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On Spec: The Canadian Magazine Of The Fantastic vol 16 no. 3 # 58 fall 2004
01/06/2005 . Source: Donna Jones 
magazine: Copper Pig Writers Society. Price: $ 5.95 (CAN). ISSN: 0843-476X. Distributed in Canada by CMPA and the UK by BAR. check out website: www.onspec.ca
As always 'On Spec' had me hooked from the editorial at the very beginning. Whilst it's a cracking magazine of its time, it does rely an awful lot on word-of-mouth and it's regular subscribers to keep this Canadian Council for the Arts supported publication going. I sensed that the editorial regarding the lack of presence in a wider readership, kept the overall tone of this quarters 'On Spec' down.
A few of the stories in this edition had me scratching my head in a kind of wonderment at the surreal nature of their tales. 'Pornzilla' was weird beyond belief and the opening story by Pauline Clift, 'A Surfeit Of Rabbits', had that very same weird element but managed to get me hooked.
The outstanding stories in this edition have to be mentioned in detail. 'Bridget's Blessing' by Peter Hynes was a small chapter in a woman's life that was so intricately designed that I was holding my breath through out it. Bridget has the power to bless seafaring boats so that when they go out to sea they come back. All she needs to say is 'Safe!' and her blessing is made. On one occasion, a ship doesn't come back, the ship which holds her husband. We catch up with her when she is old and still segregated from the rest of the community for her misdemeanour, one that was intentional.
'Smart Card' by Kristopher Horton was a story actually told by a new technology called, obviously, a smart card which monitors spending and manages fiscal responsibility. It doesn't necessarily make for an interesting plot but the method with which we find ourselves being pulled is a controversial but compelling one.
The artwork from Peter Thorpe in the Gallery Feature was highly imaginative and quite stylised. I have a feeling his work holds the message of deep spirituality and has far greater meaning to its maker, which is shown in all its glory to us. Peter Thorpe has created the cover artwork for many book covers for over twenty-five years.
If you have the chance to get hold of 'On Spec' regularly, I'd advise you that it is well worth the cost. For those of us on a little island just off Europe, you can make a beeline for the 'On Spec' website and subscribe there. Now where's the next one!
Donna Jones
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