Facets (Harrison Ford zine)/Issues 007-008

Facets is a Harrison Ford zine which includes reviews, poetry, art and fan fiction for Star Wars, the Indiana Jones movies, and other films starring Ford such as Blade Runner, Heroes (film), and The Frisco Kid.

The content was gen with some non-explicit het.

This zine series ran for eleven issues between 1979-1983. When this zine ceased publication, a similar zine, Flip of a Coin, began.

This page is for detailed information about issue #7/8. For information about the zine in general, see Facets.

For information about other issues of "Facets," see:

Issues 001-002 · Issues 003-004 · Issues 005-006 · Issues 007-008 · Issues 009-011

Issue 7/8

front cover of issue #7/8, Karen River

Facets 7/8 was published in November 1981 and has 152 pages. The editorial contains a long statement about cruelty to animals on movie sets.

The art is by Karen River, Connie Pirovetes, Carol McPherson, Daphne Hamilton, Lindsey Nuttal, Cathy Strand, Martie Benedict, Gordon Carleton, Paulie, Linda Stoops, Wanda Lybarger, Dianne Wickes, Martynn, Dot Sasscer, Stephanie Hawks, Larry Blake, Barbara Fister-Liltz, and Barb Stults.

From the editorial: discouragement, too much work and too many hassles, and then some attention from an ad placed in Starlog:

We apologize to all those contributors; writers, artists, and typists who worked hard to get their material to us by the deadline and we really didn't mind extending it a month or so for those of you who were really busy and couldn't get your assignments finished would have enough time to do a proper job. After all this is a hobby and not a profession where strict deadlines are all that important. However, we are not amused that by the time I'm writing this (11/8) there are still contributors that we haven't heard from.

Once we get everything together, it has to be figured out, reduced, then pasted up and that's just the stuff that arrives ready to go. Some of it we are still typing! This takes time. Our printer only has one pressman and he has to do other things besides FACETS, so there goes more time. We are both in school and it looks as though we are going to be trying to study for finals and get this beast in nation at the same time—something we prayed we wouldn't have to do. If it's a question of FACETS or school, school MUST come first. We're to get #8 out in time for Media (May '82) and that means a March deadline and we mean that. MARCH. From now on if some thing doesn't get to us on time and we have not heard a word from the contributor after trying to contact them, then that contribution will be pushed back to the next issue. We hate to do this, but we really no longer have a choice. As it is #9 is going to come hard on the heels of #8 with a JUNE deadline.

Now for the end of a rumor that we were responsible for starting—that #8 would be the last issue of FACETS. Well, things weren't going so well, we were arguing with one of our contributors who is also a friend, work was a problem and we were getting the royal runaround trying to get into the right classes at school. We took a look at FACETS and it dawned on us that what we were doing wasn't any fun any more and we've always said that when it wasn't fun we'd stop, so we did—for two weeks, until the first flood of STARLOG mail started to hit us. As we waded through batch after batch of happy mail it occurred to us that by quitting we were breaking another cardinal rule of ours—don't take yourself too seriously. We decided that's what we were doing and lightened up. We did make it into the right classes (someday we may even print FACETS ourselves!) and work straightened out a little. So, gluttons for punishment that we are, we're back at it til whenever.

From the editorial, the attention from the Starlog ad yields fruits, but also more work as it stirred up attention from fans who were either neos, or simply not in the expected "Facet" or "Harrison Ford" circle:

As many of you know we ran an ad in STARLOG expecting to get a few inquiries. Well, we got over 300(!) letters of varying stages of coherency, but only about 150 SASEs. Ah well, win some, lose some.

Anyway, about 75 of those ordered copies and we found ourselves reprinting both #5 & 6 and the print run for #7 will go up to 600 copies! We met a couple of new writers and several fantastic artists as well as a lot of nice folks who thought they were alone in the cold, cruel, Harrisonless world. Most of the fans who wrote in had no idea what a fanzine was and a few were, frankly amazed that it cost money. Our favorite letter to date is from a girl who thanked us if it was free, but if it was over $1 forget it! That's what I like, a girl who knows her limits.

As a result of a few editorial hassles and a surge of incoming manuscripts from people unfamiliar with FACETS we've found ourselves in the unpleasant situation of having to draw up guidelines for writers (and artists). We really didn't want to do this, but it's better to have it there in print so that there can be no arguing. SASE us for a copy of da rools, we assure you they aren't too arduous, mostly common sense. We warn you writers out there that we do edit. If there is a salvageable story in there we will try to help you find it, if it is unsalvagable (for FACETS use) we will tell you that too. We are not professional editors, nor do we claim to be perfect, hell, we aren't even English majors. We are writers, though, and have been edited by others and profited by it.

We do not print anything that is shipped to us just because HF is in it. If you submit a manuscript to us expect to have it edited. We will edit only those that enclose an adequately stamped SASE because neither of us has time to sit at the typer and write you an entire letter about what's wrong. If you enclose no SASE of any kind any reply we choose to give depends on how charitable we feel at the moment and how well fixed the FACETS bank account is. Remember, even your golden words may not be worth a 13c postcard.

From the editorial, a little fan-tutorial about communication, postage, and the UPS:

Speaking of SASEs there seems to be some confusion over what one is. SASE is short for Self Addressed Stamped Envelope, unless sending one for the return of a manuscript or art, all that is needed is a business-size #10 (10") envelope with correct postage (20c). A SASP is a Self Addressed Stamped Postcard and this is ok too if you don't want anything returned besides a little information. When ordering FACETS you pay the postage and we provide the envelope, no SASE involved at all. SASEs are a courtesy and should always be enclosed when requesting information from us or any of the folks in the Marketplace column. A letter without a SASE may not get a reply. We're going to have to do something sensible about figuring out subscription rates, but until we do you must send us a SASE to be notified when the next issue is ready. We do not have a mailing list! With this issue we've discontinued 3rd class postage. It gets lost too often and, so far, we've been nice guys and replaced lost issues, but that's getting expensive. You may also order this ish UPS (if your area has it.). To figure UPS rates simply call your local office and ask them how much 1 pound (they don't differentiate ounces under a pound & #6 is 11 oz.) is from Kalamazoo to where ever you are.

• Ye Old Editorial (1)
• The Market Place (3)
• Letters of Comment (4)
• Gestalt by Marcia Wickes (13)
• The Ganna II Affair by Martie Benedict ("Han gets involved in a dangerous high stakes roto-cross race." A prequel to "Treasure Hunt" in Flip of a Coin #6.)
• The Ganna II Affair by Martie Benedict (Star Wars) (14)
• Hey Lady by Jan Gaut (Star Wars) (32)
• Night Thoughts by Mary Carson (Star Wars) (35)
• Yoda's Garden by Judith Balcombe (Star Wars) (36)
• Lesser Artifacts by Peggy Barilla (Indiana Jones) (37)
• A Little Song by Lindsey Nuttal (Star Wars) (44)
• The Many Faces of Captain Solo by Chris Callahan (An article on the life, ways, and times of our favorite Corellian.) (46)
• Rainbows by Kelly Hill (Heroes) (57)
• Hand and the Irate Husband by Garcia Fay Elwood (Star Wars) (60)
• History by Kathy Percy (Star Wars) (61)
• Death Defier by Judith Balcombe (Indiana Jones) (63)
• The Invisible Man by Eva Albertsson ("A famous actor, an equally famous Corellian, and the pressures of fandom.") (Star Wars, meta, stars "the Actor," "the Pirate," "the Director," "the Princess," and "the Villain") (64)
• In the Silence at Midnight, poem by Marcia Brin (discussed in Han and Leia in Fanfiction) (Star Wars) (82)
• The Man with the Child in His Eyes by Karen Miller (Star Wars) (84)
• I Do? by Lindsey Nuttal (discussed in Han and Leia in Fanfiction) (Star Wars) (87)
• Partners by Lindsey Nuttal ("An alternative look at the rumored court martial of Han Solo.") (Star Wars) (92)
• My Diary, 1926 A.D. by Martie Benedict (Indiana Jones) (105)
• Money, filk to the tune of the same title in "Cabaret," by Ann Wilson (Star Wars) (116)
• Star Light, Star Bright by Marcia Wickes (Heroes) (118)
• Eyes of a Jedi by J.A. Berger ("Han and Luke crash land on a hostile, barren planet. Both injured, they are stalked by a mysterious bounty hunter.") (reprinted in Wookiee Rendezvous 1999) (121)
• Coda by Martie Benedict (Star Wars) (141)
• The UPGIGIBFHS Blues by Martie Benedict (Star Wars) (142)
• Smiles by Martie Benedict (Star Wars) (143)
• Indiana by Martie Benedict (Indiana Jones) (144)
• Conversation with Kenny by Marcia Wickes (Heroes) (146)
• Happily Ever After by Dannell Lites (mistakenly credited to Lindsey Nuttal in the table of contents, but not on the story itself) ("A Star Wars fairy tale with a somewhat unexpected ending.") (discussed in Han and Leia in Fanfiction) (Star Wars) (147)
• Ophiophobia by Jacqueline Taero (Indiana Jones) (150)

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  inside page from issue #7/8, Connie Pirovetes (Harrison Ford)

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  inside page from issue #7/8, Wanda Lybarger (Star Wars)

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  inside page from issue #7/8, Wanda Lybarger (Star Wars)

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  inside page from issue #7/8, Wanda Lybarger (Star Wars)

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  inside page from issue #7/8, Carol McPherson (Star Wars)

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  inside page from issue #7/8, Dianne Wickes (Indiana Jones)

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  inside page from issue #7/8, Martynn (Heroes)

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  inside page from issue #7/8, (Harrison Ford/meta)

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  inside page from issue #7/8

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  inside page from issue #7/8, Cathy Strand (Star Wars)

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  inside page from issue #7/8, Wanda Lybarger (Harrison Ford/meta, for "The Invisible Man")

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  inside page from issue #7/8, Stephanie Hawks (Star Wars)

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  inside page from issue #7/8, Dot Sasscer (Star Wars)

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  inside page from issue #7/8, Larry Blake (Star Wars)

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  inside page from issue #7/8, (Indiana Jones)

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  inside page from issue #7/8, Gordon Carleton (Star Wars)

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  inside page from issue #7/8, Paulie (Star Wars)

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  inside page from issue #7/8, Paulie (Star Wars)

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  inside page from issue #7/8, Martie Benedict (Star Wars)

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  inside page from issue #7/8, Martie Benedict (Star Wars)

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  inside page from issue #7/8, J.R. Dunster (Indiana Jones)

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  inside page from issue #7/8, Dianne Wickes (Indiana Jones/meta)

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  inside page from issue #7/8, Dot Sasscer, inside back cover (Star Wars)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 7/8

This double issue of although not outstanding as zines go, is still worth the money. The zine's regular artists have contributed many pleasing illos, and there are plenty of poems for those who enjoy poetry.

What I liked best was the number of new writers who contributed stories (at least, many names were unfamiliar to me). For the most part, they did a fairly competent job. A short note on the LoC section-- don't miss the letter from a certain well-known lady pig, who barely stops short of calling down the ACLU on the editors (all in fun, of course)!

Before I go on to descriptions of the stories, I have a word to say about typos. In prose, they're only mildly annoying, but in poems they are a major disaster. I'm thinking of the first poem of the zine in particular--the misspellings jarred my concentration so badly that they destroyed the poem's effect. This is terribly unfair to both author and readers. Please, Kelly and Jane, give a little more time for proofreading. Even if it delays the zine's release, it' s worth it.

Now to the fiction. "The Gamma II Affair" by Martie Benedict is a fast-paced yarn, in which Han gets mixed up with a renegade member of royalty who races space-age motor bikes. The story's style reminds me a great deal of Brian Daley's--lots of action, very little philosophy. Oh, yes, maybe it's my imagination, but it seems that a chunk of story got lost somewhere between 20 and 22. "Lesser Artifacts" is a tale, in which Indy's life and marriage to Marion are (excuse me) in ruins. The story is well-done and certainly a possible future for Indy, but I'm looking for an upbeat Raiders fan story. Maybe next ish, ladies?

Chris Callahan's article, "Many Faces of Captain Solo", is an impartial study of various ideas about Our Favorite Corellian's personality traits, as expressed in fan fiction. Although Chris does a thorough job, she forgot to include a discussion of Solo's relationship with Luke. Since this important aspect of Han is one that shows him to be more than a one-dimensional, money-loving smuggler, I can't consider Chris' study to be complete.

Next is a 'Heroes' vignette, Kelly Hill's 'Rainbows,' which describes Ken Boyd's state of mind before Jack shows up at Ken's trailer. You need to have seen the film to appreciate this one.

"The Invisible Fan", by Eva Albertsson, is a fun fantasy in which a Certain Smuggler and a Certain Wookiee skip through a few dimensions to a Certain Planet, and get a Certain Actor mixed up in a chase after a Certain Hut's invisible daughter. Well, don't dismiss it as weird, just on my description. Read and enjoy.

In 'I Do," Han marries Leia, and Leia finds out that Han was born into a higher 'caste' than she'd realized. The gimmick of the story is kind of off-base to me, but then I considered the idea of Vader as Luke's father as strange, before TESB was released. Who knows? maybe George has something like this up his sleeve, too.

'Partner's' combines Han's dismissal from military service, and Solo's first encounter with Chewbacca. I've read other authors' versions of both these incidents, but there were enough innovations in this story to keep me sufficiently interested anyway.

Martie Benedict's "My Diary, 1926 A.D.' something made it inevitable. It's a Marion Ravenwood-at-age-15 and if you've read the Raiders novelization, you can predict the plot.

Now we come to my favorite of this J.A. Berger's "Eyes of a Jedi". The story would have been better with a close edit, but I like it because both Luke and Han are allowed to use their respective talents. It' s a survival story--Smuggler and Jedi crash land their sabotaged craft on a barren planet, and must cope with the hostile elements and their injuries, as well avoid capture by Boba Fett. It bothered me slightly that Luke showed so much control of the Force in this pre-TESB story. On the other hand, it was nice to find a story in which Skywalker is pictured as a courageous young man, instead of a dumb kid, especially in a Ford zine. Shows that both author and editors are refreshingly impartial!

... The zine' s fiction closes out with "Happily Ever After" by Dannell Lites. It's a lighter-side short, showing what Han's and Leia' s relationship might really be like after the rebellion is won.

Summary: Facets 7/8, along with its predecessors, is an enjoyable diversion from the cares of everyday life, especially for the fans of Harrison Ford. I'd like to see more non-SW Ford characterizations in future issues. But then, I shouldn't complain. I'm not particularly inspired to write stories about Frisco Kid, Ten from Navarrone, American Graffiti, etc., either, so why should I demand that others do so?

As the readers of this review might have guessed, my major criticism is about the understandable, but avoidable, editor's mistakes. It' s obvious that a lot of TLC goes into this zine; the willingness to put in more proofreading time would probably make one of fandom's best.

As one of the 'over 300' people to answer your ad in STARLOG, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for opening a whole new area of fandom to me ... the Harrison Ford area. Before I saw the ad I didn't realized that FACETS existed and al though my first purchases began with issues #5 and #6, I lost no time in sending for reprints of #1-#4.

Now to #7/8. The idea of a double issue is an excellent one. Although the wait may be longer, I'll opt for more content any time. The overall look of the zine, from Karen River's Indy cover to Dot Sasseer's illo of Han was superb! I'm happy to see new artists featured, particularly the fantastic work done by Barbara Fister-Liltz. I'm familiar with Barb's work for THE WORLD OF DARK SHADOWS and this is an entirely different interpretation of her talent. I hope we see more of her work in future issues of FACETS. As always, Gordon Carleton's cartoon illos are a howl!

Now to the poetry ... this section in any zine is fast becoming my favorite. I have truly learned to appreciate this art form and the pieces in this issue are outstanding. Far and away my favorite is "In the Silence at Midnight" by Marcia Brin. Marcia's poetry which has graced so many fanzines has the ability to get right to the heart of the matter ... the Han-Leia relationship this is, which, as far as I'm concerned, is the only way to go! The accompanying illo by Daphne Hamilton brought this beautiful poem to life. Further, "Night Thoughts" by Mary Carson and "The Man with the Child in his Eyes" by Karen Miller were also superb. Each captures Han's thoughts and his speech patterns with such accuracy that they were truly a delight to read. I particularly liked to read the 'big brother' protectiveness of Han toward Luke in "Man with the Child..."

One of my favorite pieces has to be "Han and the Irate Husband" by G.F. Elwood. My own dear husband thinks I've flipped out with my involvement in fandom, particularly where a certain Corellian is concerned ... but I just bat my baby blues at him and tell him that Han is only a fictional character, not a home wrecker, and that since I don't spend too much money, or buy designer clothes, or smoke, and only drink in moderation ... (tsk, tsk), a gal's got to have some vice, doesn't she??? (Heh, heh, heh) NOTE: Anyone wanting to use the above excuse has my permission to do so!

"The Ganna Two Affair" was most interesting because the author let us see another 'facet" of Han. Who would have thought he could be involved in a 'dirtside' sport such as galactic motocross? Good show!

"The Invisible Fan" by Eva Albertsson is the second 'Ford meets Solo' story I've read. While the premise is excellent, neither of the two stories gets into the reason for the existence, on parallel planes, of the two characters. I realize it was meant to be funny, and it was, but too much is taken for granted. I know these stories are strictly done for laughs, but it would be most interesting to get into a real dialogue between the SW characters and their real Earth counterparts ....

"Eyes of a Jedi" by J.A. Berger is another beautiful example of the relationship between Han and Luke. Even thought Luke pulled Han through this one, Han's protectiveness, even though seriously wounded, was beautifully portrayed. Lovely story.

"Lesser Artifacts" by Peggy Barilla disturbed me in that she portrayed Indy as a burgeoning lush. Sorry, I don't buy it. Although he got smashed in RAIDERS when he thought Marion was dead, that was a perfectly normal reaction, but he recovered quickly and went back to 'work'. His profession and the mere fact that his survival on so many harrowing expeditions depends on his brain functioning at all times without an alcoholic cloud hazing it. Further, I don't think he'd have a job too long if he became enamored of the bottle, especially back in the '30's when moral codes were so rigid. Please, authors, take him off the sauce! I believe he's strong enough not to let personal loss affect him that way.

Regarding Indy's relationship with Marion, this is the second tale I've read where they go their separate ways. Can't say this bothers me. I see Indy with a gorgeous sophisticated-type lady who is his intellectual equal and who just happens to look like Veronica Hamel from HILL STREET BLUES ....

Finally. "I Do?", although it was meant to be funny, and it was ... Wow! what a fantastic idea. It's the first Han story I've read giving him a 'royal' background. I'd like to see someone write a serious tale with this theme. It opens up a whole new area of Han stories and it's the only one that hasn't been explored in depth.

Having read FACETS #7/8, I do have some comments to make. First, I must thoroughly disagree with Eva Albertsson on Leia. She is not by any means a flat or mediocre character. It has become fashionable to fault George Lucas' imagination in Carrie Fisher's acting ,and this is simply unfair.

"Lesser Artifacts" was an excellent story, though I didn't necessarily agree that Indy and Marion can't make a go of it. (As an after thought, it is quite probable that cockroaches, and their insect relatives, will outlive us all).

"The Many Faces of Captain Solo" was an interesting article, showing a lot of research. I personally feel that Han and Leia are now a twosome, period. Also, I seriously doubt that he will be killed off in REVENGE. I can still remember the tempest in a teapot over that possibility in TESB.

I enjoyed both "The Invisible Fan" and "I Do?" Both were very clever. Han the son of the true Emperor? That's great!

My favorite pieces were "Hey Lady", and by far, "The Man with the Child in his Eyes", "In the Silence at Midnight", and "Eyes of a' Jedi". Why? Because they touched me, they captured the true spirit of TESB. It's been frustrating reading so many stories with no positive emotional content. It's unfortunate so many people have decided that TESB is nothing but gloom, gloom and more gloom because they are dead wrong. Forget Vader, Jabba, the Empire, all those petty, power-hungry, greedy people. They don't count. The love, the selflessness, the friendship (your fight is mine) the courage and hope, these are the things that count.

I enjoyed all the writing and artwork, especially the front and inside back covers, Wanda Lybarger's work and the simple illo accompanying "In the SILence". There was a problem with missing or blank pages; it does tend to spoil your concentration.

All in all, this is your best ish so far.

I had to write and say how much I enjoyed #7/8. It was truly a great zine. I especially fell in love with the cover of Indy. It is an excellent likeness of Harrison as Indiana Jones. I wouldn't mind having a copy to hang on my wall.

I like all the poetry and stories in this issue. I also like the picture of Harrison by Connie Pirovetes. Great artwork.

I didn't like the "Ganna II Affair" by Martie Benedict very much.

I liked all the poetry, it was all very good.

I enjoyed the article on "The Many Faces of Captain Solo". I found it very informative since I'm new to SW, TESB and RAIDERS zines. Are any of the zines that Chris Callahan listed in her bibliography still available?

I liked the story by Peggy Barilla. It showed a different side to Indy. Very well done.

"The Invisible Fan" by Eva Albertsson was delightful. I really enjoyed it and chuckled through the entire story.

The ending to "I Do'" was perfect. I laughed while I was reading it and the characterization of Han was also very good.

My favorite story in the entire zine was "Eyes of a Jedi" by J.A. Berger.

I liked most of the artwork in the zine. FACETS is really nice and well put together. Give yourselves a gold star for a job well done.

Loved #7/8. After a solo (hah) trip, I was met at the airport by husband and kids bearing FACETS, which had arrived while I was gone. Now why did they have to bring it to the airport? I couldn't very well ignore them and start reading, could I?

When I did get to read it I turned to the Indy stories first, eager to see what would be done with a new character of Harrison's. I liked them both but as a Marion fan I found it hard to take Marion and Indy separated twice in one issue. But the style of writing in both were excellent and the manner of telling what had gone before in "Lesser Artifacts" did not lose me (easy to do).

Now about "Marion's Diary". I felt as if I were reading a diary, kinda sneaky-like. And I enjoyed it (the diary, not the feeling.) But I have an argument about the progress of the affair. I would have thought, from the little we know (from the book only) that they would have been on affectionate terms for a while before progressing to intimacy. As it is, Indy seems too much like a calculating louse, rather than a weak — ah — louse. The picnic, yes definitely it would have been the picnic. And Marion would have been more unsure, shall we say?

There was a page or something missing in "The Ganna II Affair" right in the middle of the description of the delectable Trella. I could follow the story without it, however. It told me more about biking than I wanted to know, but that's just my lack of interest in bikes. I do wish George would follow the lead of this and other fanfic and have a heroine over 5'2". If you are 5'2" or less I apologize, but fair's fair. Karen Allen may be over that, but Marion in the book is not.

"The Many Faces of Captain Solo" gave me insights as to Han's treatment in fanfic before I ever read any, and "Han and the Irate Husband" hit the spot (see first paragraph of this letter). Of the other stories, I prefer the Han and Leia ones best because I just like Han and Leia stories, humorous like these, and serious too.

Actually I enjoyed just about all the poetry. The two Kenny poems were very good. I liked the Kenny vignette too. Writing about Kenny must be hard, because his past, and maybe his future is — well, depressing. Wonder if Arouk did away with Melissa.

Also liked most of the art.

This is an official letter of comment, not to be confused with the usual letter of silliness. With the exception of my own story which I damn near know by heart and was mercifully excused from reading.

I've read everything in #7/8 and can say, with confidence that I won't be contradicted, you are getting better on all fronts — overall layout is beautiful and the quality of submissions is uniformly high. From Karen River's Indy to Dot Sasscer's Han, cover to cover, a really superior product.

It was good of you to utilize your editors' prerogative and 'soap box' on the humane treatment of animals. That's what an editorial column is intended for, after all. May it have its intended effect. The strange thing about the letters column is the deja vu quality imparted by the time lapse.

So many people who were only names before are now good friends (hi, guys!) Very strange indeed. Marcia's "Gestalt" was as good as ever, fittingly accompanied by Connie Pirovetes' beautiful portrait. His eyes are luminous. An excellent opening feature.

I do have one comment on "The Ganna II Affair" courtesy of a friend who just successfully concluded what could have been a very touchy and potentially dangerous menage a trois: Isn't it wonderful to have your husband and your lover together as friends? Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. No hard feelings about the missing paragraph, by the way. I have become so used to Wanda's ability to turn out wonderful action illos she rarely surprises me anymore, but her uncanny ability to capture a likeness from a brief glimpse of a photograph continues to astound me. Everybody recognizes Frank right off. ((For those uninitiated, Frank is Martie's husband, and makes a guest appearance in "Ganna II" and this issue's "Twink" as Ben Adrick)). Bouquets to you, Wanda — nobody does it better.

And probably even more appealing were the illos for Eva Albertsson's outrageous and delightful "Invisible Fan". Harrison in his sneakers and Solo trick, berated by the "Gumby" director as Carrie looks on and David swelters makes you want to stand up and die! While I'm on it, I enjoyed that crossover romp more than anything else in the zine. The hilarity is sustained throughout by Eva's urbane and witty detachment and splendid use of dialogue.

There were quite a few what I could call introspective poems included, weren't there? Han's or some ones' musings over life's vicissitudes. My favorites were Marcia Brin's "In the Silence at Midnight" and Marcia Wickes' "Star Light, Star Bright", though I thought all had meat. 1 am puzzled as to just what "Yoda's Garden" is doing in FACETS. Of course if you just tell me, "It's my zine and I'll run what 1 please" I'll understand perfectly.

Peggy Barilla is one of the very best writers around. She reminds me of a fast-paced John O'Hara. That's why her "Lesser Artifacts" left a terrible taste in my brain for days. Unfortunately her extrapolation of the course of Indy and Marion's relationship is probably accurate, and I am cross with her for being so damn astute and thereby jarring me out of my pleasant euphoria at lovers reunited. Shame on you, Peggy, but congratulations on one hell of a fine if depressing story.

Lindsey Nuttal's offerings were consistently great! 1 was not familiar with her name. That's not surprising, though, I'm still in the novice class. But she didn't turn up on Chris Callahan's exhaustive bibliography either, which might lead me to conclude that she's just getting into the genre, and if so, what a marvelous beginning. (If I'm wrong, apologies for ignorance. As you know 1 live out here in the woods with the bears and my phone, my post office box and my FACETS is the only contact 1 have with the outside world!) Ah, but her "I Do?" was a lovely fantasy. Dot Sasscer's accompanying Han was most nice, too.

The following story, "Partners", was excellent, too. There was an easy unforced feel to it, well managed dialog, and a completely acceptable plot. An enjoyable brisk read. Larry Blake's Han and Chewie on page 102 is excellent. His use of Chiaroscuro is very effective, and his unique and easily recognizable style is refreshing, a real pleasure. And if Lindsey did write "Happily Ever After" — there were some equivocal author credits — then much applause! And if it was Dannell Lites, same goes!

Gordon's Han and Leia were painfully funny. That snarling, irrepressible Corellian with lovestruck Leia hanging onto his arm keeps me grinning.

Now, tucked away in there just a little left of center is a lovely unpretentious gem — "Rainbows", with Martynn's art. This introspective in a story format is profound and touching. Very much the man. I feel his hurt. And while I have kicked around the notion that Kenny might not choose to sit with legs crossed, not embrace his guitar quite so gracefully, the portrait is so exquisite and lyrical I find it doesn't matter, really. ((ED: The pose in the picture is at least partly, if not wholly, my doing. I asked Martynn if she could transform a pic of Steve Martin playing the banjo into Kenny with guitar, and that was the pose in the picture.))

Moving over a page, I had the pleasure to read Gracia Fay's "Han and the Irate Husband" some months ago, and I still love the line, "I don't like having Han looking over my shoulder." Anyone with a man and a picture on her wall can identify with that. Maybe ruefully, maybe uproariously, maybe secretly, but Gracia Fay has a way of nailing down universal truths that enchants me. Hope she continues to submit her work to FACETS.

Then there's Jean Ann's "Eyes of a Jedi" and I defy anyone to find fault with her characterization this time. The story is at once gritty and riveting and ultimately magical in its resolution. With regard to Faiklie's art, it's always seemed to me that the function of an illustrator was to enhance the reader's perception of a story by helping them visualize more clearly the events taking place, though not all illustrators achieve — or even aim for — that goal. When I read Jean's story in manuscript my mind's eye painted vivid pictures (which is a mixed metaphor but never mind. I'm on a roll...) because of the strikingly cinematic quality of her storytelling. What I 'saw', then, on first reading is almost exactly what I saw in Paulie's illos. So perfectly executed and suited to the action.

Page 124 is breathtaking, perhaps the finest piece of artwork in the entire issue. I can't find an art credit for the Indy facing my lyric on page 144 but my feeling is that is one incredibly beautiful portrait just to decorate a sleazy little blues. Well, thanks anyway for being so generous to ol' Dr. Jones with his bed side manner. And my compliments to the artist. Really, it's rather like elegant icing on a small brown cupcake ... Parenthetically, here, I've been told that my songs are just not making it as poems. I agree, and suggest that, if you use any more of the dozens at your disposal, the readers are encouraged to hum a little tune along with the lyrics — any little tune. It may help. I would also suggest ordering the tapes, but caveat emptor.

Ladies, I love FACETS I never felt so happy with a zine before. If praise helps salve the wounds caused by the hazards of the 'ensemble' efforts then praise you shall have from me at least. And appreciation and gratitude for making it all possible.

Loved #7/8! Very nicely put together. But you guys didn't put my name on the artist's list! Tsk tsk.

I'm not much good at reviewing stuff... I loved the stories and the art. Especially the art! I'm an artist myself so I guess I can appreciate it more. There's something I've wanted to ask all you artists: What materials (inks, pens, papers) do you use? I'm always looking for a new technique. ((Don't be shy artists, we'd love a good article on how you do what you do so well)) I love talking about art materials!

My main reason for writing this LoC is to share with you-all my many HF tales. They're not exciting, but I can almost guarantee that you haven't heard them before. So 'Live From the Los Angeles Basin: Last year, around Easter, some friends and I went down to the heart of L.A. where we were told BLADE RUNNER was filming. I must confess that I had no illusions of meeting or seeing Mr. Ford or any other well-known people there. I figured seeing a film being shot (especially SF) would be worthwhile enough. I was not disappointed. The hardware and cars (by Sid Mead, my idol!) were FABULOUS! The atmosphere the crew had created was great too; the trash in the gutter, (as if L.A. needed any more) the smoke pots that let off a thick mist and musty smell, the rain machines... I half believed I was in the 21st Century myself!

[snipped]

Better go now. Don't want this to drag on for too long. Oh yes, one last thing. I'm very new to zines and I must say it's been great so far. Everyone's so nice!

I really would like to LoC a few things that I've read In it (#7/8). Hope you don't mind. The A number one thing I'd like to say is, what a pretty zine! Being new to the crew, I'm glad to be a part of such a nicely laid out zine. On to more specific things ... I haven't had much of a chance to get engrossed in the larger works yet, but I would like to comment on some of the shorter ones, like "Lesser Artifacts" by Peggy Barilla. A really nice idea, if I'm interpreting it correcIt was rather confusing, though — even after my second careful reading I'm not sure what was reality and what was his own drunken dreams.

Actually I think I'm more perplexed as to whether or not Indy and Marion were actually married in this story. I wish she would've made some of those things more clear. By far the best short poem in the zine was Marcia Brin's "In the Silence at Midnight". In the past year and a half, Marcia has gotten infinitely more sensitive and smooth with regard to relaying her characters' thoughts. More and more the lines seem to come naturally, as though they really were spoken by the characters. Bravo! I think these midnight thoughts are by far the best I've read in the way of Han's reflections on his lady. The one longer piece that I did have time to read is "Excerpts from a Diary". I'm both pleased and disappointed in this piece. I think it had a lot of potential that the author didn't explore. First, the positive: I really like the way she handled the essence of the 15 year old's thought processes. I think that her handling of the things that a girl that age would focus on was very good. Unfortunately, I don't think she brought out enough of the future Marion's character. Not possible, you say — the Marion we saw was ten bitter years later. Yes, indeed, it was, but I still think there were other things that were a part of Marion's character that could have been used effectively in this piece, such as her very sarcastic and gutsy nature. I think that she would have exhibited these things even at that age. If she didn't possess them at the time of the story, then she wouldn't have survived the following ten years without Indy and traveling all over the world. She just wouldn't have been able to take it. The other things I'd like to simultaneously praise and (ahem) object to is poor Marion's obsession ... well ... fascination ... overly descriptive lauding of (ahem) dear Indy's bod. I think that we're all pretty well acquainted with how ... nicely ... Indy performs and moves, etc., etc., and the descriptions were *cof* intense and ... vivid, but they did get to be a little excessive after a while. I mean, let's be serious here. Marion sounds like she was only in love with Indy for his person ... (*sigh*) but it just doesn't hold up when you compare it to the movie ten years later. There had to be something more intense there, something more intellectual in nature for Marion to be able to justify, ten years later, picking up and trying again at a relationship with Indy. And the diary would be a perfect place to explore these kinds of intimate thoughts concerning her love, not her lust for Indy. I also think that she probably would have mentioned more of the endearing and genuine things that Indy had to say to her concerning his feeling for her. I think that those are the things that a girl cherishes most when it comes to the person she loves — the things and actions that her chosen does to show that they care. I won't belabor it — I just feel that there was more potential than was explored. Ah ... but what was there was an experience to read!

Makes me wish I had been Marion.

The poetry in 7/8 was great, especially "A Little Song Composed in a Cantina" by L. Nuttal (two sets of breasts? No jogging for this girl). Also enjoyed 'Indiana" by M. Benedict. I'm partial to the second verse: "I never was into kinky stuff/Till I saw you with your whip ..." Guess you don't have to be in the tropics to get the 'hots' when you're with Dr. Jones.

I liked most of the humorous poetry, but what can I say, it was all great. In my opinion everything in the zine is great, regardless of its quality in literary or artistic terms. The fact that it's written and drawn with such obvious deep affection for Mr. Ford and his work is beautiful in itself. And like Martynn says, it sure must build character. I'll bet HF would be happy to know he's helping to build the characters of dozens (?) of young American women ...

I loved Eva Albertsson's "Invisible Fan"!! It was out of this world. I giggled through the entire thing, especially when the Actor offered to fix the roof. From what I've read about HF I could easily imagine him getting more excited over fixing a roof than making a movie. (If only carpenters could be mill ionaires, we'd probably never see him in another movie) I also enjoyed the part when Arouk takes off on the bike — I can just see this bike going down the street with no one on'- it ... (I think Arouk ought to drop by again sometime in the future) ((We're willing .... Eva, care to comment?)) Eva's great — what an imagination!

My other favorite Hanstories were the very amusing "Happily Ever After" by Dannell Lites (Han as a male concubine — I could believe it). "The Ganna II Affair by M. Benedict contained a most memorable line. I wrote it down in my book of memorable phrases and interesting statements. "My past is like a dog on the trail of my present." I really like that.

"Partners" was good, but I'd like to know how Chewie escaped. "Eyes of a Jedi" by J.A. Berger I liked very much even though I found it a bit unbelievable at the end when Luke got his sight back so quickly. Well, at least no one got spanked in this one. (sorry) I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this one by J.A. Berger since I was disappointed (that's putting it mildly) with her last story in #6. I'm glad now I did. She shows us very well the deep, caring friendship Han and Luke have; the love and loyalty they have for each other.

I didn't enjoy "A Bad Case of Corellian". I don't see how any one else could unless they get a kick out of seeing Leia treated like dirt. As for her being a hard character to bring life to — I don't know, but common sense tells me there are other things you can do with this character besides turn her into the scapegoat of the story. I agree with Ronni Sacksteder and her comments so I won't go into it too much. Let me just say that it's not only an injustice to portray Leia as such an airhead, but here's another fan who could never imagine Han hitting a woman. ((ED: Editorial interruption here: for those of you who came in late, let us clarify. Han did not hit Leia, he spanked her. In our book that is a difference, and on that grounds we let it stand. As for actually hitting a woman, it would depend if she deserved it or not.)) This is the kind of thing that happens in a John Wayne an Maureen O'Hara movie. Han is a bit of a male chauvinist, but there's no need to dump on Leia to show the macho side of his personality.

The few Kenny Boyd stories and poems I've seen up to now have been good but depressing as hell. Can't some character in someone's next story call the VA hospital and get this guy some help? I don't mean that as a joke either. The reason these stories bother me so much is because this subject is real — there are real men out there suffering like this. I met a few, and it's a really sad thing. This character still has love in his heart and a gentle soul or he would not be so troubled. His inability to love himself after all the death and destruction he's seen and participated in is why he won't allow himself to succeed at anything. He doesn't believe he deserves to. How long could a man feel this way without breaking down completely? Not very long in real life. Kelly's story "Rainbows" was nice because it showed me a sort of positive and almost peaceful side to this sad, tormented character.

I thought "Lesser Artifacts" by P. Barilla was very well written but I can't see an educated man like Indy using the 'fuck', even if he's drunk. I see from your rules that you can use the word 'fuck' as long as it's not describing the act itself (ED: (Not our rules — Lucas'!)) Very interesting.

I liked all the illos, in particular the back inside cover and pg. 88 by Dot Sasscer. And the one on pg. 145 — who was that done by? ((Apologies again. J.R.)) The illos by Larry Blake for "Partner" were really good. Last but not least thanks for the info on the mistreatment of animals during the making of some films. From what I heard about HEAVEN'S GATE it deserved to bomb. Just desserts, I say. Does all this so-called 'realism' make for a better movie? I don't think so. It's immoral and unnecessary. I always thought film was supposed to be art, illusionism. Well, I'm through ... considering that comment I made about Han being a chauvinist, maybe in more ways than one. Please don't anyone put a contract out on me or anything like that, ok?

The cover of #7/8 is beautiful! I've seen I Karen River's work elsewhere and would love to see more in FACETS. Paulie's illo on p. 137 does a good job of getting across the idea of Luke's blindness. J.R. Dunster's Indy on p. 145 is gorgeous, almost up to River's cover. And the cartoon on p. 150 is positively evil — I love it!

Thanks for adding the derivation of each piece after the title in the table of contents. I do that in all my zines containing something besides SW (for future reference and for the benefit of friends who borrow) but it's a lot neater in appearance when it's already printed.

Let's hear it for the STARLOG readers if that's what it took to get you back on the job! Comments on LoCs. It's a pity Mary Jean Holmes feels it would be too disturbing to-have a fanfic plotline destroyed by the next film. She's cutting herself off from a very interesting field. And the alternate story lines are sometimes as fascinating and fun as the original versions. If my own universe gets blown to shreds by ROTJ I'll be a bit upset probably, even though I fully expect that to happen, but at that point I'll simply consider mine an alternate universe and stay with it, possibly starting a new line to go with the official one. We'll see.

Speaking as Eva Oslo: to Karin Zygowicz, sorry about that — the story was intended as an explanation of Han's problems with Jabba and a lead-in to our hero's first appearance in SW, hence the way it ended. Glad you wanted more, though. And thanks to Martynn for your kind words concerning the story and it's characterizations. As for the girl friend, I was using the film rather than the book as my source — in the film Han comes over and sits down at the table where Ben and Luke are already seated.

Thanks, also, very much, to Pam Kowalski for the lovely illo ~ I was very pleased and flattered to have my first choice for artist to do that one. On to the stories. Martie Benedict's "The Ganna II Affair" is somehow reminiscent of Brian Daley in the incidents and arrangement of them (that "pomo for snakes" has got to be the strangest cargo Han's ever carried!) It's unlike Daley, however, in that it's well written and well paced. Hmm, come to think of it, the pacing is just about right for an hour TV show. By the way, does nerf oil smell worse than the inside of a tuantaun?

"Lesser Artifacts" by Peggy Barilla is a totally believable sequel to the implied ending of RAIDERS. Marion in the film says so little about her life with Abner, but Barilla has done a fine job of picking up on that tiny bit and extrapolating from it. The dream sequence is very well done. Altogether a worthy character study of both Indy and Marion. (And it was a white negligee, not pink.)

Thanks for reprinting Kelly's "Rainbows". I skipped it in PEGASUS 4 because I hadn't seen the film, but I try to read everything in FACETS AND I'm glad I did in this case. It's a fine study of a human situation, not one restricted to Vietnam vets. Grade Elwood's "Han and the Irate Husband" - is delightful.

"I Do?" by Lindsey Nuttal is certainly original in concept.

Martie Benedict's "My Diary, 1926 A.D." is

very true to the romantic 15-year-old. I found the handwriting somewhat distracting, but have to admit it helps the "diary" idea. Good character studies.

Let me start with the gorgeous cover. Karen's portrait succeeds on its own terms as art, not merely another earnestly cloned photograph. The pen work has a crispness and authority that creates modeling, not just rote approximation of a photo's values. FACETS as a cover is emerging with a "signature" look. Not merely for its standardized logo does a family resemblance show between issues: a kind of viewpoint is subtly maintained through the changing feature of different artists.

One little comment on the LoCs in passing: Some of them are getting a distinctly nasty tone. A number of people for several issues now have taken Jean Ann Berger to task. Some of the readers gave specific and pertinent reference to just what bothered them in her stories. Others left it along the lines of "her characterization stinks..." That's neither constructive criticism nor valid right of comment. They may well feel so, but it still boils down to a personal opinion. If opinions are just going to get strident, I kind of wonder if the whole reason for such a forum gets lost. Jean Ann's stories, whatever merit or lack of aside, are being criticized mainly for following right in the pulp tradition such as Lucas himself does. Also, 30's movies: if the likes of Maureen O'Hara could be spanked by John Wayne, Katherine Hepburn by Gary Grant for sufficient reasons in story context, and STILL be vital, strong, and intelligent women, I don't read a loss of stature for Leia. In fact in "Festival in Paradise" she turned the tables on Han when he was playing for sympathy. This time out, she's big enough to admit she s made a mistake — something the movie Leia hasn't managed yet. The movie Leia, too, is as headstrong a she's tough. Incidentally, why should Leia know all about her galaxy? Even with hyperdrive, it's a big place. In "Festival" she's dealing with a closed world. In "Bad Case", she has to contend with a region unknown to humans that even the slavers are unfamiliar with HER. I enjoyed "Bad Case" and enjoyed illoing it. both for its comic light touch and for the glimpse of the tenderer side of Leia. She doesn't have to be sloppy emotional (wouldn't be in character from the movie if she were), but a softening behind the mask makes a three dimensional person out of the two dimensional SPUNKY LEADER. For myself. I saw that warmth of "Bad Case" had also a playfulness often missing from SW fiction. If readers are unhappy with the less than feminist stance from those 50's movies, blame George, not Jean— he set up the model. Anyway, onward.

Connie's pencil portrait on page 12 is yet another drawing of quite a few this issue which transcend the photographs that inspire them. Is this lady a pro? The sensitivity to line, focal points, spotted textures all point to it. The same can be said of Stephanie Hawks' Han on page 85 and the especially fine portrait on pg. 145 by an anonymous hand. I say anonymous because I can't quite make out the signature and try as I would I couldn't find a credit on the inside front cover. ((ED: Blush. The portrait is by J.R. Dunster an exceedingly fine artist whom we won't forget to mention this issue. Sorry.))

Sounds like I'm trading strokes with Martynn after her extremely generous praise in her LoC, but I've been a fan of the lady since I got into fandom. The Ken who accompanies Kelly's reprint of her short but so poignant "Rainbows" is really nice. Please note: a background for those who've been asking; and dramatically employed, I might add, to emphasize the silhouette of the action of the figure and his isolation. If we could only have one Martynn this time around, at least we got her usual winner.

Cathy Strand's cameo is a dramatic study in light and shadow. Just goes to show that in the hands of someone who can spot blacks properly, who needs line?

Carol McPherson's piece "composes" strikingly with its borders. The likenesses seem to stray a bit, but so do mine. (Sigh) Daphne Hamilton's pieces have a lovely "spare" composition: The first one formally balanced, possessing a stillness, and oddly glistening in its penwork — like the cold setting. But, of the two, I like best the one that accompanies "In the Silence at Midnight", both for the way it depicts so much with so little and because the crystalline quality so beautifully captures the poem's mood and compliments it. I like the "silence" and delicacy of the poem very much and poem and illo are inextricably bound together in my mind.

Dot Sasscer's illo seems to have likenesses ever so slightly caricatured, but I don't find it objectionable. Rather her art is very Individual and strong. Her inside back cover, like several I have already mentioned, "interprets" a photo to go beyond it to a viewpoint. Larry Blake's illos are also rather caricatured. Sometimes, they are cartoonish enough to seem not to match the mood of the story, but this time they are very dramatic and definitely compliment the action of the text.

Martie Benedict's illos have a lilt to match her lyrics. Particular favorites are the bookend illos facing on pages 142 and 143: insouciant Han indifferently studying his nails and dejected portside lady. The cartoons are amusing, but I miss Paulie's Ken and Tommy toons. Gordon Carleton displays his usual wickedly outrageous humor joined to professional facility.

Lindsey Nuttal's poetry is frolicsome; her story, "I Do?"...hmm...well the whole idea of the avuncular colloquial restored Emperor...and his boy...got to think about that one hard. At least the light, funny tones assures me to take it in the same vein as Susan Matthews' "Don't believe it For a Minute" — cute shaggy dog story.

More fun with "Invisible Fan". LOVED illoing that one. Eva writes the most atypical fan fiction I’ve ever read. They’re always a bit skewed to the left of field. This one particularly has the kind of weirdly antic humor and fantasy. I love in Thorne Smith (TOPPER). Best of all, itTs a complete story as opposed to some of her other pieces like "Intergalactic Colloquy" and "Welcome Aboard" which are joke vignettes. "Man With the Child in His Eyes" takes a much-used theme, but approaches it from a fresh slant with a particularly thoughtful and novel look at who Han Solo is. This one’s rather a favorite.

Marcia Wickes poetry as a group cover Kenny (with the exception of "Gestault") in much the same way: familiar themes, often used but handled with finesse and compassion, she skirts pathos narrowly, and melodrama also in the case of "Conversation with Kenny" — but she pulls it off. And there's a special poignance on the fine edge short of the ludicrous. A talented family, the Wickes. Dianne’s art, with Larry Blake's are the least photographic in the zine. One approaches them on their own terms. The rough, woodcut quality seems less successful to interpret Han or Indy in the classroom. But Indy in the field, or Ken are a marvelous match of style and character. Would like to see her interpret that other rough diamond.

Chris' article obviously represents heavy research and careful thought. I appreciate the logical and clearly defined framework of the or- fanization. If I got a little lost in all the references, many of which (to ray regret), I haven't read, I do, at least, have a complete bibliography at the end to refer to.

"Lesser Artifacts" was, to me, well-written, with the scenario of the aftermath of RAIDERS perhaps sound psychology based on the realistic view of the personalities (which IS debatable). But the very naturalistically motivated plot is at odds with the flavor of the movie model. The insistent grimness has nothing to do with the equally (and stylized) upbeat presentation of the characters in the movie. I can't say they are out of character, but they are out of TONE. A worthy exercise in writing, but why even use the RAIDERS characters if one is going to depart so radically from the original? Why not take one's own characters through their paces?

"Eyes of a Jedi": the setting makes a strong impression in this story, so different in mood from Jean Ann's other FACETS offerings. A manhunt in an inhospitable terrain 1s an old device and with good reason — it's always riveting. There 1s a formal balance to the movements of Fett in casual pursuit and the interplay between Han and Luke: a very ritual feel, almost a rite of passage (as, in a way, it is). The last confrontation has the feel, almost a "cosmic" arena. Strong writing but not at odds with the mood developed in EMPIRE. Paulie's art for it: the illos on pages 124, 129, and 137, especially the very dramatic stance on 124, and the fine anatomy on 129 are among her best. Curiously, the others seem rather rushed, the likenesses not up to her usual. But for the two on 124 and 129 I'd have to flip a coin for a favorite. Fortunately, I can see them both and not have to choose.

"Ganna II" was just plain FUN. Such a completely adventurous pulp style that it was a delicious to play with. On the other hand "Diary" is a study of a relationship in a microcosm/ One is chuckling along at the adolescent extravagance until the disquiet of seriousness makes itself felt as an undercurrent. What humor there Is at the end is sardonic. Yet the treatment isn't really out of step with the movie, which also undercuts it's extravagances with humor.

"Money" is clever and very apt. So much I wonder it hasn't been used before (or has it?) "Hey Lady is competent and effective. It's just that the theme has been done so many times that I don't appreciate more. A pity because it deserves it.

"Death Defier" came as a surprise. I didn't know the accompanying illo that I did was going there. Still, I'm glad it seems to go with the action, though parenthetically. The poem is more of a summation of RAIDERS from the viewpoint of effect on the viewer. An interesting proposition, but not one that lends Itself readily to effective poetry. Not a bad effort all told, though.

FACETS itself still displays the uncluttered layout and clean printing I appreciate. Aside from the cover treatment I've already commented on, this illo was beautifully served by the textured grey cover stock. Can't think of another standard stock that would have done so well. The radical difference in type for "Ganna II" was disconcerting, the fatter letter, skimpier serifs and wider word and letter- spacing made it more difficult to read in reduced form. Also an occasional departure to fit a mood and offer a natural break to prevent staleness is fine, but continual changes in format from like material, such as poetry, forces a constant change of mental gears that distracts from the content of the pieces a bit. On the other hand, really careful cutting and pasting to juxtapose illos with text, nice placement of elements, with a clean, uncluttered look to every page. Efficient use of space without a cramped feel, no mean feat with such a tight reduction. Really nice work all told, under an impossible schedule. It's too easy to fault layout and typing and disregard the straights under which it's produced. Well, the professional attitude is, that's the job; problems under pressure aren't an excuse.

BUT...ain't nobody getting paid for this. Most people in fandom hold down some other employment by nerves and fortitude. That all this is undertaken BESIDES that, is heroic and ought to be so recognized. You done good under extreme pressure, ladies — take a bow.

Haven't been doing much LoCing lately, but I enjoyed FACETS 7/8 so much I had to drop a line. It's been a long time since I've been impelled to finish a zine, whatever the business and busy-ness of my schedule.

Martie Benedict's work was delightful and having more than one piece in the zine by her was wonderful. So often one finds a writer one likes only to never see them in print again, so for long stretches of time between showings. "The Ganna II Affair" was especially enjoyable because it had so little to do with the war; because it introduced characters one could be as interested in as the main SW character; and because it was exciting, in other words, had action and adventure. Bravo. As to Eva's "Invisible Fan"...loved it. The mixture of humor and pathos was perfect. I especially appreciated Han's reaction to discovering that Terrans believe they're the only ones out here. His vertigo was a touch of realism that is often missing from stories like this one. It isn't easy to keep a cross-universe type story from being totally ridiculous, or at least, 'distant' from one's perception of reality. However, Eva manages to make the tale believeable... sort of.

"I Do?" and "Happily Ever After" were also well handled, however different their basic point of views. I have to admit my personal humor leads to the latter; for all the farcical notions in the story, I could see the situation ending up that way...

To the other two SW stories: "Partners" has a lot going for it (esp. the illos. Keep Larry Blake, too). I felt that the drumming out scene was bit over done — the additional theatrics aren't necessary if you're stripping a guy in front of his peers. A case where 'simplicity' works best. I think. "Eyes of a Jedi" was a good story, too. I would argue that the Luke we saw in TESB could not be the Luke that appears in this story since TESB Luke does not seem to be as advanced in under standing his forceful powers, but perhaps the story was written before the movie. I found the illos interesting since they pointed up a problem for illustrators that existed in ST fandom with Leonard Nimoy and even more so in SW with Harrison Ford, aka the Cameleon. It is very difficult to come up with a proper Han Solo face if you are using a Ford picture as a reference or a picture of any of the other Ford characters. For all the basic similarities, all the characters are different. Indy does not look like Han who does not look like Kenny or Falfa, etc. A couple of the pictures in this story got me thinking this and I would like to hear other artist's comments. As a reader, I would rather see illos that are less representational of Han than illos that portray Han looking like Harrison or Indy.

Your Indiana Jones selection was amazing. "Lesser Artifacts" outlines a future I can easily see for Indy and Marion. Ah, "MyDiary", Ah... okay, I accept it that some fifteen-year-olds are that knowledgeable. I have to, Marti has done a fine job with "Diary". I guess I was just a very backward fifteen-year-old...sigh. Really, a fine story and it would have to be to over come prejudices in this area. Dumb, I was quite dumb in those days...

About Chris Callahan's essay...love seeing this kind of work in fandom. If her presentation of the data in my stories is any measure, she did well by everyone. One of the reasons I am in fandom is to learn other folk's impressions. More, please, more.

Oh, this might insert earlier in the art discussion (oops); the Inside back cover picture and the picture on page 145 are good examples of differences in one man's face between characters. Almost the same pose and yet one is definitely Indy and the other is definitely Han.

I am one of those 300+ people who responded to the FACETS ad in STARLOG. I, like many, of the others, had never even heard the word "fanzine" before, much less knew what one was! I was also new to STARLOG, having purchased my first issue only because there was an HF interview in it. Reading STARLOG for the first time proved to be a bit mystifying — and still is at times after 7 issues and a few back issues! The editor and writers assume that all of the fan jargon, SF terminology and abbreviations used are already known to the readers. Well, yes — perhaps to most of them, but how about the new SF fans?

I'm happy to say that I received #7/8 within a week of ordering it. ((ED: You're one of the lucky ones)) Love that fast service — wish I could say the same for most of the other fanzines. I was thrilled with the contents because: There were no "trash Leia" stories in it. Nowhere did she get her comeuppance resulting from behavior that more resembled that of a child than that of a dedicated Rebel leader and experienced diplomat. Nor was she manhandled by a brutish Han Solo. The Han-Leia conversations are more along the lines of SW & TESB — an affable repartee rather than a verbal interchange full of rancor and spite.

OHMYGOD! There aren't any stories where Han uses the word "ain't" every time he opens his mouth. And I don't recall him using even one double negative! Han's grammar is every bit as good as Luke's in TESB. I'll never understand why so many fan writers insist on making Han's speech border on the illiterate! Han doesn't use poor grammar as a rule; he only uses it full effect. I wasn't thrilled with a few of the selections because Han is always shouting or yelling at people. Again, many fan writers seem to thing that Han is a real loudmouth who must always shout to get his point across. I can't figure out where in the world this idea came from — surely not from the movies or the books. Han is the argumentative type, but he never attempts to win an argument by out-shouting his opponent!

LoCs — I love them, but they drive me nuts. There's always some reference to a story, author or fanzine (DAMN those out-of-print zines that I can't get my hands on!) that I don't know about : and/or can't get. So imagine how crazy it made me to read "The Many Faces of Han Solo". I know, it's my tough luck for not discovering SW, TESB, HF, and fanzines sooner! If anybody has those zines listed in the bibliography and wants to sell 'em, I'm a buyer! ((ED: Why not drop Lori Carleton a SASE for her list of out-of-print zines she can xerox for you?))

Now, I'm really not wild about poetry, generally speaking. The only one that really grabbed my attention in #6 was Susan Matthews "Westron Wynde". I thought it was beautiful. However, this issues doesn't have even one poem that I don't like! They're all terrific. My favorite is "Coda" by Martie Benedict followed very closely by "In the Silence at Midnight" by Marcia Brin. "The Man With the Child in His Eyes" by Karen Miller, "Hey Lady" by Jan Gaut. and "History" by Kathy Percy. This is the first fanzine I've read where I actually liked all of the poetry — I'm amazed. Keep after those gals for MORE!

"The Ganna II Affair" ~ great! So often in fanfiction, "new" characters that authors write into a story are either pointless or just plain boring. Han with Ben and Trella and I certainly like Martie's Han! I was also pleasantly surprised to find that Solo didn't "get the girl". How unusual and NICE for a change. Martie has also done a better-than -average job of including Chewie in the action (and he even gets some line in the dialogue!), which really warms the cockles of my heart. After all, Chewie is the most important, um, sentient being In Han's life and as such should be an important figure in most Han Solo stories.

"Rainbows" — I'm getting to like Ken Boyd more and more, but he'll never be my favorite HF character. I've read the book but have not seen the movie. Perhaps seeing HF as Kenny would make a difference, who knows? I do like your style, though, Kelly.

"The Invisible Fan" — Wonderful! I thorough enjoyed it. Poor Harrison!

"I Do?". This was fun — not believable but fun nevertheless. Han, a prince? Nah! I did so like that "Scum and Villainy" sign, as well as the Emperor's sense of humor. "Partners" — I liked this, though on my first reading I was a bit confused as to exact ally what Han had done to warrant a court-martial. I read it again and I think it definitely needs a much more detailed explanation. Also, I prefer to think of Han and Chewie getting together either before or during the events leading up to Han's court-martial, as alluded to in Daley's HS AT STAR'S END.

"Eyes of a Jedi" — this is my favorite story from #7/8. The story was excellent, as were the characterizations, (one question, though, Han becomes disoriented in the sandstorm and has no idea what direction he's headed, so Luke directs them. I thought Corellians couldn't get lost, so what happened to Solo's famous sense of direction?) I really liked this Han Solo, probably because Leia wasn't in the story. I don't usually like J.A. Berger's Han because of the way he tends to act around Princess Leia. Once the Princess enters the picture, Han becomes totally unrecognizable to me — a raging, loudmouthed, maniacal brute with a definite malicious streak! I much prefer the "Eyes" Han. Jean Ann! Again, a terrific story!

"Lesser Artifacts" — disappointing. RAIDERS was lighthearted escapism and I would like to see RAIDERS fiction continue in that vein. I don't want to read about a troubled Indy and Marion and their failing marriage. That brings these characters down to the ordinary when they should be extraordinary, as they were in the movie. If Marion can't remain an interesting person and an exciting part of Indy's life, I'd rather not see her in the story at all.

"Happily Ever Ever" - — I didn't like this at all. It made Han appear uncouth and worse, idiotic! Han was a laughing stock and Leia living with Han for ten years without the "benefit" of marriage? Never. Leia requires commitment in a relationship and I think that Han would readily give it to her, once he was sure he couldn't be happy living with out her.

"My Diary, 1926 A.D." ~ now this I liked. Sounded like a 15-year-old Marion (especially that last line!). Sounded like a young Indy. Good! Liked the "whip scene". (Very erotic!)

Art: — anytime Martynn only has one illo in the zine, it's a big disappointment. She's the BEST! Here's what else I liked; Karen River's cover, all of Wanda Lybarger's illos, pg. 85 — Stephanie Hawks, pg. 141, 142, 143 — Martie Benedict & pg. 145 J.R. Dunster. I didn't like the illustrations for "Lesser Artifacts" and "I Do?" Sorry. Personal taste, I guess.

Well, so ends my first LoC to FACETS. Do you really like to hear all those personal opinions?

You gals put out a first-class fanzine not to mention the great service you supply for all of us HP fans. If we can't watch him all the time, at least we can read stories and poems about the characters he creates

I want to thank you for the copy of your guidelines for contributors. I think they're terrific ~ very much needed and very sane. I was particularly drawn to the "Thou shalt agree to be edited." Bravo! It's about time some one said it right out In print. Me — I'm naïve enough to assume that anyone who sub mitted a story to an editor knew that editing was part of the process she (or he) might face, but a little experience in fandom has taught me otherwise. Where people got the idea that their sacred words were etched in granite I don't really know, but I think it's about time that someone disabused them of the notion. (Of course, to be fair about it, there are a great many of so-called "editors" running around who haven't the most basic grasp of what editing is all about either. As someone who has spent the past 18 years of her professional life as a writer and editor for a corporation, I get to see both sides and it's not happiness either way sometimes.)

Your "Thou shalt not create a Mary Sue" really was wonderful! Hurrah! But your "explanation" seemed to be a case of the six blind men and the elephant. Thinking about it, I decided that maybe it's easier to say what a Mary Sue is not. It's not (Alas!) a story with a well-developed, reasonable and entirely human female character involved in a valid emotional situation with the hero wherein the relationship has a ring of truth to it. I love romantic stories as much as the next person — perhaps more, since I've written several ST stories that can only be described as "romantic". But my personal beef with MS stories (as well as with a dismaying number of other fan stories where there is a major female character) is with the depiction of the female in question. All too many fan writers to themselves a disservice as both women and writers and, by extension, do a similar disservice to all women in writing the female as nitwitted or hard case (i.e. "imitation men") or impossibly bitchy (a common failing of entirely too many fan depictions of Leia) or so impossibly virtuous/capable/beautiful/intelligent/etc. that said female characters slip over the edge and land in the realm of complete unreality. I wish they would learn to use real women as examples and begin to write stories with real women in them. God knows it would make for stories that were a hell of a lot more interesting to read! I feel like asking them if they've ever seen, heard or read of. or known a woman they admired — but I'm afraid I'd only be opening up a particularly ugly can of worms. Ah, well. What makes me particularly sad about it is that, given such strong, well defined men as Han Solo, Indiana Jones, etc., there is an even greater need for strong female characters. (No, Gladys, I do not mean females sporting a blaster, bull whip and a three day growth of beard!)

Just as any good story depends on the chemistry and contretemps between a strong protagonist and an equally strong antagonist or else it blathers off into hero-versus-paper-tiger, so do stories with strong men call for strong women to create real sparks. And, while it is true that there have always been women who could and did pick up a gun or whip as necessary while they managed to stay recognizably female, it is even truer that many women have strengths which are not defined by musculature. And those are the ones never seen in Mary Sue stories — and all too seldom seen at all in fan stories of any kind.