The Mos Eisley Tribune

You may be looking for Mos Eisley Chronicle.

Zine
Title:	Mos Eisley Tribune
Publisher:	Janice W. Sidwell
Editor(s):
Date(s):	October 1978-May 1979
Series?:
Medium:	print
Size:
Genre:
Fandom:	Star Wars
Language:	English
External Links:
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Mos Eisley Tribune is a Star Wars anthology.

flyer for issue #1

front cover of issue #1, Teanna Byerts

back cover of issue #1, Teanna Byerts

from issue #1, Teanna Byerts, inside back cover, note that it fits between the front and back cover, making this illo part of a three-part wraparound

It ran for three issues and then became Echo Seven.

The publisher of this zine also published Trust.

The zine is named after Mos Eisley, a town on the planet Tatooine. Obi-Wan Kenobi calls it a, "wretched hive of scum and villainy." The cantina where Luke and Obi-Wan encounter Han Solo for the first time is located in Mos Eisley.

The Plan for More Issues

In 1980, Nikki White writes of a story she'd written that was to appear in issue #5:

I feel fan stories should try to develop and be something other than carbon copies of the SW film in the SW film format. To make the characters inter esting to read about, they must be given depth, and layers to their personalities, given backgrounds and complexities. I have tried to do this in my own series about Darth Vader (and to a lesser extent, Han Solo), one story of which will appear in Mos Eisley Tribune #5 and the rest in Multiverse.

In 1983, a fan, Darla Doxstater, writes a personal statement saying that editor, Sidwell, had sent her a letter in April 1983 agreeing to let her take over the zine, but that she had heard no further communication nor had received the materials to do so. It is to be assumed, then, that something was worked out as an ad in Datazine #28 states that: "Formally Mos Eisley Tribune, Echo Seven encorporates the long awaited 'Mos Eisley Tribue 4,' and a few other things."

Issue 1

Mos Eisley Tribune 1 was published in October 1978 and contains 88 pages. The front and back covers are by Teanna Byerts. Byerts did the interior illos as did Becky Aulenbach.

From the editorial:

Greetings. And welcome to the premier issue of The Mos Eisley Tribune, a new Star Wars fanzine dedicated to the entertainment of all you devoted Star Wars fans out there in the galaxy.

It has now been over a year since the words "Star Wars" flashed brilliantly onto the movie screen and we thrilled to the opening strains of John Williams' spectacular score. We have since witnessed the re-release of this impressive movie. Along with the movie has developed what has been called "Star Wars Fever" — an interest never before seen in any movie. Practically, every form of media has become involved in this craze, Manufacturers of every type are developing Star Wars products. But, fans want to become involved also. Thus the development of fanzines where we, the fans, can express ourselves. For those of you who would like to become involved, we welcome contributions of any kind. We wish to cover many areas with this fanzine, so send us an example of what you do, whether it be written or art.

We have just a few guidelines for contributions. Please do not submit any X-rated material; this is a clean zine. Length does not matter. We are perfectly willing to serialize written material. We welcome any type of black and white art that will reproduce easily. Any artists interested in illustrating stories should send us a letter stating their desire and should send with it a sample of their work. Anyone who wishes to have their originals returned to them should enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope with enough postage to accommodate the contribution If you do not wish your work returned but would like to know which issue your contribution will appear, send us a self-addressed, stamped envelope and we will be happy to respond.

The Mos Eisley Tribune will be published on a bi-monthly basis. As of yet, we have not established a subscription policy. We hope to have those details worked out by our second or third issue. Our second issue will be out in late October.

• Communique from the Editor (2)
• Meet the MET Staff (4)
• Contributors (6)
• Visit Beautiful Tatooine by Teanna Byerts (7)
• Surprise Attack by Janice Sidwell, art by Teanna Byerts ("The rebels were now free from the danger of the Death Star, but what new danger awaits, them in the first exciting chapter of 'Surprise Attack.") (9)
• Test Your Star Wars Skill by Elyse Dickenson (25)
• Don't Believe It for a Minute by Susan Matthews, art by Beckey Aulenbach (27)
• Millennium Spacelines by Teanna Byerts (36)
• Art by Teanna Byerts (38)
• Special Delivery by Janice Sidwell, art by Teanna Byerts ("Han Solo journeys hack to Mos Eisley to pick up the most valuable cargo he's ever carried. Has he really betrayed his rebel friends? Can Han escape the clutches of his arch enemy and evade capture by the Imperial forces? Will he ever leave Tatooine alive?") (39)
• Collector's Corner by Elyse Dickenson (52)
• Mission: Power Failure by Janice Sidwell, art by Teanna Byerts ("Han and Luke were sent to Imperial Base One to steal a power unit. It's Han and Luke against the entire base. They made it in, but can they make it out again—ALIVE!?!") (57)
• Answers to the Star Wars Quiz (83)
• Science Fiction Yellow Pages (86)
• Sneak Preview of Issue Two (88)

• 

  from issue #1, Teanna Byerts

• 

  from issue #1, Beckey Aulenbach

• 

  from issue #1, Beckey Aulenbach

• 

  from issue #1, Teanna Byerts

• 

  from issue #1, Teanna Byerts

• 

  from issue #1, Teanna Byerts

• 

  from issue #1, Teanna Byerts

• 

  from issue #1, Teanna Byerts

• 

  from issue #1, Teanna Byerts

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

With the duo of Mos Eisley Tribune and Falcon's Flight, Tennessee seems to be developing quite a stronghold of SW fans. Mos Eisley Tribune, or MET as the editors refer to it, is quite a good first issue. Leading off the fiction in the zine is a story by the editor titled "Surprise Attack," which has a very good introspective scene with Luke and Leia. It makes sense that Luke may have had problems adjusting to things after things had all calmed down. After all, the kid did go through a lot in a very short time. Janice explores his situation quite well. Later in the story there is a reunion between Han, Chewie and Luke,and Leia is called to the council chamber only to discover Darth Vader there with a comple ment of Stormtroopers, which is where the story ends, presumably to be completed later. As part one of a continuing story, it doesn't have enough to keep the reader inticed. Janice should have given us some idea of how Vader takes the entire council hostage while the rest of the base seems totally unaware of it. She may tie that all together in the next segment but should have more connecting strings in the first installment. "Don't Believe It For a Minute," by Susan Matthews, can't be described without giving away the whole point of the story. Suffice it to say, that in the evolution of SW fan- fic, that this is a story that to be written. The next two pieces, both by the editor, "Special Delivery," and "Mission: Power Failure" both involve missions for the rebellion. In the first, Han risks his life to deliver a consignment of weapons, without the expected results he hoped for. The second story, also part one of a continuing piece, is tighter and more coherent than Janice's other sequel story. Here Han and Luke are chosen to sabotage an Imperial planet, and render its defenses useless so that the rebels can attack safely on a nearby planet. The plot suffers from the fact that the heroes only have to disable one electronic component to disable the defenses of an entire planet. It's too convenient to be credible. The rest of the plot, action and characters move alonq fairly well however. There are some small features in the zine, such as a SW quiz, a list of other SW zines and clubs, and a discussion of some of the professionally marketed SW items. Teanna Byerts has two delightful sets of cartoon/illos: "Visit Beautiful Tatooine," and "Millennium Spacelines." Teanna also has a number of fine illustrations to various stories throughout the zine, including the front and back covers. The graphics of MET are clean and legible, and the print is thankfully not painfully small, not that I should talk of such things. Issue "2 of Mos Eisley Tribune will cost $4.50, and since it doesn't say otherwise, I assume that includes postage. You can probably look forward to seeing more features in MET. The "Sneak Preview" from issue 1 promises the continuation of the sequels and a new section or two.

We chose to review THE MOS EISLEY TRIBUNE this time for very uncomplicated reasons; it's our favourite. That's a flat statement, and we mean it as no reflection on anyone else's work: you have to have a favourite in everything... and this one's ours!

Perhaps the nicest surprise about the MET is its humour; humour is rare in zines, but there's plenty of it in this one! From 'light' stories ( Susan Matthews' DON'T BELIEVE IT FOR A MINUTE ) to the crazy 'TEANNA' cartoons which are worth a fortune!

Art in MET 1 is dominated by Teanna Lee Byerts, and in MET 2 is dominated by Beckey Aulenbach... Two artists who are quite well known now, and who should be better known!

The running sequel is Janice Sidwell's SURPRISE ATTACK — full of cliff hangers and 'more next time' clauses! Also in MET 1 was Janice's MISSION; POWER FAILURE, the Susan Matthews 'gag-story' DON'T BELIEVE IT... and Janice's SPECIAL DELIVERY. The TEANNA cartoon feast takes the form of VISIT SUNNY TATOOINE, and that has to be seen to be believed: "come sail away with Millennium Spacelines, leave your humdrum everyday world behind... Let us relieve you of your cares, your worries, your money... The ship may not look like much (Milemon Turkey) but the captain's a slightly different story..."

We won't 'split' the plots of the stories here - just take the time to recommend 'em!

I liked all the stories (literally) in the order they were printed. I love sequence stories, 'specially when they have my favorite Sith Dark Lord running around in them. Really, the first two of your stories are tied for first place. The third — Mission: Power Failure, I liked, yet when 1 read it I got the vague feeling that you had deliberately cut it short. The trivia quiz was the toughest I've seen yet. And I always enjoy the "yellow pages" type of thing.

Received my copy of the MET. It was worth the wait. Really. I Was not expecting anything like it! The stories, the art, the... WOW!!!!! Surprise Attack was okay, and 1 am waiting to see how and why Darth Vader was rescued, and why he is at the rebel base. [Editor: Editor's Note: Special Delivery was not written to fit in with Surprise Attack. It was intended to be a separate story.]

Don't Believe It for a Minute was OK, but it just wasn't right. I don't think Han could possibly be related to Luke. I mean, Han is a loner. Special Delivery was pretty good. Question: is it supposed to fit in with Surprise Attack? Then there's the art. Fantastic. 1 have really got to hand it to Teanna Byerts. Especially the drawings on pages 21, 82, and 86. The one on 86 should be made into a poster. The art by Beckey Aulenbach was good, too.

I liked the trivia quiz. I hope it will be a continuing feature. Same with Collectors' Corner. I am looking forward to the penpal section.

MET #1. Very nice. Especially the art! All in all a fantastic zine! Or should I say Hanatic? MET #1 joined FF #1 in the never ending poem to Solo everywhere. I hope future issues will give the other characters some room. I liked all the fiction equally well. [Editor: ven though Han is mentioned in all of\ the stories, the zine wasn't intended as a strictly Solo zine. It will reflect whichever characters I receive material on. I personally, have another character as my favorite, so I tried not to be partial to him. Guess I did a fair job at that, huh? I want to print what the readers want to see.]

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed issue #1 of the Mos Eisley Tribune. Your characterizations were pretty well accurate and the artwork was marvelous. It would be good if you could have more stories about Leia's, Luke's and Chewie's past. I think your zine is very professional looking for the excellent job you have been doing.

I am a fan of Teanna Byerts, both her serious work and her cartoons, which I can't get enough of. Absolutely marvelous, and not just the first time I look at them. Beckey Aulenbach is good; I particularly like her picture of Han on page 29. I thought Surprise Attack started off a bit slowly, but when Leia walked into the conference chamber, it took off. Second installment should be even better, now that the action has started. Don't Believe it for a Minute—indeed.. .why not? It's plausible, and I like the idea. Special Delivery is exactly the was Han d do it, too—impulsively, wanting to make a surprise gesture. Gun-running would be a natural job for him, too. Mission: Power Failure was tightly plotted, well-written, and good characterization. Lord Vader was perfect. He would indeed tind Solo s defiance interesting and possibly amusing. He is a complex person, after all, and I'm glad you showed it. That trivia quiz was tough! Appreciate the yellow pages.

I hope that congratulations are coming in for the first issue of the Mos Eisley Tribune - it was a real winner, and my crowd of Star Wars crazy friends really enjoyed it. The second issue sounds even better.

I loved the first issue of the Mos Eisley Tribune. The stories were excellent — (I read it all the first day). I especially liked the first part of Surprise Attack, and Mission: Power Failure.

I got my copy of the first issue of the Mos Eisley Tribune a few days ago. The pictures are great; they really looked liked who (or what) they're supposed to be. I liked all the stories but my favorite was Special Delivery. I really enjoyed the quiz, I must say though, it was hard. Another thing I enjoyed was the Collectors' Corner.

I was so happy to receive copies of MOS EISLEY TRIBUNE 1 & 2 in yesterday's mail! I decided I'd read ALL of the contents before getting to a reply ...Now, where to start?

At the beginning, I guess: first thing that happened is—I screamed: Oh- a Han-zine!! With Big Darth! Oh, joy, oh, bliss!! You know, you get used to being disappointed with zines, but MET is terrific, and you can quote me! I like it better than any of the fan magazines I've seen to date, and better than most of the pro-mags too^ You know what I probably liked best? The humour. So many zines haven't a clue how to laugh either at STAR WARS or at themselves; you'd have to be crazy to get into doing fan mags...and Teanna Byerts' wonderful cartoons say it all. WISHBONE (our resident maniac) really goes a bundle on them, in particular, the back covers of MET 1...I love them myself. 'Do Not Disturb...Or Else... Unless You're Corellian!' Oh, yes! And then Han getting mobbed-and the MET reporter mobbing Big Darth! (Wouldn't be you, by any chance, hm?)

Things I liked in particular: the VISIT BEAUTIFUL TATOOINE section - I howled-for hours! Cartoon on page 5, MET 1-fantastic, and so close to home I nearly died laughing.

I loved Teanna's art-and Beckey Aulenbach's too; it's very good indeed, and when I say that I'm speaking as a working commercial artist, not just a fan. Particularly enjoyed the art on MET 1 pages 21, 29, 32, 82, and 85; and MET 2 pages 23 (Han with leg over chair arm-so natural), 25, 36, 4-3, 48, 10 3, and covers (esp. the inside covers... chuckle!) Beckey Aulenbach has a real flair for portraits and a knack for catching the right mood, or expression - particularly on Han or Darth. More from these in the future, please: pester hard-their art is the best fan art I've ever seen-and I mean that.

Another thing I like about Teanna's cartoons is that you can look at them for hours and keep on finding something new to giggle about.

I love the crack: "The ship may not look like much...but the captain's a slightly different story..." and the picture that goes with that: CHEWIE! GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!...Lovely! Please understand, I'm just picking out the things that I like the BEST-I love it all, every page and staple.

Fiction now: in MET 1 I liked MISSION: POWER FAILURE best, although the first installment of SURPRISE ATTACK was also good, and DON'T BELIEVE IT FOR A MINUTE really TICKLED me!

You've got yourself one fine fanzine there! And from the way things read, it looks like you're my kind of people. Teanna's art is really wonderful stuff and if her style is any guideline, I'd say that the team in charge of this zine is a bunch of wild and crazy kind of guys. This may be just space fantasy, but "Visit Beauti ful Tatooine" and "Millennium Spacelines" both had to be written from personal experience! I honestly can't think of anything bad to say about any of the features; the whole thing was a lot of fun to read and look at, in cluding that little thing called "Don't Believe It for a Minute", which I don't but on the other hand, I sup port the feeling behind stories like that.

Anyway, it was such a kick in the pants that I've got to see the next issue just to see if you ever do it again.

I very much enjoyed Mos Eisley Tribune #1. The total look of the zine was fantastic, the stories were in the spirit of the movie, and after I finished I was hungry for more! The artwork was excellent!

The zine looks good. I like the layout. The cartoons are all very funny, and the art is generally good. I think the best piece of art work is the Han Solo portrait on page 81. Teanna Byerts doesn't seem to do Luke as well as the other characters. There are a few typos, which always annoy me.

"Surprise Attack" has a good cliffhanger ending, but I have a few quibbles with the story. I don't think Liike is worried that he is socially beneath the Princess. I think the whole concept of social class is foreign to him. I also don't think Han woiiLd ever just come back to see Luke, no matter how much he missed him, because he's mainly concerned with saving his own skin. He'd come back to help Luke if he was in trouble, but not just to see him. Further, in a week he would hardly miss him. I know this is a problem for writers, but your descriptions of the characters are very repetitious Leia is "lovely", Luke "the handsome youth", and Han "the handsome young man" too often. Also, these descriptions are a matter of personal taste, and I doubt if I'm the only one who does not agree with your taste. I have decided to take the title of "Don't Believe It for a Minute" literally. If Luke and Han were related in the way described, Luke would not be Corellian. Also, who said that all Corellians dressed the same way? "Special Delivery" is a good story, but I think Han will have to be persuaded to help the rebels further, perhaps given more money.

A few comments on "Collectors' Corner". Every loyal fan does not have the Hildebrandt poster. I don't have it. I don't like it because the char acters do not look like the actors. While I agree that it is difficult to describe the poster for the saturation release (not a re-release, it had never been out of circulation in the large cities), I like that poster. Each picture on it is an excellent representa tion, and I especially like the shot of Luke and Leia about to swing across the chasm.

"Mission: Power Failure". I want to know what the bet was, and I think Leia would want to know too. I don't think Han would stay with the rebels without some persuasion. ' Finally, for someone who did a generally good job with Luke in "Surprise Attack", you certainly did a poor characterization in this story. Luke is not a coward or a pessimist, and he was the brains of the rescue operation, remember? Han tends to think with his blaster. I was hoping to see Luke using his powers in the Force in this story, and was quite disappointed.

Stories: Liked "Special Delivery" the best, I think. Short and punchy. "Mission: Power Failure" was good too, but I thought Chewie and Luke got Han out just a little too easily; surely security would have been clamped down faster than that. There might have been an opportunity for a really tense two-parter if that had been elaborated.

"Don't Believe It for a Minute": well done and I don't.

"Surprise Attack": good plot and character conceptions, but I thought it could have used a teeny bit of tightening up. Also, if I may make a suggest ion about style: maybe it's personal prejudice, but I am bothered by the use of descriptions instead of names.

Issue 2

front cover of issue #2, Teanna Byerts

back cover of issue #2, Teanna Byerts

Mos Eisley Tribune 2 was published in February 1979 and contains 110 pages.

The art is by Teanna Byerts and Beckey Aulenbach.

Note: a flyer for issue #2 lists two stories that do not appear: "KESSEL RUN — Han and Chewbacca were trapped on the infamous planet of Kessel — hunted by Imperial stormtroopers and backed into a corner from which they may never escape! and CORELLIAN WAKE — It had happened! The moment that Chewbacca had feared and dreaded for years had finally. arrived. What would happen now?"

From the editorial:

Hello again friends! at long last, you finally hold in your hands ...the Mos Eisley Tribune #2! And, I reiterate... FINALLY!!!... My record, so far, is perfect: two issues out of two have been late. My excuses? Well, blame it on over time at work, I was sick for a month and a half, and let's not forget the Post Awful. They always help to delay things.

Believe it or not, I think I can have MET 3 out on schedule. Of course the reason for that is that I'm delaying it. MET 3 will be a double issue, in every sense of the word. Size and price both. I'm making some changes in my format beginning with MET 3. So, I decided to make it a special issue... It appears right now that MET 3 will have about 200 pages of material. And, boy, do I ever have some nice material...by such talented people as Susan Matthews, Ann Wilson, Dee Gurnett, Nikki White, Pam Kowalski, Beckey Aulenbach, and Bernie Davenport. Naturally, you'll have to put up with Elyse, Teanna, and myself also. Teanna has undertaken a special (I mean SPECIAL!) project for me. Our third issue will have colors covers, a color centerfold, and maybe some other color illos...if the Force is with us. That is the main reason for the price.

MET 3 will take the place of our March and May issues. I need to receive as many orders as possible by April. The reason being that I shall not print many more copies than what are ordered...far too expensive when you're dealing with color printing. I really think you'll like the material. For those of you who think that MET has been dealing only with one or two of the Star Wars characters...just wait till you see this! We have some ideas about a certain Dark Lord that you probably haven't even dreamed of. And, we shall explore depths of characters that haven't been explored before. Add to that the fabulous artwork that will appear in MET 3 and...well, to put it lightly, we're EXCITED!!!!!!!!!

[snipped]

For those of you who expressed an interest, Susan has consented to write a "sequel" to Don't Believe it for a Minute. And, for those of you who asked how Han got suckered into that mission in Mission: Power Failure, I shall explain...later. I promise.)

• Communique from the Editor (2)
• Contributors This Issue (4)
• Pick a Pen Pal (4)
• Intergalactic Feedback, letters of comment (8)
• Surprise Attack Part 2 by Janice Sidwell ("Imperial forces stage a surprise attack on the rebel base. Han and Luke must once again rescue Leia from the clutches of Darth Vader. But, the base is defenseless. Will they all be destroyed? Find out in Chapters 2 and 3 of 'Surprise Attack'!") (11)
• Metamorphosis by Ellen Blair ("Darth Vader needs Han Solo — for the moment, alive! But, will Vader get the information he desires? Or, will he destroy Han in the process?") (Susan Matthews wrote a response fanwork to this story. It is called "Third Night After Purgatory," and it was printed in October 1979 in Solo.) (28)
• Test Your Star Wars Skill by Elyse Dickenson (71)
• Banthas, article by Elyse Dickenson (73)
• Pirate Vader with a Chorus of Stormtroopers, song by Jana Hollingsworth (77)
• a Collector's Corner (merchandise: bubble gum cards) (78)
• The Triumphant Defeat by Liza Gregory (83)
• In Memory of Alderaan, poem by Michele Satanek (104)
• Answers to Trivia Quiz (105)
• Star Wars, poem by Melanie Dickson (107)
• Science Fiction Yellow Pages (109)

• 

  (photocopy) from issue #2, Beckey Aulenbach

• 

  (photocopy) from issue #2, Teanna Byerts

• 

  (photocopy) from issue #2, Teanna Byerts

• 

  (photocopy) from issue #2, Teanna Byerts

• 

  (photocopy) from issue #2, Teanna Byerts

• 

  (photocopy) from issue #2, Beckey Aulenbach

• 

  (photocopy) from issue #2, Beckey Aulenbach

• 

  (photocopy) from issue #2, Beckey Aulenbach

• 

  (photocopy) from issue #2, Beckey Aulenbach

• 

  (photocopy) from issue #2, inside back cover, Teanna Byerts

• 

  (photocopy) from issue #2, inside front cover, Teanna Byerts

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

The first thing you notice is the fantastic cover. Eye-catching, technically expertise... The fiction is competent, but somehow not as 'exciting' as some others I've read. The zine is well-laid out, easy to read, and a visual delight. I can't praise Teanna's artwork enough.

If nothing else, Tennessee should receive the thanks of Star Wars fans for possessing a fair percentage of the active zine editors around. Sometimes, for reasons we'll probably never know, some states produce a volume of fans and fan activity that is disproportionate to the number of people in the state. That happened with Colorado in Trek fandom, and seems to be happening with Tennessee in SW fandom. Whatever the reasons, we can only hope that the trend continues. That one state seems to produce a good portion of the potentially best fanzines around.

This issue of MET leads off with the second part to "Surprise Attack," written by the editor. In the last episode the Princess walks into a trap. Darth has sure now managed to sneak onto the rebel base (evading all of the base's sensors and detection equipment). He escapes off-planet with Leia and General Dodonna. Along the way to the main Imperial base Vader confides information to his two captives that can only lead them to suspect that Vader's plans include disposing of them so that they will never get a chance to tell anyone else. However, no sooner does Vader tell Leia and Dodonna this information that the ship suddenly, and suspiciously loses control. End of part two. To be honest, there is nothing in this part of the serial to interest the reader. There are no major conflicts dealt with, and the characters and the readers are merely along for the ride. Besides all of this, there are too many questions the reader can ask of the story at this point that make it incredulous to believe... Janice may have answers to these questions later on in the serial, but if you're telling a serial, the reader needs the answers to such questions within each segment of the story, or the story simply falls apart.

The editor of Falcon's Flight, Ellen Blair, has a story called "Metamorphosis." The story starts innocently enough when Han, Chewie, Luke and Leia are on their way to someplace or another from someplace else. Where isn't important. As they're wafting through the cosmic boonies at hyperspeed (no doubt doing a good twelve parsecs or so) the ship develops a malfunction and must drop cut of hyperspace to effect repairs. They pop back Into normal space somewhere between the ams and begin repairs, only to find a space station nearby. Coincidence? No, and If you're fast enough, you've already guessed that our favorite nasty is aboard the station. The Falcon is grabbed by a tractor beam from the station and pulled in. Fortunately Ellen passes up the opportunity to have Luke say "I've got a bad feeling about this," or else I might not have continued reading. Once inside Vader does indeed show up After everyone finishes exchanging pleasantries, Vader takes Han aside and begins to question him. Han has information about a certain alien named Galatar, and Darth goes to great trouble to break Han. and get the information. In the end, Han Is led to the point of insanity when he cannot distinguish between reality and illusion...or can he? This reminds me of another story from Trek fandom called The Logical Conclusion by Paula Smith. While the characters and plot are different, the methods used to break the protagonist are the same. I would, as a result, class this as a get-em story, and thus cannot tell you whether I like it or not. You will likely be the type of person who likes/accepts get-ems on face value, or dismisses them out of hand. I can however prepare you. Even so. Ellen has chosen a difficult type of story to write. This story requires setting up a whole scenario for the reader, letting him draw certain assumptions and then yanked the whole rug out from under him. A few professional mystery/suspense/horror writers can do that well. Ellen does a fair job at it, but I must admire her for the courage needed to undertake such a task.

"The Triumphant Defeat," by Lisa Gregory, makes about as much sense as its title. Luke, Han, Chewie and the droids head for planet Centur to pick up Leia's cousin Princess Adelphi, who is for the sake of this story, Leia's surrogate. While the heroes are on the planet they discover that of all the planets in the galaxy, the Empire just happens to have a base there and I'll bet you can guess who shows up. Gee, small universe, isn't It? Well, Princess Adelphi gets away and of course, captured by the Imperials. Vader uses her as bait to lure Luke in, so that Darth will have the chance to battle the last of the Jedi... Luke does, but Vader doesn't. They get away, with the Princess and so does Darth. "Egad!" someone just cried, "you gave away the whole plot." Yes, I did, and as a reviewer I should not do that, but believe me, in the case with "The Triumphant Defeat' I have saved you great anguish in so doing. You see, when it comes to fan-written stories, I try never, ever to totally kill a story. I can usually find something good to say. In this case—I simply can't. The story is atrocious, the characters implausible, and the action laughable. The author hops from place to place in the story without describing how she got there. She only tells you what happened between point A and point B and expects you to be satisfied. At times Ms. Gregory jumps the characters in time and space and uses only a sentence or two to tell you how. The characters manage to become puppets of the author, which she drags clumsily through a disease-ridden, terminal plot. While the Star Wars characters are fairy tale stereotypes, the ones in this story go beyond merely hackneyed, and they spout enough cliches to make Jody Powell green with envy. On top of this, the author's knowledge of the English language is at times nonexistent. In one scene, Han and Luke see the Imperial base for the first time. "Impregnable," Han says matter-of-factly having never seen the thing before in his life. In another scene, Princess Adelphl is about to spit on Vader so he slaps her. "She fell lifeless onto the concrete floor." Considering that Vader kills her in that sentence, her dead body continues to remain quite active throughout the rest of the story. In all, "The Triumphant Defeat" was written without the author's brain being in gear. As Truman Capote said: "That's not writing, that's typing."

For the above review, I am truly sorry. Please Ms. Gregory, don't slash your wrists because of me. In this instance, I simply had to be honest. To the editor I say—you should flog yourself every time you fall to say "Does this make sense?" The mechanics of Mos Eisley are very good, and your zine has tremendous potential, but there is no editorial control over quality, or at least none that I can see. I see the same flaws with MET as I do with Falcon's Flight: weak stories. That is not entirely the fault of the authors.. .once a weak story gets into print, it is the editor's fault too. For God's sake, MET is too potentially dynamite to let cowardly editing ruin it. Do what an editor is supposed to do: EDIT! Whether you can do that or not will determine if MET will continue to print anything handed to it, or if it will actively seek out and demand of its contributors what its readers in turn demand from it.

We chose to review THE MOS EISLEY TRIBUNE this time for very uncomplicated reasons; it's our favourite. That's a flat statement, and we mean it as no reflection on anyone else's work: you have to have a favourite in everything... and this one's ours!

Perhaps the nicest surprise about the MET is its humour; humour is rare in zines, but there's plenty of it in this one! ...

Art in MET 1 is dominated by Teanna Lee Byerts, and in MET 2 is dominated by Beckey Aulenbach... Two artists who are quite well known now, and who should be better known!

[snipped]

We won't 'split' the plots of the stories here - just take the time to recommend 'em!

MET 2 features more of SURPRISE ATTACK, Liza Gregory's TRIUMPHANT DEFEAT and Ellen Blair's striking, touching, and fascinating METAMORPHOSIS (that one'll keep you rapt till the end!( Beckey Aulenbach's art is almost unique among fan work in that it actually LOOKS like the person it's supposed to be a portrait of -- especially her "Han-art", Darth and Chewie.

Short features (BANTHAS, by Elise Dickenson, the 'Collector's Corner' feature which seems to be a regular, quizzes and so on ) round out the MOS EISLEY TRIBUNE into a very pleasing experience.

The next issue will be a double - MET 3/4, due out in May... price plus post- age unfortunately unavailable at the time this had to be printed. The best idea would be to contact Janice at the above address with an inquiry. Submissions are always welcome and editorial guide-lines are spare, the main one being — no X-rated material, please; the TRIBUNE is a 'clean-zine' and plans to stay that way.

Printing quality and graphics are lovely (off set- full size type), and next time there will be colour!

In MET 2, I'll have to quote METAMORPHEUS as my big favourite: a) it was long enough to get my teeth into, b) it was gripping, esp. toward the end, and c) the idea behind it fascinated me, although the opening (their capture) seemed just a trifle contrived-that they should fall from hyperspace just exactly where they could get caught. Not to worry about that, though-it doesn't matter, as the rest of the tale STIRRED me; the re union that was not, pages 61/62, was well done, and the end was a nice, neat and above all, satisfying, coda. Very good, that one.

The story, TRIUMPHANT DEFEAT, was good too, but struck me as just a fraction undeveloped-might have been longer, more elaborate; still good, though.

Now, your own SURPRISE ATTACK: very good, well integrated and well told...but cliff hanger-!!! You can read the whole installment in one go-how long till the next one? Maybe that's what you're after, but... know what I mean? It ain't too comfy sitting on the edge of your seat for three months! A feature I really did like was the poem/song PIRATE VADER...my, knows their PIRATES OF PENZANZE!!

Cheers and applause!! The MET 2 was smashing. The stories were all good, and special award should go to Ellen Blair for writing Metamorpheus. The art was again up to par, especially Beckey's portrayals of the Dark Lord. I am looking forward to #3. Bravo!

MET #2 was, like #1, stronger in the art department than the fiction.

Chapter 2 of Surprise Attack was again, too short to really get into anything interesting. I still think it is im plausible that the Rebels could be so easily infiltrated. Metamorpheus was cute in the be ginning with the Leia hungover bit.

But it contained too much repetition of film scenes in its plot, like the Falcon being pulled into a space station by a tractor beam. Also, Leia mentioned that her "friends in the Imperial Senate". Tarkin informed us in SW that this body is no longer existent. I also believe Vader would torture Luke and Leia to get to Han. Vader seemed too easily duped. The twist with the dream sequence was very effective though.

Triumphant Defeat had Leia sending Luke and Han out to kill Vader like regular assassins. I'd rather our Heroes be ever on the defensive. Let the bad guys attack first. Adelphi was too much like Leia in her manner and I couldn't quite understand why she was so important to the Alliance, being only a pilot. Pilots should be a dime a dozen in the galaxy. She seemed too much trouble for what she was worth.

She also mentioned Mos Eisley to Han. How would she know Han went to Mos Eisley? There must be thousands of space ports in the galaxy! Also, Vader was suddenly interested in her. Why? And the scene where Luke and Vader try to choke each other with the Force was funny. But I'm glad Luke was given credit for being important to Vader above the other characters.

All the fiction could be better developed with more detail and more to do with the relationships with the characters. As to graphics, there were a few too many typos. Overall layout is good, except I think you should reduce the print to get more on a page, or use an elite typewriter and don't space betweeen the paragraphs and use narrower margins on a page. More on a page would save the reader money for postage since more pages aren't needed. Perhaps if MET #3 is going to be a whopping $9.00, you could do the color printing in a separate portfolio of special artwork, and the zine could remain a more affordable price. MET just may price itself out of the market! As always, Beckey and Teanna are great!

"Metamorphous" was absolutely fantastic on all counts! It's undoubtedly one of the best four or five SW

things I've seen! I was completely suckered in on the illusion until Luke said, "You're one of the noblest men I've ever known" and I immediately went "Uh-oh." Clever. Very, very real. Thanks, Ellen!

Can't really say I liked "The Triumphant Defeat". It was too patently an effort to create a Leia figure for Han, and Adelphi showed no particular individuality that would have attracted him.

The non-fiction article on banthas was very well-done. One possibility that wasn't mentioned, though, is that Sandpeople weave cloth from bantha hair, most likely the underfur for clothing, and perhaps the coarse outer hair for items like tents.

"Pirate Vader, With a Chorus of Stormtroopers" was funny. "Surprise Attack" did move better than the first installment; in fact, I was surprised to come to the end so fast. Waiting for the next thrilling episode!

I really did enjoy both issues very much, and they're obviously going to keep improving, so I've lots to look forward to.

I received the second issue of the Mos Eisley Tribune about two days before I got your letter, and loved it! All of the articles were well-written, and the artwork was, as usual, super lative. As with the first issue, the kids at school all want to read it. It appeals to the imagination, and perpe tuates the Star Wars mystique quite well. I especially enjoyed the inside covers-the combination of Tolkein and Star Wars was great!

First: like I said, you did it again. If anything, METwo was even better than 1 in terms of format, etc.; the 'zine remains first-class. A lot of other zines tend to have a sloppy, who-cares attitude; and I'm very glad you don't feel that way. Believe me, your concern for quality and your appa rent respect for your readers does show throughout Mos Eisley Tribune. I'd hate to have to choose between MET and Skywalker.

Surprise Attack seemed better written, if I may say so, than the first chapter. Except...how long do I have to wait to Find Out What Happens?!

I liked Elyse's Banthas article, and I loved Teanna's illustration for it. I think-apart from the covers-that Luke with the baby bantha was my favorite illo in the whole zine. (Beckey's illo of Darth Vader with Leia for Metamor phous was great too, though. Boy does he look mean.) Surprise Attack was ny favorite piece in the 'zine, with Pirate Vader running a close second. I liked the way Triumphant Defeat handled the idea of the Princess' cousin being, well, shell-shocked; and it's good to see Miel getting in on the action with In Memory of Alderaan.

I enjoyed MET 2. I liked Metamorphoses very much, also The Triumphant Defeat. I can hardly wait for the next

installment of Surprize Attack. I especially like your Intergalactic Feedback section and hope you'll con tinue it. Same with the trivia quiz and Collectors' Corner. The trivia quiz is hard, but that only makes it more fun. As I said in ny last letter, I'd really appreciate an article on how to start your own zine. I loved Melanie Dickson's poem Star Wars. Also thought the cover and illustrations were great.

I think you did an even better job on MET 2 than on #1. To start with the covers — marvelous, as usual with Teanna, and I almost had hysterics over the inside covers. Surprise Attack is coming along nicely, and you certainly know how to end on a note of suspense. Now how'm I going to wait for Chapter 4?

It would be impossible to tell from your stories which character you favor. You keep a very careful balance.

You were right about Metamorpheus. It was an excellent story, and the basic idea is one I haven't seen before. Blair is a good writer.

The Triumphant Defeat was good, enjoyed everything except the ending. I simply can't buy the idea that Luke, young as he is and with maybe two days' training from Kenobi being able to defeat Vader in a Force-battle. Otherwise, as I said, I enjoyed it.

The illos were good, as usual.

I particularly enjoyed Teanna's on p. 26 and Beckey's on p. 36 (that one I'd love to have a big copy of).

Issue 3

front cover of issue #3, Teanna Byerts

back cover of issue #3, Teanna Byerts

Mos Eisley Tribune 3 was published in May 1979 and contains 164 pages. It has a color cover and color centerfold. The art is by Beckey Aulenbach, Pam Kowalski, Caroline Hedge, Teanna Byerts, Shari Kaiafah, Bernie Davenport, Martynn, Steve Fiorilla, Leonard May, and Lisa Adolf.

flyer printed in Falcon's Flight #4

• Communique from the Editor (3)
• Contributors (5)
• Pick a Pen Pal (10)
• Intergalactic Feedback, letters of comment (12)
• The Vow, filk to the tune of "Follow Me" from Camelot, by Maggie Nowakowska, art by Beckey Aulenbach (17)
• You May Have Been a Headache...But You Were Never a Bore, essay by Nikki White, art by Beckey Aulenbach (18)
• Corellian Wake by Susan Matthews, art by Pam Kowalski (a very rare Deathfic in this fandom) (It had finally happened! The moment that Chewbacca had dreaded for so long! It had finally arrived! And, he had one last promise to keep... a Corellian wake.) (23)
• For Luke Skywalker: The Incredible Force, poem by Pammi Bowen, art by Caro Hedge (27)
• Surprise Attack by Janice Sidwell, art by Teanna Byerts (The rebel forces discover the presence of an Imperial spy among them! How much has he learned? Will he destroy them? Han and Luke must journey to Tatooine to rescue Princess Leia... but they cannot land in the occupied Mos Eisley Spaceport! Will Han Solo land... or crash... in the old Saraza landing pits?) (28)
• Womp Rats, article by Elyse Dickenson, art by Beckey Aulenbach (Another in a series about the creatures that manage to survive on the arid, desert world of Tatooine. Learn more about these creatures and how they live.) (42)
• Pomp & Correlians, filk to the tune of "If They Could See Me Now," by Maggie Nowakowska, art by Beckey Aulenbach (46)
• Intruder by Ann Wilson, art by Beckey Aulenbach (Darth Vader must join forces with Luke Skywalker and Han Solo in order to overcome and destroy an unwelcome intruder that could destroy the entire galaxy! Can they possibly succeed with such odds against them!?!?!?!) (47)
• Weekend in Mos Eisley, filk to the tune of "Weekend in New England" by Barry Manilow ("sung by a barmaid after a brief interlude with Han Solo") by Pammi Bowen, art by Beckey Aulenbach (106)
• Encounter by Dee Gurnett, art by Shari Kaiafah (Imperial Lord Darth Vader has been captured by the rebel powers on a backwater planet! What horrible fate lies in story for him? What torture will they plan for their dreaded enemy? Why can't Vader use the Force? Has he finally been defeated? Or, will he survive?) (108)
• The Weapon of the Jedi, article by Bernie Davenport, art by Davenport (Learn more about these elegant weapons used by the ancient Jedi Knights.) (118)
• The Emperor's Nephew by Tracy Duncan, art by Lisa Adolf (Luke is captured on a wild Imperial planet and scheduled for the gladiator games! Can Han and Leia him? And who is the young man who is Luke's twin? Can Luke save Leia from him?) (120)
• The Battle of Yavin Four, filk to the tune of "Thunder Road," by Maggie Nowakowska (158)
• The Science Fiction Yellow Pages (160)

• 

  from issue #3, Martynn

• 

  from issue #3, Beckey Aulenbach

• 

  from issue #3, Beckey Aulenbach

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  from issue #3, Pam Kowalski

• 

  from issue #3, Pam Kowalski

• 

  from issue #3, Teanna Byerts

• 

  from issue #3, Teanna Byerts

• 

  from issue #3, Teanna Byerts

• 

  from issue #3, Teanna Byerts

• 

  from issue #3, Beckey Aulenbach

• 

  from issue #3, Beckey Aulenbach (also used as the back cover (in color!) of Storm in August 1979)

• 

  from issue #3, Beckey Aulenbach

• 

  from issue #3, Beckey Aulenbach

• 

  from issue #3, Beckey Aulenbach (color center foldout)

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  from issue #3, Beckey Aulenbach

• 

  from issue #3, Leonard May

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  from issue #3, Shari Kaiafah

• 

  from issue #3, Lisa Adolf

• 

  from issue #3,  ?

• 

  from issue #3, inside front cover, Han Solo as a pirate, Teanna Byerts

• 

  from issue #3, inside back cover, Luke Skywalker as an archer, Teanna Byerts

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 3

MOS EISLEY TRIBUNE: is another SW zine, with variable quality fiction, but some excellent artwork especially by Teanna Byerts. However, it continuously improves, and the editor has managed to give the zine a special friendly quality.

Issue 4 (not published)

A fourth issue was planned for May 1980, but never published.

There are MANY personal statements by fans in many zines stating that they were awaiting refunds for money sent for this zine. In Empire Star #4, there was this statement from Shirley "Ty" Barrett in February 1982:

IF YOU HAVE ORDERED any zines from Janice Sidwell and are wondering why you may not have heard from her in a while, I ask that you be a little more patient. In the Spring she [personal info redacted] in May she was out in California for job interviews, and the end of May she moved out here. In reference to her zines she said in a letter to me, "I boxed everything up and left them with my parents and left money to have them sent out UPS. But I can't seem to get my folks to send everything out...Hope to have MET 4 out shortly.

Some of the content of this proposed issue was to have been included in Echo Seven when "Mos Eisley Tribune #4" did not become a reality. In the end, none of the content transferred to Echo Seven, though at least one story ended up in A Tremor in the Force #3.

flyer printed in Pastaklan Vesla #6, click to enlarge

a flyer printed in Twin Suns #1

printed in Empire Star #4 (1981), info about some of the art and stories; it also mentions a story and illo by J.J. Adamson called "Black Magic" that was to have been in a planned #5

From a flyer (1980):

Fiction by Ann Wilson, Susan Matthews, Kelly Hill, Jane Firmstone, Carol Mularski, Elyse Dickenson, and Janice Sidwell.

Filksongs and poetry by Maggie Nowakowska and Jana Hollingsworth.

Artwork by Teanna Byerts, Beckey Aulenbach, J.J. Adamson, Kay Cunningham, Paulie Gilmore, and Elyse Dickenson.

From an ad in "proposed zines" in Jundland Wastes #1 (1981):

Includes 'The Kessel Run' -- Han Solo ferries Leia to a diplomatic meeting, but insists on stopping by Kessel on the way; 'The Return' -- even after the Rebellion, Han finds himself on the wrong side of the law; 'The Girl Back Home' -- how can Luke let a marriage-minded girl down without hurting her? It also contains an interview with David Prowse. Also, fiction by Nikki White, Ann Wilson, Dee Gurnett, Candace Wiggins, Susan Matthews, J.J. Adamson, Maggie Nowakowaska and more. Art by Adamson, Gilroy, Aulenbach, Gallachi, Munson, Martynn, Lisa Adolf and more. Over 300 pages.

From an ad in News of the Rebellion #9 (1981):

Mos Eisley Tribune #4 is due out now. Contains interview with Dave Prowse as well as something for everyone. Stories and artwork by some of the best talents in fandom. About 150 pages.

Proposed Contents:

• The Kessel Run by Susan Matthews ("Han Solo agreed to carry Leia on her diplomatic mission. But, he insists on a quick stop at Kessel for a load of spice. It's all so easy...until it's discovered that Han has received the wrong cargo...a load of spice meant for the Emperor himself!")
• The Return ("Even when the New Republic is formed, Han Solo finds himself on the wrong side of the law. But, he finds himself in even more trouble when he joins Forces with a powerful, mysterious man. Now, Han Solo stands to lose all that he has... including his life!")
• The Girl Back Home by Carol Mularski ("Sonni is in love with Luke and has thoughts of marraige. Luke, however, has no intentions of spending the rest of his life on Tatooine. How can he let Sonni down without hurting her?") (This story ended up in A Tremor in the Force #3.)
• The Gambler ("A story about young Han Solo and his meeting with an old gambler on board a space transport.")
• Requiem ("Share Luke's final thoughts as he prepares himself for death at the hands of the Empire.")
• The Final Moment by Elyse Dickenson ("Live the final moments before the destruction of the Death Star from the point of view of an Imperial stormtrooper.")
• Surprise Attack, part 5 by Janice Sidwell ("After crashlanding outside Mos Eisley, Han, Luke, and Chewbacca must walk to Mos Eisley to rescue Leia. But, Han and Luke are attacked by stormtroopers, who capture Luke. Now, Han has two people to rescue!")
• an interview with David Prowse