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Author Archives: AR_Editor
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
Ratings by K. A. Williams
Ratings K. A. Williams “They’re not that bad,” said my booking aide. “Yeah, that’s what I heard from the lighting guy who’s one of their fans. I don’t happen to like that kind of music though, and why do they … Continue reading
Let Sleeping Fear Lie by Ed Blundell
Let Sleeping Fear Lie Ed Blundell Sunset snarls like a scornful sneer Across the bleeding horizon. The day dies badly, night descends, Like a blunt axe hacking the land. Black things of darkness slither out, Slimy sliding into sad dreams. … Continue reading
Surprise by Ed Blundell
Surprise Ed Blundell A whirl of wind whips up dead leaves, A bright, white moon hangs in the sky, Indifferent stars shine silver. She walks alone across the park, Along the dark and twisting path, Gazing about her nervously. There … Continue reading
Haven by K. A. Williams
Haven K. A. Williams I had just got home from work and was about to shut the door when I noticed a police hover car chasing three people that were running in my direction. “Over here!” The man pushed the … Continue reading
Posted in Dark Future, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged child, haven, paranormal, williams
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Danger Will Robinson by Phil Temples
Danger Will Robinson Phil Temples The alien space craft reconnoitered the planet Earth for months in preparation for a surprise invasion against the humans. It appeared as though the Earthlings lacked any united defenses with which to repel extraterrestrial attackers. … Continue reading
Klaatu Barada Nikto by Phil Temples
Klaatu Barada Nikto Phil Temples The spaceman stealthily approached the flying saucer in the Washington Mall. As he got closer, he was surprised to find that the MPs previously standing guard around the perimeter were now lying on the ground … Continue reading
Episode 6: To Stand Against the Throne
Under the blaze of the noon-time sun, they mingled with the throngs filling the road to Duke Henry’s castle, the Splinter Rock. Cole soaked in the sights and sounds of the busy route. All sorts crowded the winding mountain track … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Sword and Sorcery
Tagged casey, cole, duke, eleanor, henry, keeper, pact, pactkeeper, rowan, thrace
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Episode Eight – The Arrival
The K-9 Town females were busy planning for the upcoming ceremony. The pairing of Wolf Bennie Ba and Wolfhound Winnie. Chihuahua Conchita frowned, feigning anger. “You’d think they’d be more interested. Paco says, they’ll be there when the time comes… … Continue reading
First Action
Spring: six months after leaving the Monastery, half a world away. Sunar leaned against the wall next to the door and watched a drunk stumble his way up to the bar. The human, one of the biggest he’d ever seen, … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Sword and Sorcery
Tagged bar, bouncer, dragon, fearadhach, mecraudri, monk, sunar
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Episode 40: Eve: Coffee at Dawn
I woke from a haunted dream. Dichall and I were in the Insterstitium again, and the weir we’d used to get there turned out to be one-way. We were stuck there – scared, and hounded by faeries. We’d found a … Continue reading
Interview with JM Williams
A.R. Do you write poetry, prose, or a mixture of both? J.M.W. Prose only. A.R. Have you every done any journalistic writing? J.M.W. I do write academically, history and law, and have been published in a peer review journal. A.R. … Continue reading
Interview with Jim Davies
A.R. Do you write poetry, prose, or a mixture of both? J.D. I write both for Altered Reality. As part of my main job, I also write science articles and popular science. I am a designer of tabletop role-playing games, … Continue reading
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Interview with Herb Kauderer
A.R. Do you write poetry, prose, or a mixture of both? H. K. I write poetry, prose, non-fiction, fiction, screenplays, stageplays, shopping lists, lesson plans, outcomes assessments, work reports, bibliographies, blogs, captions, notes, nonsense, and non-sequitors. I may mix them … Continue reading
It’s Ten O’Clock Somewhere by Dee Caples
It’s Ten O’Clock Somewhere Dee Caples “Are you sure you want to do that?” Pablo stared at the bottle of Bailey’s Irish Cream. It was the perfect compliment to a cup of coffee but he’d never had it speak before. … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged baileys, capels, dee, drinking, pablo, whiskey
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Interview with John C. Mannone
A.R. Do you write poetry, prose, or a mixture of both? J.C.M. Yes, both–about 80% poetry, 10% creative nonfiction, 10% fiction A.R. Have you every done any journalistic writing? J.C.M. No, but I served as the editor of a … Continue reading
Interstellar Schism by Sme
Interstellar Schism Sme Transport rocket E-17 shot through space towards the tiny pale speck the crew called home. Kenan loved this part more than the others, reverse thrusters slowed them just as gravity reached out to pull them in. They … Continue reading
Unopened by J.S. Grant
Unopened J.S. Grant The package sat on the bamboo coffee table. Even though we both agreed to no gifts for our six-year anniversary, I was never going to follow that rule. Daniel always talked about how he wanted the first … Continue reading
Salvation Run by Eric S Brown
Salvation Run Eric S Brown Salvation Run was a DC Comics mini-series event published in 2008 which ran for seven issues that were later collected into a single trade paperback. Salvation Run isn’t a story about heroes but rather forty … Continue reading
Interview with Dee Caples
An Interview with Author Dee Caples AR: Do you write poetry, prose, or a mixture of both? DC: I write both. We talked about my poetry first, I think, and discussed the differences in modern poetry and what I was … Continue reading
Salamander Soldiers by Lauren McBride
Salamander Soldiers Lauren McBride I had a name once, in a life that seems as strange to me as my own appearance does now. I was among the first of those called Salamander Soldiers, an elite army unit favored with … Continue reading
Turkey’s Hideout by K. A. Williams
Turkey’s Hideout K. A. Williams It was cold this morning; I fluffed up my feathers. I warmed my feet by scratching around for breakfast and dug up some tasty grubs and worms which I gobbled whole. “Your ma will be … Continue reading
Betaal by Eric S Brown
Netflix is home to some amazing foreign horror series these days and Betaal is one of their newest. It’s an Indian zombie horror tale with some wild and cool twists that was met with some harsh treatment from critics. It … Continue reading
A Mother’s Mourning by Patrick T. O’Connor
A Mother’s Mourning Patrick T. O’Connor Clutching the letter in my hands, I try to iron out the wrinkles and dry the tears that have long since stained its surface. “Don’t fret, your boy has been chosen!” the Rip tells … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged alien, invasion, mother, O'Connor, Patrick, son
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A World Created by Alyson Tait
A World Created Alyson Tait “I am going to make the world—piece by piece, bead by bead. The felt will be the black sky — outer space — an endless sea of possibilities. It is a beginning. And with any … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged alyson, destruction, Earth, linn, tait, world
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Ikiryō by Jeremy Akel
Ikiryō Jeremy Akel She almost had the shape of it. The world, she knew, was a cruel and inhospitable place. She had never known anyone to offer her a kindness unbidden, and even when the formalities were met, and the … Continue reading
The Toymaker by Jeremy Akel
The Toymaker Jeremy Akel Once, long ago in an antique land, a toymaker, by nature a practical man, took it upon himself to fashion a doll, for his beloved daughter Anna. But not just any doll; for this was to … Continue reading
Means of Escape by J. David Harper
Means of Escape J. David Harper Margie found the bottle in the wall of an old house when she hammered through the drywall to make room for a new door. She looked around for her brother, but he was sawing … Continue reading
Durham Red by Eric S Brown
A lot of great comic characters begin as supporting cast to an already well known hero. For example, The Legion of Superheroes was created to be part of the background of Superman’s youth, but eventually spun off into their own … Continue reading
It Isn’t Blackmail by K. A. Williams
It Isn’t Blackmail K. A. Williams Manning University held its five year class reunion at the Hammersmythe Hotel and I went, hoping to see Roy Dalton. He was there, of course, smiling and basking in the admiration of his peers. … Continue reading
The Snowball Effect by Katherine MacLean
Posted in Audio Story, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged effect, kathrine, maclean, snowball
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Later Than You Think by Fritz Leiber
Posted in Audio Story, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged Fritz, Later, leiber, Than, Think, You
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I Like Martian Music by Charles E. Fritch
Posted in Audio Story, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged charles, Fritch, martian, Music
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The Gravity Business by James Edwin Gunn
Posted in Audio Story, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged business, edwin, gravity, gunn, James
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The Bell Tone by Edmund H. Leftwich
Posted in Audio Story, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged ants, bell, edmund, leftwich, tone
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The Jezinkas – a Bohemian fairy tale
The Jezinkas A Bohemian fairy tale There was a poor orphan lad who had neither father nor mother, and was compelled to go out to service to get his living. He travelled a long way without being able to obtain … Continue reading
Long, Broad, and Sharpsight – a Bohemian fairy tale
Long, Broad, and Sharpsight A Bohemian fairy tale There once was a king, who was already old and had but one son. Once upon a time he called this son to him, and said to him, “My dear son! You … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Folk Tales
Tagged broad, fairy, king, long, prince, princess, rave, sharpsight, tale, wizard
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Should you get your comics graded? by Eric S Brown
Twenty years ago, the Certified Guaranty Company started operations and has since graded over five million comic books. The impact of the CGC, and other later companies such as CBCS and PGX, is staggering – changing much about how comics … Continue reading
Realtor From Glendale by K. A. Williams
Realtor From Glendale K. A. Williams There once was a Realtor from Glendale who sold all his listings without fail, till the house on the coast that came with a ghost. Now his job is delivering mail. Originally published in … Continue reading
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Selkie Maiden by Jennifer Ruth Jackson
Selkie Maiden Jennifer Ruth Jackson She dances, flashes the men Copper disks hidden in the waves Of her hair By the seashore silver splashes Coins and fish kiss The water as she moves Her favored skin hidden from view
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Intergalactic Missionary by Jennifer Ruth Jackson
Intergalactic Missionary Jennifer Ruth Jackson Let us lie beneath the metal trees scoured by the gritty, sour wind— clasped tentacle and hand, book perched between us. Your fleshy opening will form the words. Your vision sensors leaking, will glisten. I … Continue reading
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Tengu Lament by Jennifer Ruth Jackson
Tengu Lament Jennifer Ruth Jackson We are not demons, us birds of ashen paint Each flap across your sky rendering it a tender bruise Our talons shod in flip-flops (synthetic delicacy) Words for “fake” were once foreign to our squawking … Continue reading
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Severing Scars by Jennifer Ruth Jackson
Severing Scars Jennifer Ruth Jackson We are interchangeable, have no names, as we struggle in the cocoon created by mother’s arms. She repeats the adage of oppression strengthening and plants the pinprick razors in our backs, already slick with sweat, … Continue reading
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The House-G(ue)host
Feby Joseph
Parabolae by F.J. Bergmann
Parabolae F.J. Bergmann endless drifting through vacuum waiting for perihelion heliotropic collection array opens curved mirrors starlight funneled to a red cup one hydroponic tulip
Posted in Poetry, Science Fiction
Tagged bergmann, heliotropic, mirror, parabolae, perihelion, telescope, vacumm
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Jadis by F.J. Bergmann
Jadis F.J. Bergmann Once, elsewhere, and never again, there was a castle: high, high in mountains above the sea of bright clouds, among the stars, silence spilling from its windows, a waterfall from its gate, the silver cataract diffusing into … Continue reading
Hatchling by F.J. Bergmann
Hatchling F.J. Bergmann Why would a clutch of eggs the size of pea gravel have been laid at the peak of a dune so steep it towered like a sandstone cliff above the sea? One eggshell lay already broken in … Continue reading
Fairytale by F.J. Bergmann
Fairytale F.J. Bergmann The dragonfly stepmother lurks on the other side of the glass, watching the forgotten daughter. Her twin sons cluster around her like budding crystals with internal flaws, dangerous edges. The girl would not let them touch her. … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Poetry
Tagged bergmann, brothers, butterfly, fairytale, girl, stepmother, winter
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Ghosts In The Machine by David Barber
Ghosts In The Machine David Barber They were my first visitors since arriving here; what pass for priests in this benighted world. I am writing down what happened, with its guilty conclusion, before the sense of it escapes me. The … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged barber, david, ghost, ghosts, machine, machines
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Call From Space by K. A. Williams
Call From Space K. A. Williams The call from space that we’ve been waiting for has come at last. “Hi.”
Necropolis by Eric S Brown
Judge Dredd is one of the most published comic characters in the world and has been around since the late 1970s. There are many, many classic and famous Dredd storylines but Necropolis stands out as of the best. Necropolis features … Continue reading
Posted in Columns, Non-fiction, Serials
Tagged brown, dredd, eric, judge, necropolis
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Long Walk
Fall: 18 years at the Monastery, One year after building the Range Sunar woke to a change in Meesha’s breathing as the first rays of dawn glistened off the mountain tops and the reflected false-dawn lit his eyelids. He lay … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Serials
Tagged ikthan, leaving, meesha, monestarydragon, monk, sunar
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Episode Seven – The Powers Within
Howls ignited the wilderness. “Look who’s here! Thor and Eagle McZen!” Twirls, hugs and other welcoming embraces ensued, leading to a full-blown celebration. “Hey! Howya doin,” Thor woofed, as he shuffled through pats and friendly bumps. “Been a while… Away … Continue reading
Episode 39: The Daughter
You never really believe your mother will die. But when I woke, and saw a small, spinning bit of matter, no bigger than a human’s cerebellum, floating in the air in front of me, I could feel it. My mother, … Continue reading
True Story, Bro by Geoffrey Porter
True Story, Bro Geoffrey Porter They say garter snakes in your yard and garden are beneficial. But the snakes completely freak me out every time. Snakes seemed to really prefer my yard too, because I don’t use poisons. It hurts … Continue reading
Terraforming Mars by K. A. Williams
Terraforming Mars K. A. Williams Terraforming Mars brought back wildlife and plants to the dead world.
Bus Stop by Jasmine Arch
Bus Stop Jasmine Arch “Vampires? No such thing.” The stranger leaned in close as I scooted to the edge of the bench. “Biggest danger round here’s the bus being late.” With a chuckle, he stretched his long legs, twining his … Continue reading
The Crop by Jasmine Arch
The Crop Jasmine Arch Hayley’s eyes shone in the light of a crayon candle. “But Mummy, I don’t want my hair cut. You always say it’s pretty.” I kissed her sticky cheeks and hugged her before turning to my deadbeat … Continue reading
A Blade Remembers by Jasmine Arch
A Blade Remembers Jasmine Arch The dagger slipped from my numb fingers, clattering to the floor. It should have recognized my neurological sequences. Instead, it rejected me, the sting of shame cutting more deeply than any pain the weapon could … Continue reading
Still Waters by Jasmine Arch
Still Waters Jasmine Arch I held my breath and drew back my arm, a wooden fishing spear balanced in the palm of my hand. Next to me, Toura’s whispers faded as the mudhopper swam closer. “Wait for it.” She raised … Continue reading
The Gray Man by K. A. Williams
The Gray Man K. A. Williams He comes to warn us Gray Man on Pawleys Island The hurricane’s here
Robots by K. A. Williams
Robots K. A. Williams Robots Loyal, smart Protective, enduring, mighty Man’s new best friend Androids
The Robot Soldiers by K. A. Williams
The Robot Soldiers K. A. Williams The Robot soldiers Our only line of defense Aliens attack
THX 1138 by Eric S Brown
Not many people know that George Lucas’s first science fiction film wasn’t Star Wars. His debut film was actually a Dystopian movie entitled THX1138, a disturbing look at what things could be like if freedom was a thing of the … Continue reading
Termination by Lee Harrison
Termination Lee Harrison Desmund could only stare. His jaw hung open and his eyes moved erratically as if searching for something that could help rationalize what was happening. The small square office was empty. The monitor in front of him … Continue reading
from Dark Watcher: Cryptid Critter Poems by Richard Stevenson
octo-squatch has eight furry legs and a furry head the Basque mountain roads get cold best wear a Squatch Skin coat. * Tahoe Tessie’s on a tear! Took off with Mawsie’s underwear! * the Lake Van Monster – kin to … Continue reading
Hunting Bigfoot by K. A. Williams
Hunting Bigfoot K. A. Williams “Maybe Troy told Greg that he saw Bigfoot out here yesterday when he was collecting samples of the flora for his botany class, because he knew you were listening.” Parker skipped a stone across the … Continue reading
The New Mutants by Eric S Brown
One of the first notable movies to be released during the age of Covid 19, The New Mutants has so far been a box office flop, earning back only around two thirds of its production budget. The film has numerous … Continue reading
Avengers: War of the Vampires by Eric S Brown
War of the Vampires isn’t your normal Avengers storyline. It’s much darker, intense, and in many ways truly could be called a horror comic. The trade paperback collects issues 13-17 of the 2018 Avengers title and opens with the Shadow … Continue reading
Zelda’s Competition by K. A. Williams
Zelda’s Competition K. A. Williams I called my boyfriend Jordan, who’s a genius, on the computer, told him what I wanted and asked if he could do it. After I watched him laugh for a while, I interrupted him. “It’s … Continue reading
Episode 5: The Scarred Hamlet
The thatch roofs of Kedenburg rose around the traveling companions. A wicker fence, trampled in places, ringed the village, and on the high ground near the edge of the settlement, a wooden stockade prodded at the sky with its timber … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Serials, Sword and Sorcery
Tagged coal, eleanor, inn, keeper, pact
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Episode 38: Rules are Rules
Back at headquarters, I sat next to Dichall’s bedding and held his hand. He was bandaged and unconscious. I’d left him behind, and felt terrible about it, but it looked like he might survive. Gretchen was there too. With her … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Serials
Tagged councilmice, davies, dichael, eve, grassblade, jim, pixiedrowner
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Elektra: Dark Reign by Eric S Brown
In the wake of Marvel Comics’ Secret Invasion event, Norma Osborn came to power as the head of S.H.I.E.L.D, ushering in the event known as Dark Reign. Many characters in the MCU had been kidnapped and replaced by alien shape … Continue reading
Posted in Columns, Serials
Tagged brownskrull, elektra, eric, marvel, osborn, paladin
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The Metamorphoses by Stephan James
The Metamorphoses Stephan James I first saw her on a Tuesday, early November. It was starting to chill down outside. That’s how Bradley always said it — “chill down”. I liked him for small things like that, but small things … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged butterfly, James, Metamorphoses, sadie, Stephan
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Bus Stop 126 by David Wright
Bus Stop 126 David Wright A scruffy man in a brown toque sat at bus stop 126, waiting. From time to time, he looked at his watch, out across the empty intersection and up at the bus stop billboard. The … Continue reading
The Settee & The Stairs by David Barber
The Settee & The Stairs David Barber Author Sea Chart, insisted the old chap, a stroke making words slippery as soap, though we had come to an understanding, like a glimpse of sky through forest canopy: a séance friction writer … Continue reading
D.P. 7 by Eric S Brown
D.P. 7 Eric S Brown In 1986 Marvel Comics’ introduced their “New Universe”. These were a group of all new series that were supposed to be set in the present day, real world. Titles in in the New … Continue reading
Posted in Columns, Comic Book, Comic Book
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In the Wrong Hands by Ed Nobody
In the Wrong Hands Ed Nobody Rain is streaming down the east window of the office. I didn’t want to get up this morning, but I did anyway. We line up one by one, like Disneyland, but more depressing. So … Continue reading
Posted in Dark Future, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged games, matrix, nobody, programing, reality, virtual, war
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Calligrapher of Hanging Town by Salim Kingo
Calligrapher of Hanging Town Salim Kingo In Hanging Town, at the edge of the frosty, distant northern mining provinces, a jealous wife and an air sailor who seduced her husband brawled in a tavern. There was only one tavern in … Continue reading
Man in the Middle by C.J. Heckman
Man in the Middle C.J. Heckman Azumi was working late one night when Ben came knocking on her office door. His hair was a mess, more so than usual, and the redness in his eyes betrayed recent sobbing. Another nervous … Continue reading
