About Black Static
Black Static is the new title for The Third Alternative, which was founded in 1994. With the arrival of Interzone in 2005 it was no longer necessary to publish science fiction and fantasy in The Third Alternative (not that there was ever very much of it), so we took the opportunity to focus on its darker side and give the magazine a new title to emphasise the slight shift, and give potential readers a clearer idea of what the magazine was all about. So the magazine became Black Static, now fully recognisable as a Horror magazine.
"Black Static creeps into the same house as Cemetery Dance and Subterranean as a member of the elite horror publications" Horror World
The title and strapline reference 'electronic voice phenomenon' (EVP), the noise found on recordings which some people interpret as the voices of ghosts. The film White Noise, starring Michael Keaton, could more accurately be called Black Static. What makes the title even more suitable is that 'Black Static' is also Paul Meloy's British Fantasy Award winning story from The Third Alternative.
"The most consistently excellent horror magazine published" Ellen Datlow
The Third Alternative was never afraid to push the envelope, and nothing has changed in that regard. Black Static has earned much praise for its style, bravery, editorial and fiction content. Its stories are innovative and daring, never afraid to shock or disturb, yet always entertain.
"Black Static is a must-read for those who like their fiction contemporary and uncensored" Ed Gorman
The magazine publishes some of the finest Horror writers working today: Christopher Fowler, Afterlife creator/writer Stephen Volk, Lisa Tuttle, Nicholas Royle, Conrad Williams, Tony Richards, Scott Nicholson, Steve Rasnic Tem, Cody Goodfellow, Mélanie Fazi, Matthew Holness (creator and star of TV’s Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace), Michael Marshall Smith, Simon Clark, Graham Joyce, Gary McMahon, Alexander Glass, Joel Lane, to name just a few. Alongside these is a dazzling array of new talent such as Aliette de Bodard, Daniel Kaysen, Shannon Page, Roz Clarke, Ray Cluley, Sarah Totton, James Cooper, Nina Allan, Eric Gregory and many more.
"The most disturbing images I’ve encountered this year or any other. For a different outlook and some quality writing, you should be subscribing" SF Revu
A unique fiction magazine requires unique presentation and Black Static delivers on this front too, thanks to the extraordinary original artwork of David Gentry and a design that delights in breaking rules.
"A wicked beauty" Simon Clark
Every issue contains a striking news feature called White Noise, compiled by Peter Tennant. Pete also supplies all the magazine's book reviews in his Case Notes column which runs to at least fourteen pages and includes interviews, sidebars and factoids. Tony Lee reviews the latest DVD/Blu-ray releases in his Blood Spectrum Column. Christopher Fowler, Stephen Volk and Mike O'Driscoll supply thought-provoking comment columns, and every issue gives away lots of free stuff.
"The premier source for a regular and opinionated overview of the horror, dark and weird genres in the UK" Bookgeeks
Black Static is published bimonthly, in alternate months to Interzone (we offer a discounted joint subscription to both magazines). You can subscribe to the print version using this website's shop, or to the e-edition at Fictionwise.
"Britain’s finest magazine of Dark Fantasy" Suite 101
The Black Static Staff
Editor: Andy Cox
White Noise (news): Peter Tennant
Case Notes (books): Peter Tennant
Blood Spectrum (DVDs/Blu-rays): Tony Lee
Columnists: Stephen Volk, Christopher Fowler, Mike O'Driscoll
E-Edition and Podcast: Pete Bullock
Publicity: Roy Gray
