A Tremor in the Force/Issue 001

A Tremor in the Force · Issue 001 · Issue 002 · Issue 003 · Issue 004 · Issue 005 · Issue 006 · Issue 007 · Issue 008 · Issue 009 · Issue 010

Related terms:
See also:	A Tremor in the Force
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Issue 1

front cover issue #1

back cover of issue #1

flyer printed in Pegasus #6

flyer printed in Outlands Chronicles

A Tremor in the Force 1 was published in May 1984 and is 161 pages.

The art is by Wanda Lybarger, Martynn, Jenni, Angela-Marie Varesano, Suzy Sansom, Mary Stacy-McDonald, Kim Gianna, Barbara Stults and Cheree Cargill, includes two fold-outs.

From a flyer printed in Far Realms #6 "PLEASE NOTE that some stories in this zine contain adult scenes. We think they are done in good taste and will not offend anyone, but use your own discretion in ordering. There are no same-sex relationships depicted."

[The editorial]:

A Word from the Command Ship

First off, would you believe this isn't a Hanzine? No? Well, would you believe that it didn't start out to be a Hanzine? Well, it's still not necessarily a Hanzine, even though that's nearly the only kind of story I received. Not that I minded since I'm a Hanatic from the word "go" but I don't want the Luke fans out there to feel that I'm slighting you. That's one reason Luke and Leia are on the cover and Luke is on the bacover. I really do want future issues to be a little more well-balanced among the major characters. TIF will probably always lean a bit toward the Corellian side, but I'd still love to see stories about the others as well. So, send 'em in! I can't print 'em if I ain't got 'em!

Seriously, I hope you enjoy TIF #1 and will feel compelled to send me your impressions in a LoC. Starting with TIF //2, there will be a Lettercol, so let's hear your reactions! It's the only way I've got of knowing whether you like what you see or whether you're using TIF to line the parakeet's cage. Write!

Finally, this issue of TIF is dedicated to my closest friend, Laura Virgil, at a time in her life when she has suffered the tragic loss of her sister in an automobile accident. Sometimes we say the wrong thing in ignorance in an effort to comfort and thereby hurt more, but we really do care deeply about you and love you very much. Know that you can call on us when ever you need to and we'll do our best to supply whatever you need, whether it is a ride when you're too shaky to drive or place to go when you just need to go somewhere or just an ear to listen when you've got to tell someone. That's what friends are there for.

Well, I'm sure I've probably forgotten something important that will show up two days after this comes back from the printer, but at this late date, with the deadline for Media West coming up on me fast, my slightly addled brain can't think of it. So, off to bed with this issue and on to the next one! Clear skies!

• No One Will Know I'm Gone, poem by Martie Benedict (4)
• Just A Dream, story by Cheree Cargill (Leia dreams.) (5)
• Coming of Age, story by Sheila Truax (7)
• The Sins of the Fathers, story by T.S. Wedell ("Just what did change Han’s mind about staying on with the Rebels? Someone forces Solo to take a new look at freedom and commitment." Another summary: "Han had never been to this planet or in this bar before and was startled when someone called out, 'Hello, Solo— how're you doing?" But Han discovered that it was not to him that the man spoke but to his father...who had deserted his family the night Han was born.") (8)
• Kessel Run, poem by Martie Benedict (15)
• Only the Good Die Young, filk by Sally Smith (18)
• The Rescue, story by Barbara M. Stutls (19)
• A Lesson in Love, story by Jeanine Hennig ("A 'Catalyst" series story. There were other lessons in the Force for Luke to learn besides moving objects and using a lightsabre.") (also in Catalyst! Collected) (24)
• Incident on Ord Mantell, story by T.S. Wedell (Sequel to "Sins of the Fathers." "On Ord Mantell, Han finds reason to regret his decision to stay with the Alliance." Another summary: "That bounty hunter they ran into on Ord Mantell changed Han's mind about staying with the Alliance. He'd leave...just as soon as the Hoth base was secured.") (27)
• Word Search Puzzles by Lynda Vandiver (32)
• Interlude on Bespin, story by Cheree Cargill ("Han and Leia make love the night before their capture on Bespin." Another summary: "Han and Leia had one night together in Cloud City while the Falcon was being repaired. It should have been only a night of sharing love and hopes and dreams. Why couldn't Han rid himself of the nagging sense of doom hanging over it all?") (34)
• Those Golden Eyes, poem by Kathryn Agel (37)
• Miracles Can Happen, poem by Kathryn Agel (39)
• The Master's Voice, story by Jean L. Stevenson ("3P0 had searched for uncounted years for the young prince who had been abducted while under Threepio's care. Now, as far as his sensors and memory banks could tell, Threepio had found him.") (42)
• Foldout, "Luke and the Wounded Womprat" by Barbara M. Stults
• Fortune's A Woman, poem by Martie Benedict (44)
• It's a Miracle, filk by Sally Smith (46)
• Celebrate the Love, story by Jean L. Stevenson ("The sunlight streamed down through the tall trees and illuminated the couple standing in the glade, surrounded by 'family' and friends. What a perfect place for a wedding!") (47)
• Solutions to Word Search Puzzles
• The Ballad of Traeger Jonah, poem by Marti Benedict (51)
• The Lesson, story by J.A. Berger ("Han and Luke run into trouble picking up a cargo on Regal II." Another summary: "Regal II was a backwater hole that served as a thriving port for smugglers and pirates. It was perfect for the pickup of cargo bound for the Alliance base...except that Leia had arranged for more cargo than the Falcon could carry and Luke and Han knew they didn't dare leave any of it there or it would be gone by the time they got back. To complicate matters, two of Han's old acquaintances from Mos Eisley were determined to get in on the rich haul he was making...and nothing was going to stand in their way.") (55)
• A Little Poem by Martie Benedict (65)
• Foldout --- "Han, Chewie, Malla, and Lumpy" by Barbara M. Stults
• Breakdown in Communication, story by Martie Benedict ("Set before Star Wars: A New Hope. While trying to get some freight paperwork filled out, Han and a lady clerk come under attack by crazed counter-revolutionaries." Another summary: "Han just wanted to get his Request for Entry form signed, unload the shipment of computers and be off to Urango and his lady-love's arms. Unfortunately, it was turning into one of those days...") (66)
• Thoughts by Fireflight, poem by Sally Smith (85)
• Through the Long Night, story by Marcia Brin ("Leia comforts Han when he has nightmares about the carbon freeze. She wants to know exactly what he endured." Another summary: "Han at last was free of the carbonite and he and Leia were finally together. But the experience had affected him profoundly and, in his dreams, the carbonite prison still closed in around him.") (86)
• Lost Love, poem by Mary Teel (89)
• Legacy, story by Jeanine Hennig ("A full-length novella set in the last days of the Jedi. The Enclave on Alderaan was apparently thriving, but a few Jedi could see the decay that was gnawing at the underpinnings of the venerable brotherhood. Obi-Wan Kenobi was one and he set about training a remarkable young girl, Rebekah Nightrider. She was to prove to be a pivotal point in the galaxy's future, for she would give birth to the last of the Jedi—Luke Skywalker." In 1987, Violet Nordstrom wrote that it "has only Jeanine's name, but she incorporated some situations, characters, and elements established by the two of us. The same holds true for subsequent stories in later issues of FAR REALMS and others." )) (also in Catalyst! Collected) (90)

• 

  from issue #1, Martynn

• 

  from issue #1, Wanda Lybarger

• 

  from issue #1, Barbara M. Stults

• 

  from issue #1, Barbara M. Stults

• 

  from issue #1, Barbara M. Stults, "Luke and the Wounded Womprat"

• 

  from issue #1, Mary Stacy-MacDonald

• 

  from issue #1, Barbara M. Stults, "Han, Chewie, Malla, and Lumpy"

• 

  from issue #1, Wanda Lybarger

• 

  from issue #1, Suzy Sansom

• 

  from issue #1, Jenni

• 

  from issue #1, Jenni

• 

  from issue #1, inside back cover, "Coffee Break" by Barbara M. Stults

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

Thank you for the generous copy of TlPfl. It's been a while since I've come across so much excellent material compiled in a single zine. I gobbled up most of it the day I received it and felt thoroughly satisfied! Can't recall one piece of wri ting I didn't like or that I would even label "mediocre'; all was top-notch.

"Breakdown in Communications" was the zine's highlight. Benedict has a fantastic imagination. Love how suspense and humor play a part in every Solo situation she creates. Oh, the hell she puts that man through!

Weddell's "The Sins of the Fathers" and "Incident on Ord Nantell" are two other favorites of mine. Good characterization and interplay between Han and Leia in "In cident..." I enjoyed both stories equally.

Though I tend to shy away from long stories, I read and very much enjoyed "Legacy." For the most part, I liked the char acters in Hennig's universe. The fun part was figuring out who would marry who and who would father who, and so on. I thought it was told very much as a soap opera might be and that's exactly what it felt like; very dramatic tone to the story and rather predictable. I liked it.

"Just a Dream" and "Interlude on Bespin" were two very nice sentimental pieces. To be honest, it's difficult for me to buy these fan-concocted Han-and-Leia-make-out-between-scenes scenarios. I haven't come across a convincing one yet, though they do make fun what-ifs to indulge in, and I'm such a sucker for romance!

With "Through the Long Night", Brin delivered one of the most accurate portrayals of Leia I've seen in fan fiction. Actually, I have yet to read a Brin story in which fewer than five "damns" are muttered by Leia, but that's only a pet peeve of mine concerning her work. Anyway, ignore that, Marcia—the story is beautiful and something which needed to be written and read! And who better than Marcia to bring Han's hidden fears to our attention?

"The Lesson" was a cleverly conceived story. Good characterizations all around and I loved that ending!

Probably the most memorable piece in the zine—to me (and only me, no doubt)—is Benedict's little poem on pg. 65. In fact, I wrote it down and placed it on the refrigerator—appropriate! Of course, Benedict's other poetry in this issue was excellent as well.

I did not find the display of artwork as impressive as the writing but I have my favorites just the same. First, I thought Lybarger's pieces for TIFil were among the best I've seen of hers anywhere. I'll tell you, when I opened to her illos for "Kessel Run", my reaction was: "WOWl" It blew me away with its wild, furious composition. And my personal thanks for that delicious torso on pg. 83 and those ear-to-ear grins on pg. 75. AND Lybarger's Ivor Solo made me laugh out loud: this is the spittn' image of my "Adv. Figure" instructor from last semester. He's a big ogre who never washes his hair (what little of it there is), smokes incessantly and, as a result, has the worst breath this side of Jabba's pleasure palace. Needless to say, not my favorite illo in the zine (no offense to Wanda, of course).

Cheree, nice from cover art. Too much linework via Luke's mouth which sort of spoiled what could have been a close-to- perfect portrait of the both of them. Leia is excellent though; her hair is nicely done, great approach.

Martynn's illo for "Just a Dream" enhances the story nicely. I do question the placement of the left leg and foot (Han's); looks awkward to me. I definitely don't care for the method used for some of the shading; looks like felt tip seeping through from the back side of the paper. Flawless likenesses, but, then what else is new?

I've never seen Stults' work before now but I do prefer her line cartoons (like "Coffee Break") to her pointilism. Her comic art looks labored, but she seems pretty comfortable with her cartoons—at least that's what the art suggests. She's very good at drawing and conceiving crea tures, unlike moi.

Anyway, I'm gonna close this now 'cause it's getting too long. Apologies to whom ever I missed—I liked everything (refer to Paragraph #1). Thanks, Cheree, for an outstanding first issue! And remember: if you should need art for the next issue, I'm available. And if I don't hear from you again, I will remain creatively scarred for the rest of my career, I promise you.

Martie Benedict's writing is always a joy to read. "Fortune's a Woman" is one of the best. Poor Han—I love it! What wonderful images come to mind. The same can be said about her "No One Will Know I'm Gone", an older Han but still a person apart.

I hope next issue you will have more of T. S. Weddell's writing. "The Sins of the Fathers" was very good and the confrontation between father and son was well handled. "Incident on Ord Mantell" had some interesting ideas as to what happened on that interesting but untold trip.

Another favorite of mine are the sto ies by Jean L. Stevenson. "The Master's Voice" held my interest and I hope there will be another story to go with it because it did raise some questions that need to be answered. 'Through the Long Night' was very nice. With what Han has been put through, I can just imagine the dreams that would develop and I liked the idea that Leia would be the one to help him over them. Somehow I don't hold with the idea that Han would have more than Leia or Chewie as a confidant.

Almost forgot 'Breakdown in Communications', another of Martie's fast-paced and entertaining stories. As well as your two stories. I will be looking forward to reading more of your writing.

A TREMOR IN THE FORCE will line no parakeet's cage that I know. Tnis zine has provided me with many hours of enjoy ment. It's great!

I am fairly new to STAR WARS fandom so I am not familiar with various series that exist, but I was captivated by 'Legacy; by Jeanine Hennig. I can't wait to read more. The characters came alive for me and I truly cared about what was going to happen to the characters she created so well as those we are familiar with from the movies.

'The Sins of the Fathers' provided good insight into the character of Han Solo. It gives the reader a look beyond his cynical facade.

Enjoyed 'The Lesson.' I wish there were more stories about Han and Luke together. They are good friends but so different. Thanks to J. A. Berger, maybe there will be more stories like this in the future.

I just wanted to let you know that I did appreciate all your efforts in putting together a class zine. Will be looking forward to issue #2.

I enjoyed it a great deal. My biggest complaint was that some stories were too short. Interesting ideas were truncated into vignettes. I kept looking for 'con tinued on page...'

I liked Jean L. Stevenson's idea for a story from Threepio's viewpoint, but I couldn't quite figure out exactly what tipped Threepio off.

Martie Benedict's 'Breakdown in Communications' had her usual combination of action and sly wit. And, as usual, Wanda Lybarger's illos were a delight. Han's expression in the 'attack of the scum bunny' illo is just wonderful. Jeanine Hennig's 'Legacy' was a trifle long, even for a two-part story, but there was a good effort made to explain why characters behaved as they did. I particularly liked Rebekah's initial resentment, even hatred for her baby; it was very well expressed.

I also liked Jeanine's 'A Lesson in Love.' It dealt very well and very succinctly with the notion that a Jedi's con trol of emotions doesn't mean absence of them.

Anyway, I enjoyed the zine immensely and congratulate you on another fine effort.

A TREMOR IN THE FORCE came the day before I left for MediaWestCon! It was the first zine I read once I got back—but you can see it is still taking me a heck of a long time to catch up! I figured if I was ever going to get a LoC to you, I'd better do it soon, before I became so swamped in reading that I forgot all about writing.

How's 'I LOVE IT!!!' for an initial reaction?? The minute I saw my favorite brother and sister duo on the cover, I knew I was going to like this zine! The print quality is very readable, and I really appreciate the double column format, especially on the longer stories. As for some of my favorite things; Martie Benedict's 'Breakdown in Communications' was exceptional for several things—besides Wanda's usual excellent illos—besides being a very interesting and well-plotted story, it has the added attraction of having a fascinating female character WHO DOES NOT HAVE THE HOTS FOR HAN SOLO!! (Well, there was a character in there who did have the hots for Han—but I'm willing to allow her, too!) Martynn's illo and stories of yours like 'Interlude on Bespin' had me staggering to the bathroom for another cold shower...all in all, a very satisfactory experience!

And I thoroughly enjoyed Jeanine Hennig's 'Legacy', although Pre-ANH stories are usually not favorites of mine. Jeanine just presents such real istic, believable, sympathetic characters that you can't help but become involved in their story. Besides, anyone who can illo her own stories—and do it so well—deserves to be lynched—I mean, deserves all this praise!!

I enjoyed the whole zine; these are just the highlights for me. I can hardly wait to see TIF#2!

Sorry it's taken me over a month to tell you how much I loved A TREMOR IN THE FORCE, but I've been busy—travelling every chance I could to a little town in Pennsylvania called Lancaster. It seems a certain H.F. has been filming there since the beginning of May, and since it's only a 2-1/2 hour drive from my home in New Jersey, I made four trips out there to watch the filming of his new movie "Witness' and got to actually meet the man. God, what an Experience! I wrote up the trips for ROGUE'S GALLERY—should be out in September—but wanted to tell you that TREMOR had arrived on a Monday afternoon and I left for my third trip to Pennsylvania that night.

I took TREMOR with me when I went to find the film site (Paramount kept switching the location all over the countryside). Anyway, I waited 7-1/2 hours on June 5 to catch a glimpse of him about 1/2 mile from the site (which was as close as I could get that day) and read TREMOR from cover to cover. Do you have any idea what it was like to read 'Interlude on Bespin', knowing that Harrison was right up the road?! You write beautifully, with exquisite scenes and breath-stealing emotions and images; it did incredible things to my pulse rate.

'Just a Dream' was also memorable. Both stories were almost like reading my own fantasies on paper. Thank you for writing them.

As for TREMOR being a SW zine, I'm afraid I admit to preferring all Han stories. I just can't get enough of that man, so you'll get no argument from me on the unevenness or the partiality. The zine itself is very well put together, very professional looking, typos almost nonexistent. A pleasure to read.

Aside from your two lovely pieces, I particularly like Kathryn Agel's two companion pieces 'Those Golden Eyes' and 'Miracles Can Happen.' Really complimented each other nicely. Also enjoyed 'Through the Long Night'. I found myself really feeling along with Leia and Han, running the gamut of emotions played out on the pages. A definite mark of a Good Writer.

I couldn't get into 'Legacy' very much, though, but not because it wasn't well done. I like my STAR WARS straight, as versus alternate endings or other parallel stories.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that TREMOR made a long afternoon go faster and will always be one of my memories, because I was reading it the day and night before I actually met Harrison Ford. Your timing was excellent. P. S.— Exquisite cover!

I guess I'll have to finally give in and write you a LoC for A TREMOR IN THE FORCE. What can I say? I loved all of the Lybarger art, especially the one for Martie Benedict's 'Fortune's a Woman' and I thought the Martynn illo of Han in the almost altogether was incredible. Hey, the story you wrote to go with it wasn't half bad either, in fact, I liked 'Just a Dream" and 'Interlude on Bespin' a lot. You do pretty good. When it comes to tasteful but smutty stories! (Gee, thanks, Annie—especially considering that you collaborated on Far Realms Sex, you should know! — C. C.), 'Sins of the Fathers' was very nicely done; I liked the way that Solo, Sr. was compared and contrasted to Solo, Jr. and the way that Han realized where he might be heading if he didn't change course.

On the other hand, I thought Jean Stevenson's 'The Master's Voice' was a little bizarre and confusing. I think it was because it was written in the first person. 'Celebrate the Love' was beautifully done, though, and very nicely ilioed. 'The Lesson' was amusing; I especially liked Han's amusement at the thought of his abductors facing Luke. "Breakdown in Communications' was done with the usual Benedict fiare and didn't fail to please. I thought I'd have hysterics when Han turned out to be carrying the implant and later on when it blew up after they took it out! And the thought of Han saying, 'Wake up, scum bunny' tickles me. What a funny story. Marcia Brin's

vignette was sentimental and gave me a warm glow. Jenni did an outstanding job on the first illo for her new catalyst' story. 'Legacy' held me enthralled, much to my surprise. I really didn't expect the story to be so absorbing since it did n't have the Big Three featured prominently in it. I enjoyed it very much. And now, since I didn't say it about your work in KESSEL RUN #3, I'll tell you that all of your artwork is very nice:; you even do nice hair!

The main reason I've been putting off writing the monster of a letter is because I wanted to write some kind of a decent LoC on TREMOR, Which I sincerely believe is the best ever STAR WARS zine (! really mean that—it has a special flavor of love and warmth like that found in the films which carries the reader joyfully back to that world—none of the stories were alternate universe, and all seemed to follow a chronological order which helped to involve the reader entirely and make the character development enriching and believable (of course, the Rebekah story needed to be last because of length and different content matter, placing it here gave it the honor it deserved as what I believe was the best story of the issue— believe me that's quite a compliment coming from someone who normally won't consider reading any story minus Han! This story needed to be savored as separate from the rest of the zine which followed in time with events of the three films.). Really loved your story of Han and Leia's first night together, there was a genuine feel of tenderness and caring which made it apparent that this was more than physical gratification, but was instead the beginnings of a deep bonding, spiritual as well as physical love.

Congrats on being courageous enough to print it; it's about time someone wrote a story in which Han shows the deeper nature and the sincere love he has for Leia, rather than his tiresomely repetitive portrayal as Mr. Superstud who loves 'em and leaves 'em. Han never really seemed that type to me. T. S. Weddell's story of Han's meeting with his father was genuinely moving, and a particularly viable, clever and very human reason for Han's change in attitude as regards his continued involvement with Leia, Luke and the Rebellion. Chewbacca's watching over Han's emotional development was beautifully and skillfully depicted.

The other two stories, your "Just a Dream" (thank you, Martynn, for that beautiful Han hugging and comforting Leia) and Weddell's "Incident on Ord Mantell", wonderfully bring Han's character full circle to the point where he is ready to make a life commitment to Leia. This is the reason why I found TREMOR the most enjoyable SW read ever— all the stories flowed so well into one another, obviously a reflection of very skillful and thoughtfully sensitive edit ing. Can't wait for the conclusion to that fantastic comic strip "The Rescue". (Barbara Stults has done a great job not only with the incredibly good drawings but also with a suspenseful story—just what did happen that night out in the blizzard and where did the wampa's friends all get to? What technique does she use (I probably wouldn't understand, anyway) but I'd love to know how she gets some of those sketches to look as though they came straight from the actual film TESB. [The technique is called pointillism and consists of doing little dots until the artist starts foaming at the mouth:~C.C.)

"A Lesson in Love" by Jeanine Hennig was a nice little insight into Luke's maturation. I mean if he could feel Han being tortured, it stands to reason that since he also has a bond with Leia as his twin (though he doesn't know it at this stage) he would also feel their making love. I guess everyone's already wondered over that scene in ESB in which Luke cries, "Hani Leia!" I mean it really is a sitting target for a joke, isn't it?

"Those Golden Eyes" by Kathryn Agel is one of my all time favorites, the last lines say it all: "For commitment was in the heart that shone from those golden eyes. And had been there all along." Absolutely right! Why else was Leia attracted to him from the very first time she met those beautiful eyes? "Miracles Can Happen" is the perfect accompaniment. So good to read all these poems that reflect on Han and Leia's happy future to gether, instead of all those tear-jerkers involving Leia's thoughts immediately following Bespin—I loved those too, but it's nice to be cheery for a change.

The foldout art pieces by Barbara Stults are—well, words fail me; suffice it to say that I'd love to have the one of Han showing his medal to Chewie's family framed and hanging on the wall. It captures the depth of feeling—friendship, love and pride—as well as joy, perfectly. Thank you a thousand fold, Barbara.

I always enjoy anything by Martie Benedict because of the sheer energy and light-hearted spirit of adventure which pervades her work. Lybarger's drawings always set them off perfectly. Poor Han! What a price to have to pay for freedom! Chewie looked a better match in "Fortune's a Woman"! Greater love hath no man than that he lay down his, umm, er, for his friends! The Han of these stories doesn't quite seem the one of the films but that does not make his characterization any the less enjoyable; these stories are meant for plain fun and they fulfill that role admirably.

"Celebrate the Love" by Jean Stevenson I liked but somehow can't picture Han and Leia getting married without waiting for Luke to show up. Loved the freely given marriage vows, though.

"The Ballad of Traeger Jona" was beautiful; how does Martie continue to write such magnificently flowing, moving verse? A tragic piece and rather out of Martie's usual jovial mood; seeing as it was so touching, I wonder she doesn't try for this atmosphere more often. [This and the other two longer poems in TIP#1 are actually lyrics to three of Martie's very lovely songs. If anyone is unfamiliar with Martie's "VHF" series of tapes, I urge you to drop her a SASE immediately (address in the ad section at the back of the zine). "Traeger" is breath-taking set to music! — C.C.]

Always look for anything by Berger because she, better than anyone, writes of the true essence of the bond between Han and Luke; while also giving Luke much more strength and depth, her stories foreshadowed the Luke of JEDI better than any. Han's relishing of the moment when his two captors will come up against the young Jedi is very much in character and thoroughly enjoyable. "A mellow Corellian? Is it humanly possible?" An amusing and perceptive comment from Luke to end the story. Of course, Han denies the possibility, but we all know better after ROTJ, don't we?

"Through the Long Night" by Brin is the piece I often pick up and re-read. Brin specializes in giving the reader a deep feeling of empathy with the characters and she hasn't failed here. This short piece cleverly brings out all the feelings which were glossed over in the film (ROTJ) —yes, Han was pushed to one side and certainly a little roughly treated and misunderstood by Leia and Luke to some extent after his terrifying ordeal. They of all people should have recognized the false front of bravado and tried to make him feel more at home rather than, as Leia here fears they have done making him feel more the outsider, that he has missed the boat during the past six months, in which time as he wrongly thinks, Luke and Leia are now a pair and Chewie is close to Lando. Of course, by the end of ROTJ, he would have known otherwise, but it can't have been easy for him while he was still struggling to get over the shock of his freezing and Brin has taken this theme and made a very moving look into Han and Leia's post-marriage relationship. The description of exactly what Han had gone through whilst in the carbonite was really grue some. I find it hard to believe that any one could have survived that for six months and still been capable of plunging straight into another battle. Suzy Sansom's art for this story is my favorite; I keep com ing back for another look. The look of deep concern in Leia's eyes is incredibly realistic and Han and Leia's faces are also those of Fisher and Ford. Truly re markable. Hope to see more soon.

I think I have already told you how much I liked the cover of TREMOR. Definitely the finest piece of art in the whole zine. Leia's hair seems to shine!

Martie had a few things in this zine that I would like to comment upon. "Mo One Will Know I'm Gone"—the poem was so lovely, just wonderful. She is an excellent poet and can bring a humor to her work that is matched only by Jackie Taero. (Though Martie mixes it with a healthy dose of lust such as her poem on page 65 and the one on page 44.) And Wanda's art makes you think that she and Martie are two halves of a whole so aptly does she portray the scenes in the stories. Her work is just excellent.

And there is that B. M. Stults! I couldn't believe a whole animated strip of those stinkin' dots! How does she do it? Some parts of this piece ("The Rescue") were very cute, but some of the frames were a little vague. She does do an awesome job on machinery and technical stuff, though. The bottom frame on page 19 at tests to her attention to detail. As some one who falls short when she has to do a spaceship, I can really appreciate her attention to those bits. There are also frames where you can tell that she used a picture for reference and she is very good at that too!

I really enjoyed Jeanine's "A Lesson in Love" and her "Legacy." I wish I had read "Legacy" before "Lady in the Wood", and then I probably could've understood it better. I wish that she had given more time to the friendship between Tamlin and Darth. I never got the impression that Darth was any more than just an acquaintance, and it would've added more to their duel if Tam had really loved Darth once.

"Incident on Ord Mantell" was very good but too short. I love Ord Mantell stories and have very definite ideas about what happened there. But I think that T. S. Weddell and I think very much alike on how Han should be portrayed.

"Interlude on Bespin"...well, I love seduction scenes, although it wasn't an actual seduction, was it? Very nice; I love "interlude" stories almost as much as Ord Mantell stories. I know that there were a lot of things to be said, but Han and Leia wouldn't have talked quite so much. I did like the way he forestalled any commitment on their parts. It almost makes Leia seem pushy when she said the next day, "Then you're as good as gone, aren't you?"

Both of Kathryn Agel's poems are nice. She has a lovely point of view. I liked the end of Leia's poem best. That was so nicely said!

I feel a little left out when it comes to the Jack in the Box cartoons. Is that a fast food chain or something? I cracked up though when Yoda said, "Sounds yummy, it does!" [Gee, I tnought Jack in the Boxes were everywhere...like McDonalds! Yes, it a fast food chain and for a while they were running commercials in which this obnoxious guy popped up every where pushing their nachos and burgers and fries. — C.C.]

It may sound as if I haven't a word or criticism at all, but, alas, I do. Even this is just a matter of a person's opinion. I really didn't care for "Celebrate the Love." And this is only because I have this thing against Han and Leia get ting "married." I like the idea of Jedi bonding, but I think that Han and Leia should just have a passionate, life-long affair.

And do you know what I liked best about "The Lesson"? I loved the way Han looks at Luke. Finally, a story where the Corellian isn't hauling Luke's butt out of the line of fire! And he actually thinks that Luke can take care of himself. Some of the lines contradict themselves, though. Such as in the second paragraph on page 58, Han is telling Luke how dangerous it is on this backwater world, pointing out that he ought to be the one to stay since he is so much more street-wise and capable. Then on page 62, he thinks, "They thought the Wookiee was a problem; wait until they faced the righteous indignity of a half- grown Jedi Knight" as if Luke is just as capable if not more so than Chewbacca. (And Chewie is damn capable!) This is probably small potatoes and I just decided that, presented with the two different opinions, I would just choose the one I liked best. And that was to have Han consider Luke more than adequate to taking care of himself. I like that.

"Through the Long Night" was just lovely. I like the way Marcia Brin sees her characters.

Re Martynn's illo in TREMOR #1—it's absolutely gorgeous. Of course, she had great material to draw from. Harrison Ford ain't exactly chopped liver, folks. If you've seen TEMPLE OF DOOM, you'll know what I mean.

I don't mean to slight Luke or have legions of Luke fans jumping feet first down my throat, but I was blessed with a blonde, blue-eyes younger brother. Perhaps this is why I was drawn to Solo—he's so perfect to fantasize about. I loved TREMOR and didn't mind at all that it turned out to be mostly a Han zine.

Everything I open a fanzine, it seems that the material just keeps getting better and better. TREMOR #1 is no exception. There are so many excellent pieces in this zine that it's hard to know where to begin.

I liked "Sins of the Fathers' by T. S. Weddell. It gives another insight into my favorite Corellian's background. Since George Lucas gave us virtually no information about Solo, it's been up to the fans to provide it, and an inventive lot they've been, too!

"Through the Long Night' was one I liked also. I always enjoy Marcia's writing. She seems to have captured perfectly Solo's vulnerability and Leia's love for him.

Although basically not a big Luke fan, although I do like him, I found 'Legacy' really interesting. Jeanine Hennig has done a good job of explaining how Darth Vader could be Luke's father. It's very well thought out and completely logical.

As I said before, I enjoyed the entire zine immensely and am already looking for ward to #2. And, Cheree, thanks to you and Martynn for that absolutely delectable Han Solo on page 6. Always wondered what he'd look like in his shorts.

First let me say that the first issue of A TREMOR IN THE FORCE is very nicely put together and the writing, with few exceptions, was of uniformly good quality. I love Wanda's artwork, as always, and Barbara Stults' work is interesting, though I'm not sure she has her character like nesses down very well. There are a couple of good ones of Han in 'The Rescue', and that is a very ambitious project to under take. She also has an interesting concept of a womprat.

'Kessel Run'—I know this is meant to be a humorous piece, but if we are going to treat Kessel spice as a recreational drug, some thought should be given to its possible adverse effects, don't you think?

On the other hand, I enjoyed 'No One Will Know I'm Gone', 'The Ballad of Traeger Jona' and 'Breakdown in Communications,' which was a scream. 'Through the Long Night'--I've always loved Marcia's Han and Leia stories, but I had some trouble with this. Not to minimize Han's ordeal in any way, but he strikes me as a pretty resilient person who bounces back quickly. If he can survive carbon freeze for four months, and then thawing, I think he would open up about it pretty readily; he's changed a lot by JEDI. I saw no evidence that Han felt like an outsider or that anyone was trying to make him feel that way. Also, the fact is that Anakin Skywalker was Leia's father, and I'm sure she knows she'll be better off coming to terms with this than trying to deny it.

You're probably thinking I'm using TIF to take out the trash or something. Wrong. There were many things I liked—'Just a Dream', both T. S. Weddell stories, 'Inter lude on Bespin' (somewhat explicit but not too much so), both of Kathy Agel's poems, 'Celebrate the Love', 'The Lesson', and last, but not least, Jeanine Hennig's Catalyst' stories, which are better than any soap opera.

Two stories which nicely demonstrate love and compassion are "Just a Dream" and "Through the Long Night". In the former, Han demonstrates great sensitivity instead of his usual brashness. In the latter, the cards are turned with Leia trying to help Han acknowledge his own secret fears.

In "Sins of the Fathers", Han learns that flying free and having no commitment isn't always what it is chalked up to be. "Incident on Ord MantelI" is a good follow-up story. Unfortunately now that he's made an informal commitment and is growing more attached to his friends, his past must cause him to leave for the safety of his friends. This shows how truly committed to friendship Han is, though he hesitates to about it.

"Requiem" is an emotionally powerful story. Luke's emptiness and sense of lonliness after another loss is a heavy load to bear; although with more reflection Luke could realize much more was gained than lost. Adding to that aloneness was the fact that, at least as of that point in time, he was the only one who could feel compassion for Vader/Anakin. Even his sister could not share that sorrow with him. I also feel that Leia's reaction was a reasonable approach to take. She had never had any opportunity to "feel" any good in Vader, p and I don't think Vader's saving Luke could have made any dent in that barrier of bitterness she felt for Vader in so short a time. I do think, however, that in time, especially if she pursues becoming a Jedi, she will have to confront her feelings of hostility and realize how vulnerable to falling to darkside we all can be.

"Interlude on Bespin" was great! I love romantic scenes between Han and Leia. While the Ewoks in JEDI were necessary to the plot and were undeniably cute, as far as I am concerned, there could have been a lot less of the Ewoks and more time devoted to showing some intimacy between Leia and Han. So PLEASE give us as many interludes as you can!I

"The Lesson" was a nice adventure. I enjoy stories where any and all of our 3 main characters go on missions together.