SciFan Magazine

SciFan Magazine (SF & Fantasy Magazine)

Issue #1, January 2017

SciFan Entertainment

ISBN # 978-1520252056

Price $8.95

182 Pages

Rating 3-Stars

We live in a time when magazines are becoming a thing of the past. It’s nice to see a new science fiction/fantasy magazine appear, basically with unknown authors to start, hopefully, a long run.

I wanted to review the production of the magazine this time around, as I don’t have time to read all the stories in my busy review log. First of all, this is a huge magazine, 8.5 x 11 inches, with a glossy cover and white pages. The production looks good.

There are several negative points to this issue, and I hope they will be addressed in future issues. Number one, the price doesn’t seem bad when you first look at it, but that’s not what the buyer pays. Add to the $8.95 price, include postage of $4.98, then a tax of $1.15, and the magazine cost me $15.08, which is too high a price. I do not plan on repeating. The publisher needs to think seriously about creating a subscription price and knock off five or six dollars.

The second negative complaint concerns the TM (Trade Mark image). It’s nice, but almost every page has a full size image of the trademark center page and covering story text like a watermark; this could have been a small image placed in one of the corners of the page, if they want it on every page. But definitely not as a large image covering every page. It is distracting, and not needed. Come on, we know it’s your trademark, gee.

Another complaint concerns interior illustrations. Yes, there are a few, but basically what is known as “postage stamp” small spot drawings. Hmm, the trademark gets almost full page on every page, but we get a tiny spot illustration for the stories? That doesn’t seem right. How about a larger image of interior art?

Okay, that’s my take on this new SF/Fantasy magazine. Recommended with a few misgivings. My 3-Star Rating is strictly on the price and production, not on the stories. I will rate the stories another day. Since I didn’t review the stories, I’ll let the magazine editor tell you what’s inside.

“In this first issue of SciFan™ Magazine, we are proud to present the creative works of thirteen talented authors who write in the Science Fantasy genre. Among these authors, we secured an Exclusive Sneak Peek to Amazon Bestselling Author Blaise Corvin's upcoming novella "Secret of the Old Ones" which is scheduled to be released in late January 2017! In this issue we will also divulge the secrets to his success story in the new LitRPG genre.

To learn more about what Science Fantasy is, or if you are interested in submitting your works for consideration in a future issue, check out our website at SciFan.org.

Octav’s Rise to Ainoren by Dawn Chapman:

What the King has to say to Commander Octav Broki not only rocks his very beliefs but will alter the world he knows and loves forever. Despite his most primal need to defend and protect, he must go on this mission and leave his friend to fate.

Seance on Death Row by Douglas Kolacki:

The courts are willing to commute a murderer's sentence from death to life. But first he must face the ghost of his victim.

The Tot of Wonder by John Taloni:

Omniman has been a superhero for decades - and a father for just over a year. His superpowered tot is a joy and a trial for him and his human wife. How can Omniman balance the duties of a superhero against the needs of a baby only he can handle?

Miss Soames by Kyle Hemmings:

A banker, bored with his life and his job, falls in love with a beautiful new employee who seems just as empty and bored as he is. Little does he know what she has in store.

Orlok's Song by David Castlewitz:

When Orlok flees the onslaught of humans, he intends to take his family to the nearby city where a rumored underground sanctuary will shelter them.

Voices Beneath The Ice by Matthew McKiernan:

When three astronauts land on Europa looking for extraterrestrial life, they find themselves trapped in a nightmare from which they cannot escape.

Secret of the Old Ones by Blaise Corvin:

A hardcore gamer has been playing for a year and is about to get his big break. Trent has the keys to massive success, but he also accidentally painted a target on his back… both in, and out of the game.

The SciFan™ Universe: A Scientific Creationist Story

Episode One: The Stirring by Jared Fleming:

Father's creation has been threatened by That-From-Beyond. Entire armies die, planets are torn asunder, and some swear that reality itself is coming undone. And yet, they stand. Despite all odds, tanks and artillery go forth, a bulwark against the Beast.

The Keystone Islands: Portals of the Grave by Lander Allen:

Scott, Miranda, and Dixon are in a race to find out who they really are. As they battle to save Cova from the threat of this new civilization, they must answer this most important question: are they the very weapons that could destroy humanity?

Stormguard: The Invisible War

Episode One by Tom Fallwell:

The Stormguard are the guardian angels of myth and legend, those who protect mortal souls and fight the war against Lucifer and his Fallen. Two of these angels embark on a mission to save humanity from unseen forces and dark terrors.

Spacejacking, First Act by Russell Hemmell:

What would you be thinking if an Asteroid Belt-bound spaceship suddenly vanishes under your eyes with no apparent scientific explanation? Bonus point: the ship's pilot is the girl you're in love with. Remi is going to find out.

The Brat and the Other Country by David Perlmutter:

Responding to a phone call from a colleague, the superhero known as the Brat enters the magical realm of Anthropomorph, where even her formidable powers are put to the test by the many supernatural denizens dwelling there.

In the Hot Mists by John A. Frochio:

A wild and rollicking steampunk adventure about a steam-powered airship race held at the Tenth Annual World Steam and Technology Convention. During the course of the race, the contestants have strange and extraordinary encounters.”

Tom Johnson

Author of WORLDS OF TOMORROW