Magazine of Science Fiction & Fantasy September/October 2013: 2013 Book #36
2 of 5 stars
If I had to sum up this magazine in one word, it would be “dated.” Granted, I have a preconceived notion going in as I’ve looked at this magazine as a writer, and they are one of the last few holdouts who still only accept submissions by mail only. However, some of the stories felt a few years too late, and even some of the little touches on their banners and marketing copy feel a little bit off, like a mom who wants to get technology, but doesn’t quite have the terminology right.
Two perfect examples was the story “MyPhone20”, and film commentary “Beam Me Up, J.J.” The story was clearly written by someone who’d held out and just got a smartphone, and was struck by the possibilities of how it might potentially impact how we interact with each other. This story would have been far more interesting five years ago. The film commentary was an odd essay on Abrams treatment of the Star Trek universe when placed against the Shatner- and Stewart-era shows/movies – but the publishing cycle must have been way too long, because Into Darkness came out almost a half year ago. This type of essay would have been much better suited on a blog and timed to come out with the movie.
All that said, I did enjoy a few of the stories. Particularly “The Queen of Eyes,” It felt like Gaiman’s “American Gods,” but done better and an appropriate length. “Hhasalin” was also a nice sci-fi tale set in an alternate world. It was one of those stories where the science fiction doesn’t get in the way of the story even though the world it takes place in is vastly different from our own.
One other feature that dragged this magazine down for me was the “Books to Watch” section. I’d think this would be a list of upcoming books the author enjoyed and wants to share with their readership, but he spent over half the review discussing flaws in the book – then ending by saying “You should definitely read this.” I’ll not mimic his technique here – I might give MF&SF another chance, but overall I was felt underwhelmed.