The Fix (Starsky and Hutch zine)

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Zine
Title: The Fix
Publisher: Amapola Press, then In Person Press
Editor(s): April Valentine
Date(s): 1987-2002
Series?:
Medium: print
Size:
Genre:
Fandom: Starsky & Hutch
Language: English
External Links:
1987 flyer
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

The Fix is a long-running, and very influential, slash Starsky & Hutch fanzine.

There are a few gen stories in the first twelve issues. These gen stories were reissued in The Fix Collected.

Submission Request

From a 1989 submission request:

Published approximately every four months. Fiction and poetry of all types, S&H, S/H, what-ifs, some serial stories. Each issue has as its theme a particular episode, but all stories for that ish need not coincide with that topic. THE FIX also includes letters of comment and discussion on SH topics and the previous issue's contents. Artists: portrait-style and spot illos are always welcome. Submit what you have on hand and it can be paired with a story or poem. #6, the "Summer Buns Issue" is due in August. Please include an appropriately sized SASE with all submissions and send to editor [April Valentine]...

General Reactions and Reviews

This long-running series of zines contains some excellent stories by some of the best writers in the fandom. Pretty much every issue has something worth reading, and some are absolute gems.[1]

The Fix zines from 1 through 17. Okay, I know that's cheating [to call them all one zine], but the fact is that most of these small, beautifully illustrated, anthology zines have tons of "to be continued" stories in them and you've got to have all of these to have all the parts to those stories. Most of the stories in them are slash but some are gen. The art is amazing. There are *wonderful* wonderful stories in these zines, tons of award winners, stories so unforgettable they'll haunt you. These zines were put out every few months, were about 50 pages in length (until some of the later editions) and you can chart the progress of the fandom, especially slash fandom, through its pages. I think one of my stories shoes up in Fix 16, I'm not sure. These zines are still in print and can be obtained from Lionheart Press who agents for Martha. Some of the stories from these zines are on the net, but most are not. Many of the authors in these pages have disappeared, so their stories will never be archived, but they'll always be available in these great little zines. [2]

Issue 1

cover issue #1, Merle Decker

The Fix 1 was published in October 1987 and has 58 pages.

The art is by Jean C., Merle Decker, SVE and Arleen Geller.

From the editor:

As fanzines go, this one is a bit different. Published every 4 months, it will provide a "fix" of SH for those of us who love to read about and discuss the characters of Starsky and Hutch. It is not a letterzine in the traditional sense, like Frienz or The Who Do We Trust Times. Besides letters, THE FIX will carry fiction -- in abundance, I hope. LoC's will be published and other topics will be discussed. I've been thinking that perhaps SH fandom has outgrown the need for a classic letterzine. This is a small fandom, and to continue to thrive, our forms of communication need to continue to grow and change with our needs and tastes. We do need some way of keeping in touch with each other, and I hope lots of us will be participating, one way or another, in THE FIX.

What kinds of stories fit THE FIX? Just about anything. Vignettes, poetry, scenes we didn't see, what-ifs, "&", "/", crime drama, character study -- things that might not fit the more specific guidelines of other, longer SH zines... I have fairly eclectic taste and I'd like to be able to provide something for everyone. Experimental forms or themes are also welcome, and so is humor.

I know that there may be some questions caused by including both "&" and "/" stories in a single zine. I wouldn't expect someone to buy a copy of a zine that she wouldn't want to read in its entirety. My feeling is that there is little enough SH fanfiction; skipping something means we have less to read. But I'm not aiming to encourage endless debates about will they or won't they, or to change anyone's mind. This and future editorials will provide a rundown of the 'orientation' of the included stories, so that if you don't want to read something you'll disagree with, you can skip it. I'm open to a variety of themes but I cannot publish what is not submitted.


  • from issue #1, Jean C.

    from issue #1, Jean C.

  • from issue #1, Arlene Geller

    from issue #1, Arlene Geller

  • from issue #1, SVE

    from issue #1, SVE

  • from issue #1, Arlene Geller

    from issue #1, Arlene Geller

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

See reactions and reviews for Lost.

Issue 2

cover of issue #2 by J. Jones

The Fix 2 was published in April 1988 and has 56 pages.

The art is by J. Jones (cover), Arlene Geller, SVE, and Merle Decker.

This issue contains slash but it is not explicit.

The editor notes it is the first zine done on her Macintosh SE computer.

  • The Hit Man, poem by Ellen Morris (gen) (6)
  • The Next Best Place by Ellen Morris (slash) (7)
  • Lost, Part Two by Lynna Bright (10)
  • Second Sight by Sue-Anne Hartwick (slash) (10)
  • On Gillian, poem by April Valentine (gen) (26)
  • For the Bulges in Tandem — Constrictions by Molly D. Brown (slash) (28)
  • Perchance to Dream by Elizabeth Lowry (gen) (It is part of Lowry's Hutch-Sweet Alice trilogy, the othe parts are in the first issue of "The Fix" and in Half You, Half Me #1) (33)
  • Hunger, Part Two by April Valentine (slash) (47)


  • from issue #2, SVE, an example of her fluid and lanky Starsky

    from issue #2, SVE, an example of her fluid and lanky Starsky

  • from issue #2, J. Jones; this is an example of one of the author's preferred styles, a portrait of Starsky and Hutch—this illo was one that could be used for many zine stories as it didn't give any clues, aside from the lack of Hutch's mustache, to time or place

    from issue #2, J. Jones; this is an example of one of the author's preferred styles, a portrait of Starsky and Hutch—this illo was one that could be used for many zine stories as it didn't give any clues, aside from the lack of Hutch's mustache, to time or place

  • from issue #2, Arlene Geller

    from issue #2, Arlene Geller

  • from issue #2, Merle Decker, a rare piece of explicit art both in the fandom, and from this artist

    from issue #2, Merle Decker, a rare piece of explicit art both in the fandom, and from this artist

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

See reactions and reviews for Lost.

Issue 3

cover of issue #3 by TACS

The Fix 3 was published in August 1988 and has 54 pages.

The art is by TACS and Chris Soto (her first piece in SH fandom).

The editor addresses the alternate universe story, Lost (which is also a commentary on how few alternate universe stories here were in the fandom):

Some of our readers, who are completely right in expressing their interests and tastes, haven't enjoyed "Lost It as much as others of us have. It is true that this type of story, while quite common in other fan universes, Trek and Professionals for example, is not seen often in SH. I think it is interesting to explore different ways our characters could react if they were plopped into different settings than the ones we're used to seeing them in. True, one of the factors that make Star sky and Hutch the men they are is the gritty urban crime of the L.A. of the 1970's. But why hold ourselves back? One of my favorite themes in Trek was the idea that the two heroes would 'find' each other in any incarnation, that the universe could change drastically, but they would come together and their love would endure. This is the way I see "Lost II -- an exploration of what if instead of being two modern guys in California, they were two strangers marooned together. Because at heart they really are Starsky and Hutch, we know that the relationship will evolve, but the differences and similarities to their twentieth century counterparts will be interesting to watch. No matter where or who they are, they will be drawn together... and maybe in another life, Christian and Manfred come back as the famous partners the BCPD will know as Starsky and Hutch. If you can't get into it from this way, though, I offer you an alternative. Remember the movie that bad guy Robert Erba, the villain of Murder on San Carmelitas, intended to have Starsky and Hutch star in? It was about two guys shipwrecked on a deserted isle, and I'm not talking Skipper and Little Buddy. Just imagine "Lost" is that film brought to you in living color, ladies, and lean back and enjoy ....

  • Lost, Part Three by L. Bright (6)
  • Photograph by Ellen Morris (14)
  • Vacation by Sue-Anne Hartwick (20)
  • Gathering of the Clan by Cheryl Maier (26)
  • Priorities by Merle Decker (32)
  • Hunger, Part Three by April Valentine (38)


  • from issue #3, intro to this installment of "Lost"

    from issue #3, intro to this installment of "Lost"

  • from issue #3, TACS

    from issue #3, TACS

  • from issue #3, Chris Soto

    from issue #3, Chris Soto

  • from issue #3, TACS

    from issue #3, TACS

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 3

See reactions and reviews for Lost.

Issue 4

cover of issue #4, J. Jones

The Fix 4 was published in October 1988 (at ZebraCon) and has 54 pages.

The front cover is by J. Jones, other art by Carol Davis, Merle Decker and SVE.


  • from issue #4, SVE

    from issue #4, SVE

  • from issue #4, SVE

    from issue #4, SVE

  • from issue #4, Carol Davis and Merle Decker

    from issue #4, Carol Davis and Merle Decker

  • from issue #4, Carol Davis and Merle Decker

    from issue #4, Carol Davis and Merle Decker

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 4

See reactions and reviews for Lost.

See reactions and reviews for The Huntingdon Chronicles.

[Sleeping Arrangements]: This is a "missing scene" piece from Satan's Witches. Now, for those of you who have not seen the show, let me break it down for you. Starsky has red longjohns and he wears them and stretches in them and looks really good in them. The point of the ep is that SH go to Dobey's (their captain's) cabin for the weekend. Other things happen later on, but concentrate on the longjohns for this bit. It's hot, it's sex, it's what happened between the time after supper and the morning when Starsky wakes up on the couch. It's red longjohns.[3]

Issue 5

cover of issue #5, SVE

The Fix 5 was published in March 1989 and has 58 pages.

The front cover is by SVE, other art by Merle Decker, Mary Mills, TACS and April Valentine.

This is the issue that the editor takes on the pseud of April Valentine.

  • Brothers in Arms by J. Elizabeth Ginty (9)
  • Lost, Part Five by Lynna Bright (10)
  • Choices by Leah S. (26)
  • Retribution by Elizabeth Lowry (gen) (27)
  • Evidence for Life by E. Morris (37)
  • More Choices by Leah S. (40)
  • Future Shock by Sue-Anne Hartwick (42)
  • Incarnations by J. Morgan, introduction to "Fight at the Ford" (48)
  • Fight at the Ford by Jennet Morgan (49)
  • Making Up by Jenn (54)


  • from issue #5, Mary Mills

    from issue #5, Mary Mills

  • from issue #5, April Valentine

    from issue #5, April Valentine

  • from issue #5, Merle Decker

    from issue #5, Merle Decker

  • from issue #5, TACS

    from issue #5, TACS

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 5

See reactions and reviews for Lost.

Issue 6

cover of issue #6, the "Buns of Summer" art was also used in Golden Oldies and New Delights

The Fix 6 was published in August 1989 and has 60 pages. It is the "Buns of Summer" issue.

The art is by J. Jones, Ruth Kurz and TACS.

  • Sunshine Dream by MRK (6)
  • Lost, Part Six by Lynna Bright (22)
  • S&H Buns Thesaurus (44)
  • Buns of Death by Sue-Anne Hartwick (37)
  • Incarnations, Part Two (By the Rivers of Babylon) by Jennet Morgan (46)
  • Test of Faith by Jenn (51)


  • from issue #6, TACS

    from issue #6, TACS

  • from issue #6, Merle Decker

    from issue #6, Merle Decker

  • from issue #6, TACS

    from issue #6, TACS

  • from issue #6, Ruth Kurz

    from issue #6, Ruth Kurz

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 6

See reactions and reviews for Lost.

Issue 7

cover of issue #7, TACS

The Fix 7 was published in October 1989 (at ZebraCon) and has 54 pages.

The art is by Dave Kippax, Ruth Kurz, TACS, and April Valentine.


  • from issue #7, TACS

    from issue #7, TACS

  • from issue #7, Dave Kippax

    from issue #7, Dave Kippax

  • from issue #7, Ruth Kurz

    from issue #7, Ruth Kurz

  • from issue #7, TACS

    from issue #7, TACS


Reactions and Reviews: Issue 7

See reactions and reviews for Lost.

[The Rookie]: This takes place while Hutch and Luke are partnered, but other familiar names come up, too. Starsky, Iron Mike, Luke, Hutch, they're all here. See how a rookie cop becomes the talented one we saw onscreen and how a friendship with a seemingly opposite man became the most trusted partnerships in history.[4]

Issue 8

cover of issue #8, TACS

The Fix 8 was published in July 1990 and has 66 pages.

The cover is by TACS, other art by TACS and April Valentine.

The editor says she hasn't been getting many, if any, Locs, and there aren't any in this issue.

We all acknowledge that no one writes as many as they used to, but writers, artists, and editors have not stopped needing them. How on earth can we know what the readers like without feedback?


  • from issue #8, TACS

    from issue #8, TACS

  • from issue #8, April Valentine

    from issue #8, April Valentine

  • from issue #8, TACS

    from issue #8, TACS

  • from issue #8, TACS

    from issue #8, TACS

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 8

See reactions and reviews for Lost.

[Exile to Freedom]: Impossible to say whether I'm going to like this as it develops. So far, fine -- it has the makings of good gutsy fantasy, and again it isn't 'S & H in fancy dress'. Give us more background on their respective societies as you go along, [April] -- and please don't let Aidan be a wimp. I hate to say it, but he felt like he might be one. Cado started out just right, and I want him to stay that way -- a fierce and fearless little bantam cock with an axe to grind... You will notice that I have mellowed my opinions regarding S&H in otherwhens. If it's well-done, it's great. My original objections were spawned by seeing some totally terrible stuff in another fandom, where the protagonists were merely in fancy dress (and sometimes little enough of that) and the research into the specific period was scanty and inaccurate... Being a keen student of history myself, I was dreading the same thing happening to S&H. It hasn't. Yet. But S&H fanfic has always had a quality that other fandoms have lacked... and I guess I want it to stay that way.[5]

Issue 9

cover of issue #9, SVE
art from issue #9, SVE
art from issue #9, TACS

The Fix 9 was published in December 1990 and has 78 pages.

The cover is by SVE, other art by SVE and TACS.

From the editorial:

We have nothing but Christmas stories, no 'Lost,' no 'Exile to Freedom,' no 'Incarnations.'... Our stories for this holiday issue couldn't have been more well-mixed than if I'd commissioned them individually. There's a little bit of everything: humor, crime-fighting, sex, and sentimentality. They are presented to you in chronological order, from early in their partnership to more familiar times of the episodes and on to the years after. It was interesting to read them as they came in and to find that all of us perceive certain themes to be important in the holiday context for our characters. There's our Hutch, a little glum and concerned about the state of the world, with Starsky at his side full of holiday cheer and hope... Here's a run-down of the slash quotient of this issue. The stories 'A Deep and Dark December' and 'Deck the Balls' both contain explicit "/" scenes. In 'Reawakening,' 'The Night Before Christmas' and 'Christmas at Three Rivers,' the slash relationship is just a given in the story. The remaining stories either do not state one way or another what the relationship is or are non-slash. I've mentioned that we have a Beckett and Powers story this ish. You'll find that it's a scene that is a part of the No Easy Answers universe, one that didn't remain in the final version of the novel.




Issue 10

cover of issue #10, TACS

The Fix 10 was published in April 1991 and has 73 pages.

The cover is by TACS. Interior art is by TACS and SVE.


  • from issue #10, TACS

    from issue #10, TACS

  • from issue #10, TACS

    from issue #10, TACS

  • from issue #10, SVE

    from issue #10, SVE

  • from issue #10, TACS

    from issue #10, TACS

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 10

See reactions and reviews for Lost.

Issue 11

cover of issue #11, SVE

The Fix 11 was published in April 1992 and has 64 pages.

From the editor:

One thing you'll notice right away with this issue -- there is no interior art. The main reason for this is that it is just becoming too difficult to obtain illustrations. I had to ask our SH artists to work double duty this year anyway, for Distant Shores and Nightlight #2, so I didn't want to burden anyone for art for this Fix.

  • some LoCs
  • Rehearsal by Rachel Christie ("our lovely smut this time") (5)
  • Carnival by Tabby D. ("totally not slash") (8)
  • Crazy in Love by Sue Anne Hartwick ("includes the premise but not the act") (10)
  • Untangled by MRK ("includes the premise but not the act") (13)
  • Murder Ward Tag, version 1 (15)
  • Murder Ward Tag, version 2 (17)
  • Gift From the Sea by B.N. Fish ("totally not slash") (19)
  • Dum Vivimus, Vivamum by Jennet Morgan (21)
  • Sands of Time by Leah S. ("includes the premise but not the act") (24)
  • Foolish Dreams, Futile Hopes by Elizabeth Lowry ("includes the premise but not the act") (part of a trilogy, reprinted in ...Turned to Fire) (25)
  • Distant Snores by Paula Smith (the play presented at ZCon) (29)
  • Exile to Freedom, chapter 3 by April Valentine (38)
  • A Place in the Sun, part one by Lynna Bright ("The sequel to A Place to Hide. It's lain unpublished, and incidentally, incomplete, for so these many years. Lynna has been persuaded to have it see the light of day at last, but we aren't sure if she's going to be able to finally finish the story.") (43)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 11

[Foolish Dreams]: Foolish Dreams centers around Hutch. He's come to a realization in his life and he talks it over with their therapist-friend. After loving Starsky silently for four years, Hutch realizes that it's never going to happen so he's decided to let it go and focus on his own happiness for once. But the thing is, Hutch has never come out and really said it. He's dropped hints, but he's never flat-out told Starsky. And why? Because he's afraid of failing. He doesn't want the rejection, so he doesn't take the chance.[6]

Issue 12

cover of issue #12, David Kippax
art from issue #12, TACS

The Fix 12 was published in May 1993 and has 62 pages.

From the editorial:

Dear Readers, this is going to be the last FIX for a while. The zine is going on hiatus. I'm not saying there won't be another issue, but I'm not able to say at the moment when it will become a reality... Why am I suspending publication? There are a number of reasons. First, my own time and energy. I've been doing zines now since 1977 and although I enjoy the creative process, the repetition of doing the same thing over and over does tend to wear one down after a while... The good parts, working with authors, the discovery of new ways to explore the same relationship, the fun of reading a new story, stay good. But the bad parts, trying to find artists, trying to keep to a deadline, doing layout, getting to the printer, BEING the printer, collating, binding, stapling, mailing... these parts tend to sap the energy and become a tiresome, repetitive task...

The editor also writes that she has perhaps too much of a personal hand in her zines, but had wanted to maintain control.

These zines are slash -- I wanted to know what cons they were going to, have some control over where they were being purchased. In Baltimore last summer, a TV camera crew came into a dealer's room and video taped K/S zines to show on the evening news, complete with quoted lines from a story. It don't want to take that chance of that happening with my S/H zines.

The editor concludes with a long gafia-like statement:

I love fandom though I well know it's not a perfect place. It's not Utopia. It only seems that way when you first find it. There, no matter what you look like, no matter where you're from, you MATTER. Your ideas, your hopes and dreams, your thoughts matter. But fandom is a microcosm of society... There are egos and arguments, peace treaties and wars. There are true and binding friendships that will stand beyond fandom, and acquaintanceships that will not survive the first misunderstanding. I swore I would never end my fannish life stating that I had to get back to the 'real world.' I never want to be a mundane. But when fandom becomes more uncomfortable than the real world, the dreams become tarnished, the ideas become less viable, and the hope and the excitement and the creativity are sapped... the time has come.

  • Nectar & Ambrosia, editorial (i)
  • From Our Readers, LOCs (v)
  • Day One, a Prequel by April Valentine (1)
  • Bed Watch by Sue Anne Hartwick (11)
  • Decked Out by MRK (14)
  • Hearts and Flowers by Theresa Kyle (19)
  • Dum Vivimus, Vivimum Part Two by Jennet Morgan (26)
  • A Place in the Sun, part two by Lynna Bright (32)
  • Day One Conclusion by April Valentine (54)


Issue 13/14

cover of #13/#14, J. Jones
cover of issue #13, another version of this moving target
cover of issue #14, this issue may have been published with just the last two stories from the combined issue

The Fix 13/14 was published in October 1995.

From the editorial:

Welcome to issue 13-14 of The Fix. It's been over two years since Fix 12, and it seemed time to bring the zine back. This is a double issue -- I had enough for a regular sized Fix, then close to deadline, I received the wonderful story 'Starsky's Stalker' by Victoria Racklyft. She's new to fandom and this is her first SH publication... The Fix has always included both slash and non-slash material. This time our contents are almost all slash, with 'I.O.U.' being the exception. However, both 'I.O.U.' and the chapter of 'Exile to Freedom' can be considered pre-slash. If readers out there want non-slash stories, feel free to submit them.

  • Come Live With Me, poem by MRK (1)
  • Home for the Holidays by Mary Millard (2)
  • I.O.U. by MRK (gen, Starsky, Hutch and John Colby at the Academy) (10)
  • Face in the Headlights by Leah S. (in the "Secrets" series) (14)
  • Indigo Eyes, poem by MRK (16)
  • Shattered by MRK (Clandestine Report #105) (17)
  • Mine by Elizabeth Lowry (25)
  • Long Night on a Short Dirt Road by Kate McChesney (sex in the The Torino during the episode) (27)
  • Rosebud by Theresa Kyle (misread signals on both their parts leads to first time) sex) (32)
  • Exile to Freedom (chapter four) by April Valentine (51)
  • Starsky's Stalker by Victoria Racklyft ("The guys go undercover to catch a killer, Starsky as a gay hustler/dancer and Hutch as a porn bookstore clerk." This story has an OMC named Waco.) (58)
  • Rebuttal (take that any way you want) by Eleanor Burke Marshall (a parody of a sex scene, complete with "excited balls," "slick, torrid orifices," and "throbbing manhoods.") (113)

The introduction to "Exile to Freedom":

Our story thus far... Aidan Brice has been exiled from Elyria, his home counlry for the crime of reading another's mind without permission, despite the fact that he did this to help save another person's life. Before he was sent out of the city's gates, his natural telepathic ability, his sensa, was destroyed by the judges and he was sent back into the barren badlands with only a horse and a few items he was carrying on his back. Guerric Cado grew up in the land to the souch of Elyria, known as Lorian. Twenty years ago, when he was just a child, Cado saw his world crumble when the vicious Dalcot took over his country. His father killed, his mother made a slave, and he became the foster brother to the sons of the man who stole his father's property. He was never treated as one of the family, looked down upon by the others as inferior, he struggled all his life to show how tough he was. His mother still lives with the Dalcot lord and tends his property, while Cado heads a band of renegade young men who make their living in robbery and terrorism. Their paths cross when Cado's band invades the small village where Aidan has taken refuge, but the thief backs off upon seeing the sword one of the villagers gave him to wield.

Issue 15

cover of issue #15, J. Jones

The Fix 15 was published in May 1996 and has 120 pages.

The cover is by J. Jones, and there is no other interior art.

From the editor:

Starsky & Hutch fandom is alive and well, thanks to TNT and the internet. It seems fans everywhere are communicating, writing, enjoying, and loving our two favorite cops from the '70's. I'm not online... but from the friends I have who are, I know the communication is out there. So many new fans have been getting in touch with me and asking about back issues of this zine plus my other ones.

  • Ring in the New by Theresa Kyle (1) (Starsky and Hutch, trapped in the car, make a new year's resolution.)
  • Shot in the Dark by MRK (13)
  • Bloodbath’s Aftermath by Victoria Racklyft (16)
  • Momentary Breach by Lynne Dhenson, poem (72)
  • Early Morning Conversation by Theresa Kyle (post-Shootout) (73)
  • In the Calm by Lynne Dhenson, poem (75)
  • Exile to Freedom by April Valentine (76)
  • Hold Me, Tease Me, Kiss Me, Please Me by Glow (87)
  • Truth, poem by Lynne Dhenson (120)


Issue 16

cover of issue #16

The Fix 16 was published in 1996 and has 118 pages.

It contains only clip art.

Issue 17

cover of issue #17, J. Jones

The Fix 17 was published in 1997 and has 114 pages.

The cover is by J. Jones. The only interior art is clip art. This zine was nominated for a STIFfie in 1997.

  • Down to the Wire, poem by Isabel Ortiz (appeared in issue #16, but had typos and is reprinted here) (1)
  • Buried Treasure, poem by Lynne Dhenson (appeared in issue #16, but had typos and is reprinted here) (2)
  • Confusion, poem by Isabel Ortiz (4)
  • Four-Thirty-Five A.M., poem by Lynne Dhenson (5)
  • Unveiling, poem by L. Dhenson (6)
  • Hiatus by Theresa Kyle (gen) (7)
  • If Love is Real: Colby by Flamingo (12)
  • Lonely Hearts Club by C.D. Phelps (Starsky and Hutch, in the Witness Protection Program, find each other in a gay chatroom.) (This story was nominated for a STIFfie in 1997.) (29)
  • Talk Dirty to Me by Glow (This story was nominated for a STIFfie in 1997.) (45)
  • Talk Dirty to Me Again by Flamingo (56)
  • Harvest Time by Victoria Racklyft (76)
  • Vigil's End by Rose Singer (This story was nominated for a STIFfie in 1997.) (96)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 17

[Vigil's End]: When I first read Killa's story, there was very little SH fiction on the fledgling internet. If you wanted SH fic, you read zines. In 1997, April Valentine's terrific zine, The Fix Vol. 17, had a story from a writer I'd never heard of, Rose Singer. The story was Vigil's End. I was not familiar with the writer better known in other circles as Killashandra, Killa, and more recently killabeez. And as soon as I started reading Vigil's End, I thought, Oh, no, not another Sweet Revenge hospital story! Even in 1997, there were so many, it could have been its own genre. And then I started reading. And by the end, I was even more in love with these guys, pretty blubbery, and roughly speaking, a big puddle of mush. And I'm not the big-puddle-of-mush-type. Starting shortly after the fire suppression sprinklers have gone off in Starsky's hospital room, Starsky, in a new room, has managed to fall asleep. Hutch's soft singing wakes him up. Hutch has snuck back in simply because he can't be anywhere else. He had come too close to losing Starsky, and all his regrets about the last year as they grew more distant are right on the surface. It's the middle of the night, they're alone, and Hutch has been hiding truths he'd rather die than reveal. But Starsky did die, at least for a few minutes, and the big blond is skating on emotionally thin ice.[7]

Issue 18

The Fix 18 was published in May 1998 and has 94 pages.

Its interior art consists of clip art and black and white screen shots and photos.

cover of issue #18
  • Broken, poem by Lynne Dhenson (1)
  • The Letter by Elizabeth Christopher (a story told in letters) (2)
  • My Wish by Jatona P. Walker (10)
  • Dream On, Tuna by April Valentine (reprinted from Wild Cards #1) (11)
  • Respite by Astrid Botes (26)
  • 288 by Susan Devereaux (31)
  • Survival with Mel by Polly Esther (39)
  • Three Steps to Heaven by Lynne Martin and Stacy Doyle (51)
  • If Love is Real: Starsky by Flamingo (60)
  • Dust in the Wind by April Valentine (reprinted from Penal Code #1) (winner of a 1999 FanQ) (88)


Issue 19

The Fix 19 was published in October 1999 and has 119 pages. It contains no interior art. The front cover art is by J. Jones.

cover of issue #19, Jones

From the editorial:

Many of the stories here are on the theme of the permanence of the Starsky and Hutch relationship. Whether it's at the beginning of their friendship, in an alternate universe where they somehow didn't become partners yet are drawn to each other, or in the future, these stories common thread is that the relationship we love from that 70's cop show is eternal, that no matter what happens, what differences they might have, even if they might have a falling out and not see each other for years, they are meant to be together and they will be together. I don't know if there should be any warnings on these stories - one or two could cause you to look for a hanky while reading. If you are afraid to read death stories, skim, okay? While I wouldn't say that any of the stories has an unhappy ending with one of the partners doomed to live the rest of his life alone, I don't want to put spoiler in the editorial for those who prefer suspense. And many of the stories this time are at least partially set in today's world of the '90's. These are primarily slash stories - however, only one actually contains NC-17 rated sex. Most of them imply the relationship or are not very graphic in their content.

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 19

[zine]:

All of The Fix zines were good but one stood out and spurred the impulse to write. It was The Fix 19. Of all the zines, this one came across as particularly unique. Every story seem to have a new twist. Some of the stories involved death and/or separation and reunion and yet there was no pain in the reading.

All Revved Up And No Place To Go by Dolly Lama: This story of the first time Hutch sees Starsky was fun from start to finish. I loved this view of Starsky as seen from a distance by Hutch. I could visualize a sequel.

A Different Fix by P.R. Zed: Another take on The Fix episode - truly different as they are not partners and this brings them together. Unusual.

Memory by Theresa Kyle: Angst for Hutch. Held at just the right pitch all the way through and ended so well. A more realistic portrayal of loss of memory than the tv show ep only Starsky is the one who loses his memory. A lovely first time story.

California Dreamin': Poem by Lynne Dhenson: I have enjoyed thoroughly all the poems by this writer in all the zines and this one was no exception.

Out Of Love by Yolanda: Angst, separation due to misunderstanding and reunion and reconciliation in rain on top of Empire State Building that was sooooooo good.

Possession by Lasha: I loved this one and really want to see what happens when Starsky walks into the greenhouse. Lovely beginning now waiting for other shoe to drop.

Twilight by James Walkswithwind: Ah, a writer I first met in another fandom. What a delightful surprise. This was a wonderful piece. Futuristic, faith, fantasy, tiny bit sad and ultimately funny. Evokes S&H beautifully and ends with a smile.

Sometimes The Winds Are Gentle by Elizabeth MacIntosh: Ouch 25 year separation so sad. Selfless Starsky leaves but contrary to what he believes will happen - his leaving almost destroys Hutch (too sad to think of Hutch merely going through the motions of living for that long). Reunion by accident and Hutch raging at Starsky before reconnecting. Beautiful.

And the final, capper story that drove me to write this note:

Full Circle by Beth Hillemann, Creator of The Voice: I just loved the concept and this story went down like fine wine. Smile through tears. [8]

[Twilight]: Cuz it's just so darn cute, that's why. The boys are robots, kind of. And they have robot love, of a sort. Oh, just read it already.....[9]

[A Different Fix]: This is a fascinating AU version of the popular episode starting with the premise that Starsky and Hutch met at the academy but don't know each other very well and they aren't partners. But when Starsky hears that Hutch is missing, he suddenly decides that it is his mission to find him. He isn't even quite sure why--but as he helps Hutch through the withdrawal period, a deep trust and friendship develops. Could it be love? [10]

[A Different Fix]: P.R. Zed does vids and does them wonderfully well, but she's an accomplished writer, too. And if you loved "The Fix," you'll want to read her slash AU version of the episode: what if Starsky & Hutch weren't partners or even friends when Hutch was forcibly addicted to heroin? Who'd be there to pick up the pieces? If you know S&H you probably already know the answer, but here's a wonderful alternate story of how they got through it. Because at least for these guys, there *is* such a thing as destiny.[11]

Issue 20

cover of issue #20

The Fix 20 was published in May 2000 and has 150 pages.

Interior art consists of clip art and black and white screen shots.

From the editorial:

I never thought when I started out that I'd still be publishing zines at all in the year 2000 -- isn't zine publishing something that you're supposed to do when you're young? And aren't zines on their way out? fanfiction is readily available on the net, and it's harder than ever to get any submissions, let along good ones. Yet here I am, with Fix 20 in my hands.

  • This Time Last Year by Lutra Cana (1)
  • Doors by Elizabeth Lowry (6)
  • Against the Tide, poem by Lynne Dhenson (22)
  • Just Beyond the Light by Sarah Problem ("Even though the two detectives had slowed down as much as they could without looking suspicious, they were rapidly running out of maneuvering room. If they walked past Bittner, it would look strange if they just stood on the sidewalk and talked. Even if they tried to make it look like they were waiting for a ride, it might spook the man. If they walked around to the front of the building, to try to signal the second shift, Bittner could disappear, and they'd have no idea which direction to search. They could split up, but then one man alone could lose him just as easy as two. Starsky moved into action even as a solution flashed through his mind. Stopping just outside the limit of the street lamp, he turned toward Hutch and grabbed his shoulders, pulling the taller man around to face him. Smiling at the questioning look on Hutch's face, he pushed him firmly backwards until his back was against the brick of the alley wall. "What —?" The question stopped abruptly as Starsky moved forward, leaning seductively against Hutch's body.") (23)
  • Magic Man, poem by Lucy (41)
  • Nuttier Than A by Merricat/MRK (42)
  • Scene by Miriam Heddy ("Fine, mebbe Hutch needed some space. He could dig that. But he himself was bored and curious, and who knew — maybe he'd like "Making Love..." The married guy was kissing the writer, who was also, coincidentally, a guy. Starsky looked around, just to see what everybody else thought about it. Did they all know they were payin' to see a queer movie? He got a sinking suspicion that they all had known. Two rows back, a guy was leaning against another guy — touching him — What was Hutch doin' coming to see this?") (47)
  • It Doesn’t Take a Psychic by Lucy (83)
  • Nightmare Whispering by Lynne Dhenson (91)
  • Starsky and Hutch Play a Game by Merricat/MRK (92)
  • Certain Tendencies by Blue Starsky (94)
  • Words We Don’t Say by Lutra Cana (128)
  • Vino de Casa by Blue Starsky (137)
  • Ageless Love by Shorts (140)
  • This Time Next Year by Lutra Cana (145)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 20

[Doors]: I'm not a huge fan of the horror genre, but I will read anything by my fave Elizabeth Lowery. This tale of a haunted house gripped me. I was on the edge of my chair, and uncertain how it would end right up to the last paragraphs. The old house is full of spirits, menacing to Hutch, kinder and rather erotic to Starsky. What does it all mean? [12]

Issue 21

interior art by Merle Decker from issue #21 for the story "Fatal Charm"
cover of issue #21, Raven

The Fix 21 was published in September 2000 and has 173 pages. The cover is by Raven, and there is one piece of interior art by Merle Decker.

  • On Any Given Sunday by Lucy ("A scene we didn't see from the episode "Savage Sunday.") (1)
  • Act by Miriam Heddy sequel to "Scene" in the previous issue ("Hutch closed the door, leaning against it for a moment before locking it. "Tired?" Hutch nodded, pushing off the door to stand straight. But Starsky's hands blocked him, pushing his shoulders back against the door. "Tired?" Starsky asked again, this time whispering in his ear. He murmured, "No," and brought his hands up to Starsky's waist, settling at his hips, pulling him closer. He was tired, but it was wonderful to touch Starsky, to hold him. He'd wanted to do it all day, just to hold him. He didn't have the energy to do more than that, not even to move away from the door, much less make it all the way to the bed. If they were going to make love, it was going to have to happen here, and Starsky was going to have to do all the work.") (4)
  • How Come There Aren’t Any Women Here? by Blue Starsky ("Starsky's brother wonders about the lack of women in his brother's and Hutch's lives.") (33)
  • Love Changes Everything by Lutra Cana ("A companion story to "Words We Don't Say" published in Fix 20. Hutch contemplates how he feels about his partner.") (41)
  • Always on My Mind by Nikki Harrington ("Hutch hasn't been able to tell Starsky how he feels about him for a long time, and Starsky can't take it any more.") (49)
  • Living Through the 8:30 Show by Blue Starsky ("A follow-up to "Certain Tendencies" from Fix 20. Starsky and Hutch deal with changes in their relationship.") (60)
  • A Slice of Heaven, poem by Blue Starsky (81)
  • Fatal Charm by April Valentine (previously published in Shadowplay) ("This science fiction/fantasy appeared in the out-of-print zine, Shadowplay. Starsky and Hutch are being pursued by demons on motorcycles who seem to want a charm given to Starsky by a mysterious old man.") (82)


Issue 22

cover of issue #22, Virginia Sky

The Fix 22 was published in 2002 and has 140 pages.

The cover is by Virginia Sky. It contains no other art.

  • Desperate Measures by Jessica Celliers (""Starsky, get the door — oh shit!" The grocery bag ripped open and an antipasto salad tumbled to the floor. Hutch sidestepped the mess and raced toward the kitchen, trying to keep a pizza flat without spilling anything more. He made it to the counter and sighed in relief. "Starsky?" Hutch went back into the living room and stooped to pick up the mess. "Where the hell are ya, Starsk?" "He's with me, I'm afraid." The raspy voice was suddenly behind him — too close — and the snicker didn't sound entirely sane. Hutch dropped the salad a second time, drew his Magnum and spun. Something smashed against his face as he tried to rise, and he crumpled in a heap, half-blind. A boot stomped on his wrist and pressed hard; the gun was pried from his hand. Above him, the voice giggled and wheezed. "You must be Hutchinson." The Magnum swung toward him in a deadly, flashing arc. "Pleased to meet you." Everything went black.") (1)
  • Here and Now by Morgan LeFey ("The slope of the beach gentled as they wandered along the shoreline until eventually the water flowed easily back and forth across the sand. In the moonlight, the water created dark geometric patterns as waves rolled in on one other and then crossed paths once again on their way back out. Watching the ripples fold into the ocean, Starsky wondered at the recent changes in his and Hutch's relationship...and the recent changes in him. "Penny for 'em?" Starsky glanced up sharply at Hutch's gentle request. "A penny?" He snorted derisively. "What do you think you're gonna get for a penny?" "My money's worth, " Hutch teased as he dropped Starsky's hand and reached up to tousle Starsky's hair, which had grown long and wild since the shooting. Starsky knew that he'd have to get a haircut before appearing for his medical review but right now he liked his hair long. He liked the way the wind blew locks of curls around his face, but more than anything, he liked the way Hutch's hands felt as they carded through it — something they did with increasing frequency.") (18)
  • I Know What You’re Thinking… by Blue Starsky (37)
  • French Winters by Ioannia (""Too cold to move," came Starsky's response, though I knew it wasn't true. I stepped behind him and pulled the blanket away carefully, kissing his shoulders, the nape of his neck, the soft spots beneath his ears. He grumbled. I slid my hands over his hips and into the line of fur that ran down his abdomen, and then I turned his head back with my chin and meshed my mouth with his, so hungrily I forced him down onto my shoulder where he stayed, quiescent. Then I wrapped both hands around his cock, which was hot as a fire iron and stiff as one, too, and just squeezed, released, squeezed again. "Oh, love," I murmured, unable to keep the words silent. "Want you, want you, need you so bad, so bad." "Yeah, baby blue. In your bones, in your heart."") (44)
  • Just Don’t Let Go by Cyanne ("This latest blowout was indicative of the norm for them of late. Starsky couldn't help but think when they used to kiss each other goodbye. At first they'd take time for a long deep kiss or two or three. Then it dwindled down to just a short peck and in recent times he was lucky if Hutch said goodbye before he left. And other than a dropped name here and there, he had no idea what Hutch was doing. It wasn't that he didn't trust him, they had promised to be faithful to each other and there was no doubt in his mind that Hutch had kept that promise. Maybe it really was too good to last forever. They had had something special for all those years, and it had become stronger in the five years since the shooting. It had taken them far too long to build their home together, a home that involved far more than just the house they shared. He hadn't expected the ongoing battle to hang on to what they had. It shouldn't be so easy to break them, not after what they'd been through and what they'd built with each other over the years. He hated watching it all fall apart and the sensation that no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't do a damned thing about it.") (51)
  • Stopping Places by Lutra Cana (58)
  • Since You Asked by Animasola (""Come on, Starsk. You've got something on your mind and I'd like to hear it." Hutch dug in his pocket and came up with the .38 bullet Starsky had given him at the hospital. "See?" He put the shiny little cylinder between his teeth and bit down, mumbling around it, "Ah kin take it." Starsky sighed and scratched his head. There was a reason why he'd fed Hutch that bullet, aside from the cheap gag. Days penned up together inside the Torino on stakeout had worn him down. Sometimes it was so damn hard to keep his fingers away from those lips. What he'd really wanted that morning was a carton of fat strawberries to feed Hutch, really tart ones that would make him gasp and pucker up. And he'd have thrown the sticky stems into the back seat if it might have made those lips smile.") (89)
  • A Bear to Remember by Suze777 (reprinted in A Fairy Tale Life) (98)
  • Family Matters by Suze777 (reprinted in A Fairy Tale Life) (106)

References

  1. ^ from This is Katya
  2. ^ Flamingo, August 22, 2003, who rated it among her top ten favorite zines, quoted from VenicePlace on Fanlore with Flamingo's permission
  3. ^ a 2003 comment at Crack Van
  4. ^ a 2004 comment at Crack Van
  5. ^ from an LoC in The Fix #9
  6. ^ a 2006 comment at Crack Van
  7. ^ a 2012 rec at Crack Van
  8. ^ quoted anonymously from VenicePlace (May 21, 2002)
  9. ^ a 2007 comment at Crack Van
  10. ^ a 2013 rec at Crack Van
  11. ^ a 2006 comment at Crack Van
  12. ^ from a 2011 comment at Crack Van
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