The World of Dark Shadows/Issues 31-40

Issue 31

The World of Dark Shadows 31 was published in October 1982 and contains 80 pages. Art is by Dave Billman (centerfold), Judi Boguslawski, Jo Ann Christy, Mike Entrekin (inside covers), Barbara Fister-Liltz, Ken Friedmann, Cindy Jorgensen, Jane Lach, Jayne Largent, Chris Nokes, Kathi Swan, and Val Verse.

front cover of issue #31, Cindy Jorgensen

back cover of issue #31, Ken Friedmann

• ShadowCon Six Report (4)
• Jonathan Frid's Address (transcribed by Maria Barbosa) (6)
• Message from Jonathan Frid (12)
• Habits and Heroes (a story by Carol Maschke) (14)
• An Interview with Alexandra Moltke (Conducted by Robert Potter) (21)
• Common Bond (A story by Marcy Robin) (24)
• Victoria Winters (a poem by Robert Potter) (29)
• Yesterday (a story by Jean Graham) (30)
• Barnabas/Reflections of a Brooding Soul (a poem by Geoffrey Hamell) (35 )
• Bloodthirst; One More Time (poems by Anita Henke) (37)
• The Collins Story (a serial by Kathy Resch) (44)
• Return of Dark Shadows (a novella by Virginia Waldron) (50)
• Dark Shadows Match-Up (a puzzle by Mary-Anne Donnelly) (59)
• Found, Torn in Julia's Wastebasket (a poem by Esther Nash) (61)
• Their Shadows Return (a column by Chris Nokes) (62)
• Dark Shadows Summaries (compiled by Geoffrey Hamell) (64)
• A Note from the Collinsport Chamber of Commerce (by Geoffrey Hamell) (67 )
• Current Events (69)

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  inside page for issue #31, Jane Lach is the artist

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  inside page for issue #31, Dave Billman

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  inside page for issue #31, various

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  inside page for issue #31, Judi Boguslawski

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 31

"Barnabas/Broodings of a Restless Soul" by Geoffey Hamell was a little gem. Did that ever make me laugh! "Return to Dark Shadows" by Virginia Waldron was a nice, moody, spooky story. Judith Boguslawski's artwork complemented it very much.

There seemed to be a bit less artwork in this issue than usual, but me favorites were all of Judi Boguslawski's illoes for RETURN TO DARK SHADOWS, especially the ones of Millie and Barnabas on page 58, and her Vicki montage on 20 is equally impressive. I'm also very fond of the two cartoons Jayne Largent had in the zine. I also enjoyed the lengthy coverage of Jonathan Frid's appearance at SCVI The Alexandra Moltke-Isles interview was one of the most interesting I've ever read in TWODS, giving some new insight into another DS performer seen all too infrequently these days. In the fiction department, I found Marcy Robin's COMMON BOND to be the most rewarding. I've rarely read a more original or carefully written story in my six years as a TWODS disciple. This installment of TCS was also its usual excellent self, but aside from some good characterization, it didn't seem to advance very much. Maybe I'm just picky, but I like the story so much that I would like for it to move faster. Virginia Waldron's RETURN TO DARK SHADOWS continues to be compelling and draws intriguing portraits of the pre-1795 Barnabas and Willie, and Geoffrey Hamell's BARNABAS/BROODINGS OF A RESTLESS SOUL and COLLINSPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE piece are devilishly funny. (I especially liked Laura's rebuttal to the PSA on fire prevention.) One thing missing from the last few issues is the LOC's; I imagine their space has been taken up by the DS comic reviews and now by the Ds novel reviews (also excellent, by the way.) I hope you may be able to squeeze in one or two of them in upcoming issues.

Glad to see the summaries back again, and that mysterious box. (Back then we had this theory that when Barnabas opened the box he found a small tape recorder that began saying, "Good morning, Mr. Phelps...") And. of course, the 1897 Overview was nice. Barnabas' killing of Carl Collins bugged me. Basically, it was just stupid, ever for Barnabas' standards (which were not too hiqh, let's admit it). So you got a volunteer to review the Ross novels. He's either very devoted, a masochist, or a true professional (or he might actually like them). Loved the Gerard story. Wasn't he a stinker? As for Virginia's story, how is it that Barnabas came back? Poor Willie! How can anyone do those things to such a sweet teddy bear is beyond me. And, of course, I enjoyed the Martinique article…

Issue 32

The World of Dark Shadows 32 was published in January 1983 and contains 79 pages. Art is by Dave Billman, Judith Boguslawski, Jo Ann Christy, Anne Marie Erental, Jayne Largent, Janet Meehan, Andrea Palencar, Don Rosa, Douglas Smith, and Valeda Verse.

covers of issue #32, the front cover is by Jo Ann Christy, the back cover is by Anne Marie Erental

centerfold from issue #32, Janet Meehan

• A Glittering Evening with Grayson and Friends (A report on the Grayson Hall Fan Club Gathering by Esther Nash) (8)
• The Power (a poem by Marcy Robin) (13)
• Once Upon a Time (Pt. 1) (fiction by Lori Paige) (14)
• 1796 (a poem by Pam Wissinger) (23)
• Barnabas, Quentin and the Zombie's Nose (humor by Geoffrey Hamell) (26)
• Epitaph: Jenny Collins (fiction by Jean Graham) (29)
• Love in the Afternoon (a review by Marcy Robin) (32)
• Quentin's Quarters (a column by the Donnelly Sisters) (33)
• Dark Shadows (a serial by Jeff Thompson and Beth K1apper) (43 )
• Return to Dark Shadows (a novella by Virginia Waldron) (49)

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  inside page from issue #32, Don Rosa

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  inside page from issue #32, Andrea Palencar

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  inside page from issue #32, Dave Billman

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  inside page from issue #32, Judith Boguslawski

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  inside page from issue #32, Andrea Palencar

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  inside page from issue #32, Douglas Smith

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 32

Liked Dave Billman's Jenny illo for my story. Please tell the Donnelly sisters that all the DS albums weren't printed with negative photos on the back. The original pressing was accidentally run that way, so they have an even rarer than usual DS album.

It was okay--my biggest gripe was the absense of TCS. Never bump TCS in favor of anything, no matter how long a submission has been gathering dust. The last installment was particularly good. I feel you handled Barnabas and Julia's rejoining of forces with the proper tenuousness. Poor old Barnabas, he's just beginning to realize he can't have his cake and eat it too. And now that Eliot has entered Julia's life things should be deliciously complicated indeed. The evil forces that are gaining control of Maggie gave me the willies (!). I could almost feel a stranger looking through Maggie's eyes at Julia, who I thought she'd pounce on any minute. Very eerie and exciting and that's why I'm mad you skipped it this issue! / I agree with Kathi Swan's irritation with con reports. Over the years they have read so much alike I think you could use the same report each year with the addition of a few names. I always read them with great skepticism as several close penpals have described their experiences at ShadowCon in less than glowing terms, but that is not my point. The point is that the reports shed no light on the DS stars themselves except to mention that they attended and are, by and large, very stale.

Am convinced that this is one of the very best editions of the 7-year-old magazine. From a visual standpoint, I marveled at the gorgeous cover, brilliant Meehan centerfold, "Captain Kentucky" pages, Dave Billman illo, Selby/Parker photographs and the expert typing-and-layout of every prose feature. From a content standpoint, 32 was an achievement. The Current Events, reviews, poetry and fiction wer excellent. (However, I still hesitate to embrace any "Dark Shadows" satire, no matter how "good" it is...but that's just the way I am.) I missed the usual fine Resch fiction and illoes and the continuation of Christopher Nokes' Ross-novel review, but I'll look for them next issue.

I like the continuing Evan Hanley gag; it was very clever. "Once Upon a Time" looks very promising, and the report on the Grayson Hall Fan Club gathering was great! She was always one of my favorites. You and everyone involved do a beautiful job.

Geoffrey's story alone was worth It. He caught so well the style. Perfect dead-pan dopey (only not enough exclamation points, in my opinion). The cartoons were good, specially the one on page 4. And Cpt. Kentucky, too! The Waldron story was so, so sad. (Sniff) . As for Lori Paige' s story, she's certainly got me intrigued. And a Jenny Collins story, too. It is good to see stories given to lesser characters. After all, how many Barnabas/Josette/Angelique stories can anyone read? Variety is the spice of life. And of writing, too.

I enjoyed reading about the evening with Grayson. Marcy's poem had a nice feel for the duality of Barnabas' vampire nature. I hadn't considered it from that angle before. "March, 1796" was beautiful and haunting. "Once Upon a Time" was interesting. I will be waiting to read the rest of it. Really liked the piece on Jenny Collins. Good insight into her character for me, since the last time I saw those episodes I was just a kid. I like "Dark Shadows" but get a little confused at times with the characters. "Return to DS" had a depressing ending as much as I love Virginia's story. First time I read any of it. I thought, what a good idea! Who said Willie had to die at the end of HODS? Geoffrey Hamell's fun with the Ross novel was hysterical. He really has a knack for humor. I love the cartoons and artwork.

Issue 33

The World of Dark Shadows 33 was published in May 1983 and contains 80 pages. It has art by Dave Billman, Judi Boguslawski, Jo Ann Christy, Mike Entrekin, Barbara Fister-Liltz, Guy Haines, and Linda Wood.

covers of issue #33, front by Judi Boguslawski, back by Linda Woods

• A Day In New York: The Grayson Hall Gathering (report by Beth Klapper and Marcy Robin) (3)
• Apologia Pro Vita Mea De Arte. Or, The Iguana Strikes Back (article by Tess Meade Kolney) (6)
• An Evening at Magique's (Report by Richard Levantino) (7)
• Ed Riley, An Obituary (by Ann Wilson) (8)
• Lady, Sweet Lady (biography of Virginia Vestoff by Barbara Fister-Liltz) (9)
• Additional Conments (Virginia Vestoff bio info by Ann Wilson) (13)
• Once Upon A Time , Part 2 (fiction by Lori Paige) (20)
• The Collins Story (a serial by Kathy Resch) (34)
• If the Sword be Drawn (fiction by Marcy Robin) (44)
• What Are Little Girls Made Into? (fiction by Geoffrey Hamell) (51)

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  inside page from issue #33, Barbara Fister-Liltz

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  inside page from issue #33, Dave Billman

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  inside page from issue #33, Guy Haines

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  inside page from issue #33, Guy Haines

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 33

Lori Paige's story concluded nicely -- quite suspenseful and rather sad. The centerfold was gorgeous. I liked Marcy Robin's story a lot because I had been wanting to read something from Naomi's point of view. Geoffrey Hammel's story was excellent, rather bizarre, but full of interesting little details. I wish I'd read the first one of this series. The illoes by Guy Haines were nice, especially the one of Jamison as a child. Great cartoons! I especially liked the one on the back page.

Issue 34

The World of Dark Shadows 34 was published in 1983 and contains 76 pages. It has art by Anne Marie Erental, Dave Billman, Cathi Brown, Jo Ann Christy, Mike Entrekin, Guy Haines, Cindy Jorgensen, and Janet Meehan.

covers of issue #34, front cover by Anne Marie Erental, back cover by Dave Billman

• Editorial (5)
• Open Letter by Kathy Resch Regarding ShadowCon
• ShadowCon Seven Report (by Kathy Resch) (9)
• A Picnic with Jonathan Frid (by Ken Friedmann) (10)
• Falls the Shade (fiction by Kathy Resch) (11)
• Night Scene (fiction by Geoffrey HameII) (26)
• Remembering the DS View Master Reel (article by Jeff Thompson) (28)
• Dark Shadows (a serial by Jeff Thompson and Beth Klapper) (32)
• Toe Tappers (a review by Marcy Robin) (36)
• When Every Day Was the Fourth of July/The Long Days of Summer (reviews by Geoffrey Hamel]) (45)
• Their Shadows Return (a column by Chris Nokes) (47)
• The Vengeful Vistor (fiction by Jeffrey Arsenault) (51)
• Sins of the Fathers (fiction by C.J. Nicastro) (55)
• Relatively Speaking (fiction by Virginia Waldron) (59)
• Letters of Comment (72)
• Reviews (73)
  • a review of Days of Winter, see that page
  • a review of Chosen Haunts #2, see that page
• Ads (74)

• 

  inside page from issue #1, Janet Meehan

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 34

The front and back covers were lovely, and the Kathryn Leigh Scott portfolio by Janet Meehan was breathtaking. The images are so vital, it is as if she might step right out of the page. Several of the highlights (everything was great) were the review of Dan Curtis' "When Every Day Was the Fourth of July", a film I loved, whether it was by Curtis or not; Jeffrey Arsenault's "The Vengeful Visitor", not just because it was a good story and fulfilled the contest, but because it created a new character for John Karlen as someone similar to Willie but called Carl. I wonder what this Carl's last name would be? Also, the DS Viewmaster article was wonderful, particularly with its drawings to give an idea of what the scene looked like. I searched for DS View-master reels for years but never came across one, so I wondered if they existed at all. It's nice to know they do.

The cover art was one of the best, and the drawings by Janet Meehan were good. The results of the story contest were all very nice, but I think my favorite was "Relatively Speaking" by Virginia Waldron.

I got a chuckle from the Christy cartoon of the bat ordering take-out from the lady vampire, and the Jorgensen cartoon of the bat puzzling over E.T. 's bike flight. That article about the DS Viewmaster reel--had no idea it even existed. Glad to see it written out, scene by scene with illoes! Very goodI And those lovely drawings of Katie Scott by Janet Meehan! The best I've ever seen her do! Thanks for the reviews of the Dan Curtis' film; otherwise I'd not have known he was involved with those. Glad to see both "The Collins Story" and "Dark Shadows" back this issue.Very strange idea by Klapper and Thompson that Julia was once the very image of Maggie. Now, about the three stories about Vivian Stanson. I never saw the premise for the contest series, but I thought it interesting that the first two stories set Barnabas as Vivian's father--but Roger as the guilty party in the third! And how varied the circumstances of all three, especially the dhampir angle in Nicastro's story. Didn't expect that at all. But when Vivian the dhampir died, shouldn't she have disintegrated? She wasn't an undead, but she was almost two centuries old. Aside from that, Nicastro's story had the best ending. The other two left Me asking 'What then?'

Issue 35

The World of Dark Shadows 35 was published in October 1983 and contains 78 pages. It has art by Dave Billman, Jo Ann Christy, Judi Boguslawski, Anne Marie Erental, Kat Evans, Guy Haines, Cindy Jorgensen, Janet Meehan, and Mary Overstreet.

covers of issue #35, both by David Billman

• Editorial (4)
• Nancy Barrett : Her Theatric Career (article by Ann Wilson) (9)
• Nancy Barrett: That 'Gothic Thriller' and Beyond (bio by Maria Barbosa) (12)
• False Words (fiction by Virginia Waldron) (17)
• The Collins Story (a serial by Kathy Resch) (34)
• Told at Twilight (fiction by Meghan Powel-Nivling) (17)
• A Bit of Seaglass, Colored Like the Waves (fiction by Lori Paige) (51)
• Memories of Pansy (poetry by Richard Martinez) (63)
• Epitaph: Millicent Collins: 1773-1839 (fiction by Jean Graham) (64)
• The Opening (fiction by Esther Nash) (67)
• Looking Back (fiction by Adriana Pena) (73)
• Despair (fiction) (73)

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  inside page from issue #35, Cindy Jorgensen

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  inside page from issue #35, Judi Boguslawski

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  inside page from issue #35, centerfold by Guy Haines

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  inside page from issue #35, Anne Marie Erental

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 35

I enjoyed #35 very much, especially the great cover by Dave Billman. He and Anne Marie Erental are excellent artists. I only wish we could see some of their paintings in print in glorious color! What a treat to see so many of Anne Marie's paintings at DS Festival!

One of the best issues in a long time. "False Words" was pretty good even though Carolyn is victimised once again. I also liked "The Opening Window". Here Carolyn's character is explored proving she isn't as shallow as many people view her. People are too willing to slap the label of "rich snob" on her and never look beyond it. Granted, she could be petty at times, but I think she was bored or maybe mad at the world because here she was, on intelligent, outgoing young woman trapped in an isolated estate of spooks and general mayhem. She never did get to stretch her wings, did she? "The Collins Story" was interesting. I was so excited when Carolyn, Julia and Eliot entered Carolyn's haunted house. My palms were sweating, heart hammering in excitement. I turned the page eagerly to find ---- gal! That was the end of the installment. Foul! And then it doesn't turn up in 36 at all... By far the best piece in #35 was Lori Paige's "A Bit of Seaglass Colored Like the Waves", interesting plot and good characters. (I sympathized with Randy, and Trask was at his mightily slimy best). I liked the contrasting resiliency and frailty of children as unintended victims of the well-meaning, misguided adults around them. A very poignant story, powerful in its message to listen to kids, yet quietly moving.

I particularly liked Lori Paige's story. When I heard Carolyn talk about her imaginary friend Randy, I thought — that would he a good story idea. I also likod "Told at Twilight", by Meghan Powell-Nivling. So there was a happy ending for Carolyn after all. Jean Graham's and Esther Nash's stories were also good--Jean's reminded me of "Psycho". As long as Millicent didn't take to stabbing people in showers…

I especially have to compliment Virginia Waldron on her story, "False Words." It definitely gave me the creepiest feeling!.

Issue 36

The World of Dark Shadows 36 was published in December 1983 and contains 78 pages. It contains art by Mary Overstreet, Andrea Palencar (not listed in credits), Shari Metcalf, Dave Billman, Judi Boguslawski, Jo Ann Christy, Mike Entrekin, Anne Marie Erental, Guy Haines, and Cindy Jorgensen.

front cover, Cindy Jorgensen

back cover of issue #36, Mary Overstreet

• contains a con report for ShadowCon #7, see that page

• Homecoming (fiction by Marcy Robin) (5)
• Mercy Killing (fiction by Geoffrey Hamnell) (9)
• He Comes To Me (fiction by Tess Thomas) (10)
• Christmas Past (fiction by Carol Maschke) (13)
• Crossword puzzle (puzzle by Cynthia Manship) (21)
• House Call (fiction by Adriana Pena) (22)
• Angelique/The Reckoning (poetry by Pam Wissinger) (24)
• Dark Beckoning [poetry by Joe Escobar) (32)
• What If...? (fiction by Mary Overstreet) (33)
• They Father's Will (fiction by Lori Paige) (43)
• The Eve of the Wedding (poetry by Kristi Nelson) (50)
• Life and Death; Life of Darkness; Her Death Is My Advantage (poetry by Anita Mcnke) (51)
• Winds of War (review by Jeff Thompson) (52)
• A View of Dark Shadows' Technical Aspects (article by Eric Barg) (54)
• The Dark Shadows Viewmaster Reel - Part 2 (article by Jeff Thompson) (55)

• The Psychology of Willie Loomis' Personality (article by C.J. Nicastro) (58)
• Their Shadows Return (column by Chris Nokes) (60)
• Cold (poetry by Meghan Powell-Nivling) (62)
• Ghost Stories (column features Joan Shumsky) (63)
• Question for Members (64)
• Deja Vu (review by Kat Evans) (65)
• Quentin's Wuarters (column by the Donnellys) (65)
• DS at DMV (article by Tammy Hencke) (67)
• Fan Questionnaire (68)
• Letters of Comment (69)
• Ads (73)
• Additions to the Bibliography - by Robert Wargo and James Beaston throughout the zine

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  inside page from issue #36, uncredited in issue #36, credited as Andrea Palencar in #37

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  inside page from issue #36, Mary Overstreet

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  inside page from issue #36, Shari Metcalf

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  inside page from issue #36, various

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 36

I liked the drawing by Shari Hetcalf. "The Winds of War" review, the Viewmaster article, and the DS book reviews, as well as "Thy Father's Will" by Lori Paige. I like the Fan Questionnaire responses, too, and I think a fan photo page is a good idea. It lets us all get to know each other a little better. I like the letters too because you can see what others like and get some of their ideas and views.

I really enjoyed Lori Paige's "Thy Father's Will". So that's why Trask was such a mean, uptight guy--l always thought it was that his collar was too tight. Lori writes so well of that time period and Trask especially with his pompous humility and holier-than-thou attitude--the little snake! "House Calls", by Adriana Pena, was a different slant on the murder of Dave Woodard. Barnabas accepting his share of the blame and acquiring a conscience all in the same story is a bit mind-boggling! I would think that sometime Julia Barnahas, or both, would have to make peace with that. After all, they managed to go back in time and prevent other tragedies.

From the gorgeous cover by Cindy Jorgensen to Mary Overstreet's sweet Willie, Mike Entrekin's cartoon was good. I had the sane idea myself when I was watching those episodes. As for the stories, Lori Paige gets better and better every day. She even managed to stir sympathy for Trask and make us understand him a little bit without diminishing his hatefulness. And Pam Wissinger's poem was a nice exploration of Angelique's contradictory and violent feelings. As for Geoffrey Hamell's story, it is short but packs a punch. After all, who'd have thought that Sebastion Shaw was Timothy Shaw's grandson--and then, why not? Mary Overstreet's story raises some interesting possibilities about Maggie keeping both Barnabas and Jeff happy, and whether Willie would get included in the fun. As for Marcy Robin's story, poor chump, that Gabriel. All those hopes and plans, and none of them would come true. As for the nonfiction, you are getting higher quality in that, too. Like the Willie Loomis psychology study. How right C.J. Nicastro is! Willie is the most beloved character in DS, except of course for those unthinking fans that describe him as oafish in their stories, or kill him offstage outright. I say that you can assay the quality of fan fiction by the way they treat Willie.

Issue 37

The World of Dark Shadows 37 was published in May 1984 and contains 78 pages. It has art by Scott Taylor, Dave Billman, Jo Ann Christy, Anne Marie Erental, Guy Haines, Kathy Lehew, Janet Meehan, Paula Meyrick, and Susan Wyllie.

front cover of issue #37, by Dave Billman

back cover of issue #37, by Scott Taylor

• Editorial (4)
• Guest Editorial: Keeping Dark: Shadows Bright, by Jim Pierson (5)
• 1983's East Coast Dark Shadows Festival - report by Jeff Thompson (12)
• Dark Shadow!. Over Newark - report by Virginia Waldron (15)
• The Dallas Dark Convention - report by Jim Pierson (18)
• First Annual Dark Shadows Blooddrive - report by Jim Pierson 19)
• Dark Shadows Festival StoryFest (20) ("Thls is the StoryFest--presented for the first time at the Dark Shadows Festival in Newark, New Jersey, in the fall of 1983. The basic idea is an opening paragraph is written about a suspenseful situation then anyone who wants to can add to the story, taking it in whatever direction their imagination sends them. This sort of activity is done a lot a fan parties so I've decided to adapt the idea for our convention. Marcy Robin wrote out the first paragraphs, then left the story hanging, for anyone to take up and do with it what they willed. Well, plenty of people willed… the final result was 20 hand'ritten pages long, with several fans competing with each other to add more and more bizarre details to an already strange story. At the final reading, seventeen people admitted they had participated. People were writing right up to the deadline--we almost had to grab it away from the last person so that we could read it out loud as part of of the planned fan activities. The odd thing is, it has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Sort of. Anyway. I'm listing no perpetrators of this--you know who you are, and if you want to be identified, let me know and I'll print a list of authorls names next time around. By popular demand (all the people shouting and applauding at the reading) I'm printing it in TWODS.")
• The Collins Story, chapter 22 - a serial by Kathy Resch (26)
• Wedding Night - fiction by Carol Maschke (31)
• Our Town - a review by Adriana Pena (33)
• Dark Shadows Viewmaster Reel 3 - an article by Jeff Thompson (34)
• Christmas Revels - fiction by Virginia Waldron (44)
• The Greater Gift - fiction by Meghan Powell-Nivling (53)
• The Night Before... - poem by Gwen Fields (58)
• Fan Questionnaire (60)
• Questions for Members (62)
• Letters of Comment (64)
• Ads (66)

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  inside page from issue #37, centerfold by Kathy Lehew

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  inside page from issue #37, Paula Meyrick

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  inside back page from issue #37, Guy Haines

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 37

I would like to say that "Christmas Revels" (by Virginia Waldron) was one of the better stories I have read in my short fan time.

I really enjoy the fan questionnaire section. A nice idea!/The con reports are enjoyable, especially since I don't know when, if ever, I'll be able to get to one./ Your "Collins Story" was good, as usual. The major problem is the same as it always is--not enough in each issue! "Christmas Revels" by Virginia Waldron was really lovely. It would be interesting to see a follow-up story, with Michael grown and returned to Collinwood. Or a story on the demise of the Collinses. It was also nice to see Willie featured as a fully- formed character in Meghan Powell-Nivliing's story. He is too often pictured as almost a cartoon of a character.

The artwork, as usual, was outstanding. Janet Meehan's cartoon on the inside front cover was greatl As for the fiction, I really enjoyed it all. But one story really stood out--the one from 'Storyfest' I didn't know what to expect next. So now we know what the 'Loomis curse' is…

The cartoon on the inside front cover is especially good. Nice work, Janet! Also nice is the drawing of Barnabas by Kathy Lehew. Great spread of photos on pages 38, 39 (vampires). I think the DS Festival story on pg. 28 was a good idea, but letting it have that ending??? Pure trash. All the stories were good, but the one by Virginia W aldron---Christmas Revels"--was superb. It was a real tear-jerker.

David Billman's cover gave me a distinct feeling of unease (mal de mer?) Nearly reached for the Dramamine. Angelique looks pleased with herself, which doesn't bode well for the hapless mariner. / Carol Maschke's WEDDING NIGHT was so lovely: a very special moment in time, beautifully expressed.-- CHRISTMAS REVELS by Virginia Waldron waa another favorite. Nostalgia with a touch of Brigadoon. Lovely sentiment of the house magically recreating that Christmas scene for onlookers. / Was amazed at the uphill battle to get it on the air. Remember reading a newspaper article in April 1975 that stated 1388 episodes were to be made available for syndication. My mouth watered at the thought, but little did I realize what work it would take to get them shown. / Chuckled at Paula Meyrick's cartoon on pg. 59. Barnabas is still faithful to his old network! The vampire pictorials were sensational. Mary McMullen's tv pix are the living end! I'm really impressed.

Issue 38

covers of issue #38, front by Anne Marie Erental, back by Dave Billman

inside back cover from issue #38, Dave Billman

The World of Dark Shadows 38 was published in October 1984 and contains 78 pages. The art is by Anne Marie Erental, Dave Billman, Jo Ann Christy, Robert duBois, Cindy Jorgensen, Janet Meehan, Mary Overstreen, Valeda Verse, and Lou Ann Wojtalik.

In July 1984 at the second annual Dark Shadows Festival in Newark, New Jersey:

A music video featuring relevant scenes from "Dark Shadows" set to such popular tunes: "Who Can It Be Now?", "You Can Do Magic", and “Memory (Theme From "Cats")", was prepared by Mary Overstreet and Kathleen Reynolds. Their tape was very entertaining and much enjoyed by all.

• Dark Shadows Festival/Timecon '84 San Jose" Report (3)
• The Genesis of Evil - commentary by Patrick Garrison (4)
• An Urgent Message to Dark Shadows Fans - by .Jim Pierson (5)
• The Second Annual Dallas Dark Shadows Convention - report by Debbie Krcuter (7)
• Sweet Yesterdays, Bitter Tomorrows Pt. I - Fiction by Valeda Verse (9)
• Forgive Me - Poetry by Bonnie Frankel (17)
• Listen To Me, Willie - Poetry by Carol Maschke (21)
• To Lose The Dream - Fiction by Jean Graham (23)
• Letter: Spring 1796 - Fiction by Pam Wissinger (27)
• Recollections - Poetry by Tom Hon (28)
• Women in the Shadows - Article by Melody C. (29)
• Bitterly - Poetry by Meghan Powell-Nivling (34)
• The Collins Story - Serial by Kathy Resch (41)
• Judgement - Fiction by Ron Murillo (47)
• The Wayside - Fiction by Lori Paige (48)
• Dark Shadows Summaries - Compiled by Geoffrey Hamell (54)
• For Sale, Set of Wooden Steps, Hardly Used - Article by Ann Wilson (59)
• The Dark Shadows Newspaper Comic Strips - Article by Jeff Thompson (60)
• Word Search Puzzle - By Deborah Rubin (65)
• Questions For Members (66)

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  inside issue #38, Anne Marie Erental

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  inside issue #38, Lou Ann Wojtalik

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  inside issue #38, Valeda Verse

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  inside issue #38, Dave Billman

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  inside issue #38, Cindy Jorgensen

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  inside issue #38, Mary Overstreet (art), poem by Carol Maschke

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 38

How could you?' There I was, at 4 in the morning, glues to "Sweet Yesterdays, Bitter Tomorrows", and you say "to be continued..... Valeda Verse's story is riveting and I'm champing at the bit, dying to get my mitts on the next installment. She really has a flair for storytelling and I hope she'll contribute other tales for future issues. Liked Meghan Powell-Nivling's Jenny poem, and the attractive decorative border added a lovely tough. These little inserts, etc., make each ish of the zine all the more enjoyable.

Liked the article by Melody C. regarding the categorizing of females on DS. It was sexist, but then, that was before women's lib. When I think about the 60' s - how women over 21 could be considered "old', it's amazing.

Melody C.'s article ("Women in the Shadows") was so controversial, I'm surprised nobody responded in the letter section. While it's clear she did a lot of research, and it was well thought out, there is one problem - Melody writes of 60's sexism with an '80's mentality. Feminism was jts beginning back in the days of DS. Most women didn't even support the feminist viewpoint then, so I think it's unfair to expect a bunch of middle-aged male writers, producers, etc., to be miraculously enlightened before the rest of us.

While sexism inarguably infiltrated DS, Melody only explored one side of it. If, as she said, Angelique is forgiven for past crimes because of her beauty, then what about Barnabas? Look at what he's done - kidnapping and mentally torturing Maggie, trying to turn Vicki into a vampire, used Angelique (even if it was mutual, one usually considers an engaged gentleman who sleeps with another woman as scum), treated Julia like a doormat and committed a string of murders - yet we feel sorry for him. Come on, let's be honest. If Jonathan Frid wasn't so compelling, so strangely attractive, if he didn't play the role of Barnabas as a victim himself, we would have hated the monster he really was. Barnabas was as much a sex object as any woman on that show. Melody points out how the DS women suffered for love when Barnabas suffered more than all of them put together. The women seemed to fare better; they accepted whatever fate dealt them, but Barnabas was forever mourning one love or another. His whole existence centered on finding a woman to take Josette's place. None of the DS women moped around like Barnabas did. Even Julia took Barnabas' coolness in stride, thankfully never losing her dignity. How about the other men? Their seeming superiority fades when closely examined. Tough-guy Roger fails at two marriages without a qualm. The normal thing to do is wonder what went wrong, what he might have done - but Roger doesn't give it a second thought. And if Julia must fail in her efforts to cure Barnabas because as a woman in the soaps, she must, then how about the noted parapsychologist Stokes completely unaware of the vampire lurking under his nose? For all his purported knowledge on the subject, he comes off as almost laughable, as does Roger who, when confronted with the overwhelming evidence, refuses to even consider a supernatural element existed at Collinwood, placing his family at great risk. And let's not forget the Willie's, Gabriel's and Petofi's puppet Aristede. Altogether a roost unflattering depiction of the male gender. Perhaps the women appeared to be victimized because they were more honest in dealing with their feelings, but the men appeared to have little feeling at all - so busy were they with keeping up their images - wealthy businessman, scholar, egomaniac, etc. The male characters were much more victimized, in my opinion, because they were so sadly out of touch with themselves.

I think the best argument lies in the comments of fans on the 'right' woman for Barnabas. Everybody has his/her favorite. Some chose Angelique for her go-getiveness, others are unable to forget some of the things she's done, but nobody even questions the suitability of Barnabas - a murderer, monster and generally unstable fellow - for a woman. He's absolved completely while emotions are mixed where Angelique is concerned, and is either one really worse than the other? Nobody holds Barnabas' past against him. Why? Maybe because he expresses sorrow for the past but that doesn't change events, does it? Or maybe because he was such a turn-on for women, that we were willing to put those things aside to lust after him. Sexism? You bet!

Issue 39

The World of Dark Shadows 39 was published in October 1984 (published at the same time as the previous issue) and contains 76 pages.

It has art by Will Day, Janet Meehan, Shari Metcalf, Cindy Jorgensen, Ruth Goodrich, Sherlock, Andrea Palencar, Paula Meyrick, and Mark Brusiniak.

front cover of issue #39, Will Day

back cover of issue #39, Janet Meehan

• The Gods Love - fiction by Lori Paige (2)
• Has Dark Shadows Returned Again? - article by Jack Kennelly (17)
• Daylight -- fiction by Carol Maschke (18)
• Dominique - A Review.... by Adriana Pena (20)
• Who Knows What Evil Lurks? - fiction by Peggy Anne Van Vlack (21)
• Sweet Yesterdays, Bitter Tomorrows Part II - fiction by Valeda Verse (24)
• Life's Ambitions - Poetry by Daretta Clark (33)
• Together. Yet Apart - Poetry by Daretta Clark (34)
• Time Together, Time Apart - poetry by Daretta Clark (3S)
• Waiting - fiction by Tony Laker (36)
• The Golden Ring of Saradona - fiction by Daniel Redington Jr. (41)
• His Bed of Velvet - poetry by Anita Henke (50)
• Dark Reflections - column by C. J. Nicastro (51)
• Dr. Stephen Kaplan: In Search of the Modern Vampire - article by Jeff Neal (53)
• Tarot. 1897 - article by Kathi Swan (56)
• Dark Shadows Fan Questionnaires (74)

• 

  inside issue #39, Ruth Goodrich

• 

  inside issue #39, Cindy Jorgensen

• 

  inside issue #39, Paula Meyrick

• 

  inside issue #39, centerfold by Shari Metcalf

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 39

"Whom the Gods Love" was very in tune with the melancholoy atmosphere of DS. "Daylight" gives a glimpse of just how precious sunlight is, and how much we take it for granted. "Who Knows What Evil Lurks" was amusing, and very near to my heart, as I was named after Lamont Cranston, The Shadow. "Sweet Yesterdays , Bitter Tomorrows" was almost like watching the show again . "Dark Reflections" was very good. The article on Dr. Stephen Kaplan and modern-day vampires was chilling, to say the least, and the Tarot was very appropriate.

Issue 40

The World of Dark Shadows 40 was published in April 1985 and contains 76 pages. It has art by Janet Meehan, Anne Marie Erental, Will Day, Guy Haines, Sherry Ledenbach, Mary Overstreet, Sherlock, Doug Smith, and Scott Taylor.

front cover of issue #40, Anne Marie Erental

back cover of issue #40, Janet Meehan

• The Second Annual Dark Shadows Festival - Newark - Report by Jeff Thompson (8)
• Transcript: Louis Edmonds and Donna Wandrey (16)
• Dark Shadows Over Dallas - Report by David McGriff (18)
• Quentin's Quarters - Colum by the Donnelly Sisters (18)
• Moonfire - Poetry by Marcy Robin (20)
• Wolf Song - Poetry by Wendy Rathbone (21)
• Dark Shadows Summaries - Compiled by Geoffrey Hamell (22)
• Dracula: A Review - Play Review by Mary Overstreet (35)
• Fan Questionnaires (40)
• Sweet Yesterdays, Bitter Tomorrows - Fiction by Valerda Verse (42)
• Angelique's Confession - Poetry by Tom Hotz (53)
• A Question of Money - Fiction by Adriana Pena (56)
• Puzzle, by James Beaston, Jr. (56)
• His Little Friend - Fiction by Heather Simmons (58)
• Forgive Me - Poetry by Bonnie Frankel (59)
• I Want - Fiction by Carol Maschke (61)
• Worse Fear - Fiction by Carol Maschke (62)
• Reflections of a Vampire - Poetry by Robin Hood (62)
• Shadow - Poetry by Wendy Rathbone (62)
• Letters of Comment (63)
• Questions for Members (65)

• 

  inside page from issue #40, Anne Marie Erental

• 

  inside page from issue #40, Guy Haines

• 

  inside page from issue #40, inside front cover, Sherlock

• 

  inside page from issue #40, centerfold by Sherry Ledenbach

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 40

This issue had some really superior artwork. I especially enjoyed the centerfold with Vicki, Cassandra, Nicholas, et al; the drawing of Angelique by Guy Haines, and the portrait on the back of Barnabas and Josette.

I must say that Janet Meehan has Kathryn Leigh Scott down perfectly.

"Sweet Yesterdays, Bitter Tomorrows" wrapped up nicely. I knew there was something strange about Liz. The real Liz, try though she might, could never be so bold as to try to destroy Isabella. My only qualm with the last installment is that it seemed a little rushed. I'd have liked to have seen the story drawn out a little longer. Perhaps there could have been more on the Isabella/Roger relationship. Don't forget, he once thought he was Joshua (thanks to Cassandra). / The Louis Edmonds/Donna Wandrey transcript was really entertaining. I had the privilege of meeting Ms. Wandrey at the Manhattan Shadows convention in June, 1985. She's a very nice lady. I'd heard about Louis Edmonds' 'burst into song' while I was there. Whenever I think of him, I think of Roger Collins, and singing is so unlike Roger. / The centerfold by Sherry Ledenbach is, in a word, beautiful. Hope to see more from her soon! / "A Question of Money" was funny, as was "His Little Friend" was touching. Short short stories like these are fabulous. How about an entire issue of them sometime?

I loved "Sweet Yesterdays, Bitter Tomorrows" by Valeda Verse. Geoffry Hamell's summaries are excellent. I was able to relate to the characters somewhat, unlike the Leviathon which was over my head as of yet. I like liked the poetry and artwork as well. I was especially fond of "His Little Friend" by Heather Simmons. Everyone, I think, likes a little child.

Very atmospheric artwork -- especially Dave Billman. How does he do those collages? The conclusion to "Sweet Yesterdays, Bitter Tomorrows" was a shocker - but I can't see Naomi throwing a pregnant woman out to the elements. Adriana's story makes me very impatient to meet Megan Todd. I never saw the Leviathan story, but Adriana's masterful depiction of the character makes her quite appetizing. Tom Hotz had a very interesting idea for Angelique's fate - I'm surprised anyone didn't think of it sooner! The best thing of that issue was the 1968 summaries.

I loved the intimate, fannish feel of this ish. thanks to the generous amount of letters of comment, fan's reactions to conventions, Fan Questionnaires, photos. and questions and answers. The Edmonds/Wandrey transcript ....was nice, and 40's artwork reached another all-time high.

I enjoyed the conclusion of "Sweet Yesterdays, Bitter Tomorrows". This person has an interesting mind. Only thing I didn't agree with was a particular word she used concerning Willie. Under that set of circumstances (Willie forced to push Barnabas back into his seat), Willie would not 'whine'. He might stammer and be ashamed of himself, but he wouldn't whine. / Loved "Angelique's Confessions". Some really nice touches there. Hot without charm - indeed! I liked Heather Simmons' and Adriana Pena's short prose pieces; nice ways to fill in chinks that the DS writers always had to leave - or to tie up loose ends [but I would've thought Sarah would be at peace by now.) Glad you put a transcript of the G&A with Louis Edmonds and Donna Wandrey. / And I loved Bonnie's poem!

The art work: Where, oh where has Sherry Ledenbach been hiding all this time? Her centerfold is terrific1 She's captured everyone to perfection and I love her naturalistic style. Let's see more of her work! LOVED Janet Meehan's back cover! Beautiful eyes. If I didn't know different, I'd swear they were from the same family ...older brother and younger sister.