Bloodstripe

Zine
Title:	Bloodstripe
Publisher:	Solo Press
Editor(s):	Carolyn Golledge
Date(s):	2000 - 2007
Series?:
Medium:	print zine, fanficF
Size:
Genre:	gen
Fandom:	Star Wars
Language:	English
External Links:	Bloodstripe 1 info here & WayBack link to publisher's site
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Bloodstripe is a gen Star Wars zine with an emphasis on stories with Han Solo as the main character.

Eight issues were printed.

Some of the art by Zawiah can be found here.

Art appears on Fanlore with the publisher's permission.

About

From a distributor, Agent With Style:

Chockful of funny, romantic stories that will hold you spellbound to the very end, this zine contain tales in which after the Deathstar battle, Han and Leia have to figure a few things out about attraction, friendship, grief, celebration, love and the makings of a really great mint-ale flash; as the Hoth base prepares to evacuate, tensions run high between smugger and princess. Can Han find the right way to tell Leia that he must leave?; Han is severely injured when the Falcon crash lands and he and Leia are stranded, where they struggle with their developing love; and while on an undercover mission, Han and Leia must behave as a married couple -- will these two explosive personalities survive this?

Online

The majority of this fiction was online at Corellian Embassy

Issue 1

"Nice Men"

back cover of issue #1, Dianne Smith

table of contents, issue #1

Bloodstripe 1 was published in May 2000 and has 250 pages focusing on the Star Wars character Han Solo with stories in chronological order of Han's life written by various authors. It was the 2001 FanQ Award winner for "Best Star Wars fanzine'. It includes stories by Alison Glover, Annette Stickles, Carolyn Golledge, Martha Wilson and many others. Lots of artwork throughout by Zawiah (a 2001 Fan Quality Award winner for best Star Wars artist), Smith, Judy Street, Naomi Stickles and others.

Color Covers: Back cover by Dianne Smith is a centerfold type portrait of a (tastefully PG13) nude Han Solo reclining on his bunk and the front cover by Dianne Smith is a full color portrait of Han titled 'Nice Men'. All stories are rated PG13.

• Freedom Flight by Annette Stickles (As a small boy forced to work as a pick pocket, Han Solo determines to escape.)
• Trying Again by Martha Wilson. A 2001 Fan Quality Award winner for Best Star Wars gen story.
• Never too Heavy by Marcia Pecor (Set during The Empire Strikes Back, this is the story of Han's rescue of Luke on Hoth.)
• Never Tell Me the Odds, Quiet Contemplation, No Turning Back by TJ Perkins and Elizabeth Corbett (While on Hoth, Han considers his feelings for Leia. Then she asks him to go on a scouting mission with Luke.)
• Understanding by Liz S. (Leia and Lando come to an understanding. Originally, written in 1987 for a Lando fanzine that never made publication.) (archived link)
• Night Watch by Liz S. (Set during Return of the Jedi. Han's first night with Leia after the carbon freeze. First appeared in Legends of Light)
• Secrets by Martha Wilson (Leia discovers something about Han's past, but will he believe it's by accident? First appeared in Who's Scruffy Looking?)
• Reunion by Judy Ebberley (Han sets out to rescue an Alliance General only to discover someone he'd thought long lost to him.)
• Double Vision by Bernadette Crumb (What if Leia was replaced by a clone and Han has to (for the Alliance's sake) pretend it really is Leia?)
• A Letter for General Solo by ZP Florian (Han receives a letter that takes him back to a dangerous mission from the past.)
• Ghost by Carolyn Golledge (Han thought he had finally gotten rid of his arch enemy Sith Lord Hagren years ago. But now Hagren is back, in ghostly form, and he wants the ultimate revenge—Solo’s body to replace his.)
• Freedom Flight by Annette Stickles
• I Do Care What You Smell by Alison Glover (Han, Luke and Chewie must find the source of a REALLY bad smell aboard the Falcon just when they need the ship in pristine condition for an important negotiation Leia is organizing.)
• The Last Laugh by Carolyn Golledge is the final section of the zine and is all comedy including the comic cartoon cell version (drawn by Zawiah) of Every Corellian Has His Day which was in Alliance and Empire (11 pages)
• Filks and poems by Johnson, Potter, Scales.

• 

  issue #1, inside page, Zawiah

• 

  issue #1, Naomi Stickles

• 

  issue #1, inside page, Zawiah

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  issue #1, inside page, title art by Zoya Tylner

• 

  issue #1, Dianne Smith

• 

  issue #1, inside page, Zawiah

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  issue #1, inside page, Zawiah

• 

  issue #1, sample text

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

I have been way too remiss in thanking you for the excellent, professional WOW! job you did on Bloodstripe. This was only my second experience with Star Wars' print zines and it certainly won't be my last. Your service was immensely professional and prompt (and halfway round the world, to boot!). I have read it from cover to cover twice since receiving it and there isn't a poor one in the group. [Martha Wilson] stories are always wonderful (Trying Again was the best) and *in Ghost* poor Hagren is still getting it—I love your imagination. Although I thoroughly enjoy the Han/Leia interaction stories (sigh!), I've been a confirmed Luke fan since ESB, so Never T oo Heavy was absolutely delicious - outstanding! My sister who teases me unmercifully about my ongoing love affair with Star Wars, (but who has loved Han Solo in her dreams many times) saw Bloodstripe in my room and was immediately drawn to the cover. When I showed her the back cover I had to physically restrain her from ripping it off. She's asked for the back cover, laminated, for her birthday - she's not getting it. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know how very, very much I enjoy The Corellian Embassy and now your printzines. Looking forward eagerly to placing another order with you in the future. Most sincerely—keep up the phenomenal work! The Bloodstripe bookmark was a really cool touch!

Just wanted to let you know that I LOVED Bloodstripe!!! (And it will always have a special place in my heart as my very first zine.):) All the stories were great. "Ghost," especially...! couldn't put it down. As someone else said on the OZ list, the red bookmark was nifty. (not to mention handy). And of course, the cover is absolutely yummy! (drool drool) What more can one ask for? Thanks for putting it together.

I just wanted to drop a line to say that I loved "Bloodstripe!" It was very well done. I'm sure you've received countless messages just like this one, so just add it to the list! Thanks.

I received the new 'zine. I've already sped through it and totally enjoyed it. Especially your new Hagren story. Thank you for not letting him do the nasty with Leia-I was cringing enough as it was!

I just wanted to thank you so much for your wonderful zine and web site. I just received my copy of the zine, and I really enjoyed your writing/editing (the blood stripe/ribbon also was a nice touch). I wish so much that the spin-off pro fic would lend itself to the same kind of passion that you bring to the characters. You have a wonderful knack for capturing the charm, the ordinary and extraordinary moments in character relationships. I, for one, am a fan of yours!

I have one word to say for this Zine. WOW! This was the first time I had ever purchased a Star W ars Zine. I could never have imagined spending more for a collection of fan-written stories than I would for a profic novel. However all of my money will now go into Zines, because yours was worth every cent. The artwork was excellent, especially the cover. I especially enjoyed the stories that delved into the mysterious background of Han Solo before the events of A New Hope. I imagine George himself could have given us nothing better. Your characterizations were perfect. I could actually see the scenes being played out in front of me. I also loved the way you tied all the stories together by having it all be told during Han and Leia's Honeymoon. I am looking forward anxiously to NSD2. My favorite story would have to be 'The Princess and the Nerfherder". Not only did we get to see pre-romance Han and Leia, but we witnessed Leia finding out that there is more to Han Solo than what she sees on the surface. The stories all blend together perfectly to make a most enjoyable reading experience. Thanks again for such a great zine!

Ifs mind-blowing, heart-stopping, imagination-firing, traffic jam causing, and guaranteed to give me sweet dreams for the rest of my life. Oh - you wanted comments about more than the back cover? Are you sure? I can ramble poetically about it for a while /know. Onto the absolutely stunning front cover then... Well, if I must, onto the stories. Loved [Martha Wilson's] work. Completely. She's got my Han and Leia down to a fine art, covering the characters I know and love with some fantastic writing. It just feels like a scene from the movies that got cut, but with much better dialogue! Wouldn't mind a compilation zine of her stuff either (hint!).

When I opened the package containing Bloodstripe 2,1 pulled it out of the envelope 'back cover up' and just about choked. (In a good way) Felt like I'd ordered a pom mag for half a second! What a picture, hey?! I actually felt embarrassed trying to read it while waiting in the school yard for my kids to come to the car :~P Diane Smith's work is stunning, although I liked the colour cover she did for "NSD" better. The pic she did on pg. 161 is excellent and the one on pg.93 is photographic! Zawiah's art was lovely as always, although some of them looked like they'd been 'squashed' on the computer, which was a bit of a shame, and the Voung Han' portrait by Naomi (on pg 215) I thought was very good (though squashed). Terrific likeness. I enjoyed all of the stories; cant pick a favorite, and lastly, I have to say I loved the red ribbon! I thought that idea was terrific! Looking foward to being a part of the next edition!

Here are my comments on Bloodstripe #11 Congrats for the Award!!! (ED: many thanks for the thanks! <G>)

Zine: It’s a wonderful piece of art and aestheticism. You did a wonderful job as an editor! And sorting the stories according to chronology is a great idea. Thanks for all your efforts and fine work.

Art Throughout the zine ifs fantastic. I envy the talents of the artists. The cover is just too gorgeous.

Stories/poems:

Freedom Flight: Naomi Stickles It's a grand story, with fine characterization. And Naomi's love for details makes the story sounding real and convincing. I loved especially the epilogue: Very Han!

You're Not Here: Pamela Woodmore Wonderful and touching piece of poetry...

Trying Again: Martha Wells Wilson: just love missing scenes from the trilogy. It's great Han characterisation, a believable addition of his way to become the 'New' Han! With its love for detail and its sense of suspense. Trying Again is the perfect story.

Never Tell Me the Odds: TJ PERKINS. It's a cute piece. Perfectly Han to surprise Leia with his readiness to help!

Never Too Heavy: Marcia Pecor already sent my comments to Marcia!

No Turning Back: Elizabeth Corbett already has my comments!

Quiet Contemplation: TJ Perkins A very fine Leia musing - so touching and true!

Understanding: Liz Sharpe. It's a great approach of the story to mirror Lando's and Leia's feelings and experiences. Wonderful missing scene!

Night Watch: Liz Sharpe. A really fine interlude! Just the right amount of darkness opposed to light!

Hopeless: Mikeil Johnson. Perfect lyrics, even if I don’t know the original song!

Letter for General Solo: ZP FLorian. What an exotic and delightful adventure. Great writing and very original!

Reunion: Judy Ebberly. This is just a wonderful addition to the Han Solo Lore!

Double Vision: Bernadette Crumb. Intriguing story with a remarkable development of tension! Great read!

Secrets: Martha Wells Wilson. The interaction between Han and Leia is just great!

Kill the Death Star: Helen Potter. Just one word. Hilarious!

I Do Care What You Smell: Alison Glover. Outrageous but wonderful story telling!

Thank you kindly to all contributors!!!

Issue 2

front cover of issue #2, Dianne Smith: "Just What I Always Wanted", reprinted as interior art in issue #5

Bloodstripe 2 back cover by Zawiah, was used as a black and white image in issue #1

by Zawiah, "See you next time!"

Bloodstripe 2 was published in May 2001 and has 250 pages. It is the 2002 Fan Quality Award winner for Best Star Wars fanzine. Full color covers front and back by Dianne Smith and Zawiah Zainudin. All stories fully illustrated—artists include Kate, Zawiah, Annette and Dianne Smith.

• Not a Nice Man by Adrienne. ("Han does a deal with Rieekan to get more smuggler friends involved with helping the rebels. What is it about this deal that he hopes no one else ever finds out?" Another description: "Following the battle of Yavin, Han Solo finds himself drawn ever more deeply into friendships and responsibilities that may ruin his image as an uncaring

mercenary. What common bond does he share with Leia and Luke?")

• Relations by Judy Ebberley ("Only recently finding his father, Han Solo is in for even more shocks.")
• Untitled by Alison Glover.
• Pursuit of the Heart (part 1) by Mikell Johnson. ("What would have happened if Han and Leia had met while he was still an Imperial Officer?")
• Those Who Survive by TJ Perkins. ("Why was Han in such a hurry to leave Mos Eisley the day he met Luke and Ben?" Another description: "Jabba the Hutt has just posted a huge bounty for Han Solo's capture - dead or alive. The docking bay at Mos Eisley is crawling with those eager to collect the prize.")
• Crash by Helen Potter. ("No one could survive emotionally undamaged after seeing their entire world destroyed. Who will be there for Leia when the trauma hits home?")
• A Revolting Discovery (titled "A Revolting Development" on a flyer) by Annette Stickles. ("Han is kidnapped by an insane wookiee who wants to take revenge on Chewbacca." Another description: "While visiting Chewbacca's family, Han is captured by another Wookiee who has very nasty plans for him. Can Leia and Chewie come to the rescue in time?")
• Ghost Ships by Martha Wilson. ("Han and other rebels are captured by Lord Tion's Star Destroyer. Can they escape and at what cost?" Fifth story in the Arandu Series. First appeared in Bright Center of the Universe #2, reprinted in The Renegade and the Rogue)
• Getting Under the Skin by Alison Glover ("Han, Luke, Leia and Chewie find they have accidentally picked up a souvenir from the Death Star.")
• Operation Antidote by Carolyn Golledge ("This story is best read as a sequel to A Certain Courage. Han discovers the Imperials have poisoned the woman scientist friend he recruited for the Rebels. Can he find the antidote in time? To do so he must confront an old enemy." Another description: "Han has helped recruit a scientist friend to the Alliance. What can he do when he learns she has been poisoned by an Imperial Commander, a man who has harbored a personal grudge against Solo since their days together in the Imperial Academy?")
• More stories by ZP Florian, Vicki Lawrence and others.
• THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK CARTOONS five hilarious cartoons by Zawiah Zainudin (a 2001 Fan Quality Award winner for best Star Wars artist)
• Father Figure by Judy Ebberley ("Han is worried that Chewbacca may feel left out now that Han has found his father.")
• Hair of the Gundark by Z.P. Florian ("Post The Empire Strikes Back alternate—a very different take on Han’s rescue from Jabba.")
• Filks by Traci Thompson and others

• 

  from issue #2, Naomi Stickles for "A Revolting Development"

• 

  from issue #2, Kate for "Crash"

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  from issue #2, Marla Fair for "Hair of the Gundark"

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  from issue #2, Kate for "Not a Nice Man"

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  from issue #2, Kate for "Ghost Ships"

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  from issue #2, Kate for "Ghost Ships"

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  from issue #2, Kate for "Ghost Ships"

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  from issue #2, Kate for "Ghost Ships"

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  from issue #2, Zawiah Zainudin for "Operation Antidote"

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  from issue #2, Zawiah Zainudin for "Operation Antidote"

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  from issue #2, Zawiah Zainudin for "Operation Antidote"

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  from issue #2, Zawiah Zainudin for "Father Figure"

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

I don't normally LOC, but I've been shamed into it this year, so here goes: First, another beautiful cover by Dianne Smith, who does color portraits of Han better than anyone. All of the art is very good and while I liked Zawiah's work, especially the cartoons, Kate's got my vote as the best new zine artist on the scene. To the stories-the best new one, IMHO, is "Pursuit of the Heart," and Iam looking forward to the next installment with great anticipation. Martha Welts’ Han ("Ghost Ships") has always been my favorite-the edgiest, the most real, better than the one Lucas gave us (and one, perhaps, that Harrison Ford wouldn't have suggested killing off at the end of ESB). Ionly hope she changes her mind one day and writes more of him. As usual,Carolyn,your"Operation Antidote" was agreat read, with poor Han taking it on the chin one more time. My other favorites were "Not a Nice Man, (Adrienne Cornelius) and "Getting under the Skin." (Alison Glover) Really, every author did a good job -an embarras de richesses!

The only problem with the zine was that it didn't go on forever.

My thoughts on Bloodstripe 2: Han Solo is, of course, the coolest Correllian in the galaxy, so any fanzine devoted to the smuggler is already headed in the right direction. The art in Bloodstripe 2 was very good - I especially like the way Zawaih injects humor into all of her illos of Han. She really seems to capture his laid-back style and his personality really shows. Kate's illustrations are equally as impressive in a very different style. Her drawings are so realistic that she makes the characters really come to life. I've impressed with all of Diane Smith's art over the years, and this cover was no exception despite the inclusion of my least favorite part of the Star Wars universe the Ewok!

My favorite story in the issue was an old one -"Ghost Ships" by Martha Wells. Martha is one of the most talented writers in fandom and in pro writing. For me, she has truly captured the essence of the Han Solo character. Even though I'd read this story many times before, I enjoyed reading through it again because she combines all the elements: humor, action, drama, and a touch of angst that really makes the story come to life. Her characters are believable in action and dialogue. And Ijust cant get enough of her perfect sarcastic and slightly dangerous Han Solo. I always enjoy your stories as well Carolyn. "Operation Antidote" was up to your usual high standards.

All of the stories in your zine were excellent and I can't wait to read the next issue!!

Wonderful job!

I laughed out loud at "A Revolting Development” Naomi Stickles Ha ha! Good story. "Crash" by Helen Potter was quite moving, and Kate's illustrations really enhanced the story. I also enjoyed Alison Glover's story - Getting Under the Skin - in my opinion, she captures the characters well. "Not a Nice Man” Adrienne Cornelius was a good portrait of Han -the ambiguity of his feelings is part of what makes him such a great character. Good,strong story, I thought I had seen Martha Wells Wilson's "Ghost Ships”before, but I certainly enjoyed seeing it again, illustrated with Kate's terrific art Martha Wells Wilson is awesome. She writes so well. And of course, I completely enjoyed "Operation Antidote.” Once again, Han must think on his feet But his ingenuity is impressive. Go Han! Whoo!

All in all, thank you for a fabulous zine. So, hmmm, when's the next one?

Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed Bloodstripe #2. I read it cover to cover and loved every single page of it The art work was great you have some very talented artists contributing to the zine. The ESB cartoons were a great addition as well. The stories were all well written and entertaining. While I enjoyed them all, I'll have to say Pursuit of the Heart and Operation Antidote were definitely my favorites.

Anyway, congratulations on putting out another high quality fanzine. Thanks for all the hard work.

First let me apologize for not responding before now but I think when it comes to your zines I believe we all have the same sentiments; they’re always excellent. Since you insist on feedback I will like to say that the one story that I can remember to this day has to be Pursuit Of the Heart by Mikell Johnson. I was disappointed when it ended because I wanted more. The story was wonderfully written but then again that's what we all have come to expect from your writers. The bottomline is this it takes a lot of talent to write fanfics so let me commend all your writers.

Don’t stop keeping us entertained I for one always appreciate you all. Thanks again.

Martha Wells Wilson's story was particularly wonderful. Arandu was a fascinating character and foil for Han.

Not a Nice May was also very good. The ni'sarr chant was lovely.

And of course the fight scene with Leia, Han and Baran made me smile in Operation Antidote.

For art: the cover was the best - cute Han, cute furry animal. What can I say?

First, I'd like to thank YOU for putting out and AWESOMELY FUN zine! Twice as fun as the first one!

Love that DIANNE SMITH cover! Ewoks big and small, love to be near Han, just as we do!

My favorite fic is ALISON GLOVER'S “GETTING UNDER THE SKIN”. I like the way Chewie is being portrayed here - showing Luke and Leia around the Falcon, and the reason why he was so scared when he'd got into that garbage masher on the Death Star. Also like the revealing of one of Han’s hidden talents - surgery! And I’d like to place myself in Leia’s place when she sat in her cabin with her door slightly opened to hear the guy’s voices - Han’s deep voice is truly soothing, I bet' I LOVE LOVE LOVE MARTHA WILSON’S GHOST SHIPS!! Han's conversation with Lord Arandu, and how Arandu is quite fond of Han (like we are!), and how he got Han to help him get his daughter. Also love KATE's illos here, especially the one where Han is lying down, injuries waiting to be tortured — er, I mean, patched up by one of the lady Rebels on the Falcon.

Can't imagine a fat Han in ZP FLORIAN’s story - Good thing he slimmed down in the end in time for his wedding. Quite a wedding vow there, too! Love Marla’s art too!

Poor Han getting more boo-boos in OPERATION ANTIDOTE. All the wild goose chase when the culprit is right under their noses! Good to hear that bureaucratic fool Barren Brain getting thrashed too! Serves him right' Wish I could call Han to do the same to the real live ones here in real life.

LOVE also NAOMI STICKLES A REVOLTING DEVELOPMENT story. Taxidermy Han...ho-boy! if no one wants that Han cast, can I have it? Can make more Hans than you can ever imagine! Love the kidnapping scene! Wheel Tools to kidnap Corellian scoundrels = Doze Eze, and ‘a million and one uses' adhesive tape to make them stay kidnapped! hehe! And Naomi’s art of Han in the shower - complete with peekhole! if only Chewie is not standing (sitting?) guard there...

NOT A NICE MAN by ADRIENNE CORNELIUS is a nice story. Nice Corellian poem. Can see some references to other fan tics by other authors. (Han finds a) Good way to teach Rebel security to stop slacking off too! Leia saying, "I just want to go home.” is a real tear-jerker. Well-earned hug from Han. Love KATE'S illos here tool Good marker rendering job. Especially the one of Han holding an angry Leia’s arm while Luke watches unnoticed.

JUDY EBBERLY’s story on Han afraid of losing Chewie now that Dad's here - that’s enjoyable tool Umm -what sister? Where’s the continuation to this story? (ED: Hint - pay close attention to Judy's story in this issue) Will love to find out who she is.

And I enjoyed the story about Han discovering Fett is on his tail! TJ PERKINS Run, Han, RUN!!!

Overall, Bloodstripe 2 is a GREAT zine! Thank you ALL again tor making it GREAT!

Issue 3

front cover of issue #3, Kate

back cover of issue #3, Kate

Bloodstripe 3 was published in May 2002 and contains 250 pages. It was the 2003 FanQ Award winner for "Best Star Wars Gen fanzine'.

The front and back covers are by Kate (Leela Starsky). The interior art is by Kate, Zawiah Zainudin, and Annette Stickles.

• Letters of Comment (2)
• Dinner with Vader, cartoon by Sawiah (6)
• And a Guy Like Him by Carly Lahanna ("Han is assigned to be Leia's bodyguard.") (7)
• You Have the Greatest Heart by Birgitt Schuknecht, art by Dianne Smith. ("Leia’s thoughts and feelings as she rescues Han from Jabba.") (13)
• Dinner with Vader, cartoon by Sawiah (15)
• Sleeping Alderaani by Zawiah Zainudin (16)
• Just Another Four Letter Word by Birgitt Schuknecht, art by Zawiah ("Han and Leia try to help the survivors of an earthquake.") (22)
• An Old Acquaintance by Annette Stickles, art By Annette ("A woman, long obsessed with Han Solo, gains power and has him kidnapped and his memories altered.") (26)
• Dinner with Vader, cartoon by Sawiah (60)
• Captain Solo's Mandelyr by Helen Potter ("Han and Leia are temporarily trapped aboard the Falcon. Leia takes the opportunity to learn what she can of Solo's past.") (61)
• Dinner with Vader, cartoon by Sawiah (68)
• Kindness is its Own Reward by Judy Ebberley, art by Zawiah ("A long ago act of kindness rebounds to embarrass Han Solo.") (69)
• Dinner with Vader, cartoon by Sawiah (82)
• A Baby Named Janaree by Rachel Snider, art by Zawiah (83)
• The Right Words, filk by Cindy Olsen (92)
• Identity by Sandra Woodburn, art by Zawiah (94)
• Dinner with Vader, cartoon by Sawiah (114)
• Mission to Galadan by Leela Starsky and illustrated by Leela Starsky. ("Set four months after A New Hope. A rebel operative, investigating the Empire's sudden interest in the planet Galadan has gone missing. Their assistance bought by the Rebellion, Han and Chewie find themselves guiding Luke and Leia through the jungle world, to discover not entirely welcome help in the most unexpected places.") (116)
• The Truce by Cindy Olsen (182)
• Make Me Hard, filk by Cindy Olsen, to the tune by Bernie Hayes, performed by the Whitlams (186)
• Hunting the Hunter by Martha Wilson ("Martha's first ever Star Wars story, and first story in the Arandu Series. Han meets a Sith Lord while captured by Boba Fett.") (reprinted from On a Clear Day You Can See Dagobah #2) (187)
• Pursuit of the Heart Part 2 by Mikell Johnson, art by Kate (Leela Starsky). ("What would have happened if Han and Leia had met while he was still an Imperial Officer?") (211)

• 

  from issue #3, Zawiah, "Luke telling his sister"

• 

  from issue #3, Kate, for "Pursuit of the Heart"

• 

  from issue #3, Kate, for "Pursuit of the Heart"

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  from issue #3, Zawiah Zainudin

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  from issue #3, Zawiah Zainudin

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  from issue #3, Annette Stickles

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  from issue #3, Zawiah Zainudin

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  from issue #3, Zawiah Zainudin

• 

  from issue #3, Zawiah Zainudin

• 

  from issue #3, Kate

• 

  from issue #3, Kate

• 

  from issue #3, Kate

• 

  from issue #3, Zawiah Zainudin

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 3

Well I just thought I would let you know that I finished Bloodstripe 3 and now I'm ready for 4. First let me commend you on producing such a very professional looking zine The art work looks great especially the front and back (by Kate) and the stories were exceptional. My utmost appreciation goes out to all your authors but I have to recognize Mission to . Galadan by Leela Starsky what a wonderful story watch out Carolyn she may give you a run for your money. What I can I say about Pursuit of the Heart Part Two by Mikell Johnson I simply love it. This story manages to capture the true essence of the chemistry between Han and Leia after teasing us so much I'm hoping for a grand finale.

Another great issue. They just keep getting better and better. The artwork is beautiful especially the front cover. Also I loved the dinner cartoons, (Zawiah) very funny. As far as the stories go there wasn't a bad one in the bunch. An Old Acquaintance (Naomi Stickles) was great. It was nice having a Winter/Han story. The Truce was wonderful. Gindy Olsen is one of the best at writing H/L romance. !love all her stories. I have to say though that Mission to Galadan (Leela Starsky) and Pursuit of the Heart (Mikell Johnson) were my favorite stories. Of course they both end with a cliffhanger. Very Cruel.

Anyway the zine was wonderful and I'm sure I'll be reading it again and again.

I received my copy of BS3 last week. I would have replied earlier, but it’s taken me a wile to finish it - not because I wanted to take my time, but because real life prevented me from tearing through it from cover to cover in one day, which is usually the case. I found it the perfect antidote to day to day stresses. I wish I were articulate enough to give you a breakdown of each story and why I enjoyed each one. All I can think to say is keep up the good work! I'm sorry I never got around to telling you how much I enjoyed your own stuff in NSD - I love the way you're able to incorporate humorous elements in your stories - very few authors are able to do that without coming across looking silly. I look forward to your next zine offering. Thanks again for the great work!

Wow! I just loved BS3 from cover to cover (speaking of which, the covers by Kate were wonderful!) I also liked that it was tape bound instead of bound with a plastic spine. Every story was great; it’s hard to pick out a favorite. 'And aGuy Like Him' by C Minor was very nice. I think the author captures exactly what the politicians would think of Leia's choice of Han. Their loss! I liked 'Just Another Four Letter Word' by Birgitt Schuknecht since it was unusual in that it focused on the after-effects of an earthquake - a natural disaster - rather than the Empire's ravages.

Zawiah's story/fairy tale 'Sleeping Alderanni' was awfully funny (and clever). I liked the Indy reference and the way she gave classic Star Wars lines a twist.

'Captain Solo's Mandelyr' by Helen Potter was perfect. I loved it; and Zawlah's illustration of Han and Leia playing the mandelyr was so sweet - Han’s expression especially.

Sandra's 'Identity' was a great "missing moments" story. I liked how she had Leia come to terms with being Vader's daughter.

'Mission to Galadan' by Leela Starsky: Awesome!! Action, humor, adventure, Sean Connery...it has it all! I can't wait for Part 2. And Kate's artwork for the story was fabulous.

'Hunting the Hunter' by Martha Wilson was such a good tale; Arandu is a great villain - charming and enigmatic. Her story is a nice, fresh take on the Ord Mantell bounty hunter run - in Han mentions in ESB.

Mikell Johnson's 'Pursuit of the Heart, Part 2' was wonderful and funny. Poor Han keeps ending up on the wrong side of Leia's fist! Can't wait for part 3! I also liked seeing my story & artwork in the zine. It's always so fun and exciting to see the finished product!

And now for the artwork: Kate is a really talented artist; the interior artwork was just as great as the covers. I also really enjoyed Zawiah's cartoons. I'm amazed at her creativity in coming up with so many comic variations of familiar scenes from the SW movies. Zawiah's illo of Arandu on page 209 was great; she captured his personality perfectly!

And, last but not least, kudos to Carolyn for editing and putting everything together!

After a full day at the office, I came home exhausted and wishing away the amount of reading I had to do before tomorrow's classes. Yet I came home to be greeted by your package! Yes! I was so happy. Suddenly, a night of reading seemed the perfect way to end the day, that is, reading YOUR lovely stories!

Carolyn, it was truly a great feeling. Thanks so much! I've felt so mentally comatosed all day and it was such a jolt of excitement to realise I had new SW stories to read! Study was blissfully forgotten as I checked out the zines. They’re beautiful! The covers are simply stunning - Kate's done a brilliant job. There's no substitute for Aussie talent.;-)

[...]

Identity. (Sandra) What a great piece of writing! The way Sandra portrayed Leia's conflicting emotions was very believable. Certainly one of the best post-ROTJ 'dealing-with-Vader-as-my-dad' stories. I eagerly await to read the rest.

Well, those of you on the OZ list know that we got a pretty good scolding from Carolyn for not providing enough feed back to fan fiction authors. I have to admit that I'm guilty of reading and not commenting. Due to Carolyn's words, I figure I would mend my ways starting with Bloodstripe 3. Here's the first part of my homework assignment. I've finished reading the first three stories in the zine and I've come up with afew words for each. It's not much, after all, if I could write I would be putting out my own fan fiction. Once I've completed the whole book, I'll forward all my comments to Carolyn for the debriefing.

And A Guy Like Him - by C MINOR. I actually read this story before, somewhere on the web. I loved it the first time but forgot where I had seen it. I'm very happy that it showed up in this zine. This story takes place between ANH and ESB. Han is given the job of escorting and guarding Leia to a formal reception. While at the reception, Han and Leia are separately and simultaneously approached by different people who are curious about the rumors of them being an item. Once Han and Leia each deny the rumors, the other people that they are talking to begin to insult the other recipient of the rumors. For instance, the guy that Leia is talking to starts calling Han a low-life,and the guy that Han is talking to calls Leia cold. Anyway, Han and Leia find themselves defending each other with a passion than they themselves can't understand. Then they share a dance while sharing their recent experience dealing with the rumors. This piece is very subtle and very sweet. It deals with the feelings and emotions that Han and Leia were experiencing during a time that they were not yet ready to admit to. C Minor's writing is very fluent and she has a talent for painting a picture with her words, in fact, I went back to this story later looking for the illustrations that I was certain I had seen before. I realized I was just remembering what I saw in my own head while reading, there are no illustrations. Conversation between characters are natural, free-flowing, not forced. Great job C Minor!

You Have the Greatest Heart by Bigitt Schuknecht. This is one of my favorite types of fan fiction. The author picks an event from the movie and expands it using one character's POV. This gives us an opportunity to really get inside the character's head. I wish that we could have gotten more depth to the movie novelization and these kind of story help ease that desire. This particular story deals with Leia freeing Han from the carbonite. Again, the words flowed smoothly for me and I was quickly drawn into the setting. I thought that the author did a great job capturing Leia's hopes and fears. Beautifully written were Leia's thoughts as she see Han frozen in Jabba's palace, and then after the thawing, vulnerable in away that she had never seen him before. A very touching story. Thank you, Bigitt!

Sleeping Aderaani by Zawiah Zainudin. This story was a hoot. I was grinning ear to ear the whole time 1was reading it. It's a Sleeping Beauty meets Star Wars. It combines elements from both the fairy tale and the OT. Of course, Leia gets to play the part of Sleeping Beauty, Han is her true love, Luke is her long-lost brother, Darth Vader is the father, Palpatine is the evil wizard, Yoda is the good wizard. The really fun part of this story is identifying the Star Wars catch phrases, which are worked into the story so naturally that they blend in and don't appear to be forced. Totally AU, but so much fun. Thanks for the smile, Zawiah!

A Baby Named Janaree by Rachael Snider. This story is AU that explores what would have happened if Leia had conceived a baby just before Han was encased in carbonite. The premise is that Leia had the baby placed in an artificial womb and therefore most people didn’t know that she was expecting, sort to speak. The story then picks up shortly after Han is freed from Jabba’s palace and the baby gir) is a few weeks old. The new parents plan on waiting until after they are married to break the baby news to everyone, but they find that a baby is a difficult thing to keep hidden. One thing that I like about this story was the appearance of many familiar characters. Ifs always nice to see people like General Reeiken, Mon Mothma, General Dodonna, Admiral Ackbar, General Madine, and especially Luke and Chewie. Cute Story, Rachael!

The Right Words by Cindy Olsen. This is filked from “Blow Up the Pokies”. It's Leia’s POV and explores her thoughts and emotions while Han was spiraling into his self-destructive behavior after Chewie’s death. Very sad.

Identity by Sandra. The story setting is on Endor during and extending slightly past the events of ROTJ and basically expands on what we had seen in the movie. Leia has doubts and uncertainties about her future now that the war is coming to an end. She also must deal with her emotions concerning her heritage. My favorite part of this story is the interaction between Luke and Leia as they both come to grips with all that they have learned. That brother and sister relationship seems to be all but forgotten in too many stories. Great Insight into Leia, Sandra!

Kindness Brings It's Own Reward by Judy Ebberly. This was such acute, cute story. It's another one that takes place between ANH and ESB (this time period seems to be rich with possibilities). There are also flashbacks to when Han was a teenager. Now this story uses an AU from the EU that gives it afun edge and has been used before in other fan fiction. The background for this AU is that Chewie had became Han’s guardian after Han’s widowed father died. Chewie became Han’s first mate after Han had acquired the Falcon but he still played the role of father figure. While still ayoung man Han became employed by a female major, Carrinn Val-Dom. Carrinn had her own ward. Eve, a girl that is a couple of years younger than Han. Carrinn is more than aboss to Han, she’s also like a mother figure and therefore Eve is like a little sister to Han. This premise still leaves Han an orphan but we get a chance to have some fiin seeing what Han would have been like growing up with a family, or at least a surrogate family. Han and Chewie are paid to transport Leia to negotiations on a planet that brings back memories for Han. The present events are mixed in with Han’s flashbacks of a time when he visited the planet before with Carrinn and Eve. They had stayed with a family that had two daughters. Han found the older daughter attractive and tried to use all of his charms to get her attention. He didn't succeed In drawing a spark from the older girl, but the skinny, younger daughter became quite smitten. In the meantime. Eve was playing the role of the pesky younger sister and causing as much trouble for Han as possible. Including trying to get him In as much trouble as possible. This story is cute, playful and just a whole lot fun. The story's main theme is that Han only attempts to make people believe that he's harder than he really is, but far too often he slips and lets the kinder side of himself be exposed. A fun and lighthearted story, thanks to Judy.

Mission To Galadan by Leela Starsky. This is a long (but certainly not boring) story and is yet to be continued. Leela wasn't kidding when she said that she writes big. This particular story has pieces of Star Wars, Medicine Man, The Last Crusade, Jurassic Park (all that DNA talk), and a little Animal House all thrown in. The setting is shortly after the first Death Star was destroyed. Han, Leia, Luke, and Chewie have been sent to a planet called Galadan where they are searching for a missing undercover Rebel agent. The mission goes a little wayward and the team unexpectedly ends up in the caring hands of someone from Han’s past. I like how Leela lets the characters behave as real people.They are allowed to have flaws, talk like people really do talk, but still are recognizable as the characters that we know and love. Leela is also able to work with big settings and alarge cast of characters. She doesn’t only focus on Han and Leia either, everyone seems to get a chance to shine, or fell flat on their face, which ever the case may be. A Well-written and entertaining story, Leela!

The Truce by Cindy Olsen. Cindy has taken a little piece of information from the book The Truce at Bakura and

expanded upon it. Of course she choose the part that most H/L fens probably want to read about the most, and that’s what happened after Leia finished talking to Luke on the rooftop. Cindy is a master at building sexual tension and that's what we get in this story. Like Leela, Cindy allows the characters’ flaws to surface just enough to give them a 3-Dimensional appearance. This is a very full-filling, sexy, and loving story. Wonderful work, Cindy!

My copy of Bloodstripe III was waiting for me when I got home. Beautiful covers Kate.

Some great artwork inside too, including a nude Han standing up. No, nothing important is in view but it’s still fantastic. I haven’t had the chance to start reading the stories yet.I just had time to drool over the artwork.

Leela, I'm loving your story (Mission To Galadan) I only made it about a quarter of the way through last night and I really didn't want to put it down, but I got so tired I could hardly keep my eyes open.Your characterizations are spot on and I’m loving the interaction between Han, Leia and Luke. Han meeting up with his father was an unexpected twist and reminds me of another father-son reunion. I got as far as the Shaman trying to entice Leia to join the party and I can't wait to see what happens from there.

Issue 4

front cover of issue #4, Kate (a black and white rendition of this piece is interior art in issue #5)

back cover of issue #4, Kate.

Bloodstripe 4 was published in May 2003 and contains 250 pages.

The art is by Zawiah, Dianne Smith, Pearce, and Kate (Leela Starsky).

It contains, like the other issues, mostly Han and Leia stories.

The zine won the 2004 FanQ Honorable Mention for Best Star Wars Gen Zine.

• Letters of Comment (1)
• Point of No Return by Skye Rutherford, art by Zawiah ("Having escaped the Death Star, Han finds the tracer on the Falcon and decides not to go to Yavin. He and Leia and Luke have more time to get to know one another.") (9)
• The Dinner Series Comics by Sawiah (36)
• Attitudes by Sheila Paulson, art by Zawiah ("Send on a mission with only Threepio for backup, and captured by Imperials, Han finds he must rely on the droid.") (37)
• The Dinner Series Comics by Sawiah (70)
• Communications Breakdown by Judy Ebberly, art Zawiah ("Many of Han’s friends are still waiting for news of his rescue from Jabba.") (71)
• The Conversation, poem by Sheila Paulson (83)

• Blurry by C Minor by C Minor, art by Dianne Smith (84)
• Homecoming by Sheila Paulson (94)
• Pursuit of the Heart (part 3) by Mikell Johnson ("What would have happened if Han and Leia had met while he was still an Imperial Officer?") (95)
• Bounty by C Minor, art by Leela Starsky ("Han has accepted a contract to collect a bounty — on Leia. Now he wants out.") (135)
• Fire and Rain, filk by Rosalind Sulaiman, to the tune by James Taylor (162)
• Wookiee Reflections, poem by Sheila Paulson (164)
• That Don't Impress Me Much, filk by Rosalind Sulaiman, to the tune by Shania Twain (166)
• I'm Marrying Han, filk by Julie Atwood, to the tune of "It's Raining Men" (168)
• Friends and Lovers by Cindy Olsen, art by Leela Starsky (""Friends and Lovers" is a tame-downed sequel to "Just Friends", a story due to be published in the print fanzine Don"t Get Too Excited. "Just Friends" tells the tale of Han and Leia's "first time", a time set months before the events of The Empire Strikes Back. This sequel, "Friends and Lovers," picks up where the previous story left off...") (170)
• You Belong to My Heart, filk by Carolyn Golledge, to words by Ray Gilbert, Spanish words and music by Augustin Lara, 1941 (186)
• Under Coruscant by Leela Starsky (The sequel to "Mission to Galadan.") ("NOTE: In my version of this galaxy far, far away, the Galactic Standard Year consists of ten calendar months, each containing 40 days, or four ten-day weeks. A Galactic Standard Day consists of twenty, fifty-minute hours. But this is usually deferred in preference to local time. Inspirational music: "Blade Runner" soundtrack by Vangellis. "The Dish" soundtrack by Edmund Choi. "X- Men" soundtrack by Michael K-men. "Lord of the Rings- The Two Towers" soundtrack by Howard Shore.") (187)

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  from issue #4, Zawiah

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  from issue #4, Kate

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  from issue #4, Zawiah

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  from issue #4, Kate

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  from issue #4, Kate

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  from issue #4, Pearce

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  from issue #4, Dianne Smith

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  from issue #4, Dianne Smith

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  from issue #4, Kate

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  from issue #4

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  from issue #4, Kate

Issue 5

back cover of issue #5, Kate.

front cover of issue #5, Kate.

Bloodstripe 5 was published in 2004 and has 194 pages. Art by Wanda Lybarger, Leela Starsky, Lyn Skillings, Zawiah, Dianne Smith and Naomi.

• Forty Days to Bespin by Leela Starsky, art by Leela Starsky (Just what did happen between Han and Leia during that long flight to Bespin?)
• A Princess and a Guy Like Him by Aquarius (Respect, friendship, and attraction grow as Han and Leia are pursued by bounty hunters on Ord Mantell.)
• He Made My Bed by Naimai Yeo, art by Zawiah
• The Mirrana Run by Sheila Paulson, art by Zawiah
• Summer Vacation by Naomi Stickles, art by Naomi
• She Kicked My Butt by Naimai Yeo, art by Zawiah
• Art: "Just What I Always Wanted" by Dianne Smith (reprint, was the cover of issue #2)
• Art: "Han and Leia Bespin" by Wanda Lybarger

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  art from issue #5, Wanda Lybarger

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  art from issue #5, Zawiah

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  art from issue #5, Kate (a color rendition of this piece is used as the cover of issue #4)

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  art from issue #5, Wanda Lybarger

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  art from issue #5, Kate

Issue 6

Bloodstripe 6 was published in May 2005 and has 200 pages. Color covers by Smith and/or Kate. Illustrations by Zawiah.

front cover of issue #6

• Twelve Past Victory by Lady Moonbeam 4
• Melt(down) by Aquarius (A vignette to bridge A Princess and a Guy like Him and Vulnerable.; the South Passage encounter takes on new meaning.) 43
• Vulnerable by Aquarius 52
• Convalescence by Nai Mei Yao 75
• Three Words by Aquarius (Han and Leia are finally ready to start a family...or are they?) 164 (winner of a 2006 FanQ)
• Marriage of Convenience by Cindy Olsen (While on a mission together, Han and Leia must pretend to be a married couple.) 170

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  art from "Melt(down)," art by Zawiah

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  art from "Three Words," art by Zawiah

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  art from "Three Words," art by Zawiah

Issue 7

Bloodstripe 7 was published in May 2006 and contains 195 pages.

Front cover of issue #7, Leela Starsky

• The Death and Life of Han Solo by Mary Sue 5
• I Dream of Leia by Aquarius 60
• Youthful Indiscretions by Mary Sue 64
• Art Portfolio by Leela Starsky, Dianne Smith 107
• Back Returning by Lisa Adolf 114
• Mine by Sean Allen 130
• Enroute to Endor by RachelPrincess 136
• Night Over Endor by GalaxyGirl 141
• Crash Alert by Carolyn Golledge 146
• Home by GrlSolo 160
• The Tryst by Aquarius 170
• Bondage by Amy Gettim 174
• front cover by Leela Starsky

Issue 8

back cover of issue #8, Stephanie Swanger

front cover of issue #8, Leela Starsky

Bloodstripe 8 was published in May 2007 and is 216 pages long.

Art by Leela Starsky (front cover), Stephanie Swanger (back cover), Zawiah, Dianne Smith (black and white reprints of the covers of Never Say Die #3 and #6), Wanda Lybarger.

• The Quest To Kill Count Dracula by Kim Bowers (Can Luke resist being turned to the dark side Vampire style? Can Leia resist Dracula's hypnotic advances? Will Han survive and rescue his friends.) (35 pages)
• AIM In A Galaxy Far Far Away by Sue Parsons (An internet communication between Han and Leia.) (2 pages)
• Invitation by Liesel Booker (Han notices a strange coincidence when Leia invites him to her birthday celebration.) (5 pages)
• What You Can’t Have by FanOfHan (When Han finally gets some time alone, he finds himself thinking about only one woman. Irritated at the realisation that he's changing involuntarily, he tries to ignore it - and Leia - but when they are thrown together on a mission to Corellia, Han suddenly understands that his jealously for her is more deep-seated than simple lust. Now it's going to take a lot to protect her, and it's going to take everything he's got to not tell her how he feels.) (47 pages)
• Frozen Together by Liesel Booker (Han learns some new truths about himself while rescuing Luke on Hoth.) (8 pages)
• Suspicions by Rachael Princess (Set shortly after ROJ. Separate missions and old friends help Han and Leia reveal underlying fears as they strive to define their new relationship.) (33 pages)
• We’re Sleeping Too Well by Liesel Booker (Han confesses the horrors of his past when he and Leia are unable to sleep, fearing for their children.) (8 pages)
• Snow Day by Liesel Booker (The Solo Organa family have some misadventures on a day out.) (6 pages)
• Broken Circle by Mary Sue (Five years after Leia and Chewbacca are killed, both Solo and Luke begin to hope and believe she may be alive. Has she been tortured with carbonite imprisonment all these years, and if so, will she be the same person when she is rescued? Can she and Solo and their three children resume life as before?) (51 pages)
• Pivot by Sue Parsons (Many years after her marriage to Han, Leia overhears him tell Luke about a pivotal moment in the developing romance.) (3 pages)
• Red Panty Introspective by Aquarius (2 pages)
• Hardbody by Sue Parsons (Threepio has a most unusual accident that alters his perceptions of Leia.) (2 pages)
• I, Nerfherder by Aquarius (winner of a 2008 FanQ) (Han has some adjusting to do to settle into life with Leia.) (5 pages)
• Polar Opposites by Sue Parsons (On Hoth, Solo considers the chances of romance with Leia.) (1 page)
• Scuttlebutt by Helen Potter (Han and Leia are now officially a couple and everyone has an opinion as to exactly how they're spending their free time.) (2 pages)

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  interior art from issue #8, Wanda Lybarger

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  interior art from issue #8, Leela Starsky

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  interior art from issue #8, Dianne Smith, also the cover of Never Say Die #6

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  interior art from issue #8, Zawiah

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  interior art from issue #8, Zawiah

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  interior art from issue #8, Stephanie Swanger

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  interior art from issue #8, Dani Lane, also in Wookiee Rendezvous

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  interior art from issue #8, Zawiah