Organia

Zine
Title:	Organia
Publisher:	Beverly Lorenstein and Judith Gran
Editor(s):
Date(s):	July 1982
Series?:
Medium:	print
Size:
Genre:
Fandom:	Star Trek TOS, Star Wars
Language:	English
External Links:	Editor Judith Gran's Essay On Censorship & Fear and More Interviews With Judith Gran front cover by Signe Landon back cover by Gail Abelove
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Organia is a het, gen and slash 210-page mainly Star Trek: TOS and Star Wars anthology. It is "an adult fanzine of ideas," and it required an age statement to purchase (one flyer included: "Sorry, Lumpy."

The zine includes fiction, original science fiction, feminist articles, and poetry. Writers include Barbara T, Toni Lay, Lois Welling, and Pat Nussman. Artists include Gayle F and Merle Decker.

One of Merle Decker's illustrations for "Notes of a Mad Woman" was used to illustrate the hurt/comfort genre in the book Enterprising Women.

A second issue was planned by Beverly Lorenstein, but it was never published. See "Perfect Fusion".

Submissions

From an ad asking for submissions in the first issue of Jundland Wastes: "An adult fanzine of ideas, currently accepting submissions of SW/ST/any SF universe. For SW section: poetry, stories or article. Strongly preferred is literature with a social-cultural-political or philosophical content. We do not want porn for porn's sake, but we will not reject any material solely on grounds of theme or degree of sexual explicitness. Feminist writings needed. No forbidden themes."

Later, a Loaner Zine

Judith Gran wrote in Universal Translator #23: "Loaner' copies of 'Organia' 1, which is out of print, are available for circulation. These are copies which came back from the printer with imperfections that made them unsuitable for sale: blank pages, a not-so-perfect binding, et cetera. $100 will cover the book rate postage and envelope on the way out; you take care of sending it back."

The Importance of the LoC

Judith Gran wrote of the fannish importance of feedback and had this proposal for a second issue of "Organia," one which was never published:

On the practical side: to encourage the flow of LoCs, in the zine we're readying for publication my co-editor Bev Lorenstein and I have decided to do the following: (1) publish contributors' addresses and a brief biographical sketch of each (to encourage readers to write to authors they don't know personally) (2) make a big pitch for LoCs in the body of the zine (it never hurts to remind people) (3) have a LoC column in the zine's second issue (4) and last but not least, award a prize for the best LoC we receive, whether on the zine as a whole or an individual contribution. The prize will probably be a complementary copy of the second issue. LoCs can be positive or negative? critical insight will be the only standard by which they'll be judged; choice of style and format will be up to the critic.

From the "A Portfolio of Art in Science Fiction Literature"

The artist's statement: Dale Holman said:

This portfolio includes images of five human females who are central to the works of science fiction they inhabit. Four of the five are Earthlings, and all share circumstances which you will find familiar. Some of these woman are neither likeable nor courageous; but, it seems to me, they are very real. Each of my subjects has story-specific, personal goals, but all are struggling to make themselves what they most want to be, consciously or subconsciously. The images are arranged in sequence (as I see it) from that of the least to that of the most self-aware character. First, MOONSTAR ODYSSEY, by David Gerrold, displays the pain and dislocation of becoming adult when you are not sure you want to be an adult. Then "Shadows" by Pamela Sargent, from the short story collection STARSHADOWS, gives us a stifled, culture-bound woman who saves her species by being most adept at following the rules. JEM, by [[Frederick Pohl, features a slam-bang America Firster, who lives and]] dies fulfilling her understanding of "heroism" and "patriot ism," never questioning "right and wrong." From THE BEST OF C.L. MOORE I took "No Woman Born," a study of a woman who overcomes massive handicaps — her own and her society's — to do what she knows she has to do. Finally, there is STARDANCE, by Spider and Jeanne Robinson. A paean to the power of growing creativity, this story gives us a woman who leads others to expand beyond their Earth-bound humanity.

In these images I have tried to convey something of the "whole" person: roots, environment, and personality. They are interpretations, not illustrations, and thus somewhat abstract. I hope that one or another of these images moves — or annoys — you enough to make the subject's acquaintance first hand.

Contents

The zine was divided into sections:

1. fan fiction, poetry and art for Star Wars 2. fan fiction, poetry, art, and an essay for Star Trek 3. Original Science Fiction poetry, fiction, and art 4. articles, art, and essays on feminism. 5. two art portfolios: one celebrating women in science fiction and the other, "A Portfolio of Sensuous Men" that contained often explicit artwork celebrating the male characters of favorite TV shows 6. the zine ended with a section called "Our Children's Children" that contained puzzles, coloring art and cut out paper dolls 7. two zine reviews, one tie-in book review

Star Wars:

• Wayward Son, fiction by Michelle Malkin (2)
• A Touch of the Force's hand, poetry by Rebecca Greenberg Kaplowitz, art by Linda Yamashiro (24)
• An Owen, poem by Susan Matthews, art by June Edwards (27)
• Dark Star, poem by Maggie S. Hart, art by Bev Swan (27)
• Snowmoon, poem by Susan Matthews, art by Dot Sasscer, calligraphy by Allyson Whitfield Dyar (31)
• Lady of the Outlaws, poem by Susan Matthews, art by Dot Sasscer, calligraphy by Allyson Whitfield Dyar (33)
• The Kazeel Lesson, story by Pat Nussman (36)
• With the Admiral's Leave, fiction by Karen Osman, art by Caro Hedge, has a focus of Admiral Piett (38)
• Out of Order by Barbara T and Sylvia Stevens, art by Caro Hedge (part of "The Executor Cycle," starring Admiral Piett) (39)
• Brief for a Star Wars Parody, article by Mary Lou Kevlin, art by Cathye Faraci (41)
• Untitled Abominatin #1 by Chris Tucker, art by June Edwards (43)
• Leia's Night Thougts, poem by Sharon F, art by Bev Swan (44)
• Who Burns, poem by Bev Lorenstein, art by Cathye Faraci (45)
• With a Little Help from His Friends by Karen Osman, art by Caro Hedge (46)
• The Politics of Star Wars, article by Karen Osman (47)
• Ode for Luke by Bev Lorenstein, art by Gail Abelove (52)

Science Fiction/Fantasy:

• The Complement, poem by Felissa Del'Terra, art by Nona Christensen (54)
• Faith, fiction by Dot Sasscer, art by Bev Swan (55)
• Evening, poem by Jean Methos, art by Barbara P. Gordon (58)
• Ghostwriters, fiction by Majliss Larson, art by Cathye Faraci (60)
• Evolution in the Mind's Eye, poem by Michelle Malkin, art by Caro Hedge (62)
• UFOS: Exploration of a Strange New World, article by Diane Teasman, art by Gail Abelove (63)
• Art Portfolio by Wanda Lybarger, Brad Foster and Linda Yamashiro (68)

Star Trek:

• Notes of a Mad Woman, fiction by Diane Tessman, art by Merle Decker (reprinted in Starry Seas, Earthly Planes (1984), a form of this appears to be "Diary of a Madwoman" by Diane Tessman from WXYZine #3 (1981) (72)
• A Lesson in Ecology, fiction by Judith Gran, art by Bev Zuk (76)
• The Psychology of the Kirk/Spock Relationship, article by Ann Dickson, art by Gayle F (93)
• The Perfect Mate, poem by Crystal Ann Taylor, art by Laurie Huff (96)
• Terminus, fiction by Dunya Saraf aka Judith Gran, art by Laurie Huff, Merle Decker, Nona Christensen, and Karen Flanery (97)
• Worthy, poem by Toni Cardinal-Price, art by Vel Jaeger (134)
• On Return, poem by Diane Tessman (135)
• Thoughts on a Homecoming, poem by Diane Tessman, art by Nona Christensen (135)
• Spock's Dilemma, poem by Bev Lorenstein, art and calligraphy by Susan Klasky (136)
• Reunion, poem by Sandra Gent and Virginia Green, art by Vel Jaeger (138)
• Leap Beyond, poem by Diane Tessman, art by Vel Jaeger (140)
• Together... As I Walk Alone, poem by Sharon F (141)
• Souvenir, fiction by Kate Birkel, art by Ann Crouch (Both Spock and Kirk are dead. They died not in battle but in accidents aboard ship. This story is a conversation between McCoy and Scotty that takes place on the night of Kirk's death. We learn McCoy's assessment of the character of Spock and Kirk and of their close relationship.) (142)
• Secrets of the Nightside Soul, a Soliloquy, fiction by Sharon F, art by Vel Jaeger (This is McCoy's soliloquy. While Spock lived, McCoy was content to bask in the warmth of the love that was shared by Kirk and Spock. Now Spock is dead and Kirk has come to McCoy for comfort. McCoy wishes to take Spock's place in the Captain's life and declares his love for Kirk.) (147)
• One More Time, a satire by Rick Rowe, art by Hans Dietrich (148)
• Winter of '77, fiction by Lois Welling (151)

Feminism:

• Till the Land is One, fiction by Eileen Roy, art by Signe Landon (175)
• Ripley, poem by Susan Matthews, art by Joni Wagner (177)
• A Portfolio of Art in Science Fiction Literature, art and commentary by Dale Holman (178)
• The Feast, poem by Bev Lorenstein, art by Laurie Huff (184)
• In the Dark, poem by Judith Gran, art by Vel Jaeger (185)
• For Christine Chapel, a Decision, poem by Linda Neel, art by Vel Jaeger (185)
• An Essay on Loving, poem by Bev Lorenstein (186)

Children's Section:

• lyrics to a Moody Blues song (199)
• vignette called "Lullabye" by Susan Matthews (Uncle Owen talks to infant Luke) (200)
• puzzles and art (201)
• comic, "Fred the Jedi Cat"

Reviews:

• review of The Third Verdict, see that page (209)
• review of Kessel Run #2, see that page (209)
• review of The Prometheus Design, see that page (210)

Gallery

• 

  Merle Decker for "Notes of a Madwoman," art that was printed in Enterprising Women and used there as an example of hurt/comfort

• 

  Merle Decker, used in Enterprising Women

• 

  Joni Wagner from "A Portfolio of Sensuous Men" -- Note the cheeky framed photo on the wall behind Han Solo; it is an erotic illo of Luke, complete with Yoda on his shoulder.

• 

  the editors included a detailed feedback insert

• 

  Gayle F, the illo for Judith Gran's essay

• 

  Cathye Faraci

• 

  Bev Swan

• 

  Dot Sasscer

• 

  sample calligraphy

• 

  Dot Sasscer

• 

  Bev Swan

• 

  Cathye Faraci

• 

  Gail Abelove

• 

  Barbara P. Gordon

• 

  Wanda Lybarger

• 

  Brad Foster

• 

  Bev Zuk

• 

  Laurie Huff

• 

  Merle Decker

• 

  Hans Dietrich

• 

  Marty Siegrist

• 
• 

  Joni Wagner, portrays Ridley Scott

• 

  Dale Holman

• 

  Laurie Huff

• 

  Gail Abelove, Lando Calrissian, from the "Portfolio of Sensuous Men"

• 

  Bev Zuk, Superman from the "Portfolio of Sensuous Men"

• 

  Bev Zuk, James Kirk from the "Portfolio of Sensuous Men"

• 

  Ann Crouch, Sulu from the "Portfolio of Sensuous Men"

• 

  an example of how poetry and art were combined, art from page 138 here by Vel Jaeger

• 

  page 140

• 

  an example of how prose and art were combined, art from page 185 here by Vel Jaeger, prose by Judith Gran

• 

  sample page, 186, various authors and artists

Controversy: A Second Issue of "Organia," and "Perfect Fusion"

For quite some time, there was an attempt by Judith Gran to publish a second issue of "Organia," and several submission requests ran in ad zines for it.

From Universal Translator #23: "The first volume of this adult zine published by the former editor of 'Organia' will contain 75% Star Wars and 25% other SF. Contributors include Abelove, Alman, Blaes, Contessa, Denton, Drake, Faraci, [Sharon F], Caro Hedge, Holman, Hull, Kaplowitz, Lay, Lorenstein, Malkin, Mathia, Necchi Osman, Ripley, Stasulis, Swan, Tobias, Barbara T, Tucker, and others. More SW artists needed."

According to a 1984 ad in Universal Translator and a 1985 ad in Southern Enclave, Lorenstein was planning another zine, one called "Perfect Fusion," one she marketed as the second issue of "Organia."

Two letters in a 1984 issue of Datazine in the personal statements section, one from Lorenstein and one from Gran, indicated that there had been miscommunications/a falling out. There were no further issues of Organia or any other zines by this duo.

After "Perfect Fusion" never made it off the ground; letters in Southern Enclave #20 cited troubles by fans in getting their money refunded.

Some of the Proposed Content for "Perfect Fusion"

flyer for "Perfect Fusion," printed in Far Realms #7

From Sandra Necchi in K/S & K.S. (Kindred Spirits) #10 (September 1984): "In my story for ORGANIA 2, there's a big, fat rebel woman called Esibil, altho she isn't very prominent. I'm rewriting the piece so she appears a little more. Since I've battled fat all my life and am often enraged about the assumptions of the thin culture, I should put more "fat" people in my writing.

From Bev Lornstein in K/S & K.S. (Kindred Spirits) #10 (September 1984): "Yep, good ole' H/L will be in my new zine, Perfect Fusion #1. It's an all SW fish w/25% Sci-Fi. I've got a hot Regis and Danilo picture in there. And Malkin's "Glimpse of Home" has a beautiful lovemaking scene between Han and Luke. "Don't Open Your Eyes" is her first young Han story, about his involvement with another man. It's not a happy story, but good drama. (There's some kinky stuff in there too.) right now I'm trying to write love affair between Leia and another woman. in Malkin's stories by the way, it ends up as a threesome -- shared three ways."

From Barb Lewis: "[I wrote a] straight Trek story about a threesome (Spock and two women) (a sort of Spock/MarySue/MarySue story) that was supposed to be published in the Organia that never saw the light of day.

From an ad in Kessel Run #4 (1984): "PERFECT FUSION - the first issue of this zine published by a former editor of ORGANIA will contain SW and sf material by Osman, Tennison, Malkin, Nussman, Drake, Stasulis and more. PF#2 is now collecting material for an all Star Trek issue. Both issues will contain material dealing in such things as philosophy, politics, religion and adult material. For information please send a SASE to: Beverly Lorenstein."

In Universal Translator #23, there was a submission request for a second issue of "Perfect Fusion." "Perfect Fusion 2' will be an all-Trek adult zine and is currently seeking submissions about such themes as philosophy, politics, religion, and liberating relationships. Adventure, satire, and humorous situations also welcome. Looking for artists, especially for an art portfolio based on scenes/events between ST:TMP and ST:WK to be interpreted in subsequent issue. Will consider an 'alternate' portfolio with same intent if enough submissions are received."

From a 1986 flyer:

Don't Open Your Eyes (an Aerie Cycle story), a novel by Michelle Malkin -- "'He doesn't control me!' Han muttered through clenched teeth. Then, almost as an admission, 'He wants to. I won't let him.' Alert to the guilt behind Han's declaration, Vecna considered his next words very carefully. 'This all has something to do with your court-martial; I'm sure of that. Does Sennu know something you haven't told us? Is he blackmailing you?'"

A Glimpse of Home (an Alliance Cycle story), a novel by Michelle Malkin -- "No doubt about it, Han considered happily, both evening and night had been a flaming success. Relaxing under the part of the blanket the spacer hadn't pulled off him, he sighed in relief. He hadn't lost his touch. He could still pick and choose his sex partners and please himself whenever he wanted to, and without the times that Luke or Leia would demand for such a simple act. He could please himself and keep his freedom -- for all the meaningless one-nighters he wanted..."

Better to Reign, novelette by Karen Osman -- "The cold little feet started doing a tap dance. Anything these two men thought was dangerous was nothing for me to get involved in. All the same, I was curious; it sounded interesting. I had given the Staff Chief my word and, after all, I was already dead. What more could happen to me?"

Evidence, novelette by Karen Osman -- "The Wookiee twitched his nose, analyzing pheromones. His partner had learned to rely on this ability to "read" other beings' emotions by Scent in the tricky world of smuggling. *He is much like other humans -- like you, Hansolo,* Chewbacca answered. *Now, he is smelling confused, a little angry, a little frightened... Hmmm, there is something else there, too.v The Wookiee's nose twitched again, consideringly. *Hah! He wants to mate with you.*"

Empathy on the Dark Side, novelette by Karen Osman -- "The thrust of his hips as he walked, the set of his shoulders -- Catryn could see in the young man's very way of carrying himself that he was completely aware he was a man to be desired. To be enjoyed. There was none of the aggressive arrogance she was attuned to in the Dark Lord. The aide would accept, not demand. Catry smiled slightly to herself. It would be an interesting change."

The Different One novelette by Linda Knights -- "Luke waited, learning a new measure of patience. It was so tempting to supply her with what she sought, to offer her words, suggestions. 'You've been touched by evil,' she started again, her eyes seeking the distant tops of the trees behind him. 'Once, not long ago, you nearly joined yourself to that evil. It would have been so easy.'"

other stories, vignettes, dialogues, articles, etc. by Karen Ripley, Pat Nussman, Rebecca Kaplowitz, Bev Lorenstein, Tim Blaes, Karen Osman, Christopher Tucker, Toni Lay, Arthur Tobias, Wendy Weller, Jeanine Hennig, and more. "Special debut of Sexy Sadie and Fanny Flaque."

artwork by Dani Lane, Jenni, Wanda Lybarger, Judith Low, Nancy Stasulis, Stefanie Hawks, Brad Foster, Cathye Faraci, Cheree Cargill, Paula Mathai, Debra Drake, Suzy Sansom, Dale Holman, Bev Peterson, Hannah Shapero, Gail Abelove, Vida Hull, Angela Varesano, and others.

"Special Art Portfolios: Sensuous Aliens, Women in Fantasy, Rock in Science Fiction, General Science Fiction and Fantasy"

Reactions and Reviews to Organia

See reactions and reviews for Terminus.

See reactions and reviews for The Politics of STAR WARS.

See reactions and reviews for The Psychology of the Kirk/Spock Relationship.

[zine, 1982]: I'm half way thru ORGANIA and since it will be a bit before I get to my LOC I thought I'd [say] how much I am enjoying the high quality writing. I started with the ST stories (like the separate sections) and have yet to get to the SW, but I'm entranced so far. I felt that the character in the story "A Lesson in Ecology" (Afaf Malak) was wonderful. She came across well immediately and was an exciting part of the story throughout. Very believable too. Thank you for that.

[zine, 1982]: ORGANIA is... definitely worth the wait. At 212 pages (28% reduction) there's a lot of good reading for the investment. Perfect bound with scads of elegant artwork (and I'm not just saying that 'cause I'm one of their artists) and loving attention to detail, it's a handsome publication. PLEASE NOTE: this is an adult publication, and you must be 18 or older to order a copy. There is also material which may be offensive to some readers, so send a SASE for their flyer if you have any questions as to the zine's contents. In addition to Trek, subjects include STAR WARS, science fiction, feminism, and "a section dedicated to the child within us." issue #2 is already in the works.

[zine, 1983]: Editors Judy Gran and Bev Lorenstein are two intelligent, enlightened people who have produced an "Adult Fanzine of Ideas" geared to just about everyone's preferences, sexual and otherwise. ORGANIA is a beautiful-looking zine with variety of graphic design and title typefaces. Fiction is printed in nice column format. The zine is divided into four prominent sections: SW, sf/fantasy, ST and feminism. Although I can see the convenience in this format, I'm not sure I like it. Perhaps it's my sense of aesthetic balance, but I think I prefer integration in my zines. ORGANIA's fiction and poetry is a mixed bag of very good and very mediocre. There are a lot of trite, self-indulgent, comfort-type reflections and summaries wallowing in gushy emotion. But there are also a lot of different treatments and themes and some very competent writing. In the SW section, there's "Wayward Son," by Michelle Malkin, about teenage Han and his early adventures with a street gang and his meeting up with Chewie. It's a nice, enjoyable story — especially for Han lovers — but a little too sentimental for my tastes. I'm always wary of pedestrian portrayals of street gangs, having been personally acquainted with a few myself. I haven't found an accurate picture of one yet, in pro or fanfic.

Following this is some mediocre poetry, though some of Susan Matthews' shines through with her intelligent use of story-poetry. "With the Admiral's Leave," by Karen Osman, and "Out of Order," by Barbara T and Sylvia Stephens are both excellent character studies of Empire officers (nice to see some SW material humanizing the bad guys). "The Politics of Star Wars," by Karen Osman is about the political implications of SW. Osman draws parallels between the Empire/Alliance struggle and the church/state struggle in the late medieval/early modern period. Although Osman backs up her arguments with numerous and convincing parallels in Terran history, I would have preferred more contemporary speculations. ST was a product of the Cold War, and Western ideas about evil and tyranny have been heavily influenced by it. How does SW fit in, if a parallel can be made? The problem here is that Osman gives too much detailed information with too incomplete an analysis. It is only toward the end that she begin to analyze all her data and Jones. Both express bitterness and defiance in the face of cruel male expectations. "In the Dark" is especially memorable and powerful.

A children's section follows, with kids' art, puzzles, and a cartoon strip called "Fred the Jedi Cat," by Cathye Faraci, concludes the zine. ORGANIA has many of fandom's well-known and well-loved artists, and those who are easily impressed with fandom's usual art offerings (which are better termed illustrations) will love what's in ORGANIA: [Gayle F], Harlib, Whitfield, Hedge, Decker, Crouch, Dietrich, Huff, Jaeger, Landon, Sasscer, Siegrist, Wagner, Zuk and others. What these people do, they do well, and I certainly can't do better. Their offerings in ORGANIA are lovely. But fandom's art standards are notoriously conservative and unimaginative. . . . For those who can draw, there's not much difficulty in drawing familiar faces and settings. We all know what Han Solo should look like. That kind of art is nice and pretty, but safe, forgettable, and boring. But doing something original, stretching reality, is something different. ORGANIA has published some very provocative and different art (for fandom, but tame for pro art circles). Bev Swann, Wanda Lybarger, and Brad Foster all offer some unusual alien settings, but the best in the issue is Dale Holman's "A Portfolio of Women in Science Fiction Literature." Holmes takes several sf books and presents her interpretations of different female characters. The pieces are not necessarily visions of what Holman believes they should physically look like; rather they are her interpretations of their emotional conflicts, their role in their societies, what they want to offer others. Predictably, some readers have reacted negatively to Holman's art, one even complaining that her figures are "out of proportion," not understanding that that may be the whole point. Fandom seems to think that the human body should be inviolate. Holman offers us a powerful vision, and uses the human body to present an idea. Her drawings are so different from fandom's usual fare because it moves; it breathes, and even attacks. Yes, Virginia, art can do something other than illustrate (with that ever monotonous stipple zip-a-tone) Luke and Han and Kirk and Spock. After a while, all those drawings begin to look like they're drawn by the same artist.

I should also mention the zine's other big art section, "A Portfolio of Sensuous Men," where some of the above-mentioned artists drew provocative, sometimes nude, portraits of Kirk, Spock, Sulu, Frank Langella as Dracula, Chris Reeve as Superman, Tom Baker's Dr. Who, Lando Calrissian, Luke, and Han. Enjoy, girls. ORGANIA contains much more that I haven't mentioned, much of it worthwhile.

It's a good zine to have in your collection for its excitingly new directions. If you can, do buy it.

[zine, 1983]: [a response from the writer of "The Politics of Stars Wars" essay]: I'd like to register a mild demurral on your re-analysis of my analysis on "The Politics of Star Wars" in ORGANIA. Not that I want to restrict the reviewer’s right to her own opinion, and not that I think the review was in the least unfair, especially since [S.] carefully states that she would have preferred more contemporary speculations, not that the speculations I made in the article were useless or unsupported. However, I think she misses the point of what I was trying to do, somewhat. Of course Lucas's political biases were/are created and influenced by his contact with contemporary ideas (as I noted in the article). But I wasn’t dealing primarily with Lucas's biases. I was interested in the political structure of the SWars universe, and that is derived mainly from fairy tales and mythology. Those, Lucas's sources, emerged, and were recorded by folklorists such as the Brothers Grimm, etc., in the period shortly after the early modern epoch in Europe. They reflect origins in, or influences of, popular transmission through the medieval and immediately post-medieval period very strongly. In addition, native American political mythology is primarily influenced by contemporary 18th-century/early 19th-century analogies between the Roman Republic and the American Republic, as is clear in popular histories of Rome printed during the period. I have, for example, an old school text dated 1803 which explicitly compares the two republics. This is the popular image reflected in Lucas’s analogies to the Roman period in the SWars movies (such as references to the Senate and the regional governors). ST is science fiction, and is a direct commentary on its historical period’s political concerns (as [S.] notes); SW is a fantasy, and is based on fairy tales, which are medieval in origin and structure. So an analysis of medieval, ancient, and early-modern political structures is important and germane to an analysis of the politics of Star Wars."

[zine, 1988]: …When I first got into fandom…the zines I was weaned on…were K/S and relationship zines like Thrust, Sun and Shadow, The Price and the Prize, Galactic Discourse, in short some very polished zines editorially, artistically, and literarily…. so much of what I’ve read lately is merely a Kirk/Spock version of Barbara Cartland with a generous dose of copulation thrown in… What do I look for in a K/S zine? Among the ‘series’ zines there are some which I will always buy sight unseen because of the quality the editors have produced in the past (Nome, Galactic Discourse,T'hy'la, Another K/S Zine series for examples). The first element I am interested in is good writing: I would buy a zine with a Vivian Gates or Suzan Lovett story in them no matter what other material was included…. First and foremost, then, good writing is what I look for. Strange opinion for an artist, huh? Don’t think I don’t appreciate a polished zine editorially and artistically. Take a good look at a recent Galactic Discourse (I recommend 3) or Organia. Every page is laid out with an eye for design with beautiful (and beautifully reproduced) artwork, graphics, borders, etc. Photographs of color nebulas, high quality paper, perfect bound…and these editors charge the same as everyone else for their zines. Of course graphics can never hide or cover a lack of basic material, but everyone loves to look at a beautiful zine over a cheaply thrown together one. I recently got my first look at original Interphases. Connie Faddis started that series in 1975, folks! Color covers, fold-out art portfolios, beautifully designed pages, and fantastic stories. The mark of an artist (and a writer, for that matter) really show in the editorial hand of that zine. I MISS that kind of quality in what is being printed now.