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Swords Against! Sword & Sorcery Fiction Magazine

Created by Elastic Torch Publishing

Sword & sorcery fiction accented by great art. Our magazine explores the boundaries between the old and new, challenges where the genre is and was, and tells some kick-ass stories. The magazine is published in softcover and digital formats.

Latest Updates from Our Project:

It's a Thing!
3 days ago – Thu, Jul 16, 2026 at 01:16:03 PM

Digging in on the Swords Against! proof along with some Enchiladas Y Mas. I'm so excited that it's finally a physical thing in my hand. It's looking good. Now to read it one more time cover-to-cover.

Thanks again to everyone that supported us. If you haven't responded to your pledge manager survey, please do so!

Shipping charge issue has been corrected!
4 days ago – Wed, Jul 15, 2026 at 04:37:56 PM

If you go back to your pledge manager, the shipping issue should be corrected. Let me know directly if you still see a problem. 

Thanks and sorry for the confusion, 
Paul

Surveys went out and there's a shipping charge Issue!
4 days ago – Wed, Jul 15, 2026 at 04:21:56 PM

Hey guys, 

Looks like there's a shipping charge issue for some pledge levels. If you see a $100 shipping charge, don't pay it. I'm tracking down the issue now. If you've already paid it, reach out to me directly and I'll get you a refund. 

Apologies! Didn't see this problem in the smoke test. 

If your shipping charge looks correct, go ahead and complete your survey. 

Paul

Progress Report: 'Zine is ready to print, Main mag is at proof, Smoke Test Surveys out!
5 days ago – Tue, Jul 14, 2026 at 05:53:12 PM

The title of this post about covers it. 

  • I sent the order to print the collaborative 'zine. Be sure to add-on if you want additional copies! 
  • The main magazine is now at the printer. They'll have a proof ready for me in a couple of days. I'll post pictures. 
  • As soon as I click "send" on this update, I'm sending the Smoke Test for the survey (that sends the survey to random 5% of backers). If you get one, please be sure to report back if you see a problem. 

My expectation is that the full surveys will go out by week end and the main mag will be printing! We are on track to ship out by the end of the month.

The pre-order store is also open for those that didn't back the project and now feel terrible gnawing regret:

I really appreciate ya'll's support. Make sure you share on social media! Tell your friends. Taunt your enemies! Raise your sword..ahem.... 

'Zine back from proof! Main mag is in draft layout.
11 days ago – Wed, Jul 08, 2026 at 09:20:12 AM

Hey kids,

Some progress to report. I got the collaborative 'zine back from the printer this morning. It's looking really good. I have a couple of corrections to make, but it's otherwise ready to print.

Preview pics below, but here's a video walkthrough!  

The main magazine's draft layout has been completed. I'm going through and filling whitespace today and finishing up front/back matter. Pushing to get this to proof by Friday. It's taken longer that I expected, but I know you'll enjoy the quality of fiction and art we have in this inaugural issue.

Other Administrivia: Smoke test of the surveys goes out today...

Thanks again all the backers of this little venture. And thank you for your patience.