The Chronicles (Blake's 7 zine)

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Zine
Title: The Chronicles
Publisher: Clarke & Keating Ink
Editor(s): Susan Clarke/(Susan Batho) (though the first issue was edited by Ronl Clarke)
Date(s): 1981-2006
Series?:
Medium: print
Size:
Genre: gen
Fandom: Blake's 7
Language: English
External Links:
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

The Chronicles is a gen Blake's 7 fanzine published in Australia.

It has a sister zine, an annual, Chronicles Annual, featuring content too long for the regular issues.

This zine contains articles, fiction, poetry, reviews, editorials & letter columns.

It was the winner of The Australasian Science Fiction Media Awards for Best Media Fanzine four years in a row and was nominated for FanQ Awards.

Early Title Change

Issues up to #14 are called "The Chronicles," issues after that are called, "Chronicles." In 2002, the editor explained that this was because the shorter title was easier to say. [1]

Numbering

There are several "collected issues": for example, issues #1-#7 were later bound together. "The numbering scheme of Chronicles dates back to when it had a regular production schedule, and was available by subscription. Because the subscription was calculated based on the costs of producing a set page count, occasional issues were numbered as double, or even triple, issues in order to make available those epic stories that would not fit in a normal issue." [2]

"A Pocket-Sized History of Chronicles and How It Happened"

In 2002, the editor wrote a short history of this zine for its 20th Anniversary Issue:

... a pocket-sized history of Chronicles and how it happened.

Did you realise that it was originally called "The Chronicles."? Somewhere along the way, it was easier to say Chronicles and after a few issues into the run the "the" was dropped off altogether.

The first issue was not actually edited by me, but was edited by my former husband, Ronl Clarke, who was a big Blake's 7 fan -- it appealed to the darker side of his nature, I suspect, but that's another story altogether...

Ronl was determined to get out the first issues before the National SF Media Convention, Medtrek 82, which I was chairing at the time. The theme of which was the Galactic Senate Elections in which Kerr Avon was running. Now Ronl was not a writer, and needed some stories to --you know -- fill the space. Mike McGann was already a huge B7 fan, so he had some fanart, and he also had some reviews, etc, but how to fill the rest?

Me? I'd never seen Blake's 7 at the time. Nope, not even a single episode. If you remember, even the first run was on late at night. I had one child just about to start school, and a toddler at the time, and I didn't feel at all well on a really strict diet (that turned otu to be number 3 child on the way). And suddenly I was told, you are a writer, then write.

Luckily, I was part of a fannish writing group at the time run by Gay (now Gael) Williams in Katoomba. I also had good friends in Alison Bloomfield and Nikki White in Canberra who had episodes of the show. And one thing belonging to the group taught me was that you have to be strict with yourself and not distracted, so I was sent, minus children, to Canberra via Gay's green VW called Albert. There I was shown the last three episodes of the current season which were "Moloch," "Deathwatch," and "Terminal." It was deemed that I could not watch the others and write at the same time, so I had to be focused. I watched the three episodes at least three times in the course of the weekend that I was allowed, and came back in lust with two gentlemen -- one with an almost maniacal smile and the other with some of the best lines and potential for character development I had come across -- Avon and Vila.

Getting more episodes (says she who blew her credit card at Worldcon buying a full set of professional Blake's 7 episodes) became an imperative to me. Desperately. Until finally, Allison loaded up her Honda Civic... with all her episodes, and I watched them [while] ironing, sewing, doing housework (in one room of the house, whilst watching toddler, Tim), and writing in hospital and out of if, and continued to put out Chronicles.

This last year [2002] I've lost a few more fan friends as well as family. It's getting harder to motivate myself to finish fannish projects I have around here, including the dreaded Ph.D -- but a little stroll down memory lane like this helps. The buzz when something from your favourite fandom arrives on your doorstep -- especially when it's unexpected. Warm and fuzzy inside, and excited. It's a good feeling that you want to bottle and release when you need it most.

General Reactions and Reviews

This is the B7 zine with the most issues, by far-- into the 60s now. It's not quite as many as the numbers suggest, because there have been a fair number of double and triple issues, but still more than any other zine.

The name started out as "The Chronicles," and along the way the "The" was dropped. Here I'm going by what it says on the cover and/or the title page of the zine.

I don't have a complete set, unfortunately, but I'll post what I've got, in order, and maybe someone else can fill in. I've got a mixed batch of originals, Australian reprints by the original publisher, and authorized North American reprints by Bill Hupe.

In general I'm not terribly impressed with the fiction, though there are some good things too; but the art is superb-- among the best I've seen in zines.

The art gets better and better. <=minds-i-view=> is one of my favorite B7 artists.

Bryn Lantry fans will want to read her gen fiction and poetry. And for Tarrant fans, I've noticed that Monica Mitchell is a very Tarrant-friendly author, well worth checking out. (Explanation of typical abbreviations: Ta-hc, uc Ta/ocf means: "Tarrant gets hurt and has an unconsummated romance with an original female character.") I also liked her Wodehouse pastiche in #30.

The story by Leah and Annie in #45 is one that I actually hadn't read! It's not quite Bizarro but almost as funny.

I'm puzzled by Falcon D'Arenburg's "Wall of Honour" series as it appears to have nothing to do with B7 other than being set in that universe. Possibly there was something in the earlier segments, which I don't have, that explained the relationship between these characters and the B7 ones.

"Star-Walker" in #53 is somewhat similar in that it appears to be set in an earlier(?) version of the B7 universe, but without the B7 characters. The main connection of "Litraline" to B7 is that the rebel heroine is the daughter of Travis.

"World Enough and Time" in #47 is an interesting time travel story, close to a historical AU. Jenna finds herself in Roman times.

I rather like the B7-ized "Christmas Carol" in #46. Avon (series 2 model) is Scrooge, of course; Marley is played by Gan (presumably because he's conveniently dead and so can appear to Avon as a ghost).

Rosemary Woodhouse's "Young Vila" stories are recommended for Vila fans; others in the series have appeared in various zines including INPUT and CHILDREN OF THE FEDERATION.

As usual, there is some scrumptious art.

The editors note in the editorial for #53 (July 1992) that they are planning to go to MediaWestCon the following year, 1993. Dang, a missed opportunity! That was my very first MWC and I didn't know much about fandom yet. I think they were pointed out to me, but I didn't quite understand who they were! Well, maybe there will be another chance to meet.

"A New Prometheus" in #27/28 is a very touching look at the background of a seldom-mentioned character-- the android, Vinni. By the same author, under her new married name, is "A Body Worth Guarding" in #49/50/51, in which Tarrrant meets Deeta's widow, who turns out to be quite a remarkable person in her own right. I remember commenting back when I was looking through the earlier issues of the zine that Monica Mitchell (later Bell) does good Tarrant, and is a good writer in general.

"Not in Your Stars" in #55 is a rather odd story. It's sort of a Trek crossover, but not exactly; it's a study of what sort of person James T. Kirk might have been if he were a product of the B7 universe rather than the Trek one, and a loyal officer of a different Federation. Here he interacts with the young Tarrant. It's well-written and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes Trek as well as B7. Being pretty much a Trek apostate these days, I liked this story better than the one that I presume was a prequel to it, because that one had no B7 characters at all.

Even odder are the two sex-reversal stories by Venessa Kelly. Whereas Vickie treated this theme seriously, these stories are for laughs. And yes, the change is permanent and never explained! [3]

"Quality varies on this one, but when it is good, it is very good, and when it is bad I wait for the next issue. And (up until *very* recently, I wonder what happened?) you aren't kept waiting with this zine, comes out quarterly."[4]

In with the Old, Out with the New

In October, the typewriter used to type this zine was offered for sale. From the editor in Beyond Antares #24:

WANTED: Good Home for a typewriter. A brother electric, in it's case. Golf ball with four balls and a carton of ribbons (the balls are worth $28 each and the ribbons $6 each) — mostly carbon ones — about $100 ribbons. For $250. In good condition and recently cleaned, etc. (not used since) Must sell as soon as possible. If sent to a distance, train parcel costs to be added to this (approx. $8). This typewriter did all the offsetted issues of Chronicles and Beyond Antares and Eye of Newt, but we've brought this Apple IIE computer plus brother printer and now have to pay for them.

Issue 1

cover of issue #1, Michael McGann

The Chronicles 1 was published January 1981 and contains 12 pages. The front cover is by Michael McGann.

All of the written content is by Susan Clarke and Ron Clarke, as per the editorial of #49/50/51.

  • Orac's Oracles, editorial
  • Hell-Raiser, fiction by Susan Clarke
  • Review: The Empire Strikes Back by Allan Anderson
  • Chronicle Extracts, Reviews by Sheila Cougah

Issue 2

The Chronicles 2 was published in July 1981 and contains 28 pages.

cover of issue #2

The art is by Michael McGann (cover), Terry Jeeves, and Susan Clarke.

  • Susan Clarke, Editorial
  • It Takes a Thief, fiction by Edwina Harvey
  • Incident on Alta, fiction by Susan Clarke
  • Blue Peter 'Blake's Seven Bracelet' (A.B.C. TV)
  • Letters
  • Dayna, poem by Susan Clarke
  • To Dieter, poem by Susan Clarke

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

Have you got over your Tarrant-hatred yet [in issues #1 and #2]? Judging from later issues, you seem to have kept it under control. [5]

Issue 3

The Chronicles 3 was published in November 1981 and contains 23 pages.

cover of issue #3

The art is by Alison Bloomfield (cover), Michael McGann, Lana Fahey, and Terry Jeeves.

  • And Love Is More Cruel, fiction by Robin Walker
  • Kinta, fiction by Narrelle Harris
  • Blake's Seven, poem by Narrelle Harris
  • Vila, the Thief, poem by Narrelle Harris
  • What Now Blake?, essay by Julie Townsend
  • Chronicles Reviews
  • Letters

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 3

The first inkling that there could actually be something good in Chronicles was in the story "And Love is More Cruel" - I think the Jenna -Blake relationship was portrayed just right, and the-ending was as it should be. It's not often you get anything with Jenna in it, either. I don't really mind that, since I am a raving Avon fan myself, but would like to give the others a fair go too (I don't hate Tarrant, despite the fact that no-one ever has a good word to say about him; actually, that could get him my sympathy -that's dangerous; how else do you think I became a raving Avon fan?).[6]

Issue 4

The Chronicles 4 was published in February 1982 and contains 32 pages.

cover of issue #4

The art is by Mike McGann and Randy Ash.

  • Mind Bender, fiction by Sheelagh Buchanan
  • The Nova Taryl, fiction by Moira Dahlberg (later reprinted in The Star Change)
  • Tarrant, poem by Narrelle Harris
  • Servalan, poem by Peter Brodie
  • Lettercol

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 4

"The Nova Taryl" was interesting, and it ended well. But I have been convinced that Avon had no other family other than his brother (Whom he saw in 'Spacefall') Two reasons:

(1) Blake saw his family, Jenna saw her mother, but Avon only saw his brother when attacked by the Liberator's defence mechanism. Why only his brother? Because his brother was his only living relative (you remember that Blake fought the illusion because, even though subjectively, his family were still alive on the Outer Worlds, objectively he had been told that his mind had been tampered with, and that his family were all dead). And Avon cared about his brother, obviously.

(2) Servalan tried to get at the Liberatorin so many ways, that if Avon had had any traceable relatives, she would have used them the way Travis used Blake's cousin Inga(in 'Hostage'). She would never have gone to all the trouble of setting up the situation on Terminal if she could have found Avon's brother, someone far more likely to mean anything to Avon and Blake (as far as she knew, the relationship between Avon and Blake was stormy in the least, which is why she tossed the 'incredible discovery' in, just to make sure Avon would come) So,I feel that Avon has one brother only, and he is either untracable (using an assumed name ,etc) or dead.Somehow, though, I don't think he is dead. I am sure that Avon doesn't know where he is, if he lives. Enough digression![7]

Issue 5

The Chronicles 5 was published May 1982 and contains 28 pages. It has a front cover by Michael McGann.

cover of issue #5
  • Editorial by Ron & Susan Clarke (1)
  • Letters of Comment (2)
  • Resurrection, fiction by Narrelle Harris (5)
  • The Technical Blake #1, article by Peter Brodie (22)
  • Faraway, poem by Ruth Dick-Smith (29)
  • From the Other Side, review by Susan Clarke
  • Rumours, review by RSK

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 5

"Resurrection" I really think that was good. It concurs with my theory as above, and you feel so glad that Avon has someonewho understands him.It also is good that they weren't alike, since Iknow from experience that families seldom run to clones! [8]

Issue 6

The Chronicles 6 was published in June 1982 and contains 34 pages.

cover of issue #6

The art is by Shayne McCormack (cover), Mike McGann, Ruth Dick-Smith, and Esther Mace.

  • Susan Clarke, Editorial
  • Second Chance, fiction by Moira Dahlberg
  • Interlude in a Dreamscape, fiction by Shayne C. McCormack
  • Two's Company, fiction by Fiona Ellem
  • Thoughts of a Mutoid, fiction by Sue Bursztynski
  • The Current State of the Blake's Seven Series by Val Rogers
  • Viewscreen: The Episode Titles
  • Blake: A Synopsis by Janet Ellicott
  • review by Julie Vaux of Blake's Seven Monthly
  • review by Susan Clarke of The B.B.C. Times #1
  • Letters
  • Rosemary, poem by Ruth Dick-Smith

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 6

This had quite a few good stories in it. I did like "Second chance" apart from my original objection, because I like to see conflicts like this resolved. "Interlude In A Dreamscape" reminded me of another delightful scene I read in "How Sharper Than A Serpent's Tooth". "Thoughts of a Mutiod" was a heart-pulling elaboration of a small incident - I enjoyed it. Unfortunately, the only thing I liked about "Two's Company" was Avon being called 'smorrerod' - the rest was not really well developed. [9]

Issue 1-6

cover of issue #1-#6

The Chronicles 1-6

Issue 7

The Chronicles 7 was published in September 1982 and contains 47 pages.

The art is by Micheal McGann (front cover, interior), Rosemary Woodhouse, Kerrie Hanlon, Esther Mace, Ruth Dick-Smith, and Shayne McCormack (interior, back cover).

  • A Change of Season, fiction by Moria Dahlberg (3)
  • A Rebel is Questioned, poem by Ruth Dick-Smihth (32)
  • Hamlet - Unrehearsed, fiction by Su Bursztynski (33)
  • Thoughts Alone, On Early Watch, poem by Shayne McCormack (39)
  • Extrapolations on Expletives by Linda McCarthy (40)
  • Frontier Worlds, review of issues #13, #14
  • Tarial Cell #2, reivew (41)
  • Letters of Comment (43)
  • Servalan by Edwina Harvey (47)

Reactions and Review: Issue 7

"Change of Seasons" was very good, apart from the fact that it ended too suddenly - we didn't find out her choice (though it obviously be to go). The cause of Avon's return of memory was so wonderfully ironic! "Hamlet- Unrehearsed" was a bit of fun, definitely in the 'light' class I'm biased towards Avon, of course).

There seems to have been an average of one very good story per issue, and anumber of averagely good ones. Ok, so I'm not raving; maybe your hat size needs reduction occasionally. I think that one very good story per issue might be worth it... [10]

Issue 7-10

cover of issue #7-#10

The Chronicles 7-10 was published in 1983 and contains 166 pages.

It contains the contents of four issues, and appears that these issues were bound together with no change to pagination.

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 7-10

Rumours of War gets continued in issues 11-16, if you like that story. [11]

Issue 8

The Chronicles 8 was published in March 1983.

front cover of issue #8

The art is by Lana Brown (cover), Michelle Kavazos, Esther Mace, Rosemary Woodhouse, Ruth Dick-Smith, Shayne McCormack, Michael McGann, and Kerrie Hanlon.

  • Susan Clarke, Editorial
  • Kunoichi: The Woman with No Name, fiction by Nikki White
  • New Direction, fiction by Linda McCarthy
  • Holocorn: Amusement Centre, fiction by Ruth Dick-Smith
  • Letters
  • Cosmic Classifieds and Correspondence by Linda McCarthy
  • untitled poem by Ruth Dick-Smith
  • Flight of Fancy, poem by Sue Bursztynski
  • Guess Who's Joined A.A. by Fiona Ellem (filk, Close Every Door to Me)

Issue 9/10

The Chronicles 9/10 was published in July 1983 and contains 87 pages.

front cover of issue #9/10

The art is by Michael McGann, Abigail Neville, Sakura Allison, Steven Pacey, Shayne McCormack, Rosemary Woodhouse, Merridy Johnstone, Esther Mace, and Kerrie Hanlon.

  • Rumours of War, Part One: Colony of Forgotten Souls, fiction by Abigail Neville
  • With Insurance at a Premium, fiction by Judy Baumann
  • More Luck Than Logic, fiction by Yvonne S. Hintz and Cathy Lynn Goodwin (reprinted in B7 Complex #6/7 (1984)
  • Interlude, fiction by Virginia Wurth
  • Gemini, fiction by Sue Bursztynski
  • Editorial by Susan Clarke
  • Steven Pacey: A Biography of Small Proportions by Narrelle Harris
  • Reviews by Bev Wright
  • Letters of Comment
  • Kera, poem by Moira Dahlberg
  • Message from Anna, poem by Ruth Dick-Smith

Issue 11, 12/13

NOTE: at some point, Issue #11 was published separately, issues #12/13 were published together, and then in 1984, issues #11/12/13 were published together. That combined reprint is 41 + 86 + 3 (covers inside; no back cover to 12/13) + 1 (title page for combined reprint) + 131 pages, not counting blank page.

The art is by Michael McGann (front cover) of original issue #11, Patricia Ostwald (front cover) of original issue #12/13, Gayle Rogers, Abigail Neville, Rosemary Woodhouse, Ruth Dick-Smith, Kerrie Hanlon, Sakura Allison, Tricia Osterwald, Tracy Hamilton, Fiona Ellem, and Shayne McCormack.

The Chronicles 11 was possibly published in October 1984 and contains 41 pages.

  • Rumours of War: Part Two by Abigail Neville: Part Two (16 pages)
  • The Promise by Sue Bursztynski (3 pages)
  • Recovery by Tandem (14 pages)
  • poetry by Ruth Dick-Smith
  • some art

The Chronicles 12/13 is dated January 1984 (the month may be in error) and 86 pages long.

  • Rumours of War, Part Three: Beyond the Rimworlds, fiction by Abigail Neville (16 pages)
  • Roots, fiction by Sheila Tracey(3 pages)
  • Sleeper, fiction by Anonymous (15 pages)
  • One Fine Day on the Liberator, fiction by Fiona Ellem (4 pages)
  • Children of Gemini, fiction by Sue Bursztynski (17 pages)
  • To Catch a Thief, fiction by Edwina Harvey (6 pages)
  • Seek... Locate... Confuse..., or, Let Sleeping Grandads Lie, fiction by Jenny Phillips and Michelle Kavazos (25 pages)

The Chronicles 11/13 was published in 1984 and contains 131 pages. Logic would dictate that it contains the content from #11, #12, and #13.

  • front cover of issue #11, Mike McGann

  • back cover of issue #11, Mike McGann

  • cover of issue #11-13

  • cover of issue #12-13

Issue 14

Chronicles 14 was published April 1984 and contains 46 pages.

front cover of issue #14
back cover of issue #14

The art is by Shayne McCormack (front cover), John Humphries, Gail Neville, Rosemary Woodhouse, Geoff Tilley, Linda Cox Chan, and Robert Jan.

  • Rumours of War, Part Four: Of New Worlds and Long Lost Loves..., fiction by Gail Neville
  • Happy Birthday, Avon, fiction by Geoff Tilley
  • Changes, fiction by Linda Cox Chan (graphic story)
  • The Loveliest of All, fiction by Sue Bursztynski (reprinted in Tales from New Wales)
  • Editorial by Susan Clarke
  • Reviews by Susan Clarke
  • Letters of Comment
  • Remembrance of Things Past, poem by Sheila Tracy and Yvonne Hintze
  • To Vila, poem by Sheila Tracy

  • from issue #14

  • from issue #14

  • from issue #14

  • from issue #14

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 14

"The Loveliest of All" (one of Sue B.'s nice stories) [12]

Issue 15

Chronicles 15 was published in July 1984 and contains 50 pages.

front cover of issue #15

The art is by Patricia Ostwald, Gail Neville, Kerrie Hanlon, Ruth Dick-Smith, Jenny Hale, Sakura Allison, and Mike McGann.

  • Rumours of War, Part Five, fiction by Gail Neville
  • Hair Today-- Goon Tomorrow, fiction by Kylie Churchyard
  • The Wise One, fiction by Felis Sylvestris
  • Don't Look Now, fiction by Peter Brodie
  • he Alien, fiction by Felicity Millard (RPF)
  • Editorial by Susan Clarke
  • Letters of Comment

Issue 16

Chronicles 16 was published in October 1984 and contains 48 pages).

cover of issue #16

The art is by Mike McGann and Rosemary Woodhouse.

  • Rumours of War, part Seven: Destiny, fiction by Gail Neville
  • Hide And Seek, fiction by Julie Johnson
  • The Reason, fiction by Sue Bursztynski
  • Replacement, fiction by Rosie Peck
  • Editorial by Susan Clarke
  • Servalan's Costumes by Y.S. Hintz (season-by-season review of Servalan's wardrobe)
  • Blake's Seven Crossword by Sheila Tracy
  • Reviews
  • V.R., poem by Sheila Tracy

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 16

I must admit that I didn't read "Rumours of War" part seven, because I hate reading the end without reading the beginning:- it spoils the surprises if you ever manage to get the beginning. But the rest!! Ugh! "Hide and Seek" was typical series D character assassination, "The Reason" was nice but totally impossible, and "The Replacement" was a good introduction to the fannish definition of the word "wallow". But I think I need to say more about "The Reason", It was nicely sentimental, but when you think about it, it is actually an insult to Avon. I do not mean that it would be an insult to Avon to be related to Vila. I mean it is an insult to make up a reason for Avon's defences of Vila, as if he needed a reason! It was merely a demonstration of Avon's finer qualities, the ones that Avon-haters find so hard to credit him with. By providing this as a reason, the author has destroyed the evidence in Avon's favour. Avon really defended Vila against Tarrant because of his sympathy with Vila as a person, and not because he was his brother. And overall, the idea that Vila is Avon's brother is impossible; all the lack of evidence points to the fact that they are not related. Where the family in-jokes, or even the family resemblance? No way! Please don't wave #16 as a representative sample of Chronicles, eh?[13]

Issue 16.5

Chronicles 16.5 contains 44 pages.

Issue 17-18

cover of issue #17/18, Michael McGann
interior page from #17/18

The Chronicles 17-18 (July 1985, 61 pages)

The art is by Michael McGann, Patricia Ostwald, Merridy Johnson, Linda Cox Chan, Tracy Hamilton, Fiona Ellem, Esther Mace, Rosemary Woodhouse, Elsie Sager, M. Wright, John Humphries, and Joanne Keating.

  • Juvenile Crime-- Federation Style, fiction by Debbie Churchyard
  • Reunions, fiction by Sue Bursztynski
  • Rumours of Death: Before and After, fiction by Marilyn Hammond
  • Avon's Vow, fiction by Geoff Tilley (sequel to "Happy Birthday, Avon" in #14
  • , Not All Who Dare Can Win, fiction by Moira Dahlberg (reprinted from The Star Change
  • Reminder, fiction by Linda McCarthy
  • Editorial by Susan Clarke
  • Art Portfolio: The Heroes of Blake's Seven
  • Puzzle by Susan Hinckley
  • Reviews:
  • Ads for zines etc.
  • Letters of Comment
  • untitled, poem by Mai Ling
  • Dayna-- Father & Child, poem by Ruth Richardson-Smith

Reactions and Review: Issue 17/18

By the way, that art portfolio in #17/18 was excellent, my favourite I confess being that delicious Avon. He s difficult to draw but Elsie has captures him beautifully, with alovely touch of humour about the mouth and eyes. But the Dayna, Vila, Blake and Jenna and the others were also fine work.) The Jenna on p24, Vila on p20 and the Pegasus illo were especially good as were both covers. I'm impressed with Mike McGann s Scorpio on its platform -to be honest, I was getting a little jaded with all those spaceships swishing past planets; they began to look the same to me after awhile. [14]

Only real complaint I have about the zine is that the collation tends to be messy. In #19 there were three extra sheets, but in #17/18 one of the pages was printed upside-down!

In #17/18, "Reumions" was a nice active adventure with Vila interestingly played off to the other Liberator-character geminis. And (of course, for this writer), it was quite well-written. The ending was a bit happy, perhaps, though with Cally's clone hedging so much, one can be relatively sure that Lieu and the settles life won’t hold her forever. "Not All Who Dare Can Win" is the other standout story of the issue, a nice long story full of good incident and solid characterizations. Vila as a member of such a family deserves a place amongst the better fan inventions for B7! The illusion-maze sounds far more interesting than the Disneyland version of such things. And Sharrif was a worthy foe to the rest of the crew while Vila was occupied. The two parallel plots never seemed to connect up thematically, but simply as two stories running in tandem. This was good enough to re-read more than once.

Of the art portfolio, Rosemary Woodhouse’s Gan looks strong and appropriate; Pat Ostwald’s Dayna is especially good; and McGann’s Servalan rather surprisingly shows that he can do portraits as well as hardware.

Marilyn Hammond’s prologue and epilogue for "Rumours of Death" was a bit awkward in the prose, but very touching. One gets the impression from a number of sources that Vila is extremely fond of both Avon and Cally, perhaps of course because they’re the other two of the original crew left by season three, but that he doesn’t necessarily think he’s worthy of them himself. Hence his role in more than one story I’ve seen as the kindly uncle who pushes them together. This leaves him looking older than I think the character is supposed to be — does anyone have data or speculations on the characters' ages? The other short story, 'Avon's Vow' is purely hilarious, if also overwritten. A few to many sentences and words cannot dim the pleasure of seeing Tarrant’s comeuppance.

Have read Kill the Dead long ago, since I read just about anything

Tanith Lee does (am still trying to unravel "Sarcophogus” too), and now that you mention it, those characters might match up with some B7 personalities. Though, of course, I’d never heard of B7 at the time I read the book. I just thought it was a splendid and uniquely rational ghost story. Will have to check through it again, I think.[15]

Issue 19

Chronicles 19 was published April 1985 and contains 44 pages.

front cover of issue #19, Adrian Butcher
back cover of issue #19, Michael McGann

The art is by Adrian Butcher, Michael McGann, Robert Jan, Tim Clarke, Tricia Ostwald, Tracy Hamilton, and Ruth Richardson-Smith.

  • Editorial by Susan Clarke
  • A Human Face, fiction by C.F. Millerd
  • Blake's New Fren, fiction by Timothy Clarke (aged 6)
  • Zane, fiction by Greg Dales
  • A Blake's Seven Puzzle by Susan Hinckley
  • Review: Quicksilver Rising
  • Ads for zines etc.
  • Letters of Comment
  • T to S, poem by Ruth Richardson-Smith

  • from issue #19

  • from issue #19

  • from issue #19

  • from issue #19

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 19

Chronicles #19 is nice, I'm glad you managed to print those two stories. It's very humbling to have a story written especially for me, especially so exquisite a story as "A Human Face - magical is the word I'd use to describe it and that illo was perfectly suited to it. Felicity actually wrote it partly because I was grumbling about the depressing things she does to poor Avon in her (unpublished) stories -just for me, she let him do something nice! Interesting to see Avon showing his scholarly knowledge and explaining it patiently to Vila, in layman's terms. I always knew he was more than just a computer tech, with a pretty face! Vila was well-portrayed too. A lovely, gentle story with a beautiful ending.

"Zane" was also an excellent story, very sad though. This particular author has away of creating characters you can care about.

Ruth Richardson-Smith's poetry is improving all the time. The first verse is particularly good - really gives the impression of Travis speaking. Ironically, though, it's Croucher's voice I hear and I suspect it's meant to be Travis #1.

Timmy's little story was cute. You're really starting them young these days, aren't you? [16]

Thank you so much for 'Chronicles #19 .It was excellent as usual; especially 'A Human Face' by F.L. Millerd. It was one of the best stories I have read for awhile. I must confess I couldn't do the puzzle - I'm useless at clueless crosswords. However, spent many hours trying.

Enjoyed 'A Story'. I think my brothers will have to take lessons from Tim. All they can think of about Blake's Seven is drag-racing my model Liberator around the loungeroom (backwards, I might add) and having Avon crash into asteroids! [17]

Thanks so much for Chronicles #19. "A Human Face" is achingly lovely; I'm so glad the author read "The Loveliest o All" and was inspired. I'm not normally mesmerized by Travis, but "T to S" is very interesting, and cast a fresh light on his relationship with Servalan. And, as you said, "Zane" was too good to miss - a chilling tale with a haunting ending. [18]

Thought it was about time I dropped a line to congratulate both you and the contributors on another fine issue, I don’t know how you manage to maintain such a high standard all the time, but please accept my heart thanks, the arrival of Chronicles in the letterbox is always an event to be looked forward to.

I was going to pick out what I liked the best, but really it’s very hard. Both the longer stories are excellent, and though Timothy’s effort isn’t quite up to their standard, it was rather sweet and showed a much nicer Blake than some people have been portraying lately; Ruth’s poem is very evocative of both Travis and Servalan (I loved ’liquid smile’), the puzzle was fun to do (more please!) and the artwork sustains the high standard of the whole. As usual it left me with only one regret - that it’s so long until the next issue. [19]

Thanks for the ’Jenna’ cover on the last issue. (#19) If only more B7 writers could include her in a few more stories, I’d be happy! She seems to be a difficult character to capture in print; perhaps that is why she is so seldom included - unlike Cally whom everyone seems to write about, but I never really liked Cally. Jan seemed to let the character wander all over the place and rarely seemed to play her with much feeling.[20]

Only real complaint I have about the zine is that the collation tends to be messy. In #19 there were three extra sheets, but in #17/18 one of the pages was printed upside-down!

[...]

Issue #19 has a striking Jenna cover, thanks so much for not forgetting the lady. Actually, one wonders why there are so few Roj Blake covers floating about. After having absorbed about three episodes (and the basis for the apparently universal adoration of Avon), I managed to gather my wits enough to murmur to the owner of the video machine, ’’Blake’s no looker, is he?” She nodded, ’’Yeah, but he’s okay.” A portrait that shows the personality that held together several highly different people for so long sounds like a nice idea. Probably someone’s does in, somewhere... Actually, the artwork through the whole issue is mostly good; in the case of Jan’s illo for ”A Human Face,” beautiful indeed.

The story by Millerd has some of the same virtues as the Bursztynski story it was inspired by, and is another example of the B7 story which may have little connection to B7 proper, but stands well on its own no matter where the characters may have come from. Avon as familiar with Classical philosophies is a trifle glib, but not at all out of character, and the concept of Pegasus’ transformation is beautifully handled.

”Zane” is another solid B7 story with good characterisations, a suitable problem to be solves, generally a good solution to it, and one or two simply maddening plot devices. I know the writer has to get rid of Zane in the end, but if adrenalin and Soma kill the creature during its early stages of infestation, how does meningitis follow to do so in the later stages? There just doesn’t seem to be a connection and the returning Zane to childhood seems gratuitous indignity, even if the Liberator crew handle it well as they do. Zane as he is first presented, half-way of the Federation already and owing his life to Blake’s crew, would be a highly useful person to have loose in the Federation. One sees parallels with Tarrant, but in a character who seems mature and analytical enough to understand his own decisions. I’d’ve loved to see him working, even briefly, with the Liberator crew in a non-emergency situation.

Thanks also for the zine reviews, and the ads... loved the joke ads! Suppose there was only one Avon doll in the world, and Servalan and Travis had to fight over it? Might get rid of both of them right there....

Incidentally, have also recently read one of the infamous Avon/Vila stories, and while I suppose it’s an "experience" one wonders if there are any other plots available? There’s no arguing that Deltas presumably had it tough but Vila as a former prostitute leaves me incredulous. Isn’t there such a thing as voluntary homosexuality. [21]

WELL, Let's give these authors their due, shall we?

"A Human Face": Annie raved to me about this story, so I left it 'til last. I must admit, she was right. The more you think about it, the more you like it. It has Bathos (not pathos). All I can keep on saying is that it was good, very good, excellent. "T to S" was OK. A reflection, but I have no sympathy for Travis, so I didn't get tied up in this poem. "Blake's New Friend " I laughed. What are you doing to your children. Sue Clarke? Children used to write about down-to-earth things! "Zane" This could have been an filmed episode -it had the right feel -the adventure, the danger, the interaction, the moral dilemma and the pathos at the end grabbed me.

The Advertisements in #19 were hilarious!!.! laughed and laughed

again. If only I could think of one myself... "Genesis" I liked that. It was different, and not silly/sentimental as it could have been. I don't object to sentiment, but sometimes people can be silly, "The Betrayal" That was good too. In the genre of 'practical-joke' stories (which I normally don't like all that much - I hate practical jokes), they did it as it ought to be done... Ithink I like it because (1) the crew are working together (instead of arguing) and (2) the joke is in a good cause, rather than revenge. It was just great! "Fair Soolin" was actually a good poem. The image of Soolin as a tiger (I mean the metaphor, I like metaphor) albeit a hidden one... Actually, it's hard to talk about poetry. Good poems have too much in them, "Stranded" is good, it's just a pity that I've already read another story set at the same time and place that I like better. It isn't published either (same person wrote, too). [22]

I’ve enjoyed the last two issues very much. I like Adrian Butcher’s Jenna cover. He seems to have captured alive VARIOUS MOODS very well especially the laughter in her eyes. As somebody pointed out (in ’Centero’) Jenna did have a good sense of humour.

Though fantasy-type stories don’t usually appeal to me, I found a certain trangoiling reading due almost mesmeric description of Elysiam. Particularly effective was the description of the night sky. Very evocative and appealing to all us poor earth bound would-be space travellers who have spent many an hour gazing at the stars.

This piece was perfectly sent off by Robert Jan’s striking illustration I found it so very beautiful that it almost took my breath away &I don’t from feel like that about zine art. Though one is not aware of how very apt this illustration is until almost the end of the story - a first class piece of art indeed. It is very pleasing to see that young Timothy is carrying on in fine Clarke style -barely old enough to put together a sentence on paper and already wanting to write stories. You must be very proud of him. It must be the excellent environment & mental stimulation he has at home, not to mention genes! Hmmm...Has Eleanor started spelling out ’Star Trek’ with her blocks yet)

Greg Dales’ ’Zane’ was an intriguing story I like the way it involved a really Alien creature, one that doesn’t even look human. The Kelanar’s reasoning &motivation were well explored too so that it was not just some nameless threat/horror even if it’s sections were quite frightening.

Some nice art for this issue by Tricia Ostwald & Mike McGann - especially this space scene on p.38.

I took great delight in the humourous adverts (mixed in with the real ones!) particularly the ones from the Gauda Prime Clean Up Squad &the ’Let’s Haunt Avon Society'.[23]

"A Human Face" - one of my utter favourite stories. [24]

Issue 20

Chronicles 20 was published in July 1985 and contains 42 pages. Editor: Susan Clarke.

front cover of issue #20, Mike McGann
back cover of issue #20, Mike McGann

The art is by Mike McGann, Kerrie Hanlon, Fiona Ellem, Rita Lennon, Patricia Ostwald, Lana Brown, and Megan Ellem.

  • Genesis, fiction by Sheila Tracy
  • The Betrayal, fiction by Gail Neville
  • Cuckoos and Teddy Bears, fiction by Felis Sylvestris
  • Stranded, fiction by Rosie Peck
  • Outsider, fiction by Linda McCarthy
  • (Dead?) or Alive, fiction by John Humphries (real world crossover; A-Chris Boucher)
  • Encounter at the Pearly Gates, fiction by Sue Bursztynski
  • Editorial by Susan Clarke
  • Ads for zines etc.
  • Letters of Comment
  • Fair Soolin, poem by Ruth Richardson-Smith

  • from issue #20

  • from issue #20

  • from issue #20

Reactions and Review: Issue 20

"Outsider" I'm not sure I like it. It was, as a story, good (yes, I use the word too much), but it didn't, couldn't have happened. I would have accepted it more, I suppose, if she could have made it mesh with the series somehow."(Dead) or Alive ?"was great fun -hooray Avon! May Chris Boucher have many y nightmares like that (if it was a nightmare). Of course, everyone should know by now that C.B. is really an agent for the Federation Board of

Propaganda.’’Encounter at the Pearly Gates” doesn’t quite strike true, but the line: ’for some reason computer seem to love you’ was delightful. I liked the letter from Barbara Tennison, too -she had obviously thought about it more than I have this one! OH, well. Keep up good work -I shall be watching you![25]

Most of #20 seems to be shortish or slight pieces, though there are some very good spots. Ostwald’s illos (especially the Soolin) and McGann’s serenely precisely engineered covers are good as ever. The poem "Fair Soolin" is nice —I’ve been looking out Soolin characterizations lately, and there aren’t many; this one seems to take her from the show instead of (as is almost necessary) developing acharacter to fit what we do see of her. Fiona Ellem’s misty gothic Avon on p. 10 is lovely too.

"Encounter at the Pearly Gates" is as clearly written and entertaining as one expects from Sue Bursztynski, but seems to have less core than most of her work. I suppose the Christian heaven is as susceptible to satire as Greek or Celtic myths (indeed, I wouldn’t have it any other way). "Genesis", is the sort of previous generation story that can easily be dull, but Sheila Tracy has managed to give Justin D’Avila enough tragic character to make the story work. He’s not aweak man, he’s trapped in his Servalan’s progress. The writing isn’t always perfectly smooth, but it’s often attractive.

"The Betrayal" leaves me with oddly mixed reactions. After having seen both "Countdown" and "Rumours of Death", I don’t agree with either Anna or Del Grant as Gail Neville shows them here (well, I don’t think I do; allowing for the several years’ hiatus means I can’t say they’re impossible). However, the characters as they are written make sense as members of the Earth Federation society, and fit the roles the two Grants might have played there —Del as a military-style leader, Anna as an undercover agent and a quite-possibly-sincere lover of Avon’s. It just doesn't seem to be the same two Grants, to me, as show up later to confront Avon. But this is individual interpretation, and no doubt I’ll have anew one by the time I’ve seen those episodes again.

A Touch of The Irish is just delightful! It’s terribly funny and full of some of the best character humour I’ve seen. The plot is enchantingly predictable, the action is fascinating as the actors dash about to keep all the awkward bits (such as teleporting) offstage. The Vila-Erin sympathy is charming, and Erin, presumably representing the Irish, is indeed touching. In comparison, Kara falls down somewhat as a character, though perhaps seeing Cally’s clone-sister in a preformance would improve her impact in ways that don’t show well in a printed script.

Perhaps for similar reasons, Kara’s immortality gimmick fails to convince. Ah, well, it’s magic! Taking it simply as a McGuffin around which the other characters can display their various fascinations is enough to keep the plot running merrily. Erin's reaction to the bad guys is even more antic than to Liberator's crew (I think we have an Irish Eddie Murphy here...) [26]

I really enjoyed Chronicles #20. Mike’s & Lana’s artwork especially but then artwork always appeals to me more than any story. Hold on now, what am I saying? The stories were also very enjoyable, with Sheila’s Sue B’s and Felis’ efforts leading the way. John’s Avon/Boucher encounter really appealed to my senses whilst Gail’s story showed me how little I know or can imagine about the B7 universe. When all is said and done, one has to say that the stories and artwork compliment each other faultlessly. Long may Chronicles continue. [27]

Issue 21

Chronicles 21 was published in October 1985 and contains 57 pages. Editors: Susan Clarke and Joanne Keating.

front cover of issue #21, Michael McGann
back cover of issue #21, Michael McGann

The art is by Mike McGann, Patricia Ostwald, Gail Neville, and Joanne Keating.

  • Editorial by Susan Clarke (3)
  • Parting (After Star One), fiction by Bryn Lantry (5)
  • poem by Ruth Richardson-Smith (9)
  • Beltane Night, fiction by Sue Bursztynski (reprinted in Tales from New Wales) (11)
  • Puzzle by Sheila Tracy (26)
  • Foe or Friend?, fiction by Venessa Kelly (27)
  • The Werewolf of Space, or, How the Saintly Servalan Saved Her Servants from the Shapechanger, fiction by Sheila Tracy (46)
  • Letters of Comment (49)
  • Ads for zines etc. (56)
  • Galactic Tours Convention (59)

  • from issue #21, Patricia Ostwald

  • from issue #21, Michael McGann

  • from issue #21, Gail Neville

Issue 22/23

Chronicles 22/23 was published in January 1986 and contains 103 pages. Editors: Susan Clarke and Joanne Keating.

cover of issue #22/23, cover by Michael McGann

The art is by Michael McGann, Kathryn Andersen, Esther Mace, Ruth Waters, Tricia Ostwald, Fiona Ellem, Rosemary Woodhouse, Linda Cox Chan, and Yvonne Hintz.

  • Deception, fiction by Greg Dales
  • The Truth at Last, fiction by Sheila Tracy
  • Storm in the Liberator Teacup, fiction by Geoff Tillley
  • This Way There Be Dragons, fiction by Rosemary Woodhouse
  • Kith and Kin, fiction by Yvonne S. Hintz
  • Gan, poem by Bryn Lantry
  • The Co-Agitator, poem by Ruth Waters
  • Editorial
  • Ads
  • Puzzle by Sheila Tracy
  • Letters of Comment

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 22/23

All the stories (in Chronicles #22/23) were good but I think the best were "Storm In The Liberator Tea-Cup” and "This Way There Be Dragons.” The first one was a little confusing at first, but soon developed into a very good story; quite frightening really.

"This Way There Be Dragons” was marvellous; there’s not much more you can say really.

”Gan” was also good. It’s nice to see some more if being written about the other characters. Unfortunately I managed to miss most of the first two series, so anything about the others really helps to add personalities to the names.

The artwork this issue was excellent. Particularly liked the child Vila on page 31 and the one of the Dayna on page 67. [28]

'Deception’ by Greg Dales was okay, but it could have been better. I can see the point of the beginning, but I couldn’t really believe the Liberator had been destroyed, since it had to be second or first season, because Servalan was not President. It would have been more scarey if he had made the reader see it (at least the beginning) from Servalan’s point of view and had them thinking "What! Vila a traitor!?” instead of knowing it was a trick almost from the beginning. I think the last line would have been more effective if it had been left at ’One day, Blake, he thought, you will go too far.’ It was sad, but inevitable, that all these great inventions end up being irreparably damaged. Otherwise it is not consistent with the series, and you would run into the dreaded super-hero syndrome.

"The Truth At Last” by Sheila Tracy is my number one for this issue. It’s fun. Cute. Umm, what else can I say? Not a nitpic to be found on it. I like it better than the "The Werewolf In Space” and that was number two for last issue (Number One being "Parting (After Star One)”, of course). Poor old Blake -there goes his visions of victory!

"Storm In The Liberator Teacup” by Geoff Tilley was interesting. There seem to be a number of these ’psychological’ plots wandering around. The constant reference to ’the evil' gives too much personification to something that turned out to be a cosmic cloud: the premise is a bit weak. The end few paragraphs don’t have the shivery impact you would like them to have, maybe because it’s being a cloud is such an anticlimax, or because it is interrupted by the argument about whether to set a beacon. Perhaps I am just influenced by handing recently seen a friend’s video of the UFO episode ’Mindbender’, a masterpiece of the psychological.

'This Way There Be Dragons" by Rosemary Woodhouse brought an inevitable comparison with other childhood stories I've read, one about another member of the crew when he was six, but that was about Kerr and Unicorn's tears, rather than Vila and Dragon's tears. An incredible coincidence, that. But actually they're quite dissimilar. Vila's story looks more and more like a fever-dream when you read it the second time. But that leaves us with the great mystery: Where did the Dragon's tears come from?

"Gan" by Bryn Lantry. I think I'm a Bryn Lantry fan. I was impressed by his "Parting (After Star One)", and then bowled over by his poems in Lodestar #2 & #3 which I borrowed. Perhaps this created too great an expectation or maybe I just don't agree with his Interpretation of Gan's character, but I have a sneaking suspicion that the poem was an excuse to talk about Avon and Blake from another point of view. Which was done well. And Bryn Lantry has a habit of making the last line the best - he did it this time. "I guess that means he misses his woman too" is an unconscious (on the part of Gan) twist, when you think of what actually happened to Avon and Anna. This was the piece with the sting in the tail.

Sheila Tracy had put together an amusing puzzle, for the ones I could match up. Some lines were better than others, some especially memorable ones twisting their original connotations, like Muller to android —"Don't lose your head".

Kith and Kin" by Yvonne Hintz was nice and long - satisfyingly long. This has mishaps worthy of "The Machiavelli Factor" -many plans dashed before completion. There are quite a number of very characteristic and amusing bits, and pretty straight forward. The ending is a bit of a let-down. I don't enjoy having people's intelligence insulted, even if it is Vila.

A comment on Sue Bursztynski's comment about my comment about "The Reason": 1) I had not an inkling that it wasn't meant to be serious, and 2) I cannot read it again carefully, because I borrowed it off someone. Please tender my apologies.

Suggested panel topics: "Tarrant had a better side; Soolin was a Federation agent; Blake was a nerk; Blake was not a nerk; or esoteric topics like: the inconsistencies in the reported origins of Auronar telepathy; what Hal Melanby's pendant stood for; what a citizen of the planet Helotrix was doing with one of Avon's costumes; and many more. [29]

Chronicles #22/23 has, as usual, maintained the high standard that readers have come to expect from this zine. But by far the most interesting, and compulsive, reading, was Kith And Kin. Very well written, and very hard to stop reading once started.

I'm sure Bryn Lantry would have been amused by the number of times she was called 'he' in the letters section, but I must agree with the comments about her story. Parting - that she is a good writer.[30]

Chronicles #22/23 was another superb double-issue which contained much of interest. Particularly notable was the abundance of illustrations with those on pages 6, 9, 16 and 27 being my personal favourites.

'Deception' from Greg Dales, whose specialty appears to be rousing adventure tales, is a balanced, thorough piece. The simple, lucid style was refreshing and the story made its point in a succinct, brisk fashion. Not overly imaginative but, mildly entertaining nonetheless. Sheila Tracy's 'The Truth At Last' is an amusing speculation which manages to be both comical and serious. The title 'Storm In The Liberator Teacup' is rather misleading because it suggests a story of humourous proportion whereas in actual fact it was quite the opposite. The character interaction was excellent, particularly the portrait of a troubled Blake in the opening scenes. It was good to see Gan used to good purpose and featured as a major participant in the dramatic action. I thought the dialogue was bland is some instances which was at odds with the complexity of the situation. Otherwise, I found this to be an enjoyable tale, very thoughtful and comprehensive. Rosemary Woodhouse's examination of an event in Vila’s childhood was beautifully told. A gentle, whimsical piece that was all the more appealing because of its feasibility. I look forward to future installments with pleasure.

Bryn Lantry accurately captures the simple honesty and candid loyalty so integral to the personality of the little-used Gan. However, I sense Gan was more than this typical presentation of unquestioning faith and immense strength. Simplicity of outlook often masks shrewdness and perhaps more writers should accentuate this characteristic when describing Gan. A good poetic effort if somewhat off-focus in my opinion.

A story that concentrates exclusively on Dayna is most welcome after a proliferation of Avon, Vila, and Blake sagas. 'Kith and Kin' is well-written, energetically paced and satisfying on a number of levels. Dayna emerges as a very capable yet vulnerable young woman whose emotional responses are based on intuiting rather than reason. Probably too long which had the effect of slow the prose to a certain degree. Characterisation was adept. Familiar faces and new personalities blended well with the action. However, the individualisation of Dayna was the striking achievement of this story and my compliments to the author for rescuing Dayna from stereotypical obscurity. A crisp, intelligent, very lucid tale.

’The Co-Agitator’ was very effective without being excessive. Also a very lively, comprehensive letter column this time around. The back cover drawing w a s extremely attractive. Another quality issue! [31]

How lovely to find 103 pages worth of Chronicles in the mailbox! The thick issue was much appreciated. Just after receiving it I heard the shuttle had been destroyed, which depressed me, so I sought consolation in this zine of a universe in which space travel is common and alien worlds there for the exploring.

Firstly - Ruth Waters' ’The Co-Agitator' was really, really terrific. I love, for instance, the way the last two lines of stanza one and two echo each other. And the third stanza is very fine indeed -it rings vividly true. The imagery in the poem in skillful and unconvoluted. A deft poem which I will dig out often from my zine pile and admire.

’The Truth At Last’ was great. I love B7 nonsense, and unlike what some LoC’s say I don’t care how over-the-top, fantastic, unrealistic or ridiculous it is, I lap it up eagerly. So keep the satires, farces and lampoons coming. I enjoy Sheila’s puzzles, too, for their imagination -they’re never your average puzzle.

There was a lot to ’Storm In The Liberator Teacup', it was an interesting story. Nice to have it set early in the first season, too. I must admit I always like stories in which the crew’s worst or unplumbed sides are brought out by various aliens,(natural space phenomena, etc. There’s never a dull moment, when their personalities are distorted, whether they act in character but taken to extremes, or act incongruously. A handy way of exploring them. I liked the way reality merged without a clear dividing line into the cloud-induced unreality... when was the ’evil’ influence creeping up on then and when did it take over? I was impressed by the characterisation, particularly of Blake and Gan. Rosemary Woodhouse’s 'This Way There Be Dragons’ was lovely. I’m glad there’s more to come. I liked Vila’s mother! 'Deception’ was well—plotted. The comment about Avon’s sense of humour on page 12 was delicious.

As for ’Kith and Kin’, I can only agree with your introduction to it - a gripping, balanced story. How wonderful to have Dayna as the hero. Instead of the ubiquitous Avon or Tarrant. I liked Yvonne’s style of drawing -her Dayna’s on pages 43 and 67 are charmingly done. And Tricia Ostwald’s Dayna was absolutely superb, as Tricia’s illos invariably are. It flummoxes me how she makes faces and , figures so true to life -just Great Artistic Talent, I guess![32]

In all the time I have been reading and enjoying and being entertained by Chronicles, I have never really said so, so it is about time I did the right thing and had something to say about this Blake's Seven package, you call Chronicles. There was a time when I also said I wouldn't indulge in making evaluations about a zine and its contents. As it is obvious I wouldn't continue to read it if I didn't enjoy doing so.

But not the time has come, for I have not only enjoyed Chronicles so much, but I must admit that the credit must go to your contributors and the quality of their Stories, and the Editor and her helpers who put so much effort and time into each issue. I would not want to pick on any one contributor in The table of contents is empty because you haven’t selected paragraph styles to appear in it.

Chronicles #22/23... page 41... "Gan” by Bryn Lantry. This really was the character Gan as I knew him... and it said more than all the stories I have read about Gan... not that there have been many. I am not putting down the writers of poetry... what they do is good... but not my cup of tea.

Individuals writing in Chronicles have entertained me, made me laugh and at times contemplate what might have been. It has been a sort of Planet, full of joy, with a good supply of Blake's Seven artwork. I would recommend it to anyone.

Here, for the connoisseur, for the devotee of the Sci-Fi genre, and for those who like their reading to combine excitement with good writing, are a series of fascinating speculations... many serious and others with that bit of added humour, taking up to planets, within the Galaxy in the fight of the Rebels against the Federation and its tyranny, its greed for conquest and the power to enslave the populations of the known planets.

And while you continue to write about it in Chronicles, Blake’s Seven and their fight against oppression will never be forgotten, even if the series as such, is dead... thanks to Ron and Susan Clarke." (ed: We won't forget Joanne in our thanks... )[33]

Like so many others, I found "A Human Face" one of the more memorable pieces of Blake's Seven fiction - one of those stories that makes an impression, and which will spring to mind when I am asked for ray favourite piece of writing. In #20 "Encounter at the Pearly Gates" stood out; how does Sue Bursztynski keep the dialogue so in character (for Avon, that is - I cannot judge St. Peter!) and yet so humourous? #21 didn't for we have an outstanding story, but it was an enjoyable read and an example of the overall high standard that Chronicles seems to achieve.[34]

I've read Chronicles #22/23 from cover to cover. "Deception" was fun and written in their author's inimitable style. "Kith and Kin" may be one of the best stories Yvonne Hintz has done (though I also loved her "Journey Into Mystery" in DOWN AND UNSAFE #4 and her collaborations). It was a good, solid action-adventure that moved along at a smooth pace and gave all the characters a chance to do something and didn't waste time on such boring cliches as Avon being sarcastic and squabbling with Tarrant. Dayna was well-portrayed and in character. Always interesting to read the Lettercol and see what people's reactions were from brief comments to lengthy dissections. [35]

Issue 24

Chronicles 24 was published in April 1986 and contains 45 pages. The editors: Susan Clarke and Joanne Keating.

front cover of issue #24 by Adrian Butcher
back cover of issue #24, Tricia Ostwald, portrays Servelan and the two Travi

The art is by Adrian Butcher, Mike McGann, Robert Jan, Fiona Ellem, and Tricia Ostwald.

The editorial mentions Galactic Tours Convention and winning a National Award for Best SF Media fanzine.

  • Editorial by Susan Clarke (2)
  • Loved She Not Honour More, fiction by Sheila Tracy (3)
  • Two-legged Traveller, fiction by F.L. Millerd (5)
  • Puzzle by Susan Hinkley (32)
  • With a Little Help, fiction by Moira Dahlberg (33)
  • Crimes, poem by Bryn Lantry (39)
  • Letters of Comment (40)
  • review of Lodestar #3, see that page (44)
  • review of Vilaworld #18, see that page (44)
  • Ads for zines etc.

  • from issue #24, Tricia Ostwald

  • from issue #24, Mike McGann

  • from issue #24, Tricia Ostwald

  • from issue #24, Adrian Butcher

Issue 25

Chronicles 25 was published in July 1986 and contains 45 pages.

front cover of issue #25
back cover of issue #25
Marianne Plumridge.
  • Cally, fiction by Linda Hasn
  • Tarrant's Complaint, fiction by Sue Bursztynski (Star Trek: TOS crossover)
  • A Sense of Obligation, fiction by Cathy Lynn Goodwin
  • Identity Crisis, fiction by Virginia J. Wurth
  • Lone Survivor, fiction by Edwina Harvey
  • Bran the Unblessed #3, fiction by Robert Jan
  • Editorial by Susan Clarke
  • Fill-In Puzzle by Yvonne S. Hintz
  • Yet Another Puzzle by Sheila Tracy
  • Letters of Comment
  • Reviews
  • Puzzle solutions
  • Answers, poem by Kathryn Andersen
  • Will It Never End, poem by Telly Ported

  • from issue #25

  • from issue #25

  • from issue #25

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 25

Well, this one contains my first ever poem in print... (grin) And "Tarrant's Complaint" is a fun little piece, but it's very short. [36]

Issue 26

Chronicles 26 was published in October 1986 and contains 41 pages. Editors: Susan Clarke and Joanne Keating.

cover of issue #26
interior page from issue #26

The art is by Kathryn Andersen, Michael McGann, Robert Jan, Leah Rosenthal, Joanne Keating, and Shayne McCormack.

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 26

This one has quite a few good pieces. Though "Still The Dead", a Bizzaro story, probably appeared elsewhere as well. [37]

Issue 27/28

Chronicles 27/28 was published in January 1987 and contains 85 pages. Editors: Susan Clarke and Joanne Keating.

cover of issue #27/28

The art is by Kathryn Andersen (front cover), Michael McGann, Robert Jan, Joanne Keating, Monica Mitchell, and Bernice Cuffe.

  • from issue #27/28

  • from issue #27/28

  • from issue #27/28

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 27/28

4 out of the 6 pieces are good.[38]

Issue 29

Chronicles 29 was published in April 1987 and contains 45 pages. Editors: Susan Clarke and Joanne Keating.

cover of issue #29, Kathryn Andersen

The art is by Kathryn Andersen, Fiona Ellem, <=minds-i-view=>, Joanne Keating, Leah Rosenthal, and Bernice Cuffe.

  • What's Done Is Done, fiction by Cathy Lynn Goodwin
  • Peace and Quiet, fiction by Tele Ported
  • The Missing Loot, fiction by Sheila Tracy
  • Tense: Future Past Imperfect, fiction by Moira Dahlberg
  • Today's the Day, fiction by Faye Bull
  • Walking the Wind, fiction by Leah Rosenthal (also in Southern Seven #2)
  • Deadfall, fiction by Monica Mitchell
  • The Last Word, fiction by Sue Bursztynski
  • Editorial by Susan Clarke
  • Advertisements by Kathryn Andersen
  • Picture Puzzle by Yvonne Hintz
  • Ads for zines etc.
  • Letters of Comment
  • In Retrospect, poem by Kathryn Andersen
  • Psychosis and Other Aberrations , poem by Bryn Lantry
  • photo of editors

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 29

"Walking the Wind" is another one of my utter favourite stories, though I think this one has also appeared elsewhere. There's also some other good pieces too. [39]

Issue 30

Chronicles 30 was published in July 1987 and contains 45 pages.

front cover of issue #30, Linda Cox Chan
back cover of issue #30

The art is by Linda Cox Chan (front cover), Michael McGann, Kathryn Andersen, Rosemary Woodhouse, Denise Loague, and Adrian Butcher.

  • Picture Puzzle by Yvonne Hintz
  • Ads for zines etc.
  • Letters
  • Song, From a Rebel to a Free Trader, poem by Bryn Lantry
  • I Never Would Have Cried, poem by Kathryn Andersen
  • Pictures of Auron, poem by Kathryn Andersen
  • The Tipsy Star Rover, Robert Jan (filk, The Gypsy Rover)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 30

Three good poems (two of them by me, so you can ignore that if you like) and "Avon and the Enne Affair" which is quite fun. That one is narrated from the PoV of Vila, and based on the P.G. Wodehouse story "Jeeves makes an Omlette". [40]

Issue 31

front cover of issue #31, Bernice Cuffe
back cover of issue #31

Chronicles 31 was published in October 1987 and contains 40 pages. The art is by Bernice Cuffe (front cover), Linda Cox Chan, Kathryn Andersen, Fiona Ellem, and <=minds-i-view=>.

  • Susan Clarke and Joanne Keating, Editorial
  • Female of the Species, fiction by Venessa Kelly
  • Promises to Keep, fiction by Catherine Kerrigan
  • Too Many, fiction by Karen Herkes
  • And To This End, fiction by Moira Dahlberg
  • End Tale, fiction by Margaret Pitcher
  • All the World's a Wallet, poem by Bryn Lantry
  • Wisewoman, poem by Bryn Lantry

Issue 32/33

front cover of issue #32/33, Bernice Cuffe
back cover of #32/33, Kathryn Andersen

Chronicles 32/33 was published in January 1988 and containns 85 pages.

The art is by Bernice Cuffe (front cover), Micheal McGann, Kathryn Andersen (back cover), Rosemary Woodhouse, and Fiona Ellem.

  • Susan Clarke and Joanne Keating, Editorial
  • Yet Another of Those Self-Indulgent Christmas Mary Sues, fiction by Sue Bursztynski
  • Honey Bees and Fantasies, fiction by Monica Mitchell
  • Peace of Mind, fiction by Helen Sergeant
  • Neither Federation Nor Heroine, fiction by Moira Dahlberg
  • A Way Back, fiction by Karen Herkes
  • Poetic Justice, fiction by Ann Wortham (also in Magnificent Seven #4)
  • Freedom's Price, fiction by Linda McCarthy
  • A Damned Nuisance, fiction by Sue Bursztynski
  • Fancy Dress Party Logic Puzzle by Sheila Tracy
  • Ads for zines etc.
  • First Impression, poem byKathryn Andersen
  • Memories from City, poem by Sheila Tracy
  • Dirge for a Deadhead (Bek to Petie), poem by Bryn Lantry
  • Battle Hymn of the Liberator by Sheila Tracy (filk, John Brown's Body)
  • Ten Kerr Avons by Lynne's Lunatics, South Penrith (filk, Ten Green Bottles)

  • inside issue #32/33

  • inside issue #32/33

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 32/33

[Poetic Justice]: A very short, post-Gauda Prime story that has Vila attempting to simply survive, any way possible. [41]

Issue 34

cover of issue #34

Chronicles 34 was published in April 1988 and contains 46 pages. The art is by Michael McGann (front cover), Kathryn Andersen, Chris McCombe, Virginia Turpin, and Leah Rosenthal.

Issue 35

cover of issue #35

Chronicles 35 was published in July 1988 and contains 46 pages.

The art is by <=minds-i-view=> (front cover), Michael McGann, Yvonne Hintz, and Kathryn Andersen.

  • Susan Clarke and Joanne Keating, Editorial
  • Dungeons and Doorcodes, fiction by Wendy Ratter
  • To Honour and Love, fiction by Falcon
  • The Power and the Glory, fiction by Monica Mitchell
  • Metaphysical Company, fiction by Edwina Harvey
  • The Star Roads, poem by Sheila Tracy
  • Up Revolution by Kathryn Andersen (filk, Waltzing Matilda)
  • filk by Kathryn Andersen, to the tune of Waltzing Matilda
  • Official Federation Grades Test, puzzle by Y.S. Hintz
  • Letters
  • Ads for zines etc.

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 35

Just a short note to let you know how much I enjoyed Chronicles #35. 'The Star Roads' was the best B7 poem I've read for along time. It really gets inside Blake's head and expresses the real cost of rebelling. We tend to forget the real cost of fighting a tyranny -thinking that all it costs is money - this poem and the series both remind us that, win or lose, the cost is high. And highest to those who lead for they must account for the dead. I always wondered what Avon was like as a youth - now I know about Vila, too. To be as good as thief as he is he must have started early. I can really see Avon's fastidious expression at being thrown in a cell but even back then, he appreciated Vila's cunning brain and quick wits. Every fan writer seems to have their idea of what happened post-'Blake'. 'Metaphysical Company' is one of the more interesting ones.

All this plus a very good front cover and I thought the zine well worth the cost. Well done, and when the next issue? [42]

'Star Roads' by Sheila Tracy - the picture opposite this is nicely designed (as is the cover of Chronicles #35). The poem itself is a bit soppy (though who am I to say? I've done some soppy ones myself - and buried them in obscure folders!) 'Official Grades Test' - this test is erroneous: it rated me a beta! Trick questions. 'Dungeons & Doorcodes' by Wendy Ratter -- I personally find Avon here unbelievable, though the premise and the

Vila are fine. 'To Honour & Love' by Falcon - on the edges of bellevabl1ity, but forgivable since decently different with a twist. I couldn't really believe (a) Jenna fainting, b) Jenna willingly marrying Vila (as distinct from Vila marrying Jenna as he did Holly). Isn't Blake supposed to be the one Jenna moons over? 'The Power & The Glory' by Monica Mitchell was good. Travis 1 is worth writing about, when he'd done right, but NEVDEL was handled inconsistently. Was it real or not? 'Metaphysical Company' by Edwina Harvey was interesting - sort of funny and sad. If only death were like that, one might say. Though, really, Heaven is better, beyond all imaginings (especially Sue B's!) - personal opinion, no offense intended. [43]

I particularly liked Kathryn Andersen's filk, which fits the tune of Waltzing Matilda beautifully, and 'Star Roads' by Sheila Tracy. There is a scarcity of the artwork, although what there was was great. As for the reduced print debate: personally I'm in favour of reduced print - at least for the Annual. On the other hand, while I have no difficulty reading reduced print, I'm sure there are others who do, so it's use would have to be fairly limited. [44]

After doing a small independent survey among some fans in New Jersey, I have come to the conclusion that most of them have no idea whatever how much time, money, and good old fair dinkum sweat goes into a 'zine. They seem to think* that editing is "fun", and that it presents a chance to get your inner frustrations out on the sort-of-1iterate public. Obliviously, no-one of them had ever tried serious editing, or had any idea what risk one takes doing critique on another person's writing. (One professor in university said that criticizing someone's written work was like murdering their children. Apt, eh?)

At any rate, you are doing a very fine job with Chronicles, and deserve the award for being refreshingly DIFFERENT. I thought there was something wrong with me when I began to find that most of the stories could fit into about three or four different groups. (The contents of some American 'zines could be called Plot #1, Plot #2 or Plot #3) You work very hard on your 'zine... and it shows![45]

Issue 36

Chronicles 36 was published in October 1988 and contains 46 pages.

cover of issue #36

The art is by <=minds-i-view=>] (front cover), Michael McGann, and, Y.S. Hintz

  • Editorial by Susan Clarke (3)
  • If I Were in Your Shoes, fiction by Teresa Ward (5)
  • Blake's Computers (Zen's Opinion, Tirade, Humble Servant), poem by Teresa Ward (12)
  • No Way Back, fiction by Geoff Tilley (13)
  • Of Crims and Rebels, fiction by Bryn Lantry (19)
  • There Are No Miracles, fiction by Y.S. Hintz (33)
  • Cally's Road, poem by Sheila Tracy (39)
  • Susan Clarke and Joanne Keating, Editorial
  • Letters (41)
  • Ads for zines etc. (43)

Issue 37/38

cover of issue #37/#38, <=minds-i-view=>

Chronicles 37/38 was published in January 1989.

The art is by <=minds-i-view=> (front cover), Michael McGann, Yvonne Hintz, Kathryn Andersen, Tracy Hamilton, and Anonymous (back cover).

  • Susan Clarke and Joanne Keating, Editorial
  • Double and Nothing, fiction by Y.S. Hintz
  • Vila's Story, fiction by Natalie Prior
  • Song for a Winter Day, fiction by Monica Mitchell
  • Ads for zines etc.
  • Letters

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 37/38

All the pieces in this one are good. [46]

Issue 39

Chronicles 39 was published in April 1989.

cover of issue #39

The art is by Kathryn Andersen (front cover), Michael McGann, Fiona Ellem, and Y.S. Hintz (back cover).

  • Susan Clarke and Joanne Keating, Editorial
  • The Christmas Present, fiction by Sue Bursztynski (real world crossover)
  • Simba, fiction by Rebecca Reeves
  • Mission to Destiny, fiction by Sheila Tracy
  • Wall of Honour, Episode 1: Citadel, fiction by Falcon D'Arenburg
  • Tarrant, poem by Teresa Ward
  • Rationalizations, poem by Teresa Ward
  • Word Search/Puzzle by Tracy Hamilton
  • Letters
  • Ads for zines etc.

Issue 40

Chronicles 40 was published in July 1989 and contains 45 pages.

front cover of issue #40
back cover of issue #40, Theresa Buffaloe

The art is by Marianne Plumridge (front cover), Michael McGann, Tracy Hamilton, Bernice Cuffe, Kathryn Andersen, and Theresa Buffaloe (back cover).

  • Susan Clarke and Joanne Keating, Editorial
  • The Best of Enemies, fiction by Venessa Kelly
  • Transition, fiction by Theresa Ward
  • Letters
  • The Name, poem by Bryn Lantry

  • from issue #40

Issue 41

Chronicles 41 was published in October 1989 and contains 44 pages.

front cover of issue #41

The art is by BAL (?) (cover), Michael McGann, Kathryn Andersen, Theresa Buffaloe, Y.S. Hintz, and Jocelyn Munro.

  • Susan Clarke and Joanne Keating, Editorial
  • Just Testing, fiction by Moira Dahlberg (real world crossover; actors)
  • Nor All That Glitters... And Looks Cute, fiction by Y.S. Hintz
  • Wall of Honour, Episode 2: Obsession, fiction by Falcon D'Arenberg
  • Casual Observer-- Soolin, poem by
  • Song to Avon, poem by Sheila Tracy
  • Lost Time, poem by Teresa Ward
  • Vow, poem by Kathryn Andersen
  • Letters
  • Ads
  • Letter from secretary of Huttcon '90 (Sf-media con)

Issue 42/43

Chronicles 42/43 was published in January 1990 and contains 87 pages.

cover of issue #42/43, Theresa Buffaloe

The art is by Theresa Buffaloe (front cover), L. McCarthy, <=minds-i-view=> (back cover), Michelle Kavazos, and Kathryn Andersen.

  • Joanne Keating and Susan Clarke, Editorial
  • The Gift, fiction by Sue Bursztynski (real world crossover)
  • Family Trait, fiction by <=minds-i-view=>
  • Resurrection, fiction by Ann Neville
  • Wall of Honour, Episode 3: Sound of the Crowd, fiction by Falcon D'Arenberg
  • The First Time, fiction by Rosemary Woodhouse
  • Letters
  • Ads
  • Second Thoughts, poem by Teresa Ward
  • Stifled Regret, poem by Kathryn Andersen

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 42/43

I was very pleased with the edition. Read Anne's "Resurrection" first, mainly due to the sub-title indicating it to be a sequel to [the episode] "Blake]. This area was a very interesting piece of history in the B7 chronology across the world because there are so many possibilities that could have occurred - "Resurrection" being one of them. Enjoyed the backcover artwork (as much as the frontcover of "Chronicles" #40). It conjured up many possibilities that could be written into stories. [47]

Issue 44

Chronicles 44 was published in April 1990 and contains 45 pages.

front cover of issue #44

The art is by <=minds-i-view=> (front cover), Michelle Kavazos, Marianne Plumridge, Kathryn Andersen, Bernice Cuffe, Yvonne Hintz, and Theresa Buffaloe (back cover).

  • Editorial by Susan Clarke and Joanne Keating
  • Fair Exchange, fiction by Moira Dahlberg
  • Each Quiet Moment, fiction by Marianne Plumridge
  • The Restej Incident, fiction by Felis Sylvestris
  • The Edge of Caring, fiction by Barbara Hamilton Fletcher
  • Nightwatch, fiction by Venessa Kelly
  • Betrayal, fiction by Sue Bursztynski
  • Yvonne S. Hintz, "Word Puzzles"
  • Ads

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 44

I enjoyed Number 44 as usual. Naturally, the editorial is the very best bit, but I enjoyed all the stories, especially The Restej Incident. Fells is quite a practical joker. Thought Moria's story showed quite an amount of ingenuity and Sue's provided a nasty jab in the guts. Haven't had a chance to work out all the word puzzle yet, but I'm looking forward to doing that. Also, very much admired the art on the front cover, the twiddly bits at the ends of the stories (pages 14, 25, 36). You could run a competition to explain what horrible disease has afflicted Vila on page 30. [48]

"Greatly enjoyed Chronicles #44. 'Betrayal' by Sue Bursztynski was one of the first I read. I was not let down, another fine piece of writing although all too brief. Very chilling piece this, and all too believable. The Hitler Youth look like angels by comparison to Servalan!

Another that stuck in my mind was Venessa Kelly's 'Night Watch' -curious style but I don't know that it would have been as effective as any other way. I was impressed with her handling of this story idea actually, as it could have easily have ended up a wallow. Takes a lot more nous and talent to avoid such a trap and write a believable story. The author was really able to put herself in Tarrant's shoes to give us his thoughts and feelings.

It gave me a strong impression of Tarrant's youth and the fact that his experience of life has not been as harsh as the others. Looking into Tarrant's mind was rather more educational than I thought it would be... and I'd better not say another word or I'll have that legion of Tarrant fans after me again (I only just escaped the last time!)

Then Moira Dahlberg took me into Servalan's mind (the prospect of which is enough to give one nightmares!). Did it all happen this way prior to Gauda Prime? It wouldn't surprise me in the least! Certainly the workings of Servalan's mind are devious enough as seen here, and I don't know that by the tail nd of season four» Avon had his wits sufficiently about him to protect himself, or the others, from any trap. By that stage, Avon was pretty far around the bend, which is one of the reasons I (like Moira) can't stand season four - especially the last ten minutes of "Blake"!

Though I'm afraid I can't agree with Moira's admiration of Servalan. That woman gives me the creeps! She puts me in mind of a snake. They make my flesh crawl even if viewed safely behind glass. I can't like them at all, but I can appreciate a snake's graceful fluidity of movement, the beauty of its markings, etc, but take the glass away and would you trust that snake an inch? No way!

To lighten the mood, we had the practical joker from the planet Jester. I know Vila was not directly behind any of this. It would be physically impossible for him to be, besides I doubt that he'd want to hurt or panic any of the others. But just what does he know about it all? How come he was the only one unaffected? And how does he know of this planet, ResteJ, anyway? Hmm. I were any one of that crew, I'd be asking some very penetrating questions, of a certain delta grade thief! Perfect illo of a darkly, suspicious looking Jenna for that point in the story. This Minds*i*View person has also provided a marvellous cover even to the very clever title design -no wonder Joanne's pleased! Nice to see such imagination being exercised.

The back cover too by Theresa Buffaloe was truly inspired. We are all affected to one degree or another, by different people in our lives. Here Avon's obviously thinking of the women in his like. The affect in this drawing is quite striking. The artist is to be complemented. Hope we see some more of her drawings in Chronicles.

Also, like to see Yvonne's puzzling puzzles! They are fun and good mental exercise.

Bernice Cuffe's appropriately angry looking Vila was most suitable (she said in her Penelope Kieth voice!) for Barb Fletcher's story. It's not how I'd see things after Mordoc, but still an interesting idea, especially Vila's act. I always did feel her was bunging it on a bit. Nobody could be that stupid and cowardly and still be athief! They'd be too afraid of getting caught to steal and not smart enough to be any good at it anyway.

I was surprised to see a story by Marianne Plumridge -I didn't know the girl could write! Fabulous artist, yes -as attested- once again by the beautiful illo she provided for her own story. It was a brief, introspective piece, but an interesting idea. (Ed: There is not much that this woman cannot do. Her first love is painting, then when she wants a change she draws, or writes. Anyone who has seen her at conventions knows that she sews a treat too. I have been with her when she has tried on a beautiful dress, refused to pay the price for it, bought the same pattern, material, and gone home and made it in one evening. And it fit better than the one in the shop too! -Joanne) Always good to see stories which tie up loose ends - anyone who was still wondering about Kerrll, can stop now. [49]

Issue 45

Chronicles 45 was published in July 1990 and contains 46 pages.

cover of issue #45

The art is by <=minds-i-view=> (front cover), Kathryn Andersen, Bernice Cuffe, and Fiona Ellem.

From the editorial:

Well, it's that time of year again for Australian S.F. Media Fans to stand up and be counted... the dreaded A.S.P.M.A. Awards are sneaking up on us again. Of course they do that whenever the time of the year because of the very nature of the National Convention Bidding system. You want your say in how the Natcons are being done, then turn up to the Business Meeting at HUTTCON in Melbourne in November, and do so.

Anyway, as usual, we enclose the nominating form which can be reproduced and filled in and sent to the Awards Committee. Anyone can nominate, but to vote, you must be a member of HUTTCON, even a supporting member. Remember, we enclose the forms as a service, not for any other reason. One thing Joanne and I do not suffer from is apathy. We've filled in our forms and sent them back. If you feel there have been fanzines worth getting an award in the last twelve months, then please nominate them. They can't even get a mention on the voting list unless you do nominate them, and there are a lot of good fanzines cut there waiting for someone, the readers, to say that they appreciated the zine-eds hard work. Same for the writers and artists that you now have the chance to nominate.

[...]

Leah Rosenthal & Annie Wortham appear this issue with something that they probably thought we'd lost. We've had it on file for about three years. Our apologies for taking so long in getting it to print, but we do try hard to maintain a balance with our issues and that, unfortunately, means some stories must find their way into other issues.

[...]

Moira Dahlberg's own talent is shown, this issue, in a couple of pieces based on illustrations that we supplied. It was a challenge that she met in own style and I think you'll appreciate the results. We still have some illustrations that are worthy of stories... would you like to take up the challenge? Marianne Plumridge has a short, disturbing piece, and Sheila Tracy has another of her short pithy, witty pieces. In all, with the wonderful artwork of Fiona Ellem, Kathryn Andersen, minds-i-view, I think you'll find it an absorbing issue at least,

  • Susan Clarke and Joanne Keating, Editorial (3)
  • The Family Business, fiction by Moira Dahlberg (4)
  • Legacy, fiction by Jennie Leigh (7)
  • You Look Marvelous, fiction by Leah Rosenthal & Ann Wortham (reprinted from Interface #11) (9)
  • Decisions, fiction by Moira Dahlberg (21)
  • Walking the Thin Line, fiction by <=minds-i-view=> (23)
  • The Revenge of the Son of Avon, fiction by Sheila Tracy (28)
  • Wall of Honour, Episode 4: Do or Die!, fiction by Falcon D'Arenburg (29)
  • In the Twilight, fiction by Marianne Plumridge (39)
  • Letters of Comment (41)
  • Ads for zines etc. (42)

  • from issue #32/33, <=minds-i-view=>

  • from issue #32/33, <=minds-i-view=>

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 45

[You Look Marvelous]: This is another example of a story written extremely early in our collaboration and, like many of our early humorous stories, it's a bit of a precursor to the Bizarro 7 silliness we eventually began to write. [50]

Issue 46

cover of 46,<=minds-i-view=>

The Chronicles 46 was published in October 1990 and is 43 pages long.

The art is by <=minds-i-view=>, Denise Loague, and Michael McGann.

From the editorial:

For something completely different, in the chronicles of the further adventures of Clarke A Keating Ink (On Tour): Victoria's Red Squadron hosted the inter-squadron Battlestar Galactlca annual event this year at Ballarat, at the girl guides camp at Cheswick. Cold water over the shower stalls, water-pistol fights, charades. Time Warping with the armed and dangerous Geoff I-just-broke-my-arm-so-have-you-signed-my-cast-yet Tilley, dancing until 2 in the morning, sending the men out to do the dishes and clean the kitchen (a sight to gladden the heart of any housewife... bless their cottonsocks), pyramid and fizzbin played, giant blow-up hammers, photos of drunken teddies on their own bunk in the dorm (who me, pack a brown paper bag of Kahlua? In a Scouts hall? Heck no! ... It was Joanne's Kahlua).... I think we had a good time, didn't we, dear? (Yes, we definitely had a good time. Got to see an awful lot of rural Victoria before we found Creswick. The giant blow-up hammers were areal inspiration -people like Marianne got to work out a lot of frustration with them!

There were continual startled yelps as she scored points in the target practice (heh heh) We have sane classic photos. And the team tickle attacks (2 to 1) were very satisfying. Marianne and I still make a great team! Thank you Lavinia Byrne for organising the get-together - Joanne

From one of the two letters of comment:

Did you see the Couchman thing on sf fandom? What did you think of it? I was annoyed that he tended to separate the fans into little groups and Just did not listen to them and went on and on about escapism. Boo! We're not more escapist than devotees of and I tend to think we've probably got a healthier mental outlook on life than people who have no interest in either sf or reading. Which brings me to another complaint about the Couchman -there were only media fans there and hardly any mention was made of the written genre. It could have been an excellent show, but it missed by a mile. «sigh«. (Ed: Let's face it, most professional interviewers are too narrow-minded and disinterested to do an even half-way decent interview; to them there will always only be 'Trekkies' (shudder) and silly people in plastic ears waving toy guns.

You don't really expect them to even consider that there's a difference between media fen and those who prefer the written genre. If you hadn't gathered by now, I didn't bother to watch the Couchman show ... if by some amazing accident, it turned out to be afun. intelligent forum, I could have crossed-taped it from someone else. I didn't need to - Joanne

  • Editorial by Susan Clarke and Joanne Keating
  • Once upon a Christmas Eve, fiction by <=minds-i-view=> (30 pages)
  • Wall of Honour, Episode 5: Seconds, fiction by Falcon D'Arenburg (11 pages)
  • Ads for zines etc.
  • Letters of Comment

  • from issue #46, Denise Logue

  • from issue #46, Denise Logue

Issue 47

Chronicles 47 was published in April 1991.

front cover of issue #47

The art is by <=minds-i-view=> (front cover) and Theresa Buffaloe.

  • Susan Clarke and Joanne Keating, Editorial
  • Christmas Story 1990, fiction by Sue Bursztynski (real world crossover)
  • Wall of Honour, Episode 6: Nature of the Beast, fiction by Falcon D'Arenburg
  • Dream Fasting, fiction by Edwina Harvey
  • World Enough and Time, fiction by Sue Bursztynski
  • Post G.P. Letter, poem by Nova Salsh-Klabe
  • In Praise of Tarrant, article by Margaret Pitcher
  • Ads for zines etc.
  • Letters

Issue 48

cover of issue #48, Kathryn Anderson

The Chronicles 48 was published in July 1991 and contains 46 pages.

The art is by Kathryn Andersen, <=minds-i-view=> (cover logo), Michael McGann, Bernice Cuffe (reprinted in #60/61/62), Theresa Buffaloe, Tricia Ostwald, Bernice, Fiona Ellem, and Nola Frame-Gray.

  • Susan Clarke and Joanne Keating, Editorial
  • Loose Ends, fiction by Andrew Williams
  • Honey, fiction by Y.S. Hintz
  • The Height of Ambition, fiction by Jean Stroud
  • Reasons, fiction by Andrew Williams
  • The Dolphin Bed, fiction by Sue Bursztynski
  • Wall of Honour, Episode 7: End Play, fiction by Falcon D'Arenberg
  • Ads
  • Letters
  • Requiem for Friendship, poem by Marianne Plumridge
  • Death, poem by Susan Clarke
  • The Game, poem by Jean Stroud

Issue 49/50/51

Chronicles 49/50/51 is a bumper issue to celebrate ten year's of publication. It was published in January 1992 and contains 142 pages.

cover of issue #49/50/51, Theresa Buffaloe

The art is by Theresa Buffaloe, Michael McGann, Rosemarie Woodhouse, <=minds-i-view=>, Kathryn Andersen, Michelle Kavazos, Robert Jan, Fiona Ellem, Bernice Cuffe, and Linda Cox Chan.

From the editorial:

A triple issue for you this time because it is also a special issue. October's issue never came out because of MEDTREK and the fact that both Joanne and I were firmly committed to escorting the Prowses to Melbourne and the subsequent illnesses, etc. However, so that no-one missed out on it in their subscription and because we wanted to do a special issue this year, we decided to combine the both and came up with a triple issue which is actually more than 3 times the size of a normal issue to help celebrate our tenth anniversary.

Yes, ten years old, and still going.

How the heck did that happen, you ask? Simple: Ron started Australia's first Blake's Seven magazine, THE CHRONICLES in time for MEDTREK 82 which was held in the February at the Hydromajestic Hotel in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales. This laid-back convention was the preliminary one before the first official National SF Media Convention and had as Guest of Honour, SF author, Captain A Bertram Chandler who claimed to be one of the first Trek fans having seen the first preview episode of that new show at a Worldconvention before it was ever aired elsewhere.

Like many SF authors then and now, he was enthusiastic at the chance to show some real SF on the television screen. Also, there as [Fan Guest of Honour]] was Shayne McCormack, former manager of Galaxy Bookshop in Sydney, and well-known in fandom as the person who started the first Star Trek dub in Australia, DUSK.

At Medtrek, Michael McGann turned up as Travis and Kerr Avon, supported by little-known actor Paul Darrow who wrote Avon's acceptance speech even before the votes were counted, won the very first Galactic Senate Elections. Blake's Seven had hit the Australian television screens and was already finding popularity amongst media fen.

And CHRONICLES was already taking off in popularity.

Through the last ten years, the sales and support for the magazine have kept up a constant enthusiasm. A few issues have been late and we've missed one issue, but I think that, by and large, we've done pretty good by the B7 fen, maintaining a three-monthly B7 magazine with some of the best writers and artists in the fandom. A long way when Ron & I practically wrote the whole of the first issue ourselves under various names.

Since Joanne has joined the family, nine or so years ago, it's become constantly good-looking, and - she eggs the two of us onto bigger and better things, and Ron's retired back to what he likes to do best - his general SF magazine, THE MENTOR and printing. You have rewarded us through the presentation of four A.S.F.M.A. awards over the years.

We're doing so good this time around, that we've managed to put out the latest CHRONICLES ANNUAL which had four stories by your favourite authors that are well-written and "meaty", and thus a good read, as well as this triple issue - and all in two months.

Next project: the 20th Anniversary issue of BEYOND ANTARES.

This issue sees stories by Sue Bursztynski, Anne Neville, Monica Bell (formerly Monica Mitchell who was known for her Travis stories and artwork), Vanessa Kelly who has a delightfully funny piece this time around, Jeannie Stroud from New Zealand and Moira Dahlberg's story "Emma" which has been waiting patiently to find the right place to go.

Kathryn Andersen has done an absolutely sterling job in getting together a complete index of all the Chronicles contributors over the past ten years. It was mammoth task and she went bravely into it. Thank you, most sincerely, Kathryn for making the issue a special, collectable issue.

Kathryn, of course, has also supplied artwork as well to the issue along with some of our favourites, including Robert Jan, Bernice Cuffe and Linda Cox Chan.

We have some very sad news for our readers. Linda, who was a good friend to both Joanne and I, died peacefully on Boxing Day, 1991. She was an incredibly talented artist who always delivered on time, and a writer of witty fiction. It is a big loss to fandom, and to the community. This piece is the last of her work that we have to print in CHRONICLES.

  • Editorial by Susan Clarke (1)
  • Emma, fiction by Moira Dahlberg (5)
  • Payment in Kind, fiction by Jean Stroud (37)
  • Clothed in Darkness, fiction by Sue Bursztynski (44)
  • A Little Excitement, fiction by Anne Neville (45)
  • A Body Worth Guarding, fiction by Monica Bell (52)
  • Explanation, fiction by Sue Bursztynski (109)
  • After Anna, fiction by Anne Neville (11)
  • Vice Versa, fiction by Venessa Kelly (113)
  • Chronicles Index by Kathryn Andersen (author & title indexes to #1-48) (123)
  • illustrations to the Index, reproductions of the covers of #8, Se by Lana Brown (p. 133); #48, A by Kathryn Andersen (p. 133); #24, Se-Tr by Adrian Butcher (p. 142); and #12/13, V by Tricia Ostwald (p. 142)

  • from issue #49/50/51, Michael McGann

  • from issue #49/50/51, Theresa Buffaloe

  • from issue #49/50/51, Michelle Kavazos

  • from issue #49/50/51, Bernice Cuffe

  • from issue #49/50/51, Linda Cox Chan

Issue 52

Chronicles 52 was published in April 1992.

front cover of issue #52

The art is by <=minds-i-view=> (front cover), Marianne Plumridge, Rosemary Woodhouse, and Andrew Williams (back cover).

  • Susan Clarke and Joanne Keating, Editorial
  • Christmas Story 1991, fiction by Sue Bursztynski (real world and multimedia crossover)
  • Through Chase and Slime with Rojinald Blackout, fiction by Sheila Tracy
  • Not Really by Chance, fiction by Rosemary Woodhouse
  • A Slow Slide Down Into Eternity, fiction by Jean Stroud
  • Ads for zines etc.
  • Letters

Issue 53

front cover of issue #53, Theresa Buffaloe
back cover of issue #53, Andrew Williams

Chronicles 53 was published in July 1992 and contains 44 pages.

The art is by Theresa Buffaloe (front cover), Andrew Williams (back cover, interior), and Tracy Hamilton.

Issue 54

cover of issue #54, Bernice Cuffe
back cover of issue #54, Andrew Williams

Chronicles 54 was published in October 1993 and contains 44 pages.

The art is by Bernice Cuffe (front cover), Michael McGann, Kathryn Andersen, Fiona Ellem, Susan Hinckley, and Andrew Williams (back cover).

Contains a short Servalan story; a Gan story; a series of letters to by Kerr Avon to his mother, including some bits about his cousin, Servalan; Avon and Cally are stranded, alone, cold and with their memories, and a Blake/Cally story set during "Terminal."

  • Yet Another Editorial by Susan Clarke (3)
  • Christmas Story, 1992, fiction by Sue Bursztynski (real world crossover) (4)
  • A Season of Wishes by Kathryn Andersen (filk, Scarborough Fair) (5)
  • Politics Make the Strangest Bedmates, fiction by Moira Dahlberg (listed on title page as "Politics Makes the Strangest Bedfellows;" sequel to "Marcus Samson and the Orabanda Dragon" by Greg Dales [Moira Dahlberg] in The Other Side #4; S4; real world crossover) (7)
  • Crossword: Season B (2) by Kathryn Andersen (10)
  • Gan, A Big Man, fiction by Margaret Pitcher (13)
  • Love, Mother, fiction by Karen McAllister and C. Hawkins (23)
  • Word Finder by Sheila Tracy (puzzle) (27)
  • A Poem for Cally by Jean Stroud (28)
  • Cold Comfort, fiction by Barbara Hamilton Fletcher (29)
  • Andrew Williams, "A Companion for Death"
  • The Smile, article by Margaret Pitcher (37)
  • A Companion for Death by Andrew Williams (39)
  • Thoughts from an Underground Bunker, poem by Jean Stroud (41)
  • Letters of Comment (42)

Issue 55

front cover of issue #55, Shayne McCormack
back cover of issue #55, Andrew Williams
fold-out art from issue #55, <=minds-i-view=>

The Chronicles 55 was published in April 1994 and contains 47 pages.

The art is by <=minds-i-view=>, Shayne McCormick, Andrew Williams, and Kathryn Andersen.

Summary from Bill Hupe: "A confrontation between Orac & Avon on trailing Blake; sometimes fates set  unexpected pairs up for collusion."

  • Christmas Story 1993 (2)
  • Editorial (3)
  • The Blue Goose by Margaret Pitcher (5)
  • A Necessary Evil by Andrew Williams (8)
  • Crossword Number 2 by Sheila Tracy (10)
  • Not in Your Stars by Susan Clarke & Sue Bursztynski (11)
  • Blake's 7 Teasers by Andrew Williams (30)
  • Solution to the Crossword Puzzle (32)
  • Cartoon by Nola Frame-Gray (32)
  • Solutions to Blake's 7 Teasers (45)
  • New Zines from Clarke & Keating (47)


Issue 56/57/58

Chronicles 56/57/58 was published in March 1995 and contains 110 pages. It is a "special edition."

front cover of issue #56/57/58

The art is all by Kathryn Andersen (all but cover reprinted from Enarrare #5-7).

  • Pandora's Legacy, fiction by Marie Logan (reprinted from Enarrare #5)
  • Key (Part 1), fiction by Marie Logan & Jenny Hayward (reprinted from Enarrare #5)
  • Key (Part 2), fiction by Marie Logan & Jenny Hayward (reprinted from Enarrare #6)
  • Key (Part 3), fiction by Marie Logan & Jenny Hayward (reprinted from Enarrare #7)



Reactions and Reviews: Issue 56/57/58

Triple issue containing the entirety of "Key" by Jenny Hayward and Marie Logan. Another one of my favourite stories.

The utter best.

If you have very little to spend, of those mentioned above I'd say you should get #19, #29, and #56/57/58. But only if you have similar tastes to moi. [51]

DO NOT BUY if you 1. object to Blake bashing and 2. aren't terribly interested in Avon stories. Blake is not only dead BUT THE REBELS HELPED kill him off because he was a detriment to the cause. I gave this TURKEY to an Avonite. It was a waste of my money. [52]

Issue 59

Chronicles 59 was published in April 1995 and contains 48 pages. It has art by Andrew Williams (front cover), Bernice Cuffe, Yvonne Hintz, and Denise Loague.

cover of issue #59, Andrew Williams
  • Editorial (3)
  • Sue Bursztynski, "Christmas Story 1994" (real world crossover) (5)
  • Andrew Williams, "His Master's Voice" (7)
  • April Pentland, "Tantrum" (script; Cheers parody) (9)
  • Sue Bursztynski, "Krismus" (15)
  • Sheila Tracy, "Diagram Puzzle" (puzzle) (26)
  • April Pentland, "Stew" (script; Cosby Show parody) (27)
  • Andrew Williams, "A Matter of Perception" (33)
  • April Pentland, "Shot" (script; M*A*S*H* parody) (35)
  • Susan Clarke, "Fragments" (45)
  • ads (47)

Issue 60/61/62

Chronicles 60/61/62 was published in April 1996 and contains 119 pages.

cover of issue #60/61/62, <=minds-i-view=>

The art is by <=minds-i-view=>] (front and back cover), Bernice Cuffe, Denise Loague, Todd Parish, Rosemarie Woodhouse, Theresa Buffaloe, Andrew Williams, and Fiona Ellem.

  • Editorial (3)
  • Jenna's Freedom, fiction by Susan Smith Clarke (5)
  • Child's Play, fiction by Moira Dahlberg (7)
  • Blake's 7 Crossword: Season A (2) by Kathryn Andersen (60)
  • Setting Out, fiction by Susan Smith Clarke (reprinted from Interface #8) (63)
  • Lying, the Which and the Wardrobe, fiction by Andrew Williams (Doctor Who and Hitchhiker's Guide to the Universe crossover) (65)
  • Through Chase and Slime with Rojinald Blackout (with apologies to Ferdinand Feghoot and Grendel Briarton), fiction by Sheila Tracy (69)
  • Gateway, fiction by Monica Bell (71)
  • A Moment Out of Time, fiction by Susan Smith Clarke (107)
  • Through Chase and Slime with Rojinald Blackout (with apologies to Ferdinand Feghoot and Grendel Briarton), fiction by Sheila Tracy (112)
  • Fanzine Listing, Clarke & Keating Ink, Zine ads (113)

Issue 63

Chronicles 63 was published in 1999 and contains 59 pages.

front cover of issue #63

The art is by Andrew Williams (front and back cover), Bernice Cuffe, Fiona Ellem, and John Tipper.

  • Recalled to Life, fiction by Sue Bursztynski
  • Confrontation, fiction by Katrina M. Harkness
  • Irony, fiction by Katrina M. Harkness
  • Vila's Gamble, fiction by Yvonne S. Hintz
  • The Other Side of the Coin, fiction by Katrina M. Harkness
  • The Only Safety, fiction by Andrew Williams
  • Through Chase and Slime with Rojinald Blackout (with apologies to Ferdinand Feghoot and Grendel Briarton), fiction by Sheila Tracy
  • Last minute publisher's note by Susan
  • Terry Nation by Jenny Gallagher (eulogy, reprinted from Centero #64)
  • Guestitorial by Andrew Williams
  • Blake's 7 Crossword, Season B by Kathryn Andersen
  • Orac Service Manual, humor by Andrew Williams
  • Answers to Blake's 7 Crossword, Season B by Kathryn Andersen
  • Locol (LoCs)

Issue 64

Chronicles 64 (60 pgs) August 1999 issue. With fiction by Pat Fenech, Alison Glover, Yvonne Hintz, Ana Morgan, Edwina Harvey and Judith Proctor.

front cover of issue #64


Issue 65

cover of issue #65, Whitby27

Chronicles 65 was published in December 2000 and contains 55 pages. It has a cover by Whitby27 and other art by Tricia Ostwald.

  • Forward by Narrelle M. Harris
  • Editorial
  • The Story So Far
  • The Key by Narrelle M. Harris
  • Recovery by Narrelle M. Harris
  • Interlude - Maret by Shayne McCormack
  • Letters of Comment

Issue 66

Chronicles 66 was published in July 2001 and contains 60 pages. The zine is online here.

front cover of issue #66
Space Monopoly: back cover of issue #66

The art is by Bernice Cuff (one illo) and Andrew Williams (all the rest).

  • Dedication (a memorial to fan Jeannie Morwick) (5)
  • Guestitorial by Andrew Guest (6)
  • Who's Who with Numbers Too, poem by Carol Burgess (7)
  • Who's Who with Numbers Two, poem by Carol Burgess (7)
  • A Message for Marric, fiction by Geraldine Pragnell (8)
  • Who's Who Third Part for You, poem by Carol Burgess (18)
  • A Question of Loyalty, fiction by Marian de Haan (19)
  • a telepic (29)
  • Who's Who Ends for You, poem by Carol Burgess (54)
  • 73 Kilos, poem by Melissa Mastoris (related to the episode:'Orbit') (55)
  • Life Line, fiction by Alison Glover (57)
  • Letters of Comment (59)

  • from issue #66, editorial

  • from issue #66, Andrew Williams

  • from issue #66, Andrew Williams

  • from issue #66, Andrew Williams

  • from issue #66, Andrew Williams

  • from issue #66, Bernice Cuffe

  • from issue #66, comparing a dialogue in Blake's 7 to dialogue in a Star Trek: DS9 pro-book by Peter David

  • from issue #66, Andrew Williams

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 66

Just received my copy of Chronicles and thrilled to see my name under the title. Thanks for the illustrations which brightened up the appearance. Wish I could provide some but my drawing is stick figure basic.

I also enjoyed the poetry and especially, "A Question of Loyalty" which kept me riveted to the end. [53]

I love it! That illustration of Captain Peacock, astronomer, had me in stitches. Funnily I didn't think of the man at all when I wrote the story -- I was just looking for a silly name to give the planet, as all those comets also seem to be discovered by people with the most impossible and unsuitable names.

I especially liked the story by Geraldine Pragnell. It's a nice change from the usual gloom of B7, and the poems by Carol Burgess. Usually I've got no affinity at all with poetry, but I really enjoyed Carol's work. [54]

Santa did bring me Chronicles! I am half-way through and am enjoying it very much. I think it's a nice zine with a bit of something for everyone, and of course, I'm particularly enjoying Marian's story. I am actually very impressed with your illustrations. I thought they were really good, very good likenesses. Your Frank Thorton 'Capt. Peacock' was an inspiration!! It's so nice to know that people are still producing zines. I know the internet is wonderful but, for me, on-line fiction just isn't the same. [55]

I wasn't very fussed on "A Message for Marric." It didn't seem to have a plot. But I really enjoyed "A Question of Loyalty." I liked the flyer pictured in that story, too. It was branded as a Yamazuki, like in the radio play! Little touches like that really make it worthwhile. Overall, a top effort by everyone. [56]

I certainly liked the cover of Chronicles 66, Jenna in front of a star chart! And I enjoy the silly comments in small print. I was nice to see that the illustrations were rather balanced and included various characters. Of course, the cover and Blake on page 14 were my favourites.

Blake was in only one story, "A Message for Marric," but I was glad to see him in at least one. THe story basically revolved around an OFC named Adair who is quite adept in any situation and even wears explosive hair pins. That reminded me of the Andromeda episode where the lade pilot hides important data in her decorative headband. Maybe somebody should write a story where both Dayna and Avon design hair accessories for Soolin, the lady of a thousand hairdos.

I found the "plagiarism" example by Peter David in THE SIEGE truly interesting. I wonder how many other B7 references he's made in his books.

I liked the B7oply on the back cover. Monopoly offers a blank kit... I had a talented friend make me my own personal B7oply because I'm not gifted enough on a computer to do it. She scanned in pictures and made it really nice...

I'm definitely looking forward to issue #67 of Chronicles and hope to be able to read a lot of Blake stories in it. [57]

Issue 67/68

front cover of issue #67-68
back cover of issue #67-68
from issue #67-68, copyright statement... "Not only is it the 20th birthday of Chronicles but also of the Commodore 64 home micro. The C64 was launched at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 1982, by Commodore Business Machines (CBM) at a price of $595. That beautiful little 1MHz machine is still being used by thousands of people around the world, and has taught me so much about coding, software and hardware that it's unbelievable. It really shows up the modern trend of software bloat -- if it doesn't run well, don't optimise your code -- just make the end user buy faster hardware. I write this stuff here so I know what I was up to, when I look back in my dotage and the grandchildren ask me, 'Grandad, what's a space invader?'"

Chronicles 67/68 was published in March 2002 and contains 103 pages.

It is the "Special 20th Chronicles Birthday Issue."

The art is by Kathryn Andersen (front cover), Whitby27 (back cover, page 11, Marian de Hann (page 18), and Andrew Williams (all the rest).

The zine is online here.

From the Guestitorial:

Little did I suspect when I first began subscribing to Chronicles in the mid-eighties that I would become so closely involved with it's [sic] production more than a decade later. In those days, I would always open up a new issue with the knowledge there would be something it it for me. Whenever I say a writer like Bryn Lantry or an artist like <=minds-i-view=> listed, I knew would be in for a treat. These days the names may have changed -- fans come, fans go, real life goes on -- but again I still know that when I open up a new copy of Chronicles that it will still be a treat. This issue is no exception, and if you take the opportunity to glance through it, you will see it is absolutely jam-packed. We couldn't fit another thing in if we tried!

[snipped]

A few pieces here have been published electronically, on the Lysator mailing list or on Freedom City or elsewhere. I have included these not just for our readers without internet access, but because they are excellent and deserve a proper home.

I have tried to find suitable illos for every piece; I hope you will feel that I succeeded. [Whitby27] and Kathryn Andersen have provided art of their usual calibre. Elsewhere, you will see I have plugged the gaps with my own illos. Similarly, I have included a story of mine which I wrote to boost the Blake count at a time when submissions were few and it looked like I would not be able to deliver the promised Blake-oriented issue. Although not every story has Blake in it, overall we did pretty well -- especially when you that it was decided to increase the page count when we suddenly realised it was the 20th year of the Chronicles.

As usual, we welcome all feedback, positive or otherwise. We can't improve the zine if we don't know what needs fixing. I ope some of you will also review this issue of Chronicles for the Lyst, your newsletters, Judith Proctor's zine index, etc. Proper criticism doesn't just benefit us, it benefits the contributors and therefore it benefits you, the reader, as well.

  • Editorial by Susan Batho (5)
  • Guestitorial by Andrew Williams (6)
  • A Dead King by Natasha Tucev (7)
  • The Perfect Solution by Marian de Haan (17)
  • Roj Blake, Television Knight by Joyce Bowen (33)
  • And Grow Roses by Moira Dahlberg (39)
  • Fight the Good Fight by Philippa Watts (61)
  • Reunion Denied by Andrew Williams (65)
  • Goodnight, Stranger by Philippa Watts (75)
  • Regarding Blake by Louise Rutter (77)
  • No Substitute by Jackie Speel (78)
  • Avon's Gardening Diary by Neil Faulkner (86)
  • The Way Back? by Jackie Speel (88)
  • Memories of Another Tree by Katrina Harkness (89)
  • Solstice by Sally Manton (91)
  • Letters of Comment (103)

  • from issue #67-68, Andrew Williams

  • from issue #67-68, Whitby27

  • from issue #67-68, Andrew Williams

  • from issue #67-68, Marian de Haan

  • from issue #67-68, Andrew Williams

  • from issue #67-68, Andrew Williams

  • from issue #67-68, Andrew Williams

  • from issue #67-68, Andrew Williams

Issue 69

cover of issue 67-68

Chronicles 69 was published in 2003 and contains 74 pages.

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 69

This is the first time I've bought Chronicles, and I'm glad I did. This one contained some good stories and was very enjoyable.

Times recurring - Andrew Williams -- A one-pager to get you up to speed, and a relatively plausible - if anything is plausible in this world - explanation of an early Blake's 7 mystery.

I am falling - Penny Dreadful -- There are two certainties whenever you read one of Penny's stories - it will be about Travis and it will be beautifully written. This story doesn't disappoint in either category. Here Penny takes us back to when Blake's gun removed Travis' arm and eye, and then takes us back again and again as Travis each time tries to make changes to alter the outcome. Groundhog Day meets Blake's 7.

When I was a delta - Chris Blenkarn -- I must confess my knowledge of Gilbert & Sullivan is minimal, so I don't know what this sounds like sung to the tune of "When I was a lad" as it should be. Perhaps Chris can sing it to me next time we meet. Till then, I have to treat this as a poem plotting an alternative route for Vila to his life as a thief and a rebel as he moves up the ranks from tea boy.

Work experience - Nicola Mody -- So what was Avon reading when we first saw him? And how did Vila know Avon already? Both these questions are answered in a delightful story about Vila being given one last chance to avoid Cygnus Alpha. Avon's and Vila's characters are expertly written in a lovely tale, some of which will be recognised by anyone who has worked in an office and had to face the hurdles of office politics and stupid supervisors.

Mattaka - Marian de Haan -- Set shortly after Shadow, the longest story in this zine sees the crew embark on a mission to destroy the clinic the Federation uses for creating mutoids. What should have been straightforward becomes complicated when another rebel carries out the same plan at the same time. Add a psychotic prisoner to the mix and a potential traitor among the Liberator crew and you end up with a story that, if filmed, could have been one of the better episodes.

Belonging - Gina the Dormouse -- Chronicles is a gen zine and as such you don?t get a lot - if any - sex in the stories, but that hasn't stopped Gina going for one of the most unusual pairings in this short story of love between a moon disc and a lump of sopron.

Fugitive - Philippa Watts -- If it's Flip it must be Tarrant, and this shortish story to end the book has the curly haired pilot in search of an old classmate and Federation deserter who might have the knowledge and resources to produce an antitoxin to Pylene 50. However, humans aren't the only inhabitants of the planet where he resides and the situation he is in is not quite what Tarrant was expecting. [58]

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Penny's "I Am Falling" story which concerns Travis and Blake before "The Way Back." The story is great. If there were more Blake in it, it would make my top 20 list of all time favs. But it is basically a Travis story, a character I do like to read about. (He' some days battling Tarrant and Avon for the number two spot in my heart.) Penny is a really good writer who I wish would write more. It's a "Groundhog Day" story, a story where time resets itself over and over again. Of course, most any story written by Marian de Haan features Avon as the hero who saves everyone, and this story "Mattaka" is n exception. It's an ensemble piece where everyone in the first season crew gets some space, Blake no more than the other characters. The story is original, with lots of twists and turns. Offhand, I would guess it is my favourite de Haan story so far that I can remember as it did hold my interest from beginning to end. I knew Avon would save the day, but exactly how was something that kept me guessing. [59]

Issue 70

Chronicles 70 was published in 2006 and contains 70 pages. The art is by Andrew Williams.

front cover of issue #70
back cover of issue #70

The zine is online here.

From the editorial by Williams:

Regardless of how you slice it, this issue is a landmark in so many ways. The number of issues surely beats any other run of B7 zines, and the collective page count must also rank up there with the best of them. And how many other B7 zines can you name that run for so long - or even that are running at all?

[snipped]

it's adios amigos time - this issue also marks the end of my tenure of guest editor. I was drafted in temporarily to help out, as Susan found herself squeezed for time thanks to Real Life. That was in 1998, and now my Real Life is doing the same to me.

So, for one final time, let me point out what a fantastic collection of contributions you're grasping in your hot little hands. Marian de Haan has given us another excellent tale of the Liberator crew. Nicola Mody has written a stunning follow-up to the first series episode "Mission to Destiny," which includes one particular scene I wish was talented enough to illustrate! Neil Faulker returns with another humorous piece, and Natasa Tucev provides the perfect ending.

In order to flesh out the zine, I have included some stories of my own, which I hope you will agree are worthy of inclusion and not just ego-tripping on my part. There are also some extracts from BBC publicity material, which make interesting -- and sometimes amusing -- reading. The issue is topped off with a smattering of cartoons.

Enjoy -- and remember, keeps supporting Chronicles!

  • Editorial (5)
  • A Quick Guide to B7: BBC Publicity (6)
  • Five Little Humans by Marian De Haan (7)
  • Vila and the Pink Panther by Rob Blenkarn (19)
  • Meeting With Destiny by Nicola Mody (25)
  • Letters of Comment (38)
  • The Nacher of Slash Explained by Neil Faulkner (39)
  • A Quick Guide to B7: BBC Publicity (42)
  • The Upper Hand by Andrew Williams (47)
  • Refer to Manufacturer by Andrew Williams (53)
  • To Kerr with Love by Andrew Williams (54)
  • Warg-strangler Day by Andrew Williams (55)
  • DVD Easter Eggs (57)
  • What Dreams May Come by Natasha (59)

  • from issue #70, Andrew Williams

  • from issue #70, Andrew Williams

  • from issue #70, Andrew Williams

  • from issue #70, Andrew Williams

  • from issue #70, Andrew Williams

References

  1. ^ from Susan Batho in the editorial for issue #67/68
  2. ^ from Andrew Williams in the "Guestitorial" in issue #67/68
  3. ^ by Sarah Thompson
  4. ^ Subject: B7ML: Fan Fiction post to Lysator dated Jan 10, 1993.
  5. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #21
  6. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #21
  7. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #21
  8. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #21
  9. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #21
  10. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #21
  11. ^ Katspace, reviewed by Kathryn A in 1996, Archived version
  12. ^ Katspace, reviewed by Kathryn A in 1996, Archived version
  13. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #21
  14. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #21
  15. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #21
  16. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #21
  17. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #21
  18. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #21
  19. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #21
  20. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #21
  21. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #21
  22. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #21
  23. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #21
  24. ^ Katspace, reviewed by Kathryn A in 1996, Archived version
  25. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #21
  26. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #21
  27. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #21
  28. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #24
  29. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #24
  30. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #24
  31. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #24
  32. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #24
  33. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #24
  34. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #24
  35. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #24
  36. ^ Katspace, reviewed by Kathryn A in 1996, Archived version
  37. ^ Katspace, reviewed by Kathryn A in 1996, Archived version
  38. ^ Katspace, reviewed by Kathryn A in 1996, Archived version
  39. ^ Katspace, reviewed by Kathryn A in 1996, Archived version
  40. ^ Katspace, reviewed by Kathryn A in 1996, Archived version
  41. ^ Ashton Press, 1998
  42. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #36
  43. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #36
  44. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #36
  45. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #36
  46. ^ Katspace, reviewed by Kathryn A in 1996, Archived version
  47. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #45
  48. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #45
  49. ^ from a letter of comment in "Chronicles" #56
  50. ^ Ashton Press, 1998
  51. ^ Katspace, reviewed by Kathryn A in 1996, Archived version
  52. ^ from a fan in Rallying Call #14 (1995)
  53. ^ from a letter of comment in "The Chronicles" #66
  54. ^ from a letter of comment in "The Chronicles" #66
  55. ^ from a letter of comment "via cyberspace" in "The Chronicles" #66
  56. ^ from a letter of comment in "The Chronicles" #66
  57. ^ from a letter of comment in "The Chronicles" #66
  58. ^ by Steve Rogerson at Blake's Seven Fan Fiction - A place to use your warped mind to warp poor Blake, posted January 3, 2004
  59. ^ a letter in "Chronicles" #70 by Joyce Bowen. From that zine: "It is with much regret that I say that this is Joyce Bowen's last LoC to Chronicles. She passed away on Saturday 29th October 2005. She was a long-time B7 fan - particularly of Blake (and Gareth Thomas), and a good friend to Chronicles. We will miss her very much."
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