A Multi-Genre Collection that's DEAD-ON

IT'S FOR YOU & OTHER DARK SPECULATIONS by Keith Minnion (2011 White Noise Press / 304 pp / tp)


For the past several years I've been enjoying the artwork of Keith Minnion; he's one of those artists whose style is instantly recognizable.  He has also designed and produced some of the best-looking chapbooks I've ever seen through his small press.


Imagine my surprise when I discovered this busy artist was also a writer.  Don't you just HATE show-offs?


It turns out Minnion's stories have been published in some top-notch markets (dating back to the late 70s) and the best of his chops are collected here in IT'S FOR YOU & OTHER DARK SPECULATIONS.


After an introduction by Norman Prentiss, we're thrown into 19 stories that span several genres (most with a dark edge).  Among my favorites are 'On the Midwatch,' a creepy scifi tale set at sea in the North Atlantic; 'Up in the Boneyard,' about an old man who had accidentally discovered a strange portal while flying in 1913--and in 1986 has found a way to get back to it; 'Empire State,' an apocalyptic yarn set in 2238 on a post-flooded earth; 'Bushidio' deals with odd goings-on aboard an interstellar ship (and reminded me of a classic tale you'd find in HEAVY METAL magazine).  'Room to Let,' while similar to 'Up in the Boneyard,' is another take on a mystical doorway, this time full of interesting oddballs.


The final story (which was also released this year as a chapbook by Cemetery Dance Publications), 'Island Funeral,' is easily the best of the crop.  Great atmosphere and a solid cast drive this heart-breaking account of a man trying to keep his deceased wife's final wish.


Minnion's pen is as sharp as his pencil (most stories here are even accompanied by a character's portrait, drawn by the author) and his prose as smooth as his strokes.  IT'S FOR YOU is a fine showcase of one truly talented individual; BUT...can he also dance?  (It wouldn't surprise me in the least at this point).