Edited by Oliver Brackenbury
79 pages
Published 2022
Read from February 22 to February 25
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
I’ve loved this magazine for a long time, without reading any of its issues. Not the first time I’ve done that; I was devoted to The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction for twenty years before I finally got around to reading a full issue. As so often happens, some combination of ADHD and demand avoidance kept me from sitting down with this issue and just starting. (Also, if I’m being honest, the magazine’s full size format and triple columns of small text are barriers to entry. I know it keeps costs down and deliberately evokes Weird Tales, but I don’t have to enjoy it.)
This issue was the original proof-of-concept for NESS, put together by volunteer writers and distributed cheaply as an entry point for curious readers. Hence, “issue zero.” I’ve had it since sometime in 2023, which makes it even more embarrassing that I haven’t read it.
Incidentally, I’m actually going to read the interviews and essays that accompany the fiction (matters I habitually ignore in other magazines). I want to become more versed in the history, criticism, and analysis of my chosen genre. I might even read critical essays now whenever I find them in Asimov’s or F&SF. But this seems like a good place to begin.
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“The Curse of the Horsetail Banner” by Dariel R. A. Quiogue. A rip-roaring steppe adventure which sees Orhan Timur, once the khan of khans before he was betrayed by his sworn brother, on the trail of those who violated the barrow of the first Khan of Khans and filched the legendary horsetail banner of Toktengri. It’s everything you could want from a modern update of the sword & sorcery formula, crafted by a terrific pulp storyteller.
“The Ember Inside” by Remco van Straten & Angeline B. Adams. The previous story gave me an optimistic idea of the level of polish I could expect in this issue (which, again, was a volunteer effort to produce a proof of concept for NESS). There are hints of greatness buried in this piece, but it’s uneven and unfocused. It has a metafictional element of “scribes” writing stories, reminiscent of Jeffrey Ford’s “The Fantasy Writer’s Assistant” (reviewed here). Revisiting that vibe with shakier prose didn’t do it for me, though to its credit, “Ember” has different things to say.
“Old Moon Over Irukad” by David C. Smith. Swords fighting sorcery. Serviceable, though rather stripped down to the chassis. Didn’t hold my interest.
“The Beast of the Shadow Gum Trees” by T. K. Rex. I’m a fan of T. K. Rex, and I had high expectations for this piece. Those expectations were met, and exceeded, by this weird and lovely fantasy. Rex literalizes concepts of ecology and invasive species, and puts together one of the most completely up-my-alley stories I’ve ever read. There’s even a toothed bird with four wings, which technically makes this a dinosaur story. An instant classic.
“Vapors of Zinai” by J.M. Clarke. This is another elemental S&S tale: a larger than life warrior, magical enemies, a determined priestess, a demon to slay. But “Zinai” bursts with imagery and flavor. At one point our hero rides a foe skateboard-style down a rocky slope. A delight.
“The Grief-Note of Vultures” by Bryn Hammond. Finishing the fiction section strong with another flavorful, well-written Central Asian pastiche. This story is also blessed with weird birds, always a welcome touch. Quite good.
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The editorial and critical matters form the back third of this issue. Reading them feels a bit like eating my vegetables, but I want to become more informed!
We get musings from the late Howard Andrew Jones on the origin of the term “New Edge” (which, despite being in the NESS Discord for over a year, I’m just now learning is a genre label dating back two decades, analogous to sci-fi’s New Wave, and not merely the name of the magazine).
Next, there’s a solid essay from Cora Buhlert on C. L. Moore and Jirel of Joiry.
The longest editorial matter is an interview editor Brackenbury did with Milton Davis (whom I’ve only encountered in The Long Walk). It’s interesting.
A brief essay by Brian Murphy mostly serves to provide examples of its title: “The Outsider in Sword & Sorcery.”
Nicole Emmelhainz’s essay “Gender Performativity in Howard’s ‘Sword Woman’” is fascinating, and makes me miss the social sciences. I do wish I’d read the REH story in question beforehand.
Robin Marx reviews a self-published story collection, The Obanaax by Kirk A. Johnson. I’m intrigued.
Lastly, editor Brackenbury gives a statement of intent in “What is New Edge Sword & Sorcery?” It’s actually rather inspiring.
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And that’s it for Issue 0! Surprisingly solid overall, for a volunteer effort. So much love and reverence went into putting it together. I’m excited to speed ahead into the “official” NESS run!
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