Syndizine

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Zine
Title: Syndizine
Publisher: T'Kuhtian Press (the first two issues), Pegasus Press (the third issue)
Editor(s): Paula Block
Date(s): 1979-1981
Series?:
Medium: print
Genre:
Fandom: multimedia
Language: English
External Links:
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Syndizine is a gen multimedia fanzine. It was the first multimedia zine that contained content that wasn't based on science fiction shows. [1]

flyer printed in Pegasus #3 and Warped Space #39

About

Will contain stories (both serious and 'twitty' a la Monty Python) from various TV shows, past and present, including High Caparral, Man from UNCLE, Starsky and Hutch, etc. Material still being solicited as the zine won't be ready for a while... some Trek will be accepted. [2]

Syndizine is an upcoming fanzine dedicated to the pathetic folks around the country who are addicted to and slaves to their television sets. While the zine is directed at the fen already gathered around Star Trek, Trek material will make up only a small portion of Syndizine.... Any television show qualifies for story material, altho please do not consider this your big chance to get out your dusty, ten year old story about Cornet Blue out of the trunk and see it in print unless you plan to put a lot of effort to rewrite it. Dusty ten year old stories are rarely of interest to anyone but their creator. Believe me, I know. Straight stories should have a believability factor comparable to the original series. Proper characterization, as always in fanfic, is crucial. There will also be a section of the zine dedicated to total absurdity of the Monty Python variety, the Twitzine. This material can be COMPLETELY off the wall when it comes to tastelessness, absurdity, and humor, but dammit, make it funny. Only authentic twit writers need apply, and if you need a definition of 'twit' you're probably not one. Try a straight story instead... [3]

What's bigger than a bread box, but smaller than a mailbox? What's black and white and read all over? Nope. Guess again. What makes the extraterrestrial cross the road? What makes the Hottentots so hot? What puts the ape in apricot? What do they got that you ain't got? Now you've, got it! It's — Syndizine III. [4]

Comments by the Editor: 2017

[I started Syndizine] because I thought there should be a fanzine dedicated to just about any fandom, and I chose the name Syndizine because I was thinking of syndicated television shows. We also had movie stuff in there, too. I think I did a story in there on the movie Altered States once, and there was stuff in there from The High Chaparral and westerns, you know. The Man from Atlantis. Anything. Whatever people were into at the time. You know, whatever people would submit, I would look it, and if it looked good enough, I’d use it in the fanzine. I kind of did two or three issues like that. That was right around the time I moved to New York and got busy.[5]

– Paula Block Interview

It was fun. I learned a lot about being an editor, like, there’s such a thing as over editing, you know, and that was about the time when I decided---I originally planned to teach college-level writing, and I discovered that I have too much of a habit of rewriting people rather than telling them what they should do instead, and that was the first place that I ran into that problem. When I was the editor of Syndizine, I would start rewriting people’s stories, and they would get annoyed, and I realized at once that they were right. I said, “Okay. I’m sorry. I apologize.”[6]

– Paula Block Interview

General Reactions and Reviews

Surely the most manic multimedia zines ever made. They're a little sloppy (by 1993 standards they're a lot sloppy). Their subject matter is all over the highway, with Tenspeed and Brownshoe and Time After Time bunking next to James Thurber and the Muppets. But eclecticism is tempered with an overriding sensibility of enthusiasm and good humor, and held together by the solid talent of everyone involved. It also assumes the reader's life experience consists of more than solely watching television.[7]

– fan comment at Psst... Hey Kid, Wanna Buy a Fanzine?/Top Five Fanzines Questionnaire

Issue 1

Gordon Carleton - front cover featuring The Muppet Show's Miss Piggy
back cover of issue #1, the artist is Joni Wagner: the illo portrays Paula Block in mortal combat
"And Now For Something Completely Different..." foldout centerfold by Gordon Carleton, portraying John Cleese

Syndizine 1 was published in May 1979 and has 105 pages.

It was published by Lori Chapek-Carleton, and edited by Paula Block.

A story summary from one unknown source for "The End" is "Starsky pushes Hutch out of the way of a bullet during a liquor store robbery and dies. Years later, Hutch dies stopping another robbery and they meet before going to Heaven together." But -- this is totally not what the story is about. See spoiler summary in the footnote. [8]

Editorial by Paula Block:

I suppose you're wondering why I called you all here today. To tell the truth, I did it out of self-defense. I began to hear rumors late last year that a lynch mob was being formed to snap Poblocki's crooked little spine into shape. And they weren't even chiropractors (chiropractics?).

After debating whether to saddle up Berkey (the Wonderdog) and get out of town before sundown or get out Syndizine before the turn of the century, I opted for the latter, out of a deep sense of dedication to those members of fandom who still wanted it (not to mention the fact that Berkey wasn't saddle-broken).

I wish to state here and now, though, that I never would have gotten my act together about Syndizine if it wasn't for the sharp but loving prods of my three favorite editors in fandom, Paula Smith (Menagerie), Judi Hendricks (Pegasus) and Lori Chapek-Carleton (Warped Space). (Buy their zines--good stuff!) Lori, by the by, really got the ball rolling by generously offering to become publisher, adman and all-around flak catcher for the zine, and a big wet kiss to her from me and Berkey. As long as I'm name-dropping, I may as well mention my other harassers, Faddis, Lindner, Ruffin and Paciello (now Truty), who should certainly share some of the blame. I also wish to thank my wunnerful artists and authors for hanging in there and those poor fen who sent in their original SASE's inquiring about Syndi at least two years ago (some are probably dead by now). And Paula Smith again for writing half the zine. And my mother and father for giving birth to me and the members of the Academy for. . . Uh—I think I 'm getting carried away. In case you can't tell, I've never gotten the opportunity to write a dedication before.

Back to the point of this thing, Syndizine was originally conceived of as an outlet for fannish writers who had story ideas for (essentially) television-inspired, non-SF stuff. There are about a million (or at least 20) zines where folks can get their Star Trek and Star Wars stuff printed, but where do you go If you have a "High Chappara!" story? Or a "Lou Grant" story? There are readers out there who'd be thrilled to read a good "MASH" story, if there was a zlne that would print one for them. So, after being convinced that "anyone can put out a zine", I plunged into the Syndizine project. Needless to say, somewhere along the line things got bogged down till now. Putting out a zine takes a hell of a lot of time and energy and tlc and I'm amazed that this thing is finally done! I originally decided to make Syndizine a one-shot item, but I know that the need for a fannish outlet like it still exists. So if you folks out there would like to see a 2nd volume, send me your l.o.c.'s (the editorial office for Syndizine is c/o me at [address redacted]). Send I.o.c. 's even if you don't like It. I want to hear them a 11. If the general consensus is thumbs up, I'll start accepting submissions for a Syndizine II. And no two-year delays this time. PROMISE!

I have a feeling this editorial should be much pithier than it is, somehow relevant to the impending nuclear holocaust or something, but my soap box has run out of soap. So support your local jedl, visit your public library, burn your draft card if ERA passes, and read this zine. Be seeing you, Po

Editorial by Lori Chapek-Carleton:

Somewhere around the time that Poblocki started sending me stories to type, and typed stories to reduce, I began to realize that this issue of Syndizine was going to turn out to be really good! Syndizine more or less started out as a joke, I believe. Most of the earlier material to come in was originally listed under pseudonyms, but the authors decided their stories were too good to be disowned. I concur.

Do you like this issue? Read it, then decide. If you do, write Poblocki (and/or me) and request further issues. Think of all the many worthwhile television shows (cancelled or still running) that deserve to have worthwhile stories written about them! Doesn't it fire your imagination? Aren't you enthusiastic? Dust off your old manuscripts ... sit at your typewriters ... watch those re-runs! And submit to SYNIZINE #2 ...

I'm glad Po thought: up this 'zine. I'm glad the contri
butors contributed, and I'm glad you bought it. I'm proud 
to be associated with the existence of this 'zine. Forgive
 me if these sentences don't make much sense, but we've (Po,
 Paula Smith and I) have spent the past 12+ hours laying out 
this sucker. Shazbot!

P.S. By the way, if you come across any of those quaint letter groupings which in other 'zines are known as "typos", in this 'zine the problem is simply static on your set. You should get it fixed. -- Lori

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

I say it as shouldn't, but this is an excellent zine dedicated to the proposition that all non-Trek TV fandoms are created equal, or at least deserve equal time. 'Syndi' gives it to them... The list of contributors and their subjects is even more impressive: Paula Block writing a High Chaparral (for some reason dear to her heart), story, an UNCLE follow-up to her 'The Final Affair,' and a MASH poem; Eileen Roy merging the Prisoner and Illya Kuryakin; Jackie Paciello offering 'P.O.V.' -- a Lou Grant shortie; Amanda Ruffin pederasting James at 16; Carolyn R. Meredith making Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea worhwhile by inroducing Seaview to Cthulu; Po sending up Richard Benjamin; and Kelly Hill giving us an adequate treatment of Bret Maverick. Damning false modesty, I have to say that my own MASH story, Contagion, is pretty good. 'Talk Show' is not, but as I swiped the plot from a comic book, what did you expect? 'Whatever happened to the IMF' gets obscure at times as it purports to explain the personnel changes over the years of Mission Impossible. 'I Have a Pretty Good Imagination' hands Illya K a lightsabre. A one liner. 'The End' by the Lindner sisters is pure gratuitous wallowing in blood, death, the male heterosexual pair bond, Starsky, and Hutch. Incidentally, it is superbly done. [9]

... this zine is not pegged to any particular series. It is designed, instead, to provide maintenance therapy to "those addicts of the video persuasion" who would otherwise find it difficult if not im possible to make a connection. If you're a M*A*S*H head or a Lou Grant freak, this rag is a max buy—the goods are mostly smooth, clean, and uncut, with only one or two bad trips in the whole lot. The electronic feast gets off to a light start with Alexandra Ramsay's "I Have a Pretty Good Imagination", in which Illya returns to UNCLE headquarters to discover that someone has picked up on the correspondence between Napoleon's surname and that of a current sf hero— and R&D has reacted accordingly. It's nicely- turned and entirely frivolous. (N. B.: "frivolous" is not the same as "pointless". True pointlessness requires that a story create some degree of literary expectation, however modest.) Next is the editor's own "Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darling", a High Chaparral epic wherein Manolito almost suffers A Fate Worse Than Death. The author conceals the precise nature of the problem until the last moment, imparting a neat comic twist with serious undertones. While "Darling" isn't Block's best work, it makes the most of its material. At the other end of the spectrum (that of High Seriousness), Eileen Roy's "A Hawk from a Handsaw" suffers from the proverbial oddity too many, relentlessly sustained. Strange people doing strange things for strange reasons tend to leave the reader annoyed, dissatisfied or both. The same comments apply to Block's "Finale". Just as queer in its way is Carolyn Meredith's "Those Below", a hybrid of Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea and the Cthulu mythos. It holds the attention, but never quite earns the necessary suspension of disbelief or the reader's concern for its people. Part of the difficulty, I think, is a poor choice of viewpoint; as Kelly's story, this might have been compelling. "Talk Show", Smith's Starsky & Hutch shorty, has no plot, no action, no adventure, no clinches, no tearful declarations of undying friendship. It's merely a gritty and loving day in the life of, that respects the characters' right to their own existence, A stone groove for dedicated SHead, and recipient of 1/2 of the Best of Zine Award, (A year-old Super Deluxe Combination pizza, shellacked and handsomely mounted on a Genuine Simulated Walnut hardwood board. Postage and handling extra.) Rose Marie Jakubjansky's "Root Rot Time" reworks "Amok Time" au Quark, getting off some terrific lines in the process. Despite its implied options, Kelly Hill's "Five Ways to Sunday" never makes it past the Friday rush hour. None of the characters— and I use the word advisedly; it should more properly be "caricatures"—learns anything, changes or grows in any way. This tale is pointless, a waste of time and tree. Jackie Paciello's "P.O.V." is therefore something of a relief; a pile-up on the freeway teaches a gung-ho Rossi that there are things more important than getting the story. "Summer Storm" is another man-who-learns-better piece, well-handled by Amanda Ruffin, James-at-16 emerges as a likable adolescent, not always sure of himself but trying hard, and free of the saccharin idealization/sheer spottiness that mars so many fanfictional children. As for Smith's "Contagion", suffice it to say that it's one of the best things she's written. Like "Talk Show", it takes a long, honest look at some of the uglier facts of human nature, allowing no compromise while avoiding the easy outs of self-pity and despair. In case you haven't guessed, this one takes the other half of the prize. The zine concludes with Jan Lindner's and Judi Hendricks' S&H kill-'em-off, which rings true but is weakened by a certain sketchiness. On second thought, its restraint is admirable; this is definitely one of those cases where less is more. Artwork ranges between brilliant—Faddis, for "Contagion" —and indifferent. Highly recommended. [10]

...I just finished "Syndizine" and thoroughly enjoyed it—even the stories based on shows I'd never seen! That "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" piece is a very thrilling and effective bit of writing. The show, which I'd seen once or twice, was always a tad hokey but combining the characters with the Lovecraft mythos brought in a new dimension. I loved the movie "Gargoyles" when it hit tv a few years back and this story bore a certain delight fully creepy resemblance. Of course my other faves were the U.N.C.L.E. piece (if Kirk can make the admiralty then Solo can make No.l!), your fine "Chapparal" story (gets better with each reading), and Smith's "Contagion" (amazing—even the Hawkeye repartee is perfect!). The two out-and-out farces, 'Battlestar Impractical" and "Root-Rot Time" are gems! (I miss "Quark"!) From Miss Piggy's adorable eartips to your curly head on the bacover (which I dote upon), it's a very GRADE A zine. More! More! [11]

...I loved it. Even the stories from shows I don't watch I enjoyed; the quality of the writing was too high not to appreciate even if I couldn't gauge the accuracy of the authors' interpretations. The shows I did know could've used some of these stories for episodes!

Loved Alexandra's SW/U.N.C.L.E. vignette; I could really see it. The other two U.N.C.L.E. pieces I found kind of strange—probably because I haven't read "The Final Affair" — but well-written.

"Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darling" was genuine truly "High Chaparral." This was one of the episode pieces; I could hear and see everything, it was so true to the show. Martynn's illos were perfect too.

"Battlestar Impractical" wiped me right out! And it seems to h?v? the same effect on both fans and non-fans. I don't know how anyone can come up with that kind of insanity.

'Those Below": "Voyage" should only have had such a good script! Admittedly it might have caused some difficulty with stories to follow, but what an effective piece! It's nice to know that someone else thinks the characters and premise of the show deserved better than they got.

"Whatever Happened to the IMF" sounds like a reasonable history of the IMF force. I wasn't a great fan of the show, but it fits what I know of it.

Loved "Root Rot Time" too. Sometimes it was hard to tell if I was reading a parody or an actual script for the show!

"Five Ways to Sunday" was good but didn't quite capture the old "Maverick" magic for me; can't quite explain why, though, since it was certainly "right" enough.

You saved the best for last, though, with "Contagion." It, like 'The Divine Painkiller," really captured the essence of"M*A*S*H"; the drama, the humor, the characters — everything was just perfect. I also liked the business of making Charles the "hero" of the situation; he may be insufferable but he is a good surgeon! I believed in the story totally another one I could see and hear; if they ever did a "final" M*A*S*H episode, this ought to be it.

...I really only have two more things to say! Congrats and do it again![12]

Can I kiss your feet? I love ST and SW, but I never realized how much I'd love a zine devoted to everything else!

I think "Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling" was my favorite (you got Mano's character just right). I didn't realize how much I missed "High Chaparral" until I read it.

"I Have a Pretty Good Imagination" and "Contagion" ran a close 2nd and 3rd. Sigh—I even liked "P.O.V." and "Summer Storm" and since I never watched "James at 16" and watch "Lou Grant" only irregularly that really says something for the writing.

'Five Ways to Sunday" — the memories that brought back. In fact, that and "Do Not Forsake Me..." inspired me to order "Wide Open Spaces".

On the other side, "Root Rot Time" was a little too close to the ST story it was"lifted" from to be really interesting—it didn't quite come off, although I did enjoy "Quark" while it was on tv.

"A Hawk From a Handsaw" and 'Finale" were chilling. You could see it happening.

Gordon Carleton*s centerfold was really "some thing completely different."

I'm keeping my fingers crossed—please, please do #2. [13]

Fandom has been crying for a 'zine like this — hope it has a long run. ((Heaven forbid—at the rate I'm putting them out, I'd be senile by the 5th ish.))

Connie's "B.J." on page 101—I keep expecting him to utter one of those atrocious puns. Had to keep turning back to the title page to be sure it wasn't one of the regular M*A*S*H writers instead of Paula.

Have long been a student of the Cthulu mythos, so it was a pleasant surprise to run into it via the Seaview—and have it work!

All in all, a pleasant change. [14]

I am not really a true addict of the video persuasion—the only programs I watch are M*A*S*H, "Taxi", "Starsky and Hutch" (well, I would watch S&H, but my station manager won't air it!), and "Star Trek". So I wasn't expecting "Syndizine" to be of great interest. (Confession: I bought it for the "S&H" and "M*A*S*H" stories.) I was pleasantly surprised!

Divine Painkiller" — yours right? -- obviously you're as hooked on "M*A*S*H" as I am. Loved the poem. It captured Hawkeye's character to the letter. The drawing of Hawkeye hy Signe Landon is great!

"Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling"— I'll admit, I dreaded reading this one because I hate westerns (the aforementioned S&H hating station manager has a program director that loves showing westerns. Some times I think she's part pony). Anyway, I like it. It was very humorous—and I really felt sorry for poor Montoya! The illos by Martynn were beautiful!

..."Those Below"— I love science fiction—but I didn't like this. It's not that it was a bad story (it wasn't), it's just that I never liked "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea"!

"Talk Show"—my favorite in the 'zine. The writing's good, the chemistry's there, and the radio broadcasts spaced throughout are a nice touch. S. Landon's illos are (as usual) fantastic!

"Root Rot Time"—Foglio's pic is hysterical! I loved this one too. It had me laughing out loud. (S'pring indeed!) Thorns? Pruning Shears? Sap fever?! This little satire is a work of art. ..."Contagion"—if it weren't for the ending, this would make a great episode. Ms. Smith knows the show well—and it shows (in Hawkeye's steady stream of nonsense/talk). Connie Faddis' picture on pg.91 is very good.

"The End"—what can I say? I don't like "kill'em off" stories, especially when they are S&H. However, this was a good story. It is believable and it gave me a good emotional pounding. The Morrison lyrics are haunting and the illo by Signe is so realistic that get a catch in my throat every time I look at it.

Various and sundry—I liked the format, the clear artwork, the personal touch, and, love that cover! I also liked the little womp-rat cartoon. By a11 means' do a "Syndizine II". [15]

I have been putting off writing to you crazy people ((there was only one of me when I last checked, Liz)), till I cool down. Believe me, it is nothing personal. Exactly. Let me explain. I was somewhat upset at a few of the stories in this zine. In particular "The End". In case you haven't guessed by now, I am a nut of the Starsky & Hutch genre. I was terribly upset when I read the second S&H story, but I feel that I have recovered nicely. At least until I read it again. Except for the fact 'that Hutch dies and Starsky commits suicide, I liked this story very much. I felt that it was right. That's not the word I'm looking for, but it will have to do. Some of us who read "The End" discussed the basic idea that Starsky would find it difficult to continue without Hutch and we all came to the conclusion that it was quite likely. Especially when Hutch died in his arms, and he feels in some small way that it was his fault. The fact that he took that piece of scum in the back seat with him was also a good probability... I would like to say that the artwork had the high quality I have come to expect from Signe. The other story was also excellent, although it was overshadowed by "The End", thanks to shock value alone.

. ..Despite my reason for ordering this zine (S&H, U.N.C.L.E. and "High Chaparral"), I would have to say that my favorites of this issue were the two M*A*S*H pieces and the Lou Grant. My only complaint on these was concerning Rossi in the latter story. I have always thought of Rossi as an over-aggressive but basically compassionate man. While I saw a glimmer of that in his care for Dennis, it seemed out of place for him to be unconcerned with the others around even while wanting the story. The care wasn't hidden, it just wasn't there at all until he saw the woman.

Maverick? Well, what can I say? James Garner Is always welcome, no matter In what role. I will say that this so-called story read like an actual episode of the series. In fact, it's a shame it could never be filmed. Jimmy-boy would be good in it. Nothing personal, Bart, Beau, Brent, or Ben, but Bret was always my favorite.

[16]

Jeez, I had almost forgotten about "High Chaparral". I was very glad to see the Quark episode. I'd hate to see that show disappear from the minds and chuckles of fandom. The Mission: Impossible business was right up my alley; I love anything that fits stories in time lines or the real world, as my Trek timeline and that piece of nonsense for "Time of Surak" confirm. The selection of stories was healthy, also. I think I only passed up three of them (...and hell, I'll probably read the "Maverick" before too long).

About the only real problem I had was, unfortunately, an important point in Paula Smith's story, I liked the story—it was very true to the character for Hawkeye, even down to the characteristics that I dislike in him. But Hawk could not have killed the Korean with a scalpel that way. I work with these instruments every day and they come packaged in two pieces: handle and blades. The blades come in little paper packages and are about 1 1/2 inches long. You can't hold them without slicing your fingers through, and if you gripped the tiny part that isn't sharpened, well, you'd never be able to grip it well enough to kill someone. So, to my experience, Hawkeye died in that story, most probably by having his head smashed with a rock like B.J. suggested. But Paula's writing was great, as always. Put my vote in for another ish. Hey, how about someone doing a "Meeting of the Minds" kind of bit with various SF characters? Steve Allen trying to mediate between Kirk, Dr.Smith, Starbuck...ah, for get I brought it up. Good show, tho, on the zine.[17]

Issue 2

front cover of issue #2, Gordon Carleton
back cover of issue #2, Joni Wagner

Syndizine 2 has the subtitle "Son of Syndizine" was published in May 1981 and has 174 pages.

"Innocence For Sale" centerfold by Joni Wagner

It won the MediaWest FanQ award for "Best Other Media 'Zine".

It was published by Lori Chapek-Carleton, and edited by Paula Block.

From a 1986 T'Kuhtian Press catalog: "It's 175 pages, and beats staring at a picture tube for all those hours!"

From Block's editorial:

So, it's two years. So who's counting?

Well, this is it. You asked for it (some of you, anyway)—you've got it. The Son of Syndizine, complete with its somewhat expanded format. There are just as many homeless stories and vignettes based on films as television shows, after all. I mean, where else could I have placed something like "The American Gigolo Primer" unless I expanded Syndi's format? Warped Space isn't that warped. But I am. Hee hee.

Anyway, television's been such on uninspirational pit for the past two years, with a notable miniseries here and there to break up the tedium, and the briefest of flickers from off the olde vacuume tube of a series with merit, like "Tenspeed & Brownshoe" -- where else to go for material but the movies? Then again, 1981 has produced "Hill Street Blues", which is my favorite series in an eon or two. ((Standby for a long digression.)) Despite abysmal Nielsen ratings, the critically acclaimed series continues to do battle with the tuna-brains of media-land. HSB's got class, guts, powerful scripts, masterful performances, and NBC promoting it, which all adds up, I'm afraid, to the proverbial kiss of death. The network has been dallying with this show for months in an apparent effort to figure out what to do with a show that just don't float at the same level as the rest of its byproducts.. .uh.. .productions. But perhaps with a new Tuesday time slot, and the promise from NBC Entertainment president, Brandon Tartikoff, that the network will hang or to HSB with the altruistic thought that the ratings may yet improve, there is yet HOPE. Before I climb off my soapbox, I'd like to ask those folks who enjoy the show to let good old Brandon know that you do — and that if you had one of those dumb little Nielsen boxes stuck to your set, you'd watch HSB no matter where those clever lads in programming stuck it. Write (polite letters, folks—typed if possible):

[Tartikoff's address]

Sorry about editorializing at you, but where else to do it, particularly when it pertains to a media issue? Onward:

A good issue, this. My opinion, for what it's worth. There's the usual bizarre spread of interest—from a "Rat Patrol" story to "Monty Python interviews Darth Vader". I've included a full-length "Quincy"script by Jan Lindner and Judi L. Hendricks, despite the fact that I'm generally not keen on printing scripts, and I know a lot of people aren't fond of reading stories in said form. But "Don't Go Near the Water" is such a well-written story that I couldn't resist — so professional, in foot, that aspiring script writers would do well to study the style. Except for my elimination of a few camera directions for the purpose of greater ease in reading, the script remains intact.

I should mention at this time that two of the stories in this issue have appeared elsewhere, but in such a limited format that most of you will probably be reading them for the first time here. My thanks to both the authors and editors for allowing me to reprint "It's Who Do We Trust Time" by Kathy Penland (from "Savage Says", c.1980, snark Press, of subsidiary of boojums Press) and "A Brother Helped is a Strong City" by Eileen Roy & Paula Smith (from "10-13", c.1981, Terri Beckett & Chris Power).

Special thanks, too, go to newly-discovered fannish artist Karen River, who does terrific art for stories dropped into her lap without just and fair notice, and who probably regrets ever getting involved with us greedy tyrants (editors, that is).

And as long as I've ventured into "The land of special thanks", I might as well thank Judi (Hendricks) for her eternal support and uncanny ability to do layout with straight borders (tis a rare gift), and Lori Chapek-Carleton for agreeing to shuck out the funds to publish a second issue and giving me editorial freedom. At the moment, yes, I do intend to do a (gasp) third Syndizine, although I'm definitely not promising that it will be out any sooner than this one was. (No fool I). After all, I'm positive that there ore all kinds of interesting stories about to be penned, spawned by the inspiration of shows like HSB, and upcoming films like "Dragonslayer" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia" (the what?). .. .And did ya hear the one about the remake of "My Mother, the Car"...?

From the editorial by Chapek-Carleton:

As to the contents themselves, I had nothing to do with soliciting them, and Po has truly fulfilled the Editorial Position. As before, some of the material in this issue is based on shows I never saw, but this in no way detracts from my enjoyment of them, and I'm sure that you the reader will find equal enjoyment. In some cases, what is contained in these pages is so far superior to what we actually saw on either the big or little screen that it's a little embarrassing --or should be—to the Industry. Too bad us fans can't have more say on what's produced, eh?

[snipped]

I almost forgot. I subtitled this "Guilty Pleasures" on a whim. Harlan Ellison was in town doing a benefit lecture/reading for the Clarion Writers' Work shop last month, and he did his usual spiel on the Evils of Television. Which I agree with--to a point. There is a lot of junk on the tube, and a lot of bad movies on the big screen, too, but there is good stuffs too, and the contents of this 'zine pay homage to the- good stuff and make something worthwhile out of some of the junk. Yes, I'll admit it. I'm a television junkie. There are times when I turn it on just for background noise, umpteen hours per day. There are times when I'll watch junk, just because it's too much work to turn the channel. But there are also times when I'll be mesmerized, watching something good, the times when I'll rewatch the good things on videotape. (Harlan has a videotape machine, and he watches good stuff on it, too. So there.) Anyway, we don't all like the same things, but it's a tribute to fandom that the writers and poets and artists in fandom can take subjects we've given the once over, and compel us to take another look. If you're interested in SYNDIZINE, I'd recommend you pick up and read Harlan's two essays on television. The Glass Teat, and The other Glass Teat.

  • Star Duck: The Molting Picture by Gordon Carleton (170)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

Top writers and artists grace these 174 reduced pages of Rat Patrol, Altered States, SH, Quincy, Masada, Shogun, American Gigolo, Tenspeed & Brownshoe, Happy Days, and Monty Python. This zine never stops surprising me. The first issue had me dreading to read Maverick, High Chapparaal, and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea stories. But I loved them all. In thish, I did NOT want to read any Rat Patrol, Tenspeed & Brownshoe, Quincy, or Happy Days stories. But I loved everything in this zine. These stories and the accompanying gorgeous art will touch, impress, and delight you.

There is just too much for me to mention, so I'll highlight my personal favorites: the two lovely Time After Time stories - the first, by Paula Block, takes place immediately after H.G. and Amy take off in the time machine; the second, by Nancy Zingrone Solomon, takes place much later and is told from the point of view of one of their sons. There's Gordon Carleton's insane "Star Duck—The Molting Picture," featuring Captain Duck, commander of the U. Eth. Eth. Warnerprize; Ensign P-P-Porkov, Chief Engineer (Yosemite) Sam, and the rest of the Warner characters.

Written by "Roy Smith" (Eileen Roy and Paula Smith), "A Brother Helped is a Strong City" (SH) is perhaps the best story in the zine. Excellent writing and a fine plot - concerning the breakdown of L.A. in 1982, with gas at $4 a gallon, and society generally crumbling - make for an engrossing tale. Amidst all this, Starsky and Hutch try to help a few survivors. It is the fine interweaving of this complex plot and the characterization that struck me. This is a very long, extremely impressive story (and I'm not even an SH fan!), and it should win some sort of Fan Q award next year. (ED NOTE: This zine is not eligible for the 1984 Fan Q as it was published in 1981.) But there was one thing in this zine that meant more to me than anything else. It said what I've been trying so futilely to express to others, and on paper, for nearly nine months (at this writing). On page 32, Judi L. Hendricks has a masterpiece of a poem called "December 8, 1980" and on page 33, Sue Perry Lewis has a beautiful pencilled rendering of John Lennon. I can't thank Ms. Hendricks personally, so I'll have to do it here: thank you. The visuals are lovely, what with artists like Carleton, Foglio, Landon, Martynn, Wagner, River, and others. The price is steep, but well worth it. Highly, highly recommended. [19]

Oh Syndizine! Thank god for it! The home for the homeless fan fiction. And boy do I have homeless fan fiction! I truly enjoyed it, "Time After Time After Time" especially. You got Amy down pat. Being a David Warner fan I adore that film and I'm so thrilled when Amy braves all to join H.G. So bravo! You hit the nail on the head. I thought I'd die about Stephenson and the Force—I just fell and fell and fell about the room. "Time After Time After Time After Time" (Jeez, that can get repetitious) was superb. I think I cried as many times as the title indicates. And "The American Gigolo Primer" was a scream; that's funny stuff you've got there, Paula—keep it up. And "Quincy"—I love It. I am doggedly faithful to that show. And "Shogun"... I guess I'm trying to say I like the zine, please don't stop it.

So I guess I've finally reached my subject, and that's Judi L. Hendricks "Resolution." God, I thought I was the only "Masada" fan out here. Thankfully, I see I am now wrong.. . There's just something about Peter O'Tooie/jnd I'll admit that it was Susan Perry's drawing of Silva and Sheva that made me buy the zine... O'Toole fans need a little space too, and he seems to be very popular in fannish circles. But then, he is unique, to say the least....[20]

First off, I really enjoyed the back cover illo ((of Mark Hamiil and Carrie Fisher)) for Syndi II. It's a gorgeous piece of artwork!

"Star Duck" would make a marvelous Saturday morning cartoon. The only character I didn't recognize was Mr. Spot, the dog, but then, it's been a while since I've been able to sit down and really enjoy Bugs Bunny and the gang. But I was glad to see one of my all time favorites included, the Martian.

"Don't Go Near the Water" was excellent and I definitely mean that. When I watch "Quincy," I always try to guess the ending, only this time I was unable to figure it out, as it was so well-written. I had no qualms whatsoever on the script format—in fact, it made it seem more like a televised version.

There is only one word to describe "The American Gigolo Primer" and that is—hysterical! The no-nonsense verbiage accompanying Joni's illos was perfect.

Jackie's "Sands of Time Raid" brought back memories of all those Monday nights spent in front of the tube watching "The Rat Patrol" without fail. It included insight into the characters which the show did not always cover, and since Moffitt was, and always will be, my favorite character of the series, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

We had a hilarious time reading aloud "Monty Python Interviews Darth Vader" at MediaWest last year. It would actually make a good skit.

Even though I never saw "Time After Time" (gasp!) and only saw pieces of "Tenspeed and Brownshoe," I enjoyed both stories.

I think my favorite piece in the entire zine was " "Altered Seasons." I would definitely like to see at least half of those appear on the television set, especially the one with Boomer, even if it would be the last episode of the series.

And all that time we were quibbling over whether Sue Ellen or Kristen or someone else shot J.R. (re Martynn's ill) and all the time it was dear old Boba. Should've known.

Just one little thing on a LOC in Syndi II on Syndi I... Maggie Nowakowska mentioned that scalpels come in little packages now, in 1 and a half inch blades. They do, but back in WWII and the Korean war, they had one piece solid scalpels. I have one upstairs (my father was a physician) and they are quite sharp and can be used to slice someone up or kill them.

And I guess that's all really have to say. What else can I say except that I liked everything in the zine? Sorry I have nothing negative to report, tsk, tsk.[21]

The price of Son of Syndizine set me back a little, but skipping lunch was worth it. (Actually a can of root beer was lunch and S of S was food for thought.)

Haven't read the whole issue yet, but it is easy to skim. Liked "Land of Honalee," "The Pigs in Space Sketch," "Time After Time After Time After Time" (but saw no reason to bring in Quincy—an alternate universe tag didn't fit in my opinion) and the LOCs. I think the best piece in it was Gordon Corleton's "Star Duck — The Molting Picture." And the best art was Joni Wagner's back cover.

All in all, it is a worthy successor to Syndizine, and thank you for putting it together. Good luck on the third volume.[22]

Re Son of Syndizine; The cover offended me—the idea of Miss Piggy with Yoda as her baby seems wrong somehow. Besides, after two issues, how about something else on the cover--"The Greatest American Hero," perhaps.

"The Sands of Time Raid" was a nice story, a different view of "The Rat Patrol" and Moffit. "Monty Python Meets Darth Vader" was a piece I didn't care much for. Just not interesting. "Time After Time After Time" was much better, captured the spirit of the movie. And the drawings were good. Can't say much about the "Altered States" ones—never saw the movie. "Land of Honalee" and "A Brother Helped is a Strong City" were both bad stories that never came together. Again, it's like being dumped into an alternate universe and never told that you are. As for "Tenspeed and Brownshoe", if the series had been like that, it might still be on. Didn't care for "Pigs in Space"--the Muppets don't do much for me.

The second "Time After Time" story was all right, but a little off on the characters, I think. The best part was the reference to Quincy at the end.

"The American Gigolo Primer" was a total waste of space, not interesting at all. "Don't Go Near the Water" was a nice story, more like Quincy used to be before Klugman ruined it with social causes. Lastly, "Star Duck, the Molting Picture," just doesn't do much for me. It's not that funny and I'd rather see a new idea than a satire of on old one.[23]

I am a Monty Python freak, going through the pangs of withdrawal now that it's off the air, and I can assure you that I know quality Python when I read it. The Darth Vader interview was "bang-on." Simply wonderful!

I must admit that the funny stuff is always my favorite in any given zine—the fan-writer is a person who knows his/her subject well, so who better to write the perfect spoof or take-off.

I attended the Mos'Eastly con and I must have missed the "Pigs In Space" sketch (I would have remembered it, surely). Gordon Carleton's drawings were essence of Muppet, unlike the depressing Muppet Funnies in the daily newspaper. Those Muppets are drawn as if they are puppets, not like the little living people that they are (as G.C. draws them). The script was hilarious too (also unlike the stale stuff to be found in the Muppet funnies). How I love bad puns done with manic style and grace.

One thing I do remember about the Mos'Eastly con was (heh, heh) "Innocence for Sale." That tiny reproduction doesn't do justice to Joni's wonderful work of art (which always seemed to have at least two or three Fen clustered around it). The girl is obviously talented, and you were lucky to get so many illustrations from her for the zine. I particularly like the Amy Robbins on page 24. Its delicacy and soft consideration is an interesting contrast to the active and harder-edged style she uses on the back cover.

I'm really surprised that you didn't get letters about "The American Gigolo Primer"—surely someone had something to say about it, even that they were offended! Personally, I thought it was deliciously vicious. I never saw the movie, I but I was able to enjoy the jokes (probably more than I would have enjoyed the movie). I let a friend of mine who often frequents the Pink Pussycat Boutique (your average hive of scum and villainy) read it, and he sort of smiled evilly/ nodded/ and idly fingered the metal-studded leather strap he wore on his wrist. This is his way of bestowing his seal of approval. Though I'm not sure that's a compliment.

"Time After Time 1 " and "Time After Time 2" were both well-written. I don't know if you planned the two stories together, but it certainly seems that way. The optimism of the new life together, then the destruction of bright hope becouse of human failings and harsh reality. The message of the movie was "and they lived happily ever after" .. .that fairy tale of being delivered from today's pressures and insanities into a better, simpler age. In a way, I learned more about Wells than I really wanted to know. Now, now, I do know that Amy really didn't zap back in time, but he did tend to use his wives and mistresses the way other people use kleenex. I don't care how much of a genius he was (and people tend to excuse genius' faults more readily than average types' faults), he was still an insensitive boor. Here's something you might like—while reading this story, I was reminded of a description of a Tyranosaurus Rex by Ray Bradbury. "It ran, its pelvic bones crushing aside trees and bushes, its taloned feet clawing damp earth, leaving prints six inches deep wherever it settled its weight." H.G. Wells was a magnificent monster, blithely making his mark on the fragile folk around him, blind to the destruction he caused.

I must, however, take exception to one cliche the author of the second story employed—that of the "sainted and saintly sufferer." I mean Amy, of course. (Or 'Jane', if you like.) There are two things I cannot stand—the glorification of war, and the qiamourization of death. I think that great old-time silent flick, "Camille," started the tradition, "Dark Victory" carried it on, then Ali McGraw in "Love Story," and most recently, these tv movies in which young, healthy, extremely doomed athletes bite the big one between commercials. My experience with sick people tells me that even the nicest martyr will occasionally be snappish, abusive, or frightened—in other words, they will act like a human being. There is nothing wrong with this. Amy was too damned perfect, and became a cardboard figure of sainthood as a result.

The fact that I liked the Starsky and Hutch story so much is really rather unusual. You see, I have never liked S & H. This speaks well of the author. I have always maintained that the true test of any fan-type derivative story is whether or not a story in which you replace the famed title characters' names with 'non' names is still interesting. (For instance, all the Star Trek novels, except for McIntyre's The Entropy Effect, fail this test because if you replace the names with Smith, Jones, and Johnson, etc., the books immediately fall apart. Entropy would be a good book no matter what. I'm sure there's a gang of people who would love to argue in defense of their own favorite ST book.) Back to Starsky and Hutch—it was just a plain old good story about the disintegration of a city. Perhaps the fact that I'm living in a large city that is collapsing under its own weight increased my enjoyment and appreciation. That sounds terrible, doesn't it? I mean that I understood it. The suspense was killing. . . the relationship between the two men didn't need a knowledge of the show to be appreciated. My favorite scene had to be "6:07 p.m. 33 [degree symbol]" —the anguished cry, "This kid, for all I know, does half the filing for Parker Center and he can't read," and Hutch's "Who else would take the job?" By the way, the device of titling the "chapters" with the time and temperature works well. Ya know, I used to not know which one was Starsky and which one was Hutch—I think that this story has helped me to get a bead on this little problem.

Well, this letter is getting a bit long. I cannot for the life of me figure out why you were not inundated with letters, letters, letters. Actually I can think of one reason—almost none of the stuff in the zine is derived from shows that people are fanatics about. When was the lost time you heard of a "Rat Patrol" convention (I had to be told by my father that there used to be a show of that name). People are crazed for"Star Wars," "MASH", "Star Trek," "Man From U.N.C.L.E.", and possibly "Starsky and Hutch."

((Ahem — those readers feeling prematurely withered by Celeste's comment about "Rat Patrol" might take heart the fact that U.N .C.L.E. was a contemporary of "RP", and she is familiar with that series.)) In Son of Syndizine, there was only the one S&H story, a dash of SWARS, and the other shows that people like but are not mainline panicked about. ((Yes, but, that's why there is a place like Syndizine— for the 6 people who like "Rat Patrol" to read a story about it, and for the one person who wrote the story to see it in print. Seriously, though, the zine's dedicated to the eclectic in media devotion. You can't print an "Altered States" story in "Zebra-3", or a "Those Lips, Those Eyes" story in "Warped Space." But if it's well written, you con print it here.))

By the way, at the Mos'Eastly convention, some smarty put a bid sheet on the plastic "The management is not responsible for any coats or suitcases left in this room" plaque in the art room People started putting funny bids on it—e.g. Frodo bid a finger, Adama bid a slightly used battlestar, and Dr. Who bid a bag of jelly babies and a sonic screwdriver. The art show runners put the silly thing on sale and, lo and behold, some one bought if. They said that it was going to appear in a fanzine. Do you have any idea which fanzine it appeared in? ((No, but if you check inside you'll find the bid sheet from the new car outside the Lansing Hilton's coffee shop, courtesy of this year's MediaWest art auction and Jean Stevenson. [24]

Hey, I like your zine! (And you thought you'd be getting intelligent comments. Boy, were you wrong.. .) Seriously, it's difficult to pick out one piece and say, "I think this one was best," because all of them are very high quality. If gun is put to head, however, I'll choose "A Brother Helped is a Strong City," which I would nominate for Fan Q against all comers had I not iust realized it was a reprint. Damn. This is one very consistent piece with strong images and an impact that is independent of the tv show. I wish I could write this well.

On the other hand, I have an Obligatory Gripe about T [4] A [3] (by Nancy Zingrone-Solomon, and I'm not going to write that title out!). I never saw the movie, so both Nancy's story and yours presented something of a challenge. I thought yours depended more on the film to make sense, because of the internal references, while Nancy's stood better atone as a story about a woman trying to convince her sons she belonged in the future (though I must admit reading your story, especially with its foreword, was a tremendous help). HOWEVER, the last few paragraphs of Nancy's story almost made me throw the zine across the room! I hated her dragging in "Quincy" on such a story that was so self-contained! I would have been much better pleased if she had left Feldman with the unsolved mystery. Crossing universes at that point was a real jar and a great disappointment, precisely because the story was so good to begin with.

"Sands of Time Raid" seemed a little thin to me, perhaps because there was a lot of "telling" going on about Moffit's devotion to archaeology, but not much "showing. I would like to know why this particular discovery would be so vital, instead of simply being told it is. Other small nerches—I am surprised the remains were worn down to bone rather than being naturally mummified to at least some extent, and most minor of quibbles, if Troy ever does ask Moffit what the difference is between archaeology and anthropology, the answer will be meaningless, because the British define their disciplines differently. British "anthropology" is a much narrower field.

"Land of Honalee" confused me. I liked the story, but it required a distinct effort to connect H with "Happy Days"!

Loved the "American Gigolo Primer." You should be ashamed of yourself, subjecting a fine young movie to such parody.. .snicker, snicker, marsbar.

"Don't Go Near the Water" was neat. If I were a defense attorney I'd raise hell about the purity of a sample derived from wringing out someone's tie, but as that's exactly the kind of glitch that pro TV writers get away with every day, why shouldn't Judi and Jan? I am impressed. I think they need on agent, but leave us not probe sore points—this is pro quality. It should sell, dammit.

I'm usually reluctant to comment on art, but overall it was very very good. ! was particularly impressed by Sue Perry's companion pieces to Judi's poetry. "Tenspeed and Brownshoe" got killed by preemptions in Albuquerque, so I only saw a few episodes, but it seemed to me that Kathy Penland got Lionel exactly right. Neat!

I haven't a whole lot to say on the poetry—"Reflections" didn't do much for me, and neither did "Words on a Wind." "December 8th, 1980" reminds me of Ferlinghetti—the rhythm carries you along. The strongest part of "Resolution" seems to be the first stanza, but something happened to the balance of the poem.

I'm not going to comment specifically on the rest of the zine (my hand hurts...), but I think you more than earned your Fan Q. Congratulations and keep up the good work![25]

I enjoyed Son of Syndizine a lot. And I must admit my
favorite parts were the "Time After Time " stories. I just love Nicholas Meyer's stuff.

Also, I really appreciated the Mason Parrish quote on your title page. That was my favorite scene in the movie "Altered States."

I'm glad you're taking on another Syndizine. As time goes on, I find the more diversity in a zine, the better I like it. [26]

Issue 3

cover of issue #3, Karen River: "New Cast for "Three's Company'"
flyer for issue #3 from Warped Space #48

Syndizine 3 has the subtitle: "Beneath the Revenge of Syndizine" was published in Fall 1982 and is 124 pages long.

It was published by Pegasus Press, and edited by Paula Block.

Artists: Beckey Aulenbach, Gordon Carleton, Bernie Davenport, J.R. Dunster, Todd Hamilton, Celeste Hotaling, Ros Ludwig, Wanda Lybarger, Martynn, Jackie Paciello, Susan Perry-Lewis, Karen River, and Joni Wagner.

Paula's editorial:

Well, garsh, folks—we're three volumes old. Who woulda thunk it?

First off, my heartfelt thanks to all of youse who voted SYNDI II a best "other media" zine fan q last year at Media West II. And belated thanks to all my con-tributers/lackies/etc. who made that issue what it was. I know I should have thanked you all before this, but I is a bad girl.

Second off, you'll have noticed by now that as of this issue, SYNDIZINE is now a Pegasus Press Production. I guess if I'm the Steven Spielberg of this scribal effort (I mean, when I fantasize, I fantasize big), then Jackie Paciello must be Frank Marshall. And Judi Hendricks can be Howard Kazanjian if she likes, but for at least this edition, I think she prefers the position of Obi-Wan (i.e. resident sage, but involved on a less tangible level than Jackie or I).

Jackie has been a Super-Trooper, and without her help you wouldn't be seeing this issue a scant 18 months after the last one appeared. I just don't work that fast on my own. While I'm handing out thanks, I'd like to award special kudos to Celeste Hotaling for turning out s'wunderful stuff till both her brain and her fingers hurt, and Karen River for living up to the title resident artist.

People occasionally ask me why I print such strange stuff in SYNDIZINE—Rat Patrol stories, vignettes based on Those Lips, Those Eyes, etc., etc., etc. They also ask why I don't print more stuff based upon shows everyone seems to like—for example, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., I Spy, etc.

Well, as to that first question, as I pointed out in this ish's loc column, I really do try to stand by my policy of altruistic eclecticism when it comes to chosing submissions. Who am I to say whether a good Greatest American Hero story is more worthy of print than a good Heroes story, even if the former is bound to hit a broader audience of fans than the latter? Good writing is good writing and I'm a sucker for orphan media.

To that second question—I'd love to print a good U.N .C.L.E./l Spy/Etc. story. But you folks have to send them in for me to print. Verstehen Sie? I can't print what I don't get.

Jackie will probably live up to her reputation (see next editorial) if I don't keep this down to size. I do have one last request—PLEASE send me Iocs. Otherwise I'll be forced to makejcfp'Some (more).

This zine is respectfully dedicated to the memory of Mr. Elias Howe, who, in 1848, invented the sewing machine.

Jackie's editorial (which is "rated R" due to the use of the word "bitch") is titled Obitchitorial:

If I hadn't thought of the title myself, I might have been offended.

Po asked if I wanted publisher's space to say a few words, and being in "that kind" of mood, I told her just to write my obituary instead.

"No, on second thought," I'd reconsidered, after reminding her two days before layout that she hadn't written her editorial, "call it an obitchitorial. That seems to be my primary function."

And, in truth, Po is the editor and I, representing Pegasus Press, am the publishing force. Like Mr. McGraw Hill, Mr. Harcourt Brace, William Wilkins. . .Mrs. Pynchon. I get the lists, remind Po of deadlines, hassle artists. In other words, I bitch. And bitch. And bitch. And I'm damned good at it. Anyone who really knows me will tell you that.

And I must say that I've done some of my very best bitching to get Syndizine on the drawing table and to the printer. But to give credit where credit is due, without Po to bitch at, there would be no Syndizine. So thanks to Po for being kind enough to put this zine out so I could bitch ather. And thanks to all of you who wrote asking that this zine be put out, so I could bitch at Po.

Judi's editorial addresses why Jackie has done so much of the work and includes the comment: "To Po the Younger, I bow in undisguised amazement. At the rate she's turning these zines out (with only three LoCs to urge her on) the next one'll be published before JED I comes out. Well, maybe not that fast.. .but close."

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 3

Syndizine #3 is a spiffy-looking, if teeny-tiny printed, zine of 'orphan' media stories -- stories few other zines will take, not because they are badly done, but because they haven't an active fandom behind them. After all, there hasn't been a Hill Street Blues con nor a Dragonslayer zine to show off those pieces in... yet. The worst one can say about this zine is that most of the entrees are either very short, or else verge on the fluffy, like the 14-page script for the two Gumby plays performed at MediaWest*Con, "Gumby Strikes Again" and "Gumbies of the Lost Ark'... It's pleasant to have these plays in more solid form than memory, and the 'Carnvial' is a clever combination of fandom and James Thurber, but they are likely not to everyone's taste, despite being the second and third longest things in the zine. The longest is "Halloween Tales," a diptych with Kenny Boyd, Harrison Ford's character in the movie Heroes. Both stories are incidentally quite fine, depicting Kenny's coming to manhood in the opposite situations of a junior high school Halloween dance, and a moonlit Vietnam sniper chase... The remaining pieces are vignettes or a little more, but still, they are rather good. Of the two Greatest American Hero stories, 'A New Scenario' beats out 'And Never Brought to Mind' by a whisker. Shafer's plot -- Ralph is to return the supersuit after five commendable years of action, and Bill is depressed because he sees it as the end of their friendship -- stays in focus better than Paciellos': Ralph offers to holovise for the murder of Bill's wife, but Maxwell demurs, not wishing to stir ghosts... Grant's two Dragonslayer pieces are interesting. 'Elspeth' is the better, an intense look at the princess heroine at a heroic moment, as she decides on certain death to force the nobility and her father, the king, to exterminate the dragon, not just placate it with semi-annual virgins... 'Vermithrax Paradox' is a witty turnabout on the film from the dragon's point of view. Grant also has a collection of instant filksongs for Star Wars in the Gilbert and Sullivan mode. My favorite is 'I am the Very Model of a Diplomatic Droid.' Delightful sketches by Todd Hamilton accompanying them. I can't help favoring Burnside's Hill Street Blues-based 'Shadows.' It's the story I had meant to write myself. Even without that motive, a reader will enjoy this piece; it's right in character, it takes off from a point mentioned but not shown in the series, and it's the beginning of another relationship, specifically Bates/Coffey. Now all that remains is to write the sensual resolution. A heterosexual relationship story -- what a concept!... 'After the Fall' is a curious, haunting depiction of the limbo where the good doctors go after shuffling off their mortal coils. It is also similar to Poblocki's 'Finale' (in Syndizine #1) in which Illya Kuryakin also showed the serenity that comes from letting go of one's mind. This calls up Mark Twain's mysterious stranger, who recommended madness as a cure for unhappiness... No blockbuster stories, but many fine works. Recommended. [27]

References

  1. ^ "One index finger on the mouse scroll bar and the other on my clit": slash writers' views on pornography, censorship, feminism and risk (2001)
  2. ^ from a submission request in Scuttlebutt
  3. ^ from a blurb in Implosion #4
  4. ^ from an ad in Tauntaun Express #1 (1982)
  5. ^ Media Fandom Oral History Project Interview with Paula Block
  6. ^ Media Fandom Oral History Project Interview with Paula Block
  7. ^ In 1993, a zine ed asked her readers to list their "Five Favorite Fanzines." This was one fan's comment. For more, see Psst... Hey Kid, Wanna Buy a Fanzine?/Top Five Fanzines Questionnaire.
  8. ^ Hutch is shot in the chest during a routine collar. Starsky puts the bad guy in the back seat of the car, and carries Hutch to the front seat. As they are driving to the hospital, Hutch dies. When Starsky realizes this, he drives the Torino over a cliff, engulfing all three occupants in a fiery flame.
  9. ^ review by Paula Smith from Universal Translator, the same review is in an issue of S and H
  10. ^ from Jane Aumerle in Star Canticle #2
  11. ^ from a fan's LoC in "Syndizine" #2
  12. ^ from a fan's LoC in "Syndizine" #2
  13. ^ from a fan's LoC in "Syndizine" #2
  14. ^ from a fan's LoC in "Syndizine" #2
  15. ^ from a fan's LoC in "Syndizine" #2
  16. ^ from a fan's LoC in "Syndizine" #2
  17. ^ from a fan's LoC in "Syndizine" #2
  18. ^ from Paula Smith in the program book for The Paul Muni Special
  19. ^ from Universal Translator #21
  20. ^ from an LoC in "Syndizine" #3
  21. ^ from an LoC in "Syndizine" #3
  22. ^ from an LoC in "Syndizine" #3
  23. ^ from an LoC in "Syndizine" #3
  24. ^ from an LoC in "Syndizine" #3
  25. ^ from an LoC in "Syndizine" #3
  26. ^ from an LoC in "Syndizine" #3
  27. ^ from Warped Space #48
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