Companions in Chaos

Zine
Title:	Companions in Chaos
Publisher:	Zodiac Carousel (#1), StarCrossed Gems (#2)
Editor(s):	Kay Reynolds and Beth Minster
Date(s):
Series?:
Medium:	print zine
Size:
Genre:
Fandom:	From Eroica With Love
Language:	English
External Links:
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Companions in Chaos is a slash From Eroica With Love anthology.

There are two issues.

On the Double describes the fandom as Japanimation and says it is the "...adventures of That Man from NATO and the thief who loved him."

Disclaimer

From the first issue:

Companions In Chaos is an amateur publication not intended for profit. The character of Dorian Red Gloria, a.k.a. Eroica and Klaus Heinz von Eberbach and all references to the instances, situations and people of Eroica Yori Ai OKomete {From Eroica With Love) are copyrighted by Yasuko Aoike. Story ideas belong solely to the authors who wrote the fan fiction. A Distant Soil and all references to the characters and situations created by Colleen Doran are copyrighted by Colleen Doran. Companions In Chaos is a labor of love and is not intended to offend or outrage anyone. We hope that this fanzine will engender even more interest in the manga From Eroica With Love, by Yasuko Aoike.

Issue 1

Companions in Chaos 1 was published in 1993 and contains 320 (unnumbered) pages.

front cover of issue #1, ŃeŃe

backcover of issue #1, Kat Benedict

The art is by ŃeŃe (Tina Thomas), Kat Benedict, Sharon Young, April Lee, and Yasuko Aoike.

From the editorial:

Welcome to the first issue of Companions In Chaos, a fanzine tribute to Yasuko Aoike's Eroica Yori OKomete, or, as we non-linguists know it -From Eroica With Love. I discovered the series some years ago while I was an editor at Donning/Starblaze -just about the same time I was discovering anime and the fantastic world of Japanimation. Aoike's series became my introduction to manga and, while 1have subsequently discovered and enjoyed many other series, the characters of the Eroica universe remain my first and most constant love.

Fanfiction has been described as "the story you have to write". Whether your interest is inspired by Star Trek, The Professionals, Patalliro!, Phantom of the Opera, Labyrinth, Vampire Hunter D, Lost Boys, Lupin III, Star Wars - or what have you - there is a combination of visuals and characterization that gets into a fan's head and heart that just won't rest until you get it down on paper!- While you're mucking about with your usual day-time activities, unusual episodes and mental-wanderings begin sparking about in your tiny brain. Usually these deliberations revolve around some intriguing or unresolved plot issue. (And there's no artist/author who can draw out one's sense of anticipation better than Yasuko Aoike!) Anyway, the next thing you know, you're pounding away at your keyboard or tooling about on your art table giving expression to your own theories and playing with your own fantasies. And, when you finish, you find yourself looking to share these speculations with friends who love the same series. Then those friends share with their friends and those friends share with more.... And that's how a fandom -and fanfic -is born! And multiplies....

The adventurous reader will find a wide variety of experience in these pages. Some of us have been published and work professionally in the field. Some of us are working toward that goal. All of us are are having a good time playing in a world we enjoy. The fan influence actually begins with Aoike herself. It was my own, peculiar discovery to cross reference Aoike's characters with the members and antics of the band Led Zeppelin. There's always a neat little thrill of excitement when you find out how one favorite source has been an influence on another. I guess what appeals to me is the concept that, no matter what, there is always some concept that will come along that is bigger than ourselves. Something that delights and inspires. So, I'm setting in my living room... and discovering that an author/artist who lives thousands of miles away, who works in a language that I will never understand, has been inspired by a shared favorite -and that her skill is such that she can communicate that interest to a gaijin like myself. Lady, that is talent! And isn't it amazing that while Dorian Red Gloria may have had his roots in Robert Plant, under the pen of a gifted artist the character has gone on to create his own international fandom which has spawned a creative force of its own? What began in the early 70's is still being read by people 20 years later. Think of it. People have been born in that span of time and are still coming into the Eroica series. The cycle continues.

Comments from the editorial about "Blue Roses":

Blue Roses was one of my first Eroica fanfics and came about in the mid 80's. The story developed when Colleen Doran and I were discovering a mutual interest in Eroica. 'There'll be a surprise for you in A Distant Soil #6." Colleen told me at one point. She wouldn't tell me what it was, she made me wait for it. But I was thrilled to see a"guest appearance/tribute" of Klaus and Dorian in her comic. I reciprocated, by way of thanks, with Blue Roses which furthered blended "Clous" and "Drian" into Colleen's ADS universe. Blue Roses appears here officially for the first time. I have recently been surprised and flattered to learn that the story has been in circulation in fandom for some time. And that it's been popular. But I had no idea it had been out and about. Well, it appears here in a much nicer format with illos from Sharon Young. Sharon is a newcomer to Eroica fandom - but not to the fans of Star Trek, David Bowie's Jareth character from Labyrinth, Beauty & the Beast, Last of the Mohicans, Phantom of the Opera... and many, many more! Sharon's outstanding art has been displayed at several museums and media events. In her illustrations for Blue Roses, Sharon has adapted her style with respect to Aoike's original work.

Comments from the editorial about "Perfume of the Gods":

Kat's story, The Perfume of the Gods, is a playful romp (with some lovely little h/c bits), illustrated in her own, distinctive Kat Benedict style! (She does it all, folks -writes poetry, stories, plays, musicals, novellas, graphic novels ...and, of course, she draws and paints real well, too. Sigh.) In Kat's story, Dorian discovers an ancient secret that could win the heart of the continually elusive Major von Eberbach. Of course, Klaus' mission is to obtain the same prize for entirely different reasons. And, there are these obsessive, fanatic, terrorist-types who just want to spoil everyone's good time. It's not easy being a rogue, a thief, and a scoundrel. You got to work, baby!

Comments from the editorial about "A Matter of Good Will":

I thoroughly enjoyed Beth Minster's A Matter of Good Will and we hope you will, too. Set in New Orleans, the adventure pits Klaus and Dorian against a vengeful Voodoun Cult on the eve of Mardi Gras. Do our boys get in trouble? Yes. Do they meet an interesting round up of memorable Aoike-style heroes, villains and near-villians? Yes. Are there showdowns in the back alleys of Bourbon Street? You betcha. Are there crossed swords, star-crossed lovers and pissed-off, screaming Germans? Well, ask yourself -does the Pope wear a tall hat (when he's at home and not being kidnapped by working thieves)? April Lee, whose captivating original and media-related art has long provided a visual treat (not to mention astray fantasy or three) throughout fandom, has contributed two illustrations for Beth's story. And you're going to like them a lot. We sure did!

• Introduction by Kay Reynolds
• The Eroica Connection, article by Kay Reynolds (shows how four characters in Eroica are based on the rock group, Led Zeppelin)
• Perfume of the Gods by Kat Benedict (Eroica)
• Blue Roses by Kay Reynolds (Eroica)
• A Matter of Good Will by Beth Minster (Eroica)

• 

  from issue #1, from the article

• 

  from issue #1, from the article

• 

  from issue #1, from the article

• 

  from issue #1, from the article

• 

  from issue #1, Kat Benedict

• 

  from issue #1, Kat Benedict

• 

  from issue #1, Sharon Young

• 

  from issue #1, April Lee

• 

  from issue #1, April Lee

• 

  from issue #1, Kat Benedict

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

#1 has one story where they actually get down to the nitty gritty and that's an alternate universe kind of sci-fi/fantasy thingie. It's pretty good, though I prefer the other stories in the zine, even though none of them actually get them down to having sex. The one story where their in New Orleans is pretty sexy, though. Klaus in a gay/'mixed' bar is something to see, I'm telling you...

Issue 2

Companions in Chaos 2 was published in 1995 and contains 355 pages.

front cover of issue #2, Kat Benedict

flyer for issue #2

The art is by Kat Benedict, Catt Kingsgrave-Ernstein, Tim (Jim?) Collier, Sharon Young, Pat Cash, Lee Dunning, and Kay Reynolds.

From the editorial:

Our interest in Dorian Red Gloria, Major Klaus Heinz von dem Eberbach, the alphabet agents, Eroica’s household crew of assorted fruits and nuts as well as the mixture of rogues and worthies, heroes and villains is still running high. Of course, a good part of the appeal lies in the homoerotic content, the romantic and sensual tension between Yasuko Aoike’s main characters, Dorian and Klaus. The charisma, intelligence and ability of these characters —the exotic adventure of thieves and soldiers —certainly lure readers back again and again. But, quite frankly, the erotic content is where it’s at for moi. I know what I like.

If you’re a follower of Aoike’s stories, you’re probably fascinated by the will-they-or-won’t-they status between Dorian and the Major. Aoike sure knows how to draw out the tension —and the frustration. Certainly, a lot of fan writers have taken the matter in hand themselves and written their own vision of the affair. There haven’t been too many follow up stories, or what happens to them once the deed is done. The argument has been that the tension would be lost. No more anticipation, no more story. Well, I don’t agree with that. Klaus and Dorian are such strong individuals, there will always be conflict —even when they’re fighting for the same goal.

Still, I didn’t intend to "go all the way" or get into the "afters" when I started writing By Any Other Name. Nope. The seeds of that novel began back when I wrote Angel (revised and reprinted here). Angel was the first of my Eroica stories of "The Angel Saga." By Any Other Name was supposed to be another short story but it quickly took on the attributes of a novella. All these little ideas and story lines that had been perking around for some time began to find their way out on paper. Next thing I knew, I was involved in a full-scale novel. And it has it’s share of crossover references, too. Look for bits of Miami Vice, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Lupin III, Lovejoy and other favorites. It just seemed like the thing to do! They fit in so well. I have to confess that I discovered The Professionals while I writing this (thanks to the persistence of Paige Baker with help from Colette Bolech and fanfiction from "Skye"). So when I happened to need a couple of official law enforcers, who better than the guys from CI5? Besides, who do you think was suddenly clamoring for attention?

Comments from the editorial about "The Family Jewels":

Yep, it’s the first Eroica musical and you can ead it here. All the music is original and unfortunately, you’re not going to hear that. But the lyrics work very well as blank verse and we hope you will enjoy them. Kat did such a fine job, I had no problem imagining sets, dance production numbers, everything!

Comments from the editorial about More Eroica Connections:

I was absolutely delighted to receive Jean Lorrah’s More Eroica Connections, a continuation into the odyssey tracking the roots of Yasuko Aoike’s From Eroica With Love that I began with The Eroica Connection in Companions in Chaos #i. Zeppelin/Eroica enthusiast that I am, I’d wondered about the origin of Eroica’s great love. Major Klaus Heinz von dem Eberbach. If Robert Plant colored Dorian’s character so strongly, did Jimmy Page play apart in Eberbach’s development? Jean certainly makes agood case for it. And what about the similarities and differences between Robert and Dorian? Jean’s got opinions to share on that, too. You might agree with her, you might not. But we’re sure you’ll enjoy what she has to say.

Also from the zine:

Companions in Chaos is an amateur publication not intended for profit. The characters of Dorian Red Gloria, a.k.a. Eroica and Major Klaus Heinz von dem Eberbach and all references to instances, situations and characters of Eroica Yori Ai OKomete (From Eroica With Love) are copyrighted by Yasuko Aoike. References to characters from other series are copyrighted by their own sources. Story ideas belong solely to the authors who wrote the fan fiction.

Pfirsch Rommel and other characters and references to The Desert Peach are copyright ©1995 by Donna Barr and appear through the courtesy of Ms. Barr.

Companions In Chaos is a labor of love and is not intended to offend or outrage anyone. It is the editors and participants hope that this fanzine will generate more interest in the work of Yasuko Aoike, manga, anime and independent comics everywhere!

NOTE: Beth Minster's story is called "Three Wishes" in the table of contents and in one of the editorials, and "Three Kisses" in the other editorial and on the story itself.

• Introduction by Kay Reynolds (i)
• Introduction by Beth Minster (iv)
• More Eroica Connections, article by Jean Lorrah (about the connection between Led Zeppelin and identifying the inspiration for Eroica's nemesis) (1)
• The Three Wishes (or "Love Tank") by Beth Minster (Eroica/Dessert Peach crossover) (13)
• To Thine Own Self Be True by Beth Minster (Eroica) (39)
• Not Just Another Pretty Face (Fashions, too!) by Kat Benedict (Dorian, Klaus, and Mr. James paper dolls) (47)
• The Family Jewels by Kat Benedict (an Eroica Musical Fantasia) (Eroica) (61)
• Angel by Kay Reynolds (part of her Angel Saga) (Eroica) (93)
• By Any Other Name by Kay Reynolds (part of her Angel Saga) (Eroica) (111)
• Guidelines for Submissions (354)

• 

  from issue #2, from the article

• 

  from issue #2, Kat Benedict

• 

  from issue #2, Catt Kingsgrave-Ernstein

• 

  from issue #2, Kat Benedict

• 

  from issue #2, Kat Benedict

• 

  from issue #2, Kat Benedict or Tim (Jim?) Collier or Catt Kingsgrave-Ernstein

• 

  from issue #2, Kat Benedict or Tim Collier (Jim?) or Catt Kingsgrave-Ernstein

• 

  from issue #2, Kat Benedict or Tim Collier (Jim?) or Catt Kingsgrave-Ernstein

• 

  from issue #2, Kat Benedict

• 

  from issue #2, Kat Benedict

• 

  from issue #2, Kat Benedict

• 

  from issue #2, Sharon Young

• 

  from issue #2, Sharon Young

• 

  from issue #2, Sharon Young

• 

  from issue #2, Lee Dunning

• 

  from issue #2, Pat Cash

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

[By Any Other Name]: If you like your stories long and plotty, this is the one for you. There's espionage and sex and kittens and angst, and it all adds up to a fun and exciting tale. This story is the sequel to Angel, which is much shorter, though still entertaining. I don't think it's necessary to read it first, though.

[zine]: [To Thine Own Self Be True] a very short story (especially when compared to the 250+pp story after it), but nice. The zine is huge with only a few stories in it and pretty expensive (about $30 or $35 US, if I recall correctly), but I think worth it. Artwork is nice and in line with the Eroica manga style, though there's not a huge amount of it. That's just as well as far as I'm concerned, since it means more room for stories.

[zine]: As always, the following is all my responsibility. They are my thoughts and mine alone and not meant to overrule the thoughts of others. If you don't agree with anything I say, fire when ready! I welcome comments on any and everything and demand that if something bothers you, spit it out. All misspellings, typos and generally annoying attitudes represented here are my intellectual property. Thems the breaks.

[zine info and contact details omitted]

The first thing that might turn off some people to the zine, is it's price tag. At $35, it's more than most fans I know are willing to spend on one zine. However, keep in mind that this is a 353+ page zine and the quality, I have to say, is even better than the first issue.

There are only five actual stories in this issue with two non-story pieces. I could have lived without the paper dolls and clothes (though the one t-shirt for Mr. James that said, "M'Lord went to the Louvre and all I got was a lousy *Matisse*!" was cute).

The other non-story was called "More Eroica Connections" by Jean Lorrah. This is a sort of addendum to the piece in the first issue (one which I would recommend to anyone trying to figure out what the heck Eroica has to do with Robert and Jimmy) in which she makes -- as indicated by the title -- even more connections from the band to the manga characters. My favorite is the fact that she deduces that Eroica is Dorian Red Gloria, but Dorian *Led* Gloria.

"The Three Kisses" aka "Love Tank" by Beth Minster -- This is my favorite story. Though there is no actual full consummation in this story, there is, as may be figured out from the title, some definite kissing going on. (Though the number of kisses mentioned is slightly misleading.) The chase, for me, is many times the thing and can be much more erotic than actual sex scenes and this one had it in spades for me. It's got the right amount of tension and stays true the characters that have been set up. It also brings back the tank that Dorian stole from Klaus in one of the early mangas, which I loved.

"The Family Jewels" by Kat Benedict -- This is actually a musical. My biggest problem with it was that I don't necessarily like just reading the scripts to musical I don't actually know the music for. And despite the fact that I usually love them, the image of Klaus bursting into song (no matter how somber, bitchy and Germanic) is just not one I can get my mind around. Other than that it is a nice, cute piece.

"To Thine Own Self Be True" by Beth Minster -- This is a crossover with THE DESSERT PEACH. It's the shortest story in the zine and while I'm sure that if I had ever seen/read THE DESSERT PEACH I'd have enjoyed it more, the fact that I wasn't familiar with that particular fandom didn't bother me in this particular story.

The last two stories, "Angel" and "By Any Other Name" are both part of Kay Reynold's Angel Saga. They also constitute the greatest part of the zine, the latter being about 242 pages all by itself. These are well written stories that keep the Major and Eroica both in character. The first story is just a set up for the main novel, introducing the reluctant "interest" on the Major's side, who would rather die than admit to anything. They both have two distinct plots, the first involving Klaus and Dorian being involved in the same case from two different perspectives and the second dealing with not only their changing relationship, but some repressed memories Dorian has from his childhood. What I really liked about the second story was how much she did keep Klaus, Klaus. Forget the fact that Klaus has finally given into Dorian after all this time which would be something he might have trouble dealing with, but through much of this story he is inactive and in one place. Inactivity and Klaus is *not* a good combination.

There are also a plethora of cameos by different media-characters in the last story. After a bit it becomes slightly annoying, almost like listening to someone at a convention telling stories about the stars they know: You may be interested in hearing some of it, but you just wonder what name is going to be dropped next. (And no, Christine, this is not directed at you!) It however, doesn't detract from the story enough to be a serious flaw. I'll be interested to see if she continues this series. I have always been interested not only in chases, but in the idea of how the characters would handle holding things together through the day-to-day. I think that's an interesting question especially in Eroica when you have so many built in conflicts to begin with.

All in all, I'd recommend the zine highly. It is well written and also has some nice artwork as well. Though the price may seem high to some (btw, the price I listed, does include postage, and if I'm wrong about it, please correct me, someone), I found it well worth it.

[zine]:

Bad news first: this is a bloody expensive zine ($35 seamail, $40 airmail to Europe). The good news is: it's worth it! I thoroughly enjoyed it and intend to re-read it often. If you don't know Eroica, this is about the adventures of two beautiful heroes from a Japanese manga; the art-thief Eroica (aka Dorian, Earl of Gloria) and Major Klaus Heinz von dem Eberbach (of NATO Intelligence). They are more enemies than friends, although or because Dorian has a big crush on the Major.

The main dish is a 240+ page novel by Kay Reynolds - By Any Other Name. It contains everything and the kitchen sink (actually there are some hot scenes over a kitchen sink!); bad childhood memories, nightmares, h/c, lots of action and a breathtaking showdown with terrorists. During all this Klaus and Dorian work their way through their stormy relationship. The plot twists and turns so much that lesser writers would have made three novels from it The author also has a real knack for inventing lively characters and I especially liked Dorian's sister Megan - a sassy lady. On the other hand, his mother is a real bitch. Guest starring are Bodie and Doyle, Arsene Lupin, Illya Kuryakin and Miami Vice. There are some loose ends which gives hope for a sequel but Kay has really succeeded in making living, breathing humans from cartoon characters. Even if you are not a manga fan, this is one slash novel you may like.

The rest of the zine comprises three short stories. There is the prequel to the big novel which although it appeared before in Anime House Presents 1 is helpful since I hate to have to hunt down other zines for prequels.

The Three Kisses by Beth Minster is cheerful fluff. The major wants Eroica to break into Buckingham Palace and guess what Dorian demands as payment! It leaves not only Klaus and Dorian breathless, but also the reader - with laughter.

Beth's other story is a cross with The Desert Peach who here is a charming old gentleman who gives Dorian some good advice.

The rest is a musical by Kat Benedict which I didn't like so much - although it works and I could hear the music in my head.

There is also an essay by Jean Lorrah about more connections between Eroica and Led Zeppelin.

My only quibble is the paper dolls - a cute idea, but it would have been much better to include them as loose pages since I don't want to cut the zine.

All in all, a gorgeous zine, great reading and great looking. Very much recommended.

[zine]: For those of you have been awaiting word, COMPANIONS IN CHAOS is finally out--and it's HUGE! (Get your minds out of the gutter!) I just got it in the mail today and just flipping through it I noticed that the type was relatively small on 354 pages. I don't know word count, don't ask me, I ain't about to sit down and count it!

[zine]: "Companions in Chaos" #2. It's an Eroica zine (based on the Japanese manga characters) and it's kinda interesting. I'm not a rabid fan but I have read a fair amount of Eroica. The novel, "By Any Other Name" that makes up most of this large zine is fairly good because it looks at what happens _after_ the two characters, Dorian and the Major, become lovers. Most Eroica stories get them to that point and stop. This one develops the characters and builds on the tensions inherent in two very different personality types relating to each other in a new way. The author also has a number of other familiar characters pop up in the story, namely Bodie and Doyle. And drops in the likes of Sonny Crockett, Illya Kuryakin, and manga/anime charaters Lupin and Jack Bancoran as well. Given it's not my 'true love' fandom or even my runner-up, I still read the story with interest (well, most of the time).