Shadowstar/Issues 23-24

Shadowstar · Issues 1-5 · Issues 10-11 · Issues 12-13 · Issues 14-15 · Issues 16-17 · Issues 18-19 · Issues 20-22 · Issues 23-24 · Issues 25-26 · Issues 27-28 · Issues 29-30 · Issues 31-32 · Issues 33-34 · Issues 6-7 · Issues 8-9

Issue 23

Shadowstar 23 was published in 1986 and contains 177 pages. The cover is composed of art by Mary Jean Holmes, Dani Lane, Mark Wallace, and Mary Wood.

front cover #23, Wanda Lybarger

back cover of issue #23, Jean Kluge

• Letter from the Editor (1)
• Penumbra (3)
• Fuzzy Thoughts, letter to the editor by Malla (Chewbacca's wife) (Star Wars) (7)
• A Ghost of a Story by Paula Freda (Original fiction) (11)
• A Call of Atlantis by Thomas M. Egan (16)
• A Circle of Sonnets by Elizabeth Merrick (Star Wars) (17)
• You Look Marvellous by Leah Rosenthal and Ann Wortham (Blake's 7) (20)
• The Womp Rat that Ate Mos Eisley by Jacqueline Taero (Star Wars) (29)
• The Privilege of Her Burning, conclusion by Christine Jefford and eluki bes shahar (part of the Brightstar Universe) (Star Wars) (30)
• Star Wars Number Maze by Marci Erwin (52)
• Witch's Vengeance by Albert J. Manachino (Original fiction) (53)
• Haiku by Kathryn Agel (Star Wars) (59)
• Cry of the Banshee by Kathryn Agel (Star Wars) (60)
• Night Fears by Karen Weikert-Weston (Star Wars) (61)
• The Return of the Contest (62)
• Troubleshooter by Misty Lackey (Diana Tregarde/Grimjack) (At the top of the story: "PG-13 Warning: this story contains some material that might be too intense for some readers to handle. Be warned.") (64)
• Happily Never After, part two by Mary Jean Holmes (Star Wars) (78)
• Ultraworld: Tarrant by Pat Nussman (Blake's 7) (121)
• Promise of a Dream by Marti Schuller (Original fiction) (122)
• A Dream Came True Today by Marci Erwin (Star Wars) (123)
• The Lykoniad by Mike Winkle (original fiction) (124)
• Luke, Ten Years After by Jacqueline Taero (Star Wars) (144)
• Powerplay by L.A. Carr (Star Wars) (145)
• The Labyrinth of Darkness, conclusion by Paula Freda (Star Wars) (155)
• Word Search Puzzle, Creatures in ROTJ by Lynda Vandiver (177)
• ads (178)
• art by Kevin Duncan, Mary Jean Holmes, Jean Kluge (back cover), Dani Lane, Wanda Lybarger, Carol Paulson, John Sies, Mark Wallace, Mary Wood

• 

  from issue #23, Dani Lane for "Ultraworld: Tarrant"

• 

  from issue #23, Mary Wood

• 

  from issue #23, Wanda Lybarger

• 

  from issue #23, Mary Jean Holmes

• 

  from issue #23, Mary Wood

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 23

Volume 23 was the last issue published in 1986, and it contains the conclusion of Paula Freda's "The Labyrinth of Darkness," the second part of Mary Jean Holmes' adventures of Han and Logray, the conclusion of the latest Mari Sevenstars encounters, a "Cara Solo" vignette by Kathryn Agel, and L.A. Carr's "Powerplay," in which a 13-year-old Luke confronts the Sand People to save his aunt and uncle.

I received my copy of SHADOWSTAR #23 and have to write to tell you that you’ve done it once more, another, fine publication.

"Ghost of a Story” was well-written, with good characters.

"A Circle of Sonnets" was lovely.

"You Look Marvellous" was very funny. I liked Dani's art, too.

The poem, "Luke, Ten Years After," was absolutely beautiful and very moving.

"Powerplay" gave a good portrayal of young Luke and his innocent powers. I thought Owen was especially believable.

The Lykoniad has been an incredible piece that's held me spellbound. I can't wait for the conclusion, although I have that familiar bittersweet feeling as I near the end of an enjoyable experience.

The filksong, "The Womp Rat that Ate Mos Eisley,” was hysterical, although I confess I'm not familiar with the original melody. Anyway, I'm sure this was better.

The conclusion of Labyrinth of Darkness was something I'd eagerly awaited. Although I personally never see Luke carrying (sealing, bonding, whatever), if he ever did, it would have to be to someone as strong as Deanna. This was a satisfying end to a good story.

I also enjoyed the back cover and the illo by Lybarger on page two — lovely.

Now, best for last, as they say. Happily Never After is fabulous! The characters are absolutely perfect, truly three dimensional. The plot is fascinating and well-balanced between Han's and Logray's adventures and the mounting tensions on Endor. I adore your portrayal of Luke, too. Even the accompanying art is terrific. I can't wait for the conclusion. If only I could write half so well! Are you sure you aren't a professional? More, please!

I was shocked and bereaved at Lumpy’s demise, and my sympathies to his family. However, I'm secretly hoping that, in the world of dreams where anything is possible, Lumpy may not be dead, but only missing. After all, no corpse was actually found and interred. So, who's to say that Lumpy isn't just lost, perhaps amnesiac, somewhere "on the side of that dead black mountain?" Hy hopes are with him.

"Cry of the Banshee" by Kathryn Agel — I'm beginning to truly enjoy Kathryn's stories of Han and his sister Cara. Never having had a sibling myself, they fulfill a subconscious yen for a brother or sister of my own. The stories are also entertaining, nicely written, and sensitive.

"Promise of a Dream" by Marti Schuller. This one I liked. I share that dream, too, Marti. Thank you.

The Lykoniad by Mike Winkle. I continue to be amazed at the inexhaustible talent and imagination Mike exhibits, and, although I’ll be sorry to see the adventure end for now, I look forward to other works by this deft and ingenious creator of fiction.

"Powerplay" by L.A. Carr. Nice glimpse into Luke's past and delineation of the Sandpeople and Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru. If I were Lucas, I would arrange for a bimonthly two-hour special which would explore the characters of the SW saga, past, present, and future.

"A Circle of Sonnets" by Elizabeth Herrick and "Night Fears" by Karen Weikert-Weston: delicate and lovely. More please!

I enjoyed "Witch’s Vengeance" by Albert J. Manachino. A nice love story with a touch of the bizarre. For over three years now, I have had the good fortune to read and critique other stories by Manachino, and I can honestly say he’s quite a dreamer himself, and a weaver of the most unusual tales. Many of his surrealistic works — some of a risque nature — have been published in various small presses. Al is a man of intriguing literary talents. By the way, if you haven’t already guessed, Al is the protagonist of "A Ghost of a Story," along with Dave, the coordinator of the writers’ meeting at which I first met the two, and Dorothy is yours truly. The plot itself is pure invention.

Finally, in conclusion, thank you, Mary Jean, for a most enjoyable issue. I look forward to #24. Please don’t give up the ship, no matter how rough the going gets. The SW universe needs you. We need you!

I adore the back cover; like I said, I like Pern, and I don't think that Mnementh is all too happy with Luke....

[...]

Now, onto my favorite, the humorous side of things — like dressing up. "You Look Marvelous" by Leah Rosenthal and Ann Wortham had people wondering about my sanity (or lack thereof) again. Vila in a dress — on top of that, one of Servalan's!! No wonder poor Avon had a total breakdown! I will say, it's nice to see that Avon can laugh. But he's nearly his old self when they return to the ship — beware, all Federation officers!

"The Womp Rat That Ate Mos Eisley" by Jacqueline Taero — uh-oh, heaven help all unsuspecting people! I mean, really, a large rat, but one that size?!' It sounds good, singing It in the shower, so I guess I'll keep right on singing it (the only place I dare to!).

The warning placed before "Troubleshooter" was all I needed, but I read it, anyway. The scum of the earth is real enough; I guess it could exist someplace else, as well. The "thief" didn't get half of what he deserved. Misty is a good writer (understatement) and, after meeting her, I can say, a very neat person. I'll miss her contributions to SHADOWSTAR, but now I can save my pennies and buy her books! If that makes her a "real" writer (I say she was one, already!), she justly deserves it.

((ED: Worry not about Misty's stuff disappearing from these pages in the near future. I still have several of her pieces (Diana Tregarde and Darkover) waiting for publication, so she'll still be with as for a while.))

"A Ghost of a Story" left me puzzled, then, after a second and third run through, pleased. I guess not all ghosts are mean or incredibly silly. I get a little misty-eyed, reading this. I believe I said I liked Paula Freda's work before; if not, I'll say it now. I do!

"The Privilege of Her Burning" — I don't think I read the first part, but I liked this, nevertheless. Continuing stories are fun, like — finally! — part two of Happily Never After" I WANT PART THREE! Blush, Mary Jean; it's a good story.

Which brings me to another continuing tale: The Lykoniad. I still haven't read it straight through, so, as usual, I'm confused as to what's going on, but I do like the writing style.

"Haiku" by Kathryn Agel — I like haiku, and it's nice to see an old art form put to use on a "modern" subject.

Back on the subject of continuing stories: Paula Freda's "Labyrinth of Darkness" is scary, touching, and I couldn't wait to finish it. This issue is full of "to be continued"s, darn it all.

Issue 24

Shadowstar 24 was published in 1987 and contains 208 pages. It is almost all Star Wars.

cover #24, Dani Lane, Mary Jean Holmes, Mary Wood and Mark Wallace

back cover of issue #24, Kevin Duncan

The art is by Kevin Duncan , Mary Jean Holmes, L.J. Juliano, Rozalyn Levins, Wanda Lybarger, Carol Paulson, John Sies, Sandra Williams, and Mary Wood.

This issue contains a flyer for Remigrations, a proposed zine that explains two author's divergence in the Catalyst! Universe.

• Letter from the Editor (1)
• Penumbra, Letters from Readers (2)
• Curiouser and Curiouser: A Tale of a Vanishing Universe by Mary Frances Zambreno (fusion with "Alice in Wonderland"/meta/George Lucas) (9)
• Home by Catriona Campbell (23)
• Echoes in Silent Company: Leia by Jacqueline Taero (31)
• Return of the Jedi Puzzle by Marci Erwin (32)
• Firefall by Pat Nussman and Jacqueline Taero (33)
• Lady Vader by Amy Sue Seier (36)
• From Father to Son, part one by Janice Lamel (37)
• I Hope She's All Right by Paula Freda (64)
• Obligatory Sick Cartoon (65)
• Light of the Storm by Mary St. Cyr (66)
• A New Age Dawning by Marti Schuller (74)
• Deadly Interlude by Veronica Wilson (91)
• Fire and Ice by Lynda Vandiver (94)
• Longafter by L.A. Carr (95)
• Who Dares? by Barbara Gardner (99)
• Avenue of Amenities by Lauralee R. Braun (This story was written in 1985, see images of it in its rough draft form.) (100)
• Star Trek: The Next Generation by Ursula Sandmann? (name blurred) (133)
• Tamarina by Paula Freda (134)
• I Won't Be Walkin' Out that Door by Kathryn Agel (139)
• Are You Really Mine? by Marci Erwin (140)
• Rim of the Universe by Roberta Stuemke (141)
• The Last Perfect Person in the Galaxy by Violet Nordstrom (159)
• Ask Me Again Sometime by Paula Freda (164)
• Obligatory Sick Cartoon (166)
• Happily Never After, conclusion by Mary Jean Holmes (167)
• Captain Needs by Paula Freda (208)
• ads (209)

• 

  from issue #24, Sandra Williams

• 

  from issue #24, Rozalyn Levin

• 

  from issue #24, Rozalyn Levin

• 

  from issue #24, George Lucas as The Red King

• 

  from issue #24, Mary Wood

• 

  from issue #24, Mary Jean Holmes

• 

  from issue #24, Mary Jean Holmes

• 

  Avenue of Amenities by Lauralee R. Braun, rough draft form

• 

  Avenue of Amenities by Lauralee R. Braun, rough draft form

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 24

Shadowstar 24 is an all-Star-Wars issue packed with enough variety to satisfy any fan. From the slightly skewed "Curiouser and Curiouser," by Mary Frances Zambreno, to the action-packed conclusion of "Happily Never After," by Mary Jean Holmes, the stories run the gamut, from Palpatine's previous existences (Veronica Wilson's "Deadly Interludes"), to the human origins of Threepio and Artoo ("Last Perfect Person In the Galaxy," by Violet Nordstrom).

"Curiouser and Curiouser" is a sequel of sorts to "Looking Glass," in which Luke had purchased a very strange mirror. In this adventure Han is knock through the looking glass into Lewis Carroll's mad world. Determined to retrieve Luke's lightsaber, he ends up in a very strange chess game with strange rules and even stranger players.

Catriona Campbell's "Home" finds Luke revisiting Tatooine six years after his first departure; he sees old friends in Anchorhead, who send him back to the farm for a most unexpected surprise. The surprise is not so pleasant in "Firefall," by Pat Nussman and Jacqueline Taero, when Mon Mothma releases the truth of Luke and Leia's ancestry, and once again both see their world destroyed.

Marti Schuller addresses her version to why Anakin fell to the Dark in "A New Age Dawning," while Paula Freda, in "Tamarina," gives her twist on how Han and Leia might have met as children. In "Avenue of Amenities," by Lauralee R. Brown, Luke wonders about his role in the Alliance. And in the conclusion of "Happily Never After," by Mary Jean Holmes, Logray and Han are in over even a Wookiee's head, while Luke and Leia try to prevent warfare between Ewoks and the Alliance.

Family is a strong plot line in the following stories. In the first part of "From Father To Son," by Janice Lamel, Han is infuriated with his adolescent son, Kalen, who is turning out to be a chip off the old Solo block. Grounded and sentenced to repair work on the Falcon, Kalen intercepts a message from Han to Luke concerning a pick-up on Janera. Seeing a chance to prove himself to his father, he takes off with Lumpy and two unexpected stowaways, his sister and cousin. In "Light of the Storm," Luke must deliver his own child when his wife's labor pains begin after they take refuge from a storm in a cave.

And in "Longafter," by L. A. Carr, a young grandson brings back the past and a new hope for the future.

SHADOWSTAR #24 gets a grade of A from the front cover (excellent Wanda Lybarger art) to the back cover (good drawing by Kevin Duncan, but I much prefer the subject on the front). This 'zine was the first of the MediaWest crop that I read because I just had to find out how Happily Never After ended. Your stories and novels are always well-crafted, and HHA was no exception. As usual, the characters, even the Ewoks, are handled beautifully. I think your fairness in treating each character with care, feeling, and love makes the story a delight to read. The mutual appreciation of Han and Logray for each other was handled realistically. They certainly couldn't become buddy-buddy overnight, but the appreciation of each one developed for the skills of the other gave them a common ground for understanding.

Just a mention here of a small thing your stories have in common that gives them an added flavor: I adore those Corellian remarks and words Han uses. Neat touch.

"Home" by Catriona Campbell was an interesting alternate to the fate of Aunt Beru and Uncle Owen. The reactions of the gang at Tosche Station to Luke's return sounded right. Not everyone would be thrilled to see the returning hero. They had had their own hurts and problems to solve while Luke had been gone.

"Deadly Interlude" was quite chilling, and an excellent piece.

L.A. Carr's"Longafter" was a beautifully written story. I've always been sentimental at heart, and this story touched me.

"Star Trek: the Next Generation?" has a marvelous cast of characters. Clever.

Some cross universe stories succeed nicely; others are dismal failures. "Rim of the universe" by Roberta Stuemke succeeds. The Arthurian/Merlin legends have long been favorites of mine. Combining the old legends with the SW characters made a fascinating story.

I usually enjoy Mary St. Cyr's stories, but "Light of the Storm" did nothing for me. To me, the timing of the story was weak. How Maari ever survived that night in the cave, I don't know. The Force? Han and Leia were to mind Ciane for a little while. Several hours? Several days? If they were to watch her for only that day, why didn't someone check on why Luke and Maari hadn't returned by nightfall? I may only be finding fault because childbirth stories in which the mother and/or child are in danger of dying don't interest be at all.

I did love the cartoon on page 65.

There was some excellent poetry in the 'zine, too. "Echoes in Silent Company: Leia" by Jacqueline Taero, "Ask Me Again, Sometime," by Paula Freda, and "Are You Really Mine?" by Marci Erwin are three that I particularly liked.

Then, there is From Father to Son by Janice Lamel. I love it! Han's relationship with a son who is too much like Han himself was in his youth sounds pretty accurate to me. "The apple never falls far from the tree," as a friend of mine is fond of saying. Janice introduced us to the various characters in the story in interesting ways. Family relationships were presented clearly and as integral parts of the story. She also had an excellent plot that left me wanting more as soon as part one ended.

Ta da! Apologies for my poor typing. I wanted to buy a PC this year, but a new car was more important. Ya gotta have wheels in this area.

Speaking of cross-universes, both ventures into Arthurian mode are indeed striking and very different from each other. I'll admit I'm not quite clear if one of the known movie cast (Wedge? Han?) is meant to be the Emperor- or/Mordred's new host at the end of Veronica Wilson's story, but the tie-in of deathless evil to the stated "Supreme Intellect" of Lucas' plans for SH (and it's interesting that everyone assumes it a Dark force that the galaxy must gear up to face off) is clever. Even more tailored is the way Roberta Stuemke has circumstance and SW fulfill the fate of Arthur's England.

But Marti Schuller's "A New Age Dawning" is more chilling than Veronica's. I normally avoid young-Anakin's-fall stories like the proverbial plague. I'm glad I didn't skip this one because it is one of the most convincing and real. It's more chilling than Veronica's Hitler reference because it shows the frightfully persuasive power of the same kind of charisM and seeming logic at work in ever-repeating circumstance. It can happen again anywhere. Thought-provoking. I only have trouble with the rather typical romance-type name "Arcadia" for Anakin's beloved.

"Longafter" by L.A. Carr is well-written but truly a tear-jerker, especially since I've read "Frisento" in another 'zine). It's doubly sad for Leia and Han and Chewie to have gone through the harrowing guilt and anger of Luke's loss, and for Leia to so long lose a frozen, withdrawn Han, only to lose him in truth so tragically here. With both Han and Luke (even Chewie!) gone, a grandson she's only seen for the first time (and that seems a little odd, since there was no estrangement from his mother) seems thin comfort. It's good; I'm just not consoled by its elegiac intent, probably because of its tie-in with the suffering of the previous story.

No secret: I'm a sucker for anything Jacqueline Taero writes. The woman's never written a bad poem, near as I can tell. "Avenue of Amenities" seems thematically con fused to me; maybe I'm missing something. We have Luke imposing peace between two delegates, not by persuasion but by mind control.

Likewise, the Archanians are shown through their deceptions and intolerance of divergent approaches (like Han's) to be not perfect, and their destruction of their own world seems rather wholesale. The Vaughns' grievances are plausibly presented; we are told rather than shown that it's "Dark Side"; that Leia is duped. There is never a real explanation of why Roul has sided against his own, though he hints at outrage. Then, he turns around and dies loving Lourene. As for her, she — as Luke did earlier — uses her power to externally impose peace. That may be the author's point, but she's set up hints of a real grievance on both sides from delegates to Archanians to Vaughns, but never addresses the art of understanding, compromise, or re dress. If she's going to sidestep issues she raises to keep a story less complex in terms of action, I'd rather she left matters more black and white for narrative purposes. This dodging is unsatisfying and lends an unpleasant taste of manipulation to her peace theme that I don't believe she intends. Otherwise, she handles action and inner thoughts equally well.

"Home" is psychologically sensitive. Startling to have the Lars survive, but hey, I'm for it.

In art, the cartoon of Sarek, and the next generation Star Trek are wicked fun besides being pleasing, solidly composed rhythms of well-spotted blocks and open linework. The illo for "A New Age Dawning" frankly was the reason I paused to read the story. And Mary Wood's Han and Threepio on page 162 is one of her best.

Pat Nusmann's "Firefall" is some of her strongest writing, thrumming tensions and sinewy dialogue and stage direction. With this piece, her Rimworlds series develops a much darker, more compelling "voice." The only thing I could wish for would be more. Makes me impatient for more entries in the series. I highly recommend "Legacies" [in Flip of a Coin #6].

The only thing wrong with Happily Never After is that it ended! Me 'n' the Nestle's Quik rabbit...awwww. Your solidly narrated stories in your very viable — and somehow "canonical" flavored — universe just keeps me shamelessly begging for more.

Fortunately, you've also started serializing another fine story, Janice Lamel's From Father to Son. I can only compliment it by saying it could almost be an adjoining uni verse to yours: the same sharp insights and extrapolations of character and attitude, with an easy mesh of all the characters. I admit to cringing at the cliff hanger, since this isn't your universe and Janice could well kill off someone in a future installment. It's a measure of her skill that I worry as much for her own created Kalen as I do for my beloved Han.

In all, another great issue.

Every issue of SHADOWSTAR just gets better and better. There was so much to enjoy in this issue, #24, that I fear my LoC will be a novella. But here goes. Please forgive me if I only mention those items which gave me the most pleasure in a 'zine filled with pleasurable moments.

The cartoon, "One Day Amongst the Imperial Ranks" by Sandra Williams was one I liked a lot. As a Dr. Who fan, too, I literally rolled over at this one.

"Curiouser and Curiouser" by Mary Frances Zambreno. I neglected to comment on her first story involving our heroes with Carroll, but I won't, this time. What a fantastic idea! And very well done, too.

"Home" by Catriona Campbell. Treena knows how I feel about this story, but it bears repeating. I love her portrayal of Luke. His feelings on returning are believably heart-rending. The unending tragedy of his Tatooine friends does weigh me down a bit, but the surprise ending was a great idea.

[...]

"Deadly Interlude" by Veronica Wilson. Her style leaves me gasping, always. I have of ten felt there was an evil that was unstop pable, and she makes it come nightmarishly alive. I shall forever wonder who the victim was this time, and if we've seen him, but I genuinely admire her work.

"Fire and Ice" by Lynda Vandiver. Such wonderfully accurate descriptions, so succinctly written. The final verse touched my heart. Lovely.

"Fenhoot and Company" by John Sies. The cartoons are a delight to the eye and the funny bone. Any chance for more?

"Rim of the Universe" by Roberta Stuemke. One of the finest cross-over pieces it has ever been my pleasure to read. Well written and thought out. Very satisfying.

From Father to Son by Janice Lamel. While I am notoriously known among my friends for may adamant feelings concerning Luke with a family, certain few stories are able to temporarily lift my bias and capture my attention. This is such a story. Kalen is the son I always imagined Han and Leia having. I'm most interested in how father and son will reconcile (if indeed they do). I find this well-written and extremely believable. I have two teenaged sons of my own and am experiencing first-hand the struggle for male dominance against impending adulthood. I eagerly look forward to the second installment.

Now, we come to my favorite piece of all. Happily Never After, How utterly satisfying it is to get completely caught up in a long tale and have it conclude even more beautifully than its well-started beginnings promised. All the complexities, sensitivities, and true-to-life feelings of the human heart (in any galaxy) are so magnificently portrayed in the scenes of this story, especially between Han and Leia. No "best selling novel" ever burst a reader's heart any more fully than this glorious tale of discovery -- of self, of friendship, of fallibility, and, most of all, of love.

Bravo, Mary Jean, bravo! Blush all you like, you deserve every word I've written and more.

"Curiouser and Curiouser" — well, I wondered what the result would have been if Han had met up with Alice in stead of Luke. Now I know. I thought this story was great. Han trying desperately to convince himself that he was dreaming struck just the right mood. The Red King being Lucas was a perfect touch. After all, wasn't SW his dream?

From Father to Son — with the exception of yourself, I have never seen anyone write any thing about Han and Leia's children, grown or otherwise. I think that's why I found this story so interesting. Kalen reminds me of my own kid brother, unmistakably his father's child. Han and Kalen are so much alike that it seems to be hindering their understanding of one another, but I have a feeling that will change, soon.

"Deadly Interlude" — I liked this one, especially the idea that the Emperor was actually an undying entity able to survive count less existences and travel through time and space. Taking over Luke Skywalker's body was truly revenge of the worst kind.

"Star Trek: the Next Generation?" — Ursula Sandmann has a truly wicked sense of humor. Your illo for her cast of characters is priceless. I nearly fell down laughing when I saw this one. Leia Kirk? A Vulcan smuggler? Loved Solo in pointed ears, by the way. A unique and funny idea of crossed uni verses. Hope to see more of Ursula in future issues.

"Rim of the Universe" — funny that this should be in here. The day the 'zine arrived, I was reading one of Mary Stewart's books about Merlin and King Arthur. Those Jedi sure get around, don't they? They just can't seem to resist poking their noses into other peoples' business, either. Still, this is a neat twist on the legend of the magician who brought Arthur to the throne.

Page 166's Obligatory Sick Cartoon is as sick as ever, I see.

Happily Never After, the conclusion — Han solved Galpodism's problems and his own, with a little help, and came to an understanding with Logray. The wedding was a perfect ending to this, especially the Ewoks' part in it. Being a sucker for happy endings, I'm glad everything worked out as well as it did, although we know it's not all going to be smooth sailing.

What a lovely cover by Wanda Lybarger. Leia looks very serene, and Han looks tough, but about to smile.

Here's my two cents worth on a possible future relationship for Luke. Why shouldn't he marry? Han and Lei a seen to have managed very nicely, despite all the problems, and there is no reason he can't do the sane. It's very noble of Luke to try to right his father's wrongs, but he doesn't have to wear a hairshirt over past events for which he was not responsible.

((Ed: Quite true, although one can devote one's life to a cause such as family honor without wearing a hairshirt over it. Witness many of the Oriental cultures. And while I agree with Luke as a married person in the writings of others, it just doesn't quite fit with my own, for reasons most readers are thus far unaware of, since I haven't had a chance to sit down and write the particulars, yet. Frankly, insofar as fan fiction is concerned, I believe there's room for all points of view, a married Luke, an unmarried Luke, a divorced Luke, a widowed Luke (Well, maybe not quite all. Lucas has said no-no to at least one possibility, and I can't quite see Lake as a misogynist or a wife-beater, either). I'm a maverick, in my own way since the most common approach in fanfic seems to be finding Luke a nice lady Jedi with whom to settle down, I prefer to take the road less traveled, to provide the readers with variety. Besides, I have several militantly single friends who balk at the idea of anyone "needing" to get married (I say this because I've gotten a fen letters lately from people who've told me Luke must get married in my writings. I've never quite understood this rigidly narrow point of view, to be honest....))

Of course, Luke wouldn't want to subject an "innocent" to possible risks and dangers, but for someone who was aware of the downside, I don't see where there would be any problem. I think the positives would balance out the negatives. Luke is just too warm and loving a person to be cut off from any real family life. It's nice that he has nieces and a nephew, and close friends are great, but it's just not the same thing at all. (And if that particular "friend" would be a target, any way, she might just as well be his wife.) It is precisely because he has such heavy bur dens and responsibilities that Luke needs the love a home and family can provide.

((Ed: Hmm, I think there may be a very large body of single people out there who would disagree with that....))

From Father to Son — oh, dear, it looks like young Kalen has gone and done something rather rash, just like his father. I hope everything works out well for all concerned. Han's feelings for his son are very touching. The characters are handled well, and in sights into their personalities are quite good. Happily Never After — I feel Han was some what let off the hook in terms of his behavior. He interpreted things the way he wanted to interpret them, which was not the fault of the speakers. He really overreacted. Meanwhile, everyone else was beating themselves over the head, blaming themselves for driving him away. I don't think Luke in particular committed any cardinal sin. It's hard to imagine him being shut out of his own sister's wedding. I knew Han's better nature would surface as regards Logray, and vice-versa. Interesting explanation of why the Ewoks wanted to have Han for dinner. It's somewhat frustrating, having a reference to the slavery incident, which I know nothing about.

((Ed: Remember back at the beginning of the first installment, where I said parts of the Ewok culture, etc., had been drawn from many sources? This came from the first-season Saturday morning cartoon, specifically the episode entitled, "Sunstar versus Shadowstone," in which Chief Chirpa tells the village children the tale of a young Enok (Logray) who had been forced to serve an enemy (Horag), from whom he learned certain magical secrets before escaping. The story took about twenty seconds in the cartoon, but I found it useful in painting the character of Logray.))

I like the reference to smuggling not being all it's cracked up to be; lastly, a very nice wedding.

My apologies to those authors and artists I didn't mention. I enjoyed everything.

This past spring, I've noticed a number of stories by Catriona Campbell in various fan zines. I have no idea where this lady has been hiding, but it is obvious that, while she may be a newcomer to the pages of SHADOWSTAR and other SW publications, she certainly is no stranger to the art of writing. Everything I've read of hers is well-crafted and emotionally stirring. I've found one story in particular ("Rendezvous with Starlight" appearing in the recent issue of FAR REALMS) to be so disturbing, I had an extremely difficult time getting through it. This was not because it was poorly executed, but just the opposite.

(Poorly written "kill" stories merely anger me.) However, her story in #24, "Home," was more uplifting. For the many of us who have been reading SW fiction for the past years, there are few themes that we haven't heard before, Luke's return to his home on Tatooine included. But "Home" had originality and demonstrated how much Luke had grown in the years since his departure from the farm. I hope we will be treated to other stories by Catriona.

I've been a fan of Pat Nussman's almost as long as I've been reading fanzines. "Firefall" by both Pat and Jacqueline Taero was interesting reading, though it left me wondering what came before and what was to come later. I hope we'll see more of the Rimworlds Universe, as it follows a storyline different from most post-RotJ stories, yet maintains the integrity of the relationships revealed in the saga. Though he was not a part of "Firefall," I would like to say that I have a great fondness for Pat's Rieekan. Very much like the editor's version of Wedge, she had taken a minor SW player and had added dimension to him without taking away from the main characters.

Obligatory Sick Cartoon #1 — on target!

"Deadly Interlude" by Veronica Wilson was a good cross-universe story. I liked her twist to the storyline and the way she interweaved the two universes. I found her explanation of Palpatine's power interesting.

I've always enjoyed Lynda Vandiver's writing. While she has a simple style, I find her viewpoint on the characters to be refreshing. In "Fire and Ice," she manages to capture the true essence of both Princess and Corellian. The paradoxes she shows that exist within Leia and Han touches the soul of their relationship. I especially like the way she presented them from Luke's perspective (at least, I like to think it was Jedi speaking). And all this in just a couple of paragraphs' I admire anyone who can say so much with so few words.

"Longafter" was enjoyable reading, though I would have liked to have known why Leia had not seen her daughter in nearly twenty years. (What can I say? I'm insatiably curious.)

I like Laura Braun's Luke in "Avenue of Amenities." It's refreshing to see Luke well adjusted and in control of his life. While I am aware that all the characters have growth and learning experiences ahead of them (as do we all, no matter what our age), I often get tired of the gloom and doom that's projected for our Jedi in the future years.

((Ed: You mean the 'Luke falls to the Dark Side' staff, or the 'Luke Goes Crazy from Jealousy' stories, or 'Luke's Children (and/or Leia's Children) Turn Bad and Cause Him No End of Trouble' tales, or the 'Luke Is forever Doomed to be Hounded by People Who found Out He's Vader's Son' epics? Oh, sigh, yes. As with Mary Su stories, properly handled and written tragedies can be quite worth reading; angst and trouble can give characters depth and color, and can put bite into an otherwise toothless drama, but too much of it can make both the story and its inhabitants Just plain dreary and depressing — and who wants to read that?))

Paula Freda seems to get better with each endeavor. "Tamarina" was a touching and poignant story. I find it intriguing that Han and Leia may have been predestined to meet and fall in love. I confess, I'm a romantic at heart.

The sentiment in "Are You Really Mine?" by Marci Erwin is true in all of us. Don't we all need to be held from time to time? Host of Roberta Stuemke's stories tend to keep the reader guessing. "Rim of the Universe," while it was a little confusing at first, wove a story of mysticism, and again, the cross-universe was well adapted and not at all out of character. The lady does have talent!

Well, I admit it. I an biased when it comes to anything by Violet Nordstrom. It was her story "Safehouse" in FAR REALMS #2 that hooked me on fanzines back in 1982. She has too often been the cause of my budget going out the window. Having been privy to "The Last Perfect Person in the Galaxy" since its inception, and allowed to put my two cents in when I typed it for submission to SHADOWSTAR, I may be "slightly" less than objective. But I love her version of the origins of Threepio and Artoo. It explains quite a bit about Threepio's attitude toward our favorite Corellian. And, like many of Mary Jean's stories and the way they further enhance the original movies, I don't think I will ever be able to watch TESB again and listen to Han's line, "Chewie, take the professor back and plug him into the hyperdrive" without thinking of "The Last Perfect Person...". I'm glad that Violet's finally back to writ ing, and though I've told her in person, I hereby will say it in print: don't ever stop.

The only thing I can say about From Father to Son is: Mary Jean, thank you for being kind enough to even print it, not to mention the superb editing Job. You certainly made me look good. If others get as much enjoyment from reading it as I did writing my first story, it will have been worth it. I would like to add a big THANK YOU to Mary Wood for her illustrations. My favorite was the one on page 56; she captured Tara perfectly. My gratitude to both you ladies!

And, as usual, last but far from least, the editor's own conclusion to Happily Never After. Mary Jean, it's getting extremely difficult to comment on your stories without repeating every superlative I've used time and time again. The bonding ceremony at the end was well worth the wait. Thank you for finally telling it. One of the reasons I look forward to each new issue of SHADOWSTAR is to see what's next in the MJ Holmes repertoire. Your stories are always well-plotted and you never fail to enlighten the reader with further insight into the personality of beloved heroes. You never sacrifice the main characters by turning them into mere devices to further your own story (unfortunately, I've read too many stories that have done just that).

[...]

I would like to add that, with all the SW 'zines that have fallen by the wayside this past year, I am particularly grateful for SHADOWSTAR and hope there are many more years to come.

"From Father to Son" seems to be the only new one, but I can't wait to read more of it. Sigh, another writer leaving me in hopeful suspense. Janice, keep it up (but please make the stories shorter, so I don't have to wait)!

"The Last Perfect Person in the Galaxy" — now I've almost read it all. I happen to like Threepio and Artoo, so it's nice to know exactly where those two characters might have come from.

"One Day in the Imperial Ranks" — oh please, oh please — we don't need Daleks.

"Curiouser and Curiouser" — okay, already, I give up: is the Red King really George Lucas?

"Longafter" by L.A. Carr impressed me a lot. Interesting concept behind it.

"New Age Dawning" by Marti Schuller sent chills down my spine — brrr. To think it was the powers of persuasion that lead to that! One quick question — remember, I'm still a neo — who's Lovecraft?

"Avenue of Amenities" by Lauralee Braun — interesting idea. I like the notion of people being "underfoot," and then suddenly trying to solve their problems with outside help. I've been trying, but it will no longer work.

Restraining yourself while reading "Star Trek: the Next Generation?" by Ursula Sandman is impossible. People question my sanity even more, but...well, try to spell or pronounce Jonatelelthandriannalnelneth Solo (whew!) — it's enough to drive anybody buggy! I'm laughing too hard to continue.

Now that I've calmed, somewhat: I think the senior editor of this 'zine has a sense of humor that's rubbing off on this poor neo. Obligatory Sick Cartoons are starting to affect my concentration. Now, really! I'm supposedly a good little college student; I can't keep humming "nothin' says lovin' like somethin' from the oven" in Ethics Class, even if it is boring.

Roberta and Veronica Wilson both used Arthur and his Round Table in their cross-over stories, and I enjoyed both very much. I'm also having Arthurian Legend rub off on me, as well. I can appreciate the work that went into both tales.

I just finished reading "Home" by Catriona Campbetll, and it so moved me that I had to write and comment. Catriona has come up with an idea that v never would have thought of. I could see the Beru/Owen twist coming from the moment the farm was mentioned. Usually when I sense the ending of a story, I tend not to read the rest of it, but this one drew me in a way that nothing ever has. 1 held my breath and crossed my fingers until the end of the story, then let out a sigh of relief.

I'd like to think that, if George Lucas had written this story, he would have written it like this, with relationships resolved and conflicts taken care of. Wow! What else can I say, except that I hope we see more of Catriona in SHADOWSTAR.

As far as the other stories, I haven't been able to do more than glance at them, as yet. The art work is, as usual, excellent. Next on my list of things to learn to do is draw. Maybe someday, I will be able to illo as well as write.

Just a couple of general comments, and then I'll close. Regarding your story. Happily Never After when I first saw RotJ, I thought the Ewoks were cute, but not much more than that, and subsequent viewings only served to intensify a budding dislike for them. HNA, however, made them seem real to me. Hey, they're believable characters with a believable society and personalities. Logray's sense of curiosity and need to know are almost as great as my own. Mine have gotten me into trouble on more than one occasion, but never to the extent that Logray's did. Ya done good, kid! Take a bow!

I must confess to being one who was not captivated by The Lykoniad. I don't know if it was me, the fact that we had to wait for so many issues to find out what happened next, or what. The parts of it that I did read, however, were good. I know that one of my wishes (goals? fantasies?) has been to write a novel and have a good sense of continuity, etc., and I just don't seem able to pull it off. Mike Winkle, however, has done this very well. I see that his next story is a continuation of a Jules Verne story, and as I am a Jules Verne fan, I'm looking forward to reading it.