Fortean Times- paranormal fun!

No, not "Fourteen" Times. "Fortean Times"- it refers to Charles Fort, a turn-of-the-century researcher who applied scientific technique to strange and unusual phenomena. And "Fortean Times" runs the gambit. Just a few of its topics- UFOs, psychokinesis/telepathy, cryptozoology, spontaneous human combustion, genetic engineering, mind control, investigative history, conspiracy, Tesla technology, and several others that defy categorization.

The magazine varies between quick blurbs of odd curiosities (I recommend the "Strange Deaths" section), to more in-depth investigation ranging from Area 51 to the Mexican Goat Sucker. A definite for X-Files fans.
"Fortean Times" also features reviews of books, movies, and even video games and CD-Roms related to the paranormal. Not to mention the occasional cartoon or weird photograph. But probably the best aspect of the magazine is the writing style. Although an intelligent scientific journal, "Fortean Times" usually delivers in a manner easily understood by the layman. It also addresses its topics with a deft edge of humor, carefully moving between endorsing its subjects and mocking them. The magazine is damn funny- in part because of the writing style, but usually due to the twisted subject matter.

My only complaint, journalistically, is that "Fortean Times" occasionally leaves too many unanswered questions, and fails to come close exhausting some topics. And yes, I understand that that is impossible with some topics. However the magazine frequently provides URLs of web sites offering related material.

The magazine also has a sharp graphic look and full color art, a feature sorely lacking in some of its competitors, such as "Strange" magazine. Solid graphic design, and plenty of photos, although frequently of the blurry "Bigfoot" variety.

All in all, definitely worth checking out. "Fortean Times" is one of the few magazines I actually read cover to cover. It's published out of the UK, so it may be hard to find elsewhere. I usually pick it up from my local comic book shop, but it's also carried by Borders, or any other fairly comprehensive newstand. $4.95 US, $5.95 CAN