Guy Haley over at Death Ray magazine has written to the Nest with some very sad news. Issue 21 of Death Ray magazine will be the last, as their parent Black Fish is to shut down the glossy sci-fi mag. Another damn casualty of the credit crunch. Sorry to hear it.

Matt Bielby over at Blackfish had this to say in his letter which Guy Haley passed across to SFcrowsnest.com...



"I've got some sad news, I'm afraid. Blackfish Publishing is currently in the process of splitting from its parent company, the video game developer and publisher Rebellion, which means that the current issues of Filmstar and Death Ray magazines will, at the very least, be the last for some time. Filmstar will not continue in its present form beyond issue #5, now on sale, or Death Ray beyond issue #21, also on sale.

This is, needless to say, a terrible shame, because both are terrific magazines, with a loyal and growing following, and plenty of potential. However, harsh economic circumstances and assorted unforeseen factors make it impossible for us to continue with them at this time.

I am hopeful that one or both magazines will find homes elsewhere, and that Blackfish itself will continue in some form. It's a terrific little company, full of dedicated, passionate and talented individuals, and I would like to thank them all for their almost universally excellent work over the last few years: Guy, Jes, Lee, Adam, Joe, Allie and others on Death Ray; Mark, Thom, Keith, Steve, Dave and others on Filmstar; plus Meg, two Ians and, of course, Karl. In addition, I'd like to thank the raft of excellent writers and other contributors who've worked with us over the past three years."

Bad luck guys. This damn recession is doing for everyone, it seems.