Only Hope

Zine
Title:	Only Hope
Publisher:	L&L Productions
Editor(s):	Tammy Olsen and Cheryl Deluca
Date(s):	1994-97
Series?:
Medium:	fanzine
Size:
Genre:
Fandom:	Star Wars
External Links:	Another Sky Fanzine Index
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

flyer for the first issue: "YES! We do think it's time that SW fandom had a new Luke zine. So it is with this in mind, that L&L Productions is proud to present it's [sic] new zine."

Only Hope is gen Star Wars anthology of fiction, art and poetry published in Canada between 1994-1997. There were four issues, each averaging 100-200 pages each.

These zines had a focus on Luke Skywalker. From an ad in Southern Enclave: "No Han-starring, slash or crossover."

From a flyer for the first issue: "YES! We do think it's time that SW fandom had a new Luke zine. So it is with this in mind, that L&L Productions is proud to present it's [sic] new zine."

Part of a "Family Tree"

A similar zine to "Only Hope" was Another Sky, published three years earlier. A similar zine to "Only Hope" was Echo Three. These zines fed a hungry audience for those who considered Luke Skywalker as their One True Character.

The editors of "Only Hope" and Echo Three made many references to the encouragement and mentoring that the editors of Another Sky gave them. The editors of "Echo Three" and "Only Hope" consistently referred to "Another Sky's" editors as "grandma" and to themselves as their "children" or "babies." The editors of "Another Sky" played along with these references in their letters of comment, as did other readers, with similar comments.

Issue 1

Only Hope 1 was published in March 1994 and contains 115 pages.

cover of issue #1, Melanie Guttierrez

The art is by Kymm August, Tina Lebalt, Khalil West, Mary Curran Carter, Melanie Guttierrez, Z.P. Florian, and Cheryl Deluca.

From the title page: "PS: Thanks again everybody, and remember us in July" is a reference to voting in the STAR aWARdS.

The numerous mentions of "grandmums" and "parents" and "grandchildren" are references to this zine being mentored by the editors of another zine called Another Sky.

[from Cheryl's editorial]:

Dear SW Fans,

Well guys, it's been a long time getting here, so I hope it is up to the standards set forth by our friends and colleagues out there, who are old pro's at this kind of thing. When I decided to join my partner Tammy 'Bambi' Olsen, in producing OH, I was terrified that we would set a deadline and receive zilch, zip, and nada, in response to our pleas for material.

So it's with great ecstasy, (I looked it up in the dictionary everyone, it doesn't only apply to sex!) that I can say I was wrong. We received plenty of material, and all of it was, and is excellent!

I sincerely hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did, and I apologize in advance for any spelling errors Yes I do have spell check on my computer, and I even know how to use it , but it doesn't guarantee perfection! So feel free to harass and harangue us about them, but just know in advance that we're sorry for any destruction of brain cells, or increase in blood pressure, they may have caused.

[snipped]

Will we do it again? Absolutely!!! Despite the fact that we're bandaged up to our elbows, from paper cuts, and have had to have several skin grafts to remove the glue stuck to our hands, feet and foreheads. We loved every minute of it, and hope you do too!!!

Politically incorrect????? YOU AIN'T SEEN NUTHIN' YET!!!! SEE YOU IN JULY!!

[Tammy's editorial]:

Dear SW Fans,

Hi, everyone and welcome to issue 1 of Only Hope. I want to thank my co-ed Cheryl for for helping me get this idea off the ground, and I would also like to thank Lorrie and Melanie for their support.

I hope you will enjoy what we have put together and will come back for issue two later If any of you would like to place ads in OH. Please let us know and we wil print them.

Anyone wanting information on other Luke zines or any other Star Wars zine out there please ask us. We wil be glad to help you in any way we can.

And since this is a Luke zine, I feel that we have to advertise the other two Luke zines out there. Another Sky and Echo Three. Echo Three is another new Luke zine and Another Sky has been around for five issues.

Well, since I have never written a letter from the Editor before I can't think of anything else to say except, LOC. We want to hear your comments, good or bad, about Only Hope.

Oh, and one last thing, please vote for the STAR aWARdS. The ballots wil be out soon and we want everyone to vote. Even if you have not read al of the nominees (and there are a lot of them this year and growing all the time), please vote for the one's that you liked the best.

The first time I voted, I had read less than half of the stories, poems, etc. But I voted for what I liked. I realize that we cannot include ballots in this issue of OH and the voting will be over by the next issue is ready. If any of you do not receive a ballot from another zine, please let us know and we will do our best to get one to you so that you can vote.

MTFBWY

• Alone, poem by Laura Zucca (1)
• A Letter, article by Birgit Markmann (about her visit to Tunisia to see the places the original Star Wars was filmed) (5)
• Victory Celebration, story, by Tammy Olsen (9)
• Twinstorm, vignette, by Kymm August (18)
• Mother, poem, by Yvette Ghilan (20)
• Endless, poem by Kymm August (21)
• Love Views, poems, by Kymm August (23)
• A Band of Gold, story, by Mary Curran Carter (25)
• With Friends Like This, story, by Kymm August (32)
• Dark Hour, poem, by Yvette Ghilan (40)
• The Gathering Storm, story, by Mary Curran Carter (41)
• Sandstorm, story, by J.P. Treleaven (56)
• Confusion, poem, by Kymm August (62)
• Last Day on Tatooine, story, by Jenny Jivan (64)
• Last Rites, poem, by Yvette Ghilan (67)
• Last Goodbye, poem, by Dana Marie Carozza (68)
• Prime Time, story, by Mesarthim & Stardancer (69)
• Not What it Seems, poem, by Kymm August (81)
• One Man's Vendetta, story, by Rich Gawel (82)
• This Time, poem by Yvette Ghilan (89)
• Field of View, story, by Mary Curran Carter (90)
• Not Another Endor Celebration Story, story, by Z.P. Florian (111)

• 

  from issue #1, Cheryl Deluca

• 

  from issue #1, Cheryl Deluca

• 

  from issue #1, Cheryl Deluca

• 

  from issue #1, Tina Lebalt

• 

  from issue #1, Cheryl Deluca

• 

  from issue #1, Mary Curran Carter

• 

  from issue #1, Cheryl Deluca

• 

  from issue #1, Melanie Guttierrez

• 

  from issue #1, Melanie Guttierrez

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

Great job guys! The more Luke the better! I'm starting to get the hang of writing these comment letters, I think. So, I guess II Just plunge right In with this.

You have a nice layout The print was easy to read, and It wasn't chopped up into little sections with a lot of white space being used as filler. I see the fact that Only Hope isn't busy with a lot of borders either.

Birgit Markmann's story about her trip to Tunisia was interesting. There must be other stories Ste this "out there", wouldn't it be fun to share them? [Anyone else have any stories like this? Send 'em in - Eds]

There's a nice mix of stories here. Just because I don't mention every one doesn't mean I didn't like all of them, I did. Al the poetry was very good, too.

I've never seen anything by Mary Curran-Carter before, but I liked "Field of View", and The Gathering Storm." I'm not a fan of multi-part stories, but I know why it happens. I just hope there won't be a long wait for part two of "Field of View." I want to know what happens to Luke now that it seems he's about to fall into the clutches of the Empire.

"Victory Celebration" was pretty hot. You two know how I feel about Jedi celibacy. Let's have some more stories with Luke and his love life. If the pro's cando it, we can! [You bet we can! - Eds]

I don't have any complaints, constructive, or otherwise. I just hope that J.P wasn't too insulted when she found her name on my story! [Ahhh! We have one MEGA apology for you, we're sorry but that's what happens, when you're so new at this. Hope you weren't too insulted, either by the way the repair job IS In the mail - Eds)

And, I haven't forgotten about the art. Everything looked good. I'm still drooling over the cover. I might have to take the zine apart and hang Melanie's work up on my Mac!

Congratulations on your first (of may we hope many) issues.

The cover by Melanie Guttierrez was stunning! I must admit, I tried to talk her out ot sending it to ya'll. Would have wanted to keep it for ANOTHER SKY... but she gave me the standard 'Grandmother' lecture, and off it went! And ONLY HOPE really did deserve the best cover art for its debut.

Victory Celebration: By Tammy Often, was hot hot hot HOT!!!!! And to say anything else would get me in big trouble! Excellent job Tammy. [Have you read what Cheryl did to Luke in the continuation of this story In Echo Three #1? - Ed]

Twin Storm: For The Best By Kymm August was very sweet and tender.

Band of Gold: By Mary Curran-Carter, was a well written piece that showed the dangers Alliance Operatives face very well. The ending was very "on target" and very well done.

The Gathering Storm: By Mary Currun Carter. I had a few problems with this story from the beginning. Now, I realize that this is only part one, but I don't believe there was enough (any) explanation about the role of the 'Cracian Thumper' in the story line. What is this about? I have a big problem with horses being bred with, it looks like to me, Kangaroos, too! Second, The Lord High Inquisitor, Tremayne... We hear how bad he Is, but then in his first (?) confrontation with Corwin Shelvay (a character I like very much, and would like to see more about), Tremayne simply backs up, backs down. Why? If he could kill this guy with a look, then why did he fall, when simply stunned?

Sandstorm: By J.P Treleaven was fantastic. Luke thinking he's dying, Ben's insistence that he live. Very nice, very nice!

Last Good-bye: By Dana Marie Carozza, shows Luke's emotional state after his father's death extremely well. Not too shabby for a first time writer. Keep up the good work Dana Marie!

One Man's Vendetta: By Rich Gawel, left me wanting to read more! I like Boba Fett. The scene in ROTJ (Jabba's palace) when he whips that blaster up to shoot Boussh gives me goose bumps! And yes, that is a female statement, Rich! Seriously, Boba Fett is too good a character not to use, and I think you did and excellent job!

As always, me poetry by Yvette Ghilan is spectacular! How do you do it, I will never know. If any inspiration comes once a year here lately and I'm happy. Your words, capture the true feel of the "Star Wars" galaxy at any given moment, and I'm awed Yvette, simply awed.

The poetry by Laura Zucca, and Kymm August (Kyla) wens wonderful as well, and I better be seeing more by both!

The interior art, especially the sexy Anakin by Z.P. Florian, was very good. A few pieces in my opinion could be better but hey, I'm no artist, so what do I know???!!!! I am sure of one thing tho', that Cheryl De Luca is getting better and better. And it comes as no surprise that her art is getting better. She has truly been infected' by the Saga. [Geez, I hope they don't come up with an inoculation for it. Though I'm sure the hubby probably feels differently -CJ.]

For all the things that I didn't mention, put it down to zineitis, the funny little sickness all editors get when they try to put their own zine together, and write LOCs for others.

Good Luck Cheryl and Tammy. ONLY HOPE looks beautiful, and I hope will be around for many years to come [we hope so, too! Eds].

I enjoyed reading OH and I do believe that stories revolving around Luke Skywalker are getting better and better...

My favourite story is "Prime Time", I like Luke being able to just sit down and be "one of the guys". I loved the cult of Jedi worshippers devoted to the perusal and the pursuit of Luke Skywalker.

I liked "With Friends Like These..., I always wanted to see Luke show his childhood friends that he was right.

"One Man's Vendetta" was a very good story. I Iked seeing a story involving Luke and Boba Fett, and it was well written, but too short.

"Field of View" was also a well written and enjoyable story.

"Alone", was my favourite poem. I'm not a fan of poetry, but this was very good. I also liked "Love Views", these were great and I loved seeing both points of view.

Z.P Florian and Cheryl De Luca' s artwork I found to be my favourites. Both Luke and Anaikin look realistic and delicious!

Everyone shows potential for some really great work, but my only complaint is that the stories are too short! Great work everyone!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FIRST "GRANDCHILD, " Cheryl and Tammy. ONLY HOPE is BEAUTIFUL! What a feeling getting it in my mailbox!. I was as nervous waiting for this zine as I was getting AS #1 together.

Glad to see the typo fairy got past U.S. Customs; those guys are dangerous! He had mercy on you guys tho' not like AS #1, where he outdid himself. As techno pagans, my co-ed and I stand in awe of your classy layout girls! But -- zines are not about production values... they're about CONTENT, so here goes my creation to OH #1.

What I liked, right off the bat, was the way OH disobeyed all of the "should's" of zines. Good attitude, ya take right after your "parents"!!!

Following Luke's Path: fascinating. I had to read it twice before I realized it really was a TRUE story, not good fiction. Lucky you, Birgit Markmann.

Victory Celebration. Ahem! Whew. This is a truly HOT one! Sure puts to rest the "virginal Jedi" POV, hug? WOOF! thou art TRULY a Smut Sister of the HOLY SPANDEX. I haven't seen that much "hip" action since... well, never mind! I sure do like the way you "lay" out Luke's character, Tammy. Cayenne, huh? HE was the "hot" one! *heh heh*, I'm gonna go read this one again. ANYONE who wants to see a "sequel" to this should get Echo Three. It's called "Deadly Passion" and it's GREAT!

Twinstorm. Was a lovely piece with a sense of destiny about it. Perfect art, Cheryl, exquisite baby!

Mother. Was perfectly placed after the aforementioned story. Just beautiful, as all of Yvette's poetry is.

Love View. Very adult, pragmatic POV's from Luke and Leia.

Endless. Sounded VERY EXASPERATED, Kymm. Just like Luke must have felt.

A Band of Gold. The kind of story that had unlimited possibilities. The unnamed Alliance Operative was a fascinating character. Very realistic double/triple crossing! I liked this story and the style. Your other stories, Mary, (The Gathering Storm & Field of View) just weren't the kind of stories I can enjoy. There were a lot of inconsistencies, not the least of which was a villain (Tremayne) who was far too easy to dispatch. Simply giving up at the arrival of Luke and company, then being neatly taken care of with a blaster made him a joke as a Dark Jedi. The same inconsistency marred Field of View for me. While I loved the very realistic scenes of Luke's rescue for the booby-trapped hanger, the idea of Luke's X-wing being done for, Han's efficient rescue of a very human, perfectly written, suffering Luke, and the dialogue between Luke and Leia in the med centre -- the premise of the entire story was Matthew's ability to infiltrate the Rebellion and get chummy with Luke. Someone with no traceable, checkable past being allowed on a military installation (carrying an Imperial weapon!) makes the Alliance look sloppy. Filtering out possible infiltrators is the only way the rebellion survived as long as it did. A Matthew just wouldn't have gotten that close to an Alliance military installation, much less high command personnel and certainly not the galaxy's only Jedi!

With Friends Like These. What a nasty bunch to go home to! LOVED the suitably AWED reception Tatooine gave a "holy man." Yeah, he's got a Jedi's patience, all right. If he'd chosen to telekinetically KILL all of Tosche's station, no Force Court would would have condemned him! What jerks.

The Stuff of Dreams. Yeah, you're right, Kymm!

The photo quality art by Cheryl on page 35 is stunning. It is my favourite art piece in the zine.

Last Day On Tatodne: by Jenny Jivan, gave us a very calculating, in command of the situation, Kenobi that reminds us how mystical the SW storyline is. Liked it.

Z.P - THAT IS A POW, YUMMY < SUPER SEXY Anakin on pg 66! Alors!

Last Rites: by Yvette Ghilan, and Last Goodbye by Dana Carozza were perfect together! Beautiful work, ladies!

One Man's Vendetta: by Rich Gawel was a very well thought out look at where Boba Fett came from and what drove him. It's good to see a male POV in SW fiction, and while I'm not a Boba fan, I know he's big with male SW fans and I enjoyed this technical look at him.

This Time: by Yvette Ghilan sounded like it could be sung by Bryan Adams. The fourth verse was memorable and the space scene, with the shuttle, was perfect, Cheryl!

Not Another Endor Celebration Story, by Z.P Fbrian was so bizarre! You have a delightfully loopy sense of humour, Zippy! Who else would give Luke three ghostly NAGS; and what a MOTHER! Could we have a series like this Z.P.? Sort of a "Discorporated, With Children.? Phallic Lightsabers.... hmmm?! Vader defending himself against a kvetching Mom Skywalker, and the whiny Emperor too! Take a bow, Z.P. my only complaint was that this one wasn't ten pages longer!

OK, gang- all of you deserve a round of applause for helping get this zine off and running! Before I sign off, I have to mention the new artists - Tina and Khalil West - please stay involved; SW fandom needs more artists. Doing a zine is a pleasure, but filling all the art an by yourself, is NOT an editors favourite thing to do.

That you two have managed to put out a quality product while dealing with a husband, three kids and a demanding job (Cheryl) and college and a long commute (Tammy) is PROOF that they, the nay savers, and those who tried to discourage this zine are WRONGI This fandom's best days, zines, writers and ideas are NOT in the past, they're in the future. Sure, OH has a few rough spots. EVERY zine's first issue does! I've read reviews of the premiere issues of several BIG NAME ZINES and, let me assure everyone, that even the sell proclaimed "great ones" did not debut flawless. Time has made some pretty mediocre zines icons; newcomers to this fandom (writer, artists and EDITORS) should not feel obligated to meet a mythical standard of perfection that NEVER existed in SW zine-dom. No one is perfect! The quality of writing, the ideas in today's zines are far more sophisticated that any in the 'good old days". Today's fan writers and editors, are EVERY BIT AS GOOD, as those who have gone before; in many cases we're better, and have - I believe - far more room to grow and improve BECAUSE we have come from outside the insular, mutual admiration society that those who consider themselves "SW fandom" has become. I'll sign off by saying....be of good cheer! This is a great time to be a SW fan! Write, draw, do zines.... imagination has no limits and the future belongs to those who DARE! ONLY HOPE is a winner. ANOTHER SKY is proud of its first "grandchild"!

Congratulations! The debut of ONLY HOPE is a rousing success. I'm sure both of you are very relieved to see that ad of your hard work has paid off. Cheryfs kept me posted over the last few months as to how busy you've been and how many troubles you've had along the way. But it all worked out for the best] ONLY HOPE #1 is great, period. But don't rest on your laurels for too long - were all anxiously awaiting #2.

Upon opening my package, I was struck with the cover illustration, not only as a great portrait of Luke, but the colouring is done very well. Laser printers certainly do your work justice, Mel. Anyway, the inside contents lived up to the expectations set forth by the beautiful cover.

Birgit's travelogue sounds like a dream come hue. Hey Birgit, who's your travel agent? Seriously, non-fiction pieces such as these are a nice change of pace. Its interesting to read about and share personal experiences of everyone's favourite three movies.

The first story I read was Tammy's "Victory Celebration", frankly, I was shocked by its explicit nature [Explicit??? EXPLICIT??? Nah, believe me - after what I read this weekend, a little zine called "May the Friskies Be With You" — OH by all comparisons was very very modest -- Ed.] C] Not that mind at all, but isn't this suppose to be a family zine? (Just kidding - I know better than to ask that!) An entertaining and - ahem - revealing look at Luke's first night on Yavin.

Kymm's work throughout the zine was nothing but solid. "Twinstorm" was short, poignant and bitter sweet. It's a delicate and sensitive look at a common topic in fan fiction, Luke and Leia's separation. Her large batch of poetry was also very good.

Mary's pieces were also enjoyable. My favourite was "A Band of Gold." It's a unique approach creating the real stories behind many of the seemingly Insignificant details tossed aside in the movies. Her ideas that take on the futures of our heroes, such as Luke's marriage in "The Gathering Storm" are fascinating and bold.

Although they may intentionally written as such, "Last Rites" and "Last Goodbye" are good companion pieces. Yvette"s was more final, more accepting, as if Luke had come to terms with the identity of his father, and reflects back on the experiences. Dana, however, has a different version of Luke; he's struggling, still trying to cope. It's a reluctant goodbye. A nod to the editors lor pairing these two together, their contrasts are thought-provoking.

My favourite story had to be "Prime Time." I laughed and laughed as I read it. Believe me, boisterous male bonding is nothing new to me. I felt as if you had hidden a camera on my friends last Super Bowl party! And poor Lando! Keep up the good work. Humour is definitely a plus.

Finally, in terms of reviews, Mel's drawing of Boba Fett for my story kicked ass, if you'll pardon the vulgarity. Somehow she captured his frustration, despite the mask and lack of facial features. Maybe it was the clenched fist or the gaze over the viewport towards the x-wing on the distance. Excellent, excellent illustration!

Just a suggestion for future issues; how about an "About the Author' section? I realize many of you already know each other, but those of us who are rather new to the scene would like a little background. Nothing extensive, just a brief paragraph of who they are, age, where they're from, how long they've been writing, whatever. That way, everyone wont seem so faceless.

And a side note, which I noticed in ANOTHER SKY, the majority of authors and readers appear to be female. Not that I mind the overwhelming majority [You should go to Media West Con, you'd get to meet most of these females -- Eds], but its interesting from a sociological perspective. Are most SW zines like this? [Yes, most of them are. Except for the role playing club zines where some of the stories are written by men. See ad in back of this zine-. --Ed] Or is it just the female fascination with Luke's character (I am of course referring to the Sisters of the Holy Spandex from AS, a group I have no inclination to join [Gee, why not, Rich! - Eds]. Just curious. [Rich, this seems to be an American phenomenon. As a Canadian, though the SW fans that I can find are far and few between, I can tell you, the one thing that they all have in common, is the fact they need to wear jock straps when they're participating in certain sports. One guy almost fell over in shock when I walked into the comic store and began talking SW lingo. Apparently I'm of the rarer sex up here. And no it isn't just with Luke fans - it's across the board! - Ed].

Once again, congratulations on issue #1. May issues 2, 3, 4 and so on rise to and exceed the excellent standard so far set forth.

Well, you guys did a great job with your first issue of ONLY HOPE. It's great I've got quite a bit to comment about so...

First of all, the cover. Another masterpiece by Melanie, really good.

Victory Celebration: Well... um... it's different. I don't really agree with its contents, but, hey, who am I to judge. [This seems to have become a bit of a controversial piece, I liked it - simply because it depicts another aspect of a character's life - Ed].

Twinstorm: For The Best I thought it was very moving. Especially her last words to Luke, it truly shows how she must have felt to leave her son.

A Band Of Gold: I liked this one. It showed how, during the battle with the Empire, everyone pulled together. How everyone did what they could to help others who needed it. It was sad to hear she was the first to perish. And he never knew her name...

With Friends Like This: it was great, Kymm. I really enjoyed it.

Sandstorm & Last Day On Tatodno: They were both interesting. I love how everyone writes different versions of how Luke and Ben meet You did a wonderful job.

Prime Time: What can I say, except it was hilarious. I really loved it I can just imagine Leia's reactions to everything going on around her. I hope to see more from Mesarthim and Stardancer soon.

One Man's Vendetta: Hey Rich, it was great I was glad to finally read it after you told me about it.

Field Of View: Now, this was my favourite. I loved it, Mary, You get everyone's emotions clear, and it was touching. I almost cried when Luke was sitting in his old room, after his father told him about his mother. And he was crying! I can't wait to see how it ends.

Thank you for issue #1 of Only Hope, which arrived at the beginning of the month. It looks really good. The format is very professional- looking and most of the illustrations and ornaments are very right There's a bit of a resemblance to Another Sky, but that may be because Melanie Guttierrez did many of the drawings? [Yes she did, God bless her heart). And AS is our Granny zine - Eds).

But oh, Tammy how could you? I thought that like me, you considered that pornography has no place in SW? [What do you expect from a Smut Sister of the Holy Spandex??? - Eds]. SW is a mythical, mystical, grand and sweeping saga, how can you smear it with explicit sex scenes? Please don't dirty your new magazine with them, anymore! [I agree that SW is a grand saga, and in all honesty, truly sleazy stuff does not belong in fandom. But we do handle R-rated material, as long as it is tastefully done. Making love, having a sexual relationship, is a very natural part of human nature. This story depicts a first time experience for Luke, and his reaction to it It was easy to read, well written, and if you'll allow me to refer to my previous statement to Rich, in my experience NOT explicit! -- Ed]....

The technical part had a few glitches, (such as text that ends in the middle of a line) too, which I'm sure others will comment on, and I'm sure you'll fix by the time issue #2 comes out.

And please, please when you transcribe my poetry don't change the words around, or take things out it ruins such poems as mine, which have a meter, rhyme, and balance!...

After my gripes let me give praise where praise is due, and say that in my opinion, your contents are as good as anything that's published in the "big ones'! I also think that Cheryl is a talented illustrator and that I'm glad she did the pictures for my poems. I was especially taken by the one of Vader's pyre, with the two parallel poems on either side, it took me back to ROTJ! Not may illustrators can do that.

Just finished OH 1 and thought that, for a fast time job, it was pretty good. Loved Melanie Guttierrez' colour cover of Luke. Nicely done.

I really loved Prime Time by Mesarthim and Stardancer. What a riot! I couldn't stop laughing.

Z.P Floriarn's (NOT) Another Endor Celebration story was good. I can picture that happening too. Another good chuckle.

J.P Treleaven's Sandstorm was a nice read. I liked the fact that Owen and Ben strike a bargain.

The only real down point to the zine was the fact that there were a lot of grammar and typo errors. Considering that is one of my pet peeves, it makes my reading a little uncomfortable. [We had a tot of other things besides the zine going on in our lives while we tried to put this first issue together. Spell check doesnt work and the time and we just didn't have the time to re-read every story we typed. The zine was a month late as it was. School is out now and we can devote more time to the zine. There should be less typos in this issue, Force willing - Eds] I realize that there wis be some but I felt there were too many for my reading pleasure.

I look forward to OH 2.

Well, you did it. It was really great to see Only Hope arrive in my mailbox. And the cover - -Melanie has outdone herself. Beautiful job!

You got quite a mix of different kinds of stories and poetry. Good to see so many new authors being given a spot.

Of course, I laughed myself sick over Musarthim and Stardancer's Prime Time. They packed so many great jokes and images into that story I couldn't stop myself from laughing out bud. Add Z.P's story to that and you have a lot of truly satisfying humour.

I iked Mary Curran Carters A Band Of Gold; she did a good job on a story that didn't feature any of the regulars. And I was sorry that Triaana didn't return although her death made a truly tragic ending to the story. I'm looking forward to seeing what else Rich Gawel will do with a resurrected Boba Fett; he's such a wonderful character.

Lots and lots of poetry! Last Rites by Yvette Ghilan is a marvelous description of Luke's farewell to a father he'd barely known. And, did you plan it or is it a coincidence that Luke and Leia's mother shows up in so many stories and poems? [We print what we get. This subject must interest a great many writers - Eds]. There's a lady who doesn't usually get much space in zines.

I know you'd probably have been scrambling to fit it in, but I wish Field of View was complete in one issue. Sometimes it's hard to see how events are going to connect when they're spaced out over lime. I prefer to have a BIG story sort of serve as the anchor for a zine and get the total impact at one time. [We were not given the other parts to this story until way after OH was printed. Believe us, we much prefer whole stories too, but we can only print the parts we get - Eds]. But that's the great thing about being editors, you get to do it your way. [Not necessarily. When the author doesn't send you the next parts of the story and you want to read the end as much as everyone else does - Eds].

Good work, both of you. You're probably tearing your hair out, but I'm already looking forward to OH 2.

I want to thank you for the zine. It was the first time I have seen a pure story zine. And I must say it was fantastic. I like stories written by fans more than the books by Timothy Zahn. And some of my friends read the zine and loved it too.

It was the first time I had read any Star Wars poems. And they were great. I hate stories which are very suspenseful but where I read at the end of two stories - To Be Continued. I hated to have to wait for stories to be finished. But I know how they end because I will order #2 of Only Hope when it comes out.

Thanks to all the writers and artists for the fantastic hours I had reading the zine.

I decided that I must have the other Luke zine, Echo Three, too, because I want to see the sequel to the story Victory Celebration. Everyone loved that story. I must say the English language is more suitable for such a story than the German language. In my language it's almost impossible to find the right (discreet) words. I had a lot of fun when I read that story.

I must say that the fans are the best writers. May the Force Be With You in making the next issues of Only Hope.

Since I am new to SW fanfiction and fanzines, Only Hope #1's the first current zine I've ever received. So, you editors are now the recipients of my first letter of comment!

I must say that the issue was pretty dazzling... Starting with the awesome four colour cover. What a pleasant surprise! Since I couldn't possibly wait to get home from the post office to open the envelope, the people in traffic around me must have thought I was nuts to see me smiling like an idiot when I saw it. In all honesty, I've never really thought of Luke as a babe candidate, but Melanie's Luke looked pretty hot! And that was just the start.

Just to comment on the highlights.

I thought all of the poetry was sensitive and thoughtful. Ghilan's work I've enjoyed previously in other zines and her new contributions to OH were up to her usual standard. Kymm August also deserves special medal for her poetry about Luke's terrible confusion after ESB.

A Band of Gold was a very nice story that captured my interest without the intrusion of any of the major characters. It was very refreshing to read a SW story about other people in a more close-to-normal situation. Not all SW fiction needs to be concerned with saving the girl, saving the galaxy or saving your father from the Dark Side! This was a pleasant break!

The Gathering Storm: I like stories about other Imperials. It's a welcome change of pace to read about the leaders that followed Palpatine and Vader. After all, the Imperial Royal Court must have had its share of political intrigues, infighting and backstabbing. It's also entertaining to read about other Dark Lords. Curran Carter made a good start with her portrayal of Empress Medora and Lord Tremayne. I'm looking forward to the continuation.

Sandstorm: was an entirety believable sequence into ANH. I thought Treteaven's dialogue was right on target It was easy to imagine the second scene played out in the Lars' desert sand hut. It certainly seemed realistic and in line with Lucas' storyline we've already seen.

Several of the illustrations were top-notch. My personal favourite was Z.P. Florian's portrait of Anakin. Her Anakin is almost Bon-Joviesque, certainly a man of confidence and sensuality. Very intriguing! Cheryl DeLuca's Yoda was also noteworthy, very accurate to the movie expressions. Her work on the two Love View poems also gave Luke and Leia more of a sibling resemblance than Lucas was able to do in the films. Very nice touch!!

My only criticism had to do with what appeared to be a problem in formatting. Several sentences were cut off from their the of type (perhaps due to a hard return?) and continued with some weird spacing in between. (I think, to the converting of stories when I sent them - T) But this is such a minor issue; I'm sure it will be solved in the next issue. The minor typos didn't detract enough from the stories to alter the meaning of anything. Everything was still understandable.

Well, Cheryl and Tammy, I certainly wish you clear skies and smooth flying in your new venture!! You've certainly set a high standard for future issues. I am looking forward to more of your work!!

Issue 2

Only Hope 2 was published in 1995 and contains 200 pages.

front cover of issue #2, Debbie Hoyt

back cover of issue #2, Debbie Hoyt

Image:onlyhope2flyer.jpg|thumb|flyer for issue #2]] The art is by Ed Baker, Mary Curran Carter, Melanie Guttierrez, Debbie Hoyt, Amanda Palumbo, Kymm August, John Fredericks, Steven Hamaker, Cheryl De Luca, and Bishop.

flyer for issue #2

[from the editorial]:

Hey SWarsies,

Hi and welcome to our second Issue of Only Hope. We really hope you like this issue, as we've been toiling over it for months - trying to make it as close to typo-less, as a publication can get, without being too perfect.

Anyway, we're sure that despite our efforts, you'll find just enough typos and grammatical errors to give OH #2 some personalty (remember perfection gets boring) and to give those of you who enjoy spotting them, something to do....

Again we had a wonderful response to our request for material. Some of our old favourites are back in this issue along with a few new faces. Al of the stuff we received was wonderful and we'd like to say; "Thanks a bunch" to everyone who took the time to contribute.

Locs were asked for when we sent out #1 and BOY did we get 'em! Everyone went to town on us, we actually have close to eight pages of them, and truly enjoyed everyone's input. Thanks to those who sent them, your opinions not only mean a lot to us as editors, but also hold special meaning for our contributors.

At Media West this year we both had a blast mingling and meeting other writers, artists, and eds. It was just disappointing to hear from Judith Yuenger that only 42 people voted [for the Star Awards ]. Folks, that's forty two people out of all the fans, writers and artists that we know buy and read at least some of the fanzines. We cannot stress this enough. Vote! Even if you have not read all or even most of the stories on the ballot vote for what you have read. If you have only read, for example, Another Sky 5, Crossfire Zone 6, and Only Hope 1, vote for the stories you liked best in those issues. You don't have to have read every single zine that is on the ballot. We don't. We cant afford to buy them all. Therefore, we just vote for what we have read and read. Vote this coming year! Remember, we know where you live. And we might just threaten to come visit (now that's a really scary thought).

If there is anything special that you would In to see in our upcoming issues, by all means, let us know. This publication is just as much yours as it is ours. Mind you, we might also put you to work too, so be careful what you suggest, and be certain that your not allergic to glue, or the really sharp scalpels that the medical professionals use to remove it!

On a more serious note, this zine is dedicated those of you who've helped to keep SW alive, your devotion goes beyond fandom. And before we end this we'd like to say a special thanks to our two Grandmums, down in the bayou, whose persistent nagging, has helped keep us happily insane, for these past few months, and got us into this mess in the first place)

[The words to "Give 'em What They Want," filk by Amanda Palumbo, to the tune of "Candy (Give 'Em What They Want" by 10,000 Maniacs -- a commentary on fannish feuds and fighting]:

first page of "Give 'em What They Want" in issue #2

second page of "Give 'em What They Want" in issue #2

If Han or Luke is the CANDY

If the Church of Smut tastes so sweet

Then we...

Give 'em what they want

--FIGHT--FIGHT--

PURITY vs SMUT!!

So Luke's character's

Growing hazy

Cause they want

To turn him on

So their plot revolves

Round a BIG lightsaber -- hey!

--FIGHT--FIGHT--

CENSURE vs DEBATE

If Princess Leia's an iceberg

If we can't/don't want to figure her out

Then we...

... Just write her off!

--FIGHT--FIGHT--

REAL WOMAN vs WHINER

Church of Ford

vs Cathedral of Luke

Exchanging blaster fire

Warring factions not close friends

Like their heroes...

--FIGHT--FIGHT--

Attack instead of OPINION

If old time fans really want unity

Then why do new feel they have to SECEDE

Why did we....

... Join active fandom?

--FIGHT--FIGHT--

NEO vs DINOSAUR BRIGADE!!

--FIGHT--FIGHT--

PALPIE doesn't have to do a THING!!

• Sunset, poem by Melissa Mastoris (1)
• Letters of Comment (4)
• Bib's Eye View, fiction by Kymm August (12)
• Hushed Voices, poem by Mary Curran Carter (19)
• Han Solo Unfrozen, fiction by John Fredericks (20)
• Beloved Skywalker, poem by Amanda Palumbo (23)
• The Gathering Storm,Pt 2, fiction by Mary Curran Carter (24)
• The House by the Water, fiction by Yvette Ghilan (45)
• Crazy Blue Eyes, filk by Debbie Kittle (51)
• SW SEX: pilfered from the nets (52)
• Angel: Daughter of Darkness, fiction by Tina Lebelt (51)
• Farmboys in Bondage, fiction by Mary Curran Carter (53)
• Farmboys in Bondage by Mary Curran Carter (62)
• Idolatry, fiction by Richard Gawel (64)
• Changes, poem by Melissa Mastoris (71)
• Inheritance: Stranger Among Us, fiction by Bambi (72)
• Day Luke, poem by Amanda Palumbo (79)
• Field of View, Pt 2, fiction by Mary Curran Carter (80)
• War of Frost and Fright, poem by Kyla (103)
• A Small Sacrifice, fiction by Jennie Jivan (104)
• Droidz by Amanda Palumbo (112)
• The Phoenix Shall Rise Again, poem by Amanda Palumbo (114)
• Moonbeam Caresses, poem by Amanda Palumbo (135)
• The Alliance of the Republic, Pt 1, fiction by Ed Baker (138)
• Fight (Give 'em What They Want), filk by Amanda Palumbo (also printed that same year in Bright Center of the Universe #5) (186)

• 

  from issue #2, Ed Baker

• 

  from issue #2, Ed Baker

• 

  from issue #2, Kymm August

• 

  from issue #2, Melanie Guttierrez

• 

  from issue #2, Bishop

• 

  from issue #2, Steven Hamaker

• 

  from issue #2, Cheryl Deluca? (portrays Luke and Leia's parents, from "The House on the Water")

• 

  from issue #2, John Fredericks

• 

  from issue #2, Bert-Olaf Lundin?

• 

  from issue #2, Melanie Guttierrez

• 

  from issue #2, Mary Curran Carter

• 

  from issue #2, Melanie Guttierrez

• 

  from issue #2, Ed Baker

• 

  from issue #2, Amanda Palumbo

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

I really enjoyed the entire issue -- stories, poems, filks, and artwork.

A Small Solution: whoa! Really well-written. You could feel the frustration when Luke wasn't cooperating/participating in the therapy sessions. I think the lovemaking scene was particularly well-done, as was the part when Leia wanted the baby aborted. That can be a especially touch subject with a lot of people. I would love to see a follow-up to this: years later, when Luke is running around the galaxy, even in the "forgotten" spots. Does he sense her/their child's presence?

Fields of View part 2: I've thought for a long time that something like this could be. Glad to see I'm not the only one that has that idea. Luke and Leia were told things that were true from "a certain point of view" -- their mother being dead certainly could have been one of them.

The Alliance of the Republic: Looking forward to part two. I liked the idea of Boba Fett being on the Alliance side. Is this a throwback to the SW Christmas special when he was introduced? Riana is an interesting character. Will we get anymore background info about her and Stevana?

The Phoenix Shall Rise Again: A well-written story. I'm glad that you and Cheryl do print "R" rated material, "tastefully done". I'm a bit tire of Luke being constantly portrayed as celibate. [So are most of us! We think that if the pro-authors aren't going to do it, then we can! -- Ed].

Prime Time is my favorite story. I laughed my Yo-Hos off. Lines like "same hair, same eyes, same mustache" "THERE'S THE SEX!" and "You can drink this stuff all day long and not hafta..." had me laughing out lout. This story was professional quality, and I can't wait to read more from these two. Loved Melanie's art, especially the picture of Luke with the lightning bolt in his head. Beautiful cover, too, Mel, the best I've seen from you so far. ..

Field of View: This was her best story in the zine. Good characterization and a fast-moving plot. I liked her art, too. It shows a lot of promise and has its own unique style. The only problem is that the story is TO BE CONTINUED!!!!!! AAUGHHHHH!!!!! [We love continued stories. Keeps everyone coming back for more! And we get to read them all before anyone else. -- Ed.]....

One Mans' Vendetta: Yessir, I really liked it. Heavy on the action, and told from a villain's point of view. More Fett!!!! More stories from other guys, so I don't feel like the only male fan in the universe!!!!

Victory Celebration: All sex and no commitment. Sorry, but I wasn't crazy about the story. Makes the characters seem cheap. I have no objections to romance and characters having sex, I just like Tham to be in love, not lust. Besides, one of the women in the drawing look too much like Cher, who is yucky...

Here's one suggestion for this zine and for others. What about publishing one page at the beginning of a zine with a short description or autobiography of the authors and artists. Just a short paragraph or two. It could be optional for folks. Crossfire Zone does this. I'd love to know more about what creators of the stories and art do in real life.

The new format is excellent. You shouldn't have apologized for the smaller print. The typeface was smooth and readable. The artwork was wonderful, and the overall layout was more professional than OH #1.... OH #2 was slick without sacrificing content. Second, the content was superb. And that's what zines are for, right?

Once again, there was a good variety of material, without ever getting caught up in the concept of a strictly "Luke zine." ...

Han Solo Unfrozen was like a flashback to my childhood. Part of the fun of being a kid between 1980 and 1983 was imaging the rescue of Han Solo. John really .... took me back a few years. I loved the illustration, too!. In the future, I would like to see more of these childish daydreams. They make for great stories!

House by the Water was a touching story about two very important characters: Luke and Leia's parents. Anakin seems reluctant to leave, and Mrs Skywalker (for lack of a name) heartache is made very real. Ben here reminds me of Sean Connery in Highlander. Anyway, beautiful story, and I wonder if this version will resemble what ultimately will come to light when the new movies come out in 1997. Also, a great illustration.

A Small Sacrifice was very good. The tension between Luke and the narrator was very well done with brilliant psychological insight. Is Leia in love with Luke? But what about Han? What's her problem? Ordering the narrator to get an abortion was selfish and cruel. I actually thought she would get one, so I felt really relieved when she didn't. But now I wonder about the future. Will this heir to the Skywalker line come back someday? Once again, great art, Mel.

Inheritance was good, too. The Skywalker children won't be perfect, and they do have a legacy to protect. It's only natural they attract this kind of trouble. Also, the kids are beginning to develop their own personalities.

Finally, Alliance of the Republic was my favorite. It's an ambitious piece that flies in the face of the post-ROTJ continuity, Then again, judging by the dates on the artwork, this was written before Zahn' books, so who knew? It is an excellent and imaginative hypothetical piece about the post ROTJ Republic. Like the new Bantam books, it deals with all the problems of running a galaxy: commerce, stubborn systems, new Jedi, and so on. All of the characters seem like they have grown up since ROTJ, even Bobab Fett.

On the subject of failing to vote for the Star Awards: It's no use urging us to vote -- I'm sure everybody already has discovered the facts of life, as I have.

a) It really doesn't matter what you vote for unless you belong to the readership of the larger zines.

b) If you're an author, it looks as if your work has been voted on and lost, when, actually, only very few people who are the readers of one zine have seen it. It's simple arithmetic. If a zine has a readership of say, 200, this readership will outnumber that of a zine that has only, say 75. And the readership of the large zine doesn't get the see the material in the smaller and newer zines, no matter how many of them there are. So, even if there is better material in the smaller zine, the awards will still always go to the items published in the larger zines. Unfair, but a much remarked fact. Even if in fact things are more complicated, not everyone votes, not all who do vote for the same story, some readers read two or three fanzines and some only read one. In the end, it comes down to the same thing: the material in the established zines with a large membership will be the ones to get the awards, time after time. For it it clear that, even with the best intentions, people can't vote for what they haven't seen. There IS a way around this though:

a) At the beginning of the year, send out the lists as now, but grouped fanzine by fanzine, for each fan to vote for what he/she has seen and likes best.

b) The winners in each category are reprinted In a no frills newsletter, and sent to everyone again, with a final ballot.

c) Everybody votes again, this time for the best among the finalists. This is the only way to have an award that fairly reflects all of fandom.

It's the hard way the way these things are done and always have been, for centuries. And in a Star Wars fandom that's increasing every day and where European fans are coming in demanding to vote, authors would finally have a chance at circulation among ALL the Star Wars fans. Readers would finally get acquainted with (the best of) every author's work, which might stimulate them to subscribe to additional fanzines. Every author would have a fair chance at an award. And, last but not least, those who win would know that their work is not just that seen and preferred by a particular clique, but truly the best (The newsletter with the finalists might even become a collector's item. Imagine: the best of the best!) Of course, this would mean not double, but triple the work -and the expenses-for the organizers, (who may be angry at me for even suggesting such a thing, Sorry guys!). [lt has been discussed at Media West and it would just be too expensive to mail out several ballots when it only 45 people are going to vote, those choices will be the exact same as the first nominations - Ed] Well, they could co-opt additional people to help, and try to get everyone who's on the list to vole, to pay a small sum, say between one and five dollars for postage (more for foreign fans). Some of us already contribute money to pay for the certificates and the medals awarded at the Awards. It wouId be very hard to come up with even more money - Ed.) and again, something like five dollars for the finalist's magazine. I'm sure fan authors at least would jump at the chance. I know I would. Still, it may have to come to that or, as it looks now, have the Star Awards gradually fade away. [I don't believe that will happen as Star Ware gains more fans, and believe me, from all the activity on the Internet and computer bbs's, SW isn't about to die down, all the fanzine editors need to do is advertise the zines. We have gotten so many interested people who have never heard of zines before and are now getting them. There will be new voters, we just have to convince them that their vote does count, which it does -- Ed.] as everyone just gets discouraged and gives up. Think about it. Until next time see you, my friends, Happy New Year 1995 and May The Force Be With You.

Issue 3

Only Hope 3 does not have a date but was published in 1995 (as per context in the editorial and letters), and it contains 190 pages.

front cover of issue #3, John Fredericks

The art is by Marion And, Amanda Palumbo, Marianne Lubianetzky, Z.P. Florian, Melanie Guttierrez, Leva Sablevichiule, Bert-Olaf Lundin, Ed Baker, and John Fredericks.

This is a Wild Bantha Production, and is in no way meant to infringe upon the copyrights of George Lucas or Lucasfilm. It is a NOT for PROFIC fanzine (in fact, it occasionally COSTS us money) and meant purely for the enjoyment of those who contribute to, and order it... Is it CANON??? (We WISH!! -- Come to think of it SO DOES Luke, I bet...)

• Editorial (1)
• Letters of Comment (3)
• A Day Long Remembered by Andrea Skorvanek (article and photo about meeting Mark Hamill) (10)
• Just Another Day by author unknown (as per zine itself) -- in the next issue's editorial, the author was tentatively identified as AG Steyn (12)
• We're Doomed, poem by Melissa Masters (14)
• Green Eyes, fiction by Marianne Lubianetzky (15)
• The Lamb by M.J. Mink (33)
• Final Harvest by J.P. Treleaven (37)
• Top 10 SW Things to Say When (from the internet) (39)
• Ewok Lyrics: From the Dark Jedi (40)
• Breaking in the Tauntaun by author unknown (as per zine itself) -- in the next issue's editorial, the author was tentatively identified as AG Steyn (41)
• Alone by Z.P. Florian (44)
• Come With Me by Jenny Jivan (50)
• Lando's Advice to the Horrendous by J.P. Treleaven (58)
• Skysongs Portfolio by Amanda Palumbo (60)
• Top Ten Reasons by Andrea Skorvanek (77)
• Angel:Daughter of Darkness, fiction by Tina Lebelt (78)
• Confrontation Vilando by Amanda Palumbo (88)
• Jedi Master's Communion by Kristyn K. Rose (103)
• Bad Moon Rising, story by M.J. Mink (this was adapted into a comic in 1996 by Karl Rydholm for Sarlacc #1) (137)
• The Lie by M.J. Mink (151)
• Biggs by Laura Zucca (159)
• The Alliance of the Republic, Pt 1, fiction by Ed Baker (160)

• 

  from issue #3, Marion Mand

• 

  from issue #3, Marion Mand

• 

  from issue #3, Amanda Palumbo

• 

  from issue #3, Z.P. Florian

• 

  from issue #3, Ed Baker

• 

  from issue #3

• 

  from issue #3, Melanie Guttierrez

• 

  from issue #3, Z.P. Florian

• 

  from issue #3, Bert-Olof Lundin

• 

  from issue #3, Z.P. Florian

• 

  from issue #3, Melanie Guttierrez

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 3

Only Hope is rapidly becoming a major zine with a dynamic, strong character. Fredericks cover is powerful and mysterious. Excellent Luke head by Mand on page 37, fine Guttlerrez on page 48.

By the way, I think that the unknown author of the two short funnies is AG Steyn from Germany [we have heard this from several people and apologies to AG for printing this without her knowing. We didn't know either! - Eds]

Treleaven's Final Harvest was wonderful - and why not, it could have happened [those make the best kind of stories, don't they?- T] That was chilling. Then the very, very funny "Advice", especially 're-thlnk the helmet' to Fett, had me in stitches.

Mink: The Lamb - wicked, positively painful. The Lie - oh you can conjugate Vader and Luke in six million forms of communication!

Bad Moon - complex, bitter, engrossing.

Palumbo - Confrontation Viladno: intriguing beginning, beautiful scene in the bathtub. Baker; Alliance, great dialogue, good drawings, lively story.

Regarding the voting for the STAR aWARdS: in 1995, fifty people voted, a little more than last year. It usually the same bunch of people, who shell out a buck and buy a stamp, read a few zines and send in their votes. Anybody else is welcome to do the same. Small zines have as much chance as the big one: any small zine with no more than thirty readers could represent the largest voting block and reward any writer or artist they chose, as long as all readers vote! [ that's all any of us wants, Z.P. We wish more would vote! Eds] Anyone who feels that the voting is not fair, should nudge those who didn't vote, not those who did. And as an afterthought, let me add that if friends vote for friends, it might be that we naturally make friends with those who write stories we love; it might not be the friendship that influences the vote, it is the stories we love that inspires the friendship. At least this is how it happened to

me: as a newcomer in the fandom, I tried to contact those authors whose stories delighted me, and I am happy to say that I acquired wonderful friends in the process.

BRAVO on OH #2! Even better than OH #1. Stories were terrific. My absolute favorite was "The Alliance of the Republic," by Ed Baker. I want more! [There are a lot more parts to this story so you will get more for the next several issues! - eds] Hopefully the sequel will be in OH # 3. I wish Ed would write a pre-sequel during the time when Vader put Riana Dirr up to seducing Luke. [We haven't heard from Ed in months - Eds]. Also a clearer explanation of Ashia and Bogan [They become more developed as the story continues - Eds] would be helpful. But I loved every word of it. It sure beats "Crystal Star."

Salutations, Sister Editors in the Great North!

Looking good, girls! Keep this up and we'll be able to retire and just wait for good reading to come to us! It's Febuary, gang...where's #3????

Favorites this issue? Bib's Eye View - Jabba's majordomo is SO slimy and sadistic! Nasty place, Jabba's! What's this, tho? Was Bib psychic to hear Luke's "Free us or die." before it is said? I'd be haunted by those 'unholy' eyes too. Never thought about Bib not being on the sailbarge. Good stuff, Kymm!

Han Solo Unforzen - Was a twisted little piece. Only someone who spent a LOT of time playing with their rare and valuable collectibles could have done this. Very imaginative, John!

The House by the Water - Beautifully written, as your stuff always is, Yvette. An exquisite legend to begin an epic. The golden hair left to remind a dark soul of the light he had lost was just kind of detail that makes a story memorable.

Sexually Tilted Lines - Can I add a few? ROJ- "You want this, don't you?" and "Come with me" is my favorite! is this what goes on in cyberspace? Do Corellians moderate these forums? Wouldn't GL be dissapointed.... [He'd probably laugh at the creativity! - Eds]

A Small Sacrifice- Enjoyed illoing this one, Jennie! Tho, I thought the pregnancy a bit predictable, who could blame a girl for crossing the doctor\patient line in this case? I especially enjoyed the outsiders view of the Luke\Leia relationship : more than friendship, not quite sexual...This was very well done, and an unusual idea for the ESB time period.

The Alliance of the Republic - Good characters throughout. Great dialog. My favorite was Masuchi. Leia is a one tough customer! Great art, Ed. Draw More! Thanks for the glossary, too. More writer should do these.

Okay, girls...howzat? My own zine is late, and still I have time to send LOC's to others. Where are mine, hmmm? Get to work, Cheryl! There may be a cover art in your future IF you get "Sweeter" to me early enough to get AS#8 set up.

Looking fonward to OH #3! Start thinking about the "Best of Luke Zines" issue we discussed! Keep up the good work, your 'mentor' is proud of you!

Yes, yes I have finally gotten the time to write my LOC about 0H#1; however, after reading the LOCs printed in OH#2,1 found that a lot of my comments had already been said...so this letter is a shortened version of my original ramblings.

First off, let me say that I *truly* enjoyed the fanzine. I think you two did a really great job. All of the stories were good/interesting, and in one way or another I liked them. Also, I really didn't mind all the typos...I personally thought that it gave the magazine character =) Some of the things/stories which I really liked: Victory Celebration: Tammy, Tammy, Tammy...I won't even ask who's idea it was to put this as the first story in the first issue. All I can say is What a Beginning! And no, I didn't think it was too explicit at all. I can't understand why you would say this story was so controversial...except for the obvious reasons. But don't these people think that these characters have sex? :> And Cheryl, I can't wait to read your follow-up.

I also liked Sandstorm...a very interesting perspective indeed. And may I add my voice to all of those who have already commented on the drawing of Anakin? <Hot, Hot, HOT! ;-> I will also chime in by saying that I really liked the placement of Last Rites and Last Goodbye. Very nicely done.

And it is nice to see that humor has not left the galaxy...I enjoyed Prime Time and (Not Another) Endor Celebration very much. NAEC has those wonderful 'ghost' nags, and well, FT reminded me of some of my brother's football parties with his male friends (and, of course, I was the only female in the place...I know how Leia felt.)

I just have one question: what is this about the Sisters of the Holy Spandex? ...or do I really want to know? <LOL> I can just imagine...:-)

Issue 4

Only Hope 4 was published in 1997 and contains 202 pages.

There is not very much art due to reasons explained in the editorial. The editors promise there will be more art in issue #5, but this issue appears to be the last in the series despite an addendum to the editorial that said that issue #5 was full and would be out in December 1997, and that issue #6 was coming along nicely and was due out in March 1998.

In the end, there were a five illos that one of the editors "snuck" into the zine. These illos are by Marion Mand and Gina Good.

front cover of issue #4, Melea Fisher, also used a year later as the back cover of On a Clear Day You Can See Dagobah #9

flyer for issue #4

The editorial's main topic was a major dust-up regarding the some of the art in issue #3:

....we hope that the absence of art [in this issue] will only enhance the images brought to your mind as you read the stories. The art will be back next issue, fear not! (Really ????? ***SNIFFLE*** Okay, if you insist, Tam, but I really like NO ART ISSUES!!! - C)

We feel that we have to address why there was no art in this issue and why this was decided with little or no notice. While we had talked about doing a no art issue for some time (hey, if AS can do it, we can too!) the following just made our decision final:

Last year at MWC, we had a major (which is a severe understatement) problem with a contributor about how their art turned out in Only Hope #3. While we did do everything possible to make the illustrations in question look better, there really was very little opportunity to change the situation as it was the art itself that was the problem. Unfortunately the originals were too large and much too dark to make suitable copies from. And seeing as it often takes several copies to make something fit on a page, the illustrations lost a lot of their detail and brightness, and primarily ended up being big black blobs.

Being an amateur magazine, we as Editors believe everyone has the right to have their work displayed. This is because we respect that the artists have done this as a labour of love, and want to share their stories/art/poetry with other fans. Therefore, we felt rather than pull the artists work completely from issue #3 (and thus create more work for the individual, and probably hurt the contributors feelings terribly), we would run it.

This was a BIG mistake for two reasons. The first reason being that though what we did was done out of consideration for the artist, he/she was furious with us anyway (Ever have one of those days when NO ONE is satisfied????). And the second reason being; that in printing his/her work we did everyone a disservice. As Editors we have always strived to make OH a quality zine. By using the work in question we lowered our standards, which effected both those who purchased it, as well as those contributed to it. So we apologize, and promise to see that it wil lnot happen again.

[snipped]

Enjoy this issue and we look forward to your comments.

We want to thank everyone who contributed to this issue - You guys are a wonderfuiiy talented, and creative group of people, and you have all helped to keep the SW Galaxy alive in our hearts and imagination.

• Editorial (1)
• Letters of Comment (2)
• Table of Contents (5)
• Counterpoint Infinity, fiction by Linda Tweed (6)
• Desert Memories, poem by MJ Mink (21)
• New Beginnings, fiction by Dana Marie Carozza (22)
• Dune Trails, fiction by Linda Tweed (29)
• A New Life, fiction by M.J. Mink (60)
• Shadow, poem by MJ Mink (63)
• Son of the Dark Side, fiction by Gina Goad (64)
• Tell Me, fiction by Jennie Jivan (74)
• The Force that Binds Love, fiction by Kelly Wood (83)
• The Way of the Jedi, fiction by Kristyn K. Rose (130)
• Dark Jedi, fiction by Grace Catlett (155)
• Dark Ways, fiction by Maren Doering (173)
• A Musical Interlude, filk by Debbie Kittle (176)
• Alliance of the Empire, fiction by Ed Baker (177)
• A Closing Musical Interlude, filk by Debbie Kittle (202)

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  from issue #4, Gina Good

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  from issue #4, Marion Mand/Ambersky (also printed in I Care #5)