Wastelands by edited by John Joseph Adams
reviewed by Paul Kincaid
One of the things that science fiction does is look at how it might be, if our dreams or nightmares came true. And one of the most persistent nightmares is the contemplation of loss, of all that we love, all that we know, all that makes us feel comfortable, being taken away from us. It is no surprise, therefore, that variations on the end of the world are as old as science fiction. Though the nature of the apocalypse, and our response to it, have changed depending largely on the cultural context from which the particular end of the world has emerged.

Nexus Graphica
a column by Rick Klaw and Mark London Williams
In L.A. it has been the summer of books. No, not because everyone here in the Pueblo of Angels is suddenly cracking open copies of Ask the Dust or Day of the Locust to unearth their town's own literary history, but rather, because the two main gatherings of the book industry -- the Book Expo of America (or "BEA") and the American Library Association's annual gathering (or "ALA" for short) -- were held there. Our intrepid reporter, Mark London Williams, scouted out the graphic novel scene.

The Outlaw Demon Wails by Kim Harrison
an audiobook review by Jennifer McCann
This sixth installment of the Hollows series starts out with a bang. Rachel Morgan, our ne'er-do-well witch, has once again gotten in over her head. Thinking that all is well, Rachel discovers quickly that things have gotten way out of hand. Algaliarept, the demon that Rachel sent to demon jail, is somehow getting out and gunning for her. Not only is she not safe, but anyone close to her is in danger.

New Audiobooks
compiled by Susan Dunman
At times, it's more convenient (and enjoyable) to hear the latest in science fiction and fantasy. Recent audiobook releases include works by Dave Duncan, Charlie Huston, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, S.M. Stirling, Mike Carey and Naomi Novik.

Moby Dick: A Screenplay by Ray Bradbury
reviewed by Steven H Silver
In 1956, director John Huston released a film adaptation of Moby Dick. Moby Dick had been adapted twice before, in 1926 and 1930, both times starring John Barrymore and both very loose adaptations of the Herman Melville novel. Huston approached a young screenwriter with about ten scripts to his credit to adapt Melville's novel, ignoring the earlier Barrymore vehicles. The result was a film starring Gregory Peck with a screenplay by Ray Bradbury.

Kaleidotrope, Issue 4, April 2008
reviewed by Rich Horton
This issue features a wide selection of stories, many of them quite short, as well as some non-fiction: an interview with the writers of a Doctor Who book, a discussion of "female android sexuality in film" and a parody horoscope column. Add quite a few poems, and a comic strip, and some more art and photography, and you have a varied and interesting publication.

An Alternate History of the 21st Century by William Shunn
reviewed by David Hebblethwaite
In his afterword, the author cautions against the natural human tendency to look for patterns in everything. And, indeed, anyone trying to fashion a single, coherent future history from the six stories in the book will be disappointed. Nevertheless, the tales do comprise an interesting set of snapshots of where we might be heading -- or (as Cory Doctorow's introduction reminds us) where we are now.

Off On A Tangent: Short Fiction Reviews
a column by Dave Truesdale
The first half of 2008 has come and gone, and so with it the once-fresh memories of some of its earlier stories. Beginning with this installment -- as a mid-season memory enhancer -- we'll be taking a look at 2008's short fiction, beginning with January and working our way up to year's end. This time we'll take a look at the January through March issues of F&SF, as well as the Jan./Feb. Special Double Issue of Analog.

New Arrivals
compiled by Neil Walsh
Some of the newest arrivals at the SF Site office include the latest books from Greg Egan, Andrzej Sapkowski, Justina Robson, Neal Asher, Harry Turtledove, and many more.

Babylon 5.1
TV reviews by Rick Norwood
Rick blew the money he got teaching summer school on a new TV. He bought a Toshiba 52X55OU television and a Denon DVD 2500BTCi Blu-Ray player. He already has a good sound system and an all-region DVD player. He added HD cable with DVR. So, was it money well spent?

WALL-E
a movie review by Rick Norwood
Rick loved WALL-E. But... First, the movie is beautiful and moving. The brilliant visuals are in stark contrast with the pedestrian animation of the new Star Wars movie, the previews of which were shown right before this Pixar film. In fact, all of the animated previews before WALL-E looked pretty lame by comparison, except Madagascar II.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army
a movie review by Rick Norwood
In order to enjoy movies these days, it's best to turn off your brain, using the same quantity of drugs the writer/director uses to make the film. Sad to say, Rick's beatnik days are behind him, his IQ has risen into the triple digits, and it has become difficult for him to attain the state of consciousness necessary to really appreciate Hellboy II.

Mad Kestrel by Misty Massey
reviewed by Michael M Jones
Kestrel is a rarity: a woman aboard a pirate ship. Moreover, she's the quartermaster, answering only to her captain, a dashing fellow by the name of Artemus Binns, who's the closest thing she has ever had to a father figure. She works twice as hard as any man to command the proper measure of respect, but the effort's paid off, granting her power and authority, and the freedom she can only find at sea. For only surrounded by water, where magic is ineffective, is she safe.