Grimdark Magazine Issue #43 is here!

Last Updated on July 1, 2025

In Issue Grimdark Magazine #43, we’re bringing you stories that stretch the boundaries of storytelling—brutal, bold, and absolutely soaked in the shadows of grimdark worlds. Our cover story comes from none other than Ryan Cahill, author of the Bound and Broken series. His tale, When the Skies Cried Crimson Rain, combines old gods, new myths, the paranormal, and mercenaries who might just rip your still-beating heart from your chest. Werewolves and vampires? Sure. But trust us—Ryan makes them cool again.

We’re also thrilled to feature Richard S. Ford, author of numerous fantasy trilogies, with his story The Blacksmith of Lothar’s Cross. The opening lines set the tone perfectly:

“He seemed such a gentle soul when he first came to us. A gentle giant, you might say. Peaceful, like. No one would ever have guessed his capacity for violence. But then, you can’t be peaceful unless you have that in you. That killing edge. Only violent folk who choose peace can truly be called ‘peaceful’. Those with no capacity for violence aren’t peaceful. They’re just harmless.”

If that doesn’t grab you by the throat (you’ll get what I did there in a second), just head down and check out the rest of the line up!

So kick back, pop that beer (or pour that dark roast), and dig into this issue. I had a hell of a time putting it together—and I hope you love it just as much as I do.

Cover reveal

As always, Carlos Diaz has got on the front foot and driven this one straight back over the bowler’s head with a fiery representation of Ryan Cahill’s When the Skies Cried Crimson Rain.

The line up

This is an absolutely massive issue, with plenty of voices to check out in both fiction and non-fiction.

Fiction:

Bravery by Michael R. FletcherThe Blacksmith of Lothar’s Cross by R.S. FordDeath Beneath the Dread Sleeper by Lucy A. SnyderThe Name by Abhishek SenguptaWe are Vignettes by Tlotlo TsamaaseWhen the Skies Cried Crimson Rain by Ryan Cahill

Non-fiction:

An Interview with Martina and Hansi from NerdforgeReview: Liminal Monster by Luke TarzianOriginality and the Importance of Passion in Storytelling by Aaron S. JonesAn Interview with Jackson Dickert by Beth TablerAn interview with Editors Christopher Golden and Brian Keene and anthology contributors by Beth TablerReview: The Gryphon King by Sara OmerProject Starship: Thinner, Stronger, Smarter: The Two-Dimensional Future of Starship Design by Meghan LegerRead Grimdark Magazine #43

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You can also get this issue from our webstore, here.

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