neko cam > Recent Status Updates

A little tricky to follow, as they often are when the stories focus on the Germans and feature German words heavily, but still well worth it. Concerning a librarian searching through Vienna during or just after the war trying to find a manuscript, while a Yithian does the same.

'Paperclip'

A really enjoyable story. A little weaker in the ending than I'd have liked, but otherwise really quite good. I was expecting the creature to be some colour out of space - and perhaps it was, but not definitively at least. Interesting seeing an operation from so far in the past, as well; back in the P4 days.

'The Color of Dust'

Almost certainly my favourite story of the collection - saved for last. A young medical student discovers scrimshaw on the bones of a cadaver and becomes enthralled. It's quite Lovecraftian all told, and good for it.

'The Design'

Almost flash fiction, I believe, in that it captures a very distinct and finite moment and explores only that, but to its fullest. Whimsical and ethereal, of a boy crying for a China horse.

'A Mount'

Another whay-the-fuck trailer. Something about sound? And birds? I've got no idea.

'Listen the Birds'

A nicely dark story of a haunted (?) picture frame. Or of a man's decent to madness. Or of a woman's?

'The Rabbet'

'The Rabbet'

If I knew more about the story of Orpheus I'd likely get this story more. But alas.

'Four Final Orpheuses'

The thematic murder of a controversial Jewish director releasing an arguably anti-Semitic vampire film.

'The Junket'

My summary of this story is a quote from its pages: "They laid eggs, so, many people said, they must have dex. There was no logic there. They were oil rigs."

'Covehithe'

Super short, but in tone for Mieville. The last few paragraphs actually alter the focus of the story well, and make it more interesting for it. Slicing through paintings to dissect the goings-on behind the facade.

'A Second Slice Manifesto'

Almost a disappointing ending but I don't know what else I could possibly have expected to happen. A strange disease (?) where circular ruts form around people when they're stationary for a time.

'Keep'

Another story that I'm sure I miss the point of, but at least with some brilliant imagery. A stag, antlers aflame, casually strolling down London main streets.

'Estate'

A wistful exploration of something that speaks deeply but through so short a piece that it leaves room for contemplation. I'll not look at a child mimicking an aeroplane the same again.

'Rules'

A GREAT story. A slow build, but well worth it. A standardised patient begins presenting ridiculous, non-existent illnesses and her sanity is questioned.

'The Bastard Prompt'

Another trailer. What the fuck. This one about some escaped (robot?) man with a giant hook protruding from his back?