Shadowstar/Issues 18-19

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Issue 18

Shadowstar 18 was published in Spring 1985 and contains 170 pages.

front cover of issue #18, Mary Jean Holmes

back cover of issue #18

From the editorial:

Well, here we are with our third all Star Wars issue — and what a monster it threatened to be! As it is, our abbreviated version of Penumbra — The Staff Strikes Back! — and lack of editorials were not enough to keep this baby under control. But it's a marvelous selection of stuff, both short and long, happy and sad, and here's hoping everyone enjoys it.

By the way, our Indiana Jones 'zine, FORTUNE AND GLORY, is now ready, too. Take a look at the last page for more details...

Taking care of unfinished business from last issue first: remember how I discussed the Homeless Orphan illos that appeared throughout #17? There're more of them in this issue, as you will see. Also, in an effort to stir up some sort of response for the letters column, I tasked poor Wanda for her lovely illustration on #17's back cover, but offered no explanation. Well, since exactly three people have even brought the subject up, I'll make the statement I decided against making last time (my grammar, obviously, is going down the tubes). Wanda's illo is NOT a kill, as they are known; quite the contrary: it's what you might almost call an anti-kill. It was done in emotional response to a genuine 'kill' story (which was written by another author) for her own edification (and peace of mind), Wanda wrote a beautifully sensitive addendum, which believably negated the death scene. In the advent some other fan writer or editor sees that illo and thinks they were being given the double-shuffle, Wanda (and I) wish to make it perfectly clear that she doesn't do 'kills.' Neither does SHADOWSTAR ~ at least not in terms of offing our Heroes. We want to see stories that deal with the lives of Luke, Han, Leia, etc., not their deaths. Okay?

While we're on the subject of potential future submissions: due to a wide variety of reasons — some of which I have yet to figure out! — we've been receiving an unprecedented number of original SF and fantasy submissions from new authors. While I'm both baffled and delighted by this, I find that, as a result, I'm forced to place a temporary hold on original fiction, before I amass a backlog that I won't be able to get through in less than two years. This doesn't mean I want people to stop writing; it just means I'm going to stop accepting original SF and fantasy submissions between now and the end of the year (unless they're humorous. I can always use good humor). Oddly enough, however, we are in crying need of fan fiction and poetry. So if any of you fanfic authors have works you've been sitting on, feel free to send them this way. (By the way, this temporary hold on original works does NOT apply to you, Mike Winkle. Finish the Lykoniad — please!!)

Even though we've been experiencing a shortage of illustrators, this issue's portion of "Fire of the Mind" (it's only in two parts, so please don't kill me!) is being very deliberately run with no illos but the title page. The proofreaders who have read it all agreed with my decision: the story's so intense, it doesn't require illos, and, in fact, might suffer with them. Let's see how it works out.

Under normal circumstances, I have mixed feelings about cross-universe tales, but the two appearing in this issue — Misty Lackey's "A Midsummer's Nightmare" and Mary Frances Zambreno's "Special Delivery" are delightfully unique examples of the art. I applaud them both for pulling off a couple of very difficult feats with grace, humor, and plausibility. Brava!

• Letter from the Editor (1)
• Penumbra (2)
• A Midsummer's Nightmare by Misty Lackey (6)
• The Price of Amber by Roberta Stuemke (25)
• The Price of Amber by Paula Freda (34)
• Fire of the Mind, part one by Mary Jean Holmes (winner of a 1986 Fan Q) (36)
• Thoughts of Love by Marci Erwin (67)
• The Princess and the Pirate by Ellen Randolph (reprinted in Sanctuary) (68)
• Word Search Puzzle by Lynda Vandiver (73)
• Honor's Price, conclusion by Christine Jeffords and eluki bes shahar (part of the Brightstar Universe) (Star Wars) (74)
• Obligatory Sick Cartoon (105)
• Revelations by Ann Wortham (106)
• Star Words Puzzle by Marci Erwin (108)
• Special Delivery by Mary Frances Zanbreno (111)
• Word Search Puzzle by Lynda Vandiver (133)
• Showdown by Lynda Vandiver (133)
• Lost in the Shuffle, conclusion by Mary Jean Holmes (137)
• ads (170)
• art by Mary Jean Holmes (both covers), L.J. Juliano, Wanda Lybarger, Martynn, Karen Pauli, John Sies, Sandra Williams, Mary Wood

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Reactions and Reviews: Issue 18

I'm turning green with envy. I've been a Shakespeare fan since high school. I took every Shakespeare class they offered at college, and got A's for them; I've taped several of the plays and watch them frequently. All this, and I still can't manage to write iambic pentameter. Then, along comes Misty Lackey! She not only uses perfect iambic pentameter, she blends it into the SW universe, and in a gem of a story: good plot, believable characters, great climax, and fascinating conflict, inventive and original in concept. Has my ink turned green yet?

Now, as for the rest of SHADOWSTAR #18: I don't generally like short poetry, but I did enjoy the concept behind Paula Freda's "The Viceroy's Daughter," and I found the style interesting. Also intriguing was the first installment of "Fire of the Mind"; not exactly fun to read, but an excellent story nevertheless. The issue's obligatory sick cartoon is one of my all-time favorites: note the generic rebel and Yoda's snicker.

I loved "Special Delivery: Part Two." I've never been a great Dr. Who fan, and I didn't particularly care for Romana in either of her incarnations, but Mary Frances Zambreno managed to make Romana more fun than she ever seemed on TV — at least for me — and I've always been fond of Wedge. Also, Zambreno followed all the rules for good cross-universe stories: consistency, believability, a plot other than just the mixing of the universes, and strongly-written characters.

Lynda Vandiver's "Showdown" — talk about gut-wrenching endings! I did like it, though. And finally, the conclusion of Lost in the Shuffle was excellent, tying all the pieces together nicely. As usual, all the artwork in the issue was competently executed and well-placed. I loved the illo of Puck for "A Midsummer's Nightmare," and I think the back cover is gorgeous. In all, a great issue.

"Showdown." I felt it needed a bit more depth to the characters. That ending was a shocker to me, but unbelievable. Han would have at least protested his old stand-by: "Kid, it wasn't my fault!" I've enjoyed Lynda's light, funny stories much more.

[...]

Lost in the Shuffle: I am one of those die-hard defenders of Lando Calrissian. Ever since he first appeared in TESB, I've protested to all who would listen that Lando is a Good Guy! You've proved he ain't so bad after all, and very much the same as Han himself! The action of this story was especially picturesque, and kept my interest at a peak throughout all four parts. Once again, you have captured the love Solo feels for his fellow man and how he will become involved in other peoples' problems, even at the risk of his own life, to save a friend. The illos, both yours and Wanda's, were just what this reader wanted to see. My best compliment to you is: I LOVED the story; I LOVED the idea; but most of all — I LOVED the ending!! Good show, Mary Jean, and please, don't ever stop 'writing! Yours is a very special gift!!

Mary Jean, I'm going to be mean to you. The premise of "Fire of the Mind" is a good one; there's just one tiny bit that I've got to pick. The dream images are very repetitious to read. I think it might have been a wee bit better had you started with simple fire/death/despair dreams and gradually added detail with each succeeding dream — and watched your phraseology very carefully, so that you never repeated the same description twice in the same way. I know, I know; it's a stone bitch. Try doing a drowning scene and find enough synonyms for "water" and "river" to fill up a page and a half! Other than the nit (and I'm only picking on you because I'm certain you're going to break into pro one of these days yourself), I love the story. I can't wait to see the end.

[...]

I distinctly liked the concepts of honor/duty in "Honor's Price." There are always things worth dying for. Sometimes, one of the, is honor. And see my earlier comments on the honorable man in an honorless society. "The Princess and the Pirate" was a distinct giggle. And pretty much as I'd visualized the scene. Good show! And, at long last, the end of Lost in the Shuffle. My hat is off to you, Fearless. You've done it again.

Now, I've got a whimper to make. Here I had all these stories plotted out in my head: the Experimental LRPS vessels vs. the entire Hijacker Fleet, for instance, or how Andre accidentally followed Di through a Gate and what happened when he did. One a non-series story called "The Duke's Eldest Daughter" I actually did three illos for! And then you call a moratorium on all original stuff! UNFAIR! I guess I'll just have to see if I can possibly manage a passable SW piece. Sulk. (Ed: Oh, heavy sigh. And I do so love your stuff. Misty. But as I said in the Letter From the Editor, I was unexpectedly swamped under with original manuscripts from totally unsolicited and unexpected sources, don't ever stop writing; I look forward to your stories as much as everyone else!.)

Thank you for SHADOWSTAR #18. All the stories were great, but my favorites are "A Midsummer's Nightmare," "The Price of Amber" (yeah. Wedge!), and "Fire of the Mind." Tell Pat Molitor not to stop writing SW — please! Jorann, Ankh, and Ariel are strong characters, and I hope to meet them again. I miss Lumpy; tell him hi, and I hope his editorial will be back next issue.

If that illo on the back of #17 belongs to the story I think it does, I understand Wanda's reaction to it (wish I could read her addendum!). Thanks again!

Being primarily a SW fan, #18 was an issue to which I had been looking forward for a long time. The issue lived up to my expectations.

"A Midsummer's Nightmare" was a cute mixed-universe tale. Even in this mystical setting. Misty did a fine job of keeping all the players in character. I would've loved to see a scene in which Han gave those aristocrats a con-job — it would have been priceless. I also liked the interaction between Puck and Han, especially when Puck turned from Shakespearean dialogue to intergalactic slang.

"The Princess and the Pirate" by Ellen Randolph was an amusing little tale, one that has been done quite a few times lately, but was nevertheless well done. My favorite part of this story was Luke. Ellen showed he does have a sense of humor, something some fan writers often forget. Lately, so many stories have him fighting the Dark Side of the Force and things always look so gloomy. It was nice seeing him adjusting to life so well and having a little fun, even if it is at Han's expense.

I have had quite a bit of trouble getting into "Honor's Price." I have started part one several tines and just can't get very far. This is in spite of the fact that I have read a number of Chris's Brightstar stories and generally like Mari Sevenstars, although more so when she is interacting with the SW originals. Chris is an excellent and talented writer, and I know if I can just get into the story, I will enjoy it. After all, I started the novel Hauaii seven tines before I got into it and it remains to this day one of my favorites. (Ed: Hm, we all seem to have had incidents like that in our pasts m Perhaps we learn to love things more, the more trouble they give as...? An interesting thought...)

"Revelations" had the usual insight into the characters' thoughts which Ann Wortham generally shows. I would like to see her write something a bit longer, though. "Special Delivery" by Mary Frances Zambreno was humorous and my favorite non-MJH story in the 'zine. Although I know very little about the Dr. Who universe, it did not detract from my pleasure or understanding of this story. Do you think we could talk her into writing part one? That must have been some meeting!

Before I go on to your two stories, I almost forgot about "The Price of Amber." Above, I said that "Special Delivery" was my favorite non-MJH story. I take that back: it's a tie with "Price of Amber." This was an extremely well-written story and had a lot of interesting background on the future of the SW universe. I do believe that this is an extension of your post-ROTJ universe; it is a credit to you that you have developed such a logical progression of what might have happened (are you sure you don't have a line to George Lucas?).

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Anyway, through your stories and some of other authors', I have come to really like Wedge. Many times, his presence adds another dimension to the storyline and the characters around him. Perhaps it's because he's an extension of one of SW's main themes: friendship and loyalty. Roberta's other characters are interesting as well. Although I generally prefer stories involving the three main characters, I am a sucker for stories concerning the children of the Alliance, as I call them, for they are the future of the SW universe. (By the way, is there any chance that Roberta will write a story about Lihanna and Lumpy? Lumpy is another of my favorites.) Even without the presence of the primary three in this story, it is one that reflects the value of the SW saga in Wedge's realization of what is happening. His love for his children and his desire for their love and respect without compromising his own ideals or the Republic's was an interesting conflict, yet well resolved.

Before I continue, I would like to say something about the art. No matter how much or how little there is in the 'zine, SHADOWSTAR always contains high-quality and thought-provoking illustrations. However, Mary Jean, I have one complaint: these so-called "orphan illos" are driving me crazy! I want my curiosity quenched! In particular the back cover of #17. ((ED: Uh-oh.)) Is there any way that Wanda's story will see the light of day? I've read two of her stories in other 'zines, and the lady — like the editor of this 'zine — is talented in many different directions. ((ED: Oh, my. Well, we have put our foot in it this time, haven't we? Unfortunately, being the supremely talented individual she is, Wanda, like most talented people, doesn't have nearly enough time to do all the things she would like. Since one needs to earn a living and satisfy their our creative longings, choices as well as sacrifices have to be made, and Wanda has told me that one of her choices was to pat her writing into mothballs. Also, the story connected with that particular illustration cannot stand alone, as it was written strictly for the author's edification as a reader, not for potential publication. I can't even tell you in which 'zine the original tale (which was NOT Wanda's) appeared. All I know is that it was a 'kill' story of such a potentially depressing nature, the 'addendum' was written to negate the death-scene and make it possible to read past that story and into the rest of the publication. Does this make sense? I hope so, 'cause we simply cannot print it, and I don't want to see anyone upset by that fact.))

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From the back cover of #17 to the back cover of #18. Mary Jean, is that by any chance Han and Leia's wedding portrait? From the looks on their faces — pure joy and happiness in each other — what else could it be? ((ED: Ah — how about my attempt to draw those two illos for a change?)) I know I may have said this before, but both Wanda's and your art have so much emotion in them, it is hard not knowing the story behind them. If you doubt me, the title illo to "Fire of the Mind" is a prime example. Another favorite of mine in #18 is that of Han and Leia on page 107. It is small yet so romantic and telling of the feelings they have for each other. ((ED: That latter illo was a reject from my already published A Light From the Dark, chapter 19.))

Now, on to the famous MJH stories. The conclusion to Lost in the Shuffle was probably the best installment of the entire novel. The card game with Han and Lando was priceless, and explains a few of those story lines in TESB which have driven fandom to write tons of stories. Again, your version is so logical, I sometimes have a hard time realizing that your universe is not that of George Lucas's. I don't care what comes after ROTJ in the movies (this is, if he ever does shed light onto more of his details); you could go on and write SW. I'll always believe that your version is what actually happened. You do such a good job with Lando. He is one of the SW characters that I have always felt a lot of writers haven't treated fairly or have just written off. Yet he is one of the more real, interesting, and fascinating persons in the saga. Besides, looking at ROTJ, it's clear that Han and Lando do feel something very special for each other. Consider the scene in the landing bay; there is unspoken emotion there. You can only feel that way about someone with whom you have shared many things; it's probably why the betrayal at Bespin hurt Han, yet, considering what Lando had to lose, it was also understandable why he did what he did. The epilogue to LITS was an appropriate ending. Given their motivations under the circumstances — with Han being Han and Lando being Lando — I will always think of this part of your story when I watch TESB and the scene in which Han and Lando first greet each other in the landing pad in Cloud City.

Now, on to "Fire of the Mind." Despite the fact that I truly love all of your writings, this story has to be my favorite so far. Although more gloomy than a lot of the others, the images are so intense, the emotions so high, and the conflict in Han so confusing that I keep rereading it, to hopefully get some clue as to what is happening to him. I have developed some of my own theories as to how part two will develop; I only wish the three months between 'zines were gone! I won't go into some of my theories, as 1 don't to assume anything. I know you won't disappoint me. I only hope that FOTM will shed some light on Han's early childhood, which you have hinted at, at times. Although I missed having art for this story, I can understand your reasons for printing it unillustrated. Whatever Han is trying to block out must be powerful, to make someone as strong of character as he is stand on the verge of insanity. I may be wrong, but I have a feeling that the research Luke's students are doing may tie into something in Han's or his parents' past.

By the way, I was glad to see you bring back Aliana. She was a little girl with a lot of spirit. Kind of reminds you of a certain princess. Talking about bringing back characters: is there any chance that Wyn and Kiri may turn up in one of your post-ROTJ stories? I would like to see how Leia would react to some of Han's friends. Wyn and Kiri seem to be very special people.

I've got to say that Misty Lackey did a really good job with a really hard bit of literature to play with. Her "A Midsummer's Nightmare" was well-written and seems to work. Interesting — I am intrigued as to how she selected one of Shakespeare's work for a cross-universe story. Is there a tale about this?

I'm going to reserve my judgement on your "Fire of the Mind" until I've read it all. Part one is so well-written — but poor Han! I hate to see him so distraught. Also, I'm dying to read the second half, so, hopefully, Han will be okay.

"The Princess and the Pirate" by Ellen Randolph — real fun. Loved Martynn's art! I'm not really sure about "Special Delivery part two" by Mary Frances Zambreno, the Romana (Dr.Who)/Star Wars cross-universe story. It had all the typical zaniness and utter madness of the "not-so-normal" Who stories, but it seems to lack some of the more basic character interactions. I'm not sure if you can grasp my meaning, because I'm not truly sure of what I'm saying. I guess I just wanted a better handle on what all the characters were thinking. It was still fun, though, and a cute idea. I missed the Doctor, though.

"Fire of the Mind" really got to me; I actually felt sorry for Han. The thought of Chewie sitting in a bacta bath, getting his fur all wet and smelly made me smile for days, not to mention the thought of how the poor wookies must have felt!

Issue 19

Shadowstar 19 was published in Summer 1985 and contains 194 pages.

front cover of issue #19

back cover of issue #19, Martynn

The art is by Mary Jean Holmes, June Edwards, L.J. Juliano, Judith Low, Wanda Lybarger, Martynn, Karen Pauli, John Sies, Mark Wallace, Sandra Williams, and Mary Wood.

• Letter from the Editor (1)
• Penumbra (2)
• Crucible by Misty Lackey (Diana Tregarde) (8)
• Special Delivery, part three, Coreillian Holliday by Mary Frances Zambreno (21)
• Reject by Misty Lackey (51)
• Alderaan Dawn by Mary Jean Holmes (52)
• Dark Lady by Ann E. Huizenga (54)
• The Lykoniad, part five by Mike Winkle (56)
• Saga Star Search Puzzle by Marci Erwin (78)
• Fire of the Mind, conclusion by Mary Jean Holmes (79)
• Poetry by Chris Smith (111)
• A Good Knight's Rest by L.A. Carr (113)
• Temper, Temper by Lynda Vandiver (114)
• The Twin Bond by Kathryn Sullivan (120)
• Past Imperfect by Pat Nussman (160)
• A Single Tear in the Eye of Night by Stephen Studach (162)
• Question by Pat Molitor (173)
• Maiden Flight by Lori Juliano (174)
• The Labyrinth of Darkness, part one by Paula Freda (175)
• Obligatory Sick Cartoon with Limerick (175)
• Afterword (194)

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  from issue #19, Mark Wallace, from "Crucible"

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Reactions and Reviews: Issue 19

Although I don't normally read vampire stories, I must confess I enjoyed Misty Lackey's "Crucible." Learning how Diana Tregarde became a Worldwalker makes me want to go back and read previous Worldwalker tales, over which I had glanced. The story is mild compared to real dark horror, and that is why it caught my interest and held it to the end. Andre stood for good. He was a victim of circumstance. Madame Lilith stood for evil, and in the end, evil destroyed her. I enjoyad the light romance, Patty and Tom, Andra and Diana. I'm an incurable romantic. I'm also an incurable SW fan, so "Corellian Holiday" was quite palatable, although the ending confused me a little. Part four should prove very interesting.

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Mary Jean, please don't ever stop printing SHADOWSTAR, because one of these days, Mr. Lucas may just look in his archives for ideas for his next SW adventure, and I firmly believe SHADOWSTAR will catch his eye.

In conclusion, I don't mind at all the size of #19. I wish it was even bigger. In all, a super issue!

Encore... encore... encore!!! Jean!

A few comments on #19: first, I'll contribute my two credits' worth on the question of original fiction. I thoroughly enjoy all of the original fiction you publish, and hate to think that contributors are interpreting your dictum as an indication of ill-favor! However, no matter how much I enjoy traveling the original universes mapped in SHADOWSTAR, my favorite universe is still SW. If the SW fiction were eliminated, I'd feel as if I'd made a visit home, only to find the family gone! I support your position, but sincerely hope all your talented writers won't be too miffed, because I love their work!

"Crucible" — I always thoroughly enjoy Misty Lackey's work. The Diana Tregarde stories become more intriguing with each episode. It was fun to learn how Di met Andre; I'm very fond of him, and hope to see him in some more starring roles! I was also glad to hear how Diana got into "the business." I felt this story was exciting and well-developed, with just enough detail to feel that problems were credibly resolved, but not enough to slow the pace.

"Special Delivery" — I'm not at all familiar with the Dr. Who universe; however, this appears to be a successful meeting between it and the SU universe. Is the idea of a TARDIS acting up original? It's very amusingly presented, whether or not it is. ... The characters are well-defined and true-to-form, and the sequence of events is entertaining and exciting.

"Question" — this is a lovely poem, with evocative phrases such as "chalice of evil."

The Labyrinth of Darkness — this is a well-written and entertaining romance. I find myself resisting the idea of an — ugh! — arranged marriage for Our Hero; I just can't see Luke falling for this idea, no matter what. Furthermore, Luke's dialog sounds less like Luke than many of the heroes in romance novels. After all these travails, I hope Deanna develops into a more sympathetic character. I look forward to the traditional happy ending.

The fine stories and poems in this issue were complemented by beautiful illustration, such as Mary Wood's on page 41. The man lying on the floor is very good, even though this is a tricky perspective; the whimsical mer-horse on page 50 by Sandra Williams, your Wicked Wizard landscape on page 55, Judith Low's sensitive Luke and Leia on page 112, L.J. Juliano's stylish illos for "The Twin Bond," Lybarger's luscious Han, and Martynn's beautiful back cover. All were excellent.

Mary Jean, the consistently good quality and variety of material in SHADOWSTAR make it a satisfying reading experience every single time. Hope there'll be many, many more to come!

"Crucible." All right. Misty! Bravo! That's a wonderful beginning for Diana! And I had wondered how she had ever met Andre; I was so glad to see him in this. A first rate story. Misty!

"Special Delivery, part three." Oh, good! Romana returns with the spice (and I like the idea of the different colors). A nicely complex story. Romana was so perfectly in character, something I have seen very seldom, even in Dr. Who 'zines. Pure delight. I did so love her TARDIS's idea of concealment. Nice touch, too, in having Romana remain consistent in her choice of form for regeneration. Well done!

The Lykoniad. How! I can't wait for the next installment! More, please!

"Fire of the Mind." A very gripping tale -- The flashbacks were handled masterfully. I honestly could not put this story down once I'd started it (so it's all your fault that I didn't get to sleep until two A.M.). I'm so glad you didn't take the easy route and have Han and Ardel reunited. Much too soon for that.

"A Good Knight's Rest." Very nice. Judith Low's illo was perfect. Poor Luke!

"Temper, Temper." Oh, this is a great "sequel" to "One Good Turn..." A marvelous story. Wish I could see it performed!

Larry's artwork was just beautiful for "The Twin Bond." Except...(no, Kathy, you will not grumble about parrots with robin-toed feet. Especially when Sinhgiki looked so cute, otherwise. Whimper, yes.)

"A Single Teardrop in the Eye of Night." Gosh, that was so sad.

"The Labyrinth of Darkness." Interesting. I didn't like Deanna at first, but I'll wait and see how the tale unfolds.

All in all, #19 was just great! I loved the giant hairball, too!