The Other Side of Paradise

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Zine
Title: The Other Side of Paradise
Publisher: Purple Dragon/Plak Tow Press, in 1986, T'Kuhtian Press had permission to copy and distribute these zines/parts of these zines
Editor(s): Amy Falkowitz & Signe Landon (issues #1-#3), then Falkowitz alone
Date(s): 1976-?
Series?:
Medium: print zine
Size:
Genre:
Fandom: multimedia & Star Trek: TOS
Language: English
External Links:
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

The Other Side of Paradise is a het anthology. It contains mostly Star Trek material but later issues also have other fandoms.

a 1975 flyer

One story and Leslie Fish's art in issue #3, which was an explicit adult issue, is slash. This third issue required an age statement to purchase.

It is a sister zine zine to the gen zine Paradise.

One of the Editor's Comments: 1978

Comments by Amy Falkowitz, in response to The inherent injustice in the current practice which allows Trek artists to sell their work at the cons while Trek writers receive no monetary remuneration for their efforts.:

Off hand, I've only heard rumors about one or two who may be making a profit off of zines. From my own experience, as zine ed, unless they have very exact cost estimates, ends up losing money. We barely scraped through on TOSOP #l, and that was with the mostly free offset we were able to do with our artwork, and using the cheapest mimeo paper we had for the rest. On #2, we lost money, and in fact might not have been able to mail the zine out without waiting for several months (until Signe and I could have added at least a hundred dollars to what we had), except that we mailed most of the zone 8 copies out by UPS. Our estimate of postage came up short on the zone 8 copies by about 30 cents per copy, and when you consider that with our being out on the West Coast, something like at least 1/3 of our orders were zone 8, that is a lot of money. Plus, we had slightly underestimated printing costs. We were charging 12.75 in person, final printing cost (after 6% tax added on, plus screens for Alice Jones' work, and some extra hand collection costs for Signe's foldout) was more like 12.90 per copy. So, on the average, we lost at least 10 cents per copy. For 400 copies that's at least $140.00. And actually it was more. We had envelopes to buy, plus address labels, plus paying our typist for supplies, and we bought our own cover stock. Then there are the hassles we are having on TOSOP #2. [1]

Comments by a Fan: 1977

TOSOP is an impressive zine, containing art folios, illustrations, fiction, articles, and poetry by an intriguing line-up of fans… including professional writer Marion Zimmer Bradley of Darkover fame. Eileen Roy's alternate KRAITH series originated in the pages of this zine with the beautifully constructed "T'Uriamne's Victory". TOSOP sets consistently high standards for its stories and articles, but its artwork is even more outstandingly good, and the zine remains primarily a visual experience. THE OTHER SIDE OF PARADISE #3 will actually, be a "two-for-the-price-of-one' issue in that it will be two books: PARADISE, for regular art and stories; THE OTHER SIDE, for adult pieces. Highly recommended. [2]

Issue 1

front cover of issue #1, Amy Falkowitz
back cover issue #1, Signe Landon

The Other Side of Paradise 1 was published in 1976 and contains 115 pages. Art by Debbie Collin, Connie Faddis, Amy Falkowitz (front cover according to handwritten notes inside the zine), Gee Moaven, and Signe Landon (back cover according to handwritten notes inside the zine).

It had an original print run of 150.

From the zine: "This 'zine is dedicated to the Great Bird, and all the wonderful little eggs he's laid."

  • Editorial (1)
  • For a Few Moments Longer by Amy Falkowitz (3)
  • Tribbles" by Signe Landon (filksong) (10)
  • The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by Sharon Emily. A rewrite of '"The Day the Earth Stood Still," this story constitutes the bulk of this issue. It was also published as a standalone zine. (11)
  • Bell Banners by Amy Falkowitz (an article on the music of Star Trek) (83)
  • Beyond Antares by Amy Falkowitz (90)
  • Artists Showcase (91)
  • Child of Sorrow by Signe Landon (93)
  • Starry Roads by Jan Snyder (96)
  • Vulcanur Poetry, 'Sarek' and 'T'Amada' by Fern Marder (97)
  • A Time for Tears by Beverly Clark (99)
  • Clair de Lune by Connie Faddis (McCoy and Spock are marooned on a planet where the soil reacts with the lunar presence to adversely affect brain waves. They desperately seek a means to save their sanity and even their lives.) (reprinted in Archives #1 and Computer Playback #5) (109)
  • Chorus for Kraithian Spock by Laura Fargas (poem) (last minute edition, not listed in the table of contents) (no page number)
  • You are Receiving this Zine Because… and the next issue (113)

  • inside page from issue #1, song by Amy Falkowitz, art by Signe Landon

  • inside page from issue #1, unknown artist, portrays Spock and Zarabeth

  • inside page from issue #1, D.L. Collin: Spock and his teddy bear

  • inside page from issue #1, Connie Faddis: "Scotty"

  • inside page from issue #1, Signe Landon: "Unicorn Hunt"

  • inside page from issue #1, Gee Moaven

  • inside page from issue #1, Gee Moaven

  • inside page from issue #1, D.L. Collin -- "I am for you James T. Kirk… A little something from the Easter Vulcan."

  • inside page from issue #1, Signe Landon

  • inside page from issue #1, title page, sample text

  • inside page from issue #1, Signe Landon is the artist, Laura Fargas is the poet

  • inside page from issue #1, You are Receiving this Zine Because

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

See reactions and reviews for The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.

[zine]: The Other Side of Paradise emphasizes people in a state other than that of Paradise. The fiction is serious and melancholy. Spock is the secondary emphasis... I highly recommend this 'zine. [3]

[zine]: OSP is an entertaining little zine though not wildly exciting. If you usually read zines just for fun, you just might like this. The repro is mimeo and occasionally it deserts you. The art is good but several pieces have been printed before. Amy Falkowitz wrote the only article, 'Bell Banners,' an informative little piece on the music of Star Trek. Most of the rest of the zine is taken up with stories. 'For a Few Moments Longer' is a story of Zarabeth following Spock through the Atavachron barrier, knowing she will die, but willing to die as long as she can be with Spock... need I say more? It is predictable. Landon writes a good tale called 'Child of Sorrow' giving us a brief history leading up to the birth of T'Pring. It is a good case for the genetics of rebellion. 'A Time for Tears' tells of Leila's pregnancy by you-know-who. It is the standard Spock-Flock plot, complete with a pat ending. The last story is a real jewel, 'Claire de Lune.' McCoy and Spock become trapped on a planet whose moonlight has disastrous results for anyone with psi powers. They overcome this threat to Spock by working together in a manner views always love seeing. The best of the zine. The largest story in the zine is 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.' This is a story that is admitted by the author to be a re-write of the movies Stranger from Venus and The Day the Earth Stood Still. It is well-written and coherent, but to those of us Emily fans, it is also a disappointment. I would much have preferred something original from the author. [4]

[zine]: This is a thick one, over 100 well-filled pages, characterized by good if rather uneven writing and fantastic artwork. Both editors are artists, and it shows, in the Artist's Showcase, in the logo, in the front and back covers, in the story illos, and in the miscellaneous art scattered throughout TOSOP that is given meticulous care and deserves it. The logo is a fascinating pic of Spock sprouting horns, looking, depending on your viewpoint, satanic, caprine or merely impish. Readers are invited to submit their own explanations... The stories: There are 'For a Few Moments Longer' is a good Zarabeth story, handling the inevitable tragedy with grace and dignity. 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' is probably a must for all Sharon Emily fans. A fast-paced short story, 'Child of Sorrow,' gives a believable and sympathetic background for T'Pring. And last, but decidedly not least, 'Clarie de Lune' is a is a shortie between Bones and Spock that I think would make TOSOP worthwhile if the rest of the pages were blank. There is also an article about ST music that is skippable, two poems that are well above average, and a liberal helping of filksongs. TOSOP is definitely starting out to be a first class zine. [5]

[zine]: Something about this fanzine is very appealing... perhaps the casual way it all seems to have been put together. That's not to say it isn't high quality, but somehow doesn't take itself too seriously. The real high point of it is to be found in the artwork altho there are some very interesting pieces of fiction, too. The main story is one of those seemingly interminable Sharon Emily offerings that all of us know and that some of us are reasonably fond of. This one, 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face'... has one of her patented forlorn heroines who performs all sorts of unlikely deeds and a Sarek-like hero who, for some incomprehensible reason, fell in love with her. At least we won't have to worry about a sequel... at the end of the story, the heroine fell under a convenient bus and died.

Two other pieces, 'A Time for Tears' and 'For a Few Moments Longer' are 'after' stories about Spock and his problems with Leila and Zarabeth. Nothing special. Two other stories are a bit more original. A short-short by Connie Faddis has Spock and McCoy literally up a tree. The title is 'Clair de Lune' and it is either deeply profound or desperately silly. Hard to tell... [snipped: a complaint about too many fan stories having similar titles]...

The best story in the zine is 'Child of Sorrow' and has originality, brevity, and a nice surprise ending... There's also a fantastic article on ST music that has the reader running to her tape collection to find the themes that are mentioned. There is also much fantastic artwork -- some of it off-set... Some of the best two are of two of the most beautiful Vulcan women ever done by Gee Moaven, and a folio of all sorts of strange beings... Other art of interest is an illo of Spock sprouting horns, for some reason...

So, to sum it up. A very good first effort especially in the art department. And for all you fen out there who really like Spock... It's a treat. So borrow a copy if you can or buy one used at a con. [6]

[zine]: ToSoP has nothing to make it spectacular. It consists primarily of five stories by various authors. "For a Few Moments Longer" by Amy Falkowitz is an alternate ending for "All Our Yesterdays". In this version, Zarabeth jumps through the atavachrone after Spock and McCoy, even though she knows it means certain death but that doesn't matter as long as she dies with Spock. The story ends with her dying in his arms. This is probably the best tale in the zine. Very touching.

The bulk of this issue is taken up by "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by Sharon Emily. This 72 page novelette is taken from two old sf movies, and as you read it you get the feeling that you're watching them again. I found this story very disappointing. It was like you reading a first draft; it was boring.

"Child of Sorrow" gives us a brief history of T'Pring's parents and is a very good short. "A Time for Tears" is about Spock and Liela, and is also disappointing. The plot is thin and very simple, and not even handled well. I know Bev can do better (See [Sehlat's Roar] #3) The last story, "Claire de Lune" is a Connie Faddis triumph. It's very well written, interesting—and weird. In a nutshell, Spock and McCoy are marooned on a planet where the moonlight does strange thing to any one with telepathic powers. Together McCoy and Spock fight to save Spock's sanity.

Finally there is an article an the music of ST called "Bell Banners", a number of interesting poems and songs, lots of art, all very good. With all considered, ToSoP is enjoyable reading. [7]

Having seen incredible numbers of mimeo zines, I am always unduly impressed by a mimeo printed effort with clear printing and sharp illos. The art is generally remarkable--Signe Landon, D. L. Collin, Gee Moaven, Connie Faddis (Connie always seems to be able to fill her subjects with a believable inner life that has not yet failed to fascinate me.) The contents of this zine, literarily, however, can be best described as "Tormeneting" stories. Not "Get-Spock" (there is a distinct lack of gore), but of the more difficult-to-convey mental torments.

Sharon Emily presents a "What-if?" story based on "The Day the Earth Stood Still," with her Mary Sue falling in love with the alien and dying in the end under the wheels of a bus. I could not wade through all its 71 pages, though I' did read the first half. The movie was by far superior.

Amy Falkowitz' article on ST music was interesting, but being more of a printed media fan, I could not always get the correct piece to play in my head as she was discussing them. This would be very interesting as a presentation, with the appropriate strains on tape. The artists' showcase ranged in quality from average to entracing with Faddis' Scotty being my favorite (though the unicorn and the dragon came close).

Signe Landon's "Child of Sorrow" is the best story. Bev Clark's "A Time for Tears" was adequately written, though definitely fit into the torment category, as did Connie Faddis' "Claire de Lune" (though the image of static glow dancing in the grass is fascinating). The final piece, "Chorus for a Kraithian Spock," by Laura Fargas, is outdone by its illustration.

Finally, on content...3; on graphics...3.5. [8]

Combination print job, offset art, mimeo text. Excellent artwork, good fiction. Two touching "what happened after" stories, one concerning Spock and Zarabeth, one Spock and Leila. And an excellent short story for Spock and McCoy, "Claire de Lune" by Connie Faddis. This zine focuses mainly on Spock, and issue one tends to be slightly sentimental overall, but what the heck, why not? Even a Vulcan needs love. [9]

Issue 2

front cover of issue #2, Connie Faddis
back cover of issue #2, Clare Bell

The Other Side of Paradise 2 was published in May 1977 and contains 198 pages. It had a 400 limited run publication. Two weeks after it was published, it was out-of-print.

inside front cover of issue #2, Amy Falkowitz
inside back cover of issue #2, Monica Miller, "Regulian Princess"

The art is by Connie Faddis (cover), Amy Falkowitz, Clare Bell, Signe Landon, Leslie Fish, Debbie Collin, Edith Crowe, Been Moaven, Marty Siegrist, Linda Cappel, Alice Jones, Joni Wagner, Bruce Wayne Harris, Gordon Carleton, Gayle F, V.M. Wyman, Monica Miller.

One ebay seller described it as: "This is what fanzines were in the beginning of Media Fanzines! LOTS of hand drawn art, songs, stories, tidbits of interest. Nearly every other page has art, not all of it Trekkish... but all amazing."

a January 1977 update for issue #2, printed in The Clipper Trade Ship #13
  • Editorial (2)
  • Playground by Carolyn Carrock (4)
  • Hell Hath No Fury by Fern Marder (5)
  • AN Apple a Day by Clare Bell (6)
  • Kwa Heri, Hadiya, a h/c story by Trinette Kern (11)
  • In the Wake of. a Starship by L.V. Vargas (29)
  • Heart's Desire by Paula Smith (32)

  • from issue #2, art from "The Immovable Object" by Marion Zimmer Bradley, artist: Signe Landon for the story The Immovable Object

  • from issue #2, Alice Jones for "The Letter"

  • from issue #2, Gee Moaven "Shore Leave on Argelius: The Marketplace"

  • from issue #2, Gee Moaven, "Shore Leave on Argelius: The Bazaar"

  • from issue #2, Gee Moaven

  • from issue #2, Leslie Fish for Kwa Heri, Hadiya

  • from issue #2, Marty Siegrist

  • from issue #2, Gee Moaven

  • from issue #2, V.M. Wyman

  • from issue #2, Gayle F

  • from issue #2, Joni Wagner

  • from issue #2, Gordon Carleton

  • from issue #2, D.L. Collin

  • interior from issue #2, poem by Marion Zimmer Bradley and Walter Breen - it has the note at the bottom: "(Marion says about this poem: 'I think we both got the idea and played around with it until it could be called a real collaboration.')"

  • from issue #2, art portfolio page, portrays Amy Falkowitz, artist is Signe Landon

  • from issue #2, fold out for "Genus Loci" - Signe Landon

  • from issue #2, Signe Landon

  • from issue #2, Signe Landon

  • from issue #2, Signe Landon

  • from issue #2, Alice Jones

  • from issue #2, Alice Jones

  • from issue #2, Clare Bell: "What finally "got" Spock, with apologies to Connie Faddis."

  • from issue #2, V.M. Wyman

  • from issue #2, V.M. Wyman

  • from issue #2, V.M. Wyman

  • from issue #2, V.M. Wyman

  • from issue #2, V.M. Wyman

  • from issue #2, V.M. Wyman

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

See reactions and reviews for The Immovable Object.

See reactions and reviews for Kwa Heri, Hadiya.

See reactions and reviews for How Long the Night, How Bright the Stars.

[zine]: I couldn't agree more that this is a really fantastic zine. Amy and Signe are to be congratulated. This zine has a little bit of everything, for every and any body. For my money, it ranks with Interphase in beauty and value.... You'll hate yourself if you miss it! [10]

[zine]: Unquestionably, we have entered the era of value of money in Trekzines. TOSOP #2 may be the best bargain available at this particular moment, for quantity of high-quality work. It looks good and reads well, and it offers a variety of types of stories, articles, artwork and poetry; moreover, it provides the unexpected in the form of an unabashedly romantic vignette by Paula Smith and a Star Trek story by Marion Zimmer Bradley. Bradley further proves her versatility by providing, with the help of Walter Breen, an eminently logical 'Vulcan Valentine.'... There are two quibbles to be made about the construction of this zine. The reduction on most of the type is 1/3, which is still readable to me when I'm wearing my glasses instead of contacts. On pages with illustrations, however, the type has been further reduced, until is it too small for comfortable reading by those of us not blessed with 20/20 vision. The other problem is that this is the third zine in which Leslie Fish's filksongs have appeared. Too many of us have already seen them, delightful as they are. The table of contents lists twenty-three separate items; rarely does even so large a zine provide that kind of variety. Those looking for fantasy (this is a combined fantasy/Trek zine) may be disappointed to find that the fantasy is confined almost entirely to the artwork; all the major stories and poems are ST. Most of them range from good to excellent, and there is simply not space to comment on all of them. There is a plethora of fine style here; not a single story suffers from awkwardness. Genius Loci' by Connie Faddis is the KIND of story that made the best Trek episodes, yet it finds a new and acceptable twist for putting the terrific trio through their paces. The Bradley story mentioned above shows us Kirk's first few days aboard the Enterprise, when Spock and McCoy were strangers. There are two stories by Mandi Schultz and Cheryl Rice from their Diamonds and Rust series, interesting, but suffering from rather obviously setting the readers up for information to be revealed in future stories. By the end of the second story, one is a bit peeved to still not know for whom Chantal IS working. Trinette Kern's story has her hallmarks: one of the most readable styles in fandom, and pain. This time it is Spock and Uhura she's getting. Unfortunately, to set up the circumstances for 'Kwa Heri, Hadiya.' she completely distorts the character of Uhura -- not to mention Spock! The most moving story in the collection is 'T'Uriamne's Victory,' one of Eileen Roy's alternate-Kraith stories. As the title suggests, it is a parallel to 'Spock's Argument,' only this time there is not a tie --T'Uriamne wins. Amanda, and all the other offworlders must leave Vulcan. What an Amanda we have here, strong, proud, independent, competent, intelligent! Roy twists us with wondering what Sarek will do, at the same time she is poking delightful fun at Kraith Vulcans -- imagine a drunken Vulcan named Slieez! Indeed, there is much more, in this story, and in the zine as a whole. Buy it! [11]

[zine]: Well, let's start with the art. It is excellent... What with the (who else?) Connie Faddis cover, the delightful Claire Bell unicorn drawings, Leslie Fish's marvelously brooding illos, Alice Jones' superb pencils, Gee Moaven's characteristic 'Shoreleave on Argellius' portfolio, Deborah Collins' (of course) cartoons, Marty Siegrist's well-done likeness, Joni Wagner's typically great sketches... the simply fine Gordon Carleton caricatures, the always-a-pleasure Vicki Wyman drawings, Monica Miller's usual outstanding art, not to mention Signe Landon's wonderful sense of composition and insight and Amy Falkowitz' vision -- well, one could run out of approbatory adjectives and we haven't even hit the writers yet. Suffice to say, this is a must-get zine. As for writers, I'd cover the high points except that they all are. There is a super trek-story by Marion Zimmer Bradley, and [a story] by Connie Faddis. Need we say more?... All in black and white for only three bucks, 200 hundred pages. Wow. [12]

[zine]: Well, what can I say except it's one hell of an improvement over issue #1 and ish one wasn't very bad to start with. Unlike some zines, TOSoP has made the change from mimeo to off-set beautifully.

The fiction, of which there's enough to satisfy anyone's craving, is good to excellent. Due to the limited space for this review and the number of pieces, I will only talk about 3 stories which best represent the whole.

First, Kwa Herl, Hadiya by Trinette Kern. This is the story of Hadiya, Uhura's child by Spock, who (Hadiya) has contracted a blood disease and will die if she doesn't receive transfusions. Spock is the only one with the right type of blood and doesn't even know of the child's existance. Uhura is faced with telling Spock the truth and jeopardizing Kirk and his friendship or letting her child die, which will probably happen anyway. The story is well-paced and believably handled, but Uhura's reaction to the inevitable end is less than human. The Immovable Object by Marion Zimmer Bradley, tells the story of Kirk's arrival on board the Enterprise. Her characterization is impecable, especially in the scene with Janice Rand, but the story suffers from inconsistant writing, with the first half timewise consuming 90% of the written story skipting over the adventure scenes. This gives the impression that she got tired and rushed the end when it should have been the best part. Still excellent reading.

Genius Loci by Connie Faddis is another gem for her strand. This story can be summed up in one word superbly. To say anything else would only lessen the impact.

Also in this issue are two portfolios by Gee Moaven and Amy Falkowitz, both are great, especially Amy's — her art has improved immensely in the short time I've been exposed to it. The art throughout, in fact, is excellent.

Also for the enjoyment of the readers TOSoP included Leslie Fishes filk-songs w/ art, and article on Vulcan linguistics and much more fiction — well worth the price. [13]

[zine]: What can I say about this wondrous fan endeavor which also happens to be a minimasterpiece? Well, for starters, I could tell you what's in it and then proceed to be as objective as possible without sounding like a Vulcan. First of all, please note that this zine has a rather large conglomeration of some of the finest talents in fandom, about 98% of them being female (keep this in mind until later). Among them: Paula Smith (editor of Menagerie, I believe it was), Marion Zimmer Bradley (author of that well-known Darkover series), Leslie Fish (best known for her "filksings" ...uh, folksongs...urn, whatever), the editors (who also happens to be artists of their own merit), Gee Moaven (a special kind of artist), V.M. Wyman (another distinctive artist) and on and on... just great people all. OK, down to the beeswax...

The first thing you notice when you pick up TOSOP 2 is the lovely cover by Connie Faddis. The artwork is somewhat similar in style to that of Signe Landon's (no slur on you, Connie) and is quite lovely. As you leaf through the zine, you realize you got a great zine in your hot little hands. On the first two pages, there were some entries to a contest which was held in the previous ish (of which there is no more--alackaday!) and after that are five whole pages of Clare Bell's delightful unicorns, which I just LOVE!!

"Kwa Heri, Hadiya" (no, I do not know Swahili) by Trinette Kern is a Uhura/Spock story which is rather hard to fully believe in, but it is touching nevertheless.

"In the Wake of a Starship: Notes From Areel Shaw's Diary" is very well done -- urn, I'm sure you all remember her in "Courtmartial," don't you? L.V. Fargas, who writes like a dream, is to be complimented for it.

Paula Smith, who is probably known for her "How's Trek" spoofs, wrote a nice poem entitled "Heart's Desire," which was accompanied by a drawing by Amy Falkowitz.

The best story in the whole zine must be "The Immovable Object" by Marion Zimmer Bradley. Her gift for writing is very evident in this lovely story set in the time in which the Big "E" gets her new captain: Captain James Tiberius Kirk. The characterizations are almost perfect, except maybe Yeoman Janice Rand, who's a little on the hysterical side., but the way Marion writes! I think I'll pick up a Darkover book... oh yes, Signe Landon did some artwork for this story, which helped the story somewhat, but I wish there was more.

For some unknown reason, the editors chose to slip some rather strange things right after the lovely story by Marion. An excerpt from a hybrid human/Andorian security guard's (??? I think??) diary is sandwiched between two of D.L. Collin's drawings, which are immediately followed by an art portfolio of Gee Moaven entitled "Shore Leave on Argelius," the latter which is superbly done. "What If...?", which follows it, is a poem which asks exact!.' that: wistful thinking.

After all that, there are two "Diamonds and Rust' stories, which were highly recommended to me, but which I found to be contrived and not in character — sorry, but that's the way I feel. The first story was illustrated sparingly with drawings by Marty Siegrist and the second was also illustrated sparingly, but the artwork was done by Gee Moaven. for those who don't know, the "Diamonds and Rust" stories revolve around Chantal Caberfie, a Capellan woman who's also the Enterprise's new Chief of Security, and Kirk. However, these two stories have little to do with that.

A touching piece by L.V. Fargas is accompanied by an incredibly beautiful drawing by Alice Jones. This little gem came right before a Vulcan valentine, which I found to be a little illogical, but what the hey, why not? Another art portfolio follows, however, this one is entitled "Wings," which is a specialty with Amy Falkowitz. She just loves to do mythical creatures, especially dragons, and anything with great sweeping wings.

"Genius Loci," a short story by C.R. Faddis, is introduced in an unusual way: a pull-out poster by Signe Landon, whose other illustrations erhanced the story as well. The story is rather surrealistic, with great descriptions. However, I find the ending rather weak -- it reminds me too much of another piece of fanfic which was a little different. Anyhoo, I liked the story very much and it does have one striking characteristic: that of making one think on a different tangent, which is something I really enjoy.

I've heard of devious means employed to "sell" a fanzine, but TOSOP gets first place with culture and science -- there's music in this zine! For the next twenty-two pages, lyrics, art and transcriptions are combined to create a small, decorative "songbook" of Leslie Fish's folk songs. These songs range from the philosophical to the hilarious. I have tried to play some of the songs on the piano and... well, they sound sort of folksy, but there is no dominant melody line, at least, no really recognizable one. Maybe if I had the record, it would help... anyhoo, right after the songs was another unicorn episode by Clare Bell and right after that were two short stories (I mean short stories, like two pages long) which were of average quality. However, Alice Jones did much to make the second more meaningful with her drawing of the character.

Finally, toward the end of the zine, was the "Vulcan" section. There were two literary works in this "section": a very detailed expositor/ on the Vulcan linguistics (did you know that there were three parts to the Vulcan language? I didn't) and an alternate Kraith story in which T'Uriamne, Spock's full-blooded Vulcan half-sister, gets her way and all humans must leave Vulcan. I am sorry to say that I've NEVER read the Kraith series and I am totally lost when so many names, places, and terms are thrown at me and I do NOT understand what's going on. Be that as it may, the story was enjoyable, albeit a bit confusing.

The zine finally closed with: 1) a two page list of zines to ge: if you can afford it, 2) an absolutely breathtaking drawing of a Regulan pr-ncess, and 3) a centaur welcoming light on the back cover by Clare Bell.

On the whole, I recommend highly!

Content: 5 Layout & printing: 5 Overall rating: 10 (!!!) [14]

Issue 3

front cover of issue #3, Gayle F
back cover of issue #3, Alice Jones
inside front cover from issue #3, "Come join the dance"- art by Clare Bell
inside back cover from issue #3, Susan Armstrong

The Other Side of Paradise 3 was published in 1978. It was published in two parts that could only be purchased together.

There were 550 copies in the original, possibly only, print run. "The Other Side" was explicit het (with one technically slash story, as well as some slashy content), and "Paradise" was gen.

"The Other Side" contains 90 pages and has art by Gayle F, Edith Crowe, Clare Bell, Signe Landon, Susan Armstrong, Bev Zuk, and Alice Jones.

"Paradise" contains 150 pages and has art by Alice Jones, Heather Firth, Clare Bell, Signe Landon, Amy Falkowitz, Carol Walske, Paula Evans, V.M. Wyman, along with an art portfolios by Leslie Fish and Signe Landon.

The editor's dedication: "To my father, a DOM, who inspired me into becoming a DOB. (*snicker*)"

There was, apparently, many problems with this zine and the postal service. From the editorial of The Clipper Trade Ship #21 (July 1978):

For those of you who have ordered The Other Side of Paradise #3 from Signe Landon and Amy Falkowitz, please be patient—all or parts of the manuscript has been lost several times in shipping and is being retyped; vital artwork was also lost and is being redone. It will come out. For those of you interested in ordering, only enough issues will be printed as preordered. Ordering is a bit tricky; the zine(s) is/are in two parts, Paradise being the same type of zine the previous two issues of TOSOP were, being $4 first class, or $2.75 4th class. The Other Side is devoted to topics of a mature adult theme, to which you must be 18 years or older— it cannot be ordered separately! together they are $6 first class or $4.50 4th class.

The editors have a personal statement in 1977 in issue #4 of Scuttlebutt about their experiences with this issue. Landon writes that after three issues, they won't be doing another one unless folks step up to the plate and send them submissions:

The reason is simple -- we've had no material. We have had a great deal of difficulty with this issue, what with some of our best people backing out. In addition, we simply didn't get that many submissions to begin with, except for a few gems from good friends who came through. We don't want to end up doing a mediocre zine, and we don't want to have to go through this kind of hassle again -- it's no fun. We aren't totally adverse to doing a TOSOP #4, but it's up to you writers to submit material... but if the current dearth of material continues, what can we say but good-bye?

From the editorial by Signe Landon in Paradise, the zine that was published as a part of this two-zine set: From the editorial:

"A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away..." Or, more conventionally, "Once upon a time..." there was a 'zine called TOSOP. It was a good 'zine, with many nice stories and pretty pictures. The first two issues were relatively easy to produce--a few problems, like cats in the stencils, but nothing serious. But when it came to the third issue (what was that about "lucky number three"?), all of a sudden the world conspired against it. Things were going fairly smoothly around the date it was due to be published; a few contributors were late, so it looked as tho' it would be delayed a couple of months, that's all. Ah, how trusting we were! Things started happening. Personal problems, at first—lost and/or quit jobs and the like. Then, around Christmastime came the delightful news that a certain American institution which shall remain nameless had managed to lose the entire typed galley for the 'zine. Not too bad—the typist was willing to re-type, and a month or two more of delay was all that was anticipated. Then came a much worse blow—six drawings by artist Alice Jones were also lost by the same ineffable institution. Hair was pulled. Tears were shed. Tracers were sent, but of course it was to no avail. Alice, bless her heart, offered to re-draw four of the drawings (a tortuous task, as any artist knows). [15] Rapture. Another several months' delay. The typist has by this time finished re-typing the 'zine, bandaged her fingers, and cautiously sent half of the stories via the alternate delivery system, re-knowned for its relative efficiency. They arrive safely. Joy. The other stories are sent. They do not arrive. Tracers are sent. They do not arrive. The editors are nearly bald from hairpulling. Phone calls are made. Editors come to the conclusion they will have to re-type the second half of the stories themselves. With the help of a roommate and friends, this is done. Meanwhile, the aforementioned artist is working her fingers to the bone. Finally, at long last, everything is together, except the artwork. Will it arrive safely this time? We don't know. If there are half-tones in this 'zine, then it did.

Well, folks, now you know why TOSOP #3 is so very late. It's been some thing of a nightmare. We've really had difficulty believing it ourselves. Thank you, all of you, for being so patient—we appreciate it.

So, now that this issue is finally in print, you ask if there will be a TOSOP #4? We don't know. We've stated elsewhere that there would not be, but then a lot of wonderful people promised us stories and also complained about its demise, so we began to waver. There may well be a TOSOP #4, but it will be under considerably different conditions than the last three issues. For one thing, I (Signe) will not be a full co-editor. One of the few good things to happen in the last few months is that I got an excellent full-time job as a Technical Illustrator. It is enjoyable work, but it does take a lot of time, and if I am to have any time to do ST artwork, not to mention all the other subjects my fingers are itching to draw, then I simply cannot edit two fan zines. On top of which, I have kind of had the enthusiasm beaten out of me by the last few months. If TOSOP lasts long enough, perhaps I'll be back someday. But in the meantime, if there is a TOSOP #4, Amy will be the editor, and I will merely help her as much as I can. Whether or not this happens at all will depend on the quantity—and quality—of the submissions received.

All submissions should be sent to Amy. Please do not send any money for TOSOP #4—send a SASE to Amy [address redacted] and when we know what is going to happen, and the price, she'll let you know. One thing for sure, TOSOP #4 will not be late—because there will be no deadline or publishing date. If and when all the material is in, it will be published. Another consequence of all the problems is that my other 'zine, THE HOLMESIAN FEDERATION, has also been greatly delayed. *sigh* For those of you who have ordered that, it will be out as soon as I can get it typed. All the stories are in, but I still have to illustrate most of them. It will be out, tho'!

Let's see, what else? There is no D. T. Steiner story this issue. See last ish for the reasons....

Lastly, anyone interested in participating in a Spock-on-Darkover round-robin story should contact Marion Zimmer Bradley/Box 72/Berkeley, CA 94701.

From an editorial in the previous issue:

The Other Side of Paradise' #3 is going to be a bit different. Very different, as a matter of fact -- we don't think what we're planning has ever been done before. Basically, we're going to give you two zines for the price of one. Sound good? 'Paradise' will be edited by Signe and will follow the same format as our previous issues. 'The Other Side" will be edited by Amy and will be X-rated. It will not be available for persons under the age of 18. The reason for this odd arrangement is ... well, we wanted to do a 'porn' issue, but we didn't want to make it difficult or impossible for many people to get TOSOP #3... and since there ARE two of us, it just sort of naturally came about that we should do two 'zines. This will not be permanent policy -- issue #4 should be back to normal. That's not to say we promise not to do it again someday... Anyway, vital statistics. We need submissions for both 'zines -- if it's clean, send it to Signe, if not... let Amy do the dirty work. *snicker*.

Finally, from this zine's editorial:

Greetings Gentlebeings. What you finally hold in your hands is my half (*snicker*) of TOSOP #3. Those of you who may take offense at sexual matters, please close the 'zine NOW (if the cover hasn't already gotten to you).

There, that's better.

Signe covered the story of our woes with this creature in her editorial, so I won't bother to reiterate, except to say that I have been taking this much calmer than I would have a few years ago (it's fate, that's what it is. Yes... be calm, now.. .AAGGHHH!!) Excuse me -- I've enjoyed doing this 'zine, in spite of the many hassles (what a mild phrase...). I think TOS has an interesting variety of material for an "adult" zine. (One or two people did make the comment that this half should have been PARADISE. I won't argue it.)

I like all three stories in here; each one treats the basic subject differently and each story is entirely different in its style. I am very grateful to Frankie Jemison for all the work she did on GAME OF CHANCE (I had to convince her that we really didn't have time to allow her an infinite number of rewrites — perfectionist!) It is a K/S story...yet I think rather unusual. It is not the rather highly romanticized story we've been seeing maybe too much of lately. And the ending...says some intriguing things. (Frankie and I had an intense discussion of the source and reference of that. Frankie is notorious among us for her utilization of sources.) I do have to make one comment about GAME OF CHANCE. Frankie had (I think -- it may be my imagination) that one time stated the story is sort of written around one line. It is that one line that I take exception to. I will not state what it is here; I don't want to...er...spoil the effect. But I tried, believe me I tried to convince Frankie that it really should have been removed. However, it is illogical to argue with the inevitable, or with the twisted humor of one Frankie Jemison. So that one line has remained in the story I am too good an editor (or too bad?) to argue uselessly and risk losing what is otherwise an excellent tale. Anytrek, when you find yourselves groaning, Gentlebeings, please do not blame your helpless/hapless editor.

The other two stories don't have any such problems. Eileen's is intriguing to me—a different view of sex-for-Vulcans (sex-among-Vulcans?) My only complaint as reader and editor is that it's too short. Juanita's lovely story (and I think it's one of the best that she's written—but then, I have to admit to being biased--) has an interesting background. It was originally to be written by Leslye Lilker. In fact, it was even maybe going to be a Sahaj story (and I love Sahaj!). But somehow it didn't work, and instead, it went through an odd but beautiful transformation in the mind of Juanita Salicrup to become what is presented herein. I hope you find it as lovely and enjoyable as I do.

The two erotic portfolios speak for themselves, I was very pleased to acquire from Edith Crowe some of her work. She has been a friend for several years and I have always liked her art; I'm glad we're seeing more of it in print. (She has also done several pieces for COMPANION, see plug elsewhere.) One note on her portfolio: she gave me the art without any title, so the title is mine; I hope it isn't too silly.

I'd also like to thank Susan Armstrong for her artistic contributions (if you like her work, say so — she's one of these people who thinks too little of her own abilities.) And also Clare Bell for her cartoons. Horny, indeed!

One other contributor needs mention. In here are a couple of pieces of insane, "obscene" fun from [Melanie R]. She can actually be serious; see her story in PARADISE. But for TOS, she has done a couple of really crazy pieces. For one of them, I extend apologies to any John Denver fen among you.

One last item. I must express special thanks to our cover artist, [Gayle F]. Gayle is a delightful person, as some of you know, with an...er...interesting mind...well, anyway, I dearly love her work, and I feel that she has done two of her best pieces for our covers. She promised me a Kirk/Spock/Uhura menage a trois for the cover—and she certainly gave us one! I've said it elsewhere, and I'll say it again here: Gayle's covers, in my own humble opinion, are worth the price of the zine by themselves. (This is NOT meant as a slight to any of the work inside. I just can't help enthusing about Gayle's work — excuse, please!)

Well, that's it. I hope you enjoy the contents of THE OTHER SIDE; I'm always interested in LoCs, even though we don't print often enough to do a Lettercol. Like I said, in spite of hassles, it's been fun. Thank all of you for your patience, a quality most fen seem to have in abundance (Thank the Force!)

And last note: if at all possible, there will be a TOSOP #4, back in our old format (no "adult" section), under my editorship. Send SASE for info, or contributions for consideration, if you have them. Fantasy and Science Fiction other than Trek are welcome (tho' we'd like to avoid Star Wars for now.)

Contents of "The Other Side"

  • Mutual Corruption (editorial) by Amy Falkowitz (2)
  • Sonnet to a Vulcan Lover by Edith Crowe (4)
  • A Solitary Knife by Eileen Roy (5)
  • Portfolio (art) by Leslie Fish (6)
  • Captain, You Look Good to Me Tonight by Melanie R (18)
  • Game of Chance by Frankie Jemison (slash, though the sexual attraction between Kirk and Spock is imposed from within by aliens.) (19)
  • Mirror, Mirror by Melanie R (60)
  • The All-Purpose Love Scene by Melanie R (61)
  • Erotica Fantastique portfolio by Edith Crow., following (62)
  • Vulcan Passions by Beverly Zuk (63)
  • Ni Var for a Desert Rose by Juanita Salicrup (64) -- In a personal statement, Leslye Lilker referenced this story's part in a controversy due to the unauthorized use by another fan of a word Lilker had previously created:
    I would also like to answer a question that has been cropping up frequently in my mail since the publication of THE SENSUOUS VULCAN. In [that] 'zine appears a story entitled "The Way of a Warrior" by Karen Lewis. The author has used "Valjn'd'jt", the name of Sarek's home in the Sahaj universe, despite a request not to. I am not Karen Lewis (a pseudonym). I did read the story before publication, and, for my answer to "The Way of a Warrior", please read "Nivar to a Desert Rose", to appear in THE OTHER SIDE. Send s.a.s.e. to Amy Falkowitz [address redacted] for information. [16]

  • from issue #3, Edith Crowe

  • from issue #3, Signe Landon

  • from issue #3, Susan Armstrong

  • from issue #3, Bev Zuk: centerfold -- One reviewer noted: "And lest I forget the fold-out, Beverly Zuk out-did herself with her portrayal of sleeping Kirk. I only wish it had been a full-length portrayal. Bev cuts it off at a rather interesting place." [17] Note: It wasn't Beverly Zuk that cut it off at "a rather interesting place," but instead the editor. It is likely the original illo portrayed more. See Beverly Zuk's Star Trek Triad.

  • from issue #3, "What the hell do I do with this?" - artist is (Leslie Fish)

  • from issue #3, "The legends never mentioned this problem." -- the artist is (Leslie Fish) from issue #3

  • from issue #3, "A study in comparative anatomy." -- the artist is (Leslie Fish) from issue #3

  • from issue #3, Susan Armstrong

  • from issue #3, Susan Armstrong

  • from issue #3, first page of Ni Var for a Desert Rose

  • from issue #3, Clare Bell: "Horny"

  • from issue #3, Signe Landon

  • from issue #3, Edith Crowe

  • from issue #3, Edith Crowe

  • from issue #3, Edith Crowe

  • from issue #3, Edith Crowe

  • from issue #3, Edith Crowe

  • from issue #3, Clare Bell

  • from issue #3, Melanie R: The All-Purpose Love Scene: ("For all the male couples somebody will have the bad taste to do eventually, except that I beat them to it.")

  • from issue #3, Melanie R: The All-Purpose Love Scene

  • from issue #3, Alice Jones: this image has been minimized

Contents of "Paradise"

  • Editorial (3)
  • Ice Follies by Clare Bell (5)
  • Sarek’s Apoplexy by Melanie R. (19)
  • Ni Var by Frankie Jemison (30)
  • Which Truth? by Elizabeth Carrie (31)
  • The Owen Diaries by Edith Crowe (70)
  • McCoy by L.V. Fargas (71)
  • Portfolio: A Medieval Trek by Signe Landon
  • Iowa Lovesong by Frankie Jemison (73)
  • Foreshadowing by Frankie Jemison (Commander Thelin, First Officer of the Enterprise following Spock's death, tries to understand the situation as he watches Kirk and then McCoy prepare to follow Spock into death.) (reprinted in Computer Playback #6) (75)
  • Lines Spoken by a Drunken Scotsman by Frankie Jemison (85)
  • Don't You Know by Frankie Jemison (87)
  • Christine's Joy by Fern Marder (87)
  • Remember Me by Everett Avila (89)
  • Alien by Fern Marder (90) (a Nu Ormemel poem)
  • Seesaw by Fern Marder and Carol Walske (drawing on page 111 was previously printed in Threshold, a Nu Ormenel piece) (91)
  • Filksong by Melanie R (120)
  • Joanna by L.V. Fargas (123)
  • A Piece Of Cake by Marie A. (124)
  • Portfolio: Close Encounter of the Frisky Kind by Leslie Fish
  • Landfall by Everett Avila (130)
  • Kenasis by Eileen Roy (131)

  • inside back cover, Carolyn Shelderberry

  • inside front cover, Alice Jones

A sample of the extensive interior art:

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 3

See reactions and reviews for Game of Chance.

See reactions and reviews for Ni Var for a Desert Rose.

[zine]:
  • A Solitary Knife / After "Amok Time," McCoy threatens Spock with a medical discharge on grounds of suicidal tendencies if he doesn't get himself safely married within four months. Fortuitously, Enterprise just happens to rescue a stranded group of scientists which includes a Vulcan who has recently lost her mate, and nature takes its course. Spock is not happy about not being able to make his own choice for love, but (in a nicely-done scene) gets no sympathy from a bitter McCoy. Things look up as Spock begins to know his wife better. The bitter-almond pheromones were a sweet touch.
  • Portfolio / 3p of illos
  • Game of Chance / Overly intelligent beings run an experiment/wager on Kirk (seen as a non-intelligence and therefore fair game for their games), changing his nature so that Spock is now the sole object of his obsessive desire. This produces much breast-beating among Kirk, Spock, and McCoy. With consummation, Kirk and Spock are semi-bonded, but Spock eventually manages to undo most of the changes, returning Kirk to his former self, but with memories of their forbidden love intact.
  • Ni Var for a Desert Rose / A nicely-done version of the Koon-ut-Kalifee in which Stonn bails instead of challenging as he and T'Pring had planned, and Spock and T'Pring are joined. The newlyweds' relationship is naturally complicated by their awareness of each other's previous attachments - to Leila and Stonn - not to mention the fact that they pretty much despise one another. But they manage to effect a sweet reconciliation. [18]

[zine]: First, the question. Who would want just ONE of the pair? [in reference to how you can’t buy this zine separately from Paradise] Both are double the asking price. Why wasn’t this half called ‘Paradise’? After all, this is the more explicit zine. Now, I’m going to do something unusual for me – review the artwork first. For me, it was the best part of this zine. This is in no way meant to distract from the quality of the written material. The fact is that the only word that can be used to describe the artwork is ‘fantastic.’ The ‘erotica fantastique’ by Edith Crowe is beautiful, sensitive, superbly alien. Covers, inside and out are marvelous. Alice Jones did a superb T'pring/Spock coupling. Even the small filler artwork is first class. And lest I forget the fold-out, Beverly Zuk out-did herself with her portrayal of sleeping Kirk. I only wish it had been a full-length portrayal. Bev cuts it off at a rather interesting place. Leslie Fish’s portfolio is well-done, clever, and out-and-out amusing. Now to the stories: “A Solitary Knife’ by Eileen Roy is a well-done story detailing what happens when Spock is forced to marry because of a Vulcan woman’s needs. Both he and Dr. McCoy must come to terms with the marriage, and Eileen gives us well-drawn personality sketches and clashes. ‘Game of Chance’ by Frankie Jemison is a psychological expose detailing what happens when an alien race changes Jim Kirk’s sexuality. Please note: NOT ORGANICALLY. The person he is drawn to is his first officer. McCoy must put everyone back together again. Juanita Salicrup gives us a beautiful perspective from Spock and T'Pring’s point of view in ‘Ni Var for a Desert Rose.’ In this alternate universe, T’Pring does not challenge. She marries Spock, and she and her husband must come to terms with one another physically, emotionally, and in their thoughts of one another. Last, two very simple statements. All in all, an excellent read. Buy. Even the many typos do not dampen my mood. [19]

[zine]: After waiting so anxiously and such a long time (a year and a half) for a zine, I suppose some disappointment was inevitable. Unfortunately, TOSOP is more than just slightly disappointing. Having, in this case, is not so pleasing as wanting. The x-rated part, The Other Side, contains only three stories. Two of them are fairly standard Spock-and-a-Vulcan woman. T'Pring is the woman in one; and I suppose there is a point to the other, though I couldn't find it. The third story is, unfortunately, the WORST K/S story I have ever read. Quite surprising, considering the source. Not only are the premise and characterizations totally invalid, but it is also not very well done. Almost any premise can be at least slightly believable if it is written well. The PG-rated part of 'Paradise' is a little better as far as content is concerned. A couple of the stories have good basic ideas, a couple are properly humorous. There is one story that is quite excellent -- 'Foreshadowing.' But most stories could have benefited from more work and definitely more editing. The poetry is generally forgettable. The artwork ranges from adequate to quite good. Edith Crowe's work is always a delight and [Gayle F's] cover is up to her usual standards. but the whole zine, 'The Other Side' in particular, suffers greatly from appears to be a distressing lack of proofreading. ('mail' for 'male'?!). This is the sort of thing that jumps up and hits me in the face, and makes it difficult, if not impossible, for me to enjoy reading something, even if I would have otherwise. The presence of the missing Alice Jones illos for 'Ni Var for a Desert Rose' wouldn't have helped that situation at all. We all know about the problems there were with lost manuscripts, artwork, etc.; but the deficiencies in the zine just can't all be blamed on these difficulties. Perhaps the editors simply lost interest. [20]

[zine]: I'm going to rave about artwork. Clare Bells' unicorns are charming, and as I have a fondness for anything mediaeval, I appreciated Signe's 'Medieval Trek' tremendously. This time, Alice Jones outdoes herself, but I admit I have a partiality for her work. And Leslie Fish's 'Close Encounters' are again, clever, well-done, and amusing. Can you believe all this praise for artwork is coming from a writer? The stories are more varied than in TOS: from 'Spock's Apoplexy' by Melanie R, with deals with Spock's decision to leave Star Fleet, to 'Which Truth.' by Elizabeth Carrie, which is an interesting attempt to show a Vulcan's prejudices against a half-breed, and through to 'Kenasis' by Eileen Ro, which is the sequel to 'T'Uriamne's Victory.' Eileen, I'm very glad you wrote it. I did not feel her victory was complete. There is something here for everyone -- and for almost every taste. I'm not going to say anything more about the stories, except tht you must read them. If I even attempted to go into detail, Anne would have to put out a special edition of ROS containing just this review. I WILL mention the poetry (e.g. 'Christine's Joy' and 'Joanna') is also exceptional. All in all, a very good read. Buy.[21]

Issue 4

front cover of issue #4 by Amy Falkowitz, an example of the scratchboard technique
back cover of issue #4 by Clare Bell

The Other Side of Paradise 4 contains the novel The Elder Brother by Clare Bell. Published in 1979, it is 119 pages and contains 30 pages (a lot!) of art by Merle Decker, Mary Stacy-MacDonald, Edith Crowe, Merle Decker, Amy Falkowitz, Signe Landon, and Nan Lewis. Front Cover: Amy Falkowitz; back cover: Clare Bell.

One summary: "After mentally communicating with a creature resembling in parts a fish, a whale, a bird and a dragon, Spock... is slowly going insane because of his Vulcan/Human physiology. Another summary: This is a story of what USS Kepler, how it went missing, and what attacked it. It has lots of Vulcans in this story and is about emotions. It's tearful and tragic story."

From an ad in Scuttlebutt #15: "The Elder Brother is SF in the tradition of aired ST: an intense and provocative story, characters and ideas. Originally submitted for professional publication, it was withdrawn for personal reasons."

From and ad in The Clipper Trade Ship #24: "THE OTHER SIDE OF PARADISE #4 proudly presents Clare Bell's full length Star Trek novel, The Elder Brother, science fiction in the tradition of the aired ST. The zine will run about 200 pages, including 20 to 25 full page illos by such artists as Edith Crowe, Merle Decker, Clare Bell, Signe Landon, Amy Falkowitz, Mary Stacy-MacDonaId, Nan Lewis and possibly others. The zine will be offset, 30% reduced, as were our last two issues. Only a limited number will be printed, and that is based strictly on preorders. The sooner you order, the sooner we go to press, hopefully this summer. Order now, as it will be out-of-print when printed!"

From the editorial, one which also announces that Amy is now the sole editor of this series of zines, as Signe Landon has moved to another state:

I just finished the page-numbering tonight, and the rest of this week will be the placement of illos and typing up title pages, credits, etc. It feels good to be in the last stages. You may notice some changes. This is an experimental issue in a number of ways, the first being that the entire zine is a novel, and I feel, one of the best things ever done within the realm of ST fiction, fan or pro... Some of you are already familiar with Clare's artwork: her unicorns have been featured in TOSOP since #3, and she has done work for other zines. Some of you may also be familiar with her story "The Joy Bringer" which was printed in The Sensuous Vulcan, and is actually part of the sequence of "The Elder Brother" universe (it comes after "The Elder Brother" itself.) Anyway, it was several years ago that I saw the rough draft of the novel, and I loved it then. It has gone through many changes, including submission for pro-publication, but Clare pulled it and since Bantam lost their contract anyway... well, I wanted to see it get printed, so I proposed to Clare the idea of presenting it as an issue of TOSOP, and she agreed. She had actually been working on it for several years before I saw it, and was eager to get it to press in some form. So here it is. And I think it speaks for itself. I think the artwork is also something of an experiment: we tried to get a good number of artists, because we wanted to see the various interpretations and also not burden any one artist with more than 5 illos. And further experimentation exists in the art itself: Clare developed an interesting wax-resis and ink technique on canvas board, which worked out very well for doing the 'alien critter.' And I tried my hand at another scratchboard piece for the cover.

From the afterword:

Starting nextish, I will be typing almost everything myself (ARG!) I acquired a nice expensive typer, for this purpose, with interchangeable typefonts, etc. It's a REMINGTON SR 101, a lot like an IBM Selectric II, only better. Now, I can pay for it all myself, but if anybody out there is feeling kind-hearted, and wishes to help me pay off the loan, contributions will be cheerfully and gratefully accepted.

  • inside page, Clare Bell

  • inside page, Edith Crowe

  • inside page, Signe Landon

  • inside page, Signe Landon

  • inside page, Merle Decker

  • inside page, Mary Stacy-MacDonald

  • inside page, Nan Lewis, Spock teaches the Vulcan Salute to Christine Chapel

  • inside page, Amy Falkowitz

  • inside page, Signe Landon

  • inside page, Mary Stacy-MacDonald

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 4

It's a goodie. As I understand it, this story is the first of a series, but the story is complete in itself. (Thank goodness -- I've waited years on some series. And I'm still waiting.) The Vulcans in this universe are Kraith-influenced to a certain degree but are still Bell's own creation; I, for one, will be very interested in seeing how they develop. This Spock is a real outsider, both in human and Vulcan societies. The main thrust of this story concerns a first contact with a truly alien creature -- a wonderful example for those who have never gotten beyond humanoid societies -- and excellently illustrates the problems and possible dangers inherent in contact with even non-hostile aliens. The story is well-written and consistent in its characterization. There are some really nice illos by several artists... If you can only afford one zine, make it this one. [22]

The entire Issue of T0S0P #4 is a complete novel en­titled THE ELDER BROTHER by Clare Bell. The story deals mainly with the character of Spock as he goes through some strange and difficult changes during a several month period. After mentally communicating with a creature resembling in parts a fish, whale, bird and dragon, Spock slowly seems to lose his self- confidence and has a difficult time concentrating on his work from a rational viewpoint. McCoy and Kirk are the first to notice. Spock is aware something is wrong but wants to research the answer by himself. This does not work because the way he sees his world becomes distorted as a result of his illness. He can no longer play the Vulcan lyrette, he makes mistakes, he slips into the Vulcan tongue, seemingly forgetting his English. Spock doesn't understand what is happening and he becomes confused, frightened, and ashamed. He is plagued by dreams that leave him visibly shaken. He feels his whole Vulcan heritage is in question and perhaps he is slowly go­ing insane because of his Human/Vulcan physiology. Some Interesting characters are introduced is THE ELDER BROTHER. They are all Vulcans of a new starshlp in the fleet, the T'Pau Av/izena. The Vulcans also are at a loss to explain what Spock is experiencing, but they try their best to help. The T'Pau Av/tzzna doctor, T'Feyla, the one Vulcan who attempts to understand Spock with more than logic. It is she and Christine Chapel who begin to piece together and find the answer to the cause of Spock's condition. All in all, the novel is an excellent study Into the character of Spock with Kirk, McCoy, and T'Feyla centered around him. It shows the depths to which they all care for the Vulcan First Officer and follows, fairly well, the set-up of aired Trek, concentrating more on character than action. My only complaint is that the story tends to be a little drawn out with tiresome details. The zine is 119 pages reduced type (aargh!) and contains over 30 pages of artwork. The most outstanding pieces of art are those drawn by Merle Decker and Nan Lewis. Several other artists contributed to the story and the result is a lovely zine that shows the talent and hard work the contributors and editor put Into it. STORY: 9, GRAPHICS: 8 RATING [23]

Issue 5

The Other Side of Paradise 5 was published in 1981 and contains 124 pages and fiction from Star Trek: TOS, Star Wars, fantasy and original fiction. It included a small envelope with a pipe-cleaner "Brinkerian Iceworm" to accompany the piece "Brinker: the Indigenous Lifeforms".

front cover of issue #5 by Connie Faddis
back cover of issue #5 by Signe Landon

From the editorial, regarding the story by Susan Matthews:

Susan Matthews promised me a story for this issue. I sure got one! And let me thank her now for letting me go ahead and print the story; she has pulled most of the manuscripts concerning her character of the Imperial Inquisitor ANDREJ KOSCUISKO - because she is going to be going pro (we hope) with the Koscuisko Cycle. Andrej has shown up in a few of her STAR WARS stories, but with a little changing, she can have him stand on his own. Anyway, some, of you have met him. The story Susan has gifted me with is in a lot of ways a background story--gives you some insight into the whys and hows of Prince Andrej.

And it is followed by a very telling piece from Maggie Nowakowska. Enjoy.

  • Fewmets! (the editorial) by Amy Falkowitz (i)
  • The Interview by Mary Ann Drach, illoed by Barbara P. Gordon ("Spock informs Sarek of his decision to seek the kolinahr.") (reprinted in Nome #6) (1)
  • Time to Bring in Reinforcements, written and illoed by Fa Shimbo (Klysadel) (4)
  • And I Shall Know in Dreams by Nadya Emanuel, illoed by Ann Crouch (Spock is injured.) (17)
  • Melody's Pendragon's Knights (art portfolio) by Melody Rondeau (43)
  • Alone and Challenge (two poems) by Gene S. Delapenia (50)
  • If I Had Known Before I Courted by Alma Hedrick, illoed by Melody Rondeau ("A young and idealistic Han Solo has a romance that ends badly.") (Star Wars) (51)
  • Not Supposed to Know by Fa Shimbo (Klysadel) (61)
  • For Queen and Country, cartoon by Hans Dietrich (77)
  • The Great Ride by Billie Phillips, illoed by Mary Stacy-MacDonald ("Kirk is tormented by dreams of a desert ride, dreams with a mysterious connection to a Vulcan legend.") (82)
  • Brinker: The Indigenous Lifeforms, transcribed by Clare Bell ("U.S.S. T’Pau Avreena Exploration Report II.") (98)
  • Koski's Last Hand by Susan R. Matthews, illoed by Signe Landon, lettering by Amy Falkowitz (This is a story with Andrej Koscuisko (Matthew's original character that appears in other stories (Star Wars). Both the Imperials and the Empire are mentioned, as is Star Fleet.) (102)
  • Nightsong by Maggie Nowakowska, art and layout by Pam Kowalski (Andrej Koscuisko) (124)
  • zine ads (126)

  • from issue #5, Barbara P. Gordon

  • from issue #5, Melody Rondeau

  • from issue #5, Hans Dietrich

  • from issue #5, Melody Rondeau

  • from issue #5

  • from issue #5, Signe Landon

  • from issue #5, Signe Landon

  • from issue #5, Signe Landon

  • from issue #5

  • from issue #5, Mary Stacy-MacDonald art with surrealistic themes

  • from issue #5, Mary Stacy-MacDonald

  • from issue #5, Melody Rondeau

  • from issue #5, Melody Rondeau

  • from issue #5 Ann Crouch

  • from issue #5, inside back cover, Amy Falkowitz

Issue 6

front cover of issue #6 by Signe Langdon

The Other Side of Paradise 6 This issue was published in October 1983. It is a 166-page novel, "A Plague in Time", by Clare Bell. The cover is by Signe Landon and the interior art is by Mary Stacy-McDonald.

The zine is dedicated to Melody Rondeau "for providing me with constant and cheerful friendship."

It was typed by Amy Falkowitz "with the mechanical assistance of her Remington SR101 typewriter known as R2D2." Proofreading was by Sallijan Snyder and Dorothy Bradley.

Publisher summary: "This novel includes Kirk, Spock and a mind-reading and mind-altering alien who disrupts Spock's life by subtly altering Spock's brain. This leads to Spock making uncharacteristic mistakes."

Another publisher's summary: "We are introduced to the crew of the new Vulcan ship, the T'Pau Avreena. Spock and Christine have transferred aboard her as temporary crewemembers. In exchange, Sarfelth, the Science Director of the Vulcan ship, now serves aboard the Enterprise."

From the editorial:

Greetings once again. First off, thank you to all of you who have waited so long for this issue of THE OTHER SIDE OF PARADISE to finally come through the mail and into your eager hands. This has certainly been the longest gap between issues. And to all of you for whom this is the first issue of my zine, as well as all of you who have bought previous issues, I hope that the wait proves worth it.

In case you are wondering, yes, inspite of all the hassles involved in completing this issue, I do have plans to continue for a few more. I hope to get another novel from Clare, although that may take some time, since she is an exceedingly busy person and is hard at work on the sequel to her pro novel, RATHA'S CREATURE. That sequel is tentatively called CLAN GROUND, and may be out in a year or so. I've let her know already that I would love to have another novel in the series she's started with THE ELDER BROTHER and this one, and she has admitted to having some ideas. So let's all keep our fingers crossed, and of course, send me any comments you may have on this one, which I will pass on to her. In the mean time, I will probably do a mixed issue for TOSOP #7. If any of you are writers (I know some of you are) and/or artists, feel free to submit something to me for consideration. It does not have to be strictly STAR TREK; I enjoy many universes, and if you have something original in the way of a fantasy or science fiction piece, please do send it. A few comments about this issue. I want to thank everyone who has helped me with it. Clare, of course, comes first, for providing us with a marvelous story. Then there are the artists: Signe Landon, who did a fascinating cover painting, and Mary Stacy-MacDonald, who did the interior Illustrations. Clare and I had both enjoyed what Mary had done for THE ELDER BROTHER, and decided that we would like her to illustrate all of A PLAGUE IN TIME. We were very pleased when she agreed. Then there are my proofreaders. I've learned the hard way that it is a very good idea to have at least two other sets of eyes go over the manuscript after I've typed it. Even though I have a very good correcting typewriter, I am not by anyone's definition a great typist. There were more typoes in this thing than I like to admit. But thanks to Sailijan Snyder and Dorothy Bradley, I think we caught most of them. At least, I certainly hope so.

And last but not least, I would like to extend special thanks to Judith Low, who publishes the STAR WARS fanzine THE PRINCESS TAPES. You see, it is through her that I was able to have a color cover for this issue, something I had not originally planned to do. What happened was that Judith asked me to contribute to her zine to do a piece of artwork for a portfolio she wanted to do. When I received the zine, here was this incredible full color Connie Faddis cover. I couldn't believe it. I mean, it isn't cheap to run a color cover. So I called Judith up to find out how she did it, and she told me about MEDIA INCORPORATED, a multilith printer near where she lives. I finally got in contact with them, and with Judith's assistance, I was able to get Signe's cover printed. If Judith had never asked me to contribute to her zine, I would never have found out about that printing company, and I would never have done color for TOSOP. Isn't it amazing how fandom works?

  • Plagueintime3.jpg
  • Plagueintime1.jpg
  • Plagueintime2.jpg
  • Plagueintime4.jpg
  • Plagueintime8.jpg
  • Plagueintime7.jpg
  • Plagueintime5.jpg
  • Plagueintime6.jpg

Issue 7

front cover of issue #7, Amy Falkowitz

The Other Side of Paradise 7 contains 180 pages and was published in 1987. It contains both Star Trek and Star Wars fan fiction.

The editorial has comments regarding the three and a half years since the last issue, the state of Trek fandom, and the upcoming Star Trek: TNG series:

And then there is STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION (or is it NEW GENERATION?) And there's the "whither Trek?" problem. Because when I first heard of it, I was very pleased. Finally, they've got a hot item (all 3 Networks supposedly wanted it, but Paramount sold/is selling it to the independents who've been running the old Trek in syndication, lo these many years), they should have no problem getting the money to do it right. What do I mean by right? Well, getting good writers, people who know both Trek and SF (one lady I hope to see, even with what it looks like we may end up with, is Diane Duane, who is a long time Trek fan, has written two of the absolute best of the "pro" novels and is a damn fine writer in general). Special effects that work but aren't overworked (i.e., the effects should NOT dominate the show.) And finally giving us such things as: Women in command. Aliens—not just your token half-Vulcan. How about some really alien folk? Maybe some Andorian crewmemebers. Or Tholians. Or Hortas. Or new folk. Or giving us live versions of some the animated ones (like Edoans and Caitians) Updating the Federation. After all, this is set 150 years after Kirk and Company. Lets see some historical extrapolation. However, from what I've heard, we've dropped back twenty years and more. No major female or alien characters. Tokenism seems to be rampant. No Romulans or Klingons (this is a major mistake, and I don't expect ST V to really satisfactorily explain that away as it is rumored it will). And a "family ship"? C'mon! What happens the first time a crew member has to decide between hiser child and the ship? Well, anyway, I am qoinq to give it a chance—at least 3 episodes worth. But "I've got a bad feeling about this..."

  • The Editorial (ii)
  • K/S? P/G? by Gretchen Cupp, illustrated by Julie Lopez (1)
  • Counterpose by Harriet Stallings, illustated by Tom Howard--Uhura briefly works passage on a tramp freighter, while dealing with Nomad's erasure of her memory. (2)
  • Introduction (for Gaming Articles) (2)
  • The Prime Directive--RPG scenario. (8)
  • The Creation of the Enlisted Character by Charles G. Weekes, illustrated by Melody Rondeau (13)
  • Pleasant Dreams? by Diane Zimmerman, illustrated by Amy Falkowitz (17)
  • The Last Unicorn by L. Jeanne Powers, illustrated by Amy Falkowitz--Original fantasy; a young woman forces a witch to find a unicorn for her to kill. (21)
  • Demand Not and First Sight by C.A. Pierce (23)
  • Non Commissioned Officer by L. Jeanne Power, illustrated by Tom Howard (24)
  • Back to the Front by Autumn Lee, illustrated by Melody Rondeau--McCoy encounters some interesting characters in the underground repair facility of the Shore Leave planet. (reprinted in The DeForest Kelley Compendium) (26)
  • Requiem by Cindy Dye, borders by Caro Hedge (30)
  • Choices by L. Jeanne Powers, illustrated by Christine Myers--Post-Star Trek III; a young Vulcan priestess asks Sarek about his conversation with Kirk. (31)
  • Romulan Ale by Camille Silverman, illustrated by Melody Rondeau (34)
  • Epitaph by L. Jeanne Powers, illustrated by Christine Myers (39)
  • Calling All BEMS by Mike Robbins, illustrated by Gennie Summers (40)
  • Memories Best Forgotten by Cheryl Frashure, illustrated by the author--McCoy returns to ShiKahr for his first meeting with Spock since the Fal Tor Pan. The doctor fears this meeting, but both men are experiencing conflicts and emotional turmoil that the healers feel must be resolved.) (43)
  • The Wreck of the Tortenskjold by Steven C. Levi, illustrated by Melody Rondeau (47)
  • Broca's Ubiquitous Anomaly by Adam Jenson (This may have been reprinted in Federation.) (51)
  • The Mirror Universe Primer, a humor piece with text and cartoons by Mel White (78)
  • Shatterhorn! by Caro Hedge, illustrated by Patrick Wynne (foldout) (85-87)
  • Neither Man nor Spirit by Linda Slusher, illustrated by Gennie Summers (88)
  • Notes on Klingons, Swords, and Swordfights by Linda Slusher, illustrated by Gennie Summers, computer border by Amy Falkowitz (142)
  • The Portfolio (artist's portfolio) (143)
  • The Other Side of the Story by Dave D'Alessio, illustrated by Pam Kowalski (145)
  • Corellian Bargain by D. Doyle, illustrated by CISL, computer border by Amy Falkowitz (151)
  • Paybacks by D. Doyle and J.D. Macdonald, illustrated by CISL, computer border by Amy Falkowitz (156)

  • inside issue #7, Mel White

  • inside issue #7, Cheryl Frashure

  • inside issue #7, Christine Myers

  • inside issue #7, Melody Rondeau

  • inside issue #7, from the portfolio, art by Signe Landon, dated 1980

  • inside issue #7, Gennie Summers

  • inside issue #7, Christine Myers

  • inside issue #7, Tom Howard

  • inside issue #7, Gennie Summers

  • inside issue #7, Gennie Summers

  • inside issue #7, unknown

  • inside issue #7, Wanda Lybarger

  • inside issue #7, Wanda Lybarger

  • inside issue #7, Patrick Wayne

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 7

I caught two short tales in the new TOSOP ("This Side of Paradise"). This is mostly a Trek zine, but there is a short SW story, from a TIE fighter's PoV included, and two stories by D. Doyle and J. R. McDonald that are dynamite. The editor, Amy Falkowitz, says that the next issue of TOSOP may be a complete novel by these authors and I'm all for it. Their universe is post-JEDI mostly, although I'm told there are stories that pick up during the Saga as screened. The children of Han and Leia predominate, but this is no sentimental exercise. I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation of the kids as adults who know full well who and what their parents have been and still are. As for the parents, Leia is refresh- ingly competent; I believed Han's responses to events; and Luke (who we don't see much of) is a strong, mature man. I have to admit, those readers who want all the main characters to stay alive and everyone to stay fairly untouched by the danger of their lives will be disconcerted by some of these stories. Reader beware. But, for me, all the dramatic events worked within their universes and stayed close enough in character with the people I had seen on the screen, so I was happy. [24]

Issue 8

The Other Side of Paradise 8

Issue 9

The Oher Side of Paradise 9


References

  1. ^ from a letter in Atavachron (July 1978)
  2. ^ from Time Warp #1
  3. ^ from Fanzine Review 'Zine
  4. ^ from The Halkan Council #16
  5. ^ from The Halkan Council #16
  6. ^ by H.O. Petard from Spectrum #25
  7. ^ from Sehlat's Roar #2
  8. ^ review by Sharon Ferraro in Menagerie #9
  9. ^ from Gerry Downes in Stardate Unknown #1
  10. ^ from Fanzine Review 'Zine #2 (1977)
  11. ^ from The Halkan Council #24
  12. ^ from Implosion #5
  13. ^ from Sehlat's Roar #4, as is, typos included
  14. ^ review by tif in The Clipper Trade Ship #15
  15. ^ Despite the statement that Alice Jones redrew four of the drawings, there are only two in the zine.
  16. ^ from Scuttlebutt #5, as well as Warped Space #31/31
  17. ^ from Right of Statement #3
  18. ^ Halliday’s Star Trek Zinedex (TOS) - Title Index, Archived version
  19. ^ review from Right of Statement #3
  20. ^ from Scuttlebutt #10
  21. ^ from Right of Statement #3
  22. ^ from Universal Translator #4
  23. ^ by Wendy Rathbone, in Enterprise Incidents #8
  24. ^ from Maggie Nowakowska in Southern Enclave #16
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