Sarlacc
- For the AO3 tag wrangling term, see Sarlacc (glossary term).
| Zine | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Sarlacc |
| Publisher: | Bert-Olof Lundin, Karl Rydholm (issue #1) Bert-Olof Lundin (issue #2) Bert-Olof Lundin and Pia C. Rasmussen (issue #3) |
| Editor(s): | |
| Date(s): | 1996-1998 |
| Series?: | |
| Medium: | |
| Size: | |
| Genre: | |
| Fandom: | Star Wars |
| Language: | English |
| External Links: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Sarlacc is a Swedish Star Wars zine. It contains stories and illustrations by various fan artists. It ran for three issues.
From the first issue:
SARLACC is a Star Wars fanzine, which means that it is made for fans by fans. This publication is non-profit, we're doing this because of our love for Star Wars. We are not affiliated with LucasfUm Ltd. or its licensees. No infringement upon the exclusive rights of Lucasfilm Ltd or any other entity is intended or presumed.
Issue 1
Sarlacc 1 was published in 1996 and contains 122 pages. It has art by Bert-Olof Lundin, Karl Rydholm, Erik Sulek, Jean Ward, Anders Stenbeck, and John Fredericks.
This issue was edited by Bert-Olof Lundin and Karl Rydholm.
[The first editorial]:Greetings, o' mighty readers!
This is the first issue of a new Star Wars 'zine called SARLACC. Hopefully you'll find it enjoyable. The zine is made in Sweden, even though almost every story is written by people outside of Sweden. That is also a reason why we have decided to make the 'zine in English.
My first contact with Star Wars fandom and 'zines was in 1994, thanks to Dark Horse Comics line on SW comics. I wrote to some people, whos [sic] names I'd found at the end of those comics, and one thing led to another. A couple of months later I was corresponding with several persons, mostly in the U.S.A. It was now, spring 1995, that I joined a course in "How to draw comics." It was there that I met Karl Rydholm and some other devoted SW fans and, after a while, the thought of our own 'zine had grown. At first I wasn't sure that we would be able to get enough material, but thanks to all my friends all over the world, stories started dropping in. It was showtime.
Now, about a year later, we have just finished the first issue, hopefully there will be more. It's all up to you. Write us and let us know what you liked and what you didn't like quite as much.
But it hasn't been easy. First of all, neither Karl no me, has got a computer. So all writing had to be done at work, except Pia Rasmussen's stories which she helped us with herself. Second. The computer at work has got Swedish soft ware, and since I'm no computer wizard, I couldn't find any English spell checking.
These are facts, not excuses for any typos or grammar faults found in the 'zine. -- Bert-Olaf Lundin
[The second editorial]: First of all I want to thank all the ambitious authors and illustrators who have helped making this first issue of SARLACC complete.It's not an easy thing to put together a fanzine as extensive as this, I tell you. There might be typos and grammar faults (hopefully not), but we, B-O and me, haven't had too much time in putting these pages and stories together as we should have. I would be grateful if you would write and have a say about SARLACC, either if you complain where we have failed your expectations or if you show appreciation for a well done work. (or just to say Hi!).
Finally, I want to tell my appreciation to M.J. Mink for a fine story, "Bad Moon Rising," originally printed in ONLY HOPE #3. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to adapt it into a comic. I hope it isn't altered beyond recognition.
May The Force Be With You All! -- Karl Rydholm
- Ill Weeds Grow Apace, fiction by Pia C. Rasmussen (5)
- Genesis, fiction by Yvette Ghilan (9)
- The Customers, fiction by John Fredericks (27)
- Under the Sign of the Empire, poem by Karl Rydholm (30)
- That's What Friends Are For, fiction by Judith Ebberley (31)
- Bad Moon Rising (comic adaptation by Karl Rydholm), fiction by M.J. Mink (story originally in Only Hope #3) (this is part one; part two was to appear in issue #2 but did not) (40)
- The Last Tie-Fighter, poem by Karl Rydholm (46)
- Sparkle, fiction by M.J. Mink (47)
- The Grukar, fiction by Pia C. Rasmussen (50)
- Anakin's Year, fiction by M.J. Mink (70)
- Won't Somebody Help Me, filk to the tune of Rolling Stones "Honky Tonk Women" by Bert-Olof Lundin (75)
- Fragments of Disbelief, fiction by Karl Rydholm (77)
- The Grace of Leia, poem by Karl Rydholm (78)
- 200 of Barrels of Beer in the Hold, fiction by Jean Ward (79)
- Touched by the Force (comic adaptation by Karl Rydholm), fiction by Mary Jo Fox (the story originally appeared in Echo Three #2) (95)
- Rising to the Occasion, fiction by John Fredericks (110)
- Holowan Super Breakout, fiction by Jason Grant (115)
from issue #1, Bert-Olof Lundin
from issue #1, sample text
from issue #1, Bert-Olof Lundin
from issue #1, Bert-Olof Lundin
from issue #1, Karl Rydholm
from issue #1, Erik Sulek
from issue #1, Bert-Olof Lundin
from issue #1, Anders Stenbeck
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1
Just finished Sarlacc and wanted to tell you what 1 thought of it. Overall, I was impressed with the quality of the zine. Yvette Ghilan's Genesis was a wonderfully atmospheric piece. Karl's gray tone artwork was perfect for this stoiy, especially the one of Ben on page 22. Thanks to Erik for the beautiful art which accompanied my story. I have it photocopied and on my wall. It was excellent. Anakin's Year by MJ Mink was excellent, my favorite story of the zine. Good use of the seasons and I liked the little poems, they truly added to the stoiy. Sparkle was a cute look at Ben's death (if a story about death can be cute). Both of the comics stories (Bert-Olof's and Karl Rydholm's) were great. I wish there were more comics stories in zines. Karl's picture on page 44 of Anakin showing his severed hands and arms was truly chilling. Jean Ward's 200 Barrels of Beer was a good introduction to the character of Rider. The artwork which accompanied this story was well-done. Maybe we'll see more of Rider in the future Jean? Judith Ebberley's That's What Friends Are For was well written. I think this is the first time I've read any of her stories. Pia Rasmussen's The Gnikar was also well written, and I liked Bert-Olof's art on page 52. It was a strange coincidence to see two stories featuring a long lost Han Solo sister in one zine.
The only story that I didn't care for was Jason Grant's Holowan Super Breakout. I guess I didn't get where it was going, and didn't sympathize with any of the characters. Sorry Jason.
All of the art was appreciated, especially the Boba Fett cover.[1]
Congratulations on your first issue. The cover is absolutely wonderful, the colors vivid and the view interesting. Great way to begin a zine - that cover, then the 'Yoda, Dark Lord of the Sith" cartoon, which is hysterically funny.
Pia Rasmussen's stories are very unusual and enjoyable; she has a fresh perspective which is wonderful to find. I hope we see more of her stories.
Yvette Ghilan's "Genesis" is different; it begins with an almost mystical or religious feeling, then settles down into a good, solid story.
John Fredericks' "The Customers" is delightfully ironic - it makes me suspend my disbelief and see Vader pawning the lightsaber - loved the clerk.
Both Judith Ebberley's 'That's What Friends Are For" and Jean Ward's "200 Barrels of Beer" are good looks at Han, and the Rider character is strong and believable. "Touched by the Force" is a good story - Karl's and Bert-Olofs idea of turning stories into comics is terrific.
"Holowan Super Breakout" by Jason Grant is scary and full of well-described action.
All the artwork is so creative and well done that I don't like to select only a few for praise. But I particularly enjoyed Bert-Olofs on page 30 with the stormtrooper helmets - most unique! I also really liked Luke and the tentacled monster - good action.
Thanks, Karl, for the beautiful art you did for "Bad Moon Rising". The illos are very imaginative with innovative perspectives; They're exceptionally well done, and I'm delighted with the way the story looks. (And Vader's naked backside is extremely popular among my friends... and me.) Thanks also to Erik Sulek for the wonderful illo he did for one of my other stories - and his great Vader on page 29. All your artists in this issue created splendid artwork.[2]
I was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of SARLACC's first issue at MediaWestCon in Lansing, Michigan. As an avid "Star Wars" fan and a long time fanfiction writer, I'm always happy to see new zines coming along, especially those that broaden "Star Wars" fandom across our small blue world. I loved the cover art by co-editor Karl Rydholm and the cartoon by the other co-editor, Bert-Olof Lundin, of Yoda the Sith Lord was hilarious.
I also liked the unique idea of comic-like stories, though I admit to preferring written and illustrated stories most. Perhaps that's because I cannot draw, however, (srmle) Of the stories, two stand out in my memory. "Sparkle" by MJ Mink is a humorous, totally irreverent look at "Star Wars". I confess to smiling guiltily as I read this talented writer's words, though overall I disagree with the harsh tone she set for Yoda's and Obi-Wan's callousness toward Luke, even in jest. Still, I enjoy her writing a lot.
I truly liked "Holowan Super Breakout" by Jason Grant, but I do wish it hadn't ended quite so abruptly. The inclusion of the lines "bad droid, bad droid..." sent this reader into momentary guffaws and was a fun touch for we Americans, but does anyone else know the reference? This writer shows a lot of promise and I'll look forward to more of his work.
Despite numerous misspellings, readily explained and forewarned of by the editors, I did enjoy SARLACC's premiere issue and hope fervently that there will be more issues to come. It's always wonderful to see a new "Stcir Wars" zine with so much to offer. I wish you both success and may the Force be with you in your endeavors.[3]
A really nice debut zine for you both. I really enjoyed it. The cover art by Karl was exceptionally nice.
Yvette Ghilan's GENESIS was a good pre ANH story about the birth of the twins. I also reEilly liked Karl's artwork for this story. Very unusual and fit the story perfectly.
THE CUSTOMERS by John Fredericks was cute and Judy Ebberley's THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR was another enjoyable instcdlment in her series. I really liked seeing/reading the two adaptions into comic form. Both BAD MOON RISING by MJ Mink/Karl and TOUCHED BY THE FORCE by Maiy Jo Fox/Bert-Olof were two stories I enjoyed originally and thought making them into comic form was an interesting idea. Will we be seeing more of these adaptions? I hope so.
MJ Mink's SPARKLE was a riot! I couldn't stop laughing. On the flip side ANAKIN'S YEAR was intense and gave a slightly different take on events.
Though I didn't comment on every item, I really enjoyed reading SARLACC and look for ward to the next issue.[4]
Issue 2
Sarlacc 2 contains 140 pages. While not dated, the zine was published in 1997. The editor was Bert-Olof Lundin.
The art is by Matt Busch, Maikel Das, Judith Klinger, Bert-Olof Lundin, Fredrik Stjernstrom, Erik Sulek, Jonas Vesterlund, Rhydderch Wilson. The front cover is by Bert-Olof Lundin.
[The editorial]:Finally, the second issue of SARLACC is done. I hope you enjoy it. There's been some changes since #1. Karl Rydholm hasn't been co-editing this issue so, unfortunately, you won't be seeing any of his great artwork or the conclusion to "Bad Moon Rising." There is also no comic adaptation by myself due to problems with contributors and broken promises at the end.
A lot of people told me I was "crazy" doing a Star Wars zine alone, but I though that it would be quite ok. Now I can only agree and look forward to next time. On SARLACC #3 I will once again have a co-editor. Namely Pia C. Rasmussen, so then the zine will be a Swedes/Danish zine which I think will be great. Pia has got her own computer and she's a writer. I'm an illustrator and I haven't got a computer, so the cooperation with her will be very positive...
Finally, I really hope you'll enjoy this publication. Feel free to write. It doesn't have to be about SARLACC. I like hearing from people. --Bert-Olof Lundin
- Dark Beginnings, fiction by Mary Jo Fox (7)
- Encounters, fiction by Jason Grant (8)
- It's What I Do, filk to the tune of "It's What I Do" by Billy Dean, by Debbie Kittle (12)
- Future Dreams and Nightmares, part one, fiction by Pia C. Rasmussen (13)
- Ambulance Deliverance, fiction by Jason Grant (36)
- Looking for Predators, fiction by M.J. Mink (40)
- Princess Leia, filk to the tune of "Adalaida" by George Strait, by Debbie Kittle (72)
- The Problem with Gas, fiction by Suzanne Godsalve ("The first pages of this story were originally written for 'Force Sensitive' but I always wanted to come back to the story and tell the events after Cavon fled to the hills. Here is the result and I hope you enjoy it.") (73)
- A Scimitar Wedged, fiction by Matt Kirkby (85)
- Future Dreams and Nightmares, part 3, fiction by Pia C. Rasmussen (98)
- Yoda Said, poem by Michael Kallus (118)
- Ambulance III: Die Hard in an Ambulance, fiction by Jason Grant (119)
- Things in the Night, fiction by Matt Kirby (131)
from issue #2, Maikel Das
from issue #2, Bert-Olof Lundin
from issue #2, Judith Klinger
from issue #2, Rhydderch Wilson
from issue #2, Rhydderch Wilson
from issue #2, Rhydderch Wilson
from issue #2, Bert-Olof Lundin
from issue #2, Erik Sulek
from issue #2, Erik Sulek
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 3
Overall, it was a great zine. Most of the art was fabulous - pages #6,9,42,85,134 & 140 were the best. The stories were also really good.
Great cover. That would be a photocopy of a painting? Given the name of the zine, the image fits (though what will you do for #3?) Reading over the letters' page makes me want to read the stories being discussed... I see that I really must order a copy of #1. (Are they still available? I've enclosed cash to get 1.)
"Dark Beginnings" was a great story... I guessed it was about Mara Jade before the ending. Mary Jo is a good storyteller.
"Encounters" I liked Autarre, so seeing more of the Trianni in this was nice. Of course, seeing the pre-Vader Anakin was even nicer.
"Future Dreams" Certainly an epic story... more rogue Jedi, more visits by dead Jedi, and the entire galaxy gets skewed off of its normal path. Of course, the fun of these zines is being able to send the Saga off onto new tangents. Nice villain - female but not a freak or alien as well... how refreshing - though I thought Palpatine's only relative was his grandniece, Ederlatth Pallopides? If Padua's his daughter, who was the mother? (Mara? Roganda? Some other Hand?) "Ambulance" Both of these stories were interesting (what happened to #2?) reading. Do we really want to know how Hutts reproduce? (Their table manners are disgusting enough... let's not get into other bodily functions, eh?)
"Looking For Predators" So Han smuggled spice and Luke used it. What would Yoda say of this? Great line in this: "Guess that means Uncle Owen's not a predator, huh?"
"No Time For Sorrow" Just what we need, another view of Luke moping about. On the other hand, I found this version to be more interesting than a Luke who shut's himself away in his father's old castle.
"A Problem With Gas" From the title, I expected something humorous... this was good though.
"A Scimitar Wedged" I hate that title... it sounded good at the time but I now have no idea what it was supposed to mean. I also have quibbles with some of what I wrote and noted sentences and facts I'd like to change - why did Stackpole wipe Mynock and rename him GATE? - but still... I like the art though.
"Die Hard" This was funny. Yet another look at the fact that most Imperial personnel were just simple working people. I thought that Boba Fett would make this into a really cool story... and then it turns out to be that faker, Kast.
"Things In The Night" I still like this story... and the sequel will be even better. I don't know about anyone else, but I've lost a page - #135 to be exact. What could be better than seeing Imps facing these Aliens? Even Palpatine would think twice about these guys. That art is good.
All in all, a very good zine.[5]
Just finished reading SARLACC 2 and wanted to drop you an LoC to tell you I enjoyed it.
"Dark Beginnings" by Mary Jo Fox was a good piece -1 liked the Mara Jade character.
I was happy to see Pia Rasmussen's "Future Dreams and Nightmares" was concluded in this issue. I hate waiting for conclusions in other issues. I found the story to be interesting and it held my interest.
Marti Schuller's "No Time For Sorrow" was a good "bringing the hero down to earth" story.
Matt Kirkby's "A Scimitar Wedged" - a Wedge in action story which was nicely done.
Artwork throughout was a great compliment to everything. A good job, Bert![6]
Once more it was wonderful to see and pick up SARLACC at MediaWest Con in Lansing, Michigan. I must compliment the art by Maikel Das on page six. It was fabulous. It's great to see an action illo also. I love portrait art, but action scenes are so rare, especially well done ones, that it was an added treat. More, please!!! Ditto for Erik Sulek's and Jonas Vesterlund's marvelous illos for "Things in the Night".
"Looking for Predators" by MJ Mink was an interesting story with a novel idea, nicely written.
"A Scimitar Wedged" by Matt Kirkby was also a well-written story. I'm not usually a fan of the so-called "minor" characters, but this adventure was fun. Good illos as well.
"Thins in the Night" by Matt Kirkby was probably my favorite of tbe zinc. It had a clever idea and was, again, nicely written. Thought my copy was missing page 135, I was able to appreciate this story nonetheless. I'll be looking forward to more form this author.
Though I could not finish "Future Dreams and Nightmares" by P.C. Rasmussen due to a personal bias against the characters of the so-called pro novels, I do recognize and appreciate good writing. I may disagree with the plot and characters, but I hope I can always acknowledge skill.
All in all, SARLACC 2 was a fine zine and a promising successor to issue one. I wish you both a long and happy future as co-editors. On to issue three![7]
You did a fine job on your own with "Sarlacc #2." Again, it's a solidly-produced zine with a nice mix of contributions from all over the world. My favorite stories were the two by Matt Kirkby: "A Scimitar Wedged" and "Things in the Night." I love good action stories, and "Things" was an example of how to do crossovers well.
Matt has a good grip on writing military fiction, a rare talent among fan writers.
"No Time For Sorrows" by Marti Schuller was a nice insight into Luke's feelings of loss and grief post Yavin. It's refreshing to see someone deal with Luke in an honest way.
Pia's "Future Dreams and Nightmares" series had its moments and a lot of very good ideas, though I couldn't understand why Padua would just keep Leia and Mon Mothma around instead of killing them.
I'm not trying to he mean here, hut when I saw the title "A Problem With Gas," I thought it was going to he about the SW gang and an unfortunate bean casserole.
As for the poems and filks, I enjoyed Debbie's "Princess Leia" the most.
This issue had some very good art, namely Bert-Olof's painted cover. Matt Busch's pieces, and the illos by Maikel Das, Judith Klinger, Rhydderch Wilson, and Erik Sulek. I wish you and Pia lots of luck in making "Sarlacc" #3 a success. [8]
Issue 3
Sarlacc 3 is undated, but was published in 1998. It contains 95 pages of stories and artwork. This zine is unique in that it contains a very rare piece of Jabba the Hut artwork, and it's on the cover no less!
The zine has a colour cover by Helen Olson and interior artwork by Maikel Das, Magnus Eriksson, Eve Junker, Bert-Olof Lundin, Brian Sevilla, Nancy Stasulis, Anders Stenbeck, Fredrik Stjernstrom, Erik Sulek and Jonas Vesterlund.
The editorial by Pia :
Greetings and salutations, Exalted Ones!
Welcome to Sarlacc #3. As I am fairly new to this publishing-business, I have naturaly left most of the work to Bert-Olof, which he of course does so well. As a combined effort, this zine is going places (if I may say so myself) and I naturally hope that all of you good readers will enjoy reading it as much as we have enjoyed putting it together. Thank you also for all your letters and your comments. Surely they are being appreciated. Now go forth and read. And keep those letters coming.
May the Force be with you.
From the editorial by Bert-Olof:
Greetings, o' mighty readers!
After a short delay, SARLACC #3 is now done. In the end it turned out that this issue, with its appr. 100 pages, was the shortest so far (#1 was appr. 120 pages and #2 was appr. 140) But what this issue lacks in length, it most certainly compensates with its contents. When I first got the idea of making my own 'zine, I had a feeling that it would be easier for me to get hold of illos than it would be to get stories, and with this issue that's true. As you might notice, in this issue are stories by 7 different authors, but artwork by 11 different artists. (Of the stories, Pia has written almost half, counting the pages, which means that if it hadn't been for her this issue wouldn't have been finished for some time).
What makes me especially proud in this issue is that we've been able to get a good mix of 'the next generation' illustrators and pros. I'm especially proud that we're able to give you some of Magnus Eriksson's artwork.
[snipped]
As I write this we've started working on #4 (to be released in 1999) so please send us your stories, poems, jQlks and artwork. Be a part of SARLACC and help us make this 'zine even better. And, please, send as a LoC and let us know what you thought of this issue.
Now, let the SARLACC devour you, and be sure we'll be back in '99.
- Ghosts of the Past, fiction by P.C. Rasmussen (8)
- The Monster Squad, fiction by Jason Grant (15)
- Communication, fiction by Marci Schuller (29)
- Temptations, fiction by P.C. Rasmussen (35)
- Snowball, fiction by M.J. Mink (54)
- Chasing Nightmares, fiction by Matt Kirkby (57)
- A Day on Isadas, fiction by Suzanne Godsalve (67)
- Conversations with a Spirit, fiction by Mary Jo Fox (77)
- Home is Where the Heart Is, fiction by P.C. Rasmussen (80)
inside page from issue #3, Magnus Eriksson
inside page from issue #3, Eve Junker
inside page from issue #3, Bert-Olof Lundin
inside page from issue #3, Nancy Stasulis
inside page from issue #3, Maikel Das
inside page from issue #3, Erik Sulek
inside page from issue #3, Erik Sulek
inside page from issue #3, Erik Sulek
inside page from issue #3, Magnus Eriksson
inside page from issue #3, Jonas Vesterlund
