Customer Reviews
Real science fiction -- and great nonfiction! 
2002-03-24
Disclaimer up front: I've had three novels serialized in ANALOG (Nebula winner THE TERMINAL EXPERIMENT; Hugo and Nebula nominee STARPLEX; and the just-completed HOMINIDS). But I'm also a long-time reader of the magazine (28 years now), and I love it. The fiction is real SF -- stories in which the science is accurate and the speculation credible. But I also love the editorials by Stanley Schmidt; the "Alternate View" columns by Jeff Kooistra and John Cramer (some of the best science writing available anywhere these days), the spirited letters-to-the-editors section, and Tom Easton's book reviews. This is the number-one bestselling science-fiction magazine in the world, and justly so.
science fiction at it's best! 2002-01-30
If you are thinking of thinking of subscribing to a science fiction magazine, this is the one to choose! The writing is of the highest quality that I have seen, with writers that are both well-established and just starting. The magazine starts with cover illustrations that are interesting,colorful and relevant to the lead story. Each month there is a thought-provoking editorial,a serial,a science fact article (great ones on cold fusion and global warming debate)and about 4 short-short stories. There is also info in the back about SciFi conventions,letters to the editor,etc. You will enjoy the stories so much you will have to add an extra bookshelf just to keep your favorite back issues! (No, they are not paying me, I just think this is a great mag that deserves support!)
The proving ground for science fiction writers 2001-10-26
I can't tell you how many great science fiction writers I discovered through reading Analog. My first Larry Niven story was in Analog, as well as my first Spider Robinson story. Most of the greats got their start here, and many of them continue writing a story for Analog now and then.
The short story is a good friend to science fiction. It allows for the exploring of an idea without the need to "fill it out" to novel length. This magazine has a nice blend of stories, articles and comic strips. Novel length stories are serialized, and arrive in chapter form. The letter column is often as much fun to read as the stories.
As with any anthology, Analog contains it's share of "misses." The good far outweighs the bad, and I strongly recommend it as a subscription.
One of the best Sci-fi magazines available today 2008-01-18
Where do I begin? This magazine has it all for fans of Sci-fi, the only periodical which can rival it is Asimov's. But, if you're like me, you like a combination of real science as well as the fiction, and Analog excels at bringing both to the reader. I always feel a sense of anticipation when opening up a new issue of Analog, it's just so consistently good. If you've never tried Analog before, and love Sci-fi, I'd say get a copy today, or better yet, subscribe, you won't be sorry.
Long Live Analog 2006-05-25
I have been a regular subscriber of sci fi mags for just about the past 15 yrs or so. It all began with Omni and when Omni folded, I found a a copy of Science Fiction Age. I had been subscribed to it for about 2 years before it folded. I found a few Omni-like glossy mag twins thereafter, but they all folded as well. Finally, I found the magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction and Analog and have been consistently subscribed to other for the past 10 yrs. Both of the latter are outstanding 'zines but for me, Analog is the best because it satisfies the craving for hard sci fi and *fact* at the same time. If F&SF & Analog ever have to close up shop then I would hope they would merge because then I'd have my hard sci fi, fact *and* horror/fantasy all in a one stop shop.
Hard Science SF 2003-12-01
Analog brings a dependable collection of hard-science fiction stories, novellas, and frequently, a serialized novel. Almost all of them are worth reading; I'm having trouble thinking of an Analog story that made me give up before reaching the end. While its sister publication Asimov's tends more to the social-SF or more literary forms, Analog sticks to a formula of hard-SF with some recurring features: one factual science article, one speculative science article, and a short SF humor piece (Probability Zero). Analog also has a lively letters column, where editor Stanley Schmidt or the story authors often reply. And Schmidt's editorials are always a good read.
Some of the factual science articles well-compliment the stories, some just don't have any relation (and if I skip anything in Analog, it's some of the drier fact pieces). Some excellent write-ups such as a comparison between long-term weather data and historical regime changes could lead to several future stories in the magazine.
Dependable, high-quality, and enjoyable.
One change in publication not mentioned here: both Analog and Asimov's have gone to 10 issues a year from 11, with 2 "double issues" instead of one per year. The double issue is always a treat but then one must wait 2 months for the next regular issue!
Reminiscence 2002-08-13
I haven't actually read Analog for about 20 years, but it was my introduction to science fiction very nearly 40 years ago, when I shared a flat (sorry, must use American, an appartment) in New York with one of John W. Campbell's editorial assitants! Since then, the genre has provided education, solace, amusement - and some disdain from others - and I despair at how few really good new English SF writers there seem to be. However, anyone (and I do mean anyone) who tries Analog with an open mind will find it a revelation.
Best in the field 2002-03-24
I've been a subscriber for about 40 years, from when it was named Astounding, and almost never disappointed. In addition to great authors (many of whom I met first on Astounding/Analog pages), great short stories, reviews, and feedback - don't miss the thought provoking editorials. No matter who is the current editor, the editorials make you check your firmly held beliefs and preconceived notions, and *think*. You may not agree, but you'll definitely think. Well worth the money.
