Black Static Magazine: Issues 44 & 45.

TTA Press: January and February, 2015.

Available: Print, Kindle edition

Very few magazines are worth the price of subscription– ever.  Black Static is a rare exception. In my opinion, Black Static is the best international magazine of dark fiction out there.  TTA Press has consistently produced a fine, slick, quality, digest-sized product,with plenty of visual appeal, on a regular publication schedule.  Editor Andy Cox ensures that each issue of Black Static is packed with top-notch material. Black Static is a perfect choice for readers who prefer fine fiction, reviews, and columns.

Issue #44 is one of my favorite issues to date. From cover to cover, it is 96 pages of great darkness. Stephen Volk’s opening column, “How To Stay Insane, Pt. 2”, is excellent, and his insights about writing horror resonate long after reading. In her column, Lynda E. Rucker tackles the World Fantasy Award and how horror fits into the argument. Both Volk and Rucker have consistently penned strong columns, frequently about the writing and business of horror, both bringing their own unique slant to the genre. Peter Tennant and Tony Lee continue to cover books and movies in detailed fashion with keen eyes for novelty and innovation.  Tennant typically spotlights authors or publishers. This time he spotlights Tim Waggoner, with an insightful interview. Of course, there are also a plethora of reviews of DVDs and fiction. Strong novellas by Simon Avery and Tyler Keevil are followed by short stories by Priya Sharma, E. Catherine Tobler, and Jackson Kuhl.

#45 is just as impressive. Volk discusses the selling of souls and other commodities and Rucker covers the topic of the female body and horror. Tennant focuses on the talented Helen Marshall. Issue #45 also contains short stories by S.P. Miskowski, Laura Mauro, Stephen Hargadon, Emily Cataneo, Andrew Hook, Cate Gardner, Danny Rhodes, and the always mesmerizing Steve Rasnic Tem.  The countless reviews seem to expand with each issue, and while many skewer the films and shows, the honesty behind the opinions rings true.

Once again, the task is simple: pick up a subscription to this fine magazine or if you’re across the pond, get yourself to the store grab a copy.  Not many things are worth the money these days and few are guaranteed to entertain consistently, but this is one that fulfills without fault every time.

Highly recommended magazine for any fans of the genre.

Reviewed by Dave Simms (Note: Dave Simms also reviews for Cemetery Dance magazine.)