We launch this magazine in the face of a great tragedy: the rise of a new generation. You have seen them: in headphones at concerts, made-up on treadmills, slurring fond memories of last year’s television; a whole generation dedicated to the pursuit of Happy Hour and air-brushed romance. Many times before has such frivolity arisen from corporeal privilege and immaterial neglect, but never in history have the young people sang and danced with such desire, such need, for literal head pats. Explosion-Proof is not a blog, as we hate blogs. It is not an internet magazine, as we don’t believe the screen is the best home for the serious rumination that good writing demands. Yes, you are reading this on the internet. No, you will not find much content on this site. We are aware of the shortcomings of dead-tree publishing. It will be expensive. It will limit our readership. We remind those who feel these are two insurmountable obstacles that books, the kind held in hand and laid on shelves, may not travel the speed of light, but neither do they disappear when plugs are pulled. And, we guarantee, neither do they explode. It’s a dream to be shared by all those who hunger for an essay that won’t be dated in 24 hours. It’s for those who don’t call writing “content.” It is for those who remember that no wise man ever built his house on sand. But, alas, with all maps filled, whoever hoped for explorers?