This issue of The Torch was born from an idea that transformed over time: we first conceived of the theme as "Rising Above the Ban," but the submissions we received offered a brilliant scope of work that rose above the theme. As this issue began to take shape, we found that the thread uniting these beautifully versatile works is the ability that people have to rise above adversity, to withstand and endure.

These pieces explore the breadth of human experience in imaginative, poignant, and sometimes heartbreaking ways. As the writers and artists shuttle us from gritty urban landscapes to the glittering artifice of Hollywood, from magical realms to winding tunnels to lonely college dorm rooms, we witness the quiet power of human resilience.