The Fantasy Issue
An interview with Sean Baker, film's brightest activist
Magical mystery tour — Sean Baker has developed his own cinematic language: one packed with colour, energy and humour. But after years on the fringes, consistently bold work has cemented his status as a socially conscious voice in Hollywood.
Written by: Daniel Dylan Wray
Lissa Rivera on a love that defies all classification
Story behind the still — Through a series of intimate portraits, photographer Lissa Rivera and her partner BJ Lillis have constructed their own fantasy world. Here, Lissa explains what went into making one of their boldest images – a testament to the bond between artist and muse.
How Cuba’s reggaeton scene sparked an underground revolution
Pa’ la calle — In a country where music sales are controlled by the state, a generation of artists are riding a wave of success through pure entrepreneurial hustle. Dripping in gold and trading in sex, reggaeton is more than just fantasy – it’s a marketplace for material dreams.
Written by: Lisette Poole
Inside America's most misunderstood subculture
Wild at heart — Over 250,000 people in the US identify as a ‘fur’ – someone passionate about animal characters with human traits – yet the fandom remains marred by sensationalist headlines. But one insider is trying to change that, illuminating an inclusive community that just wants to have fun.
Written by: Dominique Sisley
Inside the bizarre world of independent wrestling
Ready to rumble — Wrestling is flourishing in unexpected places all across Britain. It’s a low-budget, high-energy world where DIY daredevils band together in the belief that teamwork makes the dream work – no matter how unlikely it seems.
Written by: Sean Cole
A photographic catalogue of subcultures that refuse to die
Mods, skins & lowriders — For the past six years, Owen Harvey has been finding out why people are drawn to styles from a bygone era... and developing some unexpected perspective on his own life in the process.
Written by: Cian Traynor
Feel like a cyber slave? Meet Tabita Rezaire, healer of souls
Beyond Afrofuturism... — Artist Tabita Rezaire is as unconventional as it gets. Using a mix of technology and traditional African practices, she’s determined to counteract the oppressive forces of the internet – finding herself in the process.
Written by: Alex King
The climber who conquered El Capitan without a rope
Alex Honnold — El Capitan, a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park, is a totem of outdoor culture and a fixture on every climber’s bucket list. But now that Alex Honnold has become the first person to traverse it without a rope, what dream is there left for him to chase?
Written by: James Lucas
The daredevil climber risking his life for breathtaking views
Above the clouds... — Vitaliy Raskalov overcame his fear of heights by scaling the world’s tallest buildings, ignoring any need for safety. But now that he’s reached the top of his game, the 24-year-old adventurer wonders if the real goal has been right in front of him along.
Written by: Cian Traynor
Japan's Radiohead transcend all notions of a tribute band
A parallel reality — Every time cover band On A Saturday perform, they briefly transform into their idols. But this isn’t just an uncanny simulation – it’s a moment of togetherness shared with other fans.
Written by: Niall Flynn
London's young jazz heroes are crafting their own sound
The shape of things to come — In a world of manufactured music, jazz is still a place of pure freedom. Now London’s bright talents are reimagining that legacy for a new generation, pulling from their multi-textured roots and making it up as they go along.
Written by: Michael Fordham
The story of Steven Universe: TV's smartest cartoon
An animated revolution — Rebecca Sugar’s vision of a half−magic, half−human boy has turned into a socially conscious phenomenon. As Cartoon Network’s first female showrunner, she’s created a daring series that has fun with big topics. Now the challenge is to keep on growing.
Written by: Alex Robert Ross