New readers could be excused for thinking the journal is geared towards a young audience, with its stylish book format, complete with cartoon-style cover and fonts. Delving deeper reveals an inventive compilation of sometimes-controversial literary material that appeals to a much wider audience. Caroline Hamilton’s commentary on Jonathan Franzen’s attitude toward popular celebrity, and Bethany Blanchard’s argument that Bret Easton Ellis’s books cannot be translated well into film, are examples of themes that transcend their specific settings.

The contrast of content, however, could be fine-tuned. The inclusion of Luke Ryan’s article about the effect of social networking on artistic thought is meant to lighten the tone, but the triviality of this topic makes the shift clumsy. At the other extreme, two of the issue’s short stories deal with the effect of teenage sexuality and trauma on adult women’s relationships, while the third presents a woman’s view of her role in the family unit. Individually, each story is an enjoyable piece, but more diverse subject matter would add texture to the issue as a whole.

In its interview and review sections, Kill Your Darlings again brings fresh perspectives to interesting topics. Hannah Kent’s depiction of Florence Welch from Florence + The Machine is vividly crafted, and Kate Douglas’s support of Eat, Pray, Love is sure to start arguments. Issue four of Kill Your Darlings demonstrates the intelligent fearlessness that Starford promised, whether you agree with it or not.