The Dread Machine: Issue 2.4

by Alin Walker

In this issue of The Dread Machine, find a piece of the sky, make friends with some dogs, read a prisoner of war’s Christmas list, dance with the spiders, befriend a dead girl, and spontaneously combust in your drug dealer’s apartment.

Escape the real world with a dying friend, get immortalized in plastic, break the multiverse, and experience a day in the life of a chair.

Whatever you do, protect the children, and make sure you kill all of the fascists.

221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Andrew Kozma · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I'm in this issue, so I'm biased (at least towards my story). However, I can say, without bias, that The Dread Machine consistently publishes beautiful, dark, thought-provoking, and disturbing writing. "I Am A Chair" is a standout in this issue, painting a dark future where capitalism has become so rampant, and the disparity between income levels so great, that many of the poor hire themselves out as living furniture to please the whims of the rich. Worth it for that story alone.

And mine. My story, too, is worth it. (Assume bias.)

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great issue! Faves were "I am a chair" (Nathaniel Lee), "A recipe for crocodile tears" (Jennifer Hudak) and "Welcome to Tranquicage" (Z.T. Gwynn). 👏