The Uncultured Critic, Part II By Brian Polk Art By Tyler Gross A few months ago, I debuted this column in which I review pertinent cultural manifestations such as books, movies and records without actually reading, seeing or hearing them. I figured as long as I had a forceful perspective that I stated very loudly […]
Flashpoints By Joshua Viola and Keith Ferrell Published Issue 089, May 2021 The first half of Flashpoints was published in Issue 089, May 2021. Click this skull icon for Part 2 to finish where you left off reading in print. Max lay in bed, accompanied by the familiar chirping beeps of his health monitor. Brave, his dog,
Shortened Fiction By Brian Polk Art by S. Putnik Published Issue 089, May 2021 The Moment I Realize I Drink More Now Than My Recovering Alcoholic Friend Ever Did “Wait,” I say as I run the numbers on just how bad of an alcoholic my friend Richie used to be. “So you were drinking every
A Bonfire In the Belly of the Beast By Joel Tagert Art by Peter Kornowski Published Issue 089, May 2021 Being consumed by a dark god was just the beginning. When Th’yaleh’s great tentacles rose around my little dinghy, I looked frantically for escape, but of course there was none. Perhaps there had never been
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Dirty Spatula Fiction By Brian Polk Art By Jonny DeStefano Published Issue 088, April 2021 Look for the phrase “Dirty Spatula” strategically placed in each story. The Sticky Spot on the Floor Grew Last Night “The sticky spot on the kitchen floor sure seems like it grew exponentially last night,” I told my roommate when
A Colossal Night Out By Joel Tagert Art by Arna Miller Published Issue 088, April 2021 After fighting Krung and Kusira had an appetite, so they each tore a leg off the cargo-ship-sized salamander they’d just beaten and had their fill of its flesh, sitting at their ease on the verdant slope of the volcano.
Creepshow Sheepshow By Joel Tagert Art by Dave Danzara Published Issue 087, March 2021 “I hate sheep,” Naoko said. “They’re creepy.” Ten raised a tufted eyebrow in disbelief. “I’ve seen you literally swimming in blood and guts. These are sheep.” “I didn’t say they were gross, I said they were creepy.” “White, fluffy sheep. Little
Out With The Introspection By Brian Polk Art By Mark Mothersbaugh Published Issue 083, March 2021 While my brain may reap the benefits of millions of years of evolution, all too often it’s wasted on the random, weird thoughts that I have throughout the day. (Though I suppose it could be worse. I could waste
OnlyFae By Joel Tagert Published Issue 086, February 2021 “May this arrow fly true as the spirit of Enrathiel, the White Falcon,” Melara whispered as she drew. The ten-tined hart raised its head as though hearing her prayer. The whole forest seemed to hold its breath, the breeze falling to nothing, the leaves quieting; and
Extremely Short Fiction For Extremely Short Attention Spans By Brian Polk Published Issue 086, February 2021 DURING THE PANDEMIC, I’VE LOST THE ABILITY TO READ IN THE LONG FORM I think I’ve figured out my aversion to reading novels during these COVID times. And it mainly has to do with the fact that the aliens,
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