FEMSPEC
An interdisciplinary feminist journal dedicated to science fiction, fantasy, magical realism, surrealism, myth, folklore, and other supernatural genres.
FEMSPEC is a collectively-produced peer-reviewed journal run primarily by women. As such, we believe in a non-hierarchical community and work to make our space one of cooperation. All members are valued, listened to, and respected without regards to age, experience, or professional position. We encourage all voices to contribute to our cause through non-violent communication.
Femspec Vol 26, Issue 1, 2026
EDITORIAL INTRODUCTION.....................................................
Batya Weinbaum
CRITICAL ARTICLES.................................................................
Reading Wide Awake: Jean E. Karl, Atheneum Books, and
Mythopoeic Fiction
Sophia Arts...........................................................................
Witchcraft and Warfare: Female Power, Violence, and
Conditional Citizenship in Motherland: Fort Salem
Judith Rauscher....................................................................
BEHIND THE SCENES
Barbara Bennett..................................................................
EVENT COVERAGE...................................................................
Why Femspec Makes the Rounds: 7 events Aug-Sep, 2025
Batya Weinbaum
REVIEWS
NARRATIVE FILM AND FICTION...............................................
Creature Feature Films of 2025
Merry Byrd......................................................................
Wicked: For Good, directed by Jon M. Chu
Nolan Boyd....................................................................
Miami in Virgo: The Secret Worlds of Adulthood
Michelle Nussey.............................................................
The Fox Wife
Barbara Bennett.............................................................
Two Tales of Witches: There’s Nothing More Potent Than The
Archetype of A Witch
Kristin Alder....................................................................
NON-FICTION AND THEORY.....................................................
Ceres in Astrology: Nourishment, Power, and the Rebirth of the
Feminine
Merry Byrd.......................................................................
Anti-Blackness and Human Monstrosity in Black American
Horror Fiction
Merry Byrd.......................................................................
Kinship in Nora Keita Jemisin’s Fiction
Tajanae Barnes...............................................................
BOOKS AND MEDIA RECEIVED………………………….………
CONTRIBUTORS.......................................................................
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