"Weird Tales" 85th Anniversary Blowout

"Weird Tales" is celebrating the 85th anniversary of the publication since its original incarnation in March, 1923, by holding blowout specials, contests, and events. $20 will currently net you a sale priced subscription to a full year of the magazine's latest issues. "Weird Tales" made startling changes to its traditional format earlier last year, and continues to promote its transformation and focus on contemporary, original writers. However, the editors clearly seek to maintain a pseudo-scholarly spotlight for "Weird Tales" giants like Ray Bradbury and H.P. Lovecraft, as weird news columns and a new series of articles on aspects of the Cthulhu Mythos in recent issues demonstrate.

"Weird Tales" is also making a heavy public appearance at this weekend's Norwescon 31, a Wisconsin-based convention renowned for attracting large displays and personalities from the sci-fi, fantasy, and horror worlds. Readings, historical panels, authors, and the unveiling of the 85th anniversary issue will appear here. Discussion of the "85 Weirdest Storytellers of the Past 85 Years," selected by readers and editors, will also be hosted by the magazine's staff. Norwescon runs Thursday through Sunday, March 23, and should provide an appropriate soapbox for the weird, and the publication that carries its name.

-Grim Blogger