Canektion
| Zine | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Canektion |
| Publisher: | Canadian Trekkies Association out of Ontario, Canada |
| Editor(s): | Susan Schmidt and Laurel L. Russwurm |
| Date(s): | 1978 |
| Series?: | |
| Medium: | |
| Genre: | gen |
| Fandom: | Science Fiction Fandom with an emphasis on Star Trek: TOS and Star Wars |
| Language: | English |
| External Links: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Canektion is a anthology of fiction and non-fiction with a focus on science fiction, Star Trek, and Star Wars. It was published in Ontario, Canada.
About
Canektion' was a Star Trek & Science Fiction fanzine we published in the 1970′s. It was the official fanzine of the Canadian Trekkies Association which met in the art room at EDSS [Elmira District Secondary School] after school. Art teacher George Caesar magnanimously allowed us to hold our meetings there. We actually convinced the other art teacher, Tom Thirtle, to design us a logo. And he did. Is that ever awesome! [1]
Issue 1
Canektion 1 was published in 1978 and contains 120 pages.
It contains much commentary about the plans for a second Star Trek series which, of course, ended up becoming the first Star Trek movie instead.
The art is by Daryn Bee, Brian Patton, Blair Graziotto, Darlene Brown, Vega, Nancy & Steve Clarke, Ruthanne Dyer, Michael Gilmon, Evelyn Buchart, Hilary Kyro, Laurel Russwurm, Chris Dernesch, Lance Russwurm (front cover) and Mr. Tom Thirtle.
The editors thank: "Ron Schmidt, for all the time and patience he invested in the printing of our fanzine. The St. Jacobs Printery for the use of their equipment. D.J. Wight for her financial support. Fairway Press and Twentieth Century Fox for the use of their Star Wars stills. Steve Clarke for the tape of James Doohan, and finally Frank Letniowski for the use of his Star Trek stills."
The editors of "Canektion" received this release just shortly before publication, directly from our contact with the Welcommittee:
- "Presently in the world of Star Trek, William Shatner has signed on the ENTERPRISE for the new Star Trek II series. Leonard Nimoy has been shafted by Paramount and ol' Spock is suing them. It seems that Paramount did not inform Leonard about the new show and circulated rumours that Leonard would not return to the series under any circumstances and that he was through with Star Trek or anything to do with it. Because of this announcement, Leonard began receiving a lot of hate mail and things got so bad that "Equus" (the Broadway play Nimoy is presently involved in) closed in New York. At the New York Star Trek Convention, Leonard announced that he, until then, knew nothing of the proposed show until he read of it in the Washington Post. So now Paramount is really in hot water. As the famous Scotsman once said, 'The Haggis is really in the fire,' because they're caught between the angry Star Trek mob and Leonard's angry lawyers."
Hopefully Paramount can be made to see the error of their ways, and patch up their relationship with Leonard Nimoy. (We're sure Star Trek II would be a much greater success with Spock back at his familiar Science station....
We would like to take this opportunity to comment on the new Star TrekII. Although we are pleased that production has finally begun, we are not sure that the final product will live up to expectations. We fail to see how Roddenberry can successfully explain the absence of Spock on the bridge, especially while keeping the other two main characters. Nothing but a catastrophic ordeal could have caused this separation since, as Edith Keeler so succinctly put it, "You're place, Mr. Spock? At (Kirk's) side. As if you've always been there, always will be." We also fail to see how Roddenberry, a man of expertise in the field of television science fiction could create a character with so many obvious gimmicks, as Illia seems to be.
Hopefully the great respect we held for Roddenberry's achievements in the original Star Trek will not be marred by the forthcoming series. We, like Trekkies around the world, have been waiting for years for the arrival of the new Star Trek, and we are hoping against hope that the Star Trek magic will still be there.
NOTE: this issue contains no page numbers.
- Star Trek Novels, reviews by Laurel Russwurm of Price of the Phoenix and Planet of Judgement
- Larry Niven, review by Laurel Russwurm
- The Rings of Eternity, fiction based on fiction by Larry Niven by Susan Schmidt
- Prisoner Puzzle, article by Bruce Headlam
- Scientific Facts, article about Uranus by Steven Brown
- List of Penpals
- Doctor McCoy's Sickbay (humour that needs help), two cartoons and two short poems by Hilary Kyro called "McCoy" which contains this stanza: "My Name's McCoy, A Georgia boy. My arms are thin and hairy. I like talking back to Mr. Spock, Although I find him scary."
- Any Kind of Freedom, a very long Star Trek fic by Susan Schmidt
- Top Ten Star Trek Episodes, a list
- The Price Was Right, article by Susan Schmidt and Laurel Russwurm (comments about the taped lecture given by James Doohan at Western University in London, Ontario on November 8 (year not given) detailing the upcoming new Trek series. This series, of course, did no materialize and was turned into Star Trek: The Motion Picture.)
- Fan Art, uncredited
- Star Trek Quiz by Paul Crane and Laurel Russwurm
- The Terminal Spock, Star Trek fiction by Michael Gilson
- Star Wars, article by Susan Schmidt and Laurel Russwurm
- Space:1999, article by Laurel Russwurm
- Dreams, poem by Laurene Shaw
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Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1
Thanks for the zine; it was a real treat. I especially loved the article on Star Wars. Your zine looked quite professional for a first shot. Most first issues of fanzines aren't that polished. Keep up the good work! [2]
"We of Aeolus, taking everything into account and thereby formulating a unified hypothesis in the most logical and accurate method available to us, and, considering the Terran sf "zine" (relic of twentieth century Canada) in light of a thorough examination of all aspects of said zine, concur, in short, that it is TERRIFIC! You'd better believe it! We knew it'd be good, but we didn't know that it'd be that good. For "rank amateurs" you do a very professional job ... In relation to Price of the Phoenix. I couldn't agree with you more - Sondra and Myrna's Vulcan was a great character, but he wasn't the Spock that we know and love. I thought that Susan handled the 'Spock problem' expertly in Any Kind of Freedom. One sentence was particularly impressive to me. (Kirk) "He was now torn by a feeling which he could not explain, but he knew that if Spock gave in now, for him, he would not want to face McCoy again." I thought this showed uncommon insight into the complex Kirk/Spock/McCoy relationship. Great! I loved how she managed to fit in all the little Star Trekkisms that have become so familiar to us — Kirk's inner struggle resulting, inevitably, in the victory of his powerful sense of duty — and his innate assurance that Spock would back him up in his decision . . . Scotty's adorable accent . . . Spock and McCoy's famous bickering ... the inescapable Vulcan/ Human exchange: Okay, Mr. Spock, what are are you hiding up your sleeve?" To which our stoical Vulcan replies, "I fail to see why I would endeavor to conceal a playing card within my uniform." Beautiful! And even a token mention of dear old Doctor M'Benga.
The poem Dreams by Laurene Shaw was lovely. It's like an intergalactic High Flight. I'm glad that someone from Alpha Centauri wrote Star Trek Lives in the Doctor McCoy's Sickbay section. I'd hate to think that anyone from earth could have written that — uh — poem.
I'd better sign off before I cause a paper shortage. I can't help but rave over the zine. It's just wonderful, and 1 want to congratulate everyone involved. Have you already started a CANEKTION No. 2? [3]
You and Susan deserve special and very particular congratulations and thanks for seeing this through, both in the sense of carrying the contents, and in having the perseverance to keep going with it. despite all the problems you had to deal with. It's a considerable achievement, and it's good to see it finally complete. Also: Technically it looks good ... compared to most of the few fanzines I've seen, it's no problem . . . The CTA crest looks good, the editorial looks equally so. TofC — who need page numbers? This is still a very small publication. Novels review: the one on Price of the Phoenix is excellent. You've pinned down the main issues precisely and elaborated on them in a consistent fashion. The Planet of Judgement item is good, but not quite as effective. The Larry Niven article is very good, you've got the best quick description of Ringworld that I've seen anywhere and some really intelligent analysis but it goes by rather fast. A little more description of the beings in Niven's universe would have helped; so would a couple more pocket-synopsis illustrations of the points you were making, like the Ringworld item, — would have helped slow it down a bit, and made the continuity seem stronger. A person who doesn't know the books mentioned really, well, doesn't see much except a string of titles flashing by in the last parts, and the impact of the analysis is lessened. Not bad, though. Certainly, the guy can stand some attention. The Rings of Eternity: excellent! That is a very impressive piece .. Susan has a very good command of her character. The only weak point I can see is the passage describing the conflict with Chris it brings out Cisco's love of dominance, and it effectively reinforces the notion that he's got one hell of an ego, but it's not totally clear at first reading that the "it" Cisco is urging on Chris is NOT the house! A second reading gets that straightened out, but the confusion is distracting. Otherwise, a lovely job. Science Facts: very interesting single fact presented and it's a great idea. (ed. note: we think so too, hence expansion in this issue.) Prisoner Puzzle haven't seen it, so no real comment. Were the italicised leading and closing portions part of the original TV Ontario article? (ed. note: nope.) Pen Pals, fair enough. Humour that needs help - I agree. Desperately, but again, fair enough. Any Kind of Freedom: smashing title page, and the potential tor a first rate story, but there are a lot of problems . . . insert . . . Good thumbnail sketch of McCoy in the upper right hand corner of the fifth page before the end Top Ten list.
I agree. The Price Was Right - okay, granted we all know how out of date it was. Fan Art? Love Blair's opening sketch , . . that's really cute. Cartoonist of the future, maybe? Lovely
sketch of Chapel, very good sehlat, portrait of Chekov looks promising. Closing shadow picture well done. The trivia quiz is neither hopelessly obscure nor appallingly inane, unlike most of it's fellows I've run across. The Terminal Spock? Grungy title, and Michael a) lays it on a little heavy with the cliches and b) whips through the last half with dazzling speed, but given some practice, he should be pretty good. I love the first and last two paragraphs of the Star Wars article - the next to last one was superb but the middle four leave me hysterical with laughter ... Good work, though. The Space Idiosy article was also very good - I take it that that was also without "petty sarcasm"? (Yes.).. . Finally, Dreams - that is superb work. The piece itself is excellent, and the arrangement is perfect!!! A gold plated finish! [4]
Multitudinous praise to thee and all responsible for the creation of CANEKTION. Everyone today at work, who had the opportunity to see and read various articles were most impressed.. . Especially appealing tome visually was the CTA logo, the final page of Rings of Eternity, the drawings by Vega, the silhouette of Kirk, and last but not least, the cover (front and back). How ingenious to use Miss Keeler's words in your comment on Star Trek II. No other words could have expressed it better. You are right! I knew there was something false about the Phoenix Spock. And, "the way the authors ... can be confusing to the average reader. Yes, it was! I enjoyed Planet of Judgement and agree that expansion would have enhanced. Please plan on more book reviews . . . After reading Susan's stories I am looking forward to more. The article Science Facts is worth repeating — perhaps expanded or perhaps comparing Star Trek's technology with real technology. Top Ten — most interesting. How about doing the bottom ten? (ed. note: we are for No. 3). Does everyone enjoy the Trivia Quiz as much as I do? If so, you must plan on including another. In Michael Gibson's Terminal Spock, I found it interesting that Starfleet was finally able to aid the Enterprise so quickly. My mind, however, tends to expect another corbomite bluff. But the dialogue was characteristic... One again, my congratulations to you and you cohorts for a well executed endeavour. [5]
Thanks for the fanzine, I agree, it really looks professional! Even my mother thinks it's terrific, although she doesn't like Star Trek. . . I read your story, "Any Kind of Freedon". It was long but 1 rather enjoyed it! My mother even read it. I also enjoyed "Rings of Eternity," "Star Wars", and "The Terminal Spock". Again, 1 must compliment you on you first fanzine, FANTASTIC! [6]
BEAUTIFUL. For all these millennia that we've all been waiting, now it pays off. Although there were a few (a very few, really) slight errors, 'Canektion' NUMERO PRIMO was really great. I'm reading your story, "Any Kind of Freedom", and it's so long and professional, it could make an episode. Ten to one you spent so long on it... I mean, the whole thing is just great. I must say that a lot of my material got left out, but I did see my blueprint made it. Actually, the art in there was much better than half the stuff of mine, I think. That one of Nurse Chapel was fantastic, and the one of Luke accompanying the Star Wars section . . . Great resemblance, really. 1 liked the full page poster type thing on the opposite page too. Otherwise, overall a quite logical (to quote) fanzine, well laid out, and a piece of genius (what else is to be expected, all Trekkies have I.Q.'s over 140 ...) A toast to Canektion (how do you mail Saurian Brandy?) [7]
I really like the front cover of the zine. It does hold your interest in most places. But the type of print used should be somewhat smaller and the paper used for it a little thinner. As the pages will fall out easier with the use of the thicker paper. A couple of pages have come loose in my book already. But otherwise it is a pretty good little book for the CTA. I'm rather proud of it. And you all should be congratulated on a fine job in doing it and putting it out. [8]
It took you long enough but you finally did it: you finally finished the fanzine (to the amazement and wonder of everyone, no doubt). . . Your Star Trek story, Any Kind of Freedom, was well done as literature, the crew of the Enterprise all stayed in character, but, I didn't think much of your pseudo-science. (Editor's note: Nobody did!) The introduction to the zine was alright, except for the crack about "... a character with so many obvious gimmicks, as Illia seems to be." This little comment wouldn't be so bad if you had not knocked yourselves out over Spock, because, when you think about it, Spock has as many, if not more obvious gimmicks as Illia . . . The two reviews on the Star Trek books had a professional air about them, but I thought Ms. Russwurm was overly generous to Haldeman's novel. I did not think it was quite as good as she gave it credit for. On the other hand Ms. Russwurm was right on the ball with her Price of the Phoenix review. . . Your other story (Rings) was quite entertaining. The Star Wars article, though not very informing, was easy reading, much like the movie was easy viewing, and the picture that preceded it, by Vega, was the best in the magazine. It seems Laurel Russwurm is a very talented writer. Once again, this time with Space: 1999, she zeroed right into the problems in her article. Her synopsis of the series was quite good, though a bit harsh, after all even Star Trek had its share of inconsistencies, silly plots, and technical errors. [9]
Issue 2
Canektion 2 was published in 1978 and contains 120 pages.
The art is by Vega (pseudonym for Laurel Russwurm), Michael LeBlanc, D.J. Wight, Nancy Clarke, Lance Russwurm, John Stacey, and L. Allen Everhart Jr.
The editorial:
The two people largely responsible for this unfortunate creation were discussing the ups and downs of being a Canadian Star Trek affectionado [sic], and of the necessity for a Canadian Star Trek production and we came up with the following ridiculous assumptions. It's a tough subject, but we at least had some fun deciding that being a Canadian science fiction and fantasy buff is definitely not the same as being an American SF and Fantasy buff. Canadians and Americans are basically the same, but there are important differences which stem from cultural differences.
Canada is what is commonly called a mosaic culture; that is to say innumerable subcultures pieced together to form a greater whole. The United States, however, is what is termed a melting pot culture; wherein the different cultures have all blended together to create one 'ultimate' culture, to which all Americans very proudly adhere. Because Star Trek was aimed at an American audience, the character of Captain Kirk (oddly enough played by a Canadian actor) was basically a twentieth century American. Spock and McCoy were there to complement and enhance his character. Throughout the series, the good captain traipsed around the galaxy, foisting his beliefs (otherwise known as the American Dream) on unsuspecting alien cultures, flaunting his disregard for the non-interference order of the prime directive. Take for example the episode entitled, "The Apple", in which he destroys Vaal, in the computerized culture (one of many such episodes), and removes the Eden that the innocent natives reside in because "it's not a valid culture." Spock's objection to Kirk's playing God (or rather, playing Satan) is made light of by Kirk and McCoy, effectively turning Spock's serious question into comic relief. Perhaps it is not the Captain at all who is the protagonist; perhaps rather he is the intended foil, draped in a cloud of importance, insubstantial but convincing, in order that the audience can learn from Spock, even if Kirk can't. On the surface this seems unlikely, but on an in depth look it becomes more and more obvious ....to us at any rate, perhaps because we're Canadian. In order to be a Canadian (this, of course, is meant in the most ideological sense) one must learn to accept and learn from differences in beliefs, thought patterns, and ways of existence. This is of course the essence of the Vulcan concept of IDIC. One thing evident throughout the series is the fact that Spock is always trying to learn from the Captain, although he has accepted one way of life he is well aware that there are indeed other possibilities. Kirk, on the other hand, is so convinced of his self-righteousness that he and McCoy appear to spend most of their waking hours trying to prove that the Vulcan way is wrong.
Knowing enough to learn from those different than yourself is not always easy (witness the unity crisis present in Canada now, due to the mosaic culture) but it is something that should be important to all people. This line of thought seems to be peculiar to Canadian SF buffs.
The other thing that makes Canadian SF buffs - and particularly Canadian Star Trek enthusiasts - think differently from their American counterparts is the isolation factor. To live in sparsely settled Canada (by American standards) is to be without a major Star Trek market. The market is there, but it is spread across an extremely vast expanse of territory. No doubt there are many fascinating aspects to this idea, but at least we hope we've come up with one interesting possibility.
- Starnotes, LoCs (4)
- A Matter of Time, Star Trek story by Perry Burton (8)
- Battlestar: Galactica, a review, by Susan Schmidt and Laurel Russwurm, of the theatre movie that was shown in Canada (19)
- Close Encounters of the Third Kind, viewpoints on the film (24)
- Who Am I?, poem by David Farrell (26)
- Leonard Nimoy's 1977 Remarks at Star Trek America, "his explanation of what really happened with Paramount" (originally transcribed by Louise Stange and printed in LNAF Yearbook) (27)
- The Star Wars Interview, Clarke Kent interviews Luke and Co. (33)
- Money in Space, an interview with Dr. Kenneth Money (36)
- Doubt, poem by David Farrell (40)
- Possession is 9/10s of the Law, Star Trek story by Laurel Russwurm (42)
- The Flinx Tetrology by David Farrell, a comprehensive study of Alan Dean Foster's Universe (63)
- Science Fiction: Visually Speaking, science fiction in film and television (69)
- The Song the Minstrel Sang, science fiction story by Susan Schmidt (74)
- Quark, an article about the TV series (80)
- Meir's Comet, interview with Rolf Meir (86)
- The Making of South Trek, a Star Trek film (90)
- Capricorn One by Susan Schmidt, a review of the movie (92)
- Shades of Twilight, Star Trek story by Susan Schmidt (94)
- Space Shuttle, an article on the Enterprise (113)
- Dateline Denab, Star Trek pro books to buy (119)
- Science Facts by Laurel Russwurm (121)
- The Song in the Wind, poem by Laurence Shaw (128)
inside page from issue #2
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inside page from issue #2, Planet of the Apes art
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inside page from issue #2, Mr. Spock, and Lt. Laverne and Lt. Shirley from the fan film South Trek
inside page from issue #2, art for the movie Capricorn One
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Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2
From a review in 1979:
This is the most professionally printed fanzine I've ever seen. It has been screened and is brilliantly sharp. Featured are articles on Trek (including the verbatim text of Nimoy's speech at the 1977 NY convention) as well as articles on science fiction televisions shows and movies, on prominent science fiction writers, and on the space program. There are a couple of stories in each issue as well, by promising new writers. The characters sometimes don't quite ring true and the plots may have holes in them, but there's some good developing talent. The editors contribute a feisty Canadian viewpoint. A really impressive new entry! [10]