The first issue of Clarkesworld for 2012 is now available online. This one, issue #64, is 100% Cheryl-free, and therefore doubtless infinitely better than anything you have seen over the past few years. Let’s see what we have for you.

The lead story comes from the wonderfully talented Aliette de Bodard. “Scattered Along the River of Heaven” is science fiction, and there are no Aztecs that I can see in it. Chinese poetry, on the other hand… As usual, the story is available in audio, read by the inimitable Kate Baker.

The other two stories for January are “What Everyone Remembers” by Rahul Kanakia and “All the Painted Stars” by Gwendolyn Clare. Rahul has been in Clarkesworld before, so welcome back to him. Gwendolyn is new, but has apparently cracked Asimov’s so she’s hardly a newbie. These stories will appear in audio during the month.

Jeremy’s interview for this month is with Robert Jackson Bennett who is one of those authors everyone keeps telling me I should read. I’m delighted to be able to find out more about him.

Jason’s first column as non-fiction editor is “The Future Sounds of Yesterday: A Sequence of Synthesizers in Science Fiction” by Christopher Bahn. It does exactly what it says on the tin. And it includes material about Doctor Who, David Bowie and Thomas Dolby, amongst others. What more could you ask for?

The cover for #64 is “Rockman” by Arthur Wang. This fellow is a bit larger than Ben Grimm. Well, a lot larger actually.

Finally there is the annual Clarkesworld reader poll. Do please let Neil know what you thought of the 2011 output, it helps him provide more of the sort of thing you like in future.

As usual, the new issue is available for purchase through the Wizard’s Tower bookstore.