Parallax Ring
| Zine | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Parallax Ring |
| Publisher: | Empyrean Publications |
| Editor(s): | Pam Trippel |
| Date(s): | January 1984 |
| Series?: | |
| Medium: | |
| Size: | |
| Genre: | |
| Fandom: | Star Trek: TOS |
| Language: | English |
| External Links: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Parallax Ring is a gen Star Trek: TOS anthology edited by Pam Trippel. The covers are by B.P. Gordon. It contains 281 pages + 26 unnumbered art pages.
From the Editorial
Just when you and we had about given up, we managed to get this "fatness" into print! We hope you will find this double issue worth the wait. As with all projects - especially new ones — everything that would go wrong did — gleefully! After a lot of trial and error - lots of trial, but even more error — we got the SNAFUs taken care of and our first issue is now a reality. (What A Relief!)
The editor included a questionnaire on the last page: "Kindly take a moment to complete it so that the next issue, and the novels, can be better."
There was an announcement about three upcoming novels, none of which came to be, at least under these descriptions: "1. 'J.D. Banner': 'A revolutionary discovery, a diplomatic hotbed, a rogue, and an eccentric provide Kirk, Spock, and McCoy with an 'excedrin headache' as they attempt to carry out their mission. Planned for Winter '84 from Crissandra Scott.' 2. 'Framework': 'An ordinary rescue mission becomes complicated by Starfleet policies and Spock's personal dilemma. An alternate, post-V'Ger novel.' 3. 'Eminence Griese': "The Enterprise crew becomes entangled in a game of deadly intrigue when their path crosses a Kai team's."
Contents
This zine contains extensive art, and a sample is in the gallery below.
- Letter from the Editor (ii)
- Clair de Lune, story by D. Courtright, art by TACS (1)
- Doomsday by B.L.Barr (36)
- Early Morning Musings by Dawn E. Law, art by S. Olezeski (reprinted in APA Enterprise #21 in 1984) (37)
- Behind the Scene, story by Darien Duck, art by Andrea Kunz and Barbara Gordon ("In the hours immediately following Spock's death, we follow McCoy as he deals with the chaos in sickbay, cares for Kirk, and tries to deal with his own grief.") (38)
- The Darkened Road by Flora Poste (45)
- First Best Destiny, story by Barbara Gordon, art by Barbara Gordon and ERIC (46)
- To Wish Upon a Star by Meg Fine (65)
- Tholian Afterthoughts by B.L. Barr, art by E.B. Lacey (66)
- Down by the Seashore, story by C.J. McNally, art by June Grandy (67)
- A Very Short Study in Bad Taste by C.J. McNally (70)
- Paperwork by Meg Fine, art by TACS (71)
- Story Contest (72)
- Five Princess, story by Linda Slusher, art by June Grandey (73)
- Desoloatin by Dre'Lanzer, art by E.B. Lacey (85)
- Spare My Crew, story by Debbie Gilbert, art by Caren Parnes (87)
- The Touch of Your Thoughts by George Marshall (123)
- Mind Touch by George Marshall, art by Danaline Bryant (123)
- The Symbol, and One by Teresa Sarick (125)
- Touch by Crystal Ann Taylor, art by Nan Lewis (126)
- To Seek a Balance, story by Crissandra Scott, art by June Grandey and Lydia A. Moon ("Alternate version of the time following the 5 year mission. Spock is on Vulcan attempting to attain the Kohlinar while Kirk and McCoy are continuing to serve on the Enterprise. Both Kirk and Spock are not dealing successfully with their life apart, but Spock refuses to respond to all messages from Kirk. McCoy, worried for the sanity of both men, takes matters into his own capable hands.") (127)
- Last Days of a Legend, story by Richard Pollet, art by Barbara Gordon (143)
- An Equation of the Heart by Crystal Ann Taylor, art by E.B. Lacey (154)
- The Meld by Joan Ryan (155)
- Swan's Song by Meg Fine, art by Barbara Gordon (160)
- Things that Go Bump in the Night by KIRK, art by Gennie Summers ("The Enterprise encounters the Courageous, a derelict ship rumored to be haunted. A boarding party does meet what appears to be the supernatural entities of the ships crew. McCoy is seized by whatever controls the derelict and the Enterprise is propelled away from any chance to rescue their CMO.") (161)
- Star Trek Connections by Art S. Kert, art by Maureen B. (184)
- Perchance to Dream, story by Moria Washburn, art by Washburn, Barbara Gordon and Lydia A. Moon (185)
- First Impressions by Lynlee Brice (223)
- If I Could Choose by Crystal Ann Taylor (228)
- Invited Intruder by Dawn E. Law, art by Caren Parnes (229)
- Enterprise by Meg Fine (230)
- Dilemma, story by Crissandra Scott, art by Gennie Summers, Andrea Kunz, Caren Parnes (231)
- Transporter Blues by Meg Fine (277)
art by E.B. Lacey
art by Andrea Kunz
art by June Grandy
art by Gennie Summers
art by ERIC
art by June Grandy
art by Maureen B.
art by Danaline Bryant
art by Caren Parnes
art by TACS
art by B.P. Gordon
art by Nan Lewis
art by June Grandy
art by B.P. Gordon
Reactions and Reviews
This is a huge zine and while fairly expensive, is well worth the price. It contains a variety of materials end has been lovingly produced by the editors. Most of the stories are set in the TV/Movie universe and contain a blend of adventure and characterization. I think the editors should be commended for including new authors - with the inherent risks - rather than using only established authors. Some of the best pieces in this zine were contributed by previously unpublished writers and artists who might never have had the opportunity to get their work printed.
'Clair de Lune' is a refreshing story focusing on Kirk and McCoy - one of my favourites. The author successfully introduces new characters - no easy feat. The story has an original plot so true to the series that it could have been an episode.
'Five Princesses' is an excellent illustration that a story can be entertaining without Kirk and Spock, The well-developed humor and Klingon characters made for an amusing Trek tale.
'Spare My Crew' is an alternate to ST:TWoK - it is the Wrath of Khan that should have been filmed. Good characterizations and superior action make this a delightful story - one of the best in this zine.
'To Seek A Balance" is an alternate to ST:TMP and shows how Spock might have reached the same conclusions without encountering V'GER. This is an interesting, well-written story with vivid imagery. A wonderful, emotional piece centering on the friendship among Kirk, McCoy and Spock.
... 'Perchance To Dream' is an attention grabber, rich with detail - another original plot consistent with series Trek. This is a complete, finely-crafted story and one of the best.
'First Impressions' gives the reader a brief glimpse into the development of the Kirk-pock relationship. It is very realistic with excellent character analysis -one of my favorites and a prime candidate for a sequel.
'Dilemma' is an intriguing story with an analysis of the moral implications of the prime directive;. The concept of an omniscient being whose inaction causes perhaps as much harm as his intervention, is well handled. This story contains several themes ranging from religion to Vietnam and I recommend a thorough reading.
The quality of artwork in this zine is superior and obvious care was taken in the printing. There are some magnificent illos hy Lacey, Kunz, TACS, Lewis and Parnes. The graphics are also well handled. There are some terrific poems - particularly those by Poste, Fine, Law, and Taylor - which add dimension to the zine.
This is an excellent zine filled with quality material. If you've held out because of the price, wait no longer - I highly recommend 'Parallax Ring'. [1]
References
- ^ from Communicator #22 (March 1985)