In addition, individual stories published in the magazine won other awards and were reprinted in a number of collections of the year's best fiction.

Founded in December 1993 as The 3rd Alternative,[1] the magazine originally focused on a larger range of dark stories, often publishing science fiction, fantasy, and slipstream alongside horror.

The 3rd Alternative ran for 42 issues before going on a short hiatus in 2005 after the acquisition of Interzone magazine by TTA Press.

[2][3] Authors published in Black Static include Nicholas Royle, Conrad Williams, Christopher Fowler, Aliette de Bodard, Steve Rasnic Tem, Nina Allan, Matthew Holness, Alexander Glass, Simon Avery, Gary McMahon, Gary Fry, Peter Tennant, Carole Johnston, Chris Kelso and Mike O'Driscoll.

[4] In February 2021, the format was changed to a double issue and the ability to purchase subscriptions was ended with the aim of winding the magazine down pending editor Andy Cox's retirement.