Future Wings

Zine
Title:	Future Wings
Publisher:
Editor(s):	Jeanette M. Eilke
Date(s):	1978-1979
Series?:
Medium:	print
Size:
Genre:
Fandom:	Star Wars and Star Trek: TOS
Language:	English
External Links:
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Future Wings is a gen Star Trek: TOS and Star Wars 122-page fanzine. The zine may have been the first (and only) Star Trek zine to be compiled by women in The Royal Canadian Air Force.

The second issue is called Future Wings Flypast. There was to be a third issue called "Future Wings Front Row Center" but that one never made it off the ground.

The editor notes: "This fanzine contains some sexually explicate (sic) material, concepts and language which may be offensive to some. PLEASE READ AT YOUR OWN RISK... Hans Dietrich, Shivana Lin, Pickles and The Scope Wizard are pen names. The author regrests she cannot disclose individual addresses, but will happily forward mail if requested."

front cover of Future Wings

back cover of Future Wings

flyer from Warped Space #37

Issue 1

Future Wings was published in 1978 and contains 122 pages. It has art by Hans Dietrich and Carrie Rowles.

From a 1979 ad:

FUTURE WINGS is a charming new ST fanzine featuring the original characters of the Future Wings realm! 122 pages printed offset, and beautifully illustrated by Hans Dietrich and Carrie Rowles, Future Wings offers excellent writing and spirited new personalities to those seeking a light hearted approach to the world of Star Trek. Because it is written by adults, Future Wings does contain some adult material some may find offensive. But don't fear; the same material is also quite funny. Humour and character portrayal are our pleasures!

From the editorial:

This fanzine that you're about to read, Future Wings, is a first of sorts; this editor's first 'zine attempt, the first ST fanzine to come out of Chatham, New Brunswick, surely the first ST fanzine ever compiled solely by nembers of the RCAF. Because of this latter, readers may, just MAY detect a hint of the ol' wild blue yonder tinging our tales. Please, purists, forgive us. We know it's Star Fleet, not Star Squadron, but-we are (dare I say it) partial. Inexcusably, proudly partial. Also, we are insanely jealous of those liberating twins known as literary and artistic liscense; boy; do we bag our limit on these! Captain Kirk is one example. Within the realm of the Future Wings world, dear James neither looks nor acts like his usual self-ho ho! One reason for a lot of hate mail I'm sure, but that is our privilege. In other words, tough bananas. Enough said. Some notes on our stories. All of the new characters you will meet within these pages are based on real people, even when clothed in fur, feathers, or a strange uniform. Thanks for the appearance of our two canoids, Michel and Rinus, go to two terrier breeds-the doggy folks will know which they are-and many, many thanks are extended towards visionary artist, Nick Hyde, for the painting from which the visual rendition and name of one of the principal characters of 'Biitter Avatar' was taken. Mr. Hyde's works are beautiful, imaginative, and, best of all, inspirational. Another character, Rupert, owes his handsome good looks to Mr. Hyde too, in part, anyway. But don't ask him. Rupert would never admit it.

Our story 'Fuzzy Adams' was written as a sequel to 'Jihad', one of the animated ST episodes. For those of you wondering at the discrepancy between this story's Prince Tchar and the version that appeared on the screen, here the reason: the screen version looked god-awlful (no pun intended), as the Scope Wizard out it, "sort of like Wille E. Coyete, but scrawnier!" Our illustrations do the fellow far more justice (than he deserves), and much the same goes for Lieutenant Arex. Artistic liscense, folks. Yes, yes, we have Star Wars goodies in this issue. That answer your next question?

In conclusion, a mild request. Please remember that this is basically a humourous fanzine whose 'keen insights' are to be taken with a grain of salt. We mean to entertain, not offend, but since what is offensive is purely up to an individual's interpretation, we will take no blame nor make apologies. Besides, friends, and believe me, no one would take the time and effort we did to satirize something we really didn't like.

• Meet the Crew by Hans Dietrich (6) (pseud)
• Lasse Virin Narrates (19)
• Dear Darth! by Carrie Rowles (20)
• Lesse Viri's First Grueling Moments Aboard the USS Enterprise by Shivana Lin (21)
• Dear Darth! by Carie Rowles (24)
• Fuzzy Adams, Space Priest, or, An Exercise in Futility by Hans Dietrich (26)
• Lecherous Limericks by The Scope Wizard (61) (pseud)
• Ensign Sassafras by Carrie Rowles (64)
• Strategy & Tactics by Shivana Lin (65) (pseud)
• Dear Darth! by Carie Rowles (67)
• Bitter Avatar by Hans Dietrich (73)
• Rupert's Xmas by Hans Dietrich (101)
• Dear Darth! by Carie Rowles (110)
• And a Child Shall Lead Them by Pickles (111) (pseud)
• Images by Hans Dietrich and Carrie Rowles (113)
• Future Wings by Hans Dietrich (122)

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  inside page from issue #1

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  inside page from issue #1

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  inside page from issue #1

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  inside page from issue #1

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  inside page from issue #1

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

The most talked-about fanzine at T'Con (the successor to SeKWesterCon, and run by Paula Smith with Lori and Gordon Carleton), was a fanzine called Future Wings, published by Jeanette M. Eilke of the Curtis Park Canadian Air Force Base in Chatam, New Brunswick. The fanzine ran 122 pages, offset. The primary illustrator was Hans Dietrich, who published many drawings in many other fanzines in the short period of time the artist was active in fandom. Future Wings was billed as "the first ST fanzine ever compiled solely by members of the RCAF [Royal Canadian Air Force]." "This is a humorous fanzine," explained the editor. Although all the stories were Star Trek, many Darth Vader cartoons cropped up throughout the fanzine. There was a sequel, Future Wings Flypast, which continued the same themes.

'Future Wings' is a first effort, and comparable in my mind to receiving Stardate: Unknown #1 in the mail with no advance warning. If you like humor, if you like gorgeous artwork, if you're willing to read stories whose slant is definitely (and noticeably) skewed from the characterizations we're familiar with from the aired episodes of Star Trek, then this is the zine for you! 'Future Wings' is self-billed as 'the first ST fanzine ever compiled solely by members of the RCAF' and boasts a cast of characters that puts Landing Party 6 to shame. All the prose, poetry, and all the artwork, save that done by Carrie Rowles, is credited under pseudonyms, which is the only unsettling note I found in the 'zine. The 'zine carries the disclaimer that some sexually explicit materials, concepts and language are within the 'zine. Kirk fans should be aware that he is described as 'hero and part time nit,' Uhura is 'away on course,' Chekov is 'at staff school,' and Sulu is married and operating a thriving curio shop in the Epsilon Indi sphere. Arex and M'Ress, and Loom Aleek-Om are present. Fascinating... There's an assortment of lecherous limericks, some short humorous character studies, and a serious story called 'Bitter Avatar' which addresses the issue of politics and species' rights. 'Images' contains a selection of one-page prose or poetry shorts with accompanying full-page illos. Very powerful stuff is enclosed therein. In retrospect, roughly half the 'zine is humorous, the other half is serious. Print is unreduced and the 'zine is saddle-stapled. Definitely recommended!

FUTURE WINGS is self-billed as the first STAR TREK zine to be solely created by members of the Canadian Air Force. Be that as it may,this is not its major claim to glory. FUTURE WINGS is one of the most beautifully produced fanzines to debut in a long time -- and is an unbelievable accomplishment for a first-time zine.

As appearances go,the physical make-up of this zine would be a matter of pride for even an old, established zine. Copy is crisp, clear, black. Paper quality is high. Layout is smooth, balanced, well-handled -- in some cases, innovative even. Art work, by Hans Dietrich and Carrie Rowles, is, on the whole, outstanding -- original, witty, whimsical, and well-executed with a wealth of detailing. Some of the cartoons fall a little short, giving an impression of being rough or unfinished sketches. But this is only by comparison with the larger body of work. In another, less visually and artistically oriented zine even these cartoons would shine.

Both Dietrich and Rowles show particular talent in illustrating their own creations, or such peripheral TREK characters as Aleek Van Loom. Their' portrayals of the regular ST crew, particularly the Big 3 of the Big E, verge on caricature -- which is eminently suited for FUTURE WINGS.

WARNING: If you insist that STAR TREK be treated at all times with reverence, if you are unable to laugh with and at the characters and the sometimes absurd situations that arise aboard our favorite starship:, if you resent a light-hearted romp that characterizes Kirk (whom I like for pity's sake!) as a "hero and part time nit" and blithely places Uhura "away on course" and Sulu in a "thriving curio shop somewhere in the, Epsilon Indi sphere", do not buy FUTURE WINGS. Most importantly, if you do not truly believe in IDIC, if you are unable to truly rejoice in our differences, do not buy FUTURE WINGS. Those who pay but lip-service to the tenets of infinite diversity will be shocked by stories and art which celebrate deep and truly meaningful relationships between such divergent species as human and Aurelian, or human and Caitian, etc. If you can rejoice in the differences between species, realizing such but serve to heighten the similarity of intelligent life, regardless of what type of housing it is found in, you'll truly appreciate FUTURE WINGS.

"Meet the Crew" introduces many of the original characters created by Dietrich, Rowles, and their cohorts. Lasse Virin is one of the most interesting recruits to be placed on a starship in a long time -- and no Mary Sue this! In her -- adventures -- she is ably assisted and abetted by Michel Dn Dom, Rinus Dassta, Isis the Napthian, Loom Aleek-om, Lin Donovan, and others. This is as weird a band of Caninoids, avians, and assorted aliens and non-Terrans as,you could ever hope to meet. Lasse and her friends are less than ably opposed and deterred by Micheal 'Astro' Serling and Brandy Hovan, as well as, from time to time, the regular STAR TREK characters. (Look, I did warn you that FW presented a view of the STAR TREK universe that was, shall we say, slightly skewed and off-center.) I think, besides Lasse, that my favorites are the very quietly competent Lin Donovan and the brashly vocal Aleek-om. And were the real Enterprise around, I'd want these three as ship-mates.

"Fuzzy Adams, Space Priest" almost manages to skirt the thin line between amusing parody and gross insult. This story takes on the Military, the Catholic Church, celibacy, religion in general and hard-sell evangelical proselytizers in particular, sacred and profane love, and just about any thing else held up as inviolate by man. In general, the story works because of the light touch. Only very very infrequently did it get heavy-handed and pass over the aforementioned 'thin line'.

"Bitter Avatar", the major piece in the zine, is a completely serious novelette which speaks volumes on the subjects of inter-species integrity, tolerance, the Prime Directive, culture shock, and bearing the responsibility for one's own -- and one's species' -- actions. Read. It can't fail to move you. it explores, all too realistically, the probable Truth behind the STAR TREK dream. It is that all too rare occurrence in Treklit -- or in any kind of literature -- the story that matters. Again, read.

FUTURE WINGS has many other features. There are short ST/SF stories and vignettes, cartoons,poetry, etc. Some specifics are: "Rupert's Xmas", an illustrated story in which some of the very topics discussed so movingly in "Bitter Avatar" (e.g., species integrity, etc.) are looked at in a more light-hearted manner; "Images", a magnificent art/poetry portfolio; "Dear Darth", a series of cartoons for which, had a certain Dark Lord been privy to them, the perpetrator would have been sent to the spice mines of Kessel; and an illustrated pride of (*blush*) "Lecherous Limericks" (Isaac Asimov, move over!).

Needless to add, FUTURE WINGS is an "adult" zine in the best meaning of that somewhat overused and abused phrase. A "read at your own risk" warning is included with the zine, although their is no stated age requirement. If you're adult enough to accept the somewhat daring concepts of FUTURE WINGS and it graphic scenes and illustrations, buy this zine! FW is a feast for the mind and the eyes. My only question is -- how can the editors top this? Rating? Definitely a straight A for art and stories.

Issue 2

front cover of Flypast

back cover of Flypast

a 1980 flyer printed in Warped Space #43

Future Wings Flypast was published in 1979 and contains 140 pages. It has art by Hans Dietrich, Carrie Rowles and Lloyd Penney.

• The Sword in the Can by Hans Dietrich (6)
• The Wino and the Astronaut by Pickles (29)
• Time for a Paws by Damon Hill (32)
• Decreed by Higher Authority by Hans Dietrich (33)
• Hue and Cry by the Scope Wizard (47)
• Rebellion by Kim-Maureen McKinstry (49)
• Ensign Sassafras by Carrie Rowles(59)
• The Better Part of Valor by Damon Hill (61)
• Soliloquy by Prince Tchar (61)
• Canadian Corner (63)
• Lecherous Limericks by the Scope Wizard (77)
• Red Magic by Shivana Lin (81)
• Paws of the Sith Lord by Pickles (93) (Star Wars)
• Dear Darth by Carrie Rowles (105)
• ... Not Quite a Love Story by Damon Hill (106)
• Funny Pages (110)
• Helen by the Scope Wizard (127)
• Afterburners! (140)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

This is a Canadian zine which has a policy of keeping all the regular staff but the editor wraps by use of pseudonyms. The majority of these people seem to be Canadian Air Force members, hence a great deal of flight and aviation references will be noticed by the observant reader. That gives Future Wings and Future Wings Flypast a unique slant in the zine world, something seldom accomplished easily. Or well, for that matter, and they do it well, providing you enjoy humor, sexually explicit material, and don't mind seeing Captain Kirk depicted as a clone of Captain Bingington from McHale's Navy... This issue includes 'The Sword in the Can': action and adventure played for snickers... Fun. 'The Wino and the Astronaut': CLEVER parody of Lewis Carroll's well-known poem, 'The Walrus and the Carpenter.' 'Decreed by Higher Authority': another fine segment in Han's Dietrich's series on the love affair between a human crewperson, Lasse Virin and Loom Aleek-om, an Aurelian (ornithoid people) historian. The charming characters and competently engineered plots make this one of the best 'new continuing character/s' series in fandom. 'Hue and Cry': you must read this one to believe it. 'Rebellion': most editors would not have the courage to print a 13-year old's story, unless as an invitation for the adult readers to snigger. Ms. McKinstry's technique will develop as a matter of course, and there is a certain pleasure in watching a future talent sprout and grow. 'Soliloquy': a story of Prince Tchar and Lasse, retold as a prose poem. No more needs to be said here, except thise people ACTUALLY understand how to write one! 'Red Magic': fair tale once again featuring the Future Wings crew. It would have been better in another issue, as the solution to a problem is precisely the same as another story in the zine. 'Pawns of the Sith Lord': good SWars extrapolation about the crew of the Death Star. '... Not Quite a Love Story': touching vignette about M'ress and her views on human crewmates. 'Funny Pages': these 17 pages alone are worth buying the whole zine to read. 'Helen': a serious story of Lasse, without Loom. Thought-provoking and insightful, not only into this character, but in the nature of relationships in general. Best of Zine Award.

One of the identification marks of the Mary Sue story is the characterization of the regulars from the series. If Kirk, or Spock, or the long-suffering Nurse Chapel have been bent out of shape to make the hero or heroine look good, you know you've got one on your hands. Flypast has two. Both 'The Sword in the Can' and 'Red Magic' are of the Kirk-is-a-jerk school. The man whom we saw practicing unarmed combat in "Charlie X" and reasonable diplomacy in several other episodes, in Dietrich's story goes around shoving people in a bazaar, and running scared when a native pulls a sword on him. All this just to make Lasse Virin and Lin Donovan, characters from Dietrich's universe of Enterprise grunts, look competent. Granted, Dietrich and Lin seem to be drawing heavily from military sources for their situations and characters, and any military has its share of yahoos and clowns in commend. But if the ST Kirk had been as 'petulant.' 'dimwitted,' prudish and cowardly as these two make him out to be, nobody would have paid any attention to the show. If the reader can get past the regular characters' stupidity in these two stories, they are otherwise not too bad, which is why "Decreed by Higher Authority," also by Dietrich, works much better — the regulars barely appear. It is also about Lasse Virin, and her avian lover. Loom Aleek-om, who simultaneously trounces Virin's jealous ex-boyfriend and plays god. But best of all in this universe is "Helen" by The Scope Wizard. Here, finally, Lasse Virin loses her smartass facade, and painfully discovers not only her own humanity (in a very basic way: pregnancy), but how little that humanity means to her, for her whole life is bound up in her love for her alien beloved. Told with exquisite sensitivity from McCoy's point of view, it's honey and ashes in its beauty and sadness.

Also very good is the one Star Wars story herein, "Pawns of the Sith Lord," by Pickles. Despite the clone jokes, the stormtroopers—and Imperial gunners and Death Star engineers—were human beings. What motivates ord:inary, well-meaning people to support institutionalized Evil? Aside from the rather purple final section, "Pawns" is an honest and touching three-part answer to that question.

On the completely silly side there are the Funny Pages—sixteen pages of ST, SW, and BATTLESTAR GALACTICA cartoons that are funny as a crutch (p. 123 is my favorite)— and the nasty, filthy "Lecherous Limericks" (There once was a Vulcan named Spock ... ), as well as 'Rebellion' by a 13-year old, totally inane and good for a lot of cruel chuckles at the author's expense. CONTENTS-2 GRAPHICS-4 $ WORTH-3

[I was given] a copy of Future Wings Flypast as a house present... well-knowing my intense appreciation of this series, I'd like to take the space to relate the entire contents in detail, but that is perhaps a bit impractical. Being practical leaves me with the problem of choosing a few tidbits —- it's not too often you have so many enjoyable offerings in a zine, which in itself should show how highly I recommend it.. Okay — the hysterical Funny Pages featuring Carrie Rowles and Hans Dietrich (Starship Battlescar - heeheeheeheeheehee - choke), the Scope Wizard's short "Hue and Cry'," which will never ever let me read a space romance in peace again, Lecherous Limericks by the sane rascal (heh-heh)...but lest you get the idea I am only interested in the humorous inclusions, there is also a moving prosepoem retelling a story from the previous Future Wings (Prince Tchar of the Skoor and his brief heart's-meeting with Lasse Virin) in a serious vein, a thoughtful SWars story of the fate of the Death Star, and a serious episode from Lasse's life. On the other hand, there is a terrific story by a beginning writer — 13 years old and just dripping with potential, so the story is more fun than funny. Then there's —- oh, heck, I'm naming off everything, like I said I wasn't going to. Just take my word for it, Future Wings Flypast is worth every penny of the price, which I do not know because I lost the flyer I used to have on it.