There’s no way to sugar-coat our fifty-fifth issue, other than printing it out on edible paper, dipping it in chocolate, and decorating it with rainbow sprinkles. (Will someone please get on that?)

These speculative stories deal with some pretty heavy themes, and the Grim Reaper wields his scythe like a paranoid and highly-caffeinated Jedi’s light saber throughout. That being said, for an issue with so much death, we think you will find a surprising number of life-affirming moments, or at least interesting new ways of thinking about the end. Three of the stories are set in the future, and one is set in the afterlife. Sort of.

Read it online or download the .pdf. Make sure you check out the lovely cover art, too.