Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Critique.
A Ring, A Refusal, and Several Fireships
In the summer of 1588, as the Spanish Armada bobbed about the Channel like a parade of very cross breadbins, Her Majesty Elizabeth sat in council with Lord Blackadder and his assistant, Baldrick, who had turned up in a helmet he swore was “sea-proof,” despite being made of turnip.
By Diane Foster3 months ago in Critique
The Monster Under Your Bed Wants to Talk
As children, we're afraid of monsters under the bed; fear of the unknown. But we're told to face our fears because doing so usually means discovering that our fears are far worse in our minds than they turn out to be in reality.
By Xena Warrior3 months ago in Critique
Shadow at the Gate
On my way home from middle school, I spot what might be a possible shortcut to my home. Checking both ways, I cross to the other side of the street and kick the gravel where a sidewalk should be. A canal runs through a field and under the train tracks. Maybe I can go under the train tracks through the canal. That can save me a mile of walking five days a week, technically 180 days a year. That potential shortcut is worth exploring for one day.
By Eileen Davis3 months ago in Critique
My top 5 best animated series for adults
Animated series for adults are the kind of productions that can tackle any subject without censorship: political, vulgar, philosophical, or existential. And while some are pure comedy, many conceal social commentary or profound messages.
By Marcela marin3 months ago in Critique
review of Shutter Island
Personally, Shutter Island is one of my favorite movies. In short, it's about a U.S. Marshal who takes on a case at a mental hospital housing the most dangerous criminals with mental illnesses. The problem is that the hospital is on a remote island, and little by little, the marshal becomes entangled in situations that make him question even his own existence.
By Marcela marin3 months ago in Critique
Taking a Different Approach on Birthdays. Top Story - November 2025.
Hello November! It's my birthday month, meaning that I'm a Scorpio, if you're into that sort of thing. One of the best traits about my zodiac sign is that I'm competitive and want to succeed in life. I love celebrating my birthday, which happens to be on November 13. In case you're curious how old I'll be. I'll be turning 38 years old. If you look at my profile picture on here, you must be thinking that I don't look my age and you're right. I've been mistaken for a high school student and a college student. I'm fine with that and looking youthful works to my advantage. You've heard the saying, "Black don't crack." It's another way of saying that black people don't show any signs of aging. As I near 40, I've since outgrown birthday parties. The last time I had a birthday party was at home after school and 14. Nearly 25 years later, someone throwing me a party, while the gesture is admirable and with good intent, I don't feel the need to dress up and attend my own party thrown by someone else. I turned 18 in 2005 and my friend at the time took me out to miniature golf, then had my birthday dinner at Olive Garden. Besides, who doesn't love their endless breadsticks? The staff surprised me with a chocolate cake. After that, my friend and I went to Best Buy, and I chose my first country CD. That album was Toby Keith's Honkytonk University. I couldn't wait to go home and listen to it. I wore that CD out on a daily basis, because no songs from that album were skippable. It was so good and had since fallen in love with country music. Unfortunately, I ended my friendship with my long-time friend and classmate in 2021 after nearly two decades, due to his anti-gay views. I came out to him in the summer of 2012, several months after I came out of the closet. We're no longer friends, but that was one of the best birthday memories I've ever had.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 3 months ago in Critique
