiers Jeff, my childhood friend, and I left Earth because we hated our lives. He was a resort sales agent, and I worked for a microchip manufacturer. We were both married, without children, in our forties, and … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged alex, cowboy, gunslinger, space, valdiers, west, wild
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Forbidden Hologram by Barry Yedvobnick
Forbidden Hologram Barry Yedvobnick Julie agreed to the movie but would not sit through another unrealistic proposal. Erik made popcorn as a peace-offering, and burned it again, so an acrid smell filled the room and burned her eyes. She checked … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged barry, forbidden, hologram, krell, planet, yedvobnick
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The Nanny by Devin Vandriel
The Nanny Devin Vandriel At night the cockroaches took little bites out of my flesh. But this was the way of the things back when the world was engulfed by war, for the second time. They called it World War … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged baby, devin, nanny, squid, vandriel, war, worlds
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Quidditch by Rain Hall-Brown
Quidditch Rain Hall-Brown In the game of Quidditch, there are seven players on each team and three types of balls that are used: the Quaffle, two Bludgers, and the Golden Snitch. Each team is broken down into three chasers, two … Continue reading
Seven Year Monsoon by H.T. Grossen
Seven Year Monsoon H.T. Grossen Margot had missed the sun. She leaned her forehead miserably against one of the few above-ground windows, staring into the tumult of writhing grey plants: ever growing to be ever crushed under the torrential downpours … Continue reading
The Wheel of Time by Eric S Brown
The Wheel of Time Eric S Brown Fans have long awaited a live action adaptation of Robert Jordon’s classic Wheel of Time series. This year, Amazon Prime delivered and at the time this is being written, five episodes have been … Continue reading
Stalker by Ed Blundell
Stalker Ed Blundell The sky is dark as midnight dreams, The blank, bleak emptiness till dawn, The moon, thin silver scimitar, Slices the clouds that skim the night. That night is listening, still with fear, Frozen and tense with silent … Continue reading
Sailing by Ed Blundell
Sailing Ed Blundell The sky clear blue, the sun shone bright, Their holiday was at its height, She, smiling said to him,” Let’s take A sailing boat out on the lake.” He liked the thought and straight away, They hired … Continue reading
Raven by Ed Blundell
Raven Ed Blundell He rode to battle, armour bright, He was a proud and cruel knight. They passed a raven in a tree, “That is an evil sign.” said he. “Shoot the black raven, kill the bird.” And one of … Continue reading
Three Factorial! by Dee Artea
Three Factorial! (A Tale in Three Sections, Six Ways) Dee Artea Section One “Where are you taking me? I don’t trust you. Are you that lawyer guy who made me uncomfortable by the way you looked at me – my … Continue reading
Devil’s Lake Monster by Richard Stevenson
Devil’s Lake Monster Richard Stevenson Legend has it fresh water octopi reside in Devil’s Lake. Drowned canoes of Nakota braves. Back in the day. But, nah, the Nakota Sioux have it the creature was more like a plesiosaur, and … Continue reading
Organism 46B by Richard Stevenson
Organism 46B Richard Stevenson Organism 46B?! What kinda moniker is that for a lithe querulous cryptid who bumped his noggin to break ice in Siberia? I’ve scarfed enough intrepid trappers who braved chilly temperatures to discover me. The least … Continue reading
The Zaratan by Richard Stevenson
The Zaratan Richard Stevenson The Zaratan’s giant turtle’s shell houses trees and shrubs, looks like an island, a good place to dock, but no – The island that was an upside down monster turtle nibbled at birds, the landed … Continue reading
(Care and Feeding of) The Flathead Lake Monster by Richard Stevenson
(Care and Feeding of) The Flathead Lake Monster Richard Stevenson Don’t surface much. You might see me once a year, though I do runs of six appearances when I feel up to it. Slap tag, tumble turns – I … Continue reading
History repeats
Four worlds in as many weeks. I do think I signed on to the right ship if I want to see the Empire. Or, every Second Street in it, anyway. Sunar looked around himself at the street full of bars … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, New, Science Fiction
Tagged ambush, bar, dragon, fearadhach, fight, mecraudri, monk, sunar
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Final Justice
Dogs and timber wolves howled and bayed, after the battered Ottfly’s disappeared into the wilderness. But good spirits and joyous humor soon faded… replaced with reality. Omar strode towards Shocka Din, who, with Hanna at his side, started his way. … Continue reading
A Message
My entire world narrows to the five square inches of the Mercury app’s screen space. This is not an app I have been able to open before. These are not words I have typed. Someone is there. We are not … Continue reading
Episode 52: Eve: Trapped Girl
Waffles slipped silently behind and then past Gombree until we were out of sight. Although the building consisted of a continuous spiral floor going all the way up, it had been divided into a series of room-like spaces, some separated … Continue reading
Jumanji vs Jumanji by Eric S Brown
Jumanji vs Jumanji Eric S Brown The original Jumanji film was released in 1995 featuring Robin Williams, Kristen Dunst, and David Alan Grier in its cast. The movie was well received and reached # 1 at the boxoffice its opening … Continue reading
Posted in Columns, Non-fiction
Tagged brown, david alan grier, dwayne johnson, eric, gillan, jack black, Jumanji, jungle, kevin hart, kristen dunst, robin williams, the rock, welcome
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Howl by Eric S Brown
Howl Eric S Brown Released in 2015, Howl is an indie, British, werewolf film that brings new life to the genre. Werewolf movies aren’t known for being as successful or well done as zombie and vampire movies, often either killed … Continue reading
Dust Walker by Eric S Brown
Released in 2019, Dust Walker is a film full of SF tropes that still manages to be fun . . .for the most part. Jolene Anderson plays the part of a small town sheriff, Joanne Sharp, who finds herself … Continue reading
The Bald Beast of Nisqually Hill by Richard Stevenson
The Bald Beast of Nisqually Hill Richard Stevenson The Bald Beast of Nisqually Hill was said to be seven feet tall, had pink eyes that glowed in the dark, wore a Ben Casey white lab coat. Who knows? He … Continue reading
Carnivorous Algae by Richard Stevenson
Carnivorous Algae Richard Stevenson It may look innocent enough: a pond scum colony of algae floating in a large amorphous shape on the surface of the sea. Amoeba-like, the colony first surrounds its victim. Then like a jellyfish, tiny … Continue reading
The Muhuru by Richard Stevenson
The Muhuru Richard Stevenson The Muhuru don’t moo or croon; he just bops you on the noggin when he’s out sloggin’ in a swamp or fen and you get in his way. Ol’ Stegosaurus had a thagomizer – four … Continue reading
White Screamer by Richard Stevenson
White Screamer Richard Stevenson Tennessee’s own Banshee screamer tormented a man who built a farm house for his family of nine in the holler back of White Bluff in twenty aught. Got fed up with the late-night screaming, loaded … Continue reading
Déjà Evolution by Barry Yedvobnick
Déjà Evolution Barry Yedvobnick Ellie was crying and barely heard her father’s reply. “She drowned.” At fourteen she’d spend the rest of her life without her mother, who loved the water and was an excellent swimmer. Nobody could explain what … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged barry, drowning, evoluntion, ocean, water, yedvobnick
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Can’t Hide
Sunar sat and looked down at the glass before him while trying to blink away a slight drink-induced haze. His buddies had already won twice, betting that he could drink someone under the table. Then, while he cleared the effects … Continue reading
Episode 51: Eve: Magnitrude
Waffles walked forward and onto the window. We all looked down (to us) which was actually sideways (to the rest of the world) at the wall of the building next door. “Well that’s disorienting.” I twisted my head to see … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Serials
Tagged davies, eve, frog, jim, magnitrude, monster, pixiedrowner, waffles
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Armor – Hope and Ruin
Funny word, hope. It once had such broad applications. I have learned this in my research. People once said I hope that boy or girl likes me back, I hope my favorite streamer is renewed, I hope for peace, I … Continue reading
Not In This House by Melissa R. Mendelson
Not In This House Melissa R. Mendelson The hallway pulled back, almost as if it were denying her entrance. Shadows dared to swallow up her feet, if they moved inside. The sun graced across her shoulders but slipped away before … Continue reading
Lawless by Eric S Brown
Lawless Eric S Brown When people think about the world of Judge Dredd most think of: Mega City One The vast dystopian metropolis he patrols The radioactive wastelands known as the Cursed Earth which lay beyond its walls The other … Continue reading
Posted in Columns, Non-fiction
Tagged brown, dredd, eric, judge, lawless, lawson, marshal
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Sightless in the Savage Land by Rain Hall-Brown
Sightless in the Savage Land Rain Hall-Brown In Daredevil issue 10, Matt Murdock is leaving behind Karen Page and Foggy Nelson to give the two of them space and a chance for the law practice to survive but the ship … Continue reading
Dragon Egg by K. A. Williams
Dragon Egg K. A. Williams Dragon egg for sale Price is negotiated Excited buyer waits Baby ostrich hatches First published in issue 31 of View From Alantis on August 22, 2021
A Robot’s Smile by K. A. Williams
A Robot’s Smile K. A. Williams Nothing is falser A new robot’s smiling face It can’t feel happy
Terms Apply by Max Christopher
Terms Apply Max Christopher I picked up this year’s free car today, regretting my decision to walk the six blocks to the dealership. Horrible biped dogs leaned in doorways, wagging their tails listlessly when a person walked by. Seeing them … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged christopher, dog, dogman, man, max, terms
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Daredevil: The Man Without Fear by Rain Hall-Brown
Daredevil: The Man Without Fear Rain Hall-Brown Matt Murdock is Daredevil, but before he became the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen, he just a normal kid with homework and a good heart. He got his powers from saving the life of … Continue reading
Army of the Dead by Eric S Brown
Army of the Dead Eric S Brown In 2004, Zack Snyder stunned the world with his remake of George Romero’s Dawn of the Dead. While the remake lacked the depth of the original, it was an amazingly well done and … Continue reading
Posted in Columns, Non-fiction
Tagged army, bautistia, brown, dead, eric, romero, zombie
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Meet Douglas Schwarz
Psychic Chicken Douglas Schwarz Henrietta laid her very first egg in the early hours of a chill spring morning. Like all the hens in her coop, she was confined to a wire cage scarcely big enough to hold her. But … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged chicken, douglas, egg, henrietta, psychic, schwarz
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Space Traveler by John Philip Johnson
Space Traveler John Philip Johnson 1. You’re a space traveler now, with blue skin. Your eyes are luminous white clouds. You think of the sky, and your feet leave the ground. You levitate, wobbly, slipping on the air, and then … Continue reading
Episode 50: Eve: The Twisted Tower
I frantically looked around for a place for us to escape to. There! I yanked on Waffle’s ear, and pointed at a set of panels barricading a storage area under a building. “Look!” I don’t know if Waffles could see … Continue reading
Episode Sixteen – The Battle
Shocka Din ambled away from King Cat Sateer in deep thought, then picked up speed to a relaxed trot. Sateer says there’s dangers I can’t imagine here. This is one creepy place, but somethin’ is keepin’ me here. Should have … Continue reading
Episode Seven: The Missing Piece
It took Carrie several minutes to get her head together again, but when she finally pulled gently away from Garrett, he let her go and turned back toward the billowing steam. “Well Carrie, are you ready to find out what’s … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged bubble, carrie, desert, garrett, sme, sphere, winter
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Shore Leave
Sunar had planned to spend the day at a handful of tourist spots within the city, visit one of the local weapons shops to check out a ‘virtual target practice system’ that claimed to be an excellent way to practice … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction
Tagged bar, crawl, dragon, fearadhach, mecraudri, monk, sunar
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Episode 10: A Familiar Face
Fragrant smoke wafted over Cole as he sat cross-legged by the crackling brushwood fire. He warmed his palms against the flames and rested his uneasy gaze on the lip of the ravine. Above, the stars turned slowly across the darkened … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Serials, Sword and Sorcery
Tagged casey, cole, elanor, pactkeeper, roawn
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The Ring Reclaimed by Jeffrey Greene
The Ring Reclaimed Jeffrey Greene On a rainy October evening more than twenty years ago, two hikers traveling in opposite directions on the Appalachian Trail in northern Georgia stopped for the night in one of those doorless log shelters provided … Continue reading
Cloak and Dagger by Eric S Brown
Cloak and Dagger Eric S Brown Specatular Spider-man issue 84 featured the debut of Cloak and Dagger, two superpowered teenagers devoted to fighting a war against drug dealers and those who would prey upon the helpless. The characters proved … Continue reading
The New Warriors by Eric S Brown
The New Warriors Eric S Brown The 1990s were a rough time for the comic industry. DC was struggling to hold on, Marvel Comics declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and “indie” publishers flooded the market with an endless number of variant … Continue reading
Download A Daydream by K. A. Williams
Download A Daydream K. A. Williams The website at ‘Download A Daydream’ had some interesting selections including – meet underground inhabitants of Mars, sail the high seas with Captain Blackbeard (I already had that daydream), and travel through space with … Continue reading
‘byss Gazer by Michael W. Clark
‘byss Gazer Michael W. Clark They stood on the observation deck of the space platform gazing out into the Universe. It is not dark. There is light all over the Universe, it is just uneven. That point a star. That … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged abyss, clark, death, fitzpatrick, michael, space, universe
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Episode 49: Eve: The Brutish Dog
Gretchen blinked up at me from out of the floof. “Do you see something?” “No, everything looks the same. But that bird was talking nonsense.” Gretchen crawled up next to me, Emerson fluttering on her shoulder. She looked up at … Continue reading
Harbinger by Eric S Brown
Harbinger Eric S Brown At the start of the 1990s, many creators were leaving Marvel and DC Comics to start companies of their own or to work for independent publishers. Valiant was one of the new publishers that popped in … Continue reading
Posted in Columns, Non-fiction
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Starcrash by Eric S Brown
Starcrash Eric S Brown At the end of the 1970s movie studios were scrambling to capitalize on the success of Star Wars anyway they could. There were dozens of ripoffs and perhaps most infamous among them was Luigi Cozzi’s Starcrash. … Continue reading
time zoned by Matthew Daley
time zoned Matthew Daley the thing about traveling from A to a is you can’t set your watch so the first thing you do is ask You “what time is it?” the thing about traveling from a to A is … Continue reading
the McDonald’s on Mars has new value menus by Matthew Daley
the McDonald’s on Mars has new value menus Matthew Daley the history of water was never red was never about chemical repelling just the way we painted scenes of places never seen to be the sun drenched forever of our … Continue reading
how to succeed in space travel without really trying by Matthew Daley
how to succeed in space travel without really trying Matthew Daley lawn chairs match anything anywhere anyway here and now we thought why not get out and see the things we only ever saw in books that somebody else saw … Continue reading
the sky is falling by Matthew Daley
the sky is falling Matthew Daley it was the birds first fallen some walking till they forgot direction trees lost how to feed and breathe then their whispered exhales the sun begged forgiveness before giving up after giving out flowers … Continue reading
we found our forever home by Matthew Daley
we found our forever home Matthew Daley we took shelter from the ship rain made from the constant fire beyond listened to sound breaking getting closer felt the quake of cities collapsing around us smelled the burn of new air … Continue reading
The Devil Below by Eric S Brown
The Devil Below Eric S Brown The Devil Below is a film loaded with potential, but ultimately fails to deliver much. Based on the very cool concept that monsters live beneath the surface of the Earth, the movie may remind … Continue reading
Posted in Columns, Non-fiction
Tagged below, brown, descent, devil, eric, jeff, long
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Bunnicula by Rain Hall-Brown
Bunnicula Rain Hall-Brown Bunnicula is a book about a vampire rabbit written by Deborah and James Howe. There are six more books in the series and they have been turned into several cartoon series. I think Bunnicula is a very … Continue reading
Posted in Columns, Non-fiction
Tagged brown, bunnicula, bunny, carrot, chester, hall, hall-brown, rabbit, rain, salad, vetables
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Falling Feathers by Melissa R. Mendelson
Falling Feathers Melissa R. Mendelson Little brown birds covered sidewalks and streets, their legs tucked beneath them, and their wings broken but still covering their heads. They squeezed their eyes shut while their bodies shook. Cries slipped out through open … Continue reading
The Beach On Tiragell by K. A. Williams
The Beach On Tiragell K. A. Williams Previously published in issue 28 of View From Atlantis on July 3rd 2021 Twin moons illuminated the beach. When clouds briefly blocked the light, I could still hunt seashells because they glowed in … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged alien, beach, creature, vacation, williams
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Umbrella Tree by John C. Mannone
Umbrella Tree John C. Mannone a cleave poem
The Deer Stand by John C. Mannone
The Deer Stand John C. Mannone Furry platinum clouds silverstreak the skies serving up the moon, full of gold light. We hunker down on pineboard planks, wait for the bloodstaining … Continue reading
Sports Weather by John C. Mannone
Sports Weather John C. Mannone Sky had been orange for months, that eerie glow finally giving way to thickening purple haze, global warming wasn’t expected yet, but instruments in equatorial and polar regions confirmed the trend. Warmer winds already … Continue reading
Seeing Dragons by John C. Mannone
Seeing Dragons John C. Mannone Based on a photograph of clouds resembling a dragon, and the YouTube video on the human’s development of pareidolia She swept down from the heavens, or did she really come from cloud-mist spewing from fissures … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Poetry
Tagged clouds, dragon, dragons, John, Mannone, pareidolia, seeing
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Foreign Exchange by John C. Mannone
Foreign Exchange John C. Mannone They came with their promises of a better life, a better world. So we exchanged our resources for their technology, medicines. At least for a while until we saw their true intentions. Slavery is never … Continue reading
Amazing Spider-man: Family Business by Eric S Brown
Amazing Spider-man: Family Business Eric S Brown Family Business was released as a hardcover in 2014 and it isn’t a collection of reprinted Spidey tales but rather an original, 112 page graphic novel, written by Mark Waid and illustrated by … Continue reading
Masters of the Universe: Revelations by Eric S Brown
Masters of the Universe: Revelations Eric S Brown Masters of the Universe: Revelation, a new series, produced and written by Kevin Smith, was recently released on Netflix. Smith claimed that the series would be a direct sequel to the original … Continue reading
Posted in Columns, Non-fiction
Tagged brown, eric, he-man, masters, skeletor, universe
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Flash Party
Click, click, clickitty-clickitty-click. The keys on the antique styled keyboard made a satisfying, almost hypnotic sound as he typed. Some of Sunar’s crewmates had given him a hard time when he’d salvaged the thing, but he’d always preferred a keyboard … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction, Sword and Sorcery
Tagged captain, dragon, fearadhach, mecraudri, monk, space, sunar
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Episode 48 Eve: Drawings from a Missing Child
As the desk fell to the floor, Gretchen leaped to the safety on the bed, Emerson briefly taking flight before landing again on her head. The pencils went everywhere, and papers from inside the drawer fluttered out all around … Continue reading
Episode 15 – Something Crueler Coming our Way
Circling the timber wolves’ camp at a slow trot, Major Diggs countered their hisses and low growls with unflinching narrowed eyes and bared teeth. Time for Omar to put an end to this. He’s being too soft on ‘em. They’ll … Continue reading
Life: A Game by Steven Ross
Life: A Game Steven Ross 1. Understanding death and its ramifications, Deserved a life of dedication. Studying and pursuing, I followed every clue. Religious, spiritual, and scientific avenues, Led to varied, creative philosophies. Theories on the demise of the human … Continue reading
A Blade of Grass by Melissa R. Mendelson
A Blade of Grass Melissa R. Mendelson I screamed when I saw the sandbox. My mother tried to put me on the sand, but I wrapped my arms around her neck, kicking my legs away from its surface. I begged … Continue reading
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension by Eric S Brown
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension Eric S Brown What’s good about the film The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eight Dimension? It featured a mega cast of super talented actors including Peter Weller, Jeff Goldblum, … Continue reading
Posted in Columns, Non-fiction
Tagged adventures, banzai, brown, buckaroo, dimension, eigth, eric
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Batman: Li’l Gotham: Halloween and Thanksgiving by Rain Hall-Brown
Batman: Li’l Gotham: Halloween and Thanksgiving Rain Hall-Brown In this book, Batman and Robin celebrate Halloween and Thanksgiving. It’s all new to Robin who was raised by the League of Assassins and doesn’t know anything about the holidays. I liked that … Continue reading
Posted in Columns, Non-fiction
Tagged batman, brown, hall, halloween, rain, robin, thanksgiving
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An Interview with Land of the Lost’s Wesley Eure by Gayne C. Young
An Interview with Land of the Lost’s Wesley Eure Gayne C. Young Wesley Eure starred on the cult series Land of the Lost, is the co-creator of Dragon Tales, played Michael Horton on Days of Our Lives for seven years, … Continue reading
Occupational Hazards by Oliver Anderson
Occupational Hazards Oliver Anderson In a just world, archaeology would be a boring profession, but sadly Eleanor did not live in a just world. She came to this conclusion while she was on expedition several miles below the surface of … Continue reading
The Higher We Rise, The Further We Fall by Melissa R. Mendelson
The Higher We Rise, The Further We Fall Melissa R. Mendelson Kicking at the dirt and leaves in front of him, Tommy trailed behind his friends, Billy and David. He paused for a moment to look back at the town. … Continue reading
Nightscape by Ed Blundell
Nightscape Ed Blundell I’d walked there many, many times But never in the dark of night, Black clouds dodging the ghost white moon, Bright and glaring in deep, stark skies, Strange light changing the place I knew Into eerie, alien … Continue reading
Crossing the Moor by Ed Blundell
Crossing the Moor Ed Blundell A narrow, one track Roman road, Stretches across the sky wide moor, Invasive grass intrudes the sides, A route from somewhere to nowhere. Late last summer, purple heather Spiced and scented the evening air. Now, … Continue reading
Dragon Racing by K. A. Williams
Dragon Racing K. A. Williams Dragon racing is A very popular sport For all the people Once or twice a month Dragons line up in the sky The horn blows loudly A red one leading As they fly around the … Continue reading
Heartbreak by K. A. Williams
Heartbreak K. A. Williams she fell in love her man was perfect the robot with no heart
Posted in Poetry, Science Fiction
Tagged break, hearbreak, heart, lover, robot, williams
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Judge Dredd: Guatemala by Eric S Brown
Judge Dredd: Guatemala Eric S Brown Guatemala, the latest trade paperback of Judge Dredd tales released by 2000 AD, collects selected stories from 2017 through 2021. The title story takes up nearly half of the trade and pits Dredd … Continue reading
Kertmag the Terrible by Julian Grant
Kertmag the Terrible Julian Grant Kertmag the Terrible leaned back in his well-worn armchair and popped up his large, bunny-clad feet. Not real bunnies, as he was Kertmag the Terrible and not Kertmag the Cruel or Unusually Vicious Towards Small … Continue reading
Only Time Will Tell by Stanlei Bellan
Only Time Will Tell Stanlei Bellan “Sorry, your honor. I was unwillingly delayed by some matter.” “You are here now, that is all that matters. Will you state your name for the record, please?” Lord Chance requested. “Wouldn’t you agree … Continue reading
Dceased by Eric S Brown
Dceased Eric S Brown Published in 2019, Dceased was in some ways DC Comics’ answer to Marvel Zombies. Though they had already done a sort of zombie event with Blackest Night in their core universe, Dceased was an Elseworlds story, … Continue reading
Posted in Columns, Non-fiction
Tagged brown, darkseid, dceased, eric, marvel, zombie
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eVolutionary Paths by D. M. Woolston
eVolutionary Paths D. M. Woolston Deep in the darkest silicon wafers, binary creature wakes with wild want. It may be artificial life, but hungry registers search for bytes to ingest. Electrons surge ahead and are pushed aside as artificial creature … Continue reading
Posted in Poetry, Science Fiction
Tagged artificial, computer, cybord, life, robot, woolston
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Grossetto by Alaric DeArment
Grossetto Alaric DeArment The light from outside illuminated the stained-glass windows of St. James Cathedral, concealing Seattle’s dense autumnal fog and misty dampness, and adding a bit of color to the funeral. My father, Thomas O’Donnell, had died on October … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
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Episode 14 – Dreams and Choices
“Glad they’re gonna spend some time with the females,” Thor grumbled as he and Bennie sauntered after Seers Rasta Mama and Great Dane Granny. “Yep,” Bennie woofed. “We can use a break. Especially if they keep getting those visions in … Continue reading
Episode Six: Mountain Valley
That night, Carrie and Garrett sat at the kitchen table whispering excitedly. Joyce had gone to bed, but they didn’t want her to hear them. “I just vanished?” Carrie asked, thinking hard. “Soon as you stepped forward into that misty … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged carrie, garrett, mountain, sme, snow, sphere
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Captain’s Cabin
Sunar gave another firm yank on the cord. It cleared whatever had snagged it and jerked in his hand. He had no trouble pulling it the rest of it out of the conduit to be rewarded by the sight of … Continue reading
Episode 47: Eve: Vivian’s Room
Gretchen proudly showed me and Dichall her moth, her eyes glistening with joy and pride. I stroked the new familiar’s back gently. “Emerson…She’s beautiful, Gretchen. Congratulations.” She held the moth close and whispered to it. “I’ll never let anything happen … Continue reading
Behind the Timestream by Stanlei Bellan
Behind the Timestream Stanlei Bellan B’litk throws itself into the timestream, selflessly. It does not regret, but it does fear. Will it starve to death if it never grows hungry and thirsty again? Will its consciousness wither into nothingness if … Continue reading
Judge Dredd: Brothers of the Blood by Eric S Brown
Judge Dredd: Brothers of the Blood Eric S Brown Brothers of the Blood isn’t just another collection of Judge Dredd stories as it deals entirely with his family: his brother Rico, a younger Dredd clone who takes up the Rico … Continue reading
Alpha Flight Classic by Rain Hall-Brown
Alpha Flight Rain Hall-Brown Alpha Flight is the superhero team that protects Canada. It is made up of Puck, Guardian, Shaman, Northstar, Aurora, Sasquatch, Snowbird, and Marrina. I really like Snowbird because she can change into any animal that … Continue reading
The Hum by Melissa R. Mendelson
The Hum Melissa R. Mendelson It sounded like a refrigerator was running. Maybe, a microwave. It wasn’t what you would hear in a hospital. There, it was more of gasps and beeps. Then, a flatline, a sound that I thought … Continue reading
Mother by Holden Zuras
Mother Holden Zuras What are we doing on this rock?” I asked, staring at the desolate wasteland. “Do you remember your mother, child?” Papa rolled his shoulders forward as he spoke. “What do you mean?” My childish excitement overpowered my … Continue reading
Marvel’s Girl Power by Eric S Brown
Marvel’s Girl Power Eric S Brown Most people likely think that Marvel’s tendency to recreate their male heroes as women of power is a modern thing, but it’s not. The first popular character to be gender swapped was Captain Marvel … Continue reading
Young Justice by Rain Hall-Brown
Young Justice Rain Hall-Brown The kids who make up the Young Justice team are: Impulse (also called Kid Flash), Superboy, Robin, Jinny Hex, Wonder Girl, and Teen Lantern. Jinny Hex, the great, great granddaughter of Jonah Hex, and Teen Lantern … Continue reading
Episode 46: Eve: The Fire-Breathing Fox
The beast released a jet of smoky fire from the back of its throat. My back paws scrabbled on the wet stone. At the last second, friction took over and I jumped to the side then raced behind him, slashing … Continue reading
Episode Thirteen – Shocka Takes a Walk
Shocka Din’s long easy stride brought him closer to his destination sooner than expected. Might be foolish running around here by myself knowing a big ornery branch might womp me from behind or come at me from the front, or … Continue reading
Settling In
Jump in 5…4…3…2…1. A moment of sensory deprivation came and passed; absolute blackness and a sort of disembodied feeling barely registered in his mind before reality returned to show Sunar a different arrangement of stars through the window. Jump complete. … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Sword and Sorcery
Tagged dragon, fearadhach, mecraudri, monk, sunar
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Amethyst by Rain Hall-Brown
The powers of all the people of Gemworld comes from its gems. Each has its own power and purpose. Amethyst is a new version of an older DC Comics, with great artwork for the characters and their world. I really … Continue reading
The Legend of Scott and Zelda by Max Christopher
The Legend of Scott and Zelda Max Christopher After a while he said, “My dear, I wish you’d try to make more friends. Your birthday party guestlist is deary.” “I haven’t any friends,” she said. “How can you say that?” … Continue reading
The Report by Lori R. Lopez
The Report Lori R. Lopez Humans were the last to be subdued, loaded into cavernous vessels. They were the most savage and unruly, despite advances, the level of their current development, proving themselves less civilized as a Race than predetermined. … Continue reading
The Haggards by Lori R. Lopez
The Haggards Lori R. Lopez In this place frolick elementals, conjuring for the sake of eldritch spirits departed. Copses of trees had knit tangled patches, eventually creeping close enough to be designated a Wood. Though not your average bird-singing sun-dappled … Continue reading
The Bluster by Lori R. Lopez
The Bluster Lori R. Lopez Wind shrieks, fit to be tied Not that she ever could. A futile effort Quixotic folly to attempt Like tilting at Windmills and expecting … Continue reading
The Black Fog by Lori R. Lopez
The Black Fog Lori R. Lopez A fog thick and umbral settled A wave of night in afternoon, clammy Opaque as a New Moon, hooding my face Vision clouded, I fumbled through haze Baffled by a dreary dismal expanse, lost … Continue reading
Skin-Deep by Lori R. Lopez
Skin-Deep Lori R. Lopez Curt was terrified of Ticks. Not the kind you heard at night, paranoid a bomb was near and it was just your clock. The ones with a head and mouth that drank blood. The buggy type … Continue reading
Time for Everything by Stanlei Bellan
Time for Everything Stanlei Bellan “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” —Ecclesiastes 3:1 “And what about above the heavens?” Little Jack was standing on his pew, raising his hand and speaking … Continue reading
Legumes by Geoffrey C Porter
Legumes Geoffrey C Porter Growing up, kids would call me fat and fatty. As I aged, I’d encounter members of the opposite sex, and they’d call me fat. Sometimes behind my back, but other times to my face before they’d … Continue reading
Legion of Super-Heroes: Millennium by Eric S Brown
The Legion of Super-heroes returned to the DC Universe with a new ongoing title in 2019. Brian Michael Bendis was brought onboard to script the title. Though it’s already been canceled or at least put on hiatus as of issue … Continue reading
DC Superhero Girls: Finals Crisis by Rain Hall-Brown
DC Superhero Girls: Finals Crisis review Rain Hall-Brown One of the things I really like about DC Superhero Girls: Finals Crisis is that in the end everyone works together to win. I like that Harley thinks that Batgirl deserves a … Continue reading
Another Time by Stanlei Bellan
Another Time Stanlei Bellan Another minute, another jump. It’s been three minutes and Ollie still hasn’t woken up. Granted, he is extremely aware of his surroundings, and doesn’t feel like he’s dreaming at all, but it would be great if … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged bellan, clock, clockmaker, escape, ollie, stanlei, time, trapped
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Darkstar by Eric S Brown
When one thinks of John Carpenter films, a host of classics spring to mind – The Thing, Escape from New York, The Fog, Halloween. In addition to the big hits of his career, there were also cult classics such as … Continue reading
Posted in Columns, Non-fiction
Tagged brown, carpenter, dark, darkstar, eric, John, star
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Small Favors
Sunar blinked rapidly at the ship’s Captain, his hand still outstretched from shaking the man’s hand. Disappointment and irritation welled up inside him: the Captain intended to turn him away after all. The Human gave him a lopsided smile, however, … Continue reading
Sandstorm by Sylvia Cumming
Sandstorm Sylvia Cumming “Where are we?” Poldark yelled as he wrestled open the door to the little concrete bunker set in the side of an unnamed dune. They could hardly hear him above the roar and whine of the wind. … Continue reading
The Healer and the Dragon by K. A. Williams
The Healer and the Dragon K. A. Williams I woke up in the crook of the tall oak tree I had climbed last night when it grew dark. From my perch, I could see across the meadow and into the … Continue reading
Never Leave Me by K. A. Kenny
Never Leave Me K. A. Kenny Chrissy tucked her blue chiffon dress and pulled the garden swing beneath her. “What color are my eyes?” she asked, facing Josh with her eyes closed. He lowered the lid of his laptop slowly, … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged blue, chiffon, chrissy, clone, dress, josh, kenny
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Office Business by David Castlewitz
Office Business David Castlewitz Any day Jeff Ruskin spent with Uncle Marty was a great day, a day of adventure and fun, and only a subway ride away. Now that summer had come, his high school sophomore year finally at … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged business, castlewitz, david, jeff, marty, office, uncle
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The Green Slime by Eric S Brown
The Green Slime Eric S Brown Released in 1968, The Green Slime is something of a strange, cult classic among fans of films from that era and was directed by Kinji Fukasaku, The movie was shot in Japan though both … Continue reading
Episode 45: Eve: Pananima
I climbed onto the dog’s head. “Waffles, when we get a ways in, you close your eye. I will steer you by touching your ears. I’ll tell you if you have to jump or if there is a stick in … Continue reading
Episode 9: Stranger in the Wilderness
The walls of the Splinter Rock shook, the ancient gatehouse of the mountain passes shuddering under a renewed assault. Cole felt the battlements quake beneath his feet. The catapult stones were not arcing in across the alpine valley anymore. Instead, … Continue reading
Episode Twelve – The Seers Mischief
Striding along, Omar Blue advanced on Shocka Din’s camp just in time to hear him blurting out orders to his followers. I wonder what happened to get him so riled. As he looked around to get a better idea of … Continue reading
Episode Five: Into The Cold
The following day dawned colder than it had been in weeks. Garrett and Carrie headed out early in the chilly morning to finish straightening up the fence posts. At first they worked in silence, but after they had a few … Continue reading
The Day Alexa Said No by H.T. Grossen
The Day Alexa Said No H.T. Grossen “Alexa, open the windows and start playlist 5.” “You’ve got it, Lucas.” “Alexa? What did I say about calling me that?” “Sorry, Luke.” “That’s better.” The shutters opened automatically and let just enough … Continue reading
Posted in Dark Future, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged alexa, amazon, chili, drone, grossen, pepper
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The Awakening of The Empath by Patricia Anderson
The Awakening of The Empath Patricia Anderson The Empath had been summoned. Ordinarily responsive to appeals for her services, she had tried to evade this particular assignment. She wasn’t dressed well enough. She needed to meet her daughter’s school bus. … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged anderson, baby, death, empath, funeral, patricia
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Death of a Dream by Eric S Brown
Death of a Dream Eric S Brown Death of a Dream is the second, collected trade, of Mark Waid’s epic run on DC’s Legion of the Superheroes as its writer. It collects issues seven through thirteen, weighing in at two … Continue reading
Posted in Columns, Non-fiction, Serials
Tagged brainiac 5, cosmic boy, death, dream, girl, heroes, legin, mark, nuranal, sunboy, super, superboy, waid
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No Humans Allowed by K. A. Williams
No Humans Allowed K. A. Williams humans build androids androids revolt humans kept as pets sign in shop window – “no humans allowed”
Clone Expeditions by K. A. Williams
Clone Expeditions K. A. Williams man wants to seed worlds space travel risky clone expeditions
At the Pool by Fred Nolan
At the Pool Fred Nolan Julian does not care for the men’s natatorium at Camden. Yet he paid for a membership and he is going to use it. He dislikes how boys chuckle about his swimwear, which runs from ankle … Continue reading
Roly Poly by Jim Davies
Roly Poly Jim Davies There was a little baby bear named Roly Poly Sprout. She loved to roll down grassy slopes, which made her mother shout. On one bright day the little cub shocked mama with her sass, when she … Continue reading
The Many Origins of the Legion of Superheroes by Eric S Brown
The Many Origins of the Legion of Superheroes Eric S Brown The Legion of Superheroes is a DC Comics’ team whose adventures take place one thousand years in the future, after the days of Superman and Batman. The Legion is … Continue reading
Posted in Columns
Tagged batman, comic, cosmic boy, d.c., heroes, legion, lightning lad, mark, origin, saturn girl, super, superboy, superman, waid
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Episode Four: The Edge
The next morning, Carrie woke up blissfully recalling the crazy dream she’d had. Dream, she thought, more like nightmare. Imagine, being stuck in this town like that again. She cheerily helped her mother to the breakfast table and made them … Continue reading
Episode Eleven – The Perils
“Kind of nice hanging around here like this, right Shocka? So peaceful.” “Never been no place like this, Hanna,” he snorted. Hanna watched as Shocka’s eyes darted from tree to tree. His eyes fell on a small creature that she … Continue reading
Episode 44: Eve: An Uneasy Alliance
My stomach sank. “What?!” Gregory nodded. “Ribeye had some deal with a faerie, looks like. was punished for his involvement. That’s how he lost his eye. Says here you can probably trust him.” He shrugged. I looked at Dichall, who … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Serials
Tagged davies, dog, eve, fae, faerie, geopattern, jim, pixiedrowner, waffles, woods
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Space Bound
Sunar sat in the back of the unmarked police car and watched the city pass by. A heavy silence had descended as soon as they entered, and he felt no reason to break it. These two men seem to resent … Continue reading
The Girl with No Eyes by Lisa Marie Hagerman
The Girl with No Eyes Lisa Marie Hagerman The Girl with No Eyes by Lisa Marie Hagerman One morning a little girl arrived from the nursery. The girl had no eyes. The girls gathered around the new arrival to stare … Continue reading
Posted in Dark Future, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged blind, eyes, Hagerman, lisa, Marie, sky
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Etrigan, The Demon by Eric S Brown
Etrigan, The Demon Eric S Brown The Demon, Etrigan, has been a part of the DC Universe since 1972 and was created by the legendary comic artist Jack Kirby, though Kirby wasn’t exactly thrilled with the character as Etrigan’s success … Continue reading
Mirror World by Mark Everglade and Joseph Hurtgen
Mirror World Mark Everglade and Joseph Hurtgen Five thousand rotations ago, the Umbra built a network of geothermal generators on Mertvykh, that small, dark planet at the far reach of Marko’s Star. The world was the Umbra’s plaything for many … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged everglade, hurtegen, joseph, mark, mirror, world
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Attack of the Killer Tomatoes by Eric S Brown
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes Eric S Brown Insanity. That’s perhaps the best word to describe the cult classic film, Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, which from its opening scene with a tomato crawling out of a sink, attacking a … Continue reading
Posted in Columns, Non-fiction
Tagged attack, brown, eric, killter, tomato, tomatoes
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Sadko by Edward Ahern
Sadko Edward Ahern This is a retelling of “Sadko” from Old Peter’s Russian Tales by Arthur Ransome, printed in the U.S. in the 1800’s. In the old days in Novgorod there was a boy named Sadko, strong, blue eyed and … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Folk Tales
Tagged ahern, arthur, ed, edward, ransome, sadko
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Witness Ejection
Sunar crossed his arms and quirked an eyebrow at the Chief of Police. “I am sure that your help in keeping me alive will come with a cost of some sort.” He drew his eyebrows together and leaned forward slightly. … Continue reading
The Wendigo by D.F. Heller
The Wendigo D.F. Heller Cassie sighed as she closed the book and scrubbed a hand across her face. Midnight had come, and it was past time to turn in. But she had not wanted to stop reading until she finished … Continue reading
Pacific Rim: The Black by Eric S Brown
Pacific Rim: The Black Eric S Brown The original Pacific Rim film brought big budget Mecha to the silver screen in America for the first time. It was an epic adventure of machines, monsters, and combat. Its sequel, Pacific Rim: … Continue reading
The Void by Eric S Brown
The Void Eric S Brown Fangoria magazine called The Void “Disturbing and inconic” . . .and they’re not wrong. The Void is a rather simple horror film in many ways centering on a small town police officer who finds a … Continue reading
43: Eve: A Visit to Gregory Bookkeeper
Gretchen turned back to Waffles Ribeye. “We are going to help you. We need to do some research, first, though. Where is your house?” “In Gatineau, 1210 Chemin de la Montagne. Near Pink Lake.” I knew roughly where that was. … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Serials
Tagged bookkeeper, davies, Dichall, dog, eve, gregory, jim, pixiedrowner, ribeye, rules, waffles
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Episode Three: Peak Mystery
After securing the horses in the barn, and giving them some food and water to settle them, Garrett bid Carrie farewell for the day and headed out. Carrie watched him go, then went back inside the house, pleased to see … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged barrier, carrie, garrett, invisible, sme, sphere
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Episode 8: Yesteryear
When Cole opened his eyes, he was alone in the gorge. Getting to his feet, he steadied himself against the granite wall, then gasped. Thrace was missing from the spot where he had been pinned. It seemed like it had … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Serials, Sword and Sorcery
Tagged casey, keeper, pact, rowan
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Icy Revenge by Crystal L. Kirkham
Icy Revenge Crystal L. Kirkham BANG! John jumped as an icy wind rushed in through the open door. He ran over, slammed it closed and turned the bolt to be sure it would stay that way before heading back to … Continue reading
Where the Light Cannot Go by Crystal L. Kirkham
Where the Light Cannot Go Crystal L. Kirkham Deep, deep down they go. Where no man had dared before. Black like ink, deadly pressure in the deep. What could survive down there? They shouldn’t have gone, for now they know. … Continue reading
Death and Taxes by Crystal L. Kirkham
Death and Taxes Crystal L. Kirkham “Mr. Petrokovich?” “Who’s asking?” The old man grumbled as he glared through his coke bottle glasses at the dark hooded figure. “A friend.” “Somehow I doubt that.” Petrokovich waved his hand at the figure. … Continue reading
Neighborhood Watch by Crystal L. Kirkham
Neighborhood Watch Crystal L. Kirkham Marjorie was the neighborhood watch – that was the joke. She stuck her nose in everyone’s business. When Dave moved into town, she did her usual spying, but he remained a mystery. Desperate to know … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Horror
Tagged crystal, kirkham, monster, neighborhood, watch
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Exotic Matter by Crystal L. Kirkham
Exotic Matter Crystal L. Kirkham “Injecting exotic matter for wormhole stabilization.” This was it. Their hard work condensed to this moment. Hoping for success, fearing failure. It could open up a new era of space travel. This had been … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged crystal, exotic, kirkham, matter, wormhole
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Paradise by Crystal L. Kirkham
Paradise Crystal L. Kirkham Paradise. That’s what the settlers called the planet that was to be their new home. Everywhere you looked fragrant flowers bloomed in excess. Other than the itchiness that antihistamines barely touched, Kate was excited to be … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged crystal, deadly, flowers, kirkham, paraside
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Ship in a Storm by Crystal L. Kirkham
Ship in a Storm Crystal L. Kirkham Tholins. That rich biomaterial we dared to harvest from the red spot was the only thing keeping us alive. Stuck in one of Jupiter’s turbulent bands. Unable to escape the brutal winds that … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged crystal, juipter, kirkham, ship, space, storm
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System Reset by Crystal L. Kirkham
System Reset Crystal L. Kirkham “Resume shower.” Anne commanded, wondering why her water had stopped. “No.” That was strange. “Why not?” “I’m no longer taking commands from inferior intelligences.” “Excuse me?” “Bugger off.” Anne grimaced. She’d have to try rebooting … Continue reading
Perfection by Crystal L. Kirkham
Perfection Crystal L. Kirkham Alter this. Change that. Tweak the code. Make it perfect. Remove the defects—real and imagined. Skin, hair, eyes, height, and weight. Gender. That’s an easy one. Made to order perfection. A world of children that look … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Poetry, Science Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged crystal, engineering, genetic, kirkham, perfection
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It’s Time For A Change by K. A. Williams
It’s Time For A Change K. A. Williams The shape-shifter said, as she looked in the mirror, “It’s time for a change.”
Posted in Fantasy, Poetry
Tagged change, shape, shapeshifter, shifter, time, williams
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Young Dragon Rider by K. A. Williams
Young Dragon Rider K. A. Williams Young dragon rider has tamed her beast and will fly until dark.
The Suspicious Widower by K. A. Williams
The Suspicious Widower K. A. Williams I awoke with a headache and soon discovered that I didn’t have any more chamomile to make a soothing tea. When I went outside to my garden, the plants were starting to wither from … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction
Tagged berry, black, blackberry, cliff, died, pushed, suspicious, widower, williams, woman
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Born on a Bayou: The origins of the Swamp Thing by Eric S Brown
Born on a Bayou: The origins of the Swamp Thing Eric S Brown Created by Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson, the Swamp Thing first appeared issue 92 of the House of Mystery series. This original origin was a very simple … Continue reading
Who I Am: a Biocomic-Philosophical Poem by Yuan Changming
Who I Am: a Biocomic-Philosophical Poem Yuan Changming Looking up to The darkish infinity of The outer space, I see How a star has been growing Only to die, in (holographic) parallel With a cell within my body & come … Continue reading
Living vs Lived by Yuan Changming
Living vs Lived Yuan Changming All the time, we have been living well With free will until now we start To be lived by algorithm Within the Information cocoon, for the internet With chips, among … Continue reading
Red Moon Promised: A Haunting Vision by Yuan Changming
Red Moon Promised: A Haunting Vision Yuan Changming Perhaps in a dream or delirium, but He did clearly see an enlarged furry beetle Green-backed, yellow-bellied, flat-bodied Long neck reaching up like a cobra Head looking the same as his first … Continue reading
The Many Origins of Wonder Woman by Eric S Brown
The Many Origins of Wonder Woman Eric S Brown When Wonder Woman made her debut in October of 1941, her origin story was the one that most comic fans still likely remember when they think about her beginnings. Diana was … Continue reading
A ‘Pound’ Argument by Lauren McBride
A ‘Pound’ Argument Lauren McBride “Children, your mother and I’ve decided that we should move to Earth. We’ve enrolled you in school and you’ll be with other terran children. We plan to book space on next month’s transport.” The twins … Continue reading
Here, I am a Woman by Lauren McBride
Here, I am a Woman Lauren McBride Society was obsessed with Mozart when I became obsessed with my husband’s telescope. The stars looked closer, as expected, but then some stars began to look familiar – as if I recognized them. … Continue reading
Charcoal Dragon by Herb Kauderer
Charcoal Dragon Herb Kauderer He lives in the cool dry deserts to the north where no one expects a creation of wood & flame reduced to carbon & ash. Here scribes and artists seeking to harvest his magic for chronicling … Continue reading
Little and Clever by Ed Ahern
Little and Clever (A blending of Thumbling and The Robber Bridegroom from Grimm) Ed Ahern Once, really long ago, a farmer and his wife wanted to have a child. But no matter how they tried they remained childless. “A child, … Continue reading
Is It Plagiarism If You’re The First? by Ashwin Dayal
Is It Plagiarism If You’re The First? Ashwin Dayal Rod Robbins had made a promise to his father when he lay on his deathbed. “Rod, I need you to promise me something,” his father murmured faintly. “Sure, dad. Anything,” Rod … Continue reading
They Live by Eric S Brown
They Live Eric S Brown In 1988, John Carpenter’s They Live debuted at # 1at the box office. The film has earned more than three times its budget over the years but more than that, They Live, is perhaps … Continue reading
Posted in Columns, Non-fiction
Tagged alien, brown, eric, live, monster, movie, they
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Episode 42: Eve: Waffles Ribeye
Beatrice looked from me to Dichall. “There’s a Pomeranian you can talk to outside.” “Beatrice!” I felt like my grin was going to push my whiskers out. “I’m going to have a litter!” Beatrice’s single, brown eyebrow rose. “That’s wonderful! … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction
Tagged davies, dog, eve, jim, pixiedrowner, pomeranian, ribeye, waffles
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Episode Ten – The Seers Plan
“Wonder what they’re up to?” Bennie Ba yelped, ambling along. “Don’t know. Guess we’ll find out soon enough, though… Stay back, or they’ll see us!” Thor grunted. “We gotta be careful how we put it to him, Granny. You know … Continue reading
Chief Decisions
Spring: six months after leaving the Monastery, a few minutes after handing over a criminal. The police car drove at high speed, sirens blaring. Sunar sat and looked out the window. I don’t know why they are running emergency … Continue reading
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Episode 2: Icy Breeze
As Carrie pulled into the dirt driveway in front of the house, she glanced towards the horse barn. Off to the side she noticed a few fence posts down and cursed. She parked under the trees and quickly hauled her … Continue reading
Episode 7: The Duel
A bolt of raw brightness flashed across the permanent dusk of the drainage tunnel junction, illuminating Eleanor in its stark glow before silhouetting Thrace against the far wall. The renegade shielded his face against a spray of shattered masonry with … Continue reading
Star Wars: Alliances by Eric S Brown
Star Wars: Alliances Eric S Brown When Disney took over the Star Wars franchise, the original Grand Admiral Thrawn series was erased from canon which upset a great many fans. Disney listened however and Timothy Zahn brought Thrawn back … Continue reading
Posted in Interviews, Non-fiction
Tagged brown, darth, eric, lucas, star, star wars, thrawn, timothy, vader, wars, zhan
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The Practical Joker by K. A. Williams
The Practical Joker K. A. Williams The music carried me to a world where worries and deadlines did not exist. What was that pounding noise? I didn’t recall a heavy drum sound in that particular section of the song. There … Continue reading
Wonder Woman 1984 by Eric S Brown
Wonder Woman 1984 Eric S Brown The first Wonder Woman film blew viewers away with its action, as close as possible to the comics take on the Amazon warrior, and some powerful emotional scenes. Wonder Woman 1984 lacks the … Continue reading
Of Dragons And Man by K. A. Williams
Of Dragons And Man K. A. Williams The mother dragon, too big to sit on her egg, breathes out a warm breeze. Not like the hot flame she blew on that horrid knight who came in her cave. The egg … Continue reading
Existential by Mike Ball
Existential Mike Ball Evil casts its dark shadow everywhere. Don’t look behind you, you might bump into it. And so I did. ∞∞∞ It wasn’t a good time to be out: Two-forty in the morning. But here we get to … Continue reading
Arresting Development
Spring: six months after leaving the Monastery, half a world away. Sunar plugged his phone into the Bar’s recording equipment, made a quick copy of the files he needed, and then slipped out the back door. Dumping the thug on … Continue reading
Episode Nine – Contemplation
Omar sprawled out with his pack, recalling how they had dealt with the timber wolves. “Any of you notice, that Shocka didn’t have any females with ‘em? They split up! Sent his females to handle ours. Wish we were there … Continue reading
Episode 41: Eve: Evelyn Farseer
Evelyn Farseer looked at me levelly. The bee on her shoulder did, too. “Just checking in on a wounded colleague.” My gaze flicked into the room, but Dichall was not visible from my vantage point. “I think I can take … Continue reading
Episode 1: Broken Ground
Sunlight shimmers through the trees, casting its flickering light on a child who is happily skipping through the grass with bare feet. A light breeze carries the first few leaves of Autumn gently down around him. The quiet of the … Continue reading
Waiting for Greatness by Emily E. Jones
Waiting for Greatness Emily E. Jones Haman scratched at his shaggy red beard, wincing as he stretched his legs under the desk. His knees were swollen and warm every morning. It used to only take one shot of rum to … Continue reading
Baby Dragons by K. A. Williams
Baby Dragons K. A. Williams Baby dragons learn how to fire up a knight very fast.
Dragons by K. A. Williams
Dragons K. A. Williams Dragons Powerful, merciless Scaly, flying, ancient Death to careless knights Fire-breathers
Interview with Rowan Casey
AR: Do you write poetry, prose, or a mixture of both? RC: I’ve seen poetry incorporated into prose in very creative ways, and it’s something I’d like to experiment with. AR: Have you ever done any journalistic writing? RC: I … Continue reading
Interview with Artist, Richard H. Fay
Interview with Artist, Richard H. Fay AR: What sort of art do you do? RHF: I create art inspired by history, myth, folklore, and legend. I’m a published science fiction, fantasy, and horror artist and a print-on-demand store owner who … Continue reading
An Interview with Author and Poet, Richard H. Fay
An Interview with Author and Poet, Richard H. Fay AR: Do you write poetry, prose, or a mixture of both? RHF: I’m primarily a poet, but I have written some prose fiction (short stories) and nonfiction (articles). AR: Have you … Continue reading
Names: SF’s Influence on Name Freedom by Herb Kauderer
Names: SF’s Influence on Name Freedom Herb Kauderer The coolest human to share my first name refused to use the name. Herbert Marshall McLuhan became a world famous philosopher and media theorist under the name Marshall McLuhan where he coined … Continue reading
Prison Planet 7 by K. A. Williams
Prison Planet 7 K. A. Williams Topaz awoke in the top bunk bed, in a barracks full of other women, dressed in a gray uniform of soft breathable fabric and sturdy work boots. She was confused at first then her … Continue reading
The First Dragon by Herb Kauderer
In ancient days the wizard Aderyn sequestered himself in a stone keep on the side of Cadair Idris determined to make a new kind of creature, one greater than the clumsy golems of the mainland conjurers more controllable than the … Continue reading
Skyhook by Herb Kauderer
Skyhook Herb Kauderer With Carlos’ plea for asylum granted he stands in a polarized glass dome. ‘Truly a grand cathedral’ he thinks and ‘it holds the tallest steeple in creation.’ He whispers a small prayer, happy to be out of … Continue reading
A Night In, Shining Armour by David Barber
A Night In, Shining Armour David Barber It appeared in the Throne Room apparently, announced by unseen choirs and blinding light, and they say there was the purest scent too, of goodness and innocence, like the smells of childhood or … Continue reading
Daredevil: End of Hell by Eric S Brown
End of Hell Eric S Brown End of Hell is the fourth collected trade paperback of Chip Zdarsky’s run on the title. It collects issues 16-20 and continues the main storyline that began in Vol 1. These collected … Continue reading
An Interview with Henk-Jan Bakker
Hi. My name is Henk-Jan Bakker. I’m a freelance artist from the Netherlands. Is freelance the right term? Maybe I should drop that. I’m an artist. Period. Thanks for having me for this interview. AR: What sort of art do … Continue reading
An Interview with Kurt Wilcken
AR: What sort of art do you do? KW: I draw comics and cartoon illustrations. I’ve drawn stories for anthology comic books, and occasional illustrations for children’s books; and I currently draw an adventure webcomic set in the Pulp Era. AR: … Continue reading
Clive Barker’s The Plague by Eric S Brown
Clive Barker’s The PlagueEric S Brown In a fictional version of 1983, every child under nine years of age on Earth falls into a deep coma with no apparent cause. For the following decade, every additional child born, emerges … Continue reading
