Vulcan Reflections

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Zine
Title: Vulcan Reflections
Publisher: T-K Graphics
Editor(s): Devra Langsam, Sherna Comerford (for Spockanalia), Ted Pauls (for Vulcan Reflections)
Date(s): 1975 (T-K Graphics), 1976
Frequency:
Medium: print
Size:
Fandom: Star Trek: TOS
Language: English
External Links: Star Trek LCARS Book Database
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Vulcan Reflections is a Star Trek anthology of non-fiction essays reprinted from Spockanalia.

Issue 1

Vulcanreflections.jpg

Vulcan Reflections (subtitle: "Essays on Spock & His World") was published in 1975 and contains 35 pages. "Vulcan Reflections" was compiled by Devra Langsam and was reprinted by Ted Pauls.

The first issue contains four essays reprinted from Spockanalia.

The original essay, "Thoughts on Vulcan Culture," was written before the episode Amok Time aired, and some of its speculations were jossed. "Vulcan Reflections" contains an addendum to the original essay.

Excerpts from the addendum to "Thoughts on Vulcan Culture":

A number of profound revelations about the culture of Vulcan were made last September 15. Although certain observers were not happy about what was learned, few came to the obvious conclusion that Vulcan simply as not attained the easy, smoothly running, mechanically logical culture and it holds as an ideal. The people have deeply-felt biological needs, and, as with all cultures, this one must find a way to fulfill or sublimate these needs. Until they can be genetically eliminated (if ever), they must be controlled, and this is the part of culture.

It seems clear that there are many complexities as yet undiscovered in the Vulcan culture. The culture which produced Mr. Spock must be good deal more varied and problem-filled than the rather dull stereotype we were led to infer from early information. We hope that future information will bear out our belief that the culture is as alien and interesting as it now seems to be.

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

This collection of articles from one of the most famous of the original Star Trek fanzines (Spockanalia) contains four articles which are as valuable today as when they first appeared.

The first article, "Thoughts on Vulcan Culture", treats the Vulcan family "unit. Specific ally considered are Vulcan names (their emo tional or logical basis), the effect of alcohol and other stimulants on Vulcans, and the pon-farr and Vulcan marriages.

The second article is entitled "Vulcan' Psychology" — a brief psychoanalysis of a Human-Vulcan hybred [sic], that is Spock. This im portant article explains Spock's fight between his Vulcan and his human origins.

Article three talks about Sarek and Amanda, and the possible consequences that their marriages are arranged for genetic perfection and this perfection can result from interracial hybreeding, there may have been some other race in T'Pring's personal heritage.

The final article is about the physical make up of Vulcans. They must not have malanin [sic] (that dark pigment found in skin, retina, and hair) since melanin would leave revealed the green color of Vulcan blood. And, we know Spock did not appear green. The reason Vulcans have such a low tolerance to cold is be cause of their poor circulation. (This article has to be read to appreciate these statements out of their context.) The articles in VULCAN REFLECTIONS are authentic studies, highly recommended, and basic readings for all Trekkers interested in any thing, or anyone Vulcan. [1]

If you happen to be a buff on the most popular character in Star Trek - Spock - then this is the book for you! It is a very "fascinating” collection of original essays and artwork on Spock and the planet Vulcan from Devra Langsam's fanzine SPOCKANALIA.

The essays in this book concern topics such as Thoughts on Vulcan Culture (by Devra Langsam) which serves as an introduction to the entire book; posing questions, answers, and the like using brief pieces of information from certain Star Trek episodes. Included in this essay is that age-old matter of pon farr, interesting, but somehow - I think - stretched too far in Star Trek fandom.

Vulcan Psychology (by Juanita Coulson) is an essay discussion on just what the title suggests, except this is on a human/Vulcan hybrid situation. Thus, involving Spock as the subject. ’Also, this essay is written In a format very much like Doctor McCoy would write it if he was going to put it in a Star Fleet Medical Record.

I feel the third essay, A Speculation on Spock’s Family (by Sandra Miesel), could have been written in further length then the author had it (only two pages). Besides, all she talked about was the ages.

The best essay in this whole book was saved for the last. Physiologica Vulcanensis (by Sherna Comerford, Juanita Coulson, and Kay Anderson) is a topic on what I wanted to know about for a long time - the similarities and differences between Vulcan and Human. This also contains comprehensive (i.e. understandable) explanations on why Spock's body and mind is built the way it is.

Easy to read and understand, I highly recommend this book to any Star Trek fan (even if your favorite ST character isn’t Spock). [2]

Issue 2

cover of issue #2, Joni Wagner

More Vulcan Reflections: Essays on Spock & His World was published in 1976 and contains 26 pages.

It was compiled by Devra Langsam and Sherna Comerford.

All of the articles (and some of the art) were previously printed in issues of Spockanalia. Aside from being signed, the art is not credited.

  • The Probable Place of Art in Vulcan Culture, article by Sue H. Lewis (reprinted from Spockanalia #3) (5)
  • Mr. Spock on Logic by Jacqueline Lichtenberg ("My very first STAR TREK article and in many ways the salient basis of the Kraith series." [3]) (reprinted from Spockanalia #4) (8)
  • The Vulcan Reforms, article by Lee Burwasser (reprinted from Spockanalia #3) (1)
  • A Note on the Vulcan Nervous System, article by Sherna Comerford (reprinted from Spockanalia #5) (15)
  • Terran-Vulcan Genetic Compatibility, article by Susan Hereford (reprinted from Spockanalia #2) (17)
  • God & the Vulcan Mind, article by Joyce Yasner (reprinted from Spockanalia #2) (20)
  • Vulcans & Emotions, article by Devra M. Langsom (reprinted from Spockanalia #1) (22)
  • Vulcan-Romulan History, article by Cliveden M. Chew ("This is from the files of Cliveden M. Chew, wife of the present UFIS Director, currently stationed on the planet Vulcan. A note affixed to the material reads: "To be revised as more information becomes available.") (reprinted from Spockanalia #5) (25)
  • from issue #2, DEA

    from issue #2, DEA

  • from issue #2, possibly Mary Ann Cappa

    from issue #2, possibly Mary Ann Cappa

  • from issue #2, DEA

    from issue #2, DEA

  • from issue #2, Mary Ann Cappa

    from issue #2, Mary Ann Cappa

  • from issue #2, DEA

    from issue #2, DEA

  • from issue #2

    from issue #2

References

  1. ^ from All About Star Trek Fan Clubs #3 (1977)
  2. ^ from Star Trek Nuts and Bolts #10 (1976)
  3. ^ from The Sime/Gen Concordance
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