Le Spectre Politerary Journal - Summer 2020

This is the sequel and second issue of Le Spectre Politerary Journal, a literary journal for the discriminating lefty. Within, you will find a provocative assortment of never before published writings and artworks from a diverse collection of extraordinary contributors young and old, fresh and experienced, emerging and established. In our Summer issue you can read a captivating original interview with author, musician and all around phenom Josh Malerman (best known for his hit novel turned Netflix sensation Bird Box, and producing the theme song for Showtime's 'Shameless') providing a wealth of insights into his inspirations, beliefs, and creative processes, and relaying some exciting new developments regarding future writing projects and film adaptations in the works. There is also a spectacular article by David Cobb, 2004 Green Party presidential nominee and campaign manager to Jill Stein, parsing through the strengths and weaknesses of Michael Moore's most recent documentary on environmentalism. For fans of poetry you can also enjoy two original, highly topical poems by acclaimed citizen journalist, author, and guerrilla poet Caitlin Johnstone, as well as new poignant works from Angeleno comedienne and host of the popular podcast Awkward Fun Time, Elle Latham. The painting gracing the cover entitled 'New York Emerging from the Pandemic' is by Bloomington Minnesotan artist Will Nevers, and several other beautiful examples of his work can be found displayed within. There are many further phenomenal artworks on display within these pages, including gorgeous charcoal renderings by UK artist Tianyin Wang, fine art nature photography and hybrid pieces marrying the words and images of Aaron Lelito, stunning collages accompanied with poems by Sara Plain, and the singularly diminutive pottery of Kate Chambers, which also is featured on the Summer edition's back cover. You can further peruse a critical essay by Jerome Berglund celebrating the DC film Birds of Prey, in the process expounding upon some concerns regarding the Watchmen television series and the recent Tarantino movie Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Another article of Berglund's is also included which examines less optimal journalistic practices discernible on a popular website frequently relied upon for fact checking by credulous web surfers. The issue has the great privilege of premiering a thrilling short story in the pulp crime tradition of Cain and Thompson, by prolific novelist Michael Hughes, and several poems by inimitable historian poet Christopher Moore. There is also a delightful piece of flash fiction depicting early youth and language barriers, vividly capturing the immigrant experience, by retired psychiatrist author Barbara Vik. You can also take great pleasure in a poem by Belfast writer and musician Jordan Urdun advocating animal rights and trumpeting the merits of veganism and its feasibility today. Alana Campbell has been generous enough to contribute a magnificent poem on mourning dedicated to author Paul Celan, and Cedar London has supplied a mesmerizing haiku. In keeping with the tradition begun in the premiere issue, Le Spectre with the assistance of tattoo expert and enthusiast Jack Wier has curated several memorable examples showcasing the artistry of a renowned ink magician, highlighting the flash designs of Kansas tattooist Joe 'Magoo' McGill. Le Spectre will be releasing future issues quarterly, with the next one projected to be arriving in the Fall of 2020. If you enjoy this you can peruse additional information about these artists/writers and their works, and find updates about future editions online at the journal's social media channels and website.