Oh Boy (Quantum Leap zine)

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Zine
Title: Oh Boy
Publisher: Oh Boy Press
Editor(s): Sandy Hall and Sharon Wisdom
Date(s): 1991-1997
Series?:
Medium: print
Size:
Genre:
Fandom: Quantum Leap
Language: English
External Links: Al's Place & story summaries and review of issues #1 & 2
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Oh Boy is a gen Quantum Leap anthology.

"The Waiting Room"

The "Waiting Room" feature was described in the second issue:

Our WAITING ROOM feature was enthusiastically received. We have one story already for III that qualifies, but are willing to accept more. These stories can be brief and we would like to print several short ones. Please remember that this feature is what is happening to the leapees in the waiting room during the televised episodes. At some place in the story, we need to see things from their point in view.

General Reactions and Reviews

There are six volumes of this series. Most of them are story anthologies, with the usual mix of stories that you either like or you don't, depending on your taste. Most of them seem to be well-written, and I like what I've read so far. [1]

Issue 1

front cover of issue #1, <=minds-i-view=>
back cover of issue #1, <=minds-i-view=>, portrays Al and Beth

Oh Boy 1 was published in May 1991 and contains 198 pages.

The cover and interior artwork is by <=minds-i-view=>, Nola Frame Gray, Vicki Brinkmeier, and Tamy Erickson.

The zine was a 1992 FanQ nominee for Best QL Zine.

The pair of poems entitled "April 1, 1969", by Melissa Mastoris, were nominated for the QL poetry FanQ award. Sandy and Sharon were also nominated for the Best Editor FanQ, and the cover artist <=minds-i-view=> was nominated as well.

From the editorial:

We'd like to thank all our contributors. Without your support, this leap would not have been nearly as satisfying. We especially would like to thank our artists for all of their beautiful work. <minds-i-view> really came through with the cover and illustrations for two stories. We already have a promise for a cover for OH, BOY II that will knock your socks off: a gorgeous young Al and an equally gorgeous Sam.

Also thanks to Sheila Paulson who gave us two wonderful stories so that we had to make the difficult decision of which to use for this issue and which to save for the next. (Since I'm an avid fan of Blakes 7, I twisted Sharon's arm and decided on The High Road Home, Sandy.)

Thanks to our husbands and children for their love and support. Can anyone but a fan's family deal with two crazed editors, oblivious to the rest of the world as they struggle with the computer (We've nicknamed it Ziggy, it's about as cooperative), or debate what kind of lover Al would be, (we had long and involved discussions on this subject!) and did we or did we not proof that last story?

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, we'd like to thank Don Bellisario for creating such a wonderful universe in the first place and fighting like a tiger to keep it on the air and all the writers and producers for giving us such rich material and episodes to inspire our fannish minds. As for Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell for making such fascinating characters live and breathe, what can we say but "Thanks and keep it up, guys!"

  • from issue #1, Nola Frame-Gray, touches upon Murder She Wrote

  • from issue #1, Nola Frame-Gray, commentary on the show Blake's 7, the widely-panned pro book by Paul Darrow called Avon: A Terrible Aspect, and the organization Viewers for Quality Television

  • from issue #1, Tamy Erickson

  • from issue #1, <=minds-i-view=>

  • from issue #1, <=minds-i-view=>

  • from issue #1, <=minds-i-view=>

  • from issue #1, Vicki Brinkmeier

  • from issue #1, <=minds-i-view=>, portrays Al and Beth

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

Al cries: 2

Sam cries: 1

They hug: 2 [2]

If QL fiction zines were to be judged solely by how late I stayed up reading them, this would be the new winner. I recall going to bed after dawn the night after this one arrived, and then getting up for work less than three hours later. When something is such compelling reading that you're willing to feel terrible the next day just so you can finish it, you know you've got something worthwhile.

“The Waiting Room" is probably my favorite piece in the zine. Who hasn’t wondered what 16-year-old Sam Beckett said and did at the Project while “our" Sam was trying to keep Tom from going to Vietnam? A great idea, well-realized, with excellent characterization for both Al and young Sam.

“High Road Home," by the prolific Sheila Paulson, doesn’t do that much for me compared to her other work. There’s nothing wrong with it, but it's a Blake’s 7 crossover, and since I've never seen that series, it was hard for me to get much feeling for the characters and situations. Also, this is one of two stories in the same zine where Sam goes home, which bothers the continuity junkie in me.

“A Lesson Learned” is a wonderful piece, a “message” story that doesn't bother you by virtue of being a “message” story. It goes from high (or is it low?) comedy (as Sam fends off would-be lover Al) to potential tragedy. Very nicely done.

“Sweet Survivor” is a decent little story about a runaway twelve-year-old—and I don’t mean Albert Calavicci. There a sort of kiss with history at the end, but the author is really pushing the dates here for this to be in Sam’s lifetime.

“The Last Yesterday” has a difficult premise to deal with, namely the idea that each successive leap is doing Sam more and more medical harm, and will kill him soon unless he gets home. Once you swallow that, the story itself is very well written, plotted and paced. Sharon Wisdom introduces a character at the Project whom we've never seen before, and then makes us really care about her.

“Second Circle” may turn out to be the definitive Al-and-Beth stay, except for “M.I.A.” itself, of course. Seeing Sam en route to a physics conference is a shock in itself, but Al fans—and “smarm” fans—will be especially interested in Al’s reaction at meeting Beth again for the first time in thirty years.

There's a lot of good reading here, some decent art, and even poetry for those who like that sort of thing (I don't usually. Sorry.). Buy it.[3]

Four out of five stars. Wonderful cover and interior art by <=minds-i-view=>, with Nola Frame Gray cartoons throughout. Longer stories with a few poems interspersed. The pair of poems entitled "April 1, 1969", by Melissa Mastoris, were nominated for the QL poetry Fan Q award.
  • "The Waiting Room - Young Sam" - Crystal Olson. This was an idea from the editors to be continued in future issues - the waiting room side of aired-episode leaps. The obvious starting point is Sam himself from The Leap Home. Being a smart kid, he goes exploring.
  • "High Road Home" - Sheila Paulson. Sam may only be travelling in his own lifetime, but other methods have no such restraints. Orac has talked Zen into a plan without informing the human crew and goes back in time to meet Ziggy. Avon's captured by Project security while Sam explores the Liberator. Sheila came up with a way to cross QL and Blakes Seven without leaving Sam's timeline. Al's thrilled to be in space again, especially with such a lovely pilot.
  • "A Lesson Learned" - Sandy Hall (1992 Fan Q nominee - Best QL story) Sam leaps into a woman on a date and teaches the man she's seeing a serious lesson about safe sex, saving both their lives.
  • "Sweet Survivor" - Kristen Hunter. Sam's a taxi driver, there to help a little boy named Nick get adopted. Nick's best friend is a couple years older and already sneaking into the girl's dorm.
  • "The Last Yesterday" - Sharon Wisdom (1992 Fan Q nominee - Best QL story) Sam's a doctor taking a vacation at an archeology dig. Lot's of project background and time paradox, very hard to describe.
  • "Second Circle" - Sharon Wisdom (1992 Fan Q nominee - Best QL story) Set after Sam has leaped back and he and Al are doing the physics conference circuit. Sam's almost convinced Al to quit smoking, but after a bad day, he goes in search of cigars and meets a very familiar woman at the store. One of my favorite stories, continued in the novel
  • "The Best of Two Worlds". [4]

Great zine! I LOVE the cover for OH BOY I! Of all the tales I've read so far, my favorites are the QL/BLAKE'S SEVEN crossover in which the characters of both media universe stayed "in character" and "A LESSON LEARNED". (Incidentally, the drawings for LESSON, were perfecto!)...

I LOVED "LAST YESTERDAY". I sniffed when Darcie bit the dust. And, before I forget, let me say that I was super-impressed with your description of Darcie's hospital and as the for ever-changing parking lot—I never thought of that! Incidentally, you fooled me; I was believing that Darcie was a real character from the show. Okay, I gotta ask: do either of you go motorcycle riding? Me, I don't drive, but your descriptions of the hazards of cycling down a dangerous road sounded real just the same. I was also touched by the semi-comatose, still thinking she was still back by the rocks, still slugging it out of the coyotes. Too often people think of the brain as either you're "on" (fully conscious, all systems running) or "off" (Sleeping Beauty Time). [5]

I just finished reading "THE LAST YESTERDAY"—what a wonderful story. As I was nearing the end, I was reading through tears—it's that good! If and when Sam has to take that last leap home (in ten years or so) I'd like to see it done the way you wrote it.

And to Sandy—I adore "LESSON LEARNED". As Al says "It was a kick in the butt!

Reading these stories I could actually see them — they became real. I thoroughly enjoyed this zine.

I'm now starting "SECOND CIRCLE". I guess I should have waited and finished the zine before writing — but I just had to do it now! [6]

What a beautiful looking zine. I still have only read a couple of the stories but I must say I am VERY impressed with the zine. What a fantastic cover. I have always enjoyed <=minds-i-view=>'s work. It's so detailed and clear and still captures the essence of the characters. His or her... illustrations throughout the zine are great.

The only two stories I have read so far are Shelia's "HIGH ROAD HOME" and your "A LESSON LEARNED". I always enjoy Shelia's stories and wonder if I'll ever catch up with all her QL ones. Talk about a prolific writer. And to have this one across-over with BLAKE'S 7 was equally pleasing... Shelia handled all the characters so well and I can certainly imagine Al being a challenge to Avon and vice versa! That I would have loved to see—visually, I mean. And the Revlon/Avon bit was a nice—subtle—bit of humor. Strange that I've never read that before in a B7 time travel story (of which there have been several.) Or course now that the Liberator has travelled back in time once, there's nothing to hold Orac back and maybe, just maybe, we could coax her into writing a rematch. How's that for a title; "Rematch"?

I especially liked that your, "A LESSON LEARNED" touched on the AIDS problem. I don't mean that I think Al is a pervert or anything...but it's strange that his two main 'vices' (one night stands and cigars) are potentially deadly ones and Sam seldom says anything to really deter him in them. I keep waiting for Sam to say something about the cigars on the show...for the benefit of the younger viewers at least... Anyway, the story was GREAT and I look forward to reading more of yours.

For the moment I'll close off so I can go and continue reading OH BOY. It's sort of like candy...one is so eager to get it all, one can almost O.D. unless one is careful. I want MORE![7]

I just finished reading OH BOY and had to write and tell you what a terrific job I think you did on it... I enjoyed all of the stories. Some made me laugh and some made me cry. The mark of good writers, I guess.

I'll admit it took me awhile to get into the B7 story mainly because I've never seen the show so it took a bit to start sorting out all the characters. But I thought the story was well-written and I felt I knew the people in it by the time the story was over.

"A LESSON LEARNED" was obviously written by a nurse—or someone who knows one as the facts were all there without being too technical. (I admit it, I'm a nurse, Sandy.) I enjoyed Sam learning just how hard nurses do work...I was sorry Sam felt he had to tell Al at least part of the truth though because I was looking forward to the scheme Sam might have in mind to teach him a lesson. It could have been quite interesting.

"SECOND CIRCLE" was the story that really got to me. I am becoming a fan of "Al" more and more and I was glad to see him get Beth back. I also like the premise that it took place after Sam stopped leaping so the two could interact more. Nicely done.

"THE LAST YESTERDAY" is the only story I had a minor problem with. I know how things can slip by after you've read them a few dozen times and this is only a small error. It's at the point in the story where Darcie has gone off in a huff because Al's late. He finally arrives and is talking to Gooshi. Gooshi tells him that Darcie 'paced around all afternoon' and then several paragraphs later he tells Al that Darcie 'tore out of here about noon'. Excuse me?...(oops, you caught us! eds.) I am looking forward to reading more 'waiting room' stories though. I like the different point of view.

The artwork was absolutely incredible. The artists are to be commended highly for the beautiful work.[8]

I enjoyed reading the zine very much, so I thought I would write and tell you so... "YOUNG SAM" seemed faintly familiar at first, but then I realized I had recently read another story with similar idea. I guess great minds do think alike.

"HIGH ROAD HOME" was certainly a different take on the B7 universe than I have seen from most other fan fiction. I like Shelia Paulson's work, and I like this story she brought Sam home and she changed (possibly) the ending of B7 !

"A LESSON LEARNED" — Well, sooner or later poor Sam had to leap into a woman in the middle of a good smooch! As for the lesson Sam learned, I always thought Al was more of a talker than a lounge lizard anyway — he certainly is interested in women, but even at his worst he certainly never sounds like he's only interested in pounding the posturpedic. The way he talks about his ex-wives lets us know he's interested in women as people, as individuals — he finds the differences and similarities between women fascinating; trouble is, he keeps getting fascinated by a different one!

"SWEET SURVIVOR" - Vicci? I love it!

"THE LAST YESTERDAY" — another way to get Sam home! And a vacation first—even if he was a little too edgy to enjoy it totally. Interesting story, interesting people.

"SECOND CIRCLE" — I think everybody has wanted to see Al and Beth back together again.

I really like the cover. The pictures of Sam as Marilyn are priceless. Good interior art. All in all, a very good zine, and I'm glad I bought it.[9]

Thank you for a wonderful zine! I'm new to this world of QL and OH BOY a great introduction to it... I found all of the stories in OH BOY to be of high quality and completely engrossing. I particularly liked the "WAITING-ROOM" (I'm glad that you are going to make this a regular feature of your zine) and "SECOND CIRCLE". But as I have already said, all of the stories were excellent and you have a group of talented writers.

The artwork was great too. I found the cover, in particular, to be very nice.

Several of the stories were concerned with getting Sam back home, While that would be

great, it's also nice to have him 'stranded' out there on the time line and this whole somewhat frustrating relationship between Sam and Al. I hope that we will see more stories that will deal with that aspect. [10]

Let me compliment you on a great zine. The artwork...was outstanding! I particularly liked the cover. I absolutely love the waiting room premise and hope to see more of it in the future. As for the rest of the zine... Melissa Mastoris certainly promotes DEEP THOUGHTS.

"HIGH ROAD HOME" was a kick — I'm a great Shelia Paulson and B7 fan (I just knew Vila and Al would get along.)

"A LESSON LEARNED" is a great character portrait of Al, both of them! I liked "SWEET SURVIVOR" for the same reason.

I enjoyed "THE LAST YESTERDAY", but shouldn't something have been wrong in the first history for Sam to go back and fix? Because if the wrong that had to be put right didn't happen until 1996, Sam should have leapt in then (into Gooshi perhaps?)

My favorite story was "SECOND CIRCLE". I never liked Dirk any more than Al did and I'm glad he finally got his true love back. And last, but certainly not least, I'd like to compliment Nola Frame Gray on her truly twisted comics. [11]

I'm a 'come lately' to QUANTUM LEAP. In fact, my husband is the one who noticed this neat-looking preview, watched it, and then got me into it too. Therefore, I was very glad to see a zine, sitting large as life, on the zine table at the recent Toronto Trek con. Oh, boy." sez I, picking it up. And now, for the first time in fifteen years (my fannish life) I take up word processor to write. To stay organized, I'll address each time separately:

"THE WAITING ROOM is a brilliant idea. It'll give some sort of continuity to the zine. A regular feature is nice to look forward to.

"HIGH ROAD HOME"—wow! I am a B7 fan, was before I heard of QL, and this would not have been out of place as an episode, much less a story. Marvelous interplay between Al and Avon. And the premise was solid.

"A LESSON LEARNED" — actually, halfway through an episode where Al was being more than usually lecherous, I presented this quandary to Dan, my husband. He figured the law of averages hadn't run out for Al yet.

"SWEET SURVIVOR" — well crafted, though it wasn't my cup of java.

"THE LAST YESTERDAY" —Scary. The possible paradoxes had me guessing, and the return of the traveller was very satisfying. Hope they do as well if/when this idea is put on film.

"SECOND CIRCLE" — very nice. Would have meant more had I seen the episode, but the story stands on it's own. This is a zine of which you should be proud.[12]

It looks good. I'm pleased with the way the cover came out. Also, there's an overall 'professional' feel to the zine. There are a few things I'd like to see, if possible...I think the story titles would benefit by larger type or different style fonts...and the use of a few borders here and there...like around the poems. (We thought so too. eds.)...I'd also like to see-some more- artwork, although I realize that depends largely on submissions.

As for the actual contents of the zine, well, how do you criticize perfection? Really, I loved all the stories. I'd be hard pressed to say which was my favorite, although ’’SECOND CIRCLE” is still very special to me.

"THE LAST YESTERDAY" was a real tear jerker! I thought Darcie's death was a very emotional moment. Loved the paradox you had going here!! I especially liked this story because it was like a TV episode plus. I loved the way sometimes you stuck with Sam, and other's we went back to the lab with Al. Also like the switch-over first person "Sam thoughts" bits.

I also liked "THE WAITING ROOM". Good idea for a continuing feature. I'd like to read one with the pregnant teen, Billie Jean...(Someone send us one and we'll consider it. eds.)

"HIGH ROAD HOME". Loved Al the interrogator and the way he kept calling Avon 'Mr. Revlon'. Also liked the way Al tried to hit on Jenna and Cally. Typical Al!

"LESSON LEARNED" Well, you already know I liked this! I'm not really big on poems, but I liked the "April 1st, 1969" Al and Sam pieces.

Question: Why didn't you print on the back of the art pages? I found this mildly distracting, these 'blank' pages. (To prevent bleed-through, eds.)

I'm honored to have been part of OH BOY I, and I'm eagerly looking forward to OH BOY II.[13]

Issue 2

front cover of issue #2, <=minds-i-view=>
back cover of issue #2, <=minds-i-view=>
first page of a flyer for issue #2
second page of a flyer for issue #2

Oh Boy 2 was published in October 1991 and contains 236 pages.

It was a FanQ nominee for Best QL Zine. The covers are by <=minds-i-view=>, and the other art is by Sheila Paulson, Vicki Brinkmeier, Richard Jackson, Terri Librande, Todd Parrish, Esther Reese, and Nola Frame-Gray (cartoons).

This issue contains some authors' notes and/or short bios at the end.

From the editorial: "All of the stories and poems in this zine (except the last poem) were written before the series premiere this year, so please take that in consideration when you read them."

The poetry includes two more FanQ nominated poems, "Pulitzer Prize for Photography, 1970" (the FanQ winner) and "9 April 1970", both by Jane Mailander.

From the editorial:

We were very pleased on how well OH, BOY has been received. Letters of Comment have been coming in and we love it! You'll find portions of them at the end of the zine. We value your opinions and have used some of your suggestions. As for the mistakes you pointed out (blush), well, hey, even the Quantum Leap project went a little "ca-ca" first time out. At least we know you're paying attention out there and we like that!

OH, BOY II turned out to be our 'Halloween' issue. We didn't plan it that way, but we received several stories with a supernatural slant and the timing was right. So the 'Boogieman' issue was born.

Unfortunately, we may have pushed our luck alittle with thirteen stories and Joshua Ray in the WAITING ROOM. Ziggy kept eating pieces of stories. We had to retype portions of Shelia's Ghostbuster crossover, ROLE REVERSAL more times than we care to count. Bits of GREATEST AMERICAN LEAPER kept disappearing as well, and we have absolutely no explanation for it!

Thanks to all our contributors for coming through again with excellent fiction, art and poems. Without you, and all your hard work and willingness to cooperate, there would not be a zine. It's so exciting to go to the mailbox these days! (Sandy's mailbox that is, we use it for our "official" address.) We even received so many submissions that we have ahead start on OH BOY III!

Author's notes for "Say It":

SAY IT was just one of those stories that had to come out. I had just finished watching the Season Ender and I was struck again by this very unique relationship that seems to exist between these very dissimilar men — Sam and Al. Off the top of my head, I can't think of another show where we have quite that degree of intensity, especially between two male characters. That is what has attracted me to the show as a recent convert and what keeps me watching. It was quite obvious that Al found the whole idea of electroshock to be an extremely wrenching one. It led me to thinking, in those few minutes after the show had ended, on how he must have felt back at the Project when the idea was first proposed to him. Writing the story after that was simple.

Author's notes for Troubled Waters:

I have had a dear friend die of AIDS. When Elizabeth and Paul Glaser announced the death of their daughter, Ariel, I felt even more motivated than ever to write stories with a more realistic theme. Sam is very compassionate, and I feel, sensitive to this issue. He is a doctor, after all. I wanted to put him in the position where he had to deal with himself being terminally ill, and to give this man an opportunity to choose the way he wanted to die. So many AIDS patients are not given that privilege, nor do some of them have a friend or loved one that cares enough to hold them care for them, while they die.

Author's notes for "Reunion":

It's said that we all have a 'dark side'. I found mine Memorial Day Weekend, after watching a bunch of old war movies. I was inspired by all this war and hate and love and death, and by the thought of my friends attending Media*West*Con '91 (a 'reunion' of sorts) without me. This story resulted. Two points need mentioning; One, I don't know what year 'Georgia On My Mind' was released, but since it fit into the story so well I let it stand. And two, since I have never been in the Navy, known anyone in the Navy or set foot on Mayport Naval Base, I apologize for any discrepancies/inaccuracies between fact and fiction.

Author's notes for "Do You Remember?":

[After watching the episode, "M.I.A.], I did feel Al's despair at a greater depth, Each time he reappeared he looked a little more worse for wear, and I could suddenly imagine him going home to an empty house and consoling himself with a drink or six. Maybe 'M.I.A.' really meant Misery In Abundance.

  • Oh, Boy by Sharon Wisdom & Sandy Hall ("Inspired by real life experiences, Sam leaps into a body of a waiter being harassed by a group of tipsy women.") (1)
  • Prelude by Jennifer Smallwood ("Could there have been something more than a simple threat to his project's funding that forced Sam into the Accelerator?") (12)
  • The Link: Sam, poem by Mary Lozinski (22)
  • The Link: Al, poem by Mary Lozinski (23)
  • The Waiting Room: Joshua Ray by Sharon Wisdom (24)
  • Do You Remember? by <=minds-i-view=> (1992 Fan Q nominee - Best QL story) (40)
  • The Promise by Melissa Mastoris (43)
  • Greatest America Leaper by Elaine & Anne Batterby (Crossover with Greatest American Hero) (44)
  • Leap into Knight by Elaine & Anne Batterby (A Knight Rider crossover) (59)
  • Pulitzer Prize for Photography by Jane Mailander (74)
  • 9 April, 1970, poem by Jane Mailander (76)
  • Reunion by D.J. Walters ("Having leapt home, Sam encourages Al to attend his 35th reunion for old times sake, but it ends far differently than either of them expected.") (78)
  • Troubled Waters by Terri Librande & Crystal Olson ("Leaping into the body of an AIDS patient, Sam must deal with prejudice and fear.") (96)
  • Role Reversal [offline] by Sheila Paulson ("Trapped in New York City's 1990 by the Real Ghostbuster's neutron streams, All must fend off ghosts and accept help from a holographic Sam.") (Real Ghostbusters crossover). 1992 Fan Q nominee - Best QL story (109)
  • Say It by Janna Stockinger ("This story is a missing scene from Shock Theatre between Al and Dr. Beeks. How does an observer come to be convinced that he must talk Sam into repeating shock therapy?") (146)
  • Meditation, poem by Barbara Leflar Jackson (152)
  • What are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? by Rebecca Reeves ("Sam leaps into a chilling future within his lifetime and faces a moral dilemma.") (153)
  • Detour into the Night by Barbara Leflar Jackson ("Picking up where Shock Theatre left off, Sam and Al take an electronic detour into an alternate dimension where Sam is trapped in a vampire's body.") (175)
  • Mark of Sinanju by Sandy Hall (209)
  • It Isn't Fair, poem by Sandy Hall (230)
  • Letters of Comment by Various (231)
  • Project Personnel Profiles Various (235)

  • from issue #2, Nola Frame-Gray

  • from issue #2, Nola Frame-Gray

  • from issue #2, Nola Frame-Gray

  • from issue #2, <=minds-i-view=>

  • from issue #2, <=minds-i-view=>

  • from issue #2, sample text

  • from issue #2

  • from issue #2, Sheila Paulson

  • from issue #2, Terri Librande

  • from issue #2, Todd Parrish

  • from issue #2

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

See reactions and reviews for Troubled Waters.

[zine]: I just got _Oh, Boy #2_ from Peg Kennedy & Bill Hupe. It's a 4/10, due largely to lack of polish and omph in some stories, but mostly for the 1.5" margins at both top and bottom, 10-pitch Courier type, and lack of reduction. With normal 1" margins, the page count would have been reduced by 1/8th, about 12%. With (IMHO) perfectly acceptable 0.5" top-and-bottom margins, the pages would have gone from 8" of type vertically to 10", making possible a 25% reduction in page count. Peg and Bill aren't novices at fanzines. I expected better from them. (BTW, Bill seems to be agenting zines throught the mail for everyone and their auntie. I thought Dennetia did her own mail-sales, as well as agenting for others at cons. Is this a new trend for those fans too lazy to buy a fanzine listing every now and then?). [14]

[zine]:

Four out of five stars. Both covers by <=minds-i-view=> this time, more Nola Frame Gray cartoons, and an LOC section covering #1. The poetry includes two more Fan Q nominated poems, "Pulitzer Prize for Photography, 1970" (the winner) and "9 April 1970", both by Jane Mailander. Lots of in-joke stories this issue and some unusual cross-universes.

"Oh, Boy" - Sharon Wisdom and Sandy Hall. Sam leaps into a waiter and can't fathom what the ladies at table 4 are talking about. They started in archeology, moved on through comparing types of interrogation drugs and hypnosis, to obstetrical procedures and timeline splits. Meanwhile he has to doge the ladies at table 6, having dinner before going on to a Chippendale's show. Fun in-joke, especially if the topics ring a bell.

"Prelude" - Jennifer Smallwood. Another look at how government bureaucrats drove Sam to the initial leap. This issue's Waiting Room story features Joshua Raye. But wait a minute, you say, how long was he really in the waiting room. Let's just say that you-know-who wasn't only there to torment Sam.

"Do You Remember" - <=minds-i-view=> (1992 Fan Q nominee - Best QL story) Al's side of MIA.

"Greatest American Leaper" - Elaine and Anne Batterby. Two of Elaine and Anne's light cross-universe tales are in this issue. Sam doesn't get the hang of the suit any better than Ralph did. followed by "Leap into Knight (Michael, That Is...)" KITT can tell Sam isn't Michael, and can detect Al, so they have a little trouble getting his cooperation. Both are adventure stories with lots of "how does Sam fit in" jokes.

"Reunion" - D. J. Waters. Another "after the end" story. Al drags Sam along to a reunion at Mayport Naval Station. Everything's fine until Al sees a familiar face across the room. Eerie tale.

"Troubled Waters" - Terri Librande and Crystal Olson. Sam leaps into a dying hospital patient, to make one last request. A sad love story.

"Role Reversal" - Sheila Paulson (1992 Fan Q nominee - Best QL story) Another Ghostbusters tale. Al has a little trouble with a large purple dog on a NY street, then gets caught in the Ghostbusters beams, pulling him into 1990. Wonderfully fun story. Slimer, of course, wants to be Al's friend... he doesn't like the idea much, but he needs their help to get home again.

"Say It" - Janna Stockinger. Al consulting Dr. Beeks during Shock Theater. Weird.

"What are You Doing the Rest of Your Life" - Rebecca Reeves. Sam leaps well into his own future, to a very unpleasant society. Interesting view of how a government with too much power would deal with a genius like Sam.

"Detour Into Night" - Barbara Jackson. Sam and Al in the twilight zone, a dimension of vampires and strange goings-on in a haunted castle. Interesting, but doesn't fit the show very well.

"Mark of Sinanju (or the Case of the Reluctant Assassin)" - Sandy Hall. Another cross-universe, but I never saw the original movie. Adventure tale, with Sam learning skills to re-integrate his memory, maybe. [15]

[zine]:

Oh boy! This zine is packed full of Quantum Leap stories! 236 pages to be exact! I'd heard that it had a supernatural slant and, not particularly drawn the occult, I wasn't sure I'd like it. But there was such a long drought between new episodes this winter.... it was better than nothing, right? And any zine under 10 cents a page is priced right. So I took the plunge!

I'm glad I did. For starters, the front and back cover art (by <=minds-i-view=>) is fantastic! There are two more things fairly unique to Oh Boy! that get my applause. The interior art very often actually illustrates the story, as opposed to being stand alone portraits. And the recurring Waiting Room feature is always a delight. Every issue of Oh Boy! shows us one of the televised episodes from the perspective of the person in the Waiting Room. The first issue gave us young Sam during “The Leap Home.” Rumor has it that issue #3 (due out the end of May) will have five (!) Waiting Room stories.

Anyway, between those unbelievable covers on issue #2 you’ll find cartoons, more artwork, poetry and the following fiction: “Oh Boy” by Sharon Wisdom and Sandy Hall: Is this his most exasperating leap yet? Sam leaps into Joe Miller, a waiter working his way through college in 1991. Can he survive a table of women who have the apparent morals of the ladies who post bawdy poetry in the ‘Scott’s Jeans’ bulletin board on the Prodigy computer network? And discover why the mysterious conversation at another table is significant?

“Prelude” by Jennifer Smallwood: Another writer’s view of the day before the first leap. I liked it! It made sense, introduced a believable character that was well drawn and the dialogue from Sam and Al sounded just right! I hope to see more of her work. “The Waiting Room—Joshua Rey” by Sharon Wisdom: In keeping with the Halloween atmosphere in much of this issue, Sharon gives us Joshua Rey. “Boogieman” was a very intricate episode, and Sharon parallels both the events and the mood perfectly.

“Do You Remember?” by <=minds-i-view=>: A short introspective by Al, beautifully illustrated, set during the episode “M.I.A.’ “Greatest American Leaper” by Elaine and Anne Batterby: Of all the crossovers I’ve ever read, this is one of my favorites. (Of course, it always helps when you like the other series as I did Greatest American Hero.) The two are skillfully meshed by the authors—it makes perfect sense to find Sam forced into the role of a reluctant hero, unsure what he is supposed to do , and aided and abetted by a sarcastic, know-it-all partner. And when Sam, as usual, flounders in the face of knowledge he doesn’t yet have. Bill just assumes Ralph has been flying into buildings again! Straight from this funny story, we... “Leap into Knight” by the same authors: (Michael, that is...) Sam and Al cope with KITT, who knows Sam isn’t Michael Knight, and won’t cooperate unless they can earn his trust Will it be in time to save a little girl?

“Reunion” by D.J. Walters: Other writers have shared their versions of Al eventually running across Beth. This one shows Al deliberately seeking her out, after Sam has returned home and is at his side. But that’s not the only aspect of this reunion that makes D J. Walter’s vision unique....

"Troubled Waters” by Terri LiBrande and Crystal Olson: My favorite story in the whole issue, even though it defies the “body issue.’ Sam finds himself hospitalized with AIDS in 1985. He is Stanley Frazier, and he’s dying. He’s faced with the task of reconciling with Stanley’s partner Richard... before it’s too late.

“Role Reversal” by Sheila Paulson: Sam finally makes it home, straight from a leap in New York City in 1990. But this crossover finds Al trapped in the past, when The Real Ghostbusters accidentally catch him in their proton streams and his holographic image materializes! We all know how comfortable Al is around ghosts. Imagine Al strapping on a pack to help the Ghostbusters in a life-or-death struggle against a particularly nasty foe, while Sam tries to figure out how to retrieve him! A fun read.

“Say It” by Jana Stockinger: A poignant stop back at the Project to see how much it cost Al to convince Sam to undergo another shock treatment during the episode “Shock Theater.’

“What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?” by Rebecca Reeves: Something refreshingly different in fan fiction. Sam leaps into the year 2060, as a low level technician in a sterile facility where dozens (or hundreds?) of comatose patients are being monitored. Is Sam there to use his medical or scientific knowledge in some way? Ziggy is no help on this one, and Al and Sam are on opposite poles regarding what Sam should do.

“Detour into Night” by Barbara Lefleur Jackson: This story, too, goes where Quantum Leap fan fiction rarely treads. Suffice it to say this is a detour between “Shock Theater” and “The Leap Back” and it involves vampires....

“Mark of the Sinanju” by Sandy Hall: (or “The Case of the Reluctant Assassins”) There are only two known masters of Sinanju, assassins skilled in that ancient martial art—Remo Williams and his mentor Chiun. Sam leaps into Remo Williams. Sam doubts he could bring himself to assassinate some deserving lowlife, but even if his mission is to stop Chiun from killing, could he succeed at that either?[16]

[zine]:

...the covers by <=m-i-v=> were stunning. The story wasn't bad either. I enjoyed the editors contributions immensely.

Elaine and Anne Batterby have taken crossovers to new heights.

Janna Stockinger's "Say It" was a poignant look at things from Al's pov. Rebecca Reeves story was definitely a thought provoker, and I particularly liked the way she presented both sides of the argument.

I thought Mary Lozinski's pair of poems was an excellent explanation of how things stand between Sam and Al.

Everyone seems to love vampire crossovers, I was pleased to see Barbara Leflar Jackson handle it so well. I think it was a neat idea to have all of the story take place within the opening few seconds of "The Leap Back"—all of the fun of a crossover without having to worry too much about keeping up with Bellasario's every-changing continuity.

Shelia Paulson's crossover into the world of The Real Ghostbusters was a blast, and entirely believable too.

Sharon, I can't tell you how glad I am that no one got a Waiting Room story in on time since Joshua Ray's view of events was my favorite thing in the zine.

OH, BOY seems to have a fine stable of artists and writers of poetry.[17]

[zine]:

"Do You Remember?" lots of angst and anguish.

Greatest... "Leaper"—really cute, I especially like the interchange between Bill and Sam, and the segue into "Leap Into Knight", which was also very, very nice.

"Pulitzer Prize..." and "April 9"—touching... I cried.

"Reunion." Nice ghost story. Glad to see some post-stories, too. Detour..." was very good and Al was nicely in character.

Great illo on page 205.[18]

[zine]:

Another great job guys! I hope you keep <=m-i-v=> locked away in a little room, constantly churning out fantastic QL art and stories.

I loved "Do You Remember". (We are! We feed her twice a day and pipe in Quantum Leap episodes to keep her happy, eds.) Usually I zip past the cover to get inside, but this one demanded a good looong look! Once inside, the fun continued.

Elaine and Anne presented fun and believeable scenarios with (their crossovers) I was especially pleased at how well they carried over the characterizations from the other shows as well.

D.J. Walter's "Reunion" was gut wrenching, contrasting all the more how 'in control' Al looks in his navy whites.

"Troubled Waters" was handled well. It touched on two important subjects, AIDS and dying with dignity. It's rewarding to see stories like this.

"Role..." I like that here Al was substantial and had another purpose than simply finding answers for Sam. She also brought up the interesting point about the physical drain on the observer when using the imaging chamber.

"Detour..." was a real adventure and tackled some interesting ideas. The art that accompanied it was stunning.

...Sinanju" loved the character of Chiun. Now there's a rival for Al as "Side Kick of the Year," almost, Al's a little more loveable!

I haven't room to comment on every story. I'll have no qualms about suggesting this one to friends...value for the money and so much more! [19]

[zine]:

I have to tell you, I enjoyed OB II very much! "Prelude" offered something different, and was nicely written. Across-over with Greatest American Hero makes perfect sense, as the writers of "Greatest American Leaper" so aptly demonstrated.

And "What Are You Doing..." was a refreshing change of pace from the usual 1953-1995 settings.

But my favorite story was "Troubled Waters". I know it didn't completely mesh with the idea that Sam is leaping around in his own body...but that made it no less compelling. One of the pleasures of fanzines is that we can read stories that can't be done on the air, whether due to length, subject matter, expense, or stretching the Bellisario rules to make a good story. This one could never air, but it was a darn good story!

I particularly appreciate seeing art work that actually illustrates the stories. Your art work was exceptional (especially the covers)![20]

[zine]:

<=m-i-v=>'s artwork was absolutely gorgeous.

I keep rereading D.J. Waters "Reunion"—an excellent heart breaking story set off perfectly by <=mi-v=>'s artwork.

"Troubled Waters" had me in tears.

Although I'm not a RG fan, I enjoyed Shelia Paulson's "Role Reversal". Shelia could write in a fandom I can't stand and I'd still enjoy the story probably—she has a gift I've always enjoyed. (The last line was perfect!)

"What Are You Doing...?" was good as well, although I really didn't like the end.

"Detour..." was definitely different. Interesting, though. Very dark.

"Say It", though, is my favorite. Short and sweet and full of angst. It was wonderful.

The whole zine was wonderful. Pat yourselves on the back, you did a great job.[21]

[zine]:

Those <=m-i-v=> covers... have to keep wiping up the drool every now and then. Her pictures of Al, on the couch and crouched at Beth's grave just on the verge of tears had me tearing up too. Her "Do You Remember?" was a nice vignette as well.

"Reunion" was a nice ghost story. It was also a good portrayal of the steady, inescapable intensity of the bond between Sam and Al.

Like "Role Reversal" very much.

"Say It"—Definitely something Al needed to say, for his own peace of mind: something we all knew, and which was demonstrated so beautifully in that episode.

Nola Frame-Gray is well armed with satire's three-edged sword—a wicked sense of humor, an eye for caricature, and absolutely no respect.

"Oh Boy"—I don't believe it—an 'editor's write themselves into the leap' story that I liked.[22]

[zine]:

"Oh, Boy" not a standard 'Mary Sue' story and a lot of fun. Loved <=m-i-v=>'s artwork.

"Prelude", I was expecting an old standard. Great twist having him leap because Al's career hung in the balance.

"Do You Remember?”, AWESOME. It was so Al—sad, bittersweet—just wonderful.

"Leap Into Knight", Loved it!.

"Pulitzer... for Photography" choked me up. The emotions and feelings were captured and I loved it. ”9 April...” Same. I usually skim over poetry, but the pieces in OH BOY II were terrific.

"Reunion” made me cry like a baby. "Role...” I think Shelia made another Ghostbuster fan.

"Say It" Incredible! I literally wore the printing out on that one. WHY DIDN'T THEY FILM THAT SCENE? It made me remember why I loved SHOCK THEATRE so much.

"What Are You Doing..." Wild. Complex and very well done. "Detour..." Odd, but interesting...twisty—turny, and well done.

"...Sinanju" Master Chuin was wonderful—little father, indeed! I wish that Chuin could've helped Sam more at the end. It was great.

The poem at the end "It Isn't Fair"—oh, yeah.[23]

[zine]:

Without a doubt my favorites are the two crossover stories by Elaine and Anne. Another good story was "Role Reversal". Peter Venkman's comment "Looks like lawsuit city” is easily the best line in the entire zine.

I prefer OB I over II (because) too often the stories featured mostly Al, solo. I like it more when the two pool their collective smarts together—just like they are shown doing on the aired show! A suggestion: might OB consider running an "alternate universe" section for those of us readers who -shall we say-lack the mental flexibility to imagine a Donna Beckett underfoot back at Project QL.[24]

[zine]: I like the way you guys take more chances than some of the other zines. Good stuff! I am impressed by the originality of fan writing. People are going to love this zine![25]

[zine]:

I got caught up in the story "A Lesson Learned" by Sandy and I couldn't let the racy little story out of my hands, (Thanks, I enjoyed writing it. Sandy) I love Sam's panic to get out of the bed and to the bathroom. The whole story flows nicely and the end is just perfect.

I think that my favorite story is Sharon's "Second Circle". I enjoy Al's letcherous [sic] ways but I also want Al to be happy. I'm glad that you found away to get Al and Beth together.I think that Al wouldn't be as interesting if Beth had been waiting for him after Viet Nam. [26]

[zine]:

"Oh Boy" was great fun. It was especially enjoyable to catch on to who was having the bizarre conversation, long before poor Sam had a clue. That is a great illo—does it look as much like the real editors as it does like Scott and Dean? (We think so; our families recognized us! eds.) Sam's motivation for his premature leap in "Prelude" rang especially true. I had a niggling feeling myself that there had to be more to his decision than a threat to funding.

"The Waiting Room: Joshua Raye" was terrific. Really excellent, intriguing and spooky. It was puzzling at first, then I caught on to the unreal Al's presence in both 'dreams' and I was amazed that you carried it all the way through so well.

Jane Mailander's "Pulitzer Prize for Photography, 1970 and "9 April 1970" were extremely good: just about the best QL poetry I've seen.

"Role Reversal" was a lot of fun. Now this story would make a great movie. [27]

[zine]: Well, you guys came up with another great zine! I loved the front cover—very nice job. Sorry to hear you kept losing parts of "Greatest American Leaper" Gee, if this was your boogieman issue, I can understand the problems with the ghostbuster crossover (Hi, Shelia!), but with Ralph?! [28]

[zine]:

You ladies have done it again—what a great zine! The artwork is terrific, I compliment the artists.

While reading "Do You Remember" and "Reunion" I was getting chills. While I was reading "Leap into Knight", the show came on TV)—I enjoyed Elaine,and Anne's story much more than the one on the tube! Each story was well written, including the poetry. [29]

[zine]:

"Joshua Raye" was one of three all-time favorite stories in this zine. THE BOOGIEMAN is one of my all-time favorite episodes and it was neat to see the devil try to get Josh to spill the beans. But Josh was too smart for him.

"Reunion", I really liked this one. Al's anguish at Beth's death really was handled very well. He could finally put that demon to rest.

"Troubled Waters", very good. The AIDS angle was done in good taste. Letting him die with dignity was a nice touch.

"Role Reversal" was second of my all-time favorite stories. I am a fan of Sheila Paulson and of Al as well. This one reminded me a little of the episode THE LEAP BACK. Both universes were done well. Another fine job Shelia!

"What Are You Doing..." Sam facing his own death and relieving his suffering was very well done. I have read Rebecca Reeves' work in other zines and found this one up to the par of her others.

"Detour Into Night" My third all-time favorite story. This one reminded me of DARK SHADOWS.

"Mark of Sinanju" I particularly liked the scene at the baseball game with Chiun dancing with the San Diego chicken.[30]

Issue 3

cover of issue 3, <=minds-i-view=>
flyer for issue #3

Oh Boy 3 was published in May 1992 and contains 264 pages. It was edited by Sandy Hall and Sharon Wisdom.

The artwork is by <=minds-i-view=>, Barb Johnson, Margie Banks, Terri Librande, Vicki Brinkmeier, Todd Parrish, Richard Jackson, Natalie Wisdom, Crystal Hall, Nola Frame-Gray, and Jane Mailander.

It premiered at the 1992 MediaWest*Con.

It was a FanQ winner for Best QL Zine, and it includes 3 FanQ-nominated stories, LOCs for issue #2, art by the winning artist <=minds-i-view=>>, cartoons by Nola Frame-Gray and Jane Mailander, poetry and 5 "Waiting Room" stories.

This issue contains death stories.

From Media Monitor: "Sam investigates a suicide, Sam's a bride on his wedding day kidnapped by a former lover; Sam leaps into a violent situation on a New York subway; a missing scene from 'The Leap Back.'"

From the editorial:

OH BOY III has been an extremely emotionally trying issue. Not only from the logistics of putting the zine together, but several stories are intense in theme and content. Be warned that if you like only light stories, "Last Leap" and "A Little Help" may prove to be disturbing. Both are a bit more violent and graphic than most of the stories we normally print. They were such powerful stories, that we just had to publish them, but they may not be suitable for faint hearted readers. In addition, OH BOY PRESS is known for taking chances in printing controversial topics, and III is no exception.

For balance, we have included a new feature called "Leaping Into the Next Generation" which highlights the talents of our younger fans.

In our last editorial, we asked for Waiting Room stories. They say be careful what you ask for. We have five of them for you. Some are funny, some are heartwarming, all are excellent. As for the "BODY" question, we decided that as long as the story was internally consistent, we would allow the writers to interpret it as they liked. We have stories from both viewpoints, but so does the series!

You may notice that each contributor spells Sam's wife's last name differently. We wrote one of the producers, asking how it is spelled but we have not yet received a reply, so we are letting each version stand. We have capitalized Imaging Chamber, Waiting Room, Accelerator, and Project, since that has become the accepted practice in fandom.

The Love and Glory trilogy that we mentioned in OH BOY II has grown to novel length, so instead of putting it in III, we decided to wait and make it OH BOY IV. That meant we could accept more than one story from a contributor, after all. We will not be taking submissions until we finish IV. At that time, we will include in our editorial, guidelines for OH BOY V.

  • The Right Man by Becky Cope ("Sam's a bride on her wedding day who is kidnapped by her former lover. He has to chose between the groom and the lover.") (1)
  • A Little Help by Sandy Hall ("Sam leaps into a woman being raped and Al must help the emotionally devastated time traveller deal with the trauma and change history.") (rape fic) (27)
  • The Waiting Room: Jesse Tyler by Rebecca Reeves (45)
  • Maggie's Angel by Melissa Mastoris (52)
  • Through the Imaging Chamber by Miriam Ferziger ("What happens after Al returns to the project after STARCROSSED?") (53)
  • Fragile Memory by Pat Woodhouse (58)
  • This One's For Al by Elaine and Anne Batterby ("Ray comes asking for a favor and it's Sam who has to deliver.") (Stingray crossover) (59)
  • The Waiting Room: Darlene Monte by Jennifer Adams Kelley (Author's notes: "One of my favorite episodes is MISS DEEP SOUTH. The expressions on Darlene's mirror image (which we saw a lot of in the episode) I figured weren't all Sam's... That got me thinking. What kind of 1950's woman would use her prize money for med school, yet still bring a teddy bear to the pageant? The story answers that question.") (68)
  • Only You Can See by M.J. Frank (73)
  • Watchman, What of the Night? by Gary E. Himes ("A thriller murder mystery set at Project Quantum Leap. Who will die next?") (Author's notes: "Watchman, What of the Night?" came out of a comment Sam made in "The Leap Back": "Leaping isn't like observing; it may be more than Al can handle." Well, excuse me Dr. Beckett, but when did you get so damn perfect? If anything, Al seems better equipped to the adventurous life than Sam is. I wrote this story to show that our favorite lech is quite capable of handling anything Sam can, even the most dangerous adversary Sam ever faced. Don't get cocky, leap boy!") (1993 FanQ nominee - Favorite QL story) (85)
  • Adversaries by Pat Woodhouse (112)
  • The Waiting Room: Jimmy by Janna Stockinger (113)
  • Waiting by Patricia Dunn (From the zine: "'Waiting' was written to present Al's side of things discussed in Diana Smith's story 'The Decision'.") (123)
  • Decision by Diana Smith (Author's notes: "I accepted Tina until the fourth season opener, and after we "saw" Tina, I told Pat that Al deserved better than that. Yes, she was the kind he'd have a fling witty, but certainly not worth all the agony he'd experience over the years. Al deserved a more mature, more adoring lady in his life. But what would he do if this lady was a mother? Thus Jessica was "born". Hopefully she'll find acceptance among the Al fans.") (125)
  • Last Leap by Jane Mailander ("Sam leaps into a violent situation on a NY subway.") (1993 FanQ nominee - Favorite QL story) (127)
  • Star Light, Star Bright by Melissa Mastoris (137)
  • By Leaps and Bounders by Barbara Mater ("Sam as Sherlock Holmes, need we say more?") (138)
  • The Waiting Room: Joey Denardo by Ann Raymont (151)
  • Over the River by Jennifer Smallwood (160)
  • Barriers by Sheila Paulson ("As a college student at his old alma mater, Sam's job is to keep his roommate and her boyfriend together.") (166)
  • Dreams by Sharon Wisdom ("A missing scene from THE LEAP BACK.") (188)
  • The Waiting Room: Kenny Sharp by Jane Mailander (195)
  • Leaping to Conclusions by Diana Smith and Pat Dunn ("Sam as a detective, investigates a suicide. The victim's wife claims it's murder and Al knows much more than he's telling.") (From the zine: "We wrote "Leaping to Conclusions" together primarily because we dislike the Tina we saw in the episode THE LEAP BACK, and wanted to give him a more deserving girlfriend.") (1993 FanQ nominee - Favorite QL story) (197)
  • The One He Left Behind by Crystal Nauyokas (223)
  • The Way Home by Todd Parrish (224)
  • Musings to Cigar Smoke by Elaine Batterby (225)
  • Road Stop by Rebecca Reeves ("On a leap into the future, Sam is a hermit in a desolate road stop called upon to help a confused young boy.") (226)
  • Disney by Sharon Wisdom ("A brother taking his sister to Disney World, Sam has to prevent a kidnapping.") (243)
  • Leaping Into the Next Generation by Amanda Hall and Kate Wisdom (256)

  • from issue #3, Barb Johnson

  • from issue #3, <=minds-i-view=>

  • from issue #3, Margie Banks

  • from issue #3, Terri LeBrande

  • from issue #3, Vicki Brinkmeier

  • from issue #3, Todd Parrish

  • from issue #3, Todd Parrish

  • from issue #3, Todd Parrish

  • from issue #3, <=minds-i-view=>

  • from issue #3, <=minds-i-view=>

  • from issue #3, Nola Frame-Gray, some commentary on Sam Beckett's "swiss cheese brain"

  • from issue #3, Nola Frame-Gray, some meta commentary on MediaWest*Con's door decoration contest

  • from issue #3, Richard Jackson

  • from issue #3, <=minds-i-view=>. The author the story this accompanies wrote in the author's notes: "Disney" is a just-for-fun story that has absolutely nothing to do with the personal histories (or futures) of Sam and Al. That's why I wrote it! I stalled midway through, then M-I-V did the wonderful illo of Sam in ears and I was inspired, no, compelled to finish it."

  • from issue #3, Todd Parrish

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 3

[Last Leap]: [Comments about gen writers writing without passion] reminds me of the bad old days of Quantum Leap fandom (when you

couldn't MENTION the "s" word without getting flogged); I'd written a gut-wrenching story in a gen QL zine (the only kind they had at the time), and a fan at the next Mediawest told me that she'd cried so hard she'd gotten a migraine and had to take a day off work because of my story! Then she asked...very, very timidly...afraid of my reaction...if I ever...read?...slash? I said "Hon, I WRITE slash! My first QL story EVER was a slash story!" But she'd KNOWN that I'd learned to plumb those emotional depths from writing slash!

That story, "Last Leap," was nominated for a Fan Q.[31]

[zine]:

Four out of five stars. Includes 3 FanQ-nominated stories, LOCs for #2, art by the winning artist <=minds-i-view=>, cartoons by Nola Frame-Gray and Jane Mailander, poetry and 5 "Waiting Room" stories. I love what they've done with this story concept. warning for those who don't like reading them - there are death stories in this zine.

  • "The Right Man" - Becky Cope. Here comes the bride ... Sam!
  • "A Little Help" - Sandy Hall. Another variation on "Raped". Not a pleasant story.
  • "The Waiting Room - Jesse Tyler" - Rebecca Reeves. The great-grandkids love to hear Papa Jesse tell this story.
  • "Through the Imaging Chamber" - Miriam Ferziger. Many stories have covered changes in the project's present after a leap ends, but this was the first one out about Al coming out of the IC after "Star Crossed" and "meeting" Donna.
  • "This One's For Al" - Elaine and Anne Batterby. Stringray cross-universe, Sam returns a favor.
  • "The Waiting Room - Darlene Monte" - Jennifer Adams Kelley. Al tries to explain how Sam will "take care of everything", but Darlene is skeptical.
  • "Only You Can See" - M.J. Frank. Sam's intervention in a college career has an important impact on PQL. Good Sam and Al dialog.
  • "Watchman, What of the Night?" - Gary Himes. (1993 FanQ nominee - Favorite QL story) Al has another run-in with their adversary from below.
  • "The Waiting Room - Jimmy" - Janna Stockinger. Al has some problems dealing with the leapee this time, it brings back unpleasant memories.
  • "Waiting" - Patricia Dunn. Al's thoughts about Beth. Wonderful illo for all you Al fans out there!
  • "Decision" - Biana Smith. Beth's side paired with the previous story.
  • "Last Leap" - Jane Mailander (1993 FanQ nominee - Favorite QL story) A sad ending, but Sam wants the project to go on beyond his last leap.
  • "By Leaps and Bounders" - Barbara Mater. Somehow, Sam is Sherlock Holmes himself. Odd.
  • "The Waiting Room - Joey Denardo" - Ann Raymont. He thinks he's in the Twilight Zone, talking to Al and Dr. Beeks.
  • "Over the River" - Jennifer Smallwood. Years after the project successfully concludes, Sam has to deal with another parting.
  • "Barriers" - Sheila Paulson. Sam's a college coed in the '70s - can he keep his roommate from breaking up with her boyfriend - Tom! Nice ending.
  • "Dreams" - Sharon Wisdom. or nightmares? Sam vows not to be too late again.
  • "The Waiting Room - Kenny Sharp" - Jane Mailander. Well, he *did* just get into a time machine! Fun story!
  • "Leaping to Conclusions" - Diana Smith and Pat Dunn. (1993 FanQ nominee - Favorite QL story) Certainly one of my very favorite fan stories! Al meets a young lady in a park... then he meets her mom and her brothers. Will Sam's leap undo everything?
  • "Road Stop" - Rebecca Reeves. Another all-time favorite. Sam's alone at a road-side gas station in the middle of nowhere and Al can't tell him when either. He's there to help a passing teenager.
  • "Disney" - Sharon Wisdom. Sam spends a day at Disney World and prevents a kidnapping. [32]

[zine]:

Picking my favorite story in Oh Boy #3 was such a tough job — I had to read the zine cover-to-cover a second time (and I just got it a week ago!). It's a close call, but I give the nod to Sharon Wisdom's "Dreams." The poetic imagery in the first few paragraphs completely captured me; the next few pages tore at my heart Then Donna—her dialogue sounding EXACTLY like the woman we met in "The Leap Back," and then Sam's resolve: "He would bring Al back somehow, no matter what it took." WE knew the cost...excuse me while I get a Kleenex....

Of course, I might have another favorite next time through.

As usual, the poetry and artwork in Oh Boy are among the best in the business. Particularly memorable was Todd Parrish's 'The Way Home." The cover art by <=minds-i-view=> always makes me linger there. And I liked the series quotes interspersed throughout the zine too.

I love the Waiting Room series! There are five here; and each is handled a different way. I didn't expect the variety; and enjoyed them all.

The obligatory editorial warned us that this issue would carry more intense/disturbing themes than we usually see. I applaud this decision — these were outstanding efforts. Sam as a rape victim, quite different from the televised episode.... And is it true that in just this one issue, Ziggy was shut down, and Sam, Al, Gooshie, Tina and Verbena Beaks were all killed off, in various stories? Well, I'm not telling; you'll have to read it to see. too.

I also liked "Oh Say Can You See," "Barriers," "Leaping to Conclusions" and "Road Stop," Well done!

Oh Boy 3 contains fiction by: Becky Cope, Sandy Hall, Rebecca Reeves, Miriam Ferziger, Elaine and Anne Batterby, Jennifer Adams Kelley, MJ Frank, Gary Himes, Jana Stockinger, Patricia Dunn, Diana Smith, Jane Mailander, Barbara Mater, Ann Raymont, Jennifer Smallwood, and Sheila Paulson. Poetry by Melissa Mastoris, Pat Woodhouse, Crystal Nauyokas, Todd Parrish, Elaine Batterby. Cartoons by Nola Frame-Gray and Jane Mailander, Art by <=minds-i-view=>. Barb Johnson, Margie Banks, Terri Librande, Vicki Brinkmeier, Todd Parrish, Richard Jackson. Also, a two page section created by the next generation of fans, letter of comment, and Personnel Profiles on the contributors. [33]

Issue 4

cover of issue #4, <=minds-i-view=>

Oh Boy 4 was published in May 1993. It is a 487-page novel called "Love and Glory" by Sandy Hall, Sharon Wisdom and Michelle Agnew. It was based in part on "Bookends," a short story by Terri Librande that was written just after the second season. See that story here.

The story follows Sam and Al through their first meeting through the end of Sam's leaping (although it does not take into account the fifth season and the series finale).

The cover and interior artwork is by <=minds-i-view=>.

  • from issue #4

  • from issue #4

  • from issue #4

  • from issue #4

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 4

For one (and, IMVHO one of the best) takes on this and many other questions regarding _QL_, I *strongly* recommend the fanfic novel _Love and Glory_ (_Oh, Boy IV_). It's slightly alternate-universe (the events of "MI" are not incorporated into it) but it ties together a *lot* of stuff DPB stuck into _QL_, in what is, to my mind, a *most* satisfying fashion. (Actually inspired me to write my first fanfic, at my ripe old age!) It's by Sandy Hall, Sharon Wisdom, and Michelle Agnew, (parts of it are based on a story by our very own Terri Librande). [34]

I agree 100% with this assessment. It is still available from Peg and Bill cause I ordered it not too long ago. It is amazing how much thought and detail went into that zine. I am continually amazed at how many things that I thought were made up by the authors were in fact grounded in canon in an episode that I just hadn't picked up on before. I strongly recommend this zine to anyone who is interested in reading any fanfic. IMHO it is way better than the "professional" books we have seen and much more accurate. It may seem expensive, but keep in mind that it is 500 pages or so. Enjoy![35]

Thanks for the compliment. I'm thinking seriously of trying to post the original story, "Bookends" on the net...it's a huge thing and I don't know if I can but I could try. I'm glad you all liked it and I will pass the message onto Sandy, Sharon, and Michelle. And Minds/Eye/View who I think is a brilliant artist!!! Terri in Cleveland [36]

The best issue is Oh Boy! IV, which is a massive novel (400+ pages!) spanning from Sam and Al's first meeting to the end of Sam's Leaping (it was written during the fifth season, and ignores Mirror Image.) At first, it's odd to read, because it seems like the authors got their facts wrong. Sam and Al meet much earlier than the show hints at, for example. But this is because this is a prequel set in a world changed by Sam's Leaping, so there's a logical explanation for it. It's very well written, but hard to find for a reasonable price. [37]

Issue 5

cover of issue #5, <=minds-i-view=>

Oh Boy 5 was published in May 1994 and contains 225 pages.

The art by <=minds-i-view=> won a 1995 FanQ.

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 5

This issue contains only one “Waiting Room” story (“Nigel Covington”, by Sharon Wisdom), but several authors have submitted “Unseen Season” stories, in which Al is Leaping, and Sam is the Observer. A neat idea, best executed in Kim Round’s “Nightmare Revisited”, in which Al leaps into a P.O.W. in Vietnam. I also liked T. Good’s “The Best Man for the Job” in which Al experiences a taste of single- fatherhood with a lively young daughter.

Jane Mailander offers “Circles”, a very sad follow-up to her story “Last Leap” in OH BOY III. If you liked the first story, as I did, you’ll appreciate this sequel in which Project Quantum Leap comes to a conclusion.

Patricia Poole’s two post-Mirror Image stories must be mentioned, as she is a talented writer with a feel for the characters. “A Brief History of Time” follows Al through the various changes in his own time-line, and concludes with his successful attempt to bring Sam home. “The Love of My Life” follows up on that happy event, as Sam and all the Project personnel adjust to his return. We see a great deal of Sam and Donna, Al and Beth, and the wives learn a number of things they didn’t know previously about their husbands.

“A Leap of Relative Importance” by M.J. Frank & Crystal Nauyokas introduces Austen, a young man who seems vaguely familiar to Sam, as he tries to help him locate his father. The surprise was perhaps given away by <=minds-i-view=>’s illustration, but the story is so intriguing that it doesn’t matter.

Other stories I particularly liked were “Panache” by Jacklyn M. Egolf and “Rewind” by Jane Freitag (who was kind enough to sing me the song included in this story when we met by chance at a convention!) [38]

Issue 6

cover of issue #6, <=minds-i-view=>

Oh Boy 6 was published in May 1997 and contains 296 pages.

The art is by <=minds-i-view=>, Sandy Hall, and Brian Davison.

Two fans must have gotten something worked out...:

I'm pulling my story from Sandy Hall's next zine "Oh Boy". My story is called "Fed Up". I'm doing my best to notify her but I'm not sure I'll be able to reach her. I don't have her address and it seems that no one else seems to have it either. I haven't heard from her since before she moved. She has made no effort to contact me regarding the zine or my story. Since it has been over a year since I sent my story to her and due to the fact that she hasn't contacted me I feel safe in assuming that she isn't going to publish. [39]

References

  1. ^ QL Quantum Leap Forum, open access in 2010
  2. ^ from Kitty's Smarm Ratings for QL Zines by Kitty Woldow (1991)
  3. ^ by Pat Dunn from The Unseen Observer #2 (summer 1991)
  4. ^ QL Fanzine Reviews File #1 by Mary Anne Espenshade (June 23, 1994)
  5. ^ from a letter of comment in "Oh Boy" #1
  6. ^ from a letter of comment in "Oh Boy" #1
  7. ^ from a letter of comment in "Oh Boy" #1
  8. ^ from a letter of comment in "Oh Boy" #1
  9. ^ from a letter of comment in "Oh Boy" #1
  10. ^ from a letter of comment in "Oh Boy" #1
  11. ^ from a letter of comment in "Oh Boy" #1
  12. ^ from a letter of comment in "Oh Boy" #1
  13. ^ from a letter of comment in "Oh Boy" #1
  14. ^ comment by a fan Virgule-L, quoted anonymously (January 1, 1993)
  15. ^ from QL Zine Reviews File #2 by Mary Anne Espenshade (July 1, 1994)
  16. ^ from The Hologram #3 and #4/6
  17. ^ from a letter of comment in "Oh Boy" #3
  18. ^ from a letter of comment in "Oh Boy" #3
  19. ^ from a letter of comment in "Oh Boy" #3
  20. ^ from a letter of comment in "Oh Boy" #3
  21. ^ from a letter of comment in "Oh Boy" #3
  22. ^ from a letter of comment in "Oh Boy" #3
  23. ^ from a letter of comment in "Oh Boy" #3
  24. ^ from a letter of comment in "Oh Boy" #3
  25. ^ from a letter of comment in "Oh Boy" #3
  26. ^ from a letter of comment in "Oh Boy" #3
  27. ^ from a letter of comment in "Oh Boy" #3
  28. ^ from a letter of comment in "Oh Boy" #3
  29. ^ from a letter of comment in "Oh Boy" #3
  30. ^ from a letter of comment in "Oh Boy" #3
  31. ^ comments by the author at Venice Place Mailing List, see more at Gen fic & emotion (rambling) (May 18, 1997)
  32. ^ from rec.arts.sf.tv.quantum-leap, publicly accessible in 2009
  33. ^ from The Hologram #4
  34. ^ comment by J.M. Egolf at Usenet group rec.arts.sf.tv.quantum-leap, _Love and Glory_ fanfic WAS Re: Al's formal education...?, December 1994
  35. ^ comment by Marcia Tiersky at Usenet group rec.arts.sf.tv.quantum-leap, _Love and Glory_ fanfic WAS Re: Al's formal education...?, December 1994
  36. ^ comment by by the author at Usenet group rec.arts.sf.tv.quantum-leap, _Love and Glory_ fanfic WAS Re: Al's formal education...?, December 1994
  37. ^ QL Quantum Leap Forum, open access in 2010
  38. ^ by Pat Dunn in The Hologram #7 (February 1995)
  39. ^ statement by Freda Whaley at rec.arts.sf.tv.quantum-leap, January 11, 1997
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