ReviewI've just finished reading the inaugural Issue of the Australian Horror Writers Association new showcase magazine Midnight Echo. As promised here is a review of the first up offering from the AHWA, though I'm slightly bemused as to how you go about reviewing an anthology magazine never having done one before. Normally I would start with a plot crunch to give you the john dory, but there's over sixteen stories involved here so that would get a tad boring. Guess I'll start with the technical aspects, move through my thoughts on the contents, before finishing with some "wish list" ideas for future issues. Hey if that's not what you were after then go read Roger Ebert's increasingly insane ramblings on film or something.Issue one weighs in at 98 odd pages, which considering the price tag is value for money in anyone's language. The majority of space is given to the sixteen stories by Australian writers, though admittedly one of those stories is the poem "Night Hunting" by Stephen Studach. As a bonus we also get U.K writer Robert Shearman's "Be of Good Cheer", an interview with up and comer Dave Hoskin, and get to dip our toes in the art word so we can feel all smug and urbane I guess. The cover art work for edition one is "Psycho Cheerleader" by Dale Rhodes which I thought was suitably spooky and added the right feeling to proceedings as I flipped onto the table of contents. Speaking of art, throughout the magazine there are silhouette drawings of trees that provide a stark and once again spooky feeling to the content, which for mine were a nice touch. Full marks to Editors Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond for providing a well rounded product that should hit the spot for most dark genre literature fans. Issue one really is a treasure technically and kicks off Midnght Echo in fine style. You just can't beat that foreboding atmosphere that is conjured up. If someone could tell me what the hell type of tree that is, and whether or not the birds roosting in it are crows I would be appreciative. The sharp eyed and bushy tailed amongst us will also noticed a resounding lack of advertising. Surprisingly I'm going to say that's something I actually missed seeing, just how sad an individual am I. In future additions I would love to see some new Australian book releases being advertised, maybe some online stores carrying Down Under dark fiction paying for some space, that sort of thing. I'm not sure on editorial policy when it comes to advertising so that might be against the tenets of the AHWA's remit here. As stated there are sixteen stories and a poem in edition one. I'm not about to criticise each and every entry, I simply don't have the space to do so, but a few thoughts. The standard of writing is extremely high. If thinking of submitting, and the editorial panel are open to submissions for future editions, take the time to read through the currently published content there's no weakest link here, we are talking the cream of the cream, (whatever the hell that means). Naturally I preferred some stories over others, and no doubt different readers will have different favourites dependant on taste. Felicity Dowker's They Live Under the House hit all the right notes for me (fingers crossed she has a book out I'm an instant fan), Cactus by David Conyers was impressive and highly visual, and Accidents by newcomer Dave Hoskins shows we have up and coming talent. Special mention of Piggies by Martin Livings for a gruesome final story on our reading list. Livings doesn't explain anything, it simply happens and we are there at the dinner table during proceedings. That one will stick with you long after you have put Midnight Echo aside. Stephen King covered similar ground, but King is a pussy in comparison to the dark notions of Livings story. There were of course a few minor criticisms I had of the magazine, hey no one gets it right first time up or provides the content everyone wants to read. The interview with Dave Hoskin by Steven Studach was resoundingly twee, and didn't work for me. Keep that sort of stuff for the Sci-Fi publications please, I don't need a talkative conch shell in my interview reading material thank you very much. A letters to the Editor(s) page would be appreciated, but I guess the AHWA are going to need a few Issues under their belt before hitting that notion. And finally maybe a news article once an Issue would be worthwhile; upcoming Aussie events, new releases, that sort of thing. In the wash up Midnight Echo Issue 1 is great value for money, is a highly professional publication, and showcases some great Down Under talent. I had a great time in country with the various stories, the artwork, and found it bloody hard to put down to be honest. Just one more story was my catch cry while reading. Will I be backing up for Issue 2? You betcha, it's going to be a long six month wait. Editor's Note |
