The World of Dark Shadows/Issues 11-21

Issue 11

The World of Dark Shadows 11 was published in June 1977 and contains 51 pages. Artists are Bebe Donnelly, Barb Liltz, Janet Meehan (centerfold: The Tortured Soul), Jean Peacock, Kathy Resch. Back cover photos by Michele Noble.

front cover of issue #11

back cover of issue #11

• News (2)
• Current Events (4)
• The Unending Light, fiction by Dee L. Gurnett
• The Collins Story chapter 5, Reprise: Full Moon Rising, August 1971, by Kathy Resch (9)
• The DS Q&A Answer Column (21)
• A Dark Shadows Timeline by Jean Peacock (24)
• Dark Shadows, chapter 5 by Jeff Thompson (29)
• Dark Shadows Daily Summaries by Diane Hall (35)
• Laura/Flame to Ash, poem by Kathy Resch (39)
• an unidentified transcript (45)

• 

  from issue #11, Kathy Resch

• 

  from issue #11, Jean Peacock

• 

  from issue #11, Barb Liltz

• 

  from issue #11, centerfold by Janet Meehan, "The Tortured Soul" -- There is MUCH discussion about this artwork in later letters of comment, see issue #11 and #18

• 

  from issue #11, Bebe Donnelly

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 11

I was really impressed with the cover picture. That's gorgeous! Is it from a bubblegum card, like the back cover ones? ((No, an 8x10 still. The back one were ordinary photos, printed half size)). Also impressive was Dee L. Gurnett's story, "The UnendingNight." I believe it was very well done, and a neat idea. I'd like the idea of a timeline; I'd like to see each important sequence timelines in more detail. Not a daily record, but a more general review of what happened in each sequence. Maybe that's a possibility to you if others are interested and are able to the do the work involved.

I liked the use of the photos, but the lettering on the cover could have been better placed. Janet is extremely talented. Another nice issue. TWODS is one of the better fanzines being produced today.

The photos make it look even more profession. And, of course, Janet Meehan does it again. I really like that centerfold.

Your "Collins Story" is really, really good, thoroughly enjoying it. One criticism—the mysterious girl at the end—her picture looks like she is a descendant of Vampirella or something—I don't like the prose on the artwork. And the centerfold—very good—but what is Christ doing there? I can see the 'point', I guess, but it isn't necessary. This is a fanzine, not a soulsearching religious magazine, let us keep Christ and other deities/whatever out of TWODS. Mind you, I am not religious, which is maybe why I object, but face it, Christ was never in DS. Good and evil were, Christ no…. A comment about the ad for Rigel III fanzine. You could probably get into a lot of trouble by printing junk like that. It downgrades the zine. ((The nude illustrations in that zine consisted of a portfolio which could be removed for underage readers, or those who didn't care to get them in the first place. They were simple line-drawings, really no more pornographic than a statue by Michelangelo. They certainly don't rival by a long shot some of what the X-rated Star Trek zines run. The rest of the zine contained nothing remotely objectionable, and contained some excellent fiction. They also reprinted one of my poems from TWODS "Reflections of Night/Vampyr", and we traded ads. I'm sorry if you were offended by it. KR))

One of my drawings caused some flak. Personally, this pleased me—as the old adage goes, "when they stop talking about you—you're deadl" Freedom of expression is a must for any artist, actor or writer. I will not walk on tip toes for fear of waking those who don't or won't understand what I'm trying to express in my drawings. One thing you are right about--my personal religious beliefs don't belong in a fanzine—and I'll never let them in. For those who choose to assume I've already done so with "The Tortured Soul", let me leave you with this. "The Gospel According to Saint Matthew", a film released in the sixties was lauded by many critics as being the most tasteful, reverent and spiritual film ever done on the life of Christ. It was made by a communist…

All the uneasy feelings about "The Tortured Soul" in #11 amaze me. Christ's presence reflects the duality of the soul of Barnabas' humanity vs. the unknown. Though he does try to be 'good', Barnabas is still an undead, and therefore influenced by evil.

"The Unending Night" is a well written story. It sounds like something that would happen in one of the novels. TCS Chp. 5 is really great. Barb Liltz's drawings were better than last time, especially of Willie-as-Werewolf. Jean Peacock captured a good likeness of Nicholas Blair, as Bebe Donnelly did with David and the rest. It's not too often you see a drawing of Barnabas with his mouth closed and fangs exposed at the same time. Your drawing of Laura was the best you've ever done. Jeff Thompson's writing is excellent, because he had me believing Barnabas was destroyed. I'd totally forgotten about seeing the same scene at the end of Chp. 5 in an old Dracula movie. Keep up the good work!

Dee L. Gurnett wrote a fine short story. The use of the first person in "The Unending Night" was great, as was the idea. / The DS Timeline was a great idea. / Jeff Thompson's serial was exciting, as usual.

I like the picture of Collinwood very much. Maybe you could give us pictures of Collins house, the House by the Sea, Rose Cottage/MacGruder Mansion, and Eagle Hill cemetery in future issues…The Unending Light was unexciting, but all right./ TCS -- and you call yourself a John Karlen fan! Jeff's D's Chp. 5 was OK except I didn't like my favorite (Julia) act like a soggy wimp./Who in blazes was David Radcliffe? I can see what you mean by inconsistencies--Laura Stockbridge in all probability died sometime in the 1760's because she said Barnabas was about ten when he met her, and if our Barnabas was born the same year as his PT counterpart, then he was born in 1770. Therefore, she was overdue in 1897, and early in 1967--I wonder if Amon-Ha was peeved with her for not sacrificing her children twice in a row… That means Laura is both mother and great-grandmother to David, which ought to make the phoenix blood in him very strong indeed. Is it possible, since Roger, Carolyn and Elizabeth are also descendents of Laura (gee, is marrying your own grandmother a form of incest?) that if any of them died by fire they would become phoenixes? The way that family is always having visions makes me wonder if there might not have been some supernatural blood in them already. I wonder if the Collinses came to America because they had this strange attraction in England and hoped that coming to a new country would enable them to escape the forces of evil always turning up on their doorsteps. If so, they must have been disappointed when the Zachary trial came up...

Issue 12

front cover of issue #12, Scott Taylor

back cover of issue #12, Ruth Goodrich

centerfold from issue #12, by Janet Meehan

The World of Dark Shadows 12 was published in August 1977 and contains 51 pages.

• News (2)
• The Twins of Collinsport, fiction by Matthew Barry (4)
• The Collins Story, Chapter 6, Moonspell, Late August 1971, by Kathy Resch (15)
• Dark Shadows, chapter 6 by Jeff Thompson (19)
• Dark Shadows Daily Summaries by Diane Hall (33)
• a transcript (32)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 12

I enjoyed "The Twins of Collinsport", and can't wait to read more of TCS. And wow! Jeff is having me climb straight up the wall... Janet's work is at her best. I also enjoyed the photo prints of Lara--of all the DS women, she's my favorite.

I read TCS, and bless you fro that bit about Maggie who 'stifled a cry of terror' and didn't do anything stupid and managed not to get in Barnabas' way. Blah! to clinging, screaming, stupid female who gotta depend on big strong Prince Charming… You're going to make a lot of enemies by not elaborating on who is the who that James Stockbridge resembles… which should delight you to no end./Twins of Collinsport 'twas a clever idea, Matthew Barry, of bringing that Hawthorne fellow into the future. So what if it turned into a love story; tyme was changed in it, and I like tyme-changed stories. And, Jeff's story, I'm still mildly embarrassed that I didn't figure out 'Barney Adamson' for what it/he is. Good touch. Jeff Thompson; good segment, too. Art is fantastic. Totally and completely.

Issue 13

front cover of issue #13

back cover of issue #13, Shari Metcalfe

The World of Dark Shadows 13 was published in October 1977 and contains 60 pages. Art is by Jo Ann Christy, Ruth Goodrich, Barb Liltz, Janet Meehan, Shari Metcalfe, Jean Peacock, and Scott Taylor.

• news (2)
• In the Light of a Candle, fiction by Marcy Robin (4)
• The Collins Story, chapter 7 The Arrival, early September 1971 (12)
• Dark Shadows, chapter 7 by Jeff Thompson (18)
• Letter, poem by Barb Liltz (24)
• An Interview with Mr. Louis Edmonds (33) (from The Dark Shadows Quarterly 1977 by Joseph Lilley (33)
• A Letter from W.E. Dan Ross (33)
• Angelique Has Risen from the Grave, An Analysis of Night of Dark Shadows by Carl Nicastro (34)
• Night of Dark Shadows and The Death of Dark Shadows? by Jack Kennelly, Jr. (36)
• From Brooklyn, With Love, a Biography of John Karlen by Barb Liltz (37)
• The DS Q&A Column (46)
• Dark Shadows Summaries, illustrated by Shari Metcalfe (48)
• Letters of Comment (50)
• full page flyer for the "200th Annual Convention, Members of the Supernatural (MOTS), Bicentennial Celebration October 27-31, 1977, Collinsport, Maine
• ads (56)

• 

  inside pages from issue #13, Scott Taylor

• 

  inside pages from issue #13, Janet Meehan

• 

  inside pages from issue #13, Barb Liltz

• 

  inside pages from issue #13, Jo Ann Christy

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 13

I've got something I want to share--found it in The Tolkein Reader, in the introduction: "Young people in general sense the difference between the real and the phony. They don't know it--when they begin to know the difference, and try to articulate it, then they are adults and subject to all the pains and fallibilities of that state. They can be misled by fools or madmen, but they sense the preacher who doesn't feel a word of his sermon, the mountebank who is putting them on, the society that does not believe in itself. They rarely take a phony of any sort to their hearts." Which is why Dark Shadows and Star Trek live. We believe. What is there now-a-days to inspire a fandom? Plastic worthless blaah. "Laverne and Shirley" won't have any conventions or fanzines, ever. With DS and ST, the people--however varied--believed in what they were doing, and it shows, and we Fans catch this. Yes, it can be--and is--Vampires and Vulcans. Can you not hear the Voice of One Who Knows (dear Teacher, or Mother, or Father), assuring you, the Fan, that such-like does NOT exist; then sighs a huge sigh of relief at a certain cancellation. Such do exist--they were real during watchings. and in our hearts. That's a lot of hearts. We have made them 'exist'--fanzines, cons--which is why DS and ST live. It's as simple as that. Our love is life. (That's the why "Space: 1999" and "Strange Paradise" didn't make it with the Fans, and considered a waste of time.) Of course, it's not only DS and ST. It can be whatever else--The Baker Street Irregulars, The Count Dracula Society. DS and ST were the easiest examples, and besides, they were The Starting Point on the Delightful Road of Fandom for me." Whoever coined FIAWOL (Fandom Is Way Of Life) gets my heartfelt Thanks! Right on, friend. Right on.

The cover and bio of John Karlen were great, but you left out an important thing--his year of birth. Also, what year did he marry? [some other nitpicks snipped] I hope I don't sound picky because I really loved that article and hope you can do one on Jonathan Frid sometime!

I really enjoyed Barb Liltzs' biography of John Karlen. Never knew that much about him, just that he's such a good actor he can take a really crummy part and really make it work. I especially liked the articles in this issue and the analyses of NODs.

Fan (g)tactic! The fiction was great. "Letter" was really beautiful and "In the Light of a Candle" was superb. I could really understand the conflict and torment Barnabas experienced.

I like what [name redacted] (lettercol #13) said about Barnabas not being the sum and total of DS. I think almost all DS fans like Jonathan Frid, but I' like to read more about Alexandra Moltke, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Nancy Barrett, David Henesy, Diana Millay and Joel Crothers. John Karlen deserves more attention than he's gotten, but your fanzine helped make up for that.

The letter from Dan Ross and the article by Richard Levantino were both interesting and informative--both filled me in on things I've been wondering about. / I agree with your comments in the lettercol. There is a good deal of fun and fascination in taking someone else's Created World and, working withIn the framework of that world, adding to it, interpreting it. In this way, the worlds you enter into are made more personal, more meaningful. They become a continuing source of entertainment and delignt, rather than a static entity, with a limit to the pleasures it contains.

Congratulations! It was the best issue I've seen yet. The art was fine; the article and reviews on NODS were top notch, ditto the John Karlen bio and especially the letter section—they were the most interesting I've read yet. Mary McMullen's pnotos are great! Kathi Swan's idea that the bat that appeared at the end of HODS was the one that attacked Barnabas in 1795 is a good one, and I agree with it. The same thing happened to the vampire after they were destroyed in the 1969 quickie "Blood of Dracula's Castle", so the idea is not completely unheard of. Also, I do believe that Josette committed suicide, since she was under Angelique's power and was pushed to this after she saw the female vampire figure. Barnabas himself always spoke of the hatred in Josette's eyes when she met him on the hill. She certainly wasn't anxious to spend eternity with him then!

I enjoyed Marcy's story, "In The Light of a Candle" very much. The illustrations for this are lovely and romantic. "Letter" by Barb Liltz is lovely, too.

Issue 14

The World of Dark Shadows 14 was published in December 1977 and contains 59 pages. It has art by Barb Fister-Liltz, Amy Forrest, Josette Kernaghan, Pat Lammerts, Kathy Resch, Marcy Robin, Jolieta Smith, Sandy Smith.

It contains the controversial RPF story, Overshadowed.

front cover of issue #14, Scott Taylor

back cover of issue #14, Barb Fister-Liltz

• news (2)
• ShadowCon report by Kathy Resch (3)
• A Talk with John Karlen, transcript of a panel/interview at ShadowCon (6)
• Overshadowed, or What Really Happened at ShadowCon…. by Marcy Robin and Pat Lammerts (15) (RPF story, DS fans at the con)
• filksong, to the tune of "The Eggplant That Ate Chicago" by Dr. West's Medicine Show and Junk Band (25)
• Roxanne/The Awakening, poem by Kathy Resch (26)
• Pretty as a Picture, a Biography of Donna Wandrey [spelled that way] by Barb Fister-Liltz (27)
• con photos, mostly of John Karlen (29)
• centerfold by Janet Meehan
• ShadowCon con report by Phantom (31)
• An Interview with Donna Wandry [spelled that way] by Josette Kernaghan, took place May 1973 when Josette was president of The Dark Shadows Official Fan Club (34)
• With the Rising of the Morning Sun, An Alternative Possibility Story by Steven Lehti (36)
• Jonathan Frid, A Biography by Sandy Smith (42)
• three poems by Jolieta Constanine Smith dedicated to Jonathan Frid "First Magnitude," "The Poplar," "Seasoned Splendor" (46)
• the souvenir program for the fictional Members of the Supernatural Con (50)
• Letters of Comment for The Deadly Triangle, see that page (58)

• 

  centerfold from issue #14, Barb Fister-Liltz

• 

  page from issue #14, Linda Woods

• 

  sample pages from issue #14, includes the first page of Overshadowed

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 14

I really enjoyed reading John Karlen's talk at ShadowCon. The more I learn of him, the more I become a fan of his. "Overshadowed" is hilarious--brought back memories of some Star Trek cons. I've been to. And the filksongs--if I can commit them to memory, I'll share them at the next con I go to. The art this issue is, as usual, 1st class. I really enjoyed the photos. And the MOTS Souvenir Program--now there's a meeting I'd like to drop in on! Someone should put together a portfolio of Barb Fister-Liltz's art--she has a fascinatingly unique style.

I really enjoyed that interview with John Karlen, and the one with Jonathan Frid. I never realized that Frid had left DS temporarily before 1841PT began. Steven J. Lehti's story was good. All of the poems were enjoyable. I felt that the MOTS gag program was too long; I would have MUCH rather seen a full program of Starcon/ShadowCon. And, of course, I loved all of the convention reports.

Janet's Roxanne centerfold is adorable...I'm sorry to say I'm not too happy with the way the rest turned out. First off, the oversized type in two spots detract from the whole; second, I didn't like the way Donna's bio got parted in half (You kinda lost where it was continued.) And I really didn't care much for "Overshadowed". It was cute, but just didn't hit me right. To my thinking--much ado about nothing. The filksongs are terribly funny, especially "The Halls Are Alive". "The Awakening" was a real gem--some of the images are perfection. Sandy did a nice job on Frid's bio but I really hadn't expected it to be so short. The star should have had an entire half dozen pages. Jolieta's three lengthy poems ore or less fill in the gaps. My, she sure can rhyme well. The MOTS section turned out just swell--I hope everyone gets the subtleties in it because it really is cleverly done. Amy ought to be rightfully congratulated for coming up with a most unique idea.

The artwork, as always, is very well done, and I enjoyed the interview with John Karlen. But I thoroughly disliked "Overshadowed". To write in a story that Jonathan, someone whom we all claim to care for and admire as a person, to say that he does not exist and that Jon was Barnabas in real life was really terrible. I feel that it was done in poor taste.

The Alternate Possibility story, "With the Rising Morning Sun" was good. I always love those "what if" stories. The articles were informative, and the John Karlen interview was the best interview of a DS actor I have ever read, due no doubt to John's own great self which reaches out and touches your mind from the pages. / And I read "Overshadowed". And reread it. And reread it. It was the greatest, most excellent story ever! The idea of real people-- you, Frid, etc.--as characters was superb! The whole thing was very well done.

I enjoyed the account of Shadowcon by The Phantom--why wasn't it signed? (Well, Phantom--a.k.a. Edlynne Bond? KR)) The interview with John Karlen was great. Jon's bio by Sandy Smith was very good… "Overshadowed" has drawn the fire of several of my correspondents, and no doubt you have already received adverse criticisms of it. You see, Jonathan was very sensitive about being 'overshadowed' by the character of Barnabas. Some people were cruel enough to tell him they were fans of Barnabas Collins, not him, and he was deeply hurt by these comments. Of course the writers, not knowing him as we long-time fans do, just wrote it as a clever story, but we hope he never sees it. / Jolieta Constantine Smith's poems dedicated to Jonathan are simply grand! "Seasoned Splendor" and "First Magnitude" are really inspired descriptions of Jonathan, his appearance, personality, trials, victories and momentary defeats.

I enjoyed reading your report on the Con. It would be great to hold a Con on the east coast. The letter to the Karlen's was very well-written and meaningful, and the talk with him great! Overshadowed was exciting and certainly original. Mixed with humor, it made the story really interesting. The bios on Frid and Wandrey were pretty good, and the photos from 1841PT were fantastic! "With the Rising of the Morning Sun" was well-written. The MOTS program was superb--loved the part about the 'alternate treasurer' and especially 'visit the year of your choice'. The drawing by Linda Woods was excellent.

I loved the fanzine! The conversation with John Karlen was interesting since I didn't get to hear it at the con. "Overshadowed" was amusing and entertaining. "The Halls Are Alive" (The Sounds of Starcon) was my personal favorite because it seemed to catch my opinion and impression of Starcon. "Roxanne/The Awakening" was probably one of the best pieces of poetry I've ever read that captured the mood of a character. Congrats.

A suggestion -- run captions on photos. Some fans may not know the star, character, or time period. For example, in #14, the costume photos were from 1841PT, with Jonathan Frid as Bramwell Collins with Kate Jackson as Daphne. Lara Parker played Catherine Herridge as opposed to Angelique./I enjoyed the convention wrap-up and "Overshadowed". You did an excellent job of transcribing the tapes. You even got a question of mine in./To each their own--I found the MOTS annual meeting a bit silly and drawn out./ Would enjoy seeing info on Roger Davis sometime. I always felt he was one of the best actors on the show.

I really hated "Overshadowed." Jonathan Frid would be very hurt to think his fans would write a story like that. I love stories about Barnabas, but to make Jonathan a murder is awful.

I could be cornball and say, Yes, reading it made me feel as if I were in attendance in spirit -- but we both know I am above that sort of thing. It was a treat, this. The reality of ShadowCon was fine enough, and to have it "given" to us (I'm including "Overshadowed" in that) was a lovely gift. How's your neck, anyhow? You know, I can't help thinking that "Overshadowed" would make a great movie… /I liked the short Morning Sun, as I enjoy "other" endings…

Issue 15

The World of Dark Shadows 15 was published in February 1978 and contains 75 pages. Artists are Bebe Donnelly, Barb Fister-Liltz, Jean Graham, Ellen Gusetti, Janet Meehan, Shari Metcalf, Kathy Resch, Kathi Swan, Scott Taylor.

front cover of issue #15, Scott Taylor

back cover of issue #15, Barb Fister-Liltz

• news (2)
• Journey, fiction b Edlyne Bond (4)
• The Collins Story, chapter 8, The Gathering of Power, early September 1971, by Kathy Resch (16)
• Dark Shadows, fiction by Jeff Thompson (22)
• current events (28)
• Love's Nemesis, poem by Duverne Parsace (29)
• Quentin's Prayer, poem by Edlynne Bond (29)
• The Song of Quentin Collins, filk by Marian Lois Turner (30)
• The New Galetea: Amanda Harris and Greek Mythology, article by Kathy Resch (32)
• A Chorus Dancer, a Biography of Donna McKechnie, by Kathy Resch (33)
• Thank God He's a Country Boy! A Biography of David Selby, by The Donnelly Sisters (35)
• Dark Shadows Summaries (55)
• Double Images, poem by Kathy Resch (62)
• Here's Quentin!, a fictional interview and behind-the-scenes look by Amy Forrest at "how the local Convention Committee coped with a situation with might have spelled success or disaster for the MOTS gathering. The following scenario took place a week before the convention opened." (66)
• DS Q&A (70)
• ads (72)
• Letters of Comment (73)

• 

  pages from issue #15, artist is Janet Meehan

• 

  page from issue #15, artist is Barb Fister-Liltz, a fan comments later: "I imagine that someone will have something unfavorable to say about that 'PG rated' pg. 65 -- but I found the artwork very tasteful. I do feel, however, that no drawings in TWODS should get very much more explicit than Quentin and Angelique's nude embrace on the cover." Another fan writes: "Pg. 65—Heh, Heh, Heh." And another writes: "I hope no one is offended by the PG 'Night' picture. Too bad that scene was cut from the movie; now I see why...Just kidding!"

• 

  pages from issue #15, artist is Scott Taylor

• 

  pages from issue #15, artist is Janet Meehan

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 15

I'm afraid I committed the sin of omission about Jeff Thompson. I read a piece of his stuff witbout knowing anything about the characters and came up against Zelda. I read no further and thought his stuff a bit off. After reading #3 and seeing where she fits in, I find his work most refreshing and quite entertaining. He does get a bit way out sometimes but the literary value is definitely there. Technically, he's one of the best authors you have. I do agree that you seem to get the same people doing all the art and writing, but if that's the complaint of your subscribers, let me say that it is only their fault. A fanzine is only as good as its contributors make it, so complainers, if you want different stuff, let's get it in. All of you start using your imaginations and let's give DS a full life.

Forgive me, Scott, but when I first caught sight of the furry animal on the upper right of the cover, I didn't think Wolfman or even Quentin; I thought Wookie. But it is a good werewolf study, and I do like that cover. Quentin's eyes and Barnabas' mouth look deep enough to drown in. My brother likes Kate Jackson. Indeed, the artwork was a four starrer all the way through; all the different styles really complete the issue./My particular copy looks like it were dropped in a puddle somewhere downtown. Nothing is hurt or ruined--which makes "Journey" all the more atmospheric. Ms. Meehan's 'Quentin' on pg. 3 is slightly haloed by water wrinkles; it really gives it an aura. I liked "Journey"; in some was I was reminded of Ross' Barnabas Collins. It took me awhile longer than need be to flgure out that, in the first illo, that 'Q' was just that, and made of a twist of hemp such as the sailors use. I'm with Phriend Phantom who wanted to know what the immortal , Quentin was doing 1897-1969. This is an excellent start./TCS was very fine and very short. More, more, quoth I. If Elizabeth dies or is dead, your big toe's days are numbered. ((The following section of this LOC is deleted, as Kathi has a pretty good idea who James Stockbridge is , and I'm going to let the rest of you guess. KR)) Great illoes; they all but flowed off the pages. I like the eyes--love those lashes--of Barb's. They look so clear, deep butterfly-y./ To Jeff 's story-- That everybody who was engaged last issue-- and it was a few years back--were suddenly married and have been was a bit jarring. But I was expecting it. I thought pg. 29's poems were most touching. Brings in words Quentin's hell. What is Golden Atom Publications? ((Back when DS was on the air, and there was a fandom of sorts going on, a number of poems were published under this banner. Alas, I didn't know about these fan groups at the time, and so can't tell you much mare. KR)) Ah, the Funnies. I've been telling you all along that TWODS needs more humor and you bestow "The Song of QC," bloopers, cartoons, and "Heeere's Quentin". I am content. Too bad Swan's chart wasn't fully readable… Your Galatea/Amanda article was well-written and conceived…. That's Barb's, of The Woman Who Never Was. Fascinating! is the only word to use for "Country Boy"--I was truly amazed to see how much stagd and acting work Selby's done before and after DS. The various photos and artwork was not unlike a second bio; the many faces of DLS./Ah, the Summaries. The detail of Shari's illos were welcome & wonderful./I like the map, but why population 1936? (I would've said 1795.) Your "Double Images" poem/art was well handled; like the compare/contrast of Quentin/Chris . And I'm much obliged to you for running the NODS poster--looks more DS'y than HODS I must admit…The charcoal art/ad was great, as was the bacover.

As usual, a great issue. Enjoyed the artwork, and the reproduction of the HODS poster. Both "Collins Story" and Jeff Thompson's serial are coming along nicely. JOURNEY was an excellent tale, as I faver the 'unwritten tales' line; the 'what-happened-then' after characters drop from the plot for awhile. I agree with The Phantom in the lettered—so many tales can be written between the major events shovm on TVthat it would fill volumes by many writers to fill in their own ideas./HEEEERS*S QUENTION was excellent fun! The bio on David Selby was interesting and I'm eagerly awaiting the Lara Parker issue!

I could say it's the best issue so far, but I think that I said that the last two or three times! How about: TWODS #15 was a milestone in the history of fanzine publication because of its appearance, information, structure, variety and entertainment value! Virtually the only flaw in the issue was its large amount of typoes... ((They grow while in the custody of the Post Awful…)) Scott Taylor's cover and his illo of Julia accompanyin my DSerial were both very nice. Edlynne Bond's short story, "Journey" was extremely touching, and Barb Fister-Liltz*s illoes with it and TCS were great. I do wish that Edlyne had mentioned the year in which Quentin courted Anthea. (Early 1930's, probably. KR)) The definite high point of the issue was the tremendous treatise on David Selby written and illustrated by Mary-Anne and Bebe Donnelly. Their voluminous information about him was presented in an orderly and always interesting fashion. That episode of "Family" has been on now and David Selby did a very good acting job as a young English professor who takes out his own frustrations about the critical flop of his first play on Willie Lawrence and his finished screenplay./It's great that all your artists have such varying styles./I was surprised to see in this issue and last how much of a stir Janet Meehan's drawing of Jesus caused among your readers. I imagine that someone will have something unfavorable to say about that 'PG rated' pg. 65 -- but I found the artwork very tasteful. I do feel, however, that no drawings in TWODS should get very much more explicit than Quentin and Angelique's nude embrace on the cover.

I think it's one of the best issues so far. A little uneven, of course, as every issue of a fan magazine is bound to be. I enjoyed TCS, but it was pretty short. And still mistreating poor Willie! Very good the poem Double Images. / Amy Forrest is a real menace. I hurt myself I laughed so hard at "Heeere's Quentin". It was irreverant and hilarious; she captured Quentin's personality perfectly. I also loved the little byplay between Angelique and Aristede. And Magda! Are we going to have more of this kind of stuff in future issues? ((If people write it and I like it. KR)). It's worth an increase in the cost of the magazine all by itself. Also loved the poem on pg. 30» Give my regards and compliments to Marian Turner./Did pages 63 and 6^ accidently get reversed? ((They did. KP)) It seemt to me that the pg.-would make more sense if the Quentin/Chris drawing was facing "Double Images" and the NODS poster was opposite Barb's drawing.

"In the Light of a Candle" was well written and. interesting. It had little dialogue, but that certainly wasn't a fault. "The Collins Story" is progressing nicely. I'm anxious to read more about the mysterious Jennet Preston (and James Stockbridge). Jeff Thompson has written another excellent chapter. I enjoyed Janet Meehan's centerfold. Scott Taylor's drawing of Angelique is the best he's done of her. "Angelique has risen From the Grave" was very good and I understand the appreciation for NODS. It certainly was a beautiful film. Many people complained after seeing what CBS did to it, but let us not forget what MGM cut out before its release. If they had left in (or refilmed) some of the scenes, it would have been even better. The bio on John Karlen was very well done, and it certainly must have taken a lot of work to compile all the info. I love Shari Mot-calf's art. She has a good style as well as obvious talent. I strongly agree with Kathi Swan's version of Josette's 'suicide'. I have seen that episodes three times (original, at a later point in the show when Barnabas remembered it, and on the reruns) and that was always my interpretation of it. The only thing that stood in the way was that everyone always refers to it as suicide, but again, theycertainly had no way of knowing someone was there to scare her.

It seems that there are a few people who made the statement that some of the authors and artists were not up to their expectations. TV/ODS is a fanzine journal helping DS fans relive the past presentations of DS episodes, plus helping us keep in touch with what the actors and actresses are now doing. It also gives everyone who loved DS a chance to give their opinions, expressions, thoughts, desires and even needs. I'm sure that even if there were not one club or group anywhere in the world, those true fans would not let DS die./ To those people who found some stories and drawings 'atrocious': Not every person can be a Charles Dickens, a Leo Tolstoi, an Alexandre Dumas, nor can everyone be a da Vinci, a Van Gogh, a Kembrandt van Ryn, but everyone has a talent in some way or another, just as everyone has a defect of some physical or spiritual nature. The fact is this: Every person who contributes anything to a fanzine does so because they are proud to be a member, they love the club they are in, and the particular subject interests them enough that they can find time to put what they can to the best of their ability into that journal. If you can do better, by all means send in your Mona Lisa, your "Tale of Two Cities". Maybe that person who is a degrading shame to the literary field may someday find the cure for cancer, and then it will be their turn to ask you why you couldn't do it as well. I agree wholeheartedly that everyone has the right to say anything they wish. As for Janet Meehan's "The Tortured Soul" [in issue #11] , I think, as I do of the rest of her drawings, that it is superb! I can gather more than one meaning from that drawing. It is of a surety that her and anyone else's religious views do not belong in the journal, but, if you will remember, in the DS episodes there was religion. In Bram Stoker's novel "Dracula", there was a crucifix used, as well as Holy water. That in itself belongs in religion, but it does not give opinions, it is a means of device used in worship and faith. Janet was not giving a sermon to us. Her explanation and definition is in the title of the drawing, "The Tortured Soul".

Late, maybe, but worth the wait. And a refreshing change from the Barnabas/Angelique issues. The artwork, especially Barb's and Janet's, just gets better and better and continues to amaze me* Everyone's stories are great this time (and I think I'm finally getting Jeff Thompson's characters straightened out)0 Congratulations to Amy Forrest. I can't tell you how much I got off on "Heere's Quentin!" I could go on and say how much I enjoyed the poetry, particularly Marion Lois Turner's, and your own "Double Images", and the articles and even the ads...But I don't like to be too repetitious, so I'll just say thanks!

This has to be the best issue to date...My favorite is the map of Collinsport. I've had this in mind for years and never put it on paper. Mine coincided with this in many places./I hope no one is offended by the PG 'Night' picture. Too bad that scene was cut from the movie; now I see why...Just kidding!/Let's have more cartoons like on pg. 31.

Artwork was tops, especially that of Barb Fister-Liltz. I like to see a lot of good artwork in the zine, / Pg. 65—Heh, Heh, Heh. / David Selby bio was very thorough and excellent. / I liked "Heere's Quentin" best of all. My sense of humor is somewhere between Groucho Marx and Caligula and I enjoy seeing DS getting a good natural ribbing./Shari Metcalf has a real talent for capturing the 'feel' of DS with her artwork. Let's hope she keeps busy doing it!/Photos, poetry and stories, as usual, fine.

Issue 16/17

front cover of issue #16/17, Janet Meehan

back cover of issue #16/17, Barb Fister-Liltz

The World of Dark Shadows 16/17 was published in May 1978 and contains 114 pages. Artists are Jo Ann Christy, Barb Fister-Liltz, Steve Lehti, Janet Meehan, Shari Metcalfe, John Pound, Kathy Resch, Scott Taylor, Linda Woods.

• editorial (2)
• Purgatory, fiction by Marcy Robin (6)
• Dark Shadows, fiction by Jeff Thompson (45)
• Current Events (50)
• A Dialogue in Time, poem by Kathy Resch (53)
• Excerpt from "Once Upon There Was a Vampire," an interview with Jonathan Frid by Chris Claremont as published in "Monsters in the Movies" #8 (57)
• partial transcript of an interview with Jonathan Frid on the Merv Griffin Show April 10, 1969 (63)
• Maggie, and Then Some!, a bio of Kathryn Kringstad (67)
• Knight in Shining Armor, a biography of Joel Crothern by Barb Fister-Liltz (70)
• A Thespian, a biography of David Ford by Barb Fister-Liltz (75)
• Dark Shadows Summaries by Diane Hall (78)
• word find (88)
• You Can Keep a Good Vampire Down: How CBS Cut Barnabas' Throat in House of Dark Shadows, article by Bill Hunt (90)
• The Curse of The Censor, Or, CBS Strikes Again, by Kathy Resch (93)
• poems by Jolieta Constantine, "Revelation," "The Accursed"(95)
• Josette/Prelude to Night, poem by Kathy Resch (95) (reprinted from The Deadly Triangle)
• Josette's Lament, poem by Vera Bishop Konrick (96)
• Love's Magic Wings, poem by Vera Bishop Konrick (96)
• Requiem for a Vampire, poem by Steve Lehti (97)
• Barnabas to Josette, poem by Theresa Murdyk (97)
• answers to some questions asked in issue #8 (98)
• How I Became an Addict, two fan testimonials (99)
• Letters of Comment (102)
• ads (110)

• 

  inside pages from issue #16/17, Barb Fister-Liltz for "Purgatory"

• 

  inside pages from issue #16/17, Kathy Resch

• 

  inside pages from issue #16/17, Scott Taylor for "Dark Shadows"

• 

  inside pages from issue #16/17, Shari Metcalf

• 

  inside pages from issue #16/17, Kathy Resch for "Purgatory"

• 

  inside pages from issue #16/17, Steve Lehti

• 

  inside page from issue #16/17, Linda Woods

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 16/17

The first double issue is an unqualified success! I'm looking forward to more issues like it!/ The artistic highlight, for me, is Shari Metcalf's stunning poster of Barnabas & Maggie— bravo!/l also enjoyed Linda Wood's profile of Barnabas and Barb Fister Liltz's Kathryn montage. Barb's bio on David Ford is like an oasis in the desert. I knew absolutely nothing about the man before this. Kathy's "Dialogue in Time" is unique and truly inspired, and Marcy Robin's "Purgatory" is great reading. Finally, there is Bill Hung -- thank you, Bill, for being a critic with a sense of humor and for being the thinking man's Judith Crist!?!

Congratulations on a superb and outstanding duuble issue TWODS! The idea of a double issue is an excellent one and I hope you will consider it again in the future./As always, Barb Fister-Liltz' s artwork was beautifully done, as was the other art./Since subscribing to TWODS, I have begun to appreciate poetry. Kathy's A DIALOGUE IN TME was truly beautiful. All her poetry for TWODS catches the DS theme so vividly. A favorite feature are the DS Daily Summaries... big help to one who came in on the tail end of the "Adam and Eve" story. Of course the LoC section is always good. It's interesting to see a wide variety of opinions on the same subject./Kathy, keep up the excellent work. Each issue gets better. We all owe a lot to you editors and publishers of fanzines. I for one would like to thank you personally for all the time, effort and in a lot of cases, your own money, which go into each issue. It is deeply and sincerely appreciated.

Issue 18

front and back covers of issue #18, Barb Fister-Liltz

The World of Dark Shadows 18 was published in July 1978 and contains 67 pages and art by Janet Meeham (some drawings from The Deadly Triangle), Barb Fister-Liltz, Shari Metcalf, and Scott Taylor.

• editorial (2)
• An Encounter in Martinique, fiction by Jean Graham (3) (reprinted in A Gathering of Shadows)
• Dark Shadows, chapter ten, fiction by Jeff Thompson (13)
• The Collins Story, chapter 10, The Dying Flame, September 1971, by Kathy Resch (17)
• In the Morning, poem by Nola Frame (27)
• Angelique, the Woman, poem by Theresa Mudryk (28)
• word find puzzle by Marcy Robin (29)
• Enchantress, a Biography of Lara Parker, written and illustrated by Barb Fister-Liltz (38)
• current events (43)
• Broken Dream, poem by Kathy Resch (44)
• Dark Summaries, written by Geoffrey Hamell (46)
• Strange Paradise Revisited, article by Mark Brusniak (55)
• Dark Shadows is Dan Curtis Production, article by Jeff Arsenault (56)
• Surrounded by Dark Shadows, fiction by Jeff Arsenault (57)
• DS Q&A ( 58)
• Letters of Comment (60)
• ads, including a full-page flyer for some stationary (66)

• 

  inside page from issue #18, Janet Meehan (originally in The Deadly Triangle)

• 

  inside page from issue #18, Shari Metcalf

• 

  inside page from issue #18, Scott Taylor

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 18

It's gorgeous—one of the most attractive and interesting fanzines I've seen in a long time. Having been in fandom, mostly Star Trek and Science Fiction, for about 7 years or so, I've seen a lot of zines, and yours is definitely one of the most professional in looks and content that I've seen. This LOC is going to wander all over the place, I fear— my apologies in advance! / Not having seen any of the previous issues, both Jeff Thompson's serial and yours were still readable, followable and interesting. About Jeff's story: I had always considered Bramwell and Catherine to be two totally new characters, not different aspects of Barnabas and Angelique at all, or perhaps they were the people they might have been if the 1790's Angelique had been a mortal woman and if the whole arcane mess had never been started. A case, then, of Karmic re-meeting, so to speak. Not that my disagreeming with Jeff's idea made the story less interesting; that's one of the things I like about fan fiction—you can have so nany different readings and interpretations of the same character. It's fun to read a story or article written by someone who sees a character in a totally different "light than you do, and which is written well enough that you can accept its validity, if only for the duration of the story. / I'm glad that my first issue of TWODS was the "Angelique the Enchantress" issue. I liked her so much! Selfish, perhaps, and evil and conniving, but Angelique seemed so alive and interesting. Maggie was nice and very sweet and sorts dull. Vicki was dip, poor lass. Carolyn was a spoiled neurotic. These are personal opinions only; anyone who disagrees is free to! Virtue (on TV, at least) may be more laudable than "I want what I want 'cause I 'WANT it", but it's not usually as much fun to watch. I only saw a small portion of the 1790's flashback, so never saw Josette before she was married to Jeremiah, but my own theory is that Josette was a well-bred girl who, in keeping with her class, could no doubt embroider, dance and play the pianoforte, but who had no fire to her at all. Being a sweet amiable girl and a dutiful daughter, she came to the Americas to marry the man her folks wanted her to…. [snipped] The story "Encounter in Martinique" was excellent! One of the best fan-written stories I've read in ages—the writer is fan, isn't she? It reads well enough that she could br pro. Her view of Josette as mildly simple-minded was intriguing since it dove-tailed with my own opinions. The artwork through the entire zine was superb, especially the wrap-around cover. The plot synopsis were welcome -- keep 'em coming!

An Open Letter to the Critics of Fanzines: As a relative newcomer to the world of 'zines, I have noticed quite frequently that there are more critics than editors, contributors, etc. I think 'zines are the greates thing to come along for the exchange of ideas, stories and anything relative to fandom. Where else—-certainly not in the 'legitimate' publishing world, has so much been written, published and read by the fans themselves? We all know, who have tried to have our stories, poetry, etc. published by the slicks, how hard it is to break into print. Fanzines give us this chance. You all have seen the quality of stories in TWODS and FESARIUS (Richard Robinson's fanzine), to mention a few. / My point is the fact that someone, particularly the editors of such 'zines, who devote so much time and love to this art— and it has become an art—-are constantly criticized because this issue wasn't perfect, or that drawing could have been better, or that story could have been different. Come on, gang. These 'zines aren't the ATLANTIC MONTHLY or the SATURDAY REVIEW OF LITERATURE. Of course they're an amateur amateur effort, but they're OURS! We have something unique, and to constantly harp on picayune things is ILLOGICAL! / The guys and gals who put out these 'zines often use their own money to do so and it's a losing proposition which we should all take into consideration. So, if you want it to be perfect, buy ESQUIRE of TIME, but for gosh sake's let's stop this petty criticism. If you think it is so easy to put out a ' zine the quality of FESARIUS or TWODS, maybe you ought to try it before you write your next critique. / Try to be more helpful. Submit your own stories, etc., if you think you can do better. Old George B. Shaw was right when he said, "Those who can do; those who can't, criticize." Ease up, gang, and just enjoy. As I said before, we have a great thing going for us...try to build it up, instead of constantly tearing it down. I suppose as subscribers, you feel you have a right to criticize. Again, try doing it yourself, then see if you feel this type of criticism is warranted. Yours in fandom, Joan Shumsky.

Issue 19

The World of Dark Shadows 19 was published in October 1978 and contains 68 pages. It is dedicated to the actor Thayer David.

front cover of issue #19

both covers, issue #19

• Thayer David - a Character Actor - by Eric Pace
• "Free Man" by Marcy Robin
• "Cursed" by Marcy Robin
• several ShadowCon con reports, including some photos
• Untitled by Barb Fister-Liltz
• "The Collins Story" by Kathy Resch - Chapter 11
• "Elizabeth: Two Views After the Wedding" - by Kathy Resch
• "Dark Shadows" Chapter 11 by Jeff Thompson
• "Home to Collinwood" by Sandy Smith
• DS Overview by Geoffrey Hamell
• DS Summaries by Geoffrey Hamell #'s 268 to 280
• "Home Up In Maine" and "My Favorite Things" by The Cursed Ones, filks
• Curtis Finishes Filming 25 Year Old Idea (When Every Day Was the 4th of July)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 19

My favorite part of the zine is your "Collins Story". In addition to being a gifted writer, you have successfully recreated the feeling the feeling of the DARK SHADOWS we know and still love (despite the efforts of large corporations--who shall remain nameless--to snuff out DS completely) . The characters were as they were on the show, which is where Jeff Thompson's serial falls short. Let me say that while I enjoy his story, his characterization of Julia Hoffman irritates me to no end! I remember Julia as a strong, independent, competent physician, but Jeff has managed to turn her into a weak, helpless airhead! She comes off as a stereotypical Victorian lady who suffers from the "vapours" as was so fasionable in that time. Maybe she's so fragile because she's so much in love ( sigh!). Mr. Thompson needs his consciousness raised. The only problem with TWODS is its lack of length and I, for one, would love a sister zine to TWODS featuring long fiction. I would be willing to pay more for the zine, and I hope it becomes a reality soon. (On # 19) I really enjoyed this issue, especially TCS and the DS Overview by Geoffrey Hamell. Janet Meehan's cover of Thayer David and the accompanying text by Marcy Robin were a touching tribute to a fine actor.

This issues "Collins Story" was more than worth the wait. It was so good to see Willie and Roxanne together again, and the description of Maggie's movements alone in the Old House was excellent and probably your best written passage. I especially liked the line "(she was left) behind in the sunny maid-tended perfection of her own home with nothing at all to do but grow fat in solitude.", as I actually know someone who's in a very similar environment. And I have to admire your restraint in dealing with the Colllnsport mail carrier. I know that it must have taken all of your literary scruples to keep him from heaving the package at Maggie with a friendly "Take this bleeping package, lady, and you know what you can do with it, after you pay the $85.67 postage due on it." (I doubt if I would have been so restrained if I had written that passage for 20, instead of 19...after the disaster the Postal Disservice perpetrated on #19. Two weeks after I mailed the zine out, they returned half of them— wanting 1st class postage on most, and diffierent amounts on packages containing identical contents... As if that issue wasn't late enough to begin with...)) / The photos of "Shadow-Con were really great and very useful to us unfortunates who didn't make it there. That portrait of Barnabas ((by Barb Lister-Liltz)) looks even better than the one DS used…. DS Overview by Geoffrey Hamell, well written and perceptive. Art, Barb Fister-Liltz is best, as usual, and Theresa Ryan's one of Barnabas and Willie on pg. 33 was also well done. "Free Man" was a fine short short, and very timely, unfortunately. "Elizabeth"/Two Views after the Wedding" and "Untitled" both above average…. The filksongs had some very witty lines, and one or two groaners… guess that's why they're cursed! Best of all, since this issue was late, the next one will be here soon now.

Issue 20/21

The World of Dark Shadows 20/21 was published in March 1979 and contains 100 pages.

cover of issue 20/21

Dedicated to Diana Millay, Louis Edmonds, and David Henesy

• "The Deceiver" by Geoffrey Hamell
• "The Punishment Fit The Crime" by Geoffrey Hamell
• "The Collins Story" Chapter 12 by Kathy Resch
• "Toys In The Attic" - photos and reviews of David Selby play
• "The Vampire's Lament" and "The Vampire's Mission" by Elizabeth Stinson
• "Laura Collins Theme" by Richard Martinez
• "Crimson Shadow" by Brian Klaus
• "Old House" by Maria Mayer
• "Josette's Theme" by Jo Ann Christy
• "A Biography of Diana Millay" by Robert Finocchio
• "A Biography of Louis Edmonds" by Barb Fister-Liltz
• "Seven Isn't Always Lucky" by Jeff Thompson - Gold Key reviews 1 & 2
• DS Summaries 281 - 297
• "Overworked" by Marcy Robin and Pat Lammerts
• "Paradox Lost" by Jean Lorrah (reprinted from Warped Space #26/27)
• "We're The Ones Who Got Al Capone" by Adriana Pena
• "Jason & Willie" and"Loverly" by M.J.P. of The Cursed Ones