Fantastic and imaginative romances is an independent publisher of speculative fiction literature. the production of our books hinge on the interdisciplinary collaboration between writers and other creative disciplines.
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Aaron Thorpe
”This Machine”
This Machine is a dystopian short story by Atlanta-based writer Aaron Thorpe. The account is set against a backdrop of societal uncertainty and the existential terror of the protagonist’s relationship with technology. Written in a series of quick successions, the narrative follows the psychological turmoil of a man plagued by an ever-growing fear and paranoia towards machines.
The story starts with the protagonist witnessing a distressing news report about police brutality through the lens of a HD camera, setting the stage for themes of the commodification of state-sanctioned violence. As the story progresses, the protagonist spirals into paranoia and undergoes a series of unnerving incidents, experiencing nausea and physical pain when using electronic devices. His avoidance of technology leads to increasing isolation unearthing the complex relationship between the widespread use of the necessity of technology in our current age and mental health.
‘This Machine’ is introduced by writer and programmer Gui Machiavelli and is edited by Black Ballad editor and writer Jendella Benson (‘All We’ve Got’ and ‘Hope & Glory’). The publication features an interdisciplinary collaboration between Aaron Thorpe and graphic illustrator Júlia C. de Aguiar. The unique aspect of this book is how both mediums dictates the pacing, that is, where Aaron’s text stops or pauses, Júlia’s illustration continues in its place, establishing a process of ebb and flow that requires both parties to deeply consider how they wish to use their disciplines to tell a single unified story.
✤ ISBN: 978-3-033-10552-2
✤ Run: 500
✤ Language: English (US)
✤ Size: 120 x 180 mm
✤ Illustrations: B / W
✤ Page count: 72
✤ Binding: Thread Sewn
✤ Format: 280 GMS Soft cover with French fold, silver foil-blocking & blind debossing.
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Aaron Thorpe is a writer originally hailing from New York. After studying Writing and Literature at Borough of Manhattan Community College, he relocated to Georgia and briefly studied Political Science at Georgia State Perimeter College before engaging in community organizing and working various restaurant jobs.
He is currently the co-host of two socialist podcasts: “The Trillbillies” and “Struggle Session.” You can find him on Twitter — still not calling it “X” — under @afrocosmist, where he shares retro sci-fi art, political commentary, and his love for “Star Trek.” He currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia. This is his first published work. -
Júlia C. de Aguiar is a brazilian graphic illustrator. After studying graphic design at the Artez Institute in Arnhem and completing a Master's in Design at the Sandberg Institute in Amsterdam, Júlia developed a keen interest in using the glyph-drawing.club tool to create unique illustrations and fonts.
‘This Machine’ features Júlia’s exploration into combining narrative with visual art, offering a glimpse into their approach to design and storytelling.. -
This book would not have been made possible without the efforts and talents of the following:
✤ Author: Aaron Thorpe✤ Graphic Illustrator: Júlia C. de Aguiar
✤ Graphic Designer: Sherida Kuffour
✤ Editor:Jendella Benson
✤ Foreword: Gui Machiavelli
✤ Afterword: Jendella Benson
✤ Proofreading: Aidan Wall
✤ Printing & Binding: KOPA EU
✤ Typeface (Body Copy): Kéroïne by Charlotte Rohde
✤ Typeface (Paratexts): Degular by James Edmondson
✤ Publisher: Fantastic and Imaginative Romances.