Lore #4 Spring 1996
$4 from
Rod Heather, Editor
P.O. Box 381
Matawan, NJ 07747-9998

If you haven't heard about Lore, you probably don't listen much. Lore #1 included a story (now nominated for a Stoker) by Harlan Ellison, it received the Dragon's Breath Small Press Award for Best New Title in 95 and recently the Deathrealm Award for best magazine, all based on only its first three issues.

What sets Lore ahead of the small press pack? "Good stories" is the obvious answer, but behind that is a core of editorial certitude and maturity seldom seen in the first few issues of a zine. Heather never misses.

The stories in #4 comprise something of a compendium of traditional horror: a haunting romantic elegy (W.H.Pugmire,) a deal with a demon in a graveyard with some zombies for good measure (Tom Picirilli,) the second part of a Lovecraftian creature feature (Peter Cannon,) a couple on monster tales (Eric Schaller and Mollie Burleson,) a dark folk tale (Lawrence Barker) and a mad scholar turn (Dan Clore.) What? No vampires? Nothing exceedingly beyond what you've always liked, but it's entertaining all the way, and besides -- you HAVE always liked it for good reason.

The lay-out is straight-forward and interspersed with quality art. Respectable poetry is also included.

Lore seems to be a stand-out in the current small press field by doing just what the small press has always done well: presenting good stories readers will enjoy in an attractive package.

Copyright © 1996 by Paula Guran. All Rights Reserved.