The Sonic Screwdriver (multimedia zine)
| Zine | |
|---|---|
| Title: | The Sonic Screwdriver |
| Publisher: | Osiris Publications |
| Editor(s): | Joy Harrison |
| Date(s): | 1986-? |
| Series?: | |
| Medium: | |
| Size: | |
| Genre: | |
| Fandom: | multimedia |
| Language: | English |
| External Links: | The Doctor Who Fanzine Database |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
The Sonic Screwdriver is a gen multifandom anthology that started out as a Doctor Who zine.
Journey to the First Issue
From a 1984 flyer printed in Purple & Orange?:
THE SONIC SCREWDRIVER is a new fanzine from OSIRIS Publications. Devoted to the incredibly successful BBC television series DOCTOR WHO, THE SONIC SCREWDRIVER will deal with the popular Time Lord in all his many guises and incarnations, from the elderly and dignified William Hartnell to the comic Patrick Troughton, from the elegant and debonair Jon Pertwee to the madcap Tom Baker, and on to Peter Davison and any who may come after. In the pages of THE SONIC SCREWDRIVER, readers will find the Doctor, all of his companions, and all those beings — human and otherwise — whose lives he has touched, for good or ill.THE SONIC SCREWDRIVER will contain fact and fiction, prose and poetry, serious art and humourous cartoons. We welcome stories, poetry, essays, songs, and art based on episodes of DOCTOR WHO seen on television in either the United Kingdom or the United States — and stories (etc.) based on events from the writers' imaginations, as well.
In conjunction with the first issue of THE SONIC SCREWDRIVER, OSIRIS Publications is holding a contest to design the best logo for this new fanzine. To be considered, entries must be received no later than 30 April 1984 and must follow the guide-lines printed on the reverse of this flyer. The winner will receive a complimentary copy of each of the first two issues of THE SONIC SCREW DRIVER, and will have the satisfaction of seeing that winning logo appear on all successive issues of the fanzine.
The first issue of THE SONIC SCREWDRIVER will be published in November of 1984, to coincide with the twenty-first anniversary of DOCTOR WHO. It will mark the official coming-of-age of this 750-year-old Time Lord. We invite all DOCTOR WHO fans everywhere to join in our celebration.
From a 1986 editorial in Purple & Orange? #19:
OSIRIS Publications will also premiere THE SONIC SCREWDRIVER, a new Dr. Who fanzine, for MediaWest*Con. We thought the project was dead, but, like P&O?, it seems to have taken on a life of its own. After announcing the cancellation of the publication, we received a sudden avalanche of submissions! We'll need your opinions before we decide if we should continue publishing SONIC SCREWDRIVER on a yearly basis (perhaps to coincide with WorldCon? "Brighton in '87 wouldn't be a bad place for SS#2...). If you wish to submit for this new Who-zine, our usual standards for art, fiction, non-fiction, and poetry are applicable.
Issue 1
The Sonic Screwdriver 1 was published in 1986 and contains 69 pages. The front cover is by Frank Liltz.
From a flyer:
In our premiere issue, meet two charming drones and their human master amid the trees of the Last Forest of Earth, and travel with the Doctor and Jamie to a planet where an agricultural colony is dying, its settlers unable to pay for the basic needs of survival -- while surrounded by incredible mineral wealth. Join the Time Lord and his companion Tegan as they visit Nafnelor for a holiday -- only to find themselves once again involved in a struggle to save a world from alien invasion. Explore some of the many intricacies of the DOCTOR WHO universe, in an attempt to unravel such mysteries as the Doctor's age, his relationship with the Master and Romana, his true name...
- Moonstruck in Nafnelor by Barbara Mater (Doctor Who) (6)
- Cartoon by Toni Hardeman (Doctor Who) (23)
- To the Rational Mind... by Paul Gadzikowski (Doctor Who) (24)
- The Last Forester by Barbara Mater (Doctor Who) (52)
Issue 2
The Sonic Screwdriver 2 was published in 1987 and is 88 pages long.
The front cover is by Joan Hanke-Woods. The interior art is by Toni Hardeman, Karen River, Gennie Summers, Joan Hanke-Woods, and Pat Cash.
From a flyer:
The Doctor and his companions travel to Central America, where they discover the purpose of the mysterious drawings of Nazca. Then the Time Lord, this time with companions Ben and Polly, inadvertently journey to Nazi Germany, where they meet that nation's malevolent Master. Next, Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart of UNIT experiences a most peculiar Christmas Eve, as strange events unfold before his disbelieving eyes. (DOCTOR WHO) And finally, the crew of the Scorpio have landed on Gauda Prime, where they met with disaster. But who really died there? And who survived? (BLAKE'S 7)
From the editorial:
For television viewers, the phrase "British television" can mean many things, ranging from MASTERPIECE THEATRE to BENNY HILL, from THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN to DAVE ALLEN AT LARGE. But to those of us in the science fiction/fantasy community, the words evoke the TARDIS, the Liberator, the magic of thirteenth century Britain. Those British television series we have adopted as our special loves all have a fantasy element about them — even such programmes as THE AVENGERS and THE PRISONER. And they are, for many of us, the best of British television.
Many of these British Imports don't really belong in the science fiction/fantasy genre, of course. But even if we confine ourselves only to those that do, several common themes materialize. One of the most significant of these is friendship.
For our present purposes, let us examine three programmes: DOCTOR WHO, ROBIN HOOD, and BLAKE'S 7.
The theme of friendship is instantly recognisable in DOCTOR WHO, for friendship along with a strong spirit of adventure is one of the ties that binds the Doctor to each of his companions, human and otherwise, and he sincerely misses each one when that companion dies, or continues with his or her own life as each one eventually must. Whether it be his granddaughter Susan or Sarah Jane Smith, young Zoe or precocious (there are other ways to describe him!) Adric, fellow Time Lord Romans or robotic K-9, the Doctor regards and usually treats each as a friend — although, admittedly, not always as an equal.
And friendship is one of the most important ties binding Robin of Locksley, and later Robert of Huntington, to the other outlaws of Sherwood Forest. Their particular friendship requires an extra measure of trust and reliability, for these men depend upon one another for their very survival. Disloyalty, betrayal, abuse of friendship — any of these could prove fatal to the Hooded Man and his followers.
BLAKE'S 7 is, In many ways, a little more complex. Here, the relationships are often tangled, twisted leaving the viewer to wonder at times if any two given characters actually are friends or mortal enemies.
[snipped]
And because friendship is so vital to the characters of these programmes, and because it is in fact so vital in our own lives. It seems only proper to consider friendship, and what it means to each of us.
In this modern world of distrust and terrorism, we are fortunate if we find one or two real friends In our life-time. Such friends are for a life-time. They must be prized and cherished — for they are what being "human" is all about. - Joy Harrison
The editor adds at the end:
In a somewhat less pleasant vein, many of you will notice certain omissions from our Acknowledgements. The reasons for these are many, for people grow and change with the passage of time. For any explanation in this particular instance, we can only refer you to our lead editorial. It is to be regretted — but it is apart of life.
- Editorial: A Common Theme (3)
- Eyes Looking Up to Heaven by Barbara Mater (Doctor Who) (5)
- Doctor Who and the Master of the Third Reich by Paul Gadzikowski (Doctor Who) (25)
- Guide-Lines (34)
- Merry Christmas, Brigadier by Kathie Hughes (Doctor Who) (35)
- Touch of Giving by Kathy Hintze (Blake's 7) (45)
- News, Views, and Comments (82)
- Acknowledgements (84)
from issue #2, Toni Hardeman
from issue #2, Toni Hardeman
from issue #2, Karen River
from issue #2, Karen River
from issue #2, Gennie Summers
from issue #2, Joan Hanke-Woods
from issue #2, Pat Cash
from issue #2, Pat Cash
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2
And on the category of Death stories, as a subset of the hard-edged fan fiction within the BLAKE'S 7 universe, *my* impression is that there are fewer Death stories than in B/D and any B7 ones I've read just haven't had the same impact on me. They are lacking in angst, somehow, and descriptions of any effects of the death on other crewmembers [ie. impact on a sundered relationship], and certainly they are *not* as emotionally powerful as B/D stories tend to be. [Although, there is one doosey of a Vila-nearly-dies story, entitled "Touch of Giving" by Kathy Hintze in SONIC SCREWDRIVER 2, that has more than enough angst to satisfy *me*.] [1]
Issue 3
The Sonic Screwdriver 3 was published in 1987 and contains 113 pages.
From a flyer:
THE SONIC SCREWDRIVER is a British-media fanzine from OSIRIS Publications. Our third issue features stories by Marcia Brin (UFO), Kathie Hughes (DOCTOR WHO), Barbara Mater (DOCTOR WHO), Linda Pfonner (ROBIN HOOD), and Mary Robertson (BLAKE'S 7); art is by Toni Hardeman, Karen River, and [[[Hugo]]-winner joan hanke-woods. Did you ever wonder what made brilliant, likeable Ed Straker the cold, embittered head of S.H.A.D.O., and leader of the fight against alien invasion? And everyone knows heroes like Roj Blake do all sorts of heroic things — but while they're at it, who does the laundry? Join Vila Restal aboard the Liberator, and find out what happens when he makes his first attempt at household chores.
A simple (!) explanation of the game of cricket leads the Doctor to underwater adventure with Jacques-Yves Cousteau and the crew of Calypso. And the Hooded Man is a target once again, but this time, Gisburne actually has him helpless — and Herne himself may not be able to save Robin from certain death!
Finally, THE SONIC SCREWDRIVER #3 presents a very special feature. "ROBIN HOOD: An Artist's View" is a set of five portraits by Karen River, easily removed from the zine and presented in a format suitable for framing.
- Soap Opera by Mary Robertson (Blake's 7) (5)
- Darkly Dreaming by Barbara Mater (Doctor Who) (15)
- Turning Point by Marcia Brin (U.F.O.) (27)
- To the Rational Mind... by Paul Gadzikowski (Doctor Who) (29)
- Art Portfolio by Karen River (Robin of Sherwood) (35)
- Mourning is a Long Time Coming by Mary Robertson (Blake's 7) (47)
- Test Match by Kathie Hughes (Doctor Who) (55)
- Tangled in Holly by Linda Ruth Pfonner (Robin of Sherwood) (98)
Issue 4
The Sonic Screwdriver 4 was published in 1988 and contains 141 pages. It has art by Joan Hanke-Woods, Toni Hardeman, Jeanine Hennig, Pat Posadas, Kate Soehnien, Gennie Summers, Jean C., Frank Liltz, and Paul Gadzikowski.
From a flyer:
THE SONIC SCREWDRIVER is a British-media-fanzine from OSIRIS Publications. Our fourth issue features stories, poetry, and art drawn from the universes of BLAKE'S 7, DOCTOR WHO, and ROBIN OF SHERWOOD.Representing BLAKE'S 7 are "The Dark Prince" and "Understanding Avon," both written by Mary Robertson, in which we see new and interesting views of fandom's favourite computer technician. Also from this universe are "The Politics of Embezzlement" by Jeannie Webster, which takes us back to the beginning, and "Until It's Time to Go..." — also from Mary Robertson — which takes us long years into the future. For the fans of DOCTOR WHO, we offer "The Ring of Ruuani" by Vicci Cook, which takes Doctor #3 and his companion Jo Grant to a strangely euphoric world where no one — and no thing — is quite what he seems. In "Doctor Who and the Lacertan Raiders" by Barbara Mater, Doctor #4 and K-9 go to the rescue of a band of human slaves, aided by some unlikely friends from a hitch-hiker's universe... "The Children of Heme," written by Kathie Hughes, combines the world of ROBIN OF SHERWOOD with that of DOCTOR WHO, as the Time Lord and Leela meet Robin's outlaw band and join forces with them to outwit the Sheriff of Nottingham. "Ordinary Villein" by Jeanine Hennig gives us new Insight into Robin's mind as he agonises over a harsh accusation. And Linda Ruth Pfonner's "Tangled in Holly" comes to its dramatic conclusion in two forms, as we also present "Double Helix," an alternate ending by our story-contest winner L.A. Carr. Rounding out our ROBIN OF SHERWOOD offerings are five poems, ending with a powerful "Eulogy for an Enemy." Art for THE SONIC SCREWDRIVER'S 1988 Issue is by Toni Hardeman, Kate Soehnien, Pat Posadas, Jeanine Hennig, Gennie Summers, and Hugo-winner Joan hanke-woods/Mori. The exquisite cover is by [Jean C].
All this — more than 150 skillfully written and beautifully i1lustrated pages -- can be ordered by sending a check or money order for $18.00, payable to Joy Harrison In U.S. dollars only, to...
- The Children of Herne by Kathie Hughes (Robin of Sherwood/Dr. Who) (7)
- Sherwood's Lady by Mary Robertson (Robin of Sherwood) (25)
- The Dark Prince by Mary Robertson (Blake's 7) (27)
- The Politics of Embezzlement by Jeannie Webster (Blake's 7) (34)
- Until It's Time to Go... by Mary Robertson (Blake's 7) (34)
- The Ring of Ruuani by Vicci Cook (Doctor Who) (40)
- Introduction by Mary Robertson (Robin of Sherwood) (60)
- Ordinary Villein by Jeanine Hennig (Robin of Sherwood) (61)
- Remembrance by Mary Robertson (Robin of Sherwood) (63)
- Doctor Who and the Lacertan Raiders by Barbara Mater (Doctor Who) (64)
- Understanding Avon by Mary Robertson (Blake's 7) (81)
- The Price of Promises by Mary Robertson (Blake's 7) (92)
- Tangled in Holly, Pt. 2 by Linda Ruth Pfonner (Robin of Sherwood) (93)
- Albion by Mary Robertson (Robin of Sherwood) (122)
- Double Helix by L.A. Carr (Robin of Sherwood) (124)
- Eulogy for an Enemy by Mary Robertson (Robin of Sherwood) (138)
Issue 5
The Sonic Screwdriver 5 was published in June 1989 and contains 179 pages.
The front cover is by Delphyne Mori. The interior art is by Toni Hardeman, Jenni, Gennie Summers, Sandra Santara, Pat Cash, and Delphyne Mori.
From a flyer:
Vila survived a murderous attack by one he considered his friend; now he wants revenge -- and the instrument of his vengeance awaits him in Dorian's cave (BLAKE'S 7). The Doctor and his companion visit the Winter Olympics in Canada, where they encounter an unnatural storm and a team of British athletes who cannot lose; then the Time Lord visits some fascinating galactic neighbours -- and his friend the Brigadier becomes a man of flesh, blood, and feelings during a romantic encounter one Beltane night (DOCTOR WHO). Marion is taken by force from her sanctuary at Halstead and offered as a price in a tournament hosted by King John; the outlaw band seeks a girl's dowry -- and get a lot more than they bargained for; and the Lady Marion returns to Sherwood for one last glimpse of the man she loves... (ROBIN OF SHERWOOD).
In the editorial, the editor discusses the Blake's 7 Wars:
There's been so much unpleasantness, so much nastiness in certain areas of British media fandom that we were forced earlier this year to paraphrase that totally unknown and utterly incompetent English playwright, William Shakespeare, and talk about "plagues" and "houses." (Sorry, Will, you know we love you!) We strongly doubt there is any need to go into detail; you've heard it all by now. And while editorials are supposed to provoke controversy, we have no desire to see blood spilled on our pages.
Fandom should be fun. You've heard that before; we've said it before. But there are always a few individuals who cannot leave things be, who have to exert their authority, even when they have none. Power games, basically —and, wherever you go, you will find people who play them. It isn't just a problem in British media fandom, or in fandom in general. It's everywhere. And the best way to deal with it is to let the players play their games — and ignore them. The power-hungry cannot bear to be Ignored. So what better way to treat them? Of course, they do tend to resent such treatment, but should any of us care? After all, these are the people who are spoiling fandom for everyone, simply because they cannot accept the idea that others are entitled to their own opinions, that not everyone thinks the way they do. Meanwhile, the rest of the fannish world continues as It always has. We read, we watch television, we see the films our own fault, for only we can let them spoil it.
Fandom goes on.
And while some specific fandoms may wither and die (In part because of the power-hungry and their machinations. In part because of loss of interest, in part because we go on to other things), others continue to thrive, and new ones are born. Look around. Can you doubt it? Oh, we have our problems and power games. Apathy... illiteracy... antisocial or sociopathic behaviour...ignorance of the much vaster world outside of fandom... and we enjoy what we do. If anyone spoils that for us, perhaps it is and some of them are quite serious, far more so than petty bickerings. Most of us, we think, are adult enough to recognize that these problems exist, mature enough to try to help solve them, For we as fans are still part of a much greater community...
We don't think our problems need to be addressed here, because they have already been discussed at length. In our pages and elsewhere. You know our views and we think we know at least some of yours.
We ask only that you think about what you say and do. Think. And then act.
- From the
Wolf's DenEditor's Desk: PLaying Games (3) - The Writer's Challenge (3)
- Dance of the Endevi by Kathie Hughes (Doctor Who) (6)
- Nasir by Mori (Robin of Sherwood) (23)
- The Earl's Daughter by Glenna Hershberger (Robin of Sherwood) (25)
- Ask the Right Question by Jeannie Webster (Blake's 7) (54)
- Little John by Mori (Robin of Sherwood) (57)
- The Olympiad of Death by Barbara S. Mater ( Doctor Who) (59)
- All the King's Horses by L.A. Carr (Robin of Sherwood) (76)
- Will Scarlet by Mori (Robin of Sherwood) (93)
- Forgiveness by Jeanine Hennig (Robin of Sherwood) (95)
- Robert by Mori (Robin of Sherwood) (97)
- Brigadier's Beltane by Yvonne-lorraine Hein (Doctor Who) (99)
- Transformation by Beth Bowles (Doctor Who) (125)
- Too Costly at Any Price by Kathy Hintze (Blake's 7) (126)
- Comet's Tail by Beth Bowles (Doctor Who) (160)
- Adsum... by Lisa Mudano (Robin of Sherwood) (161)
- Preview: The August King by Linda Ruth Pfonner (Robin of Sherwood) (168)
- In Parting (172)
- Acknowledgments (173)
- Official Guide-Lines for OSIRIS Publications (174)
from issue #5, Toni Hardeman
from issue #5, Jenni
from issue #5, Delphyne Mori
from issue #5, Genni Summers
from issue #5, Sandra Santara
from issue #5, Sandra Santara
from issue #5, Sandra Santara
from issue #5, Toni Hardeman
from issue #5, Pat Cash
from issue #5, Delphyne Mori
Issue 6
The Sonic Screwdriver 6 was published in 1990 and contains 102 pages. The front cover is by Marianne Howarth.
From a flyer:
The Doctor and Peri find a novel cure for some strange electronic problems aboard the TARDIS; and a young woman from the town of Sulfur Springs becomes a reluctant High Priestess, while the Time Lord and Leela are destined to become sacrifices -- until a child changes the destiny of a world (DOCTOR WHO). There's snow in Vila's bed, and frost on Liberator's flight deck - but while Vila freezes, Avon and Zen are decidedly not amused; and then there's a "Morning Ritual" to perform... (BLAKE'S 7) Marion is lost, the outlaws are trapped, and evil lurks in the Fens, in the place "Where Magic Dwells"; ghosts meet to watch over unknowing friends and successors; and Robin of Loxley becomes the helpless drugged captive of a servant of the frightful Morrigan when a young priestess seeks revenge... (ROBIN OF SHERWOOD)
- Where Magic Dwells by Barbara Mater (Robin of Sherwood) (7)
- The Cold War by Mary Robertson (Blake's 7) (20)
- Crowning Glory by Mary Robertson (Robin of Sherwood) (25)
- ...Saves Nine by Yvonne-Lorraine Hein ( Doctor Who) (31)
- Brothers by Mary Robertson (Robin of Sherwood) (39)
- Morning Ritual by Mary Robertson (Blake's 7) (42)
- Guardian by Mary Robertson (Robin of Sherwood) (47)
- The Solitary by Mary Robertson (Robin of Sherwood) (50)
- There's Magic in the Air by Vicci Cook (Doctor Who) (52)
- Reflection in a Flaming Arrow by Mary Robertson (Robin of Sherwood) (78)
- The Eye of a Dragon by Mary Robertson (Blake's 7) (79)
- Under Orders by Lisa Mudano (Robin of Sherwood) (82)
Issue 7
The Sonic Screwdriver 7 was published in 1992 and contains 98 pages.
- Partnerships by Linda Ruth Pfonner ("Captured by an old enemy, C.I.5 agents Bodle and Doyle must escape, not only to save their own lives, but also to stop Enrico Krivas from killing innocent police officers. Meanwhile, two of those officers—Lady Harriet Makepeace and American James Dempsey—have the normally boring task of transporting two prisoners to London. When all parties involved meet in a West Country national park, sparks, fists, bullets, and blood fly.") (The Professionals/ Dempsey & Makepeace) (9)
- New Life by Lisa Mudano Dalton ("Marion's pregnancy gives rise to numerous questions, and creates unexpected difficulties for the outlaws of Sherwood Forest. How can she and Robin raise a child in the forest? For that matter, what sort of parents will they be? Love, adventure, excited anticipation, and unexpected tragedy combine in a dramatic exploration of the many problems to be faced.") (Robin of Sherwood) (17)
- Deep Freeze by Mary Robertson—Sequel to "The Cold War" in issue #6. ("In which Avon gets his promised revenge. Snow and frost aboard the LIBERATOR? Snow? Frost? Inevitably, Zen gets his (its?) revenge, too—and while Blake is amused, Avon and Vila decidedly are not.") (Blake's 7) (25)
- Robin and the Bard by Laurie Schuster ("Robin of Locksley learns the true power of the Wordhoard, and faces a destiny extending far into the future. What he sees is not what he or anyone else could expect, but Herne's Son goes on as he must—aIthough somewhat humbler than when he set out...") (Robin of Sherwood) (89)
Issue 8
The Sonic Screwdriver 8
The front and back covers are by Sandra Santara.
- Later by Mary Robertson (Robin of Sherwood) (14)
- The Pepsi Generation by Rodney Ruff (Star Trek: TNG) (16)
- Once More Unto the Breeches by Mary Robertson (Dr. Who/Are You Being Served?) (65)
- Realms of Possibility by Mary Robertson (Real Ghostbusters) (73)
- P.S. The End...Again by Joyce E. Ashcroft (The Avengers) (112)