Once upon a time, there was a student magazine called Critic Te Ārohi. And it was the best publication in the entire world.
I am super proud of this issue, but it feels wrong to be writing this editorial. That’s because this issue belongs to Stella Caulton, the designer for this week. Stella is Critic’s resident princess, and has been planning this issue for fucking ages. The whole idea of doing a Fairytale Issue was built around the centrefold she drew for this week, which is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. So, full credit to her – she’s overseen nearly every part of this mag. So let me sell it to you.
Every page has been designed to theme. You’ll notice little Easter eggs throughout the whole thing – the little Hello Kitty down the bottom of this page has a little crown, the front page in news is embellished, and you’ll find some cut out critters at the back of the mag to paste around your flat. The feature is straight up some of the horniest shit I’ve ever read, and would probably chart on Literotica. Puzzles is Gravity Falls themed, and the horoscopes are cryptic. Culture is cracking, with some handy potions to try, a Shrek quiz, and a recount of us hiring a witch to curse the ODT. It’s pretty much the best issue ever.
I think acting as Editor this year has taught me that our readerbase is very cute and very nerdy – so this one is for you. This issue is for everyone that had a crush on Bill Cipher, was a horsegirl, religiously read AO3 and had to have their mum organise their playdates with the other kids in school. Plus, in a world where things are getting increasingly depressing, being able to sit down and read a fully fantastical and whimsical magazine is a pretty good break.
I hope you find this issue as enchanting to read as I found editing it to be. Enjoy!
