Organian Questor

Zine
Title:	Organian Questor
Publisher:
Editor(s):	Teresa Ornas and Karen MacLeod
Date(s):	1977-to at least 1986
Series?:
Medium:	print zine
Size:
Genre:
Fandom:	Star Trek: TOS and multimedia
Language:	English
External Links:
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

1982 flyer

Organian Questor is a gen Star Trek: TOS and multifandom anthology of articles, fiction, con reports, poems, reviews, art and ads.

It was published quarterly until sometime after issue #11, at which point it was printed semi-annually (Fall-November and Spring-April).

Issue 1

Organian Questor 1 was published in May/June 1977 and contains 30 pages.

cover of issue #1 by Terry Omas, note stamp indicating this copy was sent to, and received, by Gene Roddenberry

From the editorial: "The theme of Organian Questor is: The quest (search) for who? What? Where? How? and why? Sign aboard and join us for a new quest every issue. Hailing Frequencies open! Next time, the quest for peace continues as Star Trek anti-war themes are explored: a transcript of the final scene from "Errand of Mercy," a report on the Philadelphia Convention, the answers to this month's stargram, the announcement of the contest winner, and the prize awarded the winner."

• Organia Speaks (editorial page, with goals for the issue and the future of the Fanzine, Ornas and MacLeod)
• Secret Documents Revealed: Sidre Ael Sardelans, UFP Military Director reports on the terms of UFP-Klingon Peace Treaty imposed by the Organians.)
• Visions of the Future: Scientific related information with supports the Star Trek Universe
• Stargram (word puzzle, a quest for Star Trek related words. How much do you know about the show? by Berns))
• Alternate Pain! (a new original story based on "Mirror, Mirror." A quest for a solution to Alternate Universe problems faced by UTP representatives by Nicodemo)
• Star Trek Lives! (song-poem to assure to assure the survival of Star Trek's universe, by Ornas, Ambrosini, MacLeod)
• Write Paramount! (the quest for correcting injuries in the world of Television and Star Trek producets. We urge you to resist us.)
• New Information (Vandiker Fan Club, new columns to come, search for contributors)
• Space Trading Outpost (search for new Star Trek materials for sale, also sci-fi items as well )
• Bi-Centennial 10 Convention (The quest for a Cadet's eye view of this Convention. With original photos, by MacLeod)
• O and E (Last minute news before press-time, by Leeds)
• contributors: Tony Ambrosini, Donna Berns, Nadine Leeds, Karen MacLeod, Rosann Nicodemo, Tony Ornas, Gerard Stark, Jay Schiff
• artwork: cover -- "Organian Council, Alternate Paini" by Tony Ornas, "Mr. Spock" and "Star Trek Lives" by Gerard Stark

Issue 2

Organian Questor 2 was published in Sep/Oct 1977 contains 117 pages.

cover of issue #2, Terry Ornas

Issue 3

cover of issue #3, Terry Ornas

Organian Questor 3 (v.1 n.3) was published in Jan/Feb 1978. For some of this issue's contents, see the editorial from issue #1.

• Questorial Page: from the Editor
• Startoons Presents: Steven Schwimmer and his performing tribbles: Star Trek Chemical Synthesis illustrated.
• Equs: play review at the Helen Hayes Theatre plus NIMOY pix
• Americon Report: Star Trek Con at the Statler-Hilton hotel in NYC, featuring a brief talk with Bruce Hyde, excerpts from Nimoy's surprise talk about rumors involving himself, Paramount and Star Trek, Nichelle Nichols' NASA projects, exclusive photos.
• Quest for Peace: The Spiritual Force of Star Wars. An analysis of the Jedi Knights and their message of peace as the Guardians of truth and justice in the galaxy, symbolism of main characters.
• Christmas Poems" Songs of love, starfleet voyages, a stoned crew and a universal babe.
• Visions of the Future: Space Shuttle Enterprise! Free Flight tests and the future of the program, a special report with exclusive photos courtesy of NASA and the editor.
• Women in Sci-Fi TV: Close-Up of their roles in S-F TV Shows, part 1
• Space Traders Outpost: More exclusive items for sale at Space Station Q, including photos, slides and tapes. This issue: Shatner and Nimoy on TV shows, shuttle pix taken live by the editor.
• Universal Translator: Feedback from readers, including songstress Roberta Rogow.
• Galactic Coordinating System: Fanzine review of Delta Triad, new S-F movies and TV shows, con report from Star Trek Xmas Special in NYC, and Rivercon III in KY, future cons
• contributors to this issue: Cynthia Conti, Andrea Langsam, Nancy Roberts, Robert Ryan, T'Eri the Vulcan Bard and the Terran Troubador
• art by Terry Ornas and Steven Schwimmer

Issue 4

Organian Questor 4 was published in Apr/May 1978.

Reactions/Reviews: Issue 4

One hates to have to criticize a zine which has obviously been produced with enthusiasm and TLC. Organian Questor contains articles, con reports, interviews, reviews of TV shows and other odds and ends. Each issue has a particular theme (issue 4 is "Our Place in Space: Universal Unity and Respect"). It is photo-copied and a little crude. The art-work unfortunately leaves a lot to be desired as does the writing in some places. OQ will undoubtedly appeal to those who are more interested in what is primarily a STAR TREK-oriented "current events" zine. The lower quality of reproduction is offset (excuse the pun) to a certain extent by the low price. Subscribers should have the interesting experience of watching the zine grow and improve with each issue.

Issue 5

cover of issue #5, Terry Ornas

Organian Questor 5 was published in July/August 1978 and is the first anniversary issue.

• Questorial Page: editor's frequencies opened!
• Visions and Condon Report: How the Air Force's Scientific Study was anything but scientific! An exclusive interview with former N.I.C.A.P. Director Maj. Donald E. Keyhoe, USMC, Ret.
• James Bond and Beyond!: His gadgetry described and illustrated.
• Tomorrow in Futurity: Solar Energy! McCoy's Medical Log on Tomorrow's Medicine-Nutrition! Hit Tunes of April 1, 2001! Planetary Poetry!
• Startoons: Capt. Schwimmer & Crew encounter a lost scoutship and get...
• Klaatu and Gort Stood Still for an Interview!: 3 questions on spacecraft propulsion systems: Gort's Heat Ray: revival from death
• And Then Multitronics...: Another U.S.S. Excalibur misadventure, this time with a new model (M-80) of the M-5 Ultimate Computer
• Space Traders Outpost: More exclusive items for sale at Space Station Q: includes fotos, tapes, slides. This ish: SF TV shows, NOVA, UFOs , Elvis
• Galactic Coordinating System: Fanzine reviews (Time Span & Q.U.E.S.T.E.R.), TV reviews, (Quark & Hulk, movie reviews (Capricorn One & CE3K), War Con report in Phili, Hynek's Centre for UFO Studies, CE3K: The Alien Perspective, Future SF TV & Movies
• Quest for Peace: "Survival ": An analysis of Star Trek's "A Private Little War" & "A Taste of Armageddon"
• Contributors: Richard Campos, Cynthia Conti, Steve Schwinner, George Strum and Pat Stall

Issue 6

cover of issue #6, Terry Ornas

Organian Questor 6 was published in Oct/Nov 1978.

• Questorial: Dr. Jesco von Puttkamer's Hailing Frequencies Open!
• The Prisoner Escapes!: The final confrontation results in triumph and tragedy! Part One: The Embryo Room!
• A Meeting of Minds: The Universe's most renowned SF figures have their first panel discussion.! Meet Ming, Bionic Woman, Klaatu (& Gort), Serena and A Keeper of the Purple Twilight...
• A Salute to Gene Roddenberry!: A Triumphant Individual! We see the Questor Tapes unraveled (part one) and planetary poetry!
• Quest for Peace: A Shore Leave on Fantasy Island! Brought to you by two fantastic individuals, Roarke and Tatoo (sic)! Presenting a Shore Leave encounter of the most amazing kind:, Wonder Woman's return to Paradise Island as Diana, a Medieval Festival time journey, re- The Guardian of Forever... Come on down!!!
• Visions of the Future: Tomorrow's Medicine: Cancer and Our Diet! Yet another exerpt (sic) from Dr. McCoy's Medical Log
• Planetary Poetry: Songs for Fellow Searchers under the Stars
• Startoons Presents: Capt. Tribble! Righteousness Triumphs???
• Just a Matter of Time: another U.S.S. EXCALIBUR misadventure, this time with the Guardian of Forever (a new way to kill time)
• Galactic Coordinating System: Fanzine reviews (S.B.M.T.L. & Images) con reports of ST Atlanta, Rivercon IV, ST America '78 (NYC), Dr. von Puttkamer in New York! Future SF Cons, TV & Movies
• Universal Translator: Feedback from readers
• contributors: James Barrett, Debi Iguina, Dr. J. von Puttkamer, Ed Quinby, The Searcher, Steve Schwimmer (Startoonist), T'Eri the Vulcan Bard, and The Terran Troubador
• cover art: "Spirit of Man: Triumph of the Individual"

Issue 7

cover of issue #7, Terry Ornas

Organian Questor 7 was published in March/April 1979.

• Questorial Page:
• Quest for Peace: Questor goes InQuest of... his Creator (part 2, a Universla Quest that seeks the Ultimate Answer...
• Startoons Presents: Capt. Tribble: He goes InQuest of ... Evildoers.
• InQuest of ... Space Transportation Systems: The first of a series of articles on NASA's new shuttle systems, courtesy of Dr. Jesco von Puttkamer, complete with illustrations
• InQuest of ... Joy: Planetary Poetry: Join Lily and the Pink, Saurian Brandy, me and my android and more on the way to Eden
• A Meeting of Minds: A universal assembly of leading SF figures meet again to continue their discussion. All living beings welcome!
• Visions of the Future: InQuest of ... Lasers: The varied uses of the Light Fantastic and how it is conquering some unknowns
• Startoons Special: U.S.S. Unicorn Chronicles: what you always wanted to know about unicorns but were afraid to InQuest of ...
• Battlestar Galactica Spectacular: InQuest of... Earth! Are our ancestors really ancient astronauts from Kobol or elsewhere?
• Galactic Coordinating System: Con Reports (Mini-Trek V, ST Xmas Con, Columbus Con), TV Reviews (Mork & Mindy, Wonder Woman, Hulk, Star Wars Special, Mac Davis Odyssey, Nimoy on Mike Douglas) Movie Reviews (Star Trek, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Lord of the Rings, Superman), Future Cons, Nova Schedule, "The Space" an alien view of our most abundant resource, special news on George Lucas and NIMOY, Tribbles galore
• The Prisoner Escapes (part 2): InQuest of... #1: He meets #1 but not before....
• Contributors: James Barrett, Cynthia Conti, Allen L. Parker, Jesco von Puttkamer, Ed Quinby, Robert Ryan, Steven Schwimmer, The Terran Troubador, cover by Ornas

Issue 8

cover of issue #8, Terry Ornas

Organian Questor 8 was published in July/Aug 1979.

• Questorial Page
• Star Trek: The Motion Picture: Exclusive info given to us by Dr. von Puttkamer, courtesy of Paramount Pictures + Foto!
• Starfleet Recruitment Planetary Poetry: Spursed throughout, is an anthology of interplanetary verse dedicated go the ENTERPRISE crew and their universe
• Space Transportation Systems: focuses on the SPACE SHUTTLE, MAN ON THE MOON, and the VOYAGER spacecraft by J.V.P. (part 2)
• Startoons Presents: The VOYAGES of the U.S.S. UNICORN: More tales of the most unique vessel in the universe.
• Superman - Chris Reeve: Excerpts from his appearance on "Midday" (TV)
• Quest for Peace: "Errand of Mercy" Episode: The Organians present a lesson for us all! Perhaps we cannot always depend upon ourselves alone but rely on a higher power...
• Starfleet Comix: A new feature created by our Staff Artist sure to make you smile, or groan, or wince, or...
• A Meeting of Minds: A universal assembly of leading SF figures meet. Beaming down are Maya, Salt, Vampire, Spock, Koloth and R2D2 & C3PO. Beings of all worlds are welcome!
• Galactic Coordinating System: Con reports (Boston and N.Y.): Book Reviews (Vulcan & The Starless World), Fanzine review (Spirit), TV Reviews (Salvage One, The SF, F&R Film Awards Show, The Nebulas, "Lion, Witch & Wardrobe"), a 2targram and a crossword puzzle, more Tribbles, a ST fiction story "Back and Forth" (read it twice), later cons and Federation Baseball!
• Contributors: James Barrett, D. Sibman, Casandra Jimenez, David Lee, Allen L. Parker, Dr. Jesco von Puttkamer, Ed Quinby, Robert Ryan

Issue 9

Organian Questor 9 was published in Nov-Dec. 1979.

cover of issue #9

• Questorial Page
• Shatner & Nimoy on TV: A picture portfolio of their appearances.
• Visions of the Future: Space Industrialization and Man. Charting a new course for humanity's future with Jesco von Puttkamer.
• Science Fiction Writers: The ABC's of Classic SF. Spotlights the traditional three of SF: Asimov, Bradbury, Clarke.
• SF Film Classics: An analysis and summary of the early years. "2001: A Space Odyssey", "War of the Worlds", "Invasion of the Body Snatchers", "Buck Rogers", "Forbidden Planet", "The Day the Earth Stood Still".
• Planetary Poetry. Imaginative poems with hopeful speculations.
• Quest for Peace: "A Contemptable Struggle" (sic). Original fiction dealing with espionage, piracy and internal conflict surrounding the Stella Regina.
• Starfleet Comix: Missing scenes from historical events revealed.
• Galactic Coordinating System: Con reports (North American & Americon'79, NYC); Fanzine review (Space and Time); TV Reviews (Buck Rogers and NOVA); Movie Reviews ("Love At First Bite", "Dracula" (1979); Alien); Jesco v.P. in NYC; ads: World Space Federation fanzines, Walter Koenig's book, Nimoy's album. Future events.
• Contributors: James Barrett, Cynthia Conti, Niki Eisenstein, Eliane Hopson, James & Rosemary Keane; Belinda Martorelli, Ed Quinby, Robert Ryan, Marie Samuel, Cora A. Smith, Dr. Jesco von Puttkamer.

Issue 10

cover of issue #10

Organian Questor 10 was published in March/April 1980. It has the theme: "The Worlds of SF: Myths, Magic and Mystery."

• Questorial Page
• A Meeting of Minds: The Universe's most renowned SF figures meet again for a discussion on "Evil." We've conjured up: Dr. Strange & Clea, Ankh & Infinity, Baron Mordo & Umar. All beings are welcome! You'll find this panel has broader dimensions than previous ones... (3)
• Starfleet Comix: A logical Captain Kirk and aliens who retaliate (8)
• SF Classics: Comix & TV: An analysis and summary of '60's SF characters plus some recent classics in the comix with The Outer Limits, My Favorite Martian, and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. (p.15-18) Atom, Green Hornet, Adam Strange & Alanna, Star Rovers, Space Ranger and many more favorites (9-14, 19-20)
• Planetary Poetry: Tales of mythical thieves: watery voyages, destiny and solutions to mysteries (p. 21-24)
• Quest for Peace: (special) "A Contemptible Struggle" continues and ends Chapter One of an original Trek/SF piece dealing with espionage piracy and internal conflict surrounding the Stella Begina. (p.24-33)
• SF/TV Photo Gallery of Characters: Classic display of '60's shows with Star Trek and other favorites (p.34-36)
• Startoons Presents: Muck and Mundane (a division of Cosmic Comics): Sure to give you gas, or an Arab, whichever comes first (p.37-38)
• Visions of the Future: Space Science '80's: Find out what's ahead for NASA, complete with charts, photos and important new info on women in space, medical breakthroughs and industrialization (p.34-44)
• Galactic Coorindating System: Con Report (Schuster Star Trek Conventions/1980 (February) New York City Schuster Star Trek Convention|ST Space Expo '80, N.Y.C), Star Wars contest, TV review (The Martian Chronicles), Movie Review (Star Trek:TMP), Fanzine review (Grip), future cons, Jesco fan club, Questor Quotes and a look into the Astrogator (p.45-51)
• contributors: Armando and Sal Forte, Rosemary and James Keane, Ed Quniby, Robert Ryan, Stephen Schwartz, Cora A. Smith, Dr. Jesco con Puttkamer, B.J. Willinger, Terran Troubador

Issue 15

Organian Questor 15 was published in Spring 1984.

Issue 16

Organian Questor 16 was published in Fall 1984.

Issue 17

Organian Questor 17 was published in Spring 1985.

Issue 18

Organian Questor 18 was published in Fall 1985.

It has the theme: "Star Trek Archives: Enterprise LOG Replayed."

Issue 19

front cover of issue #19, Richard Pollet

back cover of issue #19, Richard Pollet

Organian Questor 19 (v.2 n.19) was published in Spring 1986 and contains 113 pages.

It has art by Paul Lambo, Richard Pollet, Jody A. Morse , Teegar Shaver, Theresa Ornas, Phyliss Dong, and Elaine Tripp.

Other contributors not listed below: Rosemary Keane, Pam Dong, and Pat Dong.

From the editorial:

WELCOME PILGRIMS! YOUR QUEST IS ENDED! This 'zine is recommended for all travellers who always have time on their hands ... for challengers of the unknown ... starfleet personnel who like to have 'pun' ... adventurous Eden seekers ...

OUR BASIC THEME reflects Humanity's quest for the essence of life and the meaning of the universal order ... Humanity can go as far as its imagination will take it; be anything it dreams of being ... We are all part of an organic whole, dependent upon each other, fellow questors, questing for ... (LIFE, THE UNIVERSE AND EVERYTHING?) ... Our Adventure Continues . . .

SF THEMES DESIGNATED AS THEMES for every issue and the contents therein reflect that particular theme. IN THIS ISSUE; can time travel correct the past and change the future? ... is there an EDEN? ... can STAR TREK survive STAR TRASH??? ... will criminals continue to ride the subways? ... where will our next letter come from? ... does LEONARD NIMOY really like to be con'd? ...

• Questorial, Editor's Hailing Frequencies "reach" (1)
• Starfleet Comix ("McCoy lies down on the job while Spock cross-circuits an Endorian...") (3)
• Questor Unoriginal by Jody A. Morse ("Some PUNNY Stories of STAR TRASH! Hilarious parodies tickle your punny bone with "A SHARE OF THE RATINGS" ("A PIECE OF THE ACTION") and "ME, MUGG" ("I, Mudd".) (5)
• Visions of the Future: Space Challenge(r)s by Theresa Ornas ("Human tragedy and triumph and our reactions in a crisis... Some perspectives on Space Shuttle Challenger and her crew.") (13)
• Planetary Poetry by Celeste E. Kraut ("'Challenger' asks a nation to set priorities." (15)
• Planetary Poetry by Gretchen M. Cupp ("'After the Ceremony on Vulcan' prioritizes friendship.") (22)
• Leonard Nimoy: Con'd and Trek'd by Theresa Ornas ("A very special collection of early family fotos, convention appearances, and the varied roles he has played during his career -- exclusive pix!") (many clippings) (23)
• Questor Original: Project Chronotran, fiction by James M. Keane ("A Trek tale you must take the time to read... Cmdr. Janice Rand stars in this story of two women linked together by Time, relatively speaking.") (57)
• A Horrorble Story: Last Stop -- All Off! by Arnold Klein ("Whoever said 'War is Hell' never road on the subways (or Metro)") (original fiction) (85)
• Letter from Orion V by James M. Keane ("A Dr. Who story! Sent from somewhere within the Orion Nebula to the Sol Star System... A veritable "Dr. Tom Dooley' (Doctor Who?).") (87)
• Planetary Poetry by Dwight E. Humphries ("'Saavik Speaks' candidly of her feelings.") (106)
• Galactic Coordinating System
  • con report for Creation Con on January 4-5, 1986 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City ("A special salute to Star Trek and Classic TV-SF series was the theme at this latest Creation Mafia convention. The Star Trek guest was a familiar favorite, Walter Koenig. A very adult but still boyish-looking Bill(y) Mummy from the '60's TV series "Lost In Space" and other TV shows delighted fans of all ages. Even the immortal Inspector Henderson from the '50's TV series "Superman" made an appearance. It was none other than veteran actor Robert Shayne. Aside from these guest appearances, a great dealers' room (which included for the first time a few fanzine tables) and a few mediocre films, that was the whole convention. As always, the fans themselves made the con worthwhile...") (107)
  • "The 5th Missile" & "Assassin" (reviews of two TV movies) (108)
  • Essays by Cynthia J. Conti: "An Era Remembered/A Historical Perspective" (topic is the 1960s in the United States) and "The Flower Children of Eden" (edens and paradises as portrayed in Star Trek) (109)
  • Future Cons, Fan Clubs, and Fan News (short blurbs) (113)
• includes photos from Schuster Star Trek Conventions/1979 (February) New York City Schuster Star Trek Convention, Space Trek #2

• 

  from issue #19, Jody A. Morse

• 

  from issue #19

• 

  from issue #19, Richard Pollet

• 

  from issue #19, Space Shuttle Challenger poem

• 

  from issue #19, Paul Lambo

• 

  from issue #19, Teegar Shaver

• 

  from issue #19, Theresa Ornas

• 

  from issue #19, Paul Lambo