ILLUMINATIONS OF THE FANTASTIC
ONLINE MAGAZINE
A Journal of Imaginative Fiction & Essay
Fantasy · Science Fiction · Mystery · Poetry · Essays · Film Criticism
ISSUE NO.18
Release Date: February 2026
Stories—
In this edition of Illuminations of the Fantastic, visit a strange wood inhabited by fauns and monks, a strange post-war town, and a strange university library holding a truly strange secret. Then read about the films of David Lean, a few of which are strangely neglected; and in Film Filings movies by Christopher Nolan (a weird one), and three oddball Academy Award-winners from the 1980s reviewed by Nathan Gilmore.
THE SONNET CORNER
SONNET CORNER | EDITION NO. 2 · OCT 2025
edited by Samuel J. Stephens & Nathan Gilmore
Theme: The Golden Hour. Poems by Timothy E.G. Bartel, Sölvör Bjarna, Michael Helsem, Arthur Malory, Thomas Mixon, Sarah Reardon, and Royal Rhodes.
···see page for submission instructions···
THE BOOK CORNER
edited by Samuel J. Stephens & Nathan Gilmore
Debut edition. Three reviews by Nathan Gilmore. A biography about King and about a king; a history of WWII.
···interested in submitting a book review? contact us at illuminationsfantastic (at) gmail (dot) com···
MOVIE BALCONY
A movie blog for new and classic films. Monthly review editions for our ‘Film Filings’ series. Also includes rankings, essays, news, and opportunities to contribute.
ARCHIVE
THE ARCHIVES ARE OPEN DAY AND NIGHT!
Archive of past issues and series. A great place to browse and bookmark for a rainy day.
chief editor:
SAM STEPHENS
managing editor:
PHILIP J. PALACIOS
associate editor:
NATHAN GILMORE
associate editor:
DIANA MASSENGALE
art consultant:
EVANGELINA STEPHENS
published by:
ILLUMINATIONS OF THE FANTASTIC
founders:
SAM STEPHENS & PHILIP J. PALACIOS
city location:
NASHVILLE, TN
publishing years:
2020-present
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