Sehlat's Roar

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Zine
Title: Sehlat's Roar
Publisher: "an Edwin Connell Production" - (in 1986, T'Kuhtian Press had permission to copy and distribute these zines/parts of these zines)
Editor(s): Randy William Ash
Date(s): 1976-1977
Series?:
Medium: print zine
Size:
Genre:
Fandom: Star Trek: TOS
Language: English
External Links: some excerpts and commentary online here
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Sehlat's Roar is a gen Star Trek: TOS anthology edited by Randy Ash. A sehlat is a giant bear-like beast, native to Vulcan, often depicted with feline features, so the title basically means "Vulcan Lion's Roar."

The editor notes:

I am clearly reminded that I was a sophomore in HIGH SCHOOL when I deigned to undertake this project with my friends. Ms. TH, who has authored (and illustrated) much in this first issue was both generous with her submissions and her technical understanding of how mimeographs worked, for example. Note that all of the images in this issue were hand drawn onto the wax coated film of the mimeograph templates -- and now with computers! Oh my!!! [1]

The art on this page been uploaded to Fanlore with the publisher's permission.

Fan Remarks

SEHLAT'S ROAR is an engaging, carefully produced mimeo zine. Clean, crisp type-print and generally well-defined art-work show an excellent grasp of the strengths of the mimeo method and result in a very good-looking zine for a remarkably reasonable price. Moreover, the work in SR is markedly original. An outstanding feature is a xeno-anthropological series about the varios aliens of the ST universe, as interpreted by a number of authors. The fiction is marked by sincerity and enthusiasm, as well as originality and quality. Artwork, likewise, is of high calibre. All in all, a most enjoyable and worthwhile zine.[2]

Sehlat's roar sounds like the title of a bad alien romance porno. A man in the streets and a monster in bed, tune in for weekly steamy stories about Sehlat and the roars in the bedroom! Keep those lights off lest there's something lurking in the shadows, ladies and gentlemen! And that's all we have for tonights issue of Sehlat's roar. [3]

Issue 1

front cover of issue #1, artist Theresa Holmes. It was hand-printed from a linoleum block master and printed in orange, red, yellow and gold ink.

Sehlat's Roar 1 was published in February 1976 and contains 80 pages. Interior illos are by Randy Ash and J. Broadbent.

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

[Death, Where is Thy Sting?]: This story was the creation of Ms. TH. It comes out of her feelings about the implied 'atheism' in Star Trek, and in particular one treatment of death in a story in our sister fanzine, INTERPHASE and as such was a welcome idea in the pantheon of SciFi spirituality. It doesn't necessarily reflect the opinions of myself or the other co-founder of this 'zine, but hey, it doesn't have to." The author herself notes: "INTERPHASE readers may recall the Connie Faddis is planning an article on why we enjoy writing ‘get somebody’ stories. This stems from her many letters of response to one particular interpretation printed in INTERPHASE #1, namely “Dying Inside.” Personally, I hated it. That’s why I wrote this story, partly to purge myself of the distressing emotions aroused by the interpretation, and partly to show that there is another way to handle the continual need for catharsis we as paradoxical creatures must satisfy. Which of the two ways is the better I leave to you to decide.[4]

[Some Thoughts on the Mrraneti of Cait]: This is the first in a series of studies of various races of the Federation, presented as a service to serious ST writers who would like to know more about such peoples as the Mrraneti, Tellarites, Andorians, Orions, Rigellians, and the like. We would appreciate feedback – not to mention other studies. TH [Theresa Holmes] [5]

[Return from Talos]: In beginning the process of making a fanzine, my colleagues and I advertised our intentions in other fanzines in the hopes of soliciting contributions. This most excellent story by Ms. JC was probably the best thing in the entire debut issue. It seeks to make sense of loose ends from a pivotal episode in the original series (The only one that existed at the time!) and tackles a very controversial issue of the day: "Suicide"...an issue we still struggle with today, some 30 years hence.[6]

[zine]: A short LoC on your zine SR. I was much impressed.

Certainly this is the best mimeo repro I have seen in Trekdom ever. Not since Devra's SPOCKANALIA has anyone gotten such fine graphic quality out of a Gestetner. Bill Bowers would be proud.

The Mrraneti article was quite good, it gives a real insight into a believable culture. . . So was Randy's page on Slime Devils. You guys have a nice feel for presenting non-human life.

Hey, the crossword puzzle is actually symmetrical — with every space crossed by at least two words! Two gold stars!

Very much liked "Return From Talos". It was quite the best story in the zine. Cantor has a good sense of characterization, which is lucky because that's what "Return" mostly was. But in all, satisfying. Holmes' "'Death, Where Is Thy Sting?'" was also good the only thing is, if God Is all, there's not much point in this life — at least within a story.

"Kirk's Women" was fun, but it almost ran us off the road a couple of times. We were going up to East Lansing and I was reading parts of it out loud to the driver. This can be a mistake, I found out.

In all, a pleasant, good-looking zine.[7]

[zine]: Really nice looking zine, incredibly good mimeo work for a firstish.[8]

[zine]: The Johanna Cantor story was a real find. I've begun to notice her name connected with some interesting ST fiction. I hope you can acquire more of her work.

"Death, Where is Thy Sting?" was interesting, if only for the death of the protagonist. I love to see taboos shattered, and the biggest taboo in writing is that the protagonist doesn't die while you're watching...

DRAT! I HATE SERIALS! I hope you'll publish the rest in one mammoth volume. Really, I think it was an editorial goof to split this serial into such a small piece. But the piece of it here I found particularly fascinating for the left-handed Kraith references. I think you did the Kraith Vulcan cuisine beautifully -- my mouth watered. The Dakainya reference has got me all curious about this Bran character. You are an unmitigated tease! Which is a virtue in a writer, but can be frustrating in a friend. Hmmph! [9]

[zine]: You should be glowing with the success of SR! At least I think you did a superb job on it (and your associates!) SR seemed to have a unique and refreshing approach for a fanzine. Of course, I've only been in this business around six months, but I have read quite a few zines. My only complaint, if you can call it that , is that it wasn't long enough. Something that good should be a thousand pages long!

I'm looking forward to the rest of "The 'Les Mesdamoiselles Federation' Affair". I think I'm getting the hots for "Bran". He sounds suave.

Although I'm not particularly fond of the Mrraneti race, I enjoyed the article about them very much. Am also looking forward to similar articles on other races.

Your "T'was the Night Before Inspection" was a masterpiece. I surely do wish that I had some sort of creative writing ability in my bones. Also, I sure do hope you have room for more stories in the next issue.[10]

[zine]: I just got my copy of SR today, and it was well worth the wait,(although I was getting a little restless!) You and Theresa did a beautiful job. I liked the style and format, and really enjoyed the contents. I especially liked the poetry, and Theresa's story. I also liked the way you presented my article. I'm sure you'll get good reviews.[11]

[zine]: Thank you very much for SR, It couldn't have arrived at a better time; I was just getting over the flu and going out of my mind with boredom. I laughed so hard over "T'was the Night Before Inspection" that I started coughing and couldn't breath for several minutes, but that's definitely better than being bored. I really liked "Death", but I have a few reservations about "Return from Talos". I distinctly remember that in her article an Surak's Construct, Jacqueline Lichtenberg said that suicide was not an option for a Vulcan. But it is an interesting way for getting Kirk of the hook — everybody would want to hush up something like that fast.[12]

[zine]: Basically serious Trek fiction, some humor. Best mimeo I've ever seen in a zine. "Sehlat's Roar" really is beautiful. Well put tighter, neat, spacious, way above average art. The blockprint covers are really outstanding. Poetry is all above average. This zine has been carefully worked out and worked on. Excellent, excellent, excellent. Once again, a zine with a little bit of everything for everyone. What more can I say? Get whatever issues you can of this zine.[13]

Issue 2

front cover of issue #2, Elizabeth Marshall
back cover of issue #2, Joni Wagner

Sehlat's Roar 2 was published in June 1976 and contains 116 pages.

Cover: Elizabeth Marshall; back cover: Joni Wagner. Other art & illustrations: Randy Ash, John Broadbent, Mary Ann Emerson, Amy Falkowitz, Leslie Fish, Phil Foglio, Theresa Holmes, Elizabeth Marshall.

  • sample art (original) from issue #2 for "Summary of the Physiological Roots of Andorian Culture," artist and author is Leslie Fish

    sample art (original) from issue #2 for "Summary of the Physiological Roots of Andorian Culture," artist and author is Leslie Fish

  • (original art) from issue #2 for "Summary of the Physiological Roots of Andorian Culture", Leslie Fish

    (original art) from issue #2 for "Summary of the Physiological Roots of Andorian Culture", Leslie Fish

  • from issue #2, showing how Fish's art and text were portrayed

    from issue #2, showing how Fish's art and text were portrayed

  • (original art) from issue #2 for "Summary of the Physiological Roots of Andorian Culture", Leslie Fish

    (original art) from issue #2 for "Summary of the Physiological Roots of Andorian Culture", Leslie Fish

  • crossword puzzle from issue #2

    crossword puzzle from issue #2

  • completed puzzle from issue #2

    completed puzzle from issue #2

  • from "The 'Les Mesdemoiselles Federation' Affair", Theresa Holmes

    from "The 'Les Mesdemoiselles Federation' Affair", Theresa Holmes

  • from Return from Talos, Randy Ash

    from Return from Talos, Randy Ash

  • from Return from Talos, Theresa Holmes

    from Return from Talos, Theresa Holmes

  • from issue #2

    from issue #2

  • from issue #2

    from issue #2

  • from issue #2

    from issue #2

  • from issue #2, Theresa Holmes

    from issue #2, Theresa Holmes

  • from issue #2, Phil Foglio

    from issue #2, Phil Foglio

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

See reactions and reviews for Summary of the Physiological Roots of Andorian Culture.

[zine]: It's a good effort — your mimeo repro is very good. I was delighted at the quality of artwork you achieved with this process. The interview with Jackie was quite good, and interesting. Also enjoyed, the article on Kirk's women, and the short "You KNOW you're a ST fan when..." Other Federation cultures is not really my primary interest, so I haven't really read either Leslie Fish's Notes on Andorian Culture, or the second installment of your serial. "Candle in the Dark" was a passable first effort, but it lacked tho quality of feeling, or grabbing the reader emotionally. Kathie should continue her attempts...it does get easier! On the whole, the zine suffered from a chronic case of misspellings and/or typos. (*blush*-ed.) Thanks for allowing me to enjoy your lovely zine.[14]

[zine]: Thanks SO much for the copy of SR #2! I got it today and went through it in record time! - Everything was good, especially the long article on the Andorians. While I may not necessarily agree with it, I found it a thorough, imaginative, and most interesting work. "Candle in the Dark" was also interesting, but I haven't quite made up my mind about it. (Stories usually require 3-4 readings before I decide whether I like them or not) I do like the "Les Mesdamoiselles Federation" serial, but must admit a strong dislike to Trina, being the proud Southerner that I am. I do like the idea tho — most ambitious of you!

The reviews were good, and I do so love reviews! I was glad to see you devote so much space to that. I also liked the short piece on Kirk's women, and the Kant (I'd always thought it resembled a fox, although a more graceful-looking one.)

I saved the best for last. The covers are beautiful! I keep flipping back and forth because I can't decide which I like better. Then I figured: why decide at all? and have decided to simply enjoy both. Joni Wagner always does a beautiful job and so does Elizabeth Marshall. Superb!!

In conclusion, I want to congratulate everyone on a job well done. You've a zine to be proud of and I'm really honored to have been allowed to participate. Keep up the good work.[15]

[zine]: "Afterthoughts on Kirk's Women"— Patrice Cullen was chastised for omitting Janice Rand from her 1st article?... I had assumed that Janice Rand was not one of Kirk's women, nor Kirk one of Rand's men — no matter how much each was attracted to each other—because of that sad "No beach to walk on..." in "The Naked Time". From the manner in which J.R. sailed in unannounced into Sulu's room and started calling "Sulu, where are you?", I should think that Lt. Sulu might be a candidate for the title of one of Rand's men. (On the other hand those people did a lot of charging in without knocking, err, buzzing. At least, Dr. McCoy and Capt. Kirk did). As for whether any of the listed women found themselves pregnant, that doesn't seem too likely. All except Odana, Shana, Elaan and Drusilla (of those who did not die) came from cultures in which contraception problems had undoubtedly been licked six ways to Sunday. A slave like Drusilla, in a 1960's culture, would not lack the available contraceptives; she was far too valuable as she was to be wasted bearing illegitimate children. Elaan's people were capable of destroying the Troyians, so the technology was most probably at hand for her too, come to think of it, Odana had NO birth control methods available to her on Gideon, but she, Shana, and Elaan were all not Human anyway... There are contraceptive devices for men, such as valves for the vasa deference, being developed for men even now. So Captain Kirk might handle the pregnancy problem himself, Ms.Cullen. It takes 2 to make a baby(unless you are a Schillian or a Tribble), so why should it fall on one to make sure that no unwanted kids are conceived?[16]

[zine]: SR II arrived safe and sound last week) and I finished it after work on Saturday, and enjoyed it, of course.

Leslie Fish's xenoanthropological study of Andorians was excellent and seemed remarkable consistent in explaining those Andorian traits we've seen on the show. Indeed, I think your cultural exploration features are the best thing in the zine, and certainly the most innovative. Both have been expertly done. Perhaps you could convince someone to do a similar feature on 23rd-century humans, also, as written for the Vulcan Journal of Alien Studies or some equally "scholarly" journal.

This is not to say that I don't enjoy the stories. "Les Mesdamoiaelles Federation..." is still fascinating, and I'm becoming quite caught up in the 'character of Branfield; I can't wait to see what's going to because of him. The mysterious subplot is interesting too. In fact, the whole thing is interesting and I wish it didn't have to run in a series.

The other stories are pretty good, except for "'Moon Child", which was sort of pointless. I think the flashback was a little too long, and not enough was done with the "contemporary" scenes to really give meaning to it. It seems be fragment of a longer story, or a moral fable, but not really a story in its own right. Of course "Demise" is not really a story either, but it conveys its message quite well.

I agree completely with the review of Space: 1999. I watched about three shows before giving it up as a bad risk. I was particularly disappointed with Bain and Landau because I enjoyed MISSION IMPOSSIBLE when it was on, and they were two of the reasons. Keep up with the reviews, they're nice to have, too. Art ranged from, well, not so good, to pretty good. The back cover was lovely and front cover was quite impressive. Some of the cartoons were very funny — "I hate greens!"

I'm looking forward to seeing #3, and not because my story's in it either.[17]

[zine]: I really liked the last issue of Sehlat's Roar number two, it was really great! It was even better the Sehlat's Roar 1 which was also really great too, as well. I really liked the Andorians story, because it was so good, but I also liked Kathie Abo's (Sabo) story too! I really liked your cover really well, because it was a great cover and I really liked it. And the back cover which was really great! I thought it was great how it was drawn. I like things that are drawn, which this was. I like the things drawn inside too. You are a really great editor because you edit so really great! I think Sehlat's Roar 2 is the best fanzine ever. When I look at it it is really great! [18]

[zine]: Zines are getting thicker, and better written and illustrated! Here's another attractive entry. There are a number of minor short stories and articles, ranging from fair to fairly good, some poetry, book, zine, and con reviews, even a review of Space:1999 -- and a long one on Nimoy's 'Sherlock Holmes' in Detroit, with the editors adventures thereat. Sehlat's Roar is an excellent bargain at a very reasonable price. The print is full-size and clear; the illustrations are good, and some of them are top-notch. The proofreading could be improved, but the typos and/or spelling mistakes are only a minor annoyance, and won't detract from either your understanding or enjoyment of the stories.

This is a zine with excellent variety which should appeal to everybody. It begins with an interview of Jacqueline Lichtenberg on future additions to her Zeor series, which will delight and whet the appetite of her fans. (Later in the zine they'll have a review of House of Zeor and some additional remarks on that novel by the author, as well.)

The hit of this zine is a dead-pan dissertation on Andorian culture by Leslie Fish. It is ingenious, imaginative, subtly hilarious, and captivating. We might express some doubts that a nomadic people would be able to create a civilization capable of space flight, but that's a pretty cavil in the face of the fascinations of Andorian reproduction. Leslie Fish, you have a head on your shoulders -- full of weird ideas, but definitely a very good head.

For fast action fans, there is Kathy Sabo's 'Candle in the Dark,' in which the Enterprise officers are trapped in the middle of an invasion and the resistance thereto. Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Chapel and the inevitable expendable Security man; Spock is tortured (overlooking the fact that he can turn himself off to pain) but are rescued by the Resistance, and join them in a last bloody battle against the invaders. The plot has large holes in it, but the action carries the reader so swiftly across them they aren't noticed at the time. Randy Ash's 'Visit to a Federation Zoo' introduces us to alien fauna, quite logically and imaginatively conceived.

Indeed, imagination is the keynote to this zine. It can be highly recommended for its unusually wide variety of imaginative material. Alien cultures are described once more in the serial, 'Les Mademoiselles Federation Affair.' It's hard to judge the whole by a fraction -- the intergalactic Miss Universe concept is an intriguing concept, and the various entrants make interesting characters, but having come in in the middle, the plot is a little hazy.[19]

Issue 3

front cover of issue #3, Theresa Holmes
back cover of issue #3, Elizabeth Marshall

Sehlat's Roar 3 was published in January 1977 and contains 116 pages. Cover: Theresa Holmes; back cover: Elizabeth Marshall. Art & illustrations: Randy Ash, John Broadbent, Mary Ann Emerson, Amy Falkowitz, Theresa Holmes, Elizabeth Marshall, Signe Landon.

From the editorial:

Welcome to SR III. Ah, I like the sound of that. It doesn't seem possible that only a year and a half ago, I knew nothing of fandom or the wonderful people who run it. Even harder, I suppose, that I could be the editor of a fanzine. Only in America!... For you faithful followers of "T'IMF'A" and the character of Branfield, it (TLMFA), and another story called "The Fall of Babel", which tells «f what happened after they arrived on Babel, and "Mission", the story of what happen ed before "T'IMF'A" on Anastasia, will be printed together as three volumes (special set), if enough interest is shown, SR, itself, may have more Branfield stories in the future, as Theresa has written several. For those of you who don't know, I am a high school sophomore, and between school and SR I am a very busy person. So please forgive me if I am a little slow in processing your orders. For convenience sake, I mail out the sold SRs every Saturday morning.

The editor thanks his parents for purchasing him a typewriter, "without which SR would not be coming to you." He also wants to know if anyone knows of a used Gestetner electronic mimeograph for sale, cheap.

  • The Grand Kraith, poem by Amy Hartman (1)
  • The Roar (letters) (4)
  • Some Thoughts on the Tellarites, article by Theresa Holmes (8)
  • A Visit to the Federation Zoo, article by Randy Ash (23)
  • For Sale article by John Broadbent (24) (futuristic advertising and some sample real estate ads, including an ad for the White House, now a private residence)
  • The Everlasting Ordeal, poem by Susan Hasa (31)
  • The Same Wilderness, fiction by Beverly Clark (Joanna McCoy is one of those rescued from a damaged ship. Relations between McCoy and his daughter are strained until McCoy is injured and Joanna's true feelings for her father become apparent.) (32)
  • Puzzle by Randy Ash (39)
  • Sehlats, art portfolio by Mary Ann Emerson (78)
  • The "Les Mesdamoiselles Federation" Affair, fiction by Theresa Holmes & Randy Ash (84)
  • Book Reviews, "Andorians in my Dreams" (focusing on the portrayal of Andorians in Star Trek: The New Voyages and Spock Messiah!, also reviews of four mainstream science fiction books, by Theresa Holmes (106)
  • a review of Contact #2, see that page
  • a review of Ambrov Zeor #1 and #2, see that page
  • a review of Fanzine Review 'Zine, see that page
  • a review of Pegasus #1, see that page
  • a review of Menagerie #9, see that page
  • a review of Interphase #3, see that page
  • Federation News Notes, a review of Oakland Con (Oakland, CA, August 7–8, 1976) (115)

Issue 4

Sehlat's Roar 4 was published in May 1977 and contains 98 pages. It has art by Randy Ash, Mary Ann Emerson, Connie Faddis, Amy Falkowitz, Leslie Fish, Theresa Holmes, Signe Landon, Elizabeth Marshall, Monica Miller, Gee Moaven, and Melinda Shreve.

front cover of issue #4, Gee Moaven
back cover of issue #4 (printed as interior art in issue #5), Mary Ann Emerson, Paula Smith bring the Enterprise up to warp speed. From the editorial: "If you've just flipped over to the back cover, you'll notice that perched behind the navigation console, looking rather confused, is, noneotherhan------- Paula Smith! (Surprise Paula!). Now what we'd like you to is sit down, pad and pencil in hand, and write a short piece telling us what she's doing there ---- yes, this is a contest. Winners will receive a free copy of Sehlat's Roar #5. Deadline for entires is September 10, '77. No longer than 500 words, please. So don't delay!" -- from the editorial

From the editorial:

This issue is shorter than #s 2 & 3, and there's a good reason for that; we are trying to cut back wherever possible to save as much money as possible. You may not know it, but I (or for that matter, anybody here at ECP) make absolutely nothing on SR; and, in fact lose money. So why do I do it? Because I love it! Why else?

Despite its lesser size, I think this ish is comparable to any of the previous ones. It is also special to me in that in this issue is the first story that I've ever solely illustrated, and I'm kinda proud. The story is "Feuerstack's Odyssey" by Theresa Holmes, and it is also significant in that it marks another attempt by ye old ed & pub to interest you in SF (if you're not already).

Also this issue marks the end of "The 'Les Mesdamoiselles Federation' Affair", (I think). The main story is by a new ST author, Ellen Blair, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.... We've scratched The Roar (our letter column) this issue due to the fact that we only received one honest to goodness LoC. Come on people, one of the most rewarding aspects of editing a 'zine, is to sit down with a good LoC and a glass of warm milk (Well. . .an LoC anyway).

  • A Day in the Life of a Trek-Fan, article by Jeanne Powers (6)
  • The Federation Zoo, article by Randy Ash (8)
  • An Analysis of Three Fragments from Romulan History, article by Leslie Fish (9) (also in The Universe Beyond #2 and Southern Star #3)
  • To Entertain a Stranger, fiction by Ellen Blair (A party of scientists is brought aboard the Enterprise for transport and in their group is one young woman called Elizabeth. Elizabeth, however, is not what she seems to be and before she leaves the Enterprise she has a profound effect on McCoy, Kirk and Spock.) (24)
  • Feuerstack's Odyssey, fiction by Theresa Holmes (62)
  • Pt. 1 “The ‘Les Mesdamoiselles Federation’ Affair,” fiction by Theresa Holmes/artist Theresa Holmes) (74)
  • Sehlats and the Enterprise Crew, art portfolio by Signe Landon (56)
  • Sing Waily, Waily, I'm a Leslie Fish Fan, filk by Dixie Owen (1) (see Leslie Fish's page)
  • The Price to Command, poem by Ingrid Cross (72)
  • Ode to the Restless, poem by Ingrid Cross (73)
  • book reviews by Theresa Holmes (92)
  • zine reviews by Randy Ash (95)
  • Acknowledgments and Nextish (98)

Issue 5

back cover of issue #5, V.M. Wyman
front cover of issue #5, Mary Ann Emerson
Randy Ash self-portrait

Sehlat's Roar 5: Special Issue was published in December 1977 and contains 114 pages.

Cover: Mary Ann Emerson; back cover: V.M. Wyman. Art & illustrations: Randy Ash, Clare Bell, Gordon Carleton, Mary Ann Emerson, Connie Faddis, Amy Falkowitz, Leslie Fish, Theresa Holmes, Signe Landon, Martynn, Catalina Mellon, Monica Miller, Elizabeth Marshall, Marty Siegrist, and V.M. Wyman.

Along with thish came a 17 1/2" x 22 1/2" original Connie Faddis black and white poster, and the Vulcan Wildlife Calendar by Randy Ash.

poster from issue #5, Connie Faddis is the artist

From the editorial:

... I'm trying something new, color! And if it works out, this will be a prime example of what can be accomplished with mimeo. And for the most part, it's cheap. Blessed be the word... I would like to speak on a subject of national concern: zine bindings. Yes, I know, you are upset by this problem. We often find ourselves asking, in this day of the space shuttle, Star Trek's resurrection, and Anita Bryant, is it too much to ask that a zine costing $5 stay together? In recent times, many a wary editor has strayed from tradition means and has 'experimented.' One, recently defunct zine, used a very nice plastic binder, that at first appeared to be the ultimate in zine binding, but alas, if not handled like new eggs, they tend to pop open. Another type of plastic binding used by a respectable mid-western zine tends to crack and allows for page slippage. Then, there's the new metal binding that appeared on a Great Lakes adult zine recently, and which comes loose and catches on foreign objects tearing them. So, I ask, what's wrong with staples? I urge a return to staples in behalf of the united staple growers of the world, branch offices in Boise, Milwaukee, Akron, and Warsaw. I give you this thought, 'Be patriotic, take a staple to lunch!'

inside front cover of issue #5, Amy Falkowitz
inside back cover of issue #5, Gordon Carleton,

"What do you mean you're all standing in line to see 'Star Wars'?! That's mutiny, mister!"

"Yes, sir -- I guess it is."

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 5

This is a genzine done in excellent mimeo, firmly bound with heavy stock covers, creatively laid out, good art selections from famous Trekkers. Along with thish came a 17 1/2" x 22 1/2" original Connie Faddis black and white poster, and a very lovely Vulcan Wildlife Calendar by Randy. This is the best SR edition to date, and announced as the last, unfortunately, as there are very few good pure ST mimeo zines around these days. #5 features stories and poetry about each of the leading characters, plus the most ambitious sociological article Leslie Fish has done to date on aliens. With tongue firmly in cheek, she deals extensively with the twenty planets of the Rim Worlds, their origins, cultures, industries and possible futures. It is no accident that there are sly parallels to Earth history, and that unionism is quite popular. My favorite world is that of Gwulgon, whose inhabitants choice of foods is carrion, main activity is cuddling each other, and personal habits exclude baths. These cultural factors insure almost complete privacy, as few outsiders express any interest in living with them or in interbreeding. Delightful reading. Outstanding in the fiction is the MM world "Rota", by Jane Aumerle, a story blunt and tragic but completely in keeping with the culture we saw, and refreshing as a change from the slickly contrived rescue stories which abound in Trekfic. "Vigil", the lead story by Theresa Holmes, falls into this classification, its punchline so transparent that the rescue itself is actually omitted. Amy Falkowitz' "Of the Essence" is an interesting Kraithy fragment, short on plot but long on atmosphere and enjoyable as a footnote to "Babel". "Scott's Passion", by Leslie Fish, is a fun piece that purports to expose some deep dark secret of Scotty's love life, and sure enough, does. Nice Landon artwork brackets it. A mystifying bit of untitled verse on p. 67 by a presumably pseudonymous "Yetfa" is so tantalizing with what is almost said that more detail is craved. The drawing of the two Orions twirling their waxed mustaches at the Vulcan is most delight- fully apt, but only adds to the mystery. Randy's "Marooned" gives Uhura the chance to star as she rescues the U.S.S> Kongo smartly, and Beverly Clark's "The Great Invention: A Fable", offers a nice glimpse of Chekov maturing at Star Fleet Academy. "The First Step", by Jeanne Powers, outlines the beginning of Christine's search for Roger, rounds out the leading cast members. Verses about the others, a short sketch announced as the winner of last zine's cover art interpretation contest, and zine reviews finish out thish. A good buy zinewise, suitable for all ages and conditions of fandom, and its absence will be felt.[20]

"Special Issue" [because of calendar & poster "suppliments"?] This issue has a fun frame - there is a story featuring each of the regular cast. However, it is a zine in need of proof-reading. Most seem rather like beginning efforts. There is fine Gordon Carleton cartoon (p. 39) of Sulu in D'Artagnon mode accosting Darth Vader.
  • A Sociopolitical Survey of the Rim Worlds / Long description of a number of alien worlds.
  • The Federation Zoo: Singjoy / Illustrated description of critter
  • Vigil / Kirk and Spock are dying as air runs out of their suits after a crash. Though Spock is dead, Kirk manages to make mental contact and thereby warn the base of a strange and disasterous device, as well as effect their own rescue.
  • Of the Essence / Spock/Sarek reconciliation, mediated by a crystal. Eh.
  • Home is the Sailor / McCoy snaps at Chapel, eliciting the tale of her ill-fated betrothal to Roger Corby, and finds that the father-confessor role is rather good for him.
  • Scott's Passion / Cute but rather over-long joke about Scott's secret vice - playing the bagpipes. Lots of innuendo.
  • Marooned / Reminiscence of Uhura earning a medal during a crisis on the Kongo by going EV to punch a hole in a tank to get the ship moving by propulsion.
  • Rota / Mirror Sulu finds himself floating in space watching his air go dry and realizes he's been neatly assassinated.
  • The Great Invention: a Fable / Chekov cheats to get assigned to the Enterprise, and is forced to 'fess up. Cute.
  • The First Step / After Roger Corby goes missing, Christine's friend casually suggests Starfleet.
  • Contest Winner / Presumably a "write a story for this illo" contest. A Paula finds herself aboard the Enterprise as the replacement selected by the computer for the last navigator, Mary Sue Turnipseed, who pined away and died before they determined if she was after Kirk, Spock or McCoy. Cute.[21]

References

  1. ^ "from Randy Ash's blog". Archived from the original on 2020-04-10.
  2. ^ Time Warp #1
  3. ^ from a fan in the comments on AO3 for Sunset and Evening Star (23 Apr 2023)
  4. ^ "from Randy Ash's blog". Archived from the original on 2020-04-10.
  5. ^ "from Randy Ash's blog". Archived from the original on 2020-04-10.
  6. ^ "from Randy Ash's blog". Archived from the original on 2020-04-10.
  7. ^ an LoC by Paula Smith in Sehlat's Roar #2
  8. ^ an LoC by Jacqueline Lichtenberg in Sehlat's Roar #2
  9. ^ an LoC in Sehlat's Roar #2
  10. ^ an LoC in Sehlat's Roar #2
  11. ^ an LoC in Sehlat's Roar #2
  12. ^ an LoC by Elisabeth Waters in Sehlat's Roar #2
  13. ^ Fanzine Review 'Zine #2 (1977)
  14. ^ an LoC by Nancy Kippax in issue #3
  15. ^ an LoC in issue #3
  16. ^ an LoC in issue #3
  17. ^ an LoC in issue #3
  18. ^ an LoC by "Mary Sue Parker in East Lansing, Michigan," (satire by Paula Smith, who is making fun of vapid fans and vapid letters of comment) in issue #3
  19. ^ The Halkan Council #23
  20. ^ Jane Aumerle in Mahko Root #2
  21. ^ Halliday’s Star Trek Zinedex (TOS) - Title Index, Archived version
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