Shadowstar/Issues 20-22
Issue 20
Shadowstar 20 was published in Winter 1986 and contains 160 pages. It is all Star Wars.
The art is by Mary Jean Holmes, L.J. Juliano, Wanda Lybarger, Martynn, Karen Pauli, John Sies, Mark Wallace, and Mary Wood.
- Letter from the Editor (1)
- The Ugliness Without by Paula Freda (2)
- Locked Room by Mary Frances Zambreno (7)
- Second Chance by Misty Lackey (Dawntreader) (25)
- Knight Dreams by L.A. Carr (29)
- A Question of Intention by Lynda Vandiver (31)
- Lando by Paula Freda (34)
- Not a Hero by Marci Erwin (35)
- Natural Resouces by Tom N. Traub (36)
- The Lykoniad, part seven by Mike Winkle (40)
- Characters, Creatures and Places of TESB, puzzle by Marci Erwin (72)
- A Very Private Vendetta by Mary Jean Holmes (73)
- Circle of Love by Mary St. Cyr (117)
- Old Friends? by Misty Lackey (Dawntreader) (122)
- The Labyrinth of Darkness, part two by Paula Freda (139)
- ads (162)
from issue #20, Wanda Lybarger
from issue #20, Mary Jean Fox
from issue #20, Wanda Lybarger
from issue #20, Mary Wood
from issue #20, Mark Wallace
from issue #20, Mary Wood
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 20
Issue 20 contains a variety of stories, several in continuing series. Mary St. Cyr finally marries off her two young Jedi in "Circle of Love." A totally different sort of Star Wars entry is Mary Frances Zambreno's "Locked Room," in which Luke is suspected of murder when an anti-Jedi senator is found strangled to death on the floor of his locked bathroom. "Knight Dreams," by L. A. Carr, depicts Luke's nightmares after Sespin, and General Rieekan makes Han a standing offer in "A Question of Intention," by Lynda Vandiver.
"The Labyrinth of Darkness" continues in this and the next two issues. Written by Paula Freda in the style of a fairy tale, it brings Luke together with a haughty, tomboyish lady who challenges him to a series of contests to win her hand. In the meantime, Han is assigned to track down a Dark Side assassin, a mission he tries unsuccessfully to keep from Leia. All are gathered to challenge the Labyrinth, a source of evil and death. Mary Jean Holmes' "A Very Private Vendetta" is a complicated tale of Han's need for revenge against the men responsible for his outcast status on Corellia, even if twenty-five years have passed. [1]
No Lumpy for three issues. I hope this situation isn't permanent... Also Darla and the Dawntreader, something I've missed.
"Locked Room" — a very good whodunit. Poor Luke, convicted on circumstantial evidence. Lucky for him the two people closest to him knew he was innocent.
"A Very Private Vendetta" — Han gets his revenge honestly and gets reinstated in Corellian society. I was glad to see this happen, although he really seems happy with things the way they are. Despite Lando's misgivings, everything worked out just like Han said it would. He sure surprised a lot of people with his Jedi abilities and his statement that he was "a duly appointed Republic officer." It seems that Solo has indeed grown up during the course of the years. [2]
It was marvelous! I have discovered that it's fatal to glance at your 'zine when it arrives, especially when I have things to do. Everything promptly gets dropped until I finish reading. I really loved Martynn's beautiful illo of Isabeau and Navarre. Lovely piece of work!
On to the stories. Paula Freda's "The Ugliness Without" was just beautiful. Wanda's illo was just perfect for it.
"Locked Room." What an excellent mystery story! She has Han down so well. I really enjoy Mary Frances' stories.
"Second Chance." This was a great sequel to "Cry Havoc!" I do enjoy a good cross-time/universe story, and this one was just perfect. Hope there will be more.
"Knight Dreams." Oooh, spooky tale. Fits perfectly into Lucas' timeline.
"A Question of Intention." Oh, I do like the way Rieekan is handled. Nice story.
And, though I'm not much on poetry, "Lando" was very nice.
"Natural Resources." I found it very interesting. And thought-provoking.
The Lykonied — whew! There was a point where I was afraid he was going to end the story. Glad to see it will still go on. Mary Wood did a good job on the faun, too.[3]
Issue 21/22
Shadowstar 21/22 was published in Spring/Summer 1986 and contains 244 pages. It has some Blake's 7 content, other fandoms unknown.
- Letter to the Editor (1)
- Shady Thoughts: On Challenger Incident by Mary Jean Holmes (3)
- Penumbra (5)
- Solstice by Veronica Wilson (12)
- Who Ya Gonna Call? by Misty Lackey (The Real Ghostbusters) (15)
- Word Search Puzzles by Lynda Vandiver (14)
- The Privilege of Her Burning , part one of two by Christine Jeffords and eluki bes shahar (part of the Brightstar Universe) (23)
- Dreaming of Dragons by Mary Frances Zambreno (49)
- The Unveiling by Paula Freda (57)
- The Windkin by Kathryn Sullivan (58)
- No Returns by Pat Nussman (64)
- On Falcon Wings by Kathryn Agel (part of Starbird's Children Universe) (65)
- Conan the Corinthian by Georgette E. Howard (75)
- The Lyknoiad by Mike Winkle, (78)
- The Real World by Jacqueline Taero (101)
- Jedimania by Pat Militor (102)
- Journeyer by Karin Zygowicz (108)
- Slow Dancing by Ann Wortham (109)
- Obligatory Sick Cartoon (112)
- Allegro Non Troppo by Mary Wood (113)
- Tomorrow is the Past by Misty Lackey (Dawntreader) (138)
- Musings by Karen Weikert (144)
- Deductions by Leah Rosenthal and Ann Wortham (reprinted in The Bizarro Zine #1) (145)
- To the Rescue by Marti Schuller (149)
- Uncertain Surrender by Barbara Gardner (158)
- Happily Never After, part one of three by Mary Jean Holmes (159)
- Deathless in Merredhall by Roberta Stuemke (198)
- All in the Family by L.A. Carr (210)
- A Tear by Barbara Gardner (214)
- A Light Against the Darkness by Ellen Randolph (reprinted in Sanctuary) (215)
- The Labyrinth of Darkness, part three of four by Paula Freda (220)
- The Lazy Man's Trilogy Puzzl by Marci Erwin (242)
- ads (244)
- art by Kevin Duncan, Marci Erwin, Mary Jean Holmes, L.J. Juliano, Judith Low, Wanda Lybarger (back cover), Martynn, Carol Paulson, Leah Rosenthal, John Sies, Kathy Sullivan, Mark Wallace, Sandra Williams, Mary Woods
from issue #21/22, Martynn
from issue #21/22, Mary Jean Holmes
from issue #21/22, Mary Jean Holmes
from issue #21/22, Mary Jean Holmes
from issue #21/22, Mary Wood
from issue #21/22, Mark Wallace
from issue #21/22, Leah Rosenthal
from issue #21/22, Mary Jean Holmes
from issue #21/22, Judith Low
from issue #21/22, Wanda Lybarger
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 21/22
See reactions and reviews for A Light Against the Darkness.
Shadowstar 21/22 is a combined issue, brimming full of Star Wars fiction, poetry and art. Shadowstar draws from an impressive array of writers, and often features new names to the fanzine world. It also has an irreverent sense of humor, as displayed by Pat Molitor's "Jedimania," in which poor Luke is beset by hordes of screaming adolescent fans. And things are not much better in Mary Frances Zambreno's "Dreaming of Dragons," in which a puzzled Luke counsels a group of troubled dragons in his dreams.
Christine Jeffords, with Eluki Bes Shahar, adds another encounter between Mari Sevenstars and the Lady Dolca Vader in "The Privilege of Her Burning." Kathryn Agel also adds to her saga of Han's sister in "On Falcon's Wings," and Wedge Antilles finally gets the attention he deserves in Mary Wood's "Allegro No Troppo." Mary Jean Holmes begins another series of her own in "Happily Never After." Han finds himself in conflict with Luke, Leia, the Ewoks and the Rebels. He takes advantage of a mission to get away from Endor and think things through, unaware that he has acquired an unwilling passenger, Logray. Logray's disappearance from Endor is looked on with such suspicion by the Ewoks that recent allies may soon be enemies. [4]
Issue #21/22 was another high-caliber product. There's a lot of good art; some of my favorites are: the sultry woman on page 7 by Juliano, the precious ET on page 9 by Martynn, Williams' hilarious cartoon on page 74, and Wallace's expressive figures on page 142. I loved Marci Erwin's 'toon on 243, and all of Lybarger's Hans. It must be difficult to put so such yearning into the posture of a figure wearing full armor and breath mask but Mary Wood does an excellent job in the illo on page 14. I also liked those broad shoulders on the blushing Jedi on page 107 (heh, heh) and the alien on 126. Our Editor's illo of Luke with the dragon on page 52 is absolutely priceless. The Ewoks are excellently drawn in the illos for your own story.
[...]
In this issue, I thought "Solstice" gave a fascinating analysis of Vadar's feelings before meeting Luke. "Who You Gonna Call?" is another witty, delightful piece from Misty Lackey. A troll named Abercrombie?
"The Privilege of Her Burning" gives an interesting further development on Lady Vader. "Dreaming of Dragons" is enchanting! Cute irony to make Luke a marital relations (or should I say “weyr relations") counsellor! "The Windkin" gives engrossing little glimpses into Kathryn Sullivan’s universe. I feel strongly sympathetic with Elin’s plight.
"Conan the Corinthian" is hilarious! I’ve always loved Georgette
Heyer'sHoward’s romances -- gads, the heroes are always irreproachable!The Lykoniad is really heating up. I hated seeing poor Risha die. Ingenious idea, that the "real" bodies are being kept in a special hall. I was very surprised by that development.
"Jedimania." Sigh. So even the Jedi lacks objectivity about himself. Wish I could get hold of that poster!
"Allegro Non Troppo" is a pleasant, well-developed tale of Wedge’s romance. Enjoyed the descriptions of Endor Base. Wedge’s growing feelings are endearingly portrayed.
"Tomorrow is the Past" — I love the Darla and Derek stories. I'm glad Derek had a chance to exorcise his bitterness.
"To the Rescue" shows an interesting alien culture, and has a satisfying plot resolution. Happily Never After — It’s great to read about the Ewoks in more detail. They have a viable culture that deserves further exploration. The conflict between the Alliance and Ewok leaders is quite realistic. "Deathless in Merredhall" is a well-written fantasy. I was interested, even though I don’t usually enjoy fantasy.
“A Light against the Darkness" — I love Ellen Randolph’s writing! This is a heartwarming vignette, with beautiful symbolism of the lightsaber, and description of Luke’s potential of the bond between him and Han. The natural dialogue between them enhanced the description of their growing friendship.
Thanks for another good issue. I'm looking forward to #23! [5]
If a story, book, or movie can make me either laugh or cry, it usually wins my affections. But when it can do both, such as the first part of Happily Never After, I treasure the joy it gives me. It was refreshing to see your view of Ewok life. They were charming without being too cute, and definitely had their sore crotchety side with Logray. I particularly liked the beginning of his and Han's grudging admiration for each other, toward the end. I have a feeling that this old Ewok may help Han find some of the answers to his problems. Also, Han's emotional turmoil was understandable. Though he may not always react in the most mature manner, he does react honestly. It makes me want to either take him in my arms and comfort him, or hit him over the head with the nearest 2x2. As you can tell, I'm looking forward to the rest of the story in upcoming issues.[6]
"Who You Gonna Call?": I read this again at work one day and had a few of my co-workers ready to call in the men in the white coats, I was laughing so much (not that they need such excuse, anyway; they all know I's a little "touched"). I actually enjoyed this story more than I did the movie.
"Dreaming of Dragons"! "They're going to take me away!" No, the other library staff just discreetly left me alone in the breakroom while I laughed and grinned to myself. This story was a lot of fun, very clever and well done. The illos were beautiful, too.
"Windkin": The Folk's culture was very interesting and believable. The these of alienation is very close to home for most of us, and Kathryn handles it quite well.
The Lykoniad: I rarely if ever cry while watching a movie or reading a story, but the unicorn's fate touched me deeply. It was so beautifully done. The Wild Hunt itself was also well done, as was the illo of Bardolph waking.
"The Real World": Not just coloring books, either. Have you seen all the junk they're Marketing for kids these days? I mean, Black Flak chewing gum?! I think there's less danger from a violent movie than there is from how that movie is pushed and promoted by a bunch of greedy businessmen whose dreams are limited to "money makes the world go around."
"Jedimania": I'm glad my colleagues had al ready cleared the breakroom when I started rereading this story — my hoots of laughter would have had them really wondering. This was really great, hysterical fun.
"Allegro Non Troppo": This story works not only as a Wedge romance, but also as a spy mystery. Even though this James Bond fan was able to figure out who the spy was, unmasking him held my interest. The characters were nicely portrayed, the plot neat, and all the loose ends cleverly tied off. The illos were suitably place and nicely drawn.
"Deductions": I can just hear Avon saying all this, absurd as the premise was. And that's the sort of thing Blake would pull.
"To the Rescue": This was a really cute story. Nice aliens, good set-up, interesting problem, and a believable solution. Very nice.
"Happily Never After": I'm a sucker for Ewoks — true Ewoks, anyway, not the cutesy ones some people persist in writing about. I like the relationship between Han and Logray, and how it's developing. The two story-lines — Han and Logray, and the Republic vs. the Ewoks — were neatly balanced. The Ewok illos were also very good. It's nice to see all those furry faces looking different from each other. [7]
"Solstice" — an interacting insight into what Vader sight have been thinking as the final battle approached. To find himself doubting the course he had followed for so long must have been unnerving, indeed, even for his. To think that it sight have all been for nothing would be enough to give anyone pause, and this at least partly explains why Vader acted as he did on the DEATH STAR, turning against the Emperor at the last second.
"Who You Gonna Call?" — I liked this one a lot. I went to see the movie, but wasn't inpressed until the line, "He slimed me" after which things improved immensely. Misty has certainly captured the spirit (pardon the pun) of the film and she did well by the characters of the Ghostbusters. Still, she must think you need some extra added excitement in your life, the way she keeps dragging you into all this sadness.
[...]
"Dreaming of Dragons" I've never seen a cross-universe story involving Pern before. It works, too. I see Han's point about the humor of Luke's situation, though. Dreaming of friendly, talking dragons smacks of too much giffel fish before bed. Using the Force to help the dragons solve their problem was pretty nifty. Obviously, Luke was the only one who could provide the solution, since he had had experience with a similar situation, namely Han and Leia. Somehow, however, I object to Luke becoming an intergalactic Dear Abby.
"The Windkin" — horses are my business, so I was going to like this one just on general principles. Elin is like so many youngsters, wanting to know more about life, the universe, and everything, chafing against the restrictions set up by his elders. Having learned a little about the world beyond the Herd, he is going to see for himself what it's like and why the others fear it so much.
"No Returns" — I think this is beautiful. Han is finally realizing that he and the princess share common ground. Life hasn’t been fair to either one of then, but they are survivors, and they will help each other forget the bad times.
"On Falcon Wings" — somehow, I would have thought that Cara would have had more faith in her brother’s judgment. Obviously, he saw something in the old freighter, or he wouldn’t have kept her.
"Conan the Corinthian" — typically Conan.
"Georgette" must be related to Robert E. Howard, the original writer, since she seems to have his style down pat.
"The Real World" — how true, how true.
"Jedimania" — Luke, a teenage idol? I suppose it could happen. Trust Han to come up with a way to make money off his popularity. Too bad Luke didn’t know when to leave well enough alone.
"Slow Dancing" — very nice. There don't seem to be that many stories around dealing with the time Han and Leia spent with each other before Lando took them to meet Vader. (ED: Oh, I dunno, a few years back, there seemed to be a veritable plague of them in certain zines, and many taking the very predictable low road.) From this, I get the idea that Han was doing more than awakening emotions Leia didn't want to feel and making her face up to them. It's almost as if he was awakening her Force ability, as well.
"Allegro Non Troppo" — a Wedge story, for a nice change of pace. These are few and far between, and he gets the girl, too. True love through genetics, huh? That's a unique idea, and it could certainly save time.
"Deductions" — I's not familiar with Blake and his crew, but anyone who's ever struggled with tax forms can sympathize with Avon. It was a dirty trick Blake pulled on his, and certainly one way to avoid doing the taxes himself.
"Happily Never After" — boy, Han's carrying around an inferiority complex the size of the Falcon. Corellian society being what it is and the circumstances of Han's life being what they are, it's easy to see why he acted as he did. Still, he was a bit of a jerk about everything. It looks to se like Han and Lo- gray are going to call a truce. I won't be surprised if they come to a better under standing of each other by the time this is over. I also have this feeling that when Han gets back to Endor, all his friends are going to ask his sone question that will nake hin sad all over again.
"A Light against the Darkness" — despite all his protests to the contrary, Han can use the Force, or the Force can use his, aided perhaps by the deep and genuine affection he and Luke feel for each other.[8]
Issue #23 was my first introduction to SHADOWSTAR. It seems a fine magazine, dedicated to SW and other SF and fantasy. The only story I had problems with was Albert Manachino's "Witch's Vengeance," which seemed to ve illogical in its sentimental treatment of modern witchcraft and its "benign" nature. I know Wicca from its treatment by such as Margot Adler is supposed to be a gentle play at Nature-worship, not devil worship, yet a clear examination of Nature cults both antique and modern show many unpleasant aspects of its morality and manipulation of "cosmic reality." Magic is always a play at human power; fertility rituals always invoke orgiastic aspects, etc. Nature is always ruthless towards itself and its devotees when made into a religion.
Anyway, I loved the rest of the issue. The haiku poems by Kathryn Agel were fine in their precision of imagery and sympathies of character. A lot is packed into so little. The same can be said of her SW mini-piece, "Cry of the Banshee." Good wishes to her!
Elizabeth Herrick's "Circle of Sonnets" was fine, too, especially in the dialogue from of worlds and their native sons and daughters (Alderaan is the most tragic).
Happily Never After, part two, is great storytelling by the editor! The character of Ewoks versus humans is great for the plot's power. The SW viewpoint of Han Solo is good for the "punch" of the story, too, since only Han has the rough cynicism nixed with his sense of honor and justice to make the Ewok tale a telling piece of story interest.
I have mixed feelings about Paula Freda's Labyrinth of Darkness. I find it hard to swallow Deanna as Luke's wife. Her past makes her very unlikely to me. Luke should retain his status as a tragic hero, celibate and alone! otherwise, he loses his interest as a mystic champion of the Force. Remember, the Jedi Knights share many features with the military orders of the Middle Ages, chaste champions of high ideals. So I believe Luke should be, too. [9]
References
- ^ from "The Wookiee Commode Guide to Star Wars Zines -- 1986", from The Wookiee Commode #6
- ^ from a letter of comment in "Shadowstar" #21/22
- ^ from a letter of comment in "Shadowstar" #21/22
- ^ from "The Wookiee Commode Guide to Star Wars Zines -- 1986", from The Wookiee Commode #6
- ^ from "Shadowstar" #22
- ^ from "Shadowstar" #22
- ^ from "Shadowstar" #22
- ^ from a letter of comment in "Shadowstar" #24
- ^ from a letter of comment in "Shadowstar" #25