Shadowstar/Issues 27-28
Issue 27
Shadowstar 27 was published in Spring 1988 and contains 185 pages.
The art is by Mary Jean Holmes, L.J. Juliano, Wanda Lybarger, Linda Ruth Pfonner, Margaret Purdy-Dean, Mary St. Cyr. John Sies, Sandra Williams, Lynne Alisse Witten, and Mary Wood.
From the editorial:
Speaking of submissions: our back-files are finally beginning to dry up, so if you've been putting off writing that fabulous story you've had in mind for a while, consider doing it now and sending it our way. I'd hate to see SHADOWSTAR wither and die for lack of interest.
Now, about my own stuff in this issue: yes, I do have my name on two stories, those be being a collaboration with Mary Wood set in my own SW Mythos — "Graven Image" -— and the... ah... other thing, "Pandora's Box." I have one suggestion to make about the latter: please read the preface first. And then try to give the poor beast a chance. It, like so many other things, served a purpose in keeping my life on track over this past year.
- A Letter from the Editor (1)
- Shady Thoughts: Star Wars and the Road to Middle Earth? by Thomas M. Egan (2)
- Penumbra (4)
- Journey's End by Misty Lackey (Dawntreader) (13)
- Mother by Catriona Campbell (20)
- Destiny by L.A. Carr (Star Wars) (21)
- Beyond the Maelstrom, part two by Michael Dayne Winkle (24)
- Avon, filk to the tune of "Memory" from "Cats," by Mary Robertson (Blake's 7) (46)
- Reflection by Ann E. Huizenga (Star Wars) (47)
- Stereotypes by L.J. Juliano (two illos and description of "fake" future music groups, "The Archeez and "Men Without") (48)
- This Could Be the Start of Something by Janice Lamel (Star Wars) (50)
- Martian Whimsy, poem by Thomas M. Egan (science fiction) (53)
- A Distant Voice, conclusion by Mary S. Cyr and Margaret Purdy-Dean (Star Wars, elves) (55)
- Sorry, Sweetheart by Paula Freda (Star Wars) (88)
- Pandora's Box by Mary Jean Holmes (The Real Ghostbusters) (91)
- Between Yesterday and Tomorrow, poem by Lynda Vandiver (Star Wars) (118)
- Morning Glory by Paula Freda (Star Wars) (119)
- Stranger, poem by Ann E. Huizenga (123)
- Double Double Jedi Trouble Puzzle by Marci Erwin (125)
- Reality Games, part one by Linda Ruth Pfonner (Airwolf) (126)
- Dream-Vision by Marti Schuller (Star Wars) (152)
- Oyarsa, poem by Thomas M. Egan (science fiction) (160)
- Chance Encounter by Kathy Agel (Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea) (161)
- Another One?, poem by Alyns Lawchilde (Doctor Who) (162)
- Graven Image, part one by Mary Wood and Mary Jean Holmes (Star Wars) (163)
- But That Was Yesterday, poem by Lynda Vandiver (Star Wars) (183)
- ads (184)
- Obligatory Sick Cartoon ("The Bryonic Man" -- Vincent Wells from Beauty and the Beast (TV) (back cover)
from issue #27, L.J. Juliano
from issue #27, L.J. Juliano
from issue #27, Sandra Williams (George Lucas telling stories to Ewoks)
from issue #27, Mary Wood
from issue #27, Mary Jean Holmes
from issue #27, Sandra Williams
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 27
[Pandora's Box]:It’s an extremely well-written story that shows what could happen if Egon were possessed by something else from Gozer’s dimension. How would his intellect be used against the team? This story was written by Mary Jean Holmes in 1986, and originally published in fanzine form in 1988, so it takes place before the second movie was made, but manages to include a bit of Real Ghostbusters canon as well. The author has a wonderful handle on all of the characters’ personalities. I highly recommend her Ghostbusters stories. Here is the summary of this story, straight from the author’s site: "When the GB's inherit an antique puzzlebox, Egon's persistence in solving the puzzle pays off -- unfortunately." [1]
[zine]:Shadowstar 27 concludes "A Distant Voice" and begins a multipart series by Mary Wood and Mary Jean Holmes, "Graven Image," in which Luke finds his first student on Kashyyyk; but once back at the new Jedi Academy, the future is endangered by Luke's increasingly erratic behavior. Another Wookiee, Lumpy, is feeling left out when Han and Leia have a baby boy, until he discovers just how wonderful a baby can be, in "This Could Be the Start of Something," by Janice Lamel. Paula Freda has two stories to her credit: "Morning Glory," which shows that even princesses are not immune to wedding night jitters; and "Sorry, Sweetheart," when Han rescues a less-than-agreeable Leia from the Command Center on Hoth.
Ann E. Huizenga's vignette, "Reflections," reveals the fear and love of Huizenga's vignette, "Reflections, a Jedi mate. And Marti Schuller's "Dream-Vision" may only be two pages, but it is a chillingly effective portrait of a beautiful, life-filled planet on a destructive course. [2]
[zine]:I thoroughly enjoyed Misty Lackey's "Journey's End" and was relieved to find that Derek was able to cure Darla of her forced addiction. These characters are new to me, but I hope I shall have the pleasure of reading their further adventures.
- [ED: *sigh* As you have seen in Misty's letter, only if someone else writes them. But such things are always possible.
Since I began writing and contributing to fanzines (just over a year, I think), I have enjoyed all of L.A. Carr's stories, and "...Destiny" was no exception. I liked her having Luke scared about facing Vader, and, as always I was annoyed at Yoda for admonishing him for his fear. I'm sorry if it goes a^inst the grain, but my own feeling is that it is right for Luke — indeed, for any Jedi -- to have negative emotions. Let the guy get scared, angry, etc.; after all, he's human. It's the excuses we make for these emotions that we should all be aware of and gain control over. But, like I said, I liked this story and look forward to more from Ms (Mr.?) Carr.
Like others, I m not a great fan of "family" stories, but Janice Lamel could easily change my mind. I loved her From Father to Son (although I want to purchase #26, which I will do as soon as funds allow!), and I also enjoyed her "This Could Be the Start of Something." I love her portrayal of Lumpy, who is also newish to me; we didn't get the SW Holiday Special that featured Kashyyyk in Britain, so I am enjoying meeting these characters for the first time. Ms. Lamel captured the childish jealousy of another perfectly. If only other "children" could accept shared adult love as quickly and as totally!
I loved the cartoon on page 54 by Sandra Williams ~ how wonderful!!
"Sorry, Sweetheart" was one of my favorites! I think one of the reasons behind this is because it takes a scene from the movie and gives it added life; the characters' thoughts and emotions. Oh, If only Donald Glut had been able to do that, how much better the novelization of The Empire Strikes Back would have been.
[...]
Now, to "Pandora's Box." I loved the movie Ghostbusters and I an familiar with the cartoon series which features the characters Thus, it was with delight that I, if you'll excuse the phrase, plunged into "Pandora's Box. I was captivated from the first paragraph and forgot everything else until the final sentence. I finished the story only to find that the three children I look after on weekdays had fill the bath and were diligently trying to teach their cat how to swim. Try explaining that one to their mother!! I've learned my lesson: never read a Mary Jean Holmes story until in the safety and privacy of a quiet room. One little question, if I may? How on earth do you find these plots, Mary Jean?
"Morning Glory" by Paula Freda. Another well-written and enjoyable short. I like her characters a lot!
"Dream-Vision" by Marti Schuller, my favorite story in the issue. As always, Marti's descriptive language has me gasping. I find this story more chilling than her previous Anakin tales, perhaps because it is so close to home. Oh, Marti, let us all pray it is only a dream — or should I say a nightmare!
I liked "Another One" by Alyns Lawchilde. It exactly captures my feelings toward Dr. Who. Perhaps being British, I have a soft spot for that troubled series. Let us hope the BBC gets their act together and gives us a new season which lives up to the old, since recently, they have been sadly lacking.
Graven Image by Mary Wood and Mary Jean Holmes. Another terrific story. But what is bothering Luke so? And what was in the holo he was watching? I can't wait to find out! Oh, yes, another Luke with true human feelings. Great!!
My apologies to those whose work I have not mentioned. They were mostly "continuations" from #26, but I will read them as soon as I have that issue. Also, my apologies to Mary Jean for the poor typing. I've found that a new typewriter does not mean improved skills. [3]
[zine]:What a joy it was for me to finally meet you at MediaWest and personally collect my copy of #27. You are as genuinely nice and friendly as I'd imagined, not to mention intellectually bright. Thank you for your kind congratulations in the editor's letter concerning my Fan-Q nomination. As you know, I didn't win, but believe me when I say how sincerely flattered I felt to be considered at all! My feet finally touched ground weeks after I learned I was in the running. It was the experience of a dream come true, and I thank all involved -- especially you, Mary Jean, for publishing the story.
Now, before I go all mushy again, on to my comments on this issue.
"Mother" by Catriona Campbell. I am not a fan of free verse poetry, but the emotions evoked by this simple piece are too dear not to comment upon. How poignantly Catriona captures not only Luke's sense of loss and confusion, but those of all children not fortunate enough to know the woman who gave birth to them. A very touching poem.
"...Destiny" by L. A. Carr. I love stories that portray Luke in all his human, vulnerable facets. After all, he is a young man, not a deity. I especially loved the humor of Yoda's reaction when Luke quite naturally sought Obi-wan's reassurance. It was realistic and a welcome touch to a good story.
"This Could Be the Start of Something" by Janice Lamel. This was a nice portrayal of the jealousy usually seen in siblings when a second child enters the family, how nice to see that Lumpy feels so much a part of Han's family as to share this emotion. I particularly liked the way Lumpy came to terms with the infant Kalen on his own. Theirs is a marvelous relationship and could prove more interesting than Han's and Chewie's, since Lumpy is obviously younger than his father was when he met Solo. The special bond between them was glimpsed in "From Father to Son," and this is a nice addition. I'll look forward to further ad ventures for them.
Before I continue commenting on the other written pieces I especially liked, I must make an observation on Sandy Williams' cartoon on page 54. What a fantastic piece it is! It fits so beautifully for the man we owe so much.
"Morning Glory" by Paula Freda. This is one of the most beautifully romantic stories of Han's and Leia's wedding night that I've ever read. Ms Freda captures our heroes in all their human frailties and makes them dearer to us. What a wonderful, tender picture of such a special night!
"Pandora's Box" by Mary Jean Holmes. While I am not a big fan of the movie Ghostbusters and I've never seen the current cartoon version, I truly enjoyed this story. Once again, I am in awe of your massive talent, Mary Jean, and can only applaud your ability to capture such diverse personality types. Here I will add, honestly and gratefully, that I experienced selfish relief while I read the preface to this story and discovered your loyalty to SW fandom. Being a loyal Force follower myself, I've despaired over the loss of so many talented past participants to other fandoms. It's with great joy that I realize you will not immediately be joining them. For all SW fans, I thank you for not deserting us and welcome the occasional non-SW story, such as "Pandora's Box" with in ner calm and pure pleasure. Lady, you are remarkable!
Beyond the Maelstrom by Michael Dayne Winkle. What a fertile and rich imagination this author possessm! I am in envy of his talent and mastery even as I savor his latest adventure. And what a fine adventure it is! Each character is full and real, each phenomenon vividly portrayed for the reader's mind, each emotional response for character and reader alike chillingly authentic. I eagerly look forward to each new installment, and, once more applaud the professional quality of Mr. Winkle's work. Wonderful!
Graven Image, part one by Mary Wood and Mary Jean Holmes. Fantastic!! The story of Luke's first pupil aside from Leia, with all his doubts and concerns, has long been one of interest. Making that novice student a Wookiee adds even more depth to an already absorbing plot. Here are all the elements handled deftly by both authors, with humor and pathos. I adore the Wookiee name for Luke and cheer the "in character" natures of our heroes. Another series for me to look forward to. I might add that, obviously, Sandy Williams' cartoon caption on page 54 could suit stories of this caliber and their authors as easily as our favorite producer/director.
Thank you for another fine issue, and keep up the excellent work![4]
[zine]:...As long as I'm here, I guess I can comment on what I've read in the last SHADOWSTAR. I've hardly read anything in the past few months, but I did find a few things in recent issues that caught my eye.
"A Distant Voice" -- I had to read this when I noticed that one of the Preservers was named "Winkle." Some of these SW crossovers have been reaching a bit, but I thought Mary and Margaret pulled off the SW/Elfquest thing quite well. I think it is a secret desire of many Elfquest fans to show Cutter's people that not all Big Things are evil, and we couldn't have had a better ambassador than Luke.
"Pandora's Box" -- They could do worse than to have you script The Real Ghostbusters, MJ. And draw a few of the cels. I was rather surprised that you had to explain about the cartoons and the movie and their differences. You mean, there are people out there who haven't been watching TRG? I think it and Ducktales are about the only good animated series to have appeared on TV in the past fifteen years. I agree with you on Slimer, however. I would rather see less of the little spud, myself. However, I notice in the paper that the new season's Saturday show is entitled Slimer and the Real Ghostbusters. Blech!
As long as I see Maelstrom sitting in front of me, I'd like to say how much I've enjoyed Mary Wood's illustrations. I especially liked the picture of Mycroft Holmes and Axel in #26. It always gives me a thrill to see that the words from my mind have allowed someone else to draw something that I in turn immediately recognize...does that make any sense? [5]
[zine]: Beyond the Maelstrom. Michael Winkle has done it again. This is terrific! Oh, gosh, the meeting with the Holmeses was great. [6]
I enjoyed SHADOWSTAR #27 very much, with its many diverse genres. I think it made for a hell of a 'zine!I've been an Airwolf fan since it first came on TV, so I loved Linda Ruth Pfonner's "Reality Games."
"Dream Vision" by Marti Schuller was scary. I hope it was only a dream and not a prophetic vision.
Finally, the conclusion to Misty Lackey's story. "Journey's End" was beautiful, and I'm so happy Derek admitted his feelings for Darla. I hate waiting for each issue of the 'zine to come, having to wait for months to get the next installment, or finding that a new story has been divided. It's enough to make you go crazy! I know it can't be helped, but putting it down on paper releases some of the frustration.
"...Destiny" by L.A. Carr and Janice Lamel's "This Could Be the Start of Something" were both enjoyable. I couldn't stop laughing at Sandy Williams' cartoon on page 54. It was great! Mary St. Cyr's and Margaret Purdy-Dean's "A Distant Voice" was an excellent cross-universe story. Nicely done!
Last but certainly not least are your stories, Mary Jean. Whether you write in your SW mythos, a cross-universe, or in another genre altogether, I anxiously await the next one. You are a fantastic author/artist. "Pandora's Box" and Graven Image with Mary Wood were both well done — and now, I have to wait for the next issue to see how Luke trains Leia and Chia. No fair!
I'm also glad you wrote Metamorphosis. It was a truly great story. I couldn't stop laughing at poor Han. Thanks, Mary Jean, for giving us SHADOWSTAR and its sister publications. I know that without then, my day doesn't seen as bright.[7]
[zine]:"Journey's End" by Misty Lackey. Gosh, I was wondering how things would end, with Darla's forced addiction to Cloudnine. Whew! Thank goodness Derek is so stubborn! Aw, but is this the last we'll see of Darla and Derek? and Duke and Dawntreader?
- ((ED: Quite likely, unless some intrepid fan writer out there wants to pick up on the slack, since Misty's given her permission -- hint, hint.)) [8]
Issue 28
Shadowstar 28 was published in 1988 and contains 201 pages. The art is by Mary Jean Holmes, L.J. Juliano, Wanda Lybarger (back cover), Karen Pauli, Linda Ruth Pfonner, John Sies, Diana Stein, Mark Wallace, Sandra Williams and Mary Wood.
The content: 70% Star Wars, the rest Real Ghostbusters, Airwolf, Jules Verne.
From the editorial:
After I sent #27 to bed, I was really very undecided as to whether or not I'd ever publish the sister-pieces to 'Pandora's Box.' I was honestly expecting castigation from several quarters, irate SH fans raking me over the coals for doing something in another area, irked readers wondering how and why I would even be interested in writing for such an odd genre, etc etc etc. I should have known better. The response to PB was so overwhelmingly positive, I decided there was no reason not to publish the rest — and I also stand gently rebuked for my pessimism. He really do have some of the most open minds in fandom among our readership, and I'm happy to have been so optimistically corrected.
This issue has a letter of comment from Mercedes Lackey about her retirement from writing fanfic:
Friends:
Some of you I've met; rest of you I haven't — but you've had the kindness to enjoy what I've written at least as much I enjoyed writing it. But... well, things change. One of those changes is that after MJ cleans out the files, there won't be any more Misty Lackey fanfic [9].
I literally can't afford to take the time to write it, anymore. And - no kidding — I wish I could. There's things I'm dying to do that I can't get away with in "pro" fiction. More Derek and Darla, for one thing. I'd love to get my hands on Star Trek: the Next Generation and space the empath. Diana Tregarde and Vincent from Beauty and the Beast. But — I have three novels under contract to write before the end of the year. I'm contractually obligated to a Merovingen Nights novella in September, and a Blood of Ten Chiefs novella in December. And, heaven help me, a science fiction "astrology" story for Andre Norton (there's a strange mix!) and a Darkover story for Marion Zimmer Bradley. And a full-time job. Social life? What's that? I see at most one TV show a week.
I hope you don't take this as bragging; it isn't meant to be. I just want you to know why I'm not writing fanfic, why I'm not going to cons, why I seem a little strained when I do go. This is the (I hope) last uphill rush; I hope to be able to quit my job soon and write full time. My agent is cautiously optimistic about my being able to make the same next year from writing as I now make on my salary. And since we've been saving the book money, we're not used to living on more than that salary. If this dream does indeed come to pass, I will be able to be a human being once again. I'll be poor, but a human being!
This does not mean you're going to lose all the "friends" you've met in my stories. One at least has graduated into the "real world." February will see the publication of Burning Water from TOR horror, and in it you will find a slightly altered Diana Tregarde. She's good for two more books as well, one of which is due by year's end — and if the series does well, who knows? And pay close attention to the dedication (surprise, MJ): it's "To Mary Jean and J.R. Holmes, who gave Diana a place to grow up."
Nor does this mean you have to stop seeing fanfic about the characters I created. Like Marion Bradley, I approve of fanfic. Those of you out there who wish to "play in my sandbox," be welcome! Take the "Patrol Universe"; borrow DT and Andre; have fun with the Cross-Timers! I would like to see these permutations of my creations, MJ, but I would never dream of censoring them. And (although I'm sure my poor agent would have hives if he knew I was saying this), if MJ wants to collect the Dawntreader or DT stories, she has my carte blanche to do so. For that matter, if any of you wish to do Herald fanfic, be my guest. You'll only be starting exactly as I started; maybe you'll end up in the same place. It's hard work — but I think that it's worth it.
But whether you just do it for fun or with the goal of trying for "prodom," you are giving something of yourself to those who will be reading it. And you will be joining the long line of us that goes right back to the caves, the ones who are moved to respond when someone says:
"Tell me a story."
All my best.
- Letter from the Editor (1)
- Penumbra (2)
- Swan Song by Misty Lackey (Diana Tregarde) (10)
- Night Dance by Amy Sue Zeier (25)
- Where's Lea? by Paula Freda (Star Wars) (25)
- Beyond the Maelstrom, part three by Michael Dayne Winkle ("A Victorian World Adventure" - "Being an Account of the Second Journey to the Center of the Earth, and the Great Marvels Found There.") (Jules Verne) (32)
- The Whole Truth and Nothing by L.J. Juliano (49)
- The Best Things in Life by L.A. Carr (Star Wars) (53)
- The Great Selkie by Mary Jean Holmes (The Real Ghostbusters) (65)
- Mind Games by Mary Frances Sambreno (97)
- Jedi Doozey by Marci Erwin (106)
- Firedancing by Roberta Stuemke (original) (108)
- Reality Games, part two by Linda Ruth Pfonner (124)
- The Empire Strikes Out by Carol Marshall and Catriona Campbell (Star Wars) (156)
- Tool of Evil by Marti Schuller (Star Wars) (160)
- Graven Image, part two by Mary Wood and Mary Jean Holmes (Star Wars) (171)
- Luke, Before the Rebellion by Amy Sue Zeier (201)
- ads (202)
from issue #28, Mark Wallace
from issue #28, Mark Wallace
from issue #28, L.J. Juliano
from issue #28
from issue #28, Mary Jean Holmes
from issue #28, Mary Jean Holmes
from issue #28, Wanda Lybarger
from issue #28, not credited
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 28
Two of the saga's lesser characters get special attention in Shadowstar 28. Marti Schuller's "Tool of Evil" is a horrifying portrayal of Palpatine's origins, while the terrors of the Imperial Academy make escape essential for Wedge Antilles in "Mind Games," by M. F. Zambreno.
Han's emotional conflicts are the focus of several stories. Paula Freda's "Where's Leia?" finds Han dealing with a wealth of feelings after the rescue on Tatooine. Frustration with the Alliance proves too much for a free spirit such as Han Solo, who sets off for parts unknown in L.A. Carr's "The Best Things In Life." Some old friends involve him in a scheme to blackmail the Alliance by using a VIP they have captured. The brutally beaten prisoner turns out to be Luke Skywalker. As Han plots and plans to rescue the helpless Luke, he realizes exactly who his friends really are. In the second part of "Graven Image," Luke's increasing anger and a deadly disease spell doom for the future of the Jedi. [10]
SHADOWSTAR 28 was again top quality and was thoroughly enjoyed. I loved 'Swan Song.' It had a beautiful ending. I'm definitely going to miss Misty Lackey's presence in the pages of SHADOWSTAR, but I'm glad to see her at my local bookstores. I wish you the best, Misty.
Paula Freda's 'Where's Leia?' was very good. There's nothing like a little motivation.
Beyond the Maelstron: Mike Winkle's stories are good, and this one is no exception. I can barely wait for each installment.
'Mind Games' by Mary Frances Zambreno was really good. It was nice to see a Wedge story, and to see into Imperial indoctrination as well as into how things might have been.
A Hilton story! Yeah! Roberta Stuemke’s 'Firedancing' was so wonderful to read, and was well done, too. To think, Madmartigan left to save his best friend when staying tight have saved him from dying at the last battle shown in the movie!
'The Empire Strikes Out' by Marshall and Campbell was hilarious. I also did some crazy things (stories and drawings which looked more like doodling) during classes. It's a wonder I ever learned anything.
All the other stories — Linda Ruth Pfonner's 'Reality Games, part two,' Marti Schuller's 'Tool of Evil,' etc. — made for great reading. Thanks to all of you. I also liked the puzzles, poets, and artwork. Sandra Williams outdid herself -- very splendid work.
Now, on to the last stories I want to talk about: "The Great Selkie" by our illustrious editor/publisher was fantastic. Really, really good. And need I mention part two of Graven Image by MJH and Mary Wood? What do I think of this installment's cliffhanger? Torture times ten! You sure know how to keep people hanging on and hanging on. [11]
I was saddened to hear that Misty Lackey will be leaving SHADOWSTAR, although I wish her much luck and prosperity in her professional writing. I'll miss her fine work and her stimulating stories. Misty, please let us know when your books are published, how much,
and where to obtain them. I hope they all end as nicely as your "Swan Song." I guess every one knows by now that I'm a hopeless romantic. [12]
References
- ^ from Crack Van (April 2, 2008)
- ^ from "1988 in SW Zines," in The Wookiee Commode #6 (1989)
- ^ from a letter of comment in "Shadowstar" #28
- ^ from a letter of comment in "Shadowstar" #28
- ^ from a letter of comment in "Shadowstar" #28
- ^ from a letter of comment in "Shadowstar" #28
- ^ from a letter of comment in "Shadowstar" #28
- ^ from a letter of comment in "Shadowstar" #32
- ^ Despite the statement that there was going to be a few more fanworks by Lackey in this zine series, there were no more
- ^ from "1988 in SW Zines," in The Wookiee Commode #6 (1989)
- ^ from a letter of comment in "Shadowstar" #32
- ^ from a letter of comment in "Shadowstar" #32