Time for another visit to Gorzów Wielkopolski. This time, fantastic stories related to the future await us, some reflections on politics and a dose of extraordinary images. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Landsberg number 5!
Landsberg’s future
I have just received the fifth issue of the LandsbergON Fantastic Magazine from Gorzów . So I can boast that I have all the notebooks that have been published so far. This one, however, differs from its predecessors. Although the format remains the same, this time it was issued on chalky rather than plain paper. In addition, more than usual images have been added to it, which are not just in the middle pages, but are intertwined with the stories. For me, both changes are a plus. They definitely increased the visual attractiveness of the semi-annual. I hope this format will stay in place permanently.
Political introduction
The introduction written by the editor-in-chief, Mariusz Sobkowiak, is unchanging in Landsberg . This time he is discussing how fantasy and politics are mixed up. As an example, he gives one of the earlier stories where the names of real activists were used. He explains that such solutions are necessary to give the stories a little more authenticity. He also goes on to talk about visions of the development of civilization, where the rulers of the countries will also exist. He emphasizes that it is very difficult to write something without any reference to the world of politics. Although I have been interested in fantasy for years, I have never thought about it in this respect. After further reflection, I definitely agree with the editor.
What will happen to us?
The fifth issue of LandsbergON features stories about the future of humanity. The first story was set in 2120, and its author is Marta Kalisiak. Its main character, Artur, supported and controlled at every turn by artificial intelligence, tries to get to work on time. Then we can read the Main Userby the already mentioned Mariusz Sobkowiak and Kamil Kwiatkowski. We get to know a programmer who creates a computer game with himself in the lead role. But what happens when these two worlds get mixed up? Then, thanks to Karol Wojdyło, we move to Gorzów in 2063. In a world where smog covers the world so much that day and night mix, two members of the anti-corporation resistance movement are trying to get a better life for people. But what is true here and what is merely a hallucination? Finally, we can read the Divine Flaw . Paweł Karolczuk presents us with an interesting relationship between a certain Adam and Ewa.
Four stories, each of them extremely dark and not very optimistic for our planet, and above all for ourselves. All of them extremely intriguing and thought-provoking. Each of the authors deserves huge applause.
Words are not enough
As in the previous issues, also this time LandsbergON features drawings and paintings by artists associated with Gorzów. They are Leon Baklarz, Piotr Rossa and the author of the short story Kontrmachina , i.e. Karol Wojdyło. All images are related to the theme of the issue. We can see a dark, post-apocalyptic world, strange and mutated creatures, or a flying saucer over the city. Added to this is the cover showing the cosmonaut on the moon. Everything makes an amazing impression. But it’s best to see it for yourself.
Until the next issue!
Once again, the inhabitants of Gorzów showed their passion, which is fantasy. Interesting stories and beautiful illustrations meant that the fifth issue ended too quickly. Once again, there is a need for the next issue. I can’t wait, especially since the editor-in-chief promises the next part of the story about Wanda. May only financial problems not make things go wrong. But seeing the resourcefulness of the publishers, I am hopeful and wish you another successful edition of the magazine.
