The last time I reviewed Interzone was for their 200th edition back in September 2005. They have now reached another landmark, their 25th Anniversary. For 25 years this independent magazine has been championing and supporting the rising talent in British sci-fi writing, offering them a place to be read. Some of these writers have gone on to become established names in the world of genre literature.
What is encouraging about the magazine is the quality of the writing. Sci-fi is renown for producing some dire examples of prose, which explains why most publishers’ entries in the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook usually state, “No sci-fi or fantasy mss accepted” and justifiably so. I’m sure the editors at Interzone receive more than their fair share of teen-penned tales of outer space adventures, but if it comes down to a numbers game then they only need a very small percentage to be good to fill the magazine’s quota, and luckily they seem to get more than their share.
But it’s not all youngbloods, and this anniversary edition features words from some of the genre’s luminaries. Stories by M John Harrison, Gwyneth Jones, Alastair Reynolds, Hal Duncan (also interviewed), Jamie Barras, Danile Kaysen, a novella by Edward Morris available as free download and an interview with Kim Stanley Robinson. There are also features on the last 25 years (Stephen Volk – Afterlife etc – on TV; Arthur C Clarke, Greg Egan, Michael Moorcock etc on Interzone itself). Plus there are the usual reviews (books, manga, and Nick Lowe’s always excellent film reviews – even though they tend to come out after the films have finished screening they still make a good read and a useful guide to DVD viewing).
Science Fiction writing wouldn’t be complete without artwork and each issue is well illustrated, and this issue features a cover by Jim Burns.
Interzone is available at better newsagents and bookshops but the best way to get it is by subscription and as part of their anniversary celebrations the publishers of Interzone are offering SCI-FI-LONDON visitors an extra 25% of the usual subscription rate for 12 issues. To take advantage of this very special offer (equivalent to three free issues) visit their website www.ttapress.com, click through to the shop, and when making orders put SCI FI LONDON in the Shopper’s Reference. If paying with Paypal use the SCI FI LONDON reference again.