The second issue of Little Brother, an indie literary mag launched last year by Toronto's Emily Keeler, has a run of 600 copies, double the print run of the first issue.

According to art director Charles Yao the first issue sold out in a couple of months, "a lot quicker than we expected." Perhaps pushing the small-run title's success were coverage and kudos from publications like Quill and Quire, Monocle magazine and The Globe and Mail.

The mag partnered with a new printer for the second issue, Winnipeg's The Prolific Group, and is now produced in offset CMYK colour. While the mag is still the same size with the same design principles, "it seems a lot sturdier and more professional, while retaining, I hope, that Little Brother-ly feel of the first issue," Yao said. The Prolific Group has also printed Worn journal, The Believer, ACQTaste and Apology magazines.

Centered around the theme of "jokes," the issue features an essay by Toronto's Alicia Louise Merchant on illness and laughter, a piece by Peter Merriman on being shocked by Canadian comedian Norm Macdonald, as well as an annotated list of Canadian joke bands, a joke book insert and more.

A launch party for the issue was held May 1 in Toronto at June Records. Stay tuned to Masthead's Community Gallery for photos.

[*UPDATE: Check here for launch party photos, courtesy of the Little Brother team.]