Dark Magic (illustrated by Sven)

“And every morning became a gift, and every evening became a promise…”

Canadian cartoonist Sven, and Rachel Evangeline Chiong, the -geline half of spoken word act Konstangeline, team up in this comics adaptation of Rachel’s poem, “Dark Magic.” Many creation stories begin when light brings life to a sea of darkness. But what if it was in reverse?

“Kabangka” (in Living Hyphen: Issue 2.2)

“When we stand at the edge of the universe
the stardust ebbs and flows between our toes
We, the Filipinos,
comb our fingers through hair, thick and wavy,
washed in rivers of sinking stars…”

To be displaced – whether voluntarily or forced, violently or subtly, from abroad or right here on this land – that is, to be removed or to remove oneself from one’s home invariably comes with loss. The trauma of that loss seeps across time. The violence of that pain bleeds across generations. This issue is an invitation to confront this pain, to touch the centre of our sorrow, and to begin healing these tender wounds. It is an invitation to create the space to grow and blossom.

“Desidido” (in Magdaragat: An Anthology of Filipino-Canadian Writing)

“Desidido’s sweater smelled like
bay leaves buried in its wrinkles
Receipts tucked into soft pockets
crinkling like fresh rice paper”

Since first arriving in Canada, the Filipino community has contributed invaluably — and too often invisibly — to the fabric of Canadian society. In this anthology of Filipino-Canadian writing, Magdaragat explores the diverse intricacies of these growing yet underrepresented peoples, continuing the vital work of recognizing and celebrating their cultural contributions.

“Moon-Eaters & Monsoons” (in AUGUR ISSUE 6.2)

“It was in Gintuan’s southernmost point, where the islands narrowed and tapered off like the end of a snake, that the twins Amihan and Habagat found themselves staring down the shoreline awkwardly, avoiding eye contact…”

This issue begins with a question so large that it becomes a quest to answer: what is fantasy?  Many definitions tie back to the creative imagination, which itself is unique to the individual. Our inner worlds, private and profound and possible, create the fantasy spaces that we can escape into, or else use to speculate on the questions too complex or tender for our current reality. The fantasy in this issue makes myths to reveal truths. It is at once tender and sharp, holds us tight and sets us free, breaks and builds new orders and worlds.

“palm” (in FeelsZine: Kinship issue)

“When i spread apart my hand, i can count
the spaces between my fingers,
and tell you the four reasons why i love you.”

We all know the expression ‘no one is an island’. Cooperation between us is essential to our survival and happiness. But what about those special, one-of-a-kind, magnetic bonds we have that tether us to the people we love most in the world? In Issue 11, we explore the friendship, blood, and chosen family relationships that bring us joy, security, and calm as we each navigate the rocky waters that make up our lives.

“The fanfic my hysband never saw.” (in Lore 001)

“My husband and I have been inseparable since age 14. Still, I’ve never worked up the courage to show Jon my fanfiction. There’s almost nothing “pre-him”, but I’ve always kept a few tiny pieces just to myself. This is the only big one…”

Lore 001 is all about SECRETS. The mag has pieces about being a corporate rat, an orange cat’s past lives, r/fauxmoi, the hidden power of bimbos, 1D tumblr archeology, fucking on a boat, surviving as an eldest daughter, masking your ADHD—plus the most poisonous advice columns ever, courtesy of Katie and Isaac, Lore 001 is the product of 11 writers, 2 art directors, a collage artist, a few photographers.

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Insomnia (2013)

“The businessman balanced the poppy-seed bagel on his thigh. In its skin-tight plastic it rocked like an upturned raft to the rhythm of the train heading towards his hometown, where his sister’s wedding would take place that weekend…”

Pulished by the Poetry Institute of Canada. Winner of the “Young Writers of Canada: Manuscript Context”.

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