Spock's Childhood
| Zine | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Spock's Childhood |
| Publisher: | |
| Editor(s): | |
| Date(s): | 1980-1982 |
| Series?: | |
| Medium: | |
| Genre: | gen |
| Fandom: | Star Trek: TOS |
| Language: | English |
| External Links: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Spock's Childhood is a gen Star Trek: TOS fiction anthology by Robin Woodell. It has a sister zine called The Stars and Beyond.
Issue 1
Spock's Childhood 1 was published in June 1980 (second printing October 1981) and contains 35 pages (single-sided). It was printed mimeographed. The first print run was 100.
Art by Judy Bishop, R. Merrill Bollerud, Linda Borwnell, Stanley M. Campbell, John Dixon, Chris Gross, Vida Hull, Mike Jackson, Mary Stacy-MacDonald, Evallou Richardson, Neil Rosenbeck, and Cheri Tripp. The frontispiece is in the same style as the other covers in the series, but it is clearly not the cover as per the table of contents.
"A fanzine about Spock's early life from birth to his entrance at Star Fleet Academy. Stories tell of his adventures, lessons, joys, and sorrows that make up the years of desperate struggle for maturity." [1]
"... The first issue features the betrothal of Spock and T'Pring, Spock's battle with fear when faced with an emergency in the desert and more." [2]
- The Ceremony by Robin Woodell (3)
- I Am a Vulcan! by Robin Woodell (13)
- Grothar's Garden by Linda Brownell (19)
- Only I Will Remain by Robin Woodell (25)
- Stardate: 5374.9 by Daryl Katsuskas (29)
- Ka-Teng-Gla by Joe Murphy (32)
interior from issue #1, Stanley M. Campbell
interior from issue #1, Vida Hull
interior from issue #1, Linda Brownell
interior from issue #1, Judy Bishop
interior from issue #1, Mike Jackson
interior from issue #1, Mary Stacy-MacDonald
interior from issue #1, sample text
interior from issue #1, sample text, showing a lot of white space, which may have been a stylistic choice, or an editing necessity
Issue 2
Spock's Childhood 2 was published in October 1982. It was printed offset process, stapled, 33 pages (single-sided). Art by J.D. Bishop, Chris Gross, Cheri Tripp, and Robin A. Woodell.
- A Son by Robin Woodell (3)
- Abducted by John Dixon (7)
- A Beauty in the Darkness " by Beverly Danielson (16)
- The Road Taken by Beverly Danielson (22)
- Old Friend " by Robin A. Woodell (24)
- Any Price for Freedom by Robin A. Woodell (25)
interior from issue #2, Cheri Tripp
interior from issue #2, J.D. Bishop
interior from issue #2, Chris Gross
interior from issue #2, J.D. Bishop
interior from issue #2, Cheri Tripp
interior from issue #2, J.D. Bishop
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2
I read it through so quickly I was surprised when I finished. When I read something interesting, it takes me a much longer time to read as I like to reread or scan parts just in case I might have missed something important. Such is not the case with 'Spock's Childhood #2'. There was nothing interesting enough to capture my attention. If this zine were directed at the new Trek fan or an adolescent audience, then I might consider it a success. However, I believe that it is directed at all Trek fans and on this basis I find it a disappointment. To put it simply, it didn't excite me nor did I ever get involved with the stories or characters. The first story, 'A Son,' was basically a rehash of many other stories about Spock's birth. I've read many more interesting stories along the same lines. 'Abducted' involves a young Spock being kidnapped or ransom, but it had no suspense and no sense of danger. Not only that, the action shifted from scene to scene very poorly. In one paragraph, we are with Spock in his prison, and the next with Amanda in her home. There should have at least been a double space between paragraphs to denote a shift in scene. 'A Beauty in the Darkness' was absurd. It has pure-bred Vulcans engaging in very human activities (an adult Vulcan, bred to non-violence, beating Spock to a pulp for kissing his daughter, who seemed more human instead of Vulcan. Give me a break.) I was disappointed in 'The Road Not Taken' because it was so short. I felt it could have been developed into a good, full-length story. I would recommend this zine only on the basis of the reader wanting light, uninvolved material that requires little thought, but for the more discriminating reader, I would recommend you pass this one up. [3]
Issue 3
Spock's Childhood 3 was published in December 1982. It was printed offset process, stapled, 40 pages (single sided). Art by J. D. Bishop, Danaline Bryant, Chris Gross, Elaine Tripp, and Mel White.
It has stories that have Spock dealing with an older sister, and a story of things that go bump in the night.
- Between by Jacqueline Johnson (4)
- The Argument by Bruce Melton (5)
- The Dream by John Dixon (23)
- If by Jacqueline Johnson (27)
- I Go to Touch the Stars by Jacqueline Johnson (28)
- My Little Boy by Robin A. Woodell (35)
interior from issue #3, credit page, Mel White
interior from issue #3, table of contents, Chris Gross
interior from issue #3, Danaline Bryant
interior from issue #3, Danaline Bryant
interior from issue #3, Chris Gross
interior from issue #3, J.D. Bishop
interior from issue #3, Mel White
interior from issue #3, J.D. Bishop
