Body Shots: Volume II (Fall 2025) - Paperback

by Cliff Hensley (Editor)

GENRE IS A CONSTRUCT. GENRE DOES NOT EXIST.

WELCOME BACK TO BODY SHOTS.

Subtle Body Press's flagship fiction anthology series returns, with an eclectic mix of new, established, and emerging voices working in the medium of the short story, curated without limitation to any particular genre, form, or trope. This time around, enjoy (or, occasionally, endure) a unique mixer of what those who must label things might call conventional literary fiction, science fiction, speculative fiction, magical realism, horror, satire, crime fiction, transgressive literature, surrealist trash, and "grit lit," often tasteful, sometimes not, frequently beautiful, at times horrific, occasionally comedic, tragic, or experimental, but always meaningful, and always with great care taken by editor Cliff Hensley to arrange it along a logical or intuitive chain, a shared thematic or aesthetic path. There are no boxes or boundaries here; every kind of story is welcome.

As long as it kicks ass. As long as it has something to say.

Featured in this issue, we are excited to bring you a truly special treat: the English-language debut of "La Cara" (The Face) by Colombian speculative fiction sensation Luis Carlos Barragán Castro, rendered with care through the loving and painstaking efforts of essayist and literary translator Isaac Dwyer. Two reader-favorite alumni of Body Shots also make their returns: Silver Falchion Award winning author Christina Hoag brings us a coming-of-age tale with a touch of mystery and Best Horror of the Year selectant Tom Johnstone does what he does best.

Plus, more new fiction by Bart Plantenga, Miranda Jensen, British Science Fiction Association Award winning author Aliya Whiteley, Veronica DiMeo, Pushcart Prize nominated author Jennifer Lorne, Holden Michaels, Meg Ashleigh, Shirley Jackson Award nominated author Joe Koch, Matthew Chrulew, Kyle Mercer, Julian Munds, and Pushcart Prize winning author Douglas W. Milliken.