The Clipper Trade Ship/Issues 41-50

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The Clipper Trade Ship · Issues 1-10 · Issues 11-20 · Issues 21-30 · Issues 31-40 · Issues 41-50 · Issues 51-60 · Issues 61-70 · Issues 71-79

Issue 41/42

The Clipper Trade Ship 41/42 was published in April 1983 and contains 60 pages.

300 copies were printed.

front cover of issue #41/42, Gennie Summers
back cover of issue #41/42, Jim Stetson

The art is by Gennie Summers, Bill Anderson, Shona Jackson, Susan Landerman, John Alexander, Jerry Collins, Richard Arnold, Linda Scott, Frank Punucci, Joy Ashenfelder, Elaine Tripp, Leah Rosenthal, Gloria-Ann Rovelstad, J. Alan Tyler, R.G. Pollet, Richard Parks, S.K. Dixon, Signe Landon, Jim Stetson, Melody Rondeau.

Most of the LoCs were fan comments regarding The Wrath of Khan.

From the editorial:

Nol Can it be? Tea! Another @#&@# double issue of THE CLIPPER TRADE SHIP, spanning the numbers of 41 and 42. We weren't really planning on another double issue. It just sort of happened, as the December 1 deadline came and went, and we felt somewhat obligated to make up for lost time. Granted, we warned you that our schedule could be tossed out the porthole without warning. We're finding less and less time to devote to getting this zine put together. We do want to continue with it, and efforts are already underway to restructure our dwindling spare time. Especially since Melody's art commitments are growing, and she and Donna Chisholm hope to get together and put out late this fall a zine devoted to Westerns called "Ghost Riders."

[...]

We'd like some reader feedback. What would you like to see
in TCTS? Book reviews of current books? An attempt at a greater 
emphasis in one topic, such as Star Trek? Well... that's maybe a little difficult to do, seeing as TCTS is made up of what you folks send our way. TCTS is what they call a 'genzine', but at least we do confine our diversity to science fiction and fantasy.

There was a time not too long ago when fan fiction based on something else besides Star Trek or Star Wars simply had no audience, Now all sorts of genzlnes are springing up, bringing readers a smorgasboard [sic] of stories based on Star Trek, Star Wars, Dr. Who, Blake's 7, M*A*S*H, Alias Smith and Jones, Remington Steele, and hordes of other video inspirations. And we firmly believe that each show or movie does not necessarily belong in its own universe. Does it greatly disturb anyone having Captain Kirk run into the Cylons, Questor timewarped to Korea and the 4077, Dr. Who and Sherlock Holmes? At least we won't be doing only those kind of stories.

  • inside page from issue #41/42

    inside page from issue #41/42

  • inside page from issue #41/42

    inside page from issue #41/42

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 41/42

Another double-ish, huh? I guess you just can't keep up with things. Art is, as usual, great — only the "spot illo" on p. 4, by Frank Panucci, got me a little shook up — very Freudian, a snake coming out if Ilia's mouth?

Stories certainly were.. .varied. "Tardis: Stardate 7529:7" was a variation on the inevitable "Dr. Who Meets Star Trek" scenario — I wasn't too happy with the tidy way those Klingons were mopped up, but then, Time Lords can do almost anything. "Good Vibrations" — thanx for the editing job, and clearing up one or two minor points that escaped me the first time around. I hadn't seen Leah's illo before, either. And now we know why Scotty is never allowed to play his bagpipes in the Rec-Room when Spock is around.

The poetry looked good — and the Starship Cafeteria food is probably quite nutritious, it's just that no one has ever figured out a way to make mass-produced food fit to eat. They take the lowest common denominator of flavor, and the result is the Bland leading the Bland.

"Robot's Revenge" is a 'Feghoot' story, i.e., a variation on the 'shaggy dog' story that ends in a horrorific pun.

"Invasion on the Hill" — at least Chewie met Belker. If he'd run into JD LaRue on a bender, that would REALLY get old JD on the wagon.

"The NASA Recruit" -- Ok, now "Dr. Who Meets Blake's Seven." Since I don't watch either of them, I had to take the story on its merits, which weren't bad. K9 came out best in the action — but I'm not too sure what the point of it all was. And who were the Bad Guys, or did I miss something else?

"Unshot" — Jim's analyses of the unfilmed series scripts are always interesting. I'd known about Xon, of course, tut I'd never actually seen some of the dialog that got cut. When ST:TMP was re-edited for network TV, a lot of the original footage that got chopped out of the screen version was put back in, and it made the movie a whole other ball-game. All the characterization and interpersonal stuff went back and about 20 minutes of V'Ger got chucked, and it made a much better Star Trek Movie. I just wish it could be rerun that way in the theaters again. (ed: Blake's Seven? Did we miss something? We didn't recognize anything in "The NASA Recruit" tying it to Blake's Seven...) [1]

Thank you for the sketch of Scotty next to my poem. And you were right, Signe's Doctor illo is beautiful!! The lettered border is quite imaginative and I like the way she swirled his scarf around.

I was rather confused by your choice of an illo for "Flier"; doesn't quite evoke the sort of delicate ambiance I was striving for in the poem. However, as a non-artist, I shouldn't complain.

You asked for some comments, suggestions on TCTS in your editorial. My sister and I agree that you should leave the fiction wide open. Where else could we ever enjoy the Blues Brothers on the Enterprise, Star Wars filks, a fantasy adventure serial, and all between the covers of one zine featuring a DW/Indy Jones/ST cover!?

I sometimes "think there are maybe too many ST zines... and very few places we fringe-groups can place cur work. Even RERUN the multimedia zine doesn't accept cross-universe tales as a rule! If it wasn't for your zine, wherever could I have found a home for "Paris Cafe"? [2]

Issue 43

The Clipper Trade Ship 43 was published in October 1983 and contains 36 pages.

front cover of issue #43
back cover of issue #43

The art is by Doug Herring, Gennie Summers, Susan Landerman, Richard Arnold, Elaine Gregory, Collen Winters, Michael B. Smith, Melody Rondeau, S.K. Dixon, Cynthia Case, Pegasus Hogan, Richard Pollet, Jerry Collins, Frank Panucci, Shona Jackson.

300 copies were printed.

From the editorial:

Your eyes do not deceive you. This is indeed the forty-third issue of THE CLIPPER TRADE SHIP... drifted loose from its watery grave. For those of you who had given up on the ghostship for TCTS's return, you should have waited a little longer. We're back, and in the single issue mode once again.

  • inside page from issue #43

    inside page from issue #43

  • inside page from issue #43

    inside page from issue #43

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 43

Seems strange to see a single issue. It feels so light in my hands. The front cover -- very striking. Back cover also good, although I wish Herring hadn't copied the exact poses of the folks in a publicity photo. "Time Voyagers!" was great. I enjoyed that series and was sorry to see it cancelled. I liked the peek into Phineas' school days and the appearance of Romana. Very nicely done. Filks were amusing as usual. I didn't understand the implications of the ending of "The Guest." I guessed I missed something. I was never a big fan of Man From Atlantis, but I did enjoy the "Unshot" column. [3]

Issue 44/45

The Clipper Trade Ship 44/45 was published in July 1984 and contains 72 pages. 300 copies were printed.

front cover of issue #44/45, J. Alan Tyler
back cover of issue #44/45, Bill Anderson

The art is by J. Alan Tyler, C. Lee Healy, Mary Bohdanowicz, Jim Crawford, Amy Falkowitz, Bill Kobylak, Lisa Scott, Richard Parks, Joy Ashenfelder, Michael Parks, Mathew Kohn, Clare Bell, Pegasus Hogan, Melody Rondeau.

From an ad in Universal Translator: "Features ST fiction by Richard Heim, Jr. as well as Gennie Summers -- Spider-man on the Big E; fantasy by Andrew Nelson; filksongs; art; more."

From the editorial, which addresses the difficulties in finding time to do this zine, and has comments about The Search for Spock and the state of fandom:

We'd like to hear your opinions. We don't subscribe to Interstat, so we are out of touch with the main pulse of Star Trek fandom. Lunatic fringe, that's us. From the rumblings we hear from friends who do describe to Interstat, we may be better off out here. I won't go so far as saying ST III has lost touch with the original intent and feel of ST (and therefore it isn't Trek, as some people view it), but I will point out that many ST fans have lost the spirit of fandom. Back in the "olden days," fans were overjoyed to discover that there were other fans. Letters were exchanged, friendships grew, and fans started writing and printing their own stories. Joy and innocence, happiness and harmony. Was it experience that became the serpent in the garden of fandom-Eden? As time passed, the older, more experienced fans began redefining fandom. Not necessarily consciously, but still dictating what fandom should be. "Real fans don't put on pointed ear tips and call themselves Trekkies." "Real fans don't put out poorly written mimeo fanzines; only professional quality stories, art, and printing are acceptable." "Real fans don't bother with the bulk of those 'trashy' Star Trek paperbacks. This kind of snobbery fandom doesn't need. Newer and/or younger fans need to be encouraged, not discouraged. I delight in finding some new fan being inspired to draw, write, and/or publish. Fandom provides a creative outlet not found anywhere else. From such starts in Star Trek fandom many people have gone on to professional careers. Alicia Austin, Greg Bear, Diane Duane, Jean Lorrah, Terry Austin, and Wendy Pini, to name but a few. It's a learning experience that needs to be encountered first hand, not dictated by those who think they know it all. Must something be done a certain way? Help and guidance, not forceful molding, can turn these new fans into the Alicia Austins and Diane Duanes of tomorrow. TCTS has had more than its fair share of contributors that have turned professional: Clare Bell, Signe Landon, Roger Hill, J. Alan Tyler, Lela Dowling, Gennie Summers, and Melody herself, to name a few.

Yes, I know some of us older fans prefer quality, ranting and raving over "excellent writing" and "superb art." Fine; we all have our tastes, but there is no need to knock that which doesn't reach up to your standards, snubbing those who fail to meet your requirements. With TCTS, I try to bring my audience a wide variety not only in stories and art, but in quality

(a relative term). I don't strive
 for the "best" I can get; I strive for a "balanced" presentation, entertaining many facets of fandom. A showcase of old and new talent. Diversity — thy name is fandom, thy name is humanity, thy name is life.

  • inside page from issue #44/54, illos by Gennie Summers -- a fan in the next issue comments: "I'm afraid I found Gennie Summers "Spock's Hats' embarrassingly silly. I do hope she wasn't serious."

    inside page from issue #44/54, illos by Gennie Summers -- a fan in the next issue comments: "I'm afraid I found Gennie Summers "Spock's Hats' embarrassingly silly. I do hope she wasn't serious."

  • inside page from issue #44/45

    inside page from issue #44/45

  • inside page from issue #44/45

    inside page from issue #44/45

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 44/45

The problems with The Clipper Trade Ship is that the interior art falls short of the promise of the cover. I'd like to see at least one really good quality story per issue along with beginner's art, stories and poetry. This way the neos still have a place but the zine would also be definitely worth buying. [4]

[response from the editor]: (it has long been the policy to use TCTS's covers as a showcase for artwork, not necessarily
 something to indicate what's lurking within. For a slight fee I could rattle off a list of
other zines that operate the same way. There's nothing wrong with having a cover based on a
 story, but we like to keep artists on an equal basis as writers & not subservient. This
 showcases their talent and imagination, not necessarily doing their work off of somebody else's ideas. That is not meant to imply that we aren't against story illustration. This is
 where TCTS is sadly lacking, mainly because the time between receiving a story and using it it 
usually doesn't leave time to contact an artist and arrange for something to be done. We are
 making more of an effort these days to rectify this deficiency. As for the quality of
 interior art — we offer what I consider to be an excellent selection of quality art
from the neo-fan artists to real life pros, a potpourri of 
work from all ages and ability. And, yes, Gennie Summers 
was not being serious with 'Spock's Hats.")

Issue 46

front cover of issue #46, Gennie Summers
back cover of issue #46, Jim Stetson

The Clipper Trade Ship 46 was published in 1985 and is 41 pages long. 300 copies were printed.

The art is by Gennie Summers, Lee Healy, Lori & Jim Stetson, Bill Anderson, Elaine Gregory, Carrie Daugherty, S.K. Dixon, Cynthia Case, Betty Kobf, Michael B. Smith, Craig W. Chrissinger, Randy Clark, Lynn Alisse Witten, Shona Jackson, Kevin Van, Doug Herring, Jerry Collins.

From the editorial:

It's strange, but 1984 brought us a number of stories that were written several years ago, and coincidentally dusted off and sent our way. Over the summer we printed one of these as a one-shot, DW Chong's The Future Tense Affair, a ST/UNCLE story (still available for $7, plug, plug), and in this issue we present Frankie Jemison's "A Protest to the Empire," a sequel to Shirley Maiewski's "The Mind-Sifter" (which first appeared in the first three printings of SHOWCASE #2, but not the subsequent printings, as a bowdlerized version of the story appears currently in the paperback Star Trek: The New Voyages). And in upcoming issues we'll be bringing you some of Jim Crawford' Prisoner stories, written a few years back.

We don't really feel like clambering atop our rotting soapbox this time around and shooting our mouths off; call us too busy or too lazy to put much thought into it. But we will shake our heads sadly at a couple of schemes now in progress. We got a form letter recently from Gene Roddenberry's assistant, Susan Sackett. She had nominated him for a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame as a surprise gift for him. If his nomination is passed in January '85, she wants the fans to donate the $3000 necessary to pay for it. We thought it was tacky enough for the fans of William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy to spearhead collecting contributions for their respective stars' stars. Regardless of whether or not Mr. Roddenberry is deserving of this once-proud honor, we find Ms. Sackett's actions to fit neatly the definition of 'crass.' No doubt she'll raise the money, but we'll save our money for more worthwhile causes.

  • inside page from issue #46

    inside page from issue #46

  • inside page from issue #46

    inside page from issue #46

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 46

On to the letters: I wish to thank those who cared enough to write in nice things about "Web of Time." It is very encouraging to have one's first published story well received. Thank you, Sue Ann, Richard, Teresa, and Craig! You may see more madness in the future. As for the reactions to "Spock's Hat's"; I'm really sorry Mary Bohdanowicz found it "embarrassingly silly" — just think of how poor Spock must have felt! As to where I got the idea, I had seen a single example somewhere, sometime, of Spock in a funny hat, and there was a series of illos by Signe Landon in an issue of THE OTHER SIDE OF PARADISE in which the Trek characters were dressed in medieval costumes: primarily, I think, it is because of the times Spock had to hide his ears in such episodes as "City on the Edge of Forever," "Assignment: Earth," "Return of the Archons," and particularly "Patterns of Force" that inspired me to wonder what he would look like in other types.

The stories: Jim Crawford's "When Friends Are Enemies" was an attention holder from the start. I wish it could have been longer. I felt that it came to a rather abrupt end and should have continued a while. I never get tired of Doctor Who stories, especially with the Master!

"A Protest to the Empire" was enjoyable, though it is a little hard to imagine Spock purposely going forth to kill anyone. Perhaps a little reference to how much Kirk had suffered would make this more acceptable. I loved "Mindsifter," though I have only read the version in New Voyages. I liked the character of M'sitt a great deal, and would like to see more of him. Thelin brought an element of intrigue which was interesting, too. A very enjoyable Trek tale in all.

Ah, what can I say about "The 6th Elfl Tale" except Elfl enjoyable! With Melody's cute sketches and Jim's witty writing, it's a shame there can't be something similar every issue.

"Quotient" was a nice little fantasy; I knew how it would end about 2/3 the way through.

Jerry Collins' adorable little beings on the following page seem to complement it. Other-art-wise, the "Cabbage Patch Spockie" is darling — poor Spock, he's humiliated again... The USS Reliant on p. 4 is good, but the crosshatching around it spoils its lines, makes them indefinite. Love Betty Kobf's little being on p. 5! And Craig Chrissinger's overfed dragon on p. 7. I bet he never gets off the ground. Looks like he just ate the whole Round Table—Knights and all!

Thanks again for another enjoyable issue, and many happy returns. All the best for 1985! [5]

I liked Gennie Summers' cover — even though, not being lucky enough to get Dr. Who in my area, I didn't know at first who the character depicted was. In my ignorance, I thought he resembled Frank Morgan, as he appeared in "The Wizard of Oz." I do sometimes feel a bit deprived in this area. I always have to shrug and smile apologetically whenever the subject of Dr. Who comes up in conversation. Oh, well...

I got a particular kick out of the Stetsons' "Mister Spockie." The cloth hands sewn in the shape of the Vulcan salute were a nice touch. But do Vulcans have navels? Personally, I've never understood the basis for the cabbage patch craze. It's so manipulative, smacking unpleasantly of the tactics used during the 70's gasoline shortage (i.e., stockpiling of supplies, creating an artificial scarcity and thus driving the demand and price up...) . I guess even our kids aren't sacred anymore...

Jim Crawford's "When Friends Are Enemies" was nice, but the punch line was a tad strained...

"Emptyness" by Sue Ann Sarick was atmospheric and made more so by Gennie Summers' illo. (As you no doubt have noticed by now, I am an unabashed admirer of GS.)

The O Henry twist of "Quotient" by Melva Gifford was interesting, and like works of its spiritual predecessor, all too human and sad.

My particular commendations, however, must go to your show piece — "A Protest to the Empire or After the Mind-Sifter" by Frankie Jemison. One of my favorite pieces of pro-fanfiction has always been "Mind-Sifter" from the first Star Trek Voyages. Jemison's yarn took this story line in an interesting direction — a logical reason for revenge. My only criticism, if it can even be given this somewhat harsh emphasis, is the ambiguity of the Andorian replacement first officer's motivations. I found them cryptic, if not downright irritating. But it's always difficult to like Andorians, isn't it? Perhaps Jemison's portrayal was just accurate on what we know about the species? In any event, I enjoyed the premise of the story and Jemison's subsidiary characters... [6]

Issue 47

front cover of issue #47, Melody Rondeau
back cover of issue #46, J. Alan Tyler

The Clipper Trade Ship 47 was published in April 1985 and contains 40 pages.

300 copies were printed.

The art is by Melody Rondeau, J. Alan Tyler, Doug Herring, Gennie Summers, Joy Ashenfelder, Randy Clark, Richard Pollet, Pegasus Hogan, Frank Panucci, Jim Stetson, Guy Brownlee, and Richard Parks.

From the editorial:

Of course, the real home of TV sf & fantasy these days is Saturday morning animation. Let's not dwell on that, but instead gripe about a growing trend in Star Trek fandom. It's sad to see so many fans suddenly denying the existence of an episode or two, one of the movies or two, and especially the whole animated series from the 'history' of the Enterprise. Hey, what's wrong with the animated series? Ignoring the limited animation, they had good stories, style, and interesting characters, especially those they couldn't do as line action characters. We've run M'Ress stories in the past, and did not receive any negative comments. We recall primarily positive fan reaction to the animated series when it first came out. What's changed fandom's mind?

If it's because fans now think that animation is just for kids, then they're missing something. Might as well say Dr. Who is just a kid's show and dismiss it. After all, in England, Dr. Who is just a kid's show, and by and large is treated as such. In Japan, animation is very popular — mainly with adults, using stories with mature themes, and it's not unlikely looking at a list of the ten most popular movies playing at Japanese theatres in a given week includes one or more animated ones. Science fiction and fantasy are popular themes; you can do so much more in this art media than live action.

Anyone here remember that Boba Fett was first introduced as an animated character on the Star Wars Holiday Special that appeared on TV a year or two before Empire Strikes Back came out?

To repeat: what's wrong with the ST animated series? Why is it being shunned as being part of the ST universe? If we get any sort of response, we may get bold may take the query to INTERSTAT, along with some of the comments.

  • inside page from issue #47

    inside page from issue #47

  • inside page from issue #47

    inside page from issue #47

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 47

I didn't recognize Quark on the cover
 (thought he was wearing a moneybag on his patch) until I read the editorial and discovered that there were only three stories, and one had to be Quark, and since it wasn't Han Solo or "John Drake," the patch must be a space baggie, (Oh, well.) Anyway, loved Melody's illos — esp. the Bettys. (The Barnstable twins have never looked so fine.) [7]

Thoroughly enjoyed "The Lotus Eaters"! I loved the Quark stories. It was very good to have my memory jogged about those characters. It was good for a number of snickers. I'd love to get those episodes on videotape — anybody got any out there? I'm not familiar with "The Prisoner," but I enjoyed "Eye See You" nonetheless.

"Han Solo: Imperial Agent" was most enjoyable to me. Nothing like good action-adventure, with interesting characters.

Of the art, Doug Herring's helmeted dolphin with robot arms is clever! Randy Clark's Supes is well done, and so is Frank Eanucci's Valkyrie-type lady. Nice dragon by Stetson. Melody's illo for D.W.'s story are no less than beautiful. Got a charge out of Hitchhiker's Guide to Peanuts by Brownlee, and Richard Parks' illo at the end of the Han Solo story is very well done, with fine perspective details and good contrast. What can one say about a piece as richly and finely detailed as the back cover? Magnificently rendered! Tyler must have spent a great deal of time on that. And the card-players are beauties! Appropriate cover by Melody, too, in her distinctive style. [8]

Issue 48

front cover of issue #48
back cover of issue #48

The Clipper Trade Ship 48 was published in July 1985 and contains 36 pages.

The art is by Melody Rondeau, Gennie Summers, John P. Alexander, Richard Arnold, Guy Brownlee, S.K. Dixon, Kendra Chase, Joy Ashenfelder, Frank Panucci, Colleen Winters, Amy L. Whiteneck, Debbie Smith, Bill Anderson, Susan Landerman, Carrie Daugherty, Pegasus Hogan, Jerry Collins, Gloria-Ann Rovelstad, Michael B. Smith, David J. Schow, Jim Stetson, Ron Moore, K. Lebherz.

From the editorial:

It does seem that each new sf &/or fantasy TV show that comes along spawns a number of fans, no matter how short-lived the series, as, occasionally, does a movie or two. And that means a brave soul or a hundred will shackle themselves to their trusty rusty typewriter and concoct yet one more new adventure based on a new series or movie. And some of those stories will have to be published somewhere. And unless they find enough fellow fans to devote an entire zine to the same source material, then it's up to one of us, um, 'melting pot' fanzines to present it to the world. Thank goodness there are so many of you cosmopolitan fans out there. There is a problem, though — the number of source films is ever-increasing, and it's getting difficult to keep up with them all. Just in the field of science fiction & fantasy alone in this zine we've had stories from Star Trek, Star Wars, Dr. Who, Man From Atlantis, My Favorite Martian, Lost in Space, Battle-star Galactica, Space: 1999, The Prisoner, Planet of the Apes, Quark — and "that's just off the top of the head. We need to be familiar with all related TV series & movies, as editors, so we can handle any submission — and hope we don't lose the reader with whatever stew we set before their hungry eyes. Occasionally we have to wing it — but then, so should the reader; the minimum criteria for a piece should be that it can stand on its own, that the reader not be lost because he or she didn't see the three episode series it was based on. It's a challenge, but one we can all face with a positive attitude. That's what makes this kind of zine so much fun — you never know what might turn up in an issue!

Just don't think about what it's going to be like ten years down the road, what new series and movies will be unreeled before our very senses that will command us to stagger to our pens and paper to write.. .and write.. .and write...

We just hope to still be here to print...and print... and print...

  • inside page from issue #48

    inside page from issue #48

  • inside page from issue #48

    inside page from issue #48

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 48

I liked "Planet of Really Nasty Horrors" and "Let's All Hate Together." The only real exposure that I have had to 'The Prisoner' has been through TCTS, and I'm "beginning to see from Mr. Crawford's work what all the talk has been about.

I am afraid that I did not thrill to "The Velveeta II." D.W. Chong didn't seem to settle down on exactly what she wanted to do with it. Was it a spoof? Was it a comedy? Or was it..?

Thanks to Gennie, Kevin, and Suzanne for the nice words to my "Han Solo: Imperial Agent" story.

Suzanne's comments concerning the resemblance to the 'Han & Chewie & Leia & Luke' stories sent me scurrying back to the story for a look at them. But without any specific references I had some problems. I can only assume it was a Mark and Hilary resemblance to Luke and Leia. Luke and Leia were both much more assertive characters than the two I created. Luke's reaction to the loss of Ben Kenobi in "Star Wars" was immediate while it took Mark quite some time to show anything but hurt and sorrow. Leia was first seen firing a "blaster at a storm-trooper and did so several times in the films. Hilary never picked up a gun. Perhaps she was referring to the Han and Leia relationship to the Han and Hilary relationship. There it is more of a lucky coincidence than a resemblance, as "Han Solo: Imperial Agent" was written in 1979 after the release of Brian Daley's Han Solo At Star's End and before the release of "Empire Strikes Back."

Concerning Han's false I.D., as Captain Ford, there is only one small comment. If George Lucas can create Luke Skywalker, what's a little joke between fans? [9]

I got TCTS #48 just in time to take it with me to the beach. I loved Mel's cover — I think she's a superior talent. Amy's poems were very good on page 8, and "The Taoist and the Vulcan" was a very interesting combination — but I always liked Caine as well as Spocko. Filksongs were fun. "Planet of Horrors" was good, but as I've made so many enemies in the past by saying...I'm not a Who fan (though I did like the group). I loved all the cartoons, and all of the artwork — I was extremely happy to see the Prisoner story, which was great.

"Active" was weird. That's why I loved it. Shows you can put a lot of emotional appeal into half a page.

"The Velveeta II" was funny. So that's what the great cover illo was all about!

All in all, the issue was as great and enjoyable as all your others have been, and I hope your big 5-0 will be five times the regular size!! [10]

Issue 49

The Clipper Trade Ship 49 was published in October 1985 and contains 36 pages. 300 copies were printed.

front cover of issue #49, art by R&R -- "Luke looks like he's really gone over to the Dark Side here. His uniform looks like it's been charred in spots in a lightsabre duel -- but one does have to use up that old zipatone, doesn't one?" [11]
back cover of issue #49, Dawnsinger

The art is by R&R, Richard Arnold, Melody Rondeau, Gennie Summers, Richard G. Pollet, Cynthia Case, Dawnsinger.

From the editorial:

The editorial this time is short and bittersweet, and can be summed up in just one word: SUBSCRIBE! Chances are, if you are reading this, you've bought (or stolen) this zine at a convention. And if you've liked what you've read, you'll buy the next issue — at the next convention you spy it at. This, unfortunately, does not really tell us that you want us to keep on going. Subscriptions have been slowly but steadily declining over the past couple of years. It has not reached the critical level yet, where contributors outnumber subscribers, but it's getting too darn close for comfort. Please show your support, and mail off those little checks today! Really — $5-25 for five issues is a real bargain!

The problem is not ours alone — many, many zine editors are in the same clipper boat. Too many people will only buy a zine when they actually hold it in their hands, and that makes it rather difficult to actually get a zine off the ground. These little suckers cost money to produce, and not all of us have a spare $500 or $1000 lying around to produce these fine "labors of love." Many editors solicit deposits or pre-orders to get their projects off the ground, and sometimes have to wait months and even years before they've collected enough money to go to print — or give up in frustration. They need support — just as we do. Don't be afraid to give support. Buy a fanzine, subscribe, order through the mail — don't procrastinate! Support fandom, support fanzines — and give an editor a reason to smile today.

To all our subscribers & contributors: We can't give you enough thanks for all the support you've given us. Hope you'll stay with us in the times ahead.

The haiku by Ruth Berman:

Gilt star glitters in
sun on the sidewalk,
Gene's, from beyond Antares.
  • inside page from issue #49

    inside page from issue #49

  • inside page from issue #49

    inside page from issue #49

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 49

"The Mind Eaters" and "Demons of the Demon Sea" were completely over my head. "Mad Hatter" is cute fluff. The piece on Time Lord Biology showed me a few things and "Where Have All the Madmen Gone" was typical Prisoner paranoia.

The art was good (as usual)... [12]

Jim Crawford's THE MIND EATERS I think is the best Dr. Who to date that I've read anywhere. The beastie that came out of the Accumulator is just like something they might have on the show -- excuse me, programme.

THE MAD HATTER -- well, it's not mine to comment on that, except to say that the reason the illos don't match up the text is because Jim sneaked up on me and printed the thing after all -- when I thought he'd buried it for good, with leftover illos from the first "Spock's Hats" spread. I intended to have them match, but anyway...

DEMONS OF THE DEMON SEA held my interest throughout. It was a well crafted story. Not a very happy ending, but appropriate. Nice work, William.

Thanks to John Peel for A LOCK AT TIME LORD BIOLOGY! This is a very handy resume for a writer to have for reference, all in one place. I would not presume to dispute any of it. LOVE Melody's little "Whocats" at the end of the article!

WHERE HAVE ALL THE MADMEN GONE by Jim Crawford was also enjoyable; having now seen some Prisoner episodes, I could understand it much better, at least I know what they're talking about now, when the "egg chair" and "Rover" and the like are mentioned. And The poor Prisoner never gets away. I know he does, in the last story, but meantime, the fans keep adding to his misery.

I really liked APPRENTICE TO THE SITH — there were a lot of unexpected events in it, and I almost thought Luke might not escape the Dark Side. Good writing, Carol.

Lovely unicorn on the backcover by Dawnsinger. Not your usual too-dainty type; more of an Indian unicorn? If such there be. A bit sparse on artwork this time, but then more room for story-words.

Oh, yes! I liked Ruth Berman's wee Haiku for GR, too. [13]

"The Mind Eaters" by James Crawford. The Doctor and Leela go up against aliens harvesting primitive minds for material wealth. There's an ironic use of beautiful sunflower plants as the instrument of death as minerals in living bodies are transformed into valuable gemstones. I felt the Doctor would be more outraged at the heinous crimes of the villains and their low regard for human life. His reaction to Doirai's explanation of the harvesting was literally nil — the Doctor was only concerned with the effects of the Accumulator. This was quite out of character for the Time Lord who values the sanctity of life so highly. Other than that, this was a very good story with a typical slapdash ending where the Doctor jury-rigs a machine of sorts to deal with a destructive force.

"Mad Hatter" by Gennie Summers. I was quite glad that Gennie made this all a bad dream at the end — a real nightmare in fact! The stuck fireman's helmet was the most humorous bit. I thought Kirk and McCoy came off as somewhat out of character in their 'forcing' Spock to try on his secret cache of hats. A fun ending on the bridge!

"Demons of the Demon Sea" by William Harrison. A great read, I really enjoyed this salty tale of the sea. Harrison can certainly spin a good yarn. I must admit it kept me guessing to the very end. I started wondering who might turn out to be the alien — the shipwrecked victim or his rescuer. It actually read like a Twilight Zone drama where the captured 'monster' turns out to be an Earthling held by B.E.H.s! And the author's note at the conclusion of "Demons was quite Serling-ish in flavor. Way to go, Bill.

"A Look at Time Lord Biology by John Peel. I
 rarely agree 100% with these speculative "fact" arti
cles. Many series suffer from a lack of continuity
 and it's all too easy to dredge up examples that support any theory one cares to pose. And a long-running series like Doctor Who is no exception. Therefore, I really shouldn't comment on this monograph, yet I can't resist adding my own two cents (and that's probably more can't resist adding my own two cents,and that's probably more than it's worth!). On the mystery of Romana's regeneration in 'Destiny of the Daleks,' I wonder if those alternate bodies were actually holographic images projected mentally or mechanically. In this way, "Fred" could try on various physical types before she settled on one. Just one more theory to add to the Time Lord Matrix files.

Art: Melody's second and sixth Doctors in furry personae are the cutest! I've read letters from British fans who disliked the 'Two Doctors' episode, even calling it "a load of rubbish." Sigh.

Love Dawnsinger's magical horse on the back cover. I can feel the wind!

Of the Poetry, I'm glad that Rondeau & Rondeau have enough sense of humor to print something like 'A Reader's Impression of Zine Editors' by Trina Johnson. Thank the Lord of Kobol, all zine eds aren't like that, but everybody has a horror story...! 'Ratings Hon; Cutter Zero' by Amy Whiteneck was touching. Even though I wasn't fan of this particular show, I can relate to a favorite series that was unceremoniously cancelled. As someone once sang: The ratings are the hardest part, they cancel shows before they start. Yes, the ratings are the hardest part. (Sung to Tom Petty's 'The Waiting is the Hardest Part.')

'6683 Hollywood Blvd Haiku' from Ruth Bgrman is neat. Although the title's almost longer than the verse, she says it all!

I haven't read the Prisoner story in this issue but I wondered if fans of that psychological/surreal British drama know that the group Colorbox has a song called 'Just Give Them Enough 'Whiskey' which dubs bits of movie and tv dialogue into an avant musical score... [14]

Issue 50

The Clipper Trade Ship 50 was published in January 1986 contains 60 pages. It was the "gala golden double issue," and the cover was a wraparound one. 300 copies were printed.

-- A fan wrote: "I got a real kick out of Gennie's cover, a nice salute to all of the myriad fandoms, with a nod to several of my favorites i.e. the little fire lizard holding a balloon, the Elfquest lady, Pigs in Space, the Tom Baker incarnation of Dr. Who... I'm not sure how I liked the gold-tone logo yet. It seems to fade in and out, but that might be a product of the balloon background. I'll reserve judgement on this until next issue." The editor responded: "The logo was -- thankfully -- just for the fiftieth issue. It turned out better than it was supposed to, but still, the extra cost & effort isn't worth it to do anytime in the near future! The cover was another experiment that worked better. Melody pencilled the work, and Gennie inked it." [15]
back cover of issue #50, Melody Rondeau and Gennie Summers
inside page from issue #50
inside page from issue #50

The art is by Gennie Summers, Melody Rondeau, Signe Landon, Amy Falkowitz, Leah Rosenthal, Richard Arnold, Elaine Gregory, Jerry Collins, Carrie Daughterty, S.K. Dixon, Pegasus Hogan, Doug Herring, Shona Jackson, Jim Stetson, J. Alan Tyler, Gloria-Ann Rovelstad, Amy L. Whiteneck, Guy Brownlee, Mary Bohdanowicz, Sue Fine.

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 50

Su Fine's "Sleighride" was quite well written, a respect
able treatment of a theme so well-worn that it could have become ludicrous with any less care. Teresa Sarick's "Rachel" was also very well done; I am completely ignorant of the characters involved, but had no trouble following the story. In fact, the story would have worked just as
 well using all original characters — perhaps even better, since it would they have avoided the tiny bit of Mary-Sue-ism in the peasant girl's turning around the Evil
 Prince so fast. A nice, long story, though! good characterization.

Jim Crawford's "All Hope
 Abandon" was back up to his imaginative high standards — Rover was an honest piece of weird-
ness.

Terrence Knova's "Bananas" was just plain funny. And the elfl tales — two in one year! 
— had me rolling on the floor, as usual.

Verse — Almarrisa Corban, Carol Mel Ambassador, and Trina Johnson all wrote in a very similar style: pleasant, well paced, properly moody. Amy Whiteneck's terse "Want Ad" was also well done. Roberta Rogow's and Susan Landerman's Filksongs showed — well, I'm not sure if it's talent, perseverance, or dementia to put that much thought and effort into something so wonderfully warped. D.W. Chong made a good try, but the competition was just too stiff.

The art was good — again, not my field, but I especially liked Hogan's mermaid (of course) and Melody's — whatever that is in the Captain Harlock (?) costume page 48. The cartoons were excellent, as usual. Number 6 with Ralph's Red Suit — heh!

Anyway, if I've left anyone out, chalk it up to writer's cramp — I haven't forgotten you. Hope 1986 is treating all of you well. [16]

SLEIGHRIDE was a very touching story - normally 'cute' STAR TREK puts me off but Su showed a nice light touch and carried off the story very well.

RACHEL was an interesting addenda to the WIZARDS AMD WARRIORS universe, and very well written. The ending was downbeat, and redemption does carry a price. I liked her feel for the characterisations, they were quite close to the series.

ALL HOPE ABANDON was my favorite. Crawford has the touch with his Prisoner material. Interesting premise and the cartoon was a riot. So that's what happened to Bill Maxwell?? And then there was that ELFL tale. You guys are TOO much. The tales are enough but all those PUNS - CRINGE!!! I cringed for a week. Yes, Stewardess, I always twitch like this. And all the poems and filk - I can't help but laugh over Mary Sue - having been subjected to such stories in my early fandom. You said it, Roberta.

BANANAS had me in stitches. Poor Gilligan - he never gets a break (except for commercials). [17]

Much thanks to all the letter-writers who liked my "Mad Hatter." You do know what such encouragement can lead to, don't you?

"Sleighride" was delightful. Convincing an unbelieving Spock is not easy. It wasn't just fluff, either, but had a very poignant and touching message for our favorite Vulcan. Cute closing . line, too. I had to laugh aloud at Melody's "Ensign Evergreen" at the end! That is definitely one of your best, Melody! Both in concept and in execution — love that face...

It's hard for me to critique verse, but I enjoyed them all. "Four Words" and "The Last Magic" are so evocative; much truth in "Not So Different, and "Mos Eisley Times Want Ad" a gem of humor.

"Rachel" was really good. I got sleepy and had 
to stop in the middle (I read in bed), and how I 
hated to put it aside! Rachel is a well rounded
 character, and Teresa caught Ariel's air-headed per
sonality and speech perfectly. I just knew some
thing had to happen to Blackpool at the end. It was 
hard to think of him as "nice," and I was also re
luctant to, because I love him so much as evil. Vec
tor was his usual deliciously wicked self, and I loved
 the monsters. I hope this isn't the last Wizards and War
riors tale Teresa has in store for us! Loved Melody's illos; 
the one with the fire monster is my favorite.

"All Hope Abandon" : so Rover is an alien, is he? Figures; no self-respecting Earthly balloon would go around doing the nasty things he does, dragging prisoners back into captivity and such. Another really cute cartoon by Melody!

Filksongs: "Saga of Mary Sue" — how true, how true, and therefore how amusing! "Santa's Got a TARDIS Now! — equally amusing in another vein. Darling mousie in-between (imp?)... Loved every one of the Christmas carols. And you haven't heard "Poor Frozen Han" until you've heard D.W. sing it. Simply adore Herring's black knight!

"Bananas": Gilligan strikes again. Short but silly, just my style. More?! "The 7th Elfl Tale": the annual agony. Oh, misery! I can't get enough of this kind of thing! Another whole year to wait? Aw, shucks!

That about covers it — oops, the cover! That was fun, Melody! Yeah, let's do it again! [18]

References

  1. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #43
  2. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #43
  3. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #46
  4. ^ from a LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #46
  5. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #47
  6. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #47
  7. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #48
  8. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #48
  9. ^ from a LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #49
  10. ^ from a LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #49
  11. ^ comment by Gennie Summers in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #50
  12. ^ from a LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #50
  13. ^ from a LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #50
  14. ^ from a LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #50
  15. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #51
  16. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #51
  17. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #51
  18. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #51
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