Editor's note

Welcome to issue four of Inner Worlds.

For this issue we opened for longer stories than usual, and received over 350 submissions! As usual it was extremely difficult making the final selection, but I’m delighted to present these four stories, spanning science fiction, fantasy, and horror.

“A Prototype of Yourself” offers a nuanced exploration of therapy and technology, “Colossus” is a visceral dream of obliteration in a wild landscape, “A Flame In You” traces the damage caused by gender norms, and “Two Times I Looked Through The Eye Of The Universe, And The One Time I Became It” takes us on a journey across space and beyond reality.

Our cover features Polymorphic Portrait II by artist and poet Oladosu Michael Emerald, a work that is both compelling and unsettling, and speaks to our multiple selves and many perspectives.

I hope you enjoy reading these stories as much as I have. If you like what we're doing here please consider becoming an Inner Worlds subscriber from just £2 per month and help us to keep sharing powerful works like these.

Sarah Jackson, August 2024

Table of contents

• A Prototype of Yourself, by Albert Chu
• Colossus, by Samir Sirk Morató
• The Flame In You, by L. Nabang
• Two Times I Looked Through The Eye Of The Universe, And The One Time I Became It, by Yasmeen Amro

Cover art

Oladosu Michael Emerald (he/him) is the author of the poetry book "Every Little Thing That Moves," the art editor of Surging Tide magazine, pioneer of the Muktar Aliyu Art Residency, and a polymath. His works have been published or forthcoming in many magazines and won numerous awards in writing and art. He tweets as https://twitter.com/garricologist/ and posts at https://www.instagram.com/garrycologist/on Instagram.

“In 'Polymorphic Portrait II', I explore the multifaceted nature of human identity. This piece presents a face with seven eyes, symbolizing the diverse perspectives and experiences that shape us. By fragmenting the traditional single-eyed gaze, I invite viewers/art lovers to consider the complexity of self and the many ways we see and are seen.”