Volume 20, Issue 1 February / March 2010 ConNotations FREE The Bi-Monthly , & Convention Newszine of the Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society

A Conversation with Featured Inside Esther Friesner Regular Features Special Features by Catherine Book SF Tube Talk A Conversation with All the latest news about Esther Friesner Esther Friesner Scienc Fiction TV shows by Catherine Book was a special guest at by Lee Whiteside the first North Hokey Smoke! th American Discworld Pro Notes It’s the very nearly 50 Anniversary of Rocky the Flying Convention held in News about genre authors and fans Tempe, Arizona over Squirrel and Bullwinkle J. Moose By Shane Shellenbarger Labor Day weekend Costume Closet 2009. She generously Topics of interest in the constuming field An Amercan in New Zealand made a little time to be by Jeffrey Lu interviewed during Videophile that con. Reviews of genre releases on DVD SCI-FI as we know it I started off asking Comic Book Style! her what she was Around the Dial By Jesse James doing when she Reviews of current genre TV shows published for the first Plus time. She was a full Screening Room time mom and having Esther Friesner Reviews of current theatrical releases CASFS Business Report fun writing all the Photo © Catherine Book In Our Book FYI time. She even wrote some non-fiction. magazine….BUT…it could have gone Reviews of New SF/F Books News and tidbits of interest to fans Her first professional sale in 1983 was in another way. She had sent out a mystery Cats magazine and the next was in Brides novel and got back a rejection letter that Club Listings Magazine. She was writing in just about sincerely regretted not being able to take NOTICE! every genre – mystery, science fiction, her work as they thought she might be Convention List & historical, even a bodice-ripper. She another Donald Westlake. So she might, Beginning January 1, 2010, subscrip- Generic Registration Form thought at the time that she would try at this minute, be writing mysteries tions to ConNotations increased to $25 writing in all these genres simply because rather than our beloved fantasy and for 6 issues. We regret the increase, but CHECK OUR WEB SITE AT she liked all these genres. But, she thought science fiction. our costs are going up. If you enjoy www.casfs.org/ConNotations/Index-CN.html – whatever sold first would probably be an So, how was it that she fell into getting ConNotations in a print format indicator of what she ought to continue editing? She feels that she must blame then please consider a subscription. FOR UPDATED CONTENT BETWEEN writing. So, what sold first? The first was a SF/F conventions for almost all her Donations are also welcome and are ISSUES INCLUDING MOVIE short story to Isaac Asimov’s tax-deductible. REVIEWS ON OPENING DAY, TV AND

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Volume 20 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 1 Pick up your copy of ConNotations at the following locations In This Issue Who Is Who This Issue News & Reviews Managing Editor: Stephanie Bannon BOOK STORES COMIC STORES Assistant to the Editor: Gary Swaty SF Tube Talk 3 Graphics Editor: Craig L. Dyer Bards Books All About Comics Costume Closet 6 Film & Video Editors: Len Berger, Craig 3508 N. 7th St,Ste. 145, Phoenix, AZ 85014 5060 N. Central, Phoenix, AZ Around the Dial 7 L Dyer & Bob LaPierre (602)274-7530 FYI 8 Promotions Directors: Len Berger, (602) 277-0757 Screening Room 10 Bent Cover Bookstore Richard Bolinski, Craig L Dyer Ash Avenue Comics & Books Videophile 10 Advertising: Catherine Book 12428 N. 28th Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85029 810 S. Ash, Tempe, AZ (480) 858-9447 Pro Notes 12 Proof Readers: Catherine Book, Bob (602) 942-5932 Atomic Comics In Our Book (Book Reviews) 14 LaPierre & Gary Swaty Book Gallery CASFS Business Report 20 Reporters: Craig L Dyer, Jeffrey Lu 1120 S. Country Club, Ste. 105, Mesa, AZ Staff Writers: Pam Allen, Nadine 3643 E. Indian School Rd, Phoenix AZ 85210 (480) 649-0807 Special Features Armstrong, Stephanie L Bannon, Catherine 85018 (602)468-0400 4537 E. Cactus, Phoenix AZ 85032 A Conversation with Esther Friesner Book, Shane Bryner, Craig L. Dyer, M.L. 50 W. Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201 by Catherine Book 1 Fringe, Michael Griffin, Bob LaPierre, (602) 923-0733 An American in New Zealand Jeffrey Lu, Christina Paige, Shane (480) 835-0757 10215 N. 28th Dr, #A1, Phoenix, AZ 85051 Shellenbarger, Gary Swaty, Tom Tuerff, Book Krazy by Jeffrey Lu 5 Lee Whiteside, Randall Whitlock (602)395-1066 Hokey Smoke! Contributors: Jesse James 1601E Bell #4-5, Phoenix , AZ 85022 3155 W. Chandler Blvd #5, Chandler AZ by Shane Shellenbarger 6 Layout & Design: Stephanie L. Bannon (602)867-1018 85226 (480)940-6061 SciFi as we know it Comic Book Style Keeper of the Mailing List: Craig L. Dyer Bookmans Drawn to Comics by Jesse James 9 Labeling Crew for Volume 19 Issue 6: Mark Boniece, Craig L Dyer, Mike Griffin, 1056 S. Country Club, Mesa, AZ 85210 5757 W. Glendale, AZ 85301 Bob & Lori LaPierre, Jeffrey Lu, Marguer- (480) 835-0505 (623) 847-9090 Convention & Fandom ite Murray, Nyki Robertson, Wally 8034 N. 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021 Gregg’s Comics Club Listings 19 Sanville, Gary Swaty, Webb (602) 433-0255 2722 S. Alma School Rd, #8, Mesa, AZ Convention Listings 20 CN Mascots: The Four CopperCon Kittens Convention Registration Form 20 About ConNotations: ConNotations is the 1930 E. Grant Tucson, AZ 85719 (480) 752-1881 fan published newszine of the Central (520) 325-5767 Hero Comics Arizona Speculative Fiction Society 6230 E. Speedway Tucson, AZ 85712 3405 W. Thunderbird Rd, Phoenix, AZ (CASFS) an IRS-recognized 501(c)3 non- (520) 748-9555 profit organization. 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Page 2 ConNotations Volume 20 Issue 1 streetwise urchin, Najid (Chahak Patel), version of Being Human and have tapped one will air in the spring and the other SF Tube Talk and Tom Price (Max Beesley), who was a husband-and-wife team Jeremy Carver will air in the fall. Syfy has also ordered a TV News & Previews high security prisoner before the virus hit. (Supernatural) and Anna Fricke drama series, Haven, based on the According to writer/executive producer (Privileged) to be the head writers. Stephen King novella The Colorado Kid By Lee Whiteside Adrian Hughes (Primeval) “Survivors is According to Syfy executive Mark Stern . Sam Ernst and Jim Dunn co-wrote the The Doctor Who finale for David about what it means to be human. It asks [He’s] kind of got the genre cred, and pilot, and coming on board for the series Tennant and producers Russell T. questions about our nature and confronts Anna comes out of a more character- will be Scott Shepherd, Shawn Piller Davies and Julie Garedner, The End of us with our deepest fears. When based drama world so between them and Lloyd Segan, the latter trio Time, drew very good ratings in the UK everything else is stripped away, would they’ll be really interesting. Syfy has also previously worked on The Dead Zone. and record ratings in the US for BBC we band together and find the best in indicated that of their two miniseries in According to Mark Stern Haven is the ourselves, or would we fall apart and the works, Riverworld and The Phantom, America, which aired each of the two ( Cont’d on page 4 ) parts the day after they aired on the BBC. retreat into barbarism Lots of surprises in with the and savagery?” The return of The Master, Timothy Dalton as second series of Being Rassilon, a mysterious woman that may Human started on have been The Doctor’s mother, and a BBC3 in early January farewell look at many of the companions and will turn up on seen over the last five years. We then got BBC America later in a short look at Matt Smith in the role the year. In the second following the regeneration and we’ll get series, the trio try to more of him starting in late March or settle into normal lives, early April. Joining Matt Smith is Karen but events outside of Gillan as Amy Pond, a contemporary their control threaten to Scottish girl who meets up with The expose their Doctor as he (and the TARDIS) are supernatural worlds. recovering from the effects of his latest Several bloody murders regeneration. The first episode of the new turn up and Mitchell series, The Eleventh Hour, will pick up must try to stop the from the previous episode with the Doctor other vampires from about to crash the TARDIS. Not much killing while Annie and detail about the monster or problem in the George try to have episode, but it will definitely deal with the normal lives (or as newest companion for The Doctor and normal as a werewolf how he adapts to his new self. Other early and ghost can). On the episodes include one with Daleks set Torchwood front, during World War II with Ian McNeice there’s not been much as Winston Churchill, a return of River news about a fourth Song (Alex Kingston) AND the Weeping series of Torchwood Angels, in a two-parter. Other episodes in other than that the BBC the works include a Richard Curtis has definitely wants it penned episode with Vincent Van Gogh, to continue and the they one with vampires in Venice, and a two are in talks with the parter on global warming with the return actors and producers to of the Silurians. Keep in mind that none determine how it will of this has been confirmed by the BBC, move forward. although bits seen in the preview for the SYFY debuted the new series made available by the BBC Battlestar Galactica does confirm some of it. With the ratings prequel series in late success on BBC America for the finale, January and will run the expect to see the new series air on BBC first half of the season America very soon after it debuts on the through the end of BBC. March with the second Survivors debuts on BBC America in half of Stargate mid-February, and they will air all twelve Universe’s first season episodes from Series One (which aired on expected to return in the BBC in 2008) and Series Two (which April. There’s not a lot just started on the BBC in January). The of episode specific series is set in the present day where the details surfacing about world’s population is decimated by a Caprica, though and virus, leaving only a small fraction of the buzz about the series population alive. The series follows a seems to be somewhat group of survivors who band together muted. Syfy has who are led by Abby Grant (Julie announced that they Graham), whose main motivation to keep have renewed both going is to find her son who she believes Stargate Universe and is still alive. Also in the group are Greg Sanctuary for Preston (Paterson Joseph), a man with a additional seasons, hidden past, Anya (Zoe Tapper), a doctor bumping Sanctuary up who has seen too many people die, Al from 13 to 20 episodes Sadiq (Phillip Rhys ), a former playboy in the process. Syfy has who becomes a surrogate father to a obtained the rights to make an US based Volume 20 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 3 SF Tube Talk ( Cont’d from page 3 ) ... When you basically say, ‘Here’s where investigate reports of couples engaging in A Conversation ( Cont’d from page 1 ) our character started, A, when we first deadly behavior, and it may be Cupid is to quintessential Stephen King town, full of editing work. The first thing she complex, yet identifiable, characters and met them, and here’s where they’ve come blame. Supernatural creator Eric Kripke to. One of the things that I think we’re had previously indicated that the fifth remembers editing was “Alien Pregnant compelling supernatural situations. Sam by Elvis.” She was at a con, maybe in DC, and Jim wrote a great pilot, and we can’t trying to do—, the actors and the season of Supernatural would be its last. writers as well—in the sixth season is to According to CW boss Dawn Ostroff, when she was looking at a display of wait to see Scott, Lloyd, and Shawn join scandal zines like Nat’l Inquirer and its ilk them in bringing this town to life as a show the audience the ‘before,’ so they she’s had talks with him recently and he is have some sense of ‘Oh, this is what he considering keeping the series going. The and the question popped into her head - series. had anyone ever done an anthology based The big news from NBC is that they used to be, and who they are now,’ so you CW definitely would like to keep it really get a sense of how far that person’s around since its ratings have gone up, on Nat’l Inquirer-type stories? So she have dropped their prime time Jay Leno went and talked to Martin H. Greenberg Show which opens things back up for come. And obviously, the process of including more young women watching doing that—not just thinking about it, but than before. The CW has also been very who had all the experience with more scripted dramas. Heroes will end its anthologies and soon she was off and fourth season in early February with The doing it on a story level—really makes happy with The Vampire Diaries and you feel like we felt in season one. On even gave their entire prime time schedule running. Her ‘Chicks’ anthologies had a Wall and Brave New World on February similar beginning. It started with a tour of 1st and February 8th. There’s not been Forward, we’ve been promised to over to the series for a marathon in learn what will actually happen on April December. There’s not much to report on a con artshow with the typical paintings of much information about the end of the woman warriors dressed in improbable current season and with the ratings down 29, 2010. Robert Sawyer, author of the upcoming episodes, though. original novel the series is based on, is FOX has shut out the lights on chainmail, combined with a memory of even more this season, it is definitely not those dreadful old movies of women in certain that NBC will pick the series up contributing a script for near the end of Dollhouse, airing the final episodes in the season. January. They have brought on Human prison and her mind went to “Babes for another season. There is better news, Behind Bars” and suddenly the muse however, for Chuck, which returned in Over on the CW, will have Target, based on the DC comics property its biggest episode yet with the two hour and buzz for it is relatively high at press spoke and “Chicks in Chainmail” was early January, posting decent numbers for born. She took the idea to an editor at its special Sunday night airing as well as written by Geoff Johns time. Mark Valley stars as Christopher on Feb 5th featuring the Justice Society. Chance, with Chi McBride as Winston, Baen and she was off and running. And the first couple of weeks on Monday that was thirteen years ago – and all five night. Even before the series returned, books in the series are still in print. Quite NBC gave the show a vote of confidence an accomplishment for anthologies. and ordered 6 additional episodes. This So, what’s more fun? Writing or was after they had already plotted out the editing? Oh, writing She answered. But 13 episode season. For those six episodes, there’s fun in editing, too. Sometimes one they’ve developed a mini-arc that finds a great new writer or just discovers a reportedly will feature Scott Bakula really great new story. She used to make it returning as Chuck’s dad, Steve ‘invitation only’ due to her very poor Bartowski. Kristen Kruek will guest star eyesight. Reading a mountain of in several episodes as Hannah, who submissions was just impossible. And Chuck met on a plane in Paris that ends sometimes the decision rests with the up working at the Buy More with sparks publisher. She once worked on a vampire flying between the two, although she may anthology and decided to open it up to not be what she seems. Other guest stars anyone and everyone. She got so much coming up include Diedrich Bader, and material that there was enough for two Robert Patrick as Col. Keller, a volumes – to which the publisher agreed. mysterious figure from Casey’s past. Unfortunately, after Esther had bought NBC’s remaining genre series, Day One, enough for two volumes, the publisher continues to be scaled back to where it changed their mind and many great stories will now air as a two hour movie had to be cut. And to make matters worse, sometime in the spring. she was out of the country and had to ask ABC will have the final season of Lost her co-editor to make the necessary cuts. starting up in early February with a Photo © The CW/Warner Brothers Esther felt terrible about how it worked planned uninterrupted run of episodes to out but there was little she could do. the series finale. Their other series, V and I had heard that Esther’s story “Death Flash Forward, are both scheduled to Guest starring are Michael Shanks as and Jackie Earle Haley as Guerrero. and the Librarian” was inspired by a gift return to the air in March, Flash Forward Carter Hall/, Brent Stait as Each week Christopher Chance will put from Terry Pratchett at a WorldCon in on March 18th and V on March 30th. For Kent Nelson/, Britt Irvin as himself in the line of fire to protect a San Francisco. He gave her two little Lost, the producers are promising to Courtney Whitmore/Stargirl, Phil Morris client. The series looks to be well made pewter figures that were from a game definitely end the series with no plans or returns as John Jones/, and just might do well for the channel. based on his Discworld stories – Death seeds for spinoffs or sequels. They have and Ken Lawson as Wesley Dodds/ Fringe will be going on hiatus for pretty and The Librarian. Esther commented that revealed that two characters will be back, Sandman. From press reports and much all of February and March, with “weren’t there times that one might hear Michael (Harold Perrineau) and Libby publicity pictures, the JSA members will FOX slotting in the series Past Life, and words spoken that just ‘sounded’ like they (Cynthia Watros) will be seen again in be costumed much like their comic book bringing Fringe back in April for the final belong together… “? Well, that’s what the final season. The two hour opener is counterparts. There may also be a Green episodes of its second season. Past Life she heard with the words “Death and The reportedly an epic episode and may also Lantern involved and as of yet they have doesn’t appear to be specifically a genre Librarian” and decided she had to write a leave viewers even more confused. It will not revealed who the actual villain is that series, but may have some interest for fans story about them. It was supposed to be a follow on directly from the season 5 finale brings this all about. There’s not much with the show dealing with research into funny story but the muse had something and resolve the explosive cliffhanger. A information on the following episodes, past lives and reincarnation. The fact that different in mind and it became a story lot of questions will be answered, but not but expect to seem more of Amanda FOX cut the show’s order down to 7 that won Esther a Nebula. all of them. According to Daman Waller (Pam Grier) and the episodes from 13 doesn’t bode too well It sure seems like so many of her Lindelof: For us, ... there’s an inherent organization, a likely return of Brian for it, though. anecdotes revolve around fandom so I process when you’re ending something ... Austin Green as Metallo, and another wondered exactly how long Esther had to be thinking about the beginning as bout of Red Kryptonite infection for been coming to cons. She had been a writers, and in fact the story of the sixth Clark. member of SCA early on and after her season very specifically has to go back to Supernatural episodes include My first story sold to Asimov’s, an SCA the beginning to examine a lot of things. Bloody Valentine where Sam and Dean ( Cont’d on page 5 ) Page 4 ConNotations Volume 20 Issue 1 A Conversation ( Cont’d from page 4 ) have no medical insurance so the fund An American in New precise. friend told her that she ought to come to a allows them to take out interest-free loans Zealand Part 9: The Last Out of nowhere, there was a group of con. She had no idea that conventions for emergencies if they are members. So, baby lambs- very hungry lambs. They even existed but she ended up going to a while Esther isn’t a fencer herself, she Third Blunder- Sheep in were charging towards our group. Boskone, probably around 1983. It was a wanted to be part of it. But, although she The Shire Dumbfounded, my friends stared. doesn’t fence (and shouldn’t be allowed They were like deer staring at headlights. culture-shock experience including seeing by Jeffrey Lu a Wookie on a balcony and having to near sharp things), she does act. And, as All them were perplexed as these animals she says, she has no stage fright anymore. were literally leaping. sleep in a ‘zoo room.’ She didn’t care for Believe it or not, I was counting it much and decided not to get a She says she used to be shy but gave it up. From experience at a farm, I grab a A fool’s game, she called it. sheep. I was not trying to fall asleep but friend’s bottle. I put the bottle down so a membership and to just return home in the was puzzled why Peter Jackson, i.e. morning. But, before leaving, she wanted Finally, I asked her what she was little lamb can drink. Others quietly currently working on. She laughed saying director of Lord of the Rings movies followed with relief. to say goodbye to the friend who had a trilogy, did not want New Zealand sheep. table in the Dealer’s Room. Happily, for she ought to be working at that moment. The little lambs were cute. One friend She’s very proud of her young adult series There were hundreds of them. of mine literally picked one up. He had no all her fans, the door guard let Esther in Instead, Peter had brought English without a badge and encouraged her to which is a historical fantasy. Originally, clue what to do when he held one in his she was to write two books: one on young sheep from England. arms. He panicked but I told him he was look around; even directing her over to The New Zealand sheep were banned the art show. That did it…all those Helen of Troy and the other on young all right. He later gently laid down the Queen Nefertiti. But the Helen story kept from the film. Only English sheep were lamb. pretties…oh, my…. She still left for home allowed. but told herself she was a fool for leaving getting bigger and more interesting so I smiled. I’m going to have a great nap Esther called up her editor and asked if I guess he wanted authentic, English after this. Really, I did. all those nice people and she wouldn’t animals in J.R.R. Tolkein’s LOTR. That make the same mistake again. Even her she could do two books and got a big Yes. Next: Auckland’s Sky Tower and Bungee So, we have “Nobody’s Princess” (2007) makes sense. Jumping parents, who had always supported her Comically, one New Zealand sheep writing, came to conventions with her – and “Nobody’s Prize” (2008) which have been very successful. She said these were was actually a stunt...sheep. When the impressed with the intelligence and bridge was made at the Shire, security intellectual achievements of the people really fun to research and write. Following right behind she’ll be doing thought it unstable. Somehow, one of they met there. these local wooled animals decided to In case you didn’t know it – Esther is two books about young Nefertiti, the first of which is titled “Sphinx’s Princess” take a closer route to the other pasture. the Queen of Hamsters and practices Needless to say, the New Zealand sheep divination thru a hamster wheel – published in Sep 2009, and then “Sphinx’s Queen” scheduled for 2010. ignored the warning signs and walked Cheeblemancy. The term was coined by through the bridge with no problem. her son and the most commonly-agreed Esther is also planning a novel about a historical event that occurred in NYC in As the Hobbit Town tour near its end, upon definition is that it is the cry of the I noticed one of the tour guides handing enraged bull hamster… The whole story 1911 that claimed the lives of 146 young women. It was an infamous sweatshop something to a few selected in my group. involves a feud between a hamster and Curious, I saw a bottle- a baby bottle to be some folks on a GEnie RTC (real time factory and it was called The Triangle conference), deteriorated into a paternity Factory Fire. The title will be “Threads suit involving a rodent from another and Flames.” No pub date yet but maybe species and of the same sex, and we’ll see it in 2010. culminated in Esther acquiring a Is there anything she’s done (she’s hamsterwheel during opening ceremonies published over 30 books) that she’d like at a con in Michigan. (see her website for to redo? No, she answered – at least not the whole sordid story) Anyway…. while any of her writing. But she did regret she’s toting around the hamsterwheel at never having done summer stock. the con, a friend speculated that Esther Considering how much fun she has now could probably devise a way to do without that experience, it’s scary to fortune-telling with a hamster spinning consider that we might have lost her as a inside the wheel. Another creative friend writer if she had succeeded in acting. embellished the wheel with stuffed At the end I asked her of what was she hamsters wearing bellydancing costumes most proud. She pulled back and said that and Cheeblemancy was born. Esther only would be like asking a mother which of performs Cheeblemancy for charity. Over her children she loved best. But then she the years she thinks she’s probably raised went on to speculate which of her titles thousands of dollars for the Revlon Run/ would be best on a big screen. She enjoys Walk for Women, and the Wall Street playing the casting game with some of her Heart Walk but has recently changed to titles. But mostly, she told me – writing is supporting the Susan G. Komen for the just…fun. And she’s particularly satisfied Cure walk/run. So, if you want your when she really gets something right. And fortune told bring a fiver with you the the best accolades come from readers who next you’re at a con with Esther….or, tell her that something in her stories really give her a twenty and she’ll leave you touched them. Thank you again, Esther, it alone… was a real pleasure spending a little time But that’s not the only role she plays with you. in our world, she’s also Queen of the SFWA Musketeers. This role was thrust upon her since Musketeers need a Queen… It seems that quite a few women writers also fence. Who woulda thought? Elizabeth Moon is their Captain. They fence to raise money for the SFWA (Science Fiction Writers of America) emergency medical fund. Many writers

Volume 20 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 5 Gringos Are Mucho Loco visually. Gordon Johnson was angry that paper were also among the issues that etc. Muslim men wear the “Taqiyah” or Jay Ward was using more drawings than needed to be dealt with on a daily basis in “Kufi,” which is also worn by west Or Hanna-Barbera. Ward countered that his Mexico. It was October and the third African men and Americans of African Take Back What You Said cartoons had more scene changes, a much episode was ready for viewing. descent to celebrate their heritage. The About José Doroteo Arango faster pace, more voice actors, and Ward continued to have creative and most familiar prayer cap to many of us is therefore needed more animation than a budgetary differences with the ad agency, the Jewish cap called a “yarmulke” in Arámbula. H-B cartoon. As a compromise, Ward but his position was strengthened by Yiddish or a “kippah” in Hebrew. These It’s the 50th Anniversary of recommended that the Mexicans work General Mills ecstatic reaction to the range in style from carefully knitted or only on the Rocky episodes and that the finished shows. After six months of embroidered family heirlooms to bright Rocky the Flying Squirrel rest of the half hour consist of filmed battling, the budget was to be increased and whimsical novelty caps featuring and Bullwinkle J. Moose, Pt. puppet songs and redubbed foreign greatly, a victory for Ward. However, cartoon characters. 5 cartoons until the Mexican team was while he had won the battle the war Skullcaps in recent history include the properly trained. This recommendation continued. As a compromise, Ward made beanie (with or without a propeller) and By Shane Shellenbarger was not approved by the ad agency, but the budgetary compromise that all shows stretchy caps designed to be worn Bill Scott’s brainstorm was: Rocky and following #4 onward would be edited and In early August of 1959, the budget Bullwinkle 15-second bridges running dubbed in Mexico. The quality sound was being overrun by the art department between episodes, such as the botched work of Skip Craig was a sharp contrast in Mexico, the cel painters had no sense magic trick Watch me pull a rabbit outta to the horrendous distortion and of color scheme, art supervisors Gerald my hat. ridiculous sound effects which followed Baldwin and Jim Hiltz were returning to for the next year. In addition, Gordon L.A., and Bill Hurtz was burned out from Johnson had lifted the production freeze the constant supervision. The Mexican on the Hollywood studio. Rocky and His artists needed a stabilizing force and one Friends had a final airdate of November was found in the Spanish-speaking 19th, 1959. animation supervisor supplied by the ad Join us again next time when we ask agency: Rudy Zamora. With experience at the question, Is that Moose in your hair, Disney and other animation studios, the or are you just acting Squirrelly? Mexico-born Zamora’s wit and For more info go to: http:// irreverence would prove invaluable to Jay Ward. tinyurl.com/Shane-Info-Blog September 14th marked the date on which Hurtz shipped the first batch of films to Ward. Hurtz was embarrassed by the quality, but felt that the Mexican crew underneath sports helmets. Leather was improving and the next batch would skullcaps are popular among motorcy- be better. Ward was dismayed by the poor clists for similar reasons. Some of these quality: Cel spots, poor poses, horrific are a clever design with an extended color, and worse. Ward immediately Other problems began to crop-up: the crown and headband that ties behind the ordered retakes. Dun Roman agreed to expense of long-distance phone calls, neck. This design is also seen in sports take over the Mexico operation. He joined equipment failures, customs delays and caps made of high-tech terry cloths to Al Shean and Bill Scott as they carried duty costs, and shipping costs. The airdate dissipate perspiration. The all-American Jay Ward’s retake instructions to Mexico was postponed to October 13th. Even with baseball cap is nothing but a skullcap with City. At about the same time, Bill Hurtz General Mills agreeing that to save much- a bill. contracted hepatitis and returned to Los needed time, Ward and his Hollywood Skullduggery Skullcaps are connected with a variety Angeles extremely ill. Hurtz reported that team would edit and dub the third and by Randall Whitlock of SF and fantasy characters, including there were more problems South of the forth episodes, the airdate was delayed to Buck Rogers, Lord Vetinari, Ming the border: Val-Mar Productions Chuy November 19, 1959, as Ward had A skullcap is just what it sounds like – Merciless, Merlin (as played by Nicol Martinez was an incapable office predicted. The ad agency continued to a close-fitting brimless cap that mimics Williamson in “Excalibur”) and a bunch manager, there was no one controlling the enforce ineffectual budget cuts by putting the shape of your cranium. Skullcaps have of old-school Time Lords. studio’s schedule, there weren’t enough a hold on new scripts for three weeks been around for thousands of years and A skull cap can be made using any layout artists or background artists, the while the Mexico team proved itself. have come to be associated with several pattern that creates a segment of a sphere, cels used were not the sturdier .005-thick Ward requested permission to complete of the world’s major religions. A generic or something close to it. Knitters and cels, the lighting in the studio was work already paid for, thereby keeping his chainmail artists can simply form a spiral practically non-existent, and dust Hollywood team intact and working. The permeated nearly every area and piece of crew finished the animated show titles equipment in the studio. which included billboards for Tootsie Roll Dun Roman was encountering the and General Mills. The work went over aforementioned problems plus issues budget by $7,000, totaling almost dealing with personality conflicts, $25,000, but still only half as much as interoffice power struggles, endless other animated commercials. production meetings, paint supplies ran Meanwhile, back in Mexico, Dun out before being reordered, Charlie Roman was feeling the pressure as well. Hotchkiss from the ad agency continually The ad agency, D-F-S, was beating the questioned the need for quality, late limited animation drum, putting Roman scheduling details, animators who didn’t in the position of having to accept sub-par follow their roster, retakes messed-up by quality from the Val-Mar Studio, the lab. Boiled down: the two main issues watching the Mexican executives ego- in 1959 were budget versus quality. tripping office politics slowing down the term for these might be “prayer caps.” of series of concentric rings with the As a budget cutting move, the ad process, and having to recheck the diameter of the outer rings adjusted to agency demanded the amount of checkers. Racial tensions, supply Roman catholic priests wear the “zuc- chetto,” which is color-coded by rank, map over the sphere. It’s not as compli- animation reduced to match the Rocky problems, minor earth tremors, illness, cated as it sounds. pilot which Bill Hurtz called pretty crude, and a strike over the cost of a roll of toilet with red for cardinals, white for the Pope, ( Cont’d on page 7 ) Page 6 ConNotations Volume 20 Issue 1 Costume ( Cont’d from page 6 ) The two gore patterns seen above are Around the Dial herself in a place like yet unlike the city correctly proportioned. Just copy and she left. There are strange anomalies, Kufi and Sephardic kippah are often enlarge them until the base is the proper Alice depths, heights, and oddities: the helicop- formed with a circular or oval flat crown length for your forehead measurement. SyFy Channel Original ter has a carapace; the stock market trades and straight sides, like the pillbox hats You may have to do some math. Starring Caterina Scorsone, Phillip in commodities like compassion and clear th favored by ladies in the middle 20 Cut four or six gores from your Winchester (Jack Chase), Andrew Lee conscience. The famous Bottle on the century. favorite fabric. Craft felt and felted wool Potts (Hatter), Matt Frewer (White Glass Table makes no appeal to passive The biker skullies mentioned above are easy to work with. If you use a stretch Knight), Tim Curry (Dodo), Kathy Suggestibility, no mere “Drink Me” for usually have side panels shaped like half- fabric, make sure it stretches across the Bates, Harry Dean Stanton, and the this Alice. My laughter at what it did say ellipses, a roughly rectangular center gore instead of along its length. Alternate ubiquitous Colm Meaney. was cut short when I realized Alice is in a panel and an extended headband to form panels of contrasting colors for a 1950s padded room – and her peek-a-boo view the ties. college beanie look, like Yorick is Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and of the space beyond is ominous. Humans, My favorite way to build a skullcap is wearing at the top of this article. Through the Looking Glass get a modern or as they are called, “Oysters,” are to cut it from a number of gores shaped Sew your gores together using as updating that is geared for adults, espe- brought to Wonderland to be harvested of like triangles with their sides bowed narrow a seam as your fabric will allow. A cially the ones who never entirely their emotions, which are pearls of great quarter inch works well in most cases. outgrew their sense of awe. Just as all worth to Wonderlanders. Finish the rim of your cap. To turn good marchens do, it starts with the Stay alert for touchstones, for the under and sew is probably good enough, familiar. For Lewis Carroll’s Alice, that Dormouse, the Cat, the Playing but your cap will be stronger if you stitch was the English countryside; in 2010 Cards. References to the poetry of the on a bit of ribbon or elastic and roll it into USA, it’s a martial arts dojo. Alice is a stories gets included as well. After all, the inside of the cap. When making a part-time instructor with a hunk of a lover what would Alice be without the Walrus generic cap for my renfaire booth, where I named Jack Chase. Her mother is named and the Carpenter, the crocodile with don’t know the exact size of the potential Carol, in a nice nod to the author of the gently smiling jaws, or the Jabberwocky? wearer, I add a hollow headband with a original. In her spare moments, Alice is For core fen, there are scattered tributes to drawstring (again, look at Yorick). doing internet searches for her father, genre shows like Dr. Who. Rather than Fantasy skullcaps sometimes have missing for 10 years. Look at all the enumerate them, I leave them for discov- complicated shapes to their rims. These motifs presented in just the first 3 minutes ery and Trivia contests. I also don’t want might include an exaggerated widow’s British male protagonist named Jack, to give away too many plot details, peak in the middle of the forehead, arches spunky heroine, romance, a quest, and lots because their revelations are intrinsic to over the eyebrows, or extended ear flaps. of attention to detail, such as the roses – the story-telling. But I will say I noticed white and red – and Alice’s blue dress, to outward. I usually work with four gores (a The skullcap makes an excellent base the distinct Terry Gilliam influence in the act as foreshadowing or reminders of common cut for a yarmulke) or six gores for designing a special hat for your visionary aspects. other Alices. (as seen on baseball caps). Zucchettos character. Add curved felt horns with bells This is the best SyFy Original I’ve Swiftly the story takes a dark turn, as traditionally have eight gores. for a medieval jester or a comic Viking seen to date. After the abysmal betrayal of Jack gets a warning of danger that To form the gore pattern, measure the helmet. Wings, antlers, a rooster’s comb, Earthsea, I was leery of the brand. But I overtakes him with Alice as a witness. circumference of your head and divide etc make for comic fun. Appliqué or recommend Alice whole-heartedly. The When a dapper, white-haired gentleman this measurement by the number of gores, embroider mystic symbols for a . cast members play well together. Allan with two loooong ponytails – the Rabbit, then add a half-inch for seam allowance. Add gears, lights and electrodes for a mad Gray is perfection, from his mercurial if you will – played by Allan Gray, tries to For me this comes out to 6-inch wide scientist or his Igor. changes of expression to his every warn Alice out of the story, she pursues gores for a four-panel hat or 4-inch wide Flesh-colored and textured skullcaps, movement and inflection. Andrew Lee often molded from latex, make excellent his vanishing figure through alleyways Potts insinuates himself into your affec- bases for creature costumes or when you into a warehouse and… through a tion. Phillip Winchester, with his chiseled simply want to hide your natural hair. looking-glass. As a symbol of reflection good looks and charisma, should be cast Stretchy skullcaps (they probably have a and self-knowledge, it signals the kind of as a starship captain. Everyone involved, special name, but I’m out of research adventure Alice will have: no mere writers, directors, actors, have made a time) can be used to hold down your hair picaresque dalliance, but a journey to the piece of work – a masterpiece – of which under a wig. interior, to her subconscious and beyond they may be proud. – Chris Paige to the soul of the world. Alice finds

gores for a six-panel hat. The height of the triangle equals the distance from the cap rim to the crown of your head. Getting the curvature of the sides right can be tricky. A good cheat is to take a sheet of aluminum foil, lay it against the side of a baseball cap, and rub it with your thumb to pick up an impression of the seams of one gore. (An aluminum foil skullcap is, of course, great for screening out those nasty alien mind-control rays.)

Volume 20 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 7 BOOK DISCUSSION GROUPS GAME DEPOT Immune System, May 15 “A Day in the FYI Life of a Scientist”, and Jun 5 TBA. Borders, Camelback BATTLETECH. Feb 23, noon. More info on the Arizona Science Center CASFS BOOK DISCUSSION Path of the Craft book club, 4th Sat, 6pm WARHAMMER FANTASY TOURNEY, Feb 23 webpage MAGIC, THE GATHERING gameday. Mar 6, ONGOING EXHIBITS: Bent Cover Books Barnes & Noble, Eastside Tucson noon. DORRANCE PLANETARIUM 12428 N. 28th Drive, Phoenix SF/F Book group, 2nd Tuesday, 730pm HEROCLIX. Wed, 530pm-8pm EVANS FAMILY SKYCYCLE 3rd Tuesdays, 7pm, in the Coffee Bar MALIFAUX. Fri, 3pm-7pm MY DIGITAL WORLDS Sponsored by Central Arizona SPECIAL BOOK RELEASES LEGENDS OF THE 5-RING CARDGAME. Sat, FORCES OF NATURE Speculative Fiction Society (CASFS) noon. NEW ROCK WALL for climbers aged 8 and email questions to [email protected] This listing is to introduce you to smaller above publishing houses that offer exclusive or GAMER’S INN ADULTS NIGHT OUT, 1st Fridays, check Come do some face-to-face interaction limited edition books that you wouldn’t be website for topics & time with your fellow readers and SF/Fantasy able to find at your local chain bookstore. MAGIC, THE GATHERING, WORLDWAKE fans! Haven’t read the book? Don’t release event. Feb 5, 10am ASU worry, there’s no quiz or anything. You Cemetery Dance Publications YUGIOH sneak peek. Feb 7, noon. can use the rest of us as your personal “The Exorcist and Legion” (special FLAMES OF WAR, late period 1750. Feb 20, SCIENCE LECTURES AND NEWS: http:// book reviewers to see if it’s something edition) by William Peter Blatty 10am asunews.asu.edu/news/science you’d like. We start out with the book “Four Ghosts: Straub, Hill, Garton and GARY GYGAX RPG FESTIVAL. Mar 7, all SHOEMAKER MEMORIAL LECTURE, pioneers discussion, but the conversation can go Burke day in the field of asteroid and comet impacts. anywhere. The get-together is held in the MAGIC, THE GATHERING, Type II tourney. Spring, TBA coffee shop of Bent Cover Books near Edge SF & F Publishing/Tesseract Mar 13, 10am. Grand Prize is $1000 28th Drive and Cactus Road in Phoenix. Books CHALLENGER SPACE CENTER, We welcome potential new friends. “Evolve” ed by Nancy Kilpatrick IMPERIAL OUTPOST GAMES PEORIA February 16, 2010 - INVISIBLE MAN by “Hell Can Wait” by Theodore Judson H.G. Wells FEDERATION COMMANDER. 2nd Saturdays, STARGAZING. STARLAB PLANETARIUM. Check March 16, 2010 - THE LAST CENTURION PS Publishing noon website for dates and times by John Ringo “Night Cache” by Andy Duncan RPG. 1st & 3rd Sundays FAMILY FUN DAYS. Feb 27 & Mar 27, April 20, 2010 - THE EMPRESS OF MARS “Reunion” by Rick Hautala WAR MACHINE. Wednesdays, 4pm 10am. Kids activities, games, tours, by Kage Baker “Viator Plus” by Lucius Shepard BOARDGAMES & DEMO NITE. Thursdays, space-themed videos, May 18, 2010 - THE HUMANOIDS by Jack “Timeswitch” by John Gribbin 6pm science & physics demos, and more. Williamson “Crack’d Pot Trail” by Steven Erikson MAGIC BOOSTER DRAFTS. Fridays, 7pm NATIONAL ASTRONOMY DAY. Apr 24, June 21, 2010 - THE HITCH-HIKERS “Shaka II” by 10am-4pm. Stargazing party begins at GUIDE TO THE GALAXY by Douglas Adams SAMURAI COMICS 730pm. PYR Publishing (check website for correct store location) “UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF LIGHT” AUTHOR SIGNINGS “Ares Express” by Ian McDonald Fridays, 2pm, 1hour demonstration. “City without End” by Kay Kenyon MAGIC, THE GATHERING Worldwake THE SPACE PLACE is a 2-hour interactive DAVID N. ALDERMAN “Empire in Black and Gold” by Adrian Launch Party. Feb 6, noon. program for little ones with big Bookmans, Speedway in Tucson, Tchaikovsky YUGIOH Prerelease Tournament. Feb 6, imaginations! Designed Feb 6, 11am “Ghosts of Manhattan” by George Mann 10am. Feb 7, 11am for children ages 3 through 6, the Bookmans Mesa, Feb 20, 2pm POKEMON Prerelease Tournament. Feb 7, program features age-appropriate Subterranean Press 4pm. activities designed to teach TIM BOYER (self-pub SF novel) “Clementine” by Cherie Priest WORLD OF WARCRAFT TCG Realm preschoolers about our planet and solar Bookmans, Mesa, “Mirror Kingdoms” the Best of Peter Qualifier. Feb 20, noon system. Call for reservations. Saturn: Feb Feb 6, 2pm & Feb 13, noon Beagle ANIME FESTIVAL. Mar 14, noon. 15&16, 930am-1130am. Uranus: Mar “The Happiest Days of Our Lives” by Wil YUGIOH TOURNAMENT. Sundays, noon 15&16, 930am-1130am. CHARLINE RATCLIFF (Egypt, past-life, Wheaton (Phx) & Sat, noon (west valley) ASU METEORITE EXHIBIT Queen Nerfertiti) “Not Less Than Gods” by Kage Baker ANIME CLUB. Sundays, noon (west valley) COLUMBIA SHUTTLE MEMORIAL DISPLAY Bookmans Mesa, Feb 13, 2pm “Where Everything Ends” by Ray POKEMON. Sundays, 2pm (west valley) IRIDIUM SATELLITE MODEL Bradbury MAGIC, THE GATHERING. Friday, 6p at both LOWELL OBSERVATORY DISPLAY DIANA GABALDON And too many more to mention…. locations, & Tues, 6pm (west valley) & JOURNEY THRU THE SPACE PROGRAM DANA STABENOW Sat 1pm (Phx) ATLANTIS SPACE SHUTTLE MODEL Arizona Biltmore (hosted by Poisoned Wildside Press Pen bookstore), Feb 16, 7pm “Gothic Grotesques” by Brian Stableford SCIENCE EVENTS MOON SOCIETY MEETING

DAN SIMMONS GAMING EVENTS ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER 3:00 PM on the third Saturday at Denny’s Poisoned Pen bookstore, Mar 3, 7pm on the Southeast corner of US60 and DRAWN TO COMICS ROBOTS, THE INTERACTIVE EXHIBITION. Sep Rural Road. For more info contact Craig CHRISTOPHER MOORE 27-Feb 14, 2010. Porter at [email protected] Poisoned Pen bookstore, Mar 27, 2pm STAR WARS MINIATURES. Fridays 730p- SCIENCE FOR GIRLS. Feb 20 Slumber Party, 11pm, Sundays, 1pm-4pm Apr 3 “Small Scale, Big Ideas workshop”. PIMA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM, SIT-AND-SKETCH with local artists. Also workshops for Brownies and Junior TUCSON Saturdays, 4pm-8pm Girl Scouts. HEROCLIX. Sat 2pm SATURDAY SCIENCE CLASSES for ages 6-10. NEW VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION. Feb 13 & Check FaceBook for other events Check website for dates and topics. Feb Mar 13, 930am 13 “Surfing the Oceans”, Feb 27 “Beaks VOLUNTEER PRESENTATION SERIES. Feb 20 & and Feet”, Mar 13 “Beautiful Butterflies”, Mar 27, 10a-11am Mar 27, “Power of the Sun” Family- 2010 ARIZONA AVIATION HALL OF FAME friendly talks about biology topics. Feb 27 INDUCTION CEREMONY. Apr 17, 530pm “Human Cloning”, Mar 13 “Ask a B-36 PEACEMAKER SYMPOSIUM. Apr 23, Biologist”, Apr 17 “Allergies & Your 1pm and Apr 24, 10am (Cont’d on page 9) Page 8 ConNotations Volume 20 Issue 1 Interviews, Fantasy, Horror, Humour/ Morrell, Yvonne Navarro, Weston Ochse, FYI ( Cont’d from page 8 ) SCI-FI as we know it Comic Satire, Mystery/Suspense, Romance, and James A. Owen, Jon Scieska, Will Book Style SPACE GALLERY EXHIBIT. See an Apollo Surreal. Not only can you READ some Shetterly, Janni Lee Simner, Jeanne Stein, By Jesse James space capsule, moon rock, Phoenix Mars fantastic stuff you will not find anywhere Vickie Lewis Thompson, Aimie * David Mission. else, you can SUBMIT your own literary Thurlo, Joan D. Vinge, John Vornholt, offspring. There is even a Poetry sister Catherine Wells, and Timothy Zahn. It would be hard to track down the first ever Sci-Fi Comic Book ever SETI Institute’s Weekly site, which filkers may wish to use to reach a wider audience. Check web sites or contact stores for more published. However Sci-Fi has always been part of the comic book lore since the SCIENCE RADIO PROGRAM - Mondays, avail I stumbled across it while looking up an info early 1900‘s. Every generation has had as podcast author, Ellie Tupper, who had written an Game Depot, 480-966-4727 the chance to open up the pages to space http://radio.seti.org intriguing bio-blurb for the anthology Websites: exploration or invasion of the earth. http://podcast.seti.org Witch Way to the Mall (reviewed this http://www.azchallenger.org issue). Google led to this site, where I http://www.azscience.org Comics offer the chance to let their minds flow with the dream of the unknown and Titan Missile Museum read a short story of hers called “Mandala: http://store- A Dish of Lime-Vanilla Ice.” Strange locator.barnesandnoble.com/ unbelievable. From Standard Comic’s “Fantastic TITAN MISSILE MUSEUM TOURS. title; neat story; a speculative fiction take storelocator Worlds” in the 50’s to Gold ’s Reservations only - The only publicly on the theme of love going awry across http://beyond.asu.edu “Magnus Robot Fighter” “U.F.O flying accessible Titan II missile site in the dimensions of space and time and social http://www.bookmans.com saucers “ in the 60’s there has always nation. Tour the underground missile site. barriers. http://www.borders.com/online/store/ been a way for a young comic book See the 3-ton blast doors, 8' thick silo Warning: this site is intended to provide LocatorResults novice to go to his local malt shop and walls and an actual Titan II missile in the lunch break entertainment in short doses http://www.cemeterydance.com pick up a title or two. launch duct. Visit the launch control but may prove addictive. Do you have any http://www.changinghands.com Now, in 1967, Gold Key graced the center, experience a simulated launch, and time sensitive projects on your table? Do http://www.conlanpress.com comic land with probably its first big hit more. Top to Bottom Tours: Feb 9, 13, 19 you lack the maturity to postpone http://www.dragonmoonpress.com Sci-Fi comic in . It paraded its & 27. Mar 9, 13, 19 & 20. More dates gratification, or can you be contented with http://www.drawntocomics.com first nine covers with photos of the crew avail on website. pleasure in small bytes? Know thyself and http://www.gamersinnaz.com/ explore accordingly. Good hunting! – http://www.imperialoutpost.com members until going to cover art at number #10. Now the comic itself started OTHER GENRE-RELATED Chris Paige http://www.library.pima.gov http://www.loftcinema.com/showtimes to become more popular and a demand EVENTS SPECIAL TV SHOW: http://madcaptheaters.com/ comic when “Star Trek The Motion 3-PART SERIES “THE HUMAN SPARK” PBS on http://www.pimaair.org Picture” came out in 1979. The series BOOKMANS, PHOENIX Jan 6, Jan 13 & Jan 20, hosted by Alan http://www.poisonedpen.com value almost tripled during this period and ARIZONA BROWNCOATS SHINDIG 1st Alda http://store.pspublishing.co.uk/ is still a very sought out series until this Saturday, 7pm http://www.pyrsf.com/catalog.html day. Including a vary rare copy of number SCIMITAR-TALON is a group of people TUCSON FESTIVAL OF BOOKS http://www.samuraicomics.com “1” which had a front and back photo wanting to enjoy recreating portions of March 12-14, 2010 http://www.seti.org cover instead of the standard front cover the middle ages prior to 1600 AD. Classes http://www.spazdogcomics.com/ photo only. on Medieval Arts and Sciences.. 1st Last year, various groups came together to http://www.subterraneanpress.com/ Not only did the series, movie, and Saturdays, 130pm-230pm put on the first Tucson Festival of Books. http://www.titanmissilemuseum.org/ comics marvel us with a sense of WOW ACROSS PLUS ANIME CLUB. Sundays, 6pm It was a big success, with hundreds of http://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org/ and Amazement back then; we now use a METAPHYSICAL GROUP Thursdays, 6pm authors on hand in all genres and drawing http://www.wildsidepress.com/ vast amount of the technical innovations N.E.R.D.S. MEETUP, Saturday, Feb 27, , a large number of people to both days of in our everyday life without a second 6pm the event. This year it looks to be even thought of far-fetched impossibility. Since bigger. It is being held on the University its first step into the comic world, over 30 BORDERS, PARADISE VALLEY of Arizona campus on Saturday March 13 titles and series have come and gone and st Metaphysical Fridays, 1 Fri and Sunday March 14th. There will be we still savor more and of course more many booksellers on hand with books and will come. CHANGING HANDS BOOKSTORE plenty of authors to sign them. More ( Cont’d on page 10 ) th Science Story Time, 4 Sat, 11a-1p. information can be Family-friendly bioscience topics. found at Presented by the Arizona Science Center. www.tucsonfestivalofbooks.org. Just in the science CONLAN PRESS fiction and fantasy OFFERS PETER S. BEAGLE’S 52/50 PROJECT. field they have 52 songs & poems delivered weekly. scheduled Jennifer Ashley, Elizabeth LOFT THEATRE, TUCSON Bear, Frank Beddor, SCREENINGS OF MOVIES, many SF genre. Emma Bull, Laurie Check website for times and listings. Brooks, Terry Brooks, Charles de MISC Lint, Amanda Downum, Karen Joy Every Day Fiction – An Online Venue Fowler, James Frenkel, Alice Here is a website I strongly recommend Hoffman, Nina to our readers, especially those with Kiriki Hoffman, dreams of seeing their name in print, of Janis Ian, Jane having their stories read. http:// Lindskold, Jeff www.everydayfiction.com is a treasure Mariotte, Cheyenne trove, and an amazing online library of McCray, Dennis new fiction with wonderful divisions, McKiernan, Sarah such as Science Fiction, Author Monette, David Volume 20 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 9 Comics ( Cont’d from page 9 ) have included the casts of Star Trek, Worthington – Marcus Wright in and 2D. This reviewer saw the film at an Twilight, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, Terminator Salvation) had a brother who IMAX 3D Digital theatre and will Now there was a ten year gap with a Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the was to travel to Pandora to control his recommend that the film be seen in whole bunch of comics such as DC’s Caribbean, , Heroes, and Alien. Avatar. Unfortunately he died IMAX 3D. The music went well with the ‘House of Mystery” going from horror to Lots of opportunities for sarcastic unexpectedly so the RDA asked his twin serene moon scenes. At the IMAX 3D Sci-fi and “ Time Master” Till criticism of the show’s shortcomings, brother Jake to take his place. Jake had no Digital screening the seats shook. the next legend was born. which was still funny if you know the minimum, like only what you read in this training and was wheelchair bound due to Avatar is rated “B+” and is highly I didn’t start collecting comics until paper’s SF Tube Talk. Typical episode a war injury but could certainly control an recommended. 1982 but already had some comics my lengths are a few minutes. ~~ Mike Avatar “link”. Jake met the beautiful mom had bought me in 1977. It was the Griffin Neytiri (played by Zoe Saldana – Uhura The Book of Eli almighty Star Wars comic series. It came in Star Trek) when he became separated Starring: Denzel Washington, Gary out like gang busters in June of 1977 and Black Books from the rest of his excursion crew and Oldman, Mila Kunis took the universe by surprise. A very rare www.hulu.com was being attacked by a group of Directors: Albert & Allen Hughes #1 variance came out (only 1500 made) This is a half-hour British TV sitcom Viperwolfs. Neytiri saved Jake’s life and Runtime: 118 minutes with a .35cent cover versus the traditional which started in 2000. It only has three commented “You have a strong heart but Rated: R .30 cent which continues to be one of the seasons of six shows each. The setting is are stupid like a child”. Jake befriends Release Date: January 15th, 2010 most sought out comics of all times. In contemporary mundane, but it should Neytiri and asks her to teach him the ways Reviewed by: Len Berger 2005 a graded issue sold for $6500.00. enthrall any genre fan. Why? Two of the Na’vi. (ConNotations Film Editor) We bought every issue like they were reasons: first of all, it is set in a small Dr. Grace Augustine (played by going out of style till issue #107 came out independent bookstore. Second, it is Sigourney Weaver – can you say Alien) is Some 30 years after an apocalyptic and thus ended one of the greatest extremely funny. Only three main characters: the owner is a misanthropic a scientist who uses her Avatar to study event that destroyed most of the earth’s “Marvel” Sci-fi series of all time. Irishman, Bernard Black, who prefers to Pandoran plant life and the Na’vi race. surface and its people there is a man Now, like Star Trek, many more series sit and read instead of sell books. He takes traveling the countryside to accomplish a came out but the original Star Wars series on a helper, Manny, who looks like a mission. Eli (played by Denzel stands alone as “The Force” of the comic hippy but quit his job as an accountant. Washington) is traveling towards the west title run. Bernard’s only other friend is the gal who with a book and a hope of finding a better Now, in a whole new century we are works next door, Fran. Three very place. Eli must hunt for his food, offered a HUGE amount of Sci-fi comics eccentric characters who inhabit a small bookstore – the spirit of Monty Python scrounge for water and take clothes off of every week on new issue day. However, lives ~~ Mike Griffin the dead to stay alive. He does have his they don’t hold the awe or astonishment book which he reads from every day and we once had a young readers looking in an IPOD so all is not lost. the sky and thinking “wow space travel” Screening Room Criminal gangs are roaming the how hard would that be for the masses” Avatar countryside but they are no match for Eli. or I could talk to someone else far away The Book of Eli His knife skills are only matched by without a land line. The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus Rambo. After dispatching one gang of I love Sci-fi and now it’s up to the thugs a survivor asks “Who are you?” publishers, writers and artist to think so Avatar The doctor developed a relationship with far ahead to insure that we can put down Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe the Na’vi and ran some schools to teach our comic book after reading it and again Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephan the children of the Na’vi. look up at the stars in awe and amazement Lang Col. Miles Quaritch (played by of the unknown and unbelievable Director: James Cameron Stephan Lang – Gen. Hopgood in the Men Runtime: 162 minutes Who Stare at Goats) views the Na’vi as Rated: PG-13 – Warfare and Language savages who are jeopardizing the mining Videophile Release Date: December 18th, 2009 operation. The Colonel asks Jake to spy Chad Vader, Day Shift Manager. Reviewed by: Len Berger on the Na’vi and in return the Colonel www..com (ConNotations Film Editor) will make sure Jake’s legs are repaired Chad is Darth Vader’s underachieving when he returns to Earth. The relationship younger brother, who has only gotten a An Avatar is a humanoid creature that develops between Jake (through his job in a grocery store on Earth. Like his created from human and Na’vi DNA. The Avatar) and Neytiri jeopardizes Jake’s brother, he was injured in a volcano and Na’vi are the rather tall blue humanoid mission. wears the same black suit, mask, and creatures that inhabit the peaceful moon It is hard to come up with the words to Yes indeed – we are all wondering who helmet. He sounds just like him, too. This Pandora. The Avatar itself is controlled by describe the visual experience of the film. Eli is. is an ongoing series of about five-minute the human whose DNA was used to create The moon Pandora is gorgeous, stunning Running out of water Eli enters a sketches. It’s live actors, with good the specific Avatar. A “link” is town of criminals run by Carnegie special effects for things like the light and unbelievable. Usually the word sabers. There have been two complete established between the human and “his” gorgeous is reserved to describe a person (played by Gary Oldman). Everything in seasons with continuing story lines, and Avatar through some impressive but in this case the film itself deserves the the town is for sale: water, women and other series of employee training videos, technology. description. The audience will feel that even charging a battery which Eli needs holiday greeting videos, and single The basic story is a common one they are on the moon Pandora and to keep his IPOD playing. Carnegie is subjects. Season three debuts this year. If where Earthlings would like something perhaps will feel that they are flying searching for “the book” to gain the you like Star Wars – and who doesn’t? – from someone or something and generally around on one of the Mountain Banshees. power that it will give him. Little does you should find this very funny. ~~ Mike think that they can just take it. The Carnegie know that Eli is carrying that Griffin James Cameron’s imagination created the something in this case is unobtanium moon and it is certainly the highlight of book which happens to be the only copy Lost Parody. which is an energy source that sells for the entire film. 3D has never been seen left on earth. Carnegie’s adopted daughter www.youtube.com $20 million per kilo on Earth. In the year with this amount of detail – the terrain, Solara (played by Mila Kunis) befriends 2154 the Resources Development the plants, the animals, the bugs, and even Eli since she sees something different in I’ve never watched a TV episode of Administration (RDA) sends humans in the computer terminals are visually him and wants him to take her along on Lost, but I didn’t need to to find this suspended animation on a 6 year journey amazing. The live action sequences his journey. series very funny. It’s done completely to Pandora to mine the unobtanium. Once Eli’s dedication to his singular with toy action-figures, and in each blended quite well with the CG episode the cast of Lost encounters the there, some Avatar “drivers” are needed sequences. Production time was mission and the relationship between Eli cast of some other popular show or to assist in the mining operation since the approximately 4 years. and Solara are strong elements of the movie. The premier episode had them atmosphere is toxic to humans. The film is being released in IMAX film. However the film is a bit too slow meet Star Wars characters. Other episodes Jake Sully (played by Sam 3D 70mm, IMAX 3D Digital, 3D Digital ( Cont’d on page 12 ) Page 10 ConNotations Volume 20 Issue 1 Including: Author Fantasy, Horror, Comics, Anime, Guest Author Media, Robots & Hard Science Guest Of David Lee Honor September 3rd - 6th, 2010 Summers at the Windemere Hotel, Mesa Author $35 until April 30, 2010 Guest Stephen R. $45 at the door Donaldson Weston Ochse

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Volume 20 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 11 Screening ( Cont’d from page 10 ) The story of how Parnassus became Down to Massachusetts to hear from Donato is currently working with pub- what he is and what choices he made on Christopher Golden (one my personal lisher Tim Underwood on a Tolkien- and somewhat repetitive in the gang vs. the way is captivating. The bantering favorites). As usual, he’s got a lot of pots themed art book titled Visions from the good guy fights. Those who enjoy a between Parnassus and his assistant Percy on the stove – He and Tim Lebbon are Middle Earth . He says he’s been wanting film about faith, religion and dedication (Verne Troyer) kept me chuckling writing the fourth HIDDEN CITIES novel to do a Lord of the Rings book since the should enjoy the film. Religion can both throughout. Just remember “you’d get a for Bantam, this one set in Boston. The beginning of his career and is now thrilled destroy and rebuild and both elements are midget” and you’ll laugh too. third, “The Chamber of Ten,” is set in that this will happen. He is in the process shown in The Book of Eli. For the hand to Five stars out of five Venice and will be out in July. He’s of creating a number of new paintings for hand fight scenes Denzel Washington working on a secret project for Disney the book and it is planned for a release in performed his own stunts. Press that is tied in to an upcoming film Summer 2010, hopefully just in time for Tag line: Some will kill to have it – he Pro Notes written by Guillermo del Toro. Chris San Diego Comic Con will kill to protect it. Hi, Everyone Thanks for reading recently completed a new young adult We’ll detour up to Canada, since it’s Rated R for violence and language. ConNotations and my column. No new dark fantasy called “When Rose Wakes” really not that far from NY, to hear from The Book of Eli is rated “C+”. faces but old friends to welcome back. for MTV Books and he’s working on the Nancy Kilpatrick who has a labor of love We have a tremendous variety this month third issue of “Baltimore: The Plague about to publish – “Evolve” will be out in The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus with authors checking in from all over the Ships,” the first in a new series of March www.vampires-evolve.com/ . Starring: Christopher Plummer, Tom nation. miniseries that he and Mike Mignola are Nancy has been writing about vampires Waits, Lily Cole, Heath Ledger We’ll start in cold, wintry Maine writing for Dark Horse Comics, with Ben most of her writing career. The publisher Director: Terry Gilliam where James Hetley lives. Shoveling Stenbeck illustrating. The comics are a gave her carte blanche about almost Rated: PG-13 snow, feeding the wood stove, getting out spinoff from his first novel with everything, although she did have to Running Time: 122 Minutes on the cross-country skis whenever the Mignola...but they recently signed a include a broad spectrum of the country. Produced by Infinity Features, Poo Poo trails look good… He has a new novel- contract with St. Martin’s Press for two But it’s the first anthology where she felt Pictures, Davis Films ette out, a story in the Stonefort series, in new novels. He says he’s started work on free to put in what she liked entirely. The Distributed by: Sony Pictures Classics chapbook form with SRM Publisher, Ltd. the brand new, fifth Peter Octavian novel, publisher has done a nice job with the Release Date: January 8, 2010 -- Dragon’s Bones, available at some “Waking Nightmares.” The entire series book, the hardcover, the trade paperback, Reviewed by Bob LaPierre, specialty SF&F booksellers and via is going to be repackaged and rereleased and the special coffin-boxed edition. The ConNotations Film Critic internet sales at www.srmpublisher.com. by Ace books starting in July with “Of stories take the vampire as he/she has That could become the start of a full Saints and Shadows,” which has a brief evolved and what we are seeing now in Only a great movie maker could have novel, if any publisher shows interest. foreword by Charlaine Harris. And such visuals as True Blood, Twilight, The his star die during the production of his James is still working fitfully at “Powers”, finally, “The New Dead,” the zombie Vampire Diaries and the books on which movie and have that movie turn out as a stand-alone urban fantasy, but that’s anthology he edited, will be out in these are based, and moves the vampire incredible as this. The sets are fantastic, been a Work In Progress since the last February. It received a starred review in into the future. The contributors were the story amazing, and the acting superb. time we heard from him. In foreign rights Publishers Weekly, and Fangoria loved it, asked to envision: what next? And Fans of Monty Python will recognize one news, French editions of the mass-market too. This pleases him. “Evolve” is NOT a YA book. It launches of the sets and the influence in some of “Summer Country” and trade paperback Our token Artist this month is Donato in the UK and Canada, not sure when or if the humor, watch for the dancing “Winter Oak” translations came out last Giancola from New York. He has a lot of it might hit the US but you can buy it on policemen. spring. And Sharon Lee and Steve news: First off, he recently partnered up the Edge Publishing website. Miller report that 2010 will be a with the folks over at Massive Black to Jacqueline Carey in Michigan wrote barnburner for them, and for the LIADEN create one of their wonderful demonstra- to tell me that the second book of the Universe®. The mass market paperback tion DVDs. The 5-hour DVD follows NAAMAH trilogy, Naamah’s Curse, will of “Fledgling” will be out in early March; Donato for three days in a step by step be coming out in June 2010. Meanwhile, followed by sequel “Saltation” (in progression of his painting: The Me- she’s working on the third volume, hardback) in late April. These are the chanic an image to appear on the cover of working title Naamah’s Blessing, as well Baen editions of the two books they first- ‘The Hugo Awards Winners Showcase’ as a sequel to Santa Olivia titled drafted on the web in 2007 and 2008. due out later this year. The demonstration Santitos at Large. Moving along to Sharon and Steve will be Writer Guests of goes over everything from thumbnails to Illinois to hear from Jody Lynn Nye with Honor at Oasis 23, in Orlando, FL, from the photo-shoot to preliminary drawings some welcome news. The third novel in May 28-30 http://www.oasfis.org/oasis/ to the oil painting and nearly everything Robert Asprin’s DRAGONS series On June 1, two LIADEN Universe® in between. It’s the first time such an in- “Dragons Deal” just went into the books will come out from Baen -- brand- depth look into his method has been publisher. It is due out in December 2010. new novel “Mouse and Dragon,” and available outside the studio, and he has (The two previous books are “Dragons The story is based on a simple “The Dragon Variation” -- an omnibus been getting some wonderful feedback Wild” and “Dragons Luck”.) She has also premise, what if one of those traveling edition including “Local Custom,” from it already. The DVD can be ordered sent in a book to Baen, entitled “View charlatans was a real mystic? And what if “Scout’s Progress,” and “Conflict of directly from Donato at From the Imperium”. It’s a humorous he had the ability to allow you into his Honors.” Just ten days later, they’ll be www.donatoart.com/mechanic/ or the military SF novel. No word on when that mind in order to guide you to salvation? headed out to Naperville, IL as DucKon download or DVD from will come out yet. She’ll be back at Dr Parnassus (Christopher Plummer) is 19’s Literary Guests of Honor www.media.massiveblack.com/. Sec- DragonCon this fall. such a man. He has a secret, years ago he www.duckon.org/, from June 18 --20) ondly, he is happy to announce a new We’ll drop down to Florida, before made an agreement with Mr. Nick (Tom Then a quiet few months after DucKon, partnership with the Richard J. Demato moving west, to hear from Ben Bova. In Waits) to give him any children he fathers except for a trip down to Raleigh for gallery in Sag Harbor, New York. Rich- February, Tor Books will publish “Able when they reach the age of sixteen. Now NASFiC in early August, which is good, ard has been an avid collector for years One,” his high-tech thriller based on the his daughter Valentina (Lily Cole) is three because they’ll be needing to finish and has just opened up this new gallery to real-life Airborne Laser program. North days from her sweet sixteen. writing LIADEN Universe® novel “Ghost exhibit a number of exciting artists, Korea launches missiles at us and the Parnassus makes a bet with Nick for Ship,” which is due to their editor at Baen established and emerging. Several of ABL-1 aircraft has to shoot them down or her life, the first one to five souls wins. in mid-August. In November, “Carousel Donato’s favorite paintings, including the see nuclear holocaust erupt. Ben worked They come across a man hanging from the Tides,” by Sharon, a contemporary original oils for ‘The Mechanic’, are now at the lab where the high-power laser was bottom of a bridge. After rescuing him fantasy novel set in a Maine coastal resort, being represented by the gallery and on a invented, and has watched with dismay as they discover that his name is Tony will hit the shelves, also from Baen. After constant rotated display there. You can the U.S. has pursued missile defense (Heath Ledger) and he begins to help that, no excitement until January 2011, learn more about Richard, his gallery and technology (and politics) with lukewarm them increase their income and tries to when “The Agent Gambit,” an omnibus the artists showing at: enthusiasm. In April, the Forge side of help gather the souls needed, but he has a collection of “Agent of Change” and www.rjdgallery.com . Last is a bit of Tor will bring out “The Hittite,” an dark secret of his own. “Carpe Diem” will be in stores. news I am particularly excited to share. ( Cont’d on page 13 ) Page 12 ConNotations Volume 20 Issue 1 Pro Notes ( Cont’d from page 12 ) mails went way up with this one, so of recruits joins the fight alongside a slew not yet totally confirmed). Her publisher people must really be getting into the of mysteriously docile criminals -- and a describes it this way: A Victorian fantasy historical novel about what happens to story. “Five Odd Honors” comes out in few dubious military leaders. Eighteen- novel set in an alternate world of trolls, Helen after the Trojan War ends. He is in May of 2010. Jane’s also been writing a year-old Jim Raynor, full of testosterone dragons, and darker magic, this is a the final stages of writing “Leviathans of lot of short fiction. The Drifter will be in and eager to make things right at home, combination of steampunk and adventure Jupiter,” the sequel to the novel “Jupiter.” “The Girl’s Guide to Guns and Monsters” ships off to boot camp and finds his fantasy at its most fast—and furious. (We have found gigantic creatures living from DAW. The Writing on the Wash- footing on the battlefield, but he soon Kate usually describes it as an Afro-Celtic in the world-spanning ocean of the planet room Wall will be out in a yet-untitled discovers that the official mission is not post-Roman icepunk Regency adventure Jupiter. Are they intelligent, and if so, how anthology of Twilight Zone stories edited what he’s really fighting for. For the first novel with Bonus airship, Phoenician can we communicate with creatures so by Carol Serling from Tor. Like the Rain time ever, StarCraft enthusiasts will learn spies, and the intelligent descendants of completely different from us?) Finally, in will be in a very special anthology edited the origins of the enduring friendship troodons. So take your pick. Either will August, Tor is reissuing the first three by Joan Saberhagen and based on Fred’s between the young upstart Jim Raynor do. It’s Book One of a trilogy, and she’ll novels of his Voyagers series: “Voyagers,” wonderful novel, “Mask of the Sun.” The and the streetwise soldier Tychus Findlay. be starting the second book in very short “Voyagers II: The Alien Within,” and working title for this anthology is Watch as they battle on the front lines of a order. Meanwhile, the third CROSS- “Voyagers III: Star Brothers.” These form “Golden Reflections.” Other projects are fierce interplanetary war and bear witness ROADS novel, “Traitors’ Gate,” was the basis for the novel “The Return” pending, but some are so top secret that to the Confederacy’s rank corruption -- released in August 2009, completing the published by Tor last year (paperback in they’re shoot before reading. corruption so reprehensible that it rains trilogy. She’s done some work on August). In “The Return”, he ties Not much from my home state, immeasurable death and destruction upon CROSSROADS 4, a standalone novel that together the backgrounds of the GRAND Arizona, this time. Ernest & Lee Hogan the government’s own people.) Mean- takes place about 15 years after the end of TOUR novels and the VOYAGERS (aka Emily Devenport, Maggie Thomas) while Bill will be working on an original the Gate trilogy, but is currently trying to series. Ben also does a weekly column just wanted me to pass onto their fans that novel called “A Fighting Chance,” which figure out if she’s writing the right story for the Scripps Howard newspapers, they have blogs to visit: will be the final volume in the nine in the right way for it. She still hopes to available online at www.naplesmews.com www.emsjoiedeweird.blogspot.com and volume LEGION OF THE DAMNED write a second trilogy in the universe, Also in Florida is Joe Haldeman whose www.mondoernesto.blogspot.com . series. He would like to thank his readers which takes place about 60 years later, but new novel “Starbound” appears this They’ve been doing some online publish- for following the overarching story since that’s yet to be determined. That’s it for month from Ace Books. It’s the sequel to ing and trying out some audio-visual stuff. 1993. However, even though the original this month. I hope you enjoyed your- “Marsbound,” but stands alone, too. The And from Jennifer Roberson - A collec- series will be coming to an end, fans will selves. And, as always - if anyone wants paperback of “Marsbound” is already out. tion of 20 short stories, titled “Guinever’s be happy to hear that a prequel trilogy will to contribute or knows someone who (Carmen Dula and her husband have spent Truth and Other Tales,” was published last follow “A Fighting Chance.” Of course, knows someone…please write to six years traveling to a distant solar year. She is currently finishing “The Wild that’s a couple of years down the road. ConNotations or email me at system that is home to the enigmatic, Road,” the third volume in the Lots of work to do before then [email protected] And I wish you all a powerful race known as The Others, in KARAVANS series – which will publish And, lastly, from Hawaii, I was healthy and happy 2010. – Catherine the hopes of finding enough common later this year - and will then begin on the pleased to hear from Kate Elliott who sold Book. purpose between their species to forge a fourth and last volume. After that she’ll a new series to Orbit Books. The first Previous ProNotes columns and book delicate truce. By the time Carmen and start work on two new SWORD- volume is called “Cold Magic,” and it will reviews are posted on our website at: http:// her party return, fifty years have been DANCER books; the six older titles are probably be published in Sept 2010 (that’s www.casfs.org/ConNotations/ consumed by relativity-and the Earthlings now available in three 2-volume omnibus have not been idle, building a massive editions. Following the new SWORD- flotilla of warships to defend Earth against DANCER books will be three new The Others. But The Others have their CHEYSULI books.On to California, own plans.) Please visit Joe’s website at where Michael Cassutt and David S. home.earthlink.net/~haldeman You can Goyer (screenwriter of BATMAN order books from there, too. Come visit BEGINS, BLADE, many others, exec- his blog on LiveJournal or SFF.Net. producer of FLASHFORWARD on ABC) Okay… on to Arkansas for the have sold an SF trilogy to Ace Books, delightful Charlaine Harris. She has a editor Ginjer Buchanan. First volume is lot coming out this year, a real titled “Heaven’s Shadow” and is sched- smorgasboard. April 6, 2010: “Crimes by uled for publication in June 2011. And on Moonlight” (Charlaine Harris - editor) – up to Washington – Elizabeth Ann this one has a Dahlia story. May 4, 2010: Scarborough’s “Catalyst, a Tale of the “Dead In the Family” - the next Sookie Barque Cats” has just been let out of the novel (Yay ). August 3, 2010: “Death’s bag by Del Rey. This is the first of two Excellent Vacation” (Charlaine Harris, tales of the space-faring kitties by her and Toni L. P. Kelner - editors) – another short Anne McCaffrey. They turned in “Cata- Sookie story (double Yay ) Plus, combs” (another tale of the Barque Cats) Charlaine is in the “Delta Blues” anthol- at the beginning of November. Mean- ogy, edited by Carolyn Haines with a while, three of her earlier books, “Song of foreward by Morgan Freeman, which will Sorcery,” “The Godmother” and her short be out May 1 from Tyrus Books. Then, story collection “Scarborough Fair” have she’ll be off for a brief tour of Europe in been released as books on demand and e- early March, a quick tour of the US with books and are available through the publication of DITF in May, and on to Amazon.com and other virtual vendors. Australia and New Zealand in September. Also hailing from Washington is William Jane Lindskold, in New Mexico, Dietz who told me that the next thing wrote that Thirteen Orphans,” which coming up is the April 2010 release of came out in November of 2008 to strong “Heaven’s Devils,” a hardcover tie-in reviews, was recently released in paper- novel set in the extremely popular back. The paperback release hit number STARCRAFT universe. (For the poor, eight on the Locus list, making it offi- hardworking citizens of the Confederacy’s cially a bestseller. (Congrats, Jane ) The fringe worlds, the Guild Wars have sequel, “Nine Gates,” came out in August exacted a huge toll. Swayed by the 2009, also to strong reviews. Reader e- promise of financial rewards, a new batch Volume 20 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 13 and less influence. In classic left-hand- himself some fun and he and Dave start Private Worlds: A Revised Atlas: In Our Book not-knowing-what-the-right-hand-is- off to find the missing plays of Sophocles Poetry & Haikus doing mode, certain members of the in the Library of Alexandria. (Sophocles By Scott E. Green Iorich Iorich have formed an alliance with other apparently wrote a hundred plays and Abbot ePublishing, Manchester, New by Steven Brust clans to offset their lowly status; while only about seven exist today). Shel sends Hampshire, 2009. Tor Books, $24.99, 320 pp others, enlisted and galvanized by Vlad a play “Achilles” to an ancient Greek Format: PDF or Mobipocket, $2.49, 41 himself, serve their original purpose, scholar Dave’s acquainted with who is pp Steven Brust is one of the truly great without benefit of honor, recognition, or able to authenticate the fact that the play Available from http:// writers, employing diverse styles and much in the way of recompense. is not a mere mirror image of Sophocles’ www.abbottepub.com/ voices, imbedding puzzles, contradictions, At the end of the story, Vlad has style and word usage, but is indeed the Zelazny-like puns, and inside jokes in accomplished his mission, after opening real thing. He mails the copy to the This book is a wonderful survey Atlas these stories of assassin turned more cans of worms than you’d think scholar—and communicates by email his of Classic Science Fiction with some adventurer, Vlad Taltos. In previous even a taltos could discover. But success intentions. coverage of Mystery, Horror, Fantasy and volumes, Vlad had confronted gods and bears a high price tag, even if the But of course, does not reveal his associated Art. Each short poem wizards, fought in a battle over a Great collection date is postponed. The ending, source. encapsulates a theme or emotion most Weapon, obtained a great Weapon of his and numerous asides scattered throughout, Shel and Dave’s travels are not often expressed in the author’s work. In own, won and lost a wife, assassinated leave you wanting desperately to know random; they are trying to track down most cases the poet was spot on though rivals, insulted nobility, committed what happens next, and before, and Michael Shelborne based mostly on the the expression in so short a form must regicide when a goddess told him to, besides. (What Dragaeran lover? ) things he especially liked. But they also necessarily be inadequate as a complete solved mysteries, endured torture, learned This review is based on an advanced travel hither and yon meeting historical description of the author’s works. drumming techniques, and released chaos uncorrected proof, so there may be some figures or witness great events. Nonetheless the poems catch in every case into the ordered world, both figuratively minor changes by the time it hits the McDevitt wrote another time/anomaly an impotant recognizable element from and quite literally, with lethal results. shelves. I just hope the Deleted Scenes are novel that I also thoroughly enjoyed titled the author. retained for readers’ delectation: seven “Ancient Shores.” The Poems are arranged alphabetically shots of risky and wry. ~~ Chris Paige P.S.: A note to the author: Thanks for by the author they apply to from Charles remembering (and reminding us) that one Addams to Roger Zelazny. Time Travelers Never Die of the high points of drama and courage in They are completely beautiful and by Jack McDevitt American history was made on March 7, delightful. Any person well-read in the Ace Books; $24.95; 371 pp 1965 in Selma, Alabama. ~~ Sue Martin Genre will love this book. I recommend this highly. ~~ Gary L. Swaty The Trouble with Heroes My favorite thing about time-traveling Ed. by Denise Little Pandemonium tales is current sensibilities/knowledge Daw Fantasy, $7.99, 305 pages by Daryl Gregory applied to ancient life and people. And Del Rey Trade Paperback Original, this novel is no disappointment. Can you As usual, Denise Little has come up $13.00, 290pp imagine perusing one of the ancient Seven with an intriguing theme for her newest Wonders of the World, the Library at anthology – what’s it really like having a What if – comic book superheroes Alexandria, Egypt—which contained all relationship with a Hero? There are 22 were real? What that really means is, what the known wisdom of the world—that had contributors. Adrian N. Phoenix gave us a if a FEW of them were real, since the been put to paper (or vellum or delightful piece from the point of view of comics always portrayed them as in our In Iorich, Vlad returns to Dragaera papyrus…)? ...and you know some H.P. Lovecraft’s housekeeper. I also mundane world. Thus, we get stories like City, even through there’s a substantial Greek? enjoyed a different take on Maid Marian Watchmen instead of endless bounty for his instigated death, enough to The son of a famous physicist from Jean Rabe. It may just be my taste superpowers. Taking the superpowers to a motivate every assassin except the few, discovers a couple of curious, hand-held but I found Nina Kiriki Hoffman’s broader yet still limited population gives the very few, the very, very few, who hold electronic devices left behind by his father offering a bit dull and clumsy. Pauline mutants like in the TV show Heroes. Now him in esteem. Fortunately for Vlad, those who has gone missing. And cryptically (of Alama has a most amusing rendition of we have a Jungian spin on it: what if few include the Empress Zerika and the course) the father tells his son to destroy Odysseus’ homecoming and his excuses Sethra Lavode, the Sorceress of Dzur these items. to his wife for why he was so late. And I Mountain. Even so, Vlad knows better Adrian Shelborne (known as “Shel”) did enjoy Ken Scholes’ quirky story about than to tempt fate, but what else is he to doesn’t destroy them and discovers dating a . Allan Rousselle has a do when Aliera is arrested on capital through careful usage that they allow him good idea – Medea trying to rationalize charges and faces execution? These two to time-travel. His dad, Michael the things she did to save Jason of the have a history of saving each other’s Shelborne has gone suddenly missing and Argonauts – but it never really got off the lives, and Vlad is a traditionalist when he neither Shel nor his brother Jerry know ground. It was meant to be wry and funny, isn’t an iconoclast. where he’s gone. I think. My favorite – and the best reason Along the way, he further imperils Except Shel gets an envelope from his to buy this book – is from Laura Resnick. himself and those he genuinely loves by father through the family lawyer. Poor Queen Guinevere is slipping in the visiting Cawti and their young son, and by And this is how Shel finds the time opinion polls and Arthur engages a enlisting the help of Kragar, his former traveling devices called “Q-pods.” makeover team to improve her second-in-command. The bulk of the novel is Shel and his image…among other things. ~~ Iorich includes a representation of the friend Dave (a linguist whom he dragoons Catherine Book Cycle, the totems of the 17 clans of the into helping him) trying to discover just Dragaerans and the source of all the series where in time his father is and that he is titles, with illustrations and characteristics not a victim of foul play as everyone archetypes of the collective unconscious of each beast. These summaries explicate thinks. There is tons of looping back and become conscious as superheroes, the themes of the prior novels and provide forth between the current time and the possessing normal people to make them tantalizing previews of what remains to be past---where Shel even meets himself do extreme things. In our modern society, explored. (with no sign of paradox). 20 thousand people a year get possessed, According to the Great Cycle, the Would you be able to keep time- not just as superheroes but as any Iorich represent “Justice and Retribution.” traveling a secret? Didn’t think so. And archetypal character. The main public But during a Phoenix reign the Iorich are Shel is no different. He decides to allow reaction to all of this is to call it demon low on the totem pole, having little power ( Cont’d on page 15 ) Page 14 ConNotations Volume 20 Issue 1 In Our Book ( Cont’d from page 14 ) Her father was Chosen before his “Wounded Bird” by Michael Z. The book disappeared from where it had possession, whether the interpretation is wedding to Marya’s mother, and he just Williamson is a reminder that for many been safely hidden for centuries—and religious or secular. ‘Demonology’ … disappeared from their lives. Then the women, equality isn’t even a concept; and now the Fae are fighting not only to find sections between chapters give examples horrible pattern repeats itself, as her “Defending the Heart,” by Kate Paulk, the book but to control the human world. of possession by The Captain (Captain wonderful fiancé is Chosen too. So when exemplifies that Valdemar is a haven for And Mac is able to sense the book (which America), The Truth (pulp gunman The a couple of Heralds come asking her for those whose appearance or orientation is in constant motion) if she crosses its Shadow), Smokestack Johnny (a help, she derives great satisfaction in would be condemned elsewhere. Lackey path. railroader), The Little Angel (the token telling them, “NO ” Or does she? It turns has ever been sensitive to these issues, The novel opens on a Dublin utterly girl), The Kamikaze, the Boy Marvel out that Marya has some talents that have and has done more to alleviate prejudice devastated by a riot of dark Fae savagery (Captain Marvel), and The Hellion. been, not exactly buried, but certainly than any fiction writer I know. which was unleashed on the unsuspecting Our main character is the young man under a bushel, and we all know how bad “The Thief of Anvil’s Close, by Fiona city (and eventually the rest of the world) Del Pierce, who has the unique quality of for the soul that is, don’t we? Oddly Patton, continues the lives of the Dann on Halloween night when the walls carrying his demon around always enough, these despised Heralds and family in Haven. I think this is a trend to between the evil ravening Fae hoards and contained inside, whereas for most people Companions are the first to see and be encouraged; there are many other the “normal” human world fell apart it is a transient event. In Chicago, Del appreciate how much more Marya is than characters introduced in these anthologies despite the efforts of a druidic circle. attends an International Conference on just a master-weaver. I want to meet again. At the end of the previous novel, Possession, crashed by DemoniCon 15 stories follow, including “The Judith Tarr wrote “Twice Blessed,” in “Faefever,” Mac had been cornered by fanboys. He meets the sexy exorcist Reluctant Herald” by Mickey Zucker which two girls who everyone expects to four dark Fae princes and raped (in a Mother Mariette. Later he meets the Reichert, which is the thematic dilemma be best friends hate each other. Their non- church, no less). This book opens with Human League, a group based on A.E. from the groom’s point of view; and “For sibling rivalry is intense and utterly graphic sex between Mac and Jericho van Vogt’s novel Slan – they think of Want of a Nail” by Rosemary Edghill and realistic. Too bad for them; to get their Barrons—Mac’s mysterious employer demons as mutant telepaths. He is helped Denise McCune, which describes the hearts’ desire they’ll have to get over it. with many unusual, possibly fae powers by the Lovecraftian demon Shu’garath. initial formation of the Kingdom by Baron “Be Careful What You Wish For” by of his own. Constant sex cures her of There is also a bit of alternate history in Kordas Valdemar – a story many readers Nancy Asire takes us back to the troubled being pri-ya—a human addicted by fae this story. For example, Philip K. Dick did have requested. Karse border, where a Karse-born Herald sex (and usually kills the addict). After not die in 1982; instead, he was possessed “Softly Falling Snow” gives us a quiet is looking for family that may have months of “therapy” with Barrons, Mac by the demon Valis and saved from his interval in the life of Elspeth the survived the purges. finally comes back to herself and resumes stroke. He is a major character in this Peacemaker, written, appropriately Good as the preceding stories are, the her new career (established in the first story. To sum up, fans of PKD, van Vogt, enough, by Elizabeth A. Vaughan. It prize goes to Benjamin Ohlander for novel) as a sidhe-seer (one who can see Lovecraft, Jung, archetypes, or comic contains sorrow, humor, and romance, “Interview with a Companion” which the fae for what they are though they may book superheroes should read this novel. and is a pleasure to read. gives the low down on many aspects of look human). She joins the pitiful few Does that leave anyone out? ~~ Mike Elizabeth Waters contributes “A life and rule in Valdemar, with spot-on who remain in Dublin to fight the dark Griffin Storytelling of Crows,” a shining jewel in analysis of hallowed characters and Fae. this collection in which animals play a traditions. Mercedes Lackey clearly loved Moning’s tale follows Mac as she and Changing the World prominent part. this one and gave it the end piece position many others search for the Sisnar Dubh. Edited by Mercedes Lackey “Waiting to Belong” takes on the of honor. Her adventures are vivid, extreme Daw Books, $7.99, 343 pp challenge of addressing, What if your Changing the World is perfect for the confrontations with horrific creatures in being Chosen is actually bad for your winter months when you want to snuggle usually ugly circumstances or outrageous Lackey is too busy with her many home? What if you are needed at home as down with a good set of stories. But you landscapes. We do learn a little about projects to write more than the occasional much as by Haven? Kristin Schwengel know what? It will be just as good in Mac’s genetic heritage. But the burning Valdemar novel these days, but she is captures the tension of this dilemma. This summertime. It is the best Valdemar question throughout these four novels is loyal enough to her loyal fan base to edit story needs a sequel, I think. Perhaps collection to date. ~~ Chris Paige just who is Jericho Barrons, or more the almost-annual anthology of we’ll hear more of Shia’s story next year. precisely, what is Jericho Barrons. (and to Valdemaran tales, written by friends, fen, Of all the contributions, this one seems Dreamfever be honest—does he care for Mac at all or and some surprises. Just as Misty got her most in need of follow-through. by Karen Marie Moning is it all just macho posturing ) Moning breakthrough in Marion Zimmer “The Last Part of the Way” gives Delacorte Press; $26; 388 pp gives us glimpses of his past, but not Bradley’s Sword and Sorceress, she has some attention to the Bards and Healers of enough to clearly define what kind of introduced new writers in these Valdemar, as two older circuit riders This is the fourth book in a projected being he is. anthologies and – I hope – transformed make their rounds, because “even usually five book dark paranormal series. So So trust me, this is as gripping a novel lives in the process. Surely seeing your peaceful towns need healing and song.” events have really ratcheted up in this as Moning has written, and like so many first story in print is bit like being Chosen. You got that right, Brenda Cooper. In this novel. series---I hate that I have to wait for the And often these first stories are some of instance, a young Herald is desperately in Moning’s tale involves the initially conclusion ~~ Sue Martin the best in the collection. need of both after his home village was clueless blonde Southern Belle named For Changing the World, Lackey buried under a mudslide, no survivors. MacKayla Lane who goes to Dublin from Burning Shadows wrote a story called “The One Left Stephanie Shaver and Tanya Huff Ashford, Georgia to find out who by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro Behind” introducing a theme that is have too much fun with “Midwinter murdered her sister Alina who was going Tor, $27.99, 351 pages explored by several of the stories that Gifts” and “Nothing Better to Do” to university there. th follow: what if being Chosen is respectively. In “Gifts,” a herald with Needless to say—this opens up a huge This is the 24 novel of the enigmatic problematic? What if it causes a mess for precog and a bard team up to prevent a kettle of paranormal fish and “Mac” as Comte Sainte-Germain. This one takes those left behind? Or what if you don’t murder at a Countess’ party. I liked how she is known finds herself thrown willy- place during the invasion of what was left want to leave your familiar world, in this story was written, except that, nilly into a struggle between the Seelie of the Roman Empire by Attila the Hun’s which you might be very happy, thank- unfortunately, the bait-and-switch twist at and Unseelie courts of Fae---known in forces. Saint-Germain is forced to flee to you very much Mr. Blue-Eyed Horse? the end unravels the logic of the set-up. Ireland as the Tuatha de Dannan—the the relative safety of a monastery along This is a novel approach to the life- Still, there are some nifty exchanges in the fairy folk of the Emerald Isle. And one of with several hundred villagers and a changing moment of recognition that story, and an ending that feels very right, them is responsible for her sister’s handful of soldiers. The story tells the tale characterizes being Chosen by a even if it disappoints the romantics. murder. of how these diverse groups of people – Companion of Valdemar, the magical Besides, it’s got Rolan and Talamir This is a nasty vicious battle; make no the monks, the villagers, the former- guardians of a country that many of us making a guest appearance. As for Huff’s mistake. It is all centered on retrieving an Roman soldiers…and Saint-Germain – try wish we could find. In Lackey’s story, story, it is a laugh-out-loud account of a intensely magical tome named the Sinsar to maintain peace and harmony within the Marya is a master weaver with a serious bemused Herald transporting an orphaned Dubh which is not only a compendium of overcrowded monastery, while waiting for grudge against Heralds and Companions. toddler to distant family. the deadliest magic—but a sentient Beast. ( Cont’d on page 16 ) Volume 20 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 15 In Our Book ( Cont’d from page 15 ) though there are hints that, even behind food supply. Resenting this, he resolved the inevitable attack by the Huns. An bars. he has been more involved than to kill off all telepathic vamps so that he attack that they cannot survive. The we’ve been aware. All in all a satisfying could be the master, instead of a freak. It inevitable woman is a refugee from a Hun chapter in the series. Highly was Julian who ushered in the era of attack that destroyed her family. She recommenced and I can’t wait for the next killing humans to feed, and all the displays an interest in helping Saint- one. ~~ Stephanie L Bannon vampires he makes think this is the norm Germain in his infirmary and the villagers – the law. One human he turned, Eliesha, are happy to let her stay with him. She Fallen had a unique assignment: she was the isn’t one of them; nobody knows exactly by Tim Lebbon caretaker for his immortal but helpless where she came from. But she came with Ballantine/Spectra, $7.99, 413 pages father, a once proud Lord of an estate in a deadly secret. And, in due course, she Wales condemned to endless senility. knows Saint-Germain’s secret since she This is an installment in the list of But, far away from the watchful eye of becomes his lover. And then the question stories Lebbon has written of a world Julian, Eliesha’s latent telepathy emerges, becomes – what exactly is the secret she’s called Noreela. This is a standalone story and she rediscovers the possibility of hiding, will she betray Saint-Germain to and you don’t need the other stories; feeding without murdering. the attacking Huns, and as a bonus although, they may add some depth to Now Eliesha is the leader of a small question – who is the spy inside the your understanding of this strange world. but growing number of vampires and their The wild Northlands hold many monastery working for the Huns? We don’t get much backstory in this friends who want to come out of hiding secrets, among them dweomer magic. I have been reading these novels since novel. It’s an interesting idea on the but fear discovery by Julian. One Because of the religious crusade of the late 1970s and I have always been a surface: the world seems to be divided vampire, Philip, is tormented by bloodlust the Horsekin pushing south, Deverry and faithful follower; but… lately they seem into two wildly different ecosystems. which jeopardize the fragile new order. its allies realize their fate is threatened by to all be of a formula. This story is Noreela is where the known civilized Perfect love casteth out fear, but in the Horsekin. Only through the magic of slightly better than the last couple years world exists. Far to the south rises an Philip’s case, fear of losing Eliesha has to the elven Wise Ones and the intervention but it still isn’t as entertaining as the unimaginably high cliff and no one knows overturn his love of killing. of the powerful dragons, Arzosah and earlier stories. That said – there were a what’s on the other side. Our protagonists I have one major objection to this Rori, can the allies have any hope of couple twists I enjoyed. We get to enjoy (I wouldn’t call them heroes) have reason book, so if you are a Hendee fan please mastering the secrets that can save them Olivia for a while – it’s been too long to believe there is another world on top of skip the rest of this paragraph. This is from conquest. since we heard from her. And, amusingly, the cliff and since they are Voyagers, the chick fic. The estrogen is so thick that My first reaction is - don’t stop now. her companion – Niklos – joins Saint- thrill of discovery drives them to scale the virtually all the xy chromosome Kerr’s Celtic based medieval fantasy is Germain while Rogerian is dealing with cliff, no matter the cost. And the cost will characters are unmanned and one of the best of the post Lord issues that keep him from Saint- be quite dear. Voyagers are those souls demasculated. They’re what some females of the Rings World. With characters you Germain’s side. Later he joins Olivia who who feel the need for exploration either think men ought to be: domesticated; and care about, plots that are complex. Long writes to Saint-Germain that she found it for knowledge or riches. Our two the ones that don’t play well with others may she write.[ so we can read them ] amusing that each of them had the other’s Voyagers are one of each. Nomi and are tormented or psychotic. Fair enough; Though the Silver Mage may be the best, bondsman. There is a little suspense that Ramus have a long, sometimes something has to balance out all the the series belongs on your shelves. ~~ I’ve found lacking in the past few years affectionate, association. But secrets from publicized male wish-fulfillment fantasies Pam Allan but a lack of insight into Saint-Germain’s their past will cause a horrific break that abound. But here’s a secondary feelings or motivations. Unless you are a between them and change the character of problem I had with the storyline: Star Wars Death Troopers die-hard fan of the Comte, or have missed their trek and the fate of their world. What personally, if I were a vampire with a by Joe Schreiber Olivia – there isn’t a lot to recommend. lies on top of the cliff is worse than conscience, I seriously doubt that would Del Rey, $24.00, 234 pp ~~ Catherine Book anything they could have imagined and I stop me from going vigilante. It seems to kept wishing they wouldn’t do what they me these characters do more harm not An old Imperial prison barge Purge Kitty’s House of Horrors were driven to do. Of course, if they had killing their socialized victims than they breaks down. The Imperial staff will go by Carrie Vaughn not, the book would have had a pretty ever did when they were reducing the to a deserted Star destroyer for parts. Grand Central, $7.99, 292 pp tame ending. This is not a pretty story, it’s ranks of recidivists. Hey, if I were a actually very grim. And don’t expect vampire, I’d be the next Lone Ranger, Little do they know that they will be infected with a military zombie-like virus This is the seventh installment happy endings from Lebbon. taking a bite out of crime. ~~ Chris Paige that will kill everybody on board Purge chronicling the adventures of Kitty the The plot is good and not too complex except for six survivors. Will these last werewolf with the midnight radio talk to follow. The characters are defined Indiana Jones and the Army of The six be able to get out of Purge, alive? show. sufficiently for the story though most of Dead Zombie sci-fi theme. Overall, liked it. Kitty is approached by TV producers his effort is for his two main characters. by Steve Perry Rather dark. There is one surprise that I to take part in a reality TV show starring The rest were just walk-ons. I can’t really Del Rey, $7.99, 325 pp didn’t expect. Recommended to dark Star supernatural beings. She agrees only after recommend it but that’s mostly just Wars readers and zombie fans. ~~ Jeffrey she finds the producers have tricked her because this wasn’t to my taste. I prefer In this WWII tale, Indiana Jones will Lu friend Tina, a psychic, into agreeing. Soon my protagonists to have some redeeming team up with his friend Mac McHale and Kitty and Tina along with another characteristics and I really do like happy a lovely lady Marie to find an artifact, the Dark Road Rising werewolf, a were-seal, a second psychic, a endings. ~~ Catherine Book Heart of Darkness, before the Germans by P.N. Elrod second radio talk show host, a magician, a and the Japanese. Yet, there is a third Ace, $15.00, 389 pp couple of vampires and the obligatory Hunting Memories party that is also interested in this object- skeptic find themselves at a hunting lodge by Barb Hendee someone who lived over one hundred Dark Road Rising is a continuation of in an isolated Montana valley. Fairly Roc, $15.00, 306 pp years and commanded a group of zombies the Vampire Files. quickly it becomes evident that a TV at will.Predictable but interesting. Jack Fleming, vampire, and proprietor show is not the primary purpose of the Hunting Memories closely follows the Recommended to Indiana Jones fans and of Lady Crymsyn has his hands full in exercise as the show participants find events of Blood Memories, but if you can zombie readers. ~~ Jeffrey Lu mob-run Chicago. His partner is in the themselves being hunted by unknown follow an out of sequence episode of your hospital in critical condition, He is assailants. favorite TV show, you should be fine if The Silver Mage running the Nightcrawler for his Mob This is a great installment in the series. you pick up this one first. And if you are a by Katharine Kerr boss friend Gordy, and babysitting We learn more about the Long Game, we fan of The Noble Dead Saga, you will Daw, $24.95, 446 pp Whitey Kroun, a mentally unstable killer see more evidence of the coming conflict probably want to – follow the author sent to kill him, and a new vampire with between good and evil and Cormac finally Julian Ashton is a vampire who lacks The Silver Mage is book four of the deadly secrets of his own, As Jack tries to has something good happen to him, the telepath abilities that let vampires Silver Wyrm cycle and concluding volume adjust the short term memories of their of Deverry saga. ( Cont’d on page 17 ) Page 16 ConNotations Volume 20 Issue 1 original myths and fairy tales were horror Terra will be pressed into action. Heart’s Blood In Our Book ( Cont’d from page 16 ) stories. Loss of innocence, the greatest Sigmund Ausfaller, and his allies, the by Juliet Marillier unravel the mystery of Kroun’s undead loss. Just ask Peter. ~~ Pam Allan Gw’oth, don’t plan to become cannon Roc, $24.95, 402 pp state, Killers from New York are trying to fodder even if they go crazy in the action. kill them both. All this leaves him Black Blood This is far future adventure set two Heart’s Blood is a new novel by the vulnerable to an old enemy while his girl by John Meany centuries before Ringworld, well-written author of the Sevenwaters series. friend is going to California to become a Bantam Spectra, $24.00, 374 pp with intriguing characters, and science Whistling Tor is a cursed fiefdom, star. How much can a hard-working with lots of action. This is some of the filled with secrets. The crumbling fortress vampire survive? Black Blood is by the author of Bone best hard SF in the decade, if not the ruled by a chieftain who cannot move What’s not to love about this book? It Song. century. Hard SF fans - time to get the beyond its borders; it’s woods filled with is full of action, mystery, character, and Police lieutenant Donal Riordon isn’t plastic out. ~~ Pam Allan a host of phantoms who lead all visitors to leavened with humor. This is the best alive as we know it. In one second his death,. Vampire Files yet. Grab your wallet, get love was killed taking a bullet meant for In Great Waters Into this depressed household comes a down to the bookstore and settle in for a him, and now her heart beats in his chest. by Kit Whitfield young scribe, fleeing abuse by cousins treat. ~~ Pam Allan As a zombie cop, he is the target of Del Rey, $15.00, 398 pp who move in and take over her world, Trisopoli’s Unity Party, and the Black leaching her courage and hope till she Magic in the Shadows Circle. At the center of this ring of evil is In Great Waters is by the author of flees with only her writing materials. She by Devon Monk the man responsible for his lover’s death - Benighted. hears of a scribing job at Whistling Tor Roc, $7.99, 357 pp a man he has had to kill before. During a time of great upheaval, the and with the help of a member of the Black Blood is an enthralling citizens of Venice broker a treaty that will household and his dog make it through Magic in the Shadows is the third combination of futuristic fantasy gothic change the world. Landsmen of the city the host., The job is translating three novel in the Allie Beckstrom series. fantasy that sends a cop across the barrier form an alliance with the water-dwelling generations of journals to find a way to Allie Beckstrom’s magic is blessing between life and death. Stopping just deepsmen, and cement the alliance with lift the curse. The crippled chieftain and curse, It allows her to track down before creating a new sub-genre, Black marriage. The merging of the races begins his road to hope, the changes in the abusers of magic and stop them from Blood draws you into its world where the produces a strain of royal blood and household begins to make a home, but harming innocents but they take a dead are more alive than the living. Enjoy triggers other alliances. Jealous of the then the curser cursor strikes again. The physical toll and erase memories. this one, horror lovers. A new star has power engendered, they bar further abusers try to abduct the scribe but are Unfortunately, her late father, a wealthy appeared in the dark firmament. ~~ Pam unions, making them punishable by death, driven off, but the Normans come to take deceased businessman of questionable Allan the offspring must be destroyed. the Tor. The chieftain denies his love and morals, has found a way to insert himself This alternate reality is a world of sends her away with a purse of silver to into her mind and try take over.. She Courts of the Sun intrigue and betrayal. In this world Anne, find her sister, telling her never to return. wouldn’t have anything to do with him or by Brian D’Amato the youngest princess of a faltering She finds her sister is now in the hands of his wealth when he was alive. She hopes New American Library, $16.00, 684 pp England, and Henry, a deepsman child, the abusers, but she also finds a Lawyer to join the Authority and gain control over abandoned on a beach, find themselves and physician that can free them both and her abilities. Now if she can only survive This begins the Mayan Trilogy. pawn in a game they do not fully goes back to stop the curse and regain her her enemies, inside and out of the The year is 2012. Jed DeLanda, a understand, Even a pawn can checkmate a love. Authority who want to kill her, and deal descendent of the Maya, is a math prodigy king. The plot is not new, but the writing is with her father. who rakes in profits from online trading This is an imaginative twist on lyrical, with great characters, and rich Devon Monk has created a unique using an ancient Mayan divination tool, mermen, full of adventure, beautiful if description that draws you in and the version of Urban Fantasy with a the Sacrifice game. Jed is pulled into alien, characters so well-drawn that their combination of the grounding in Celtic beautifully drawn character, complex, and action by Game designer Marena Park reality overwhelms the reality of the myth and emotion are fabulous [no pun conflicted in a system of magic different who wants his help in deciphering the reader and make for a transcendent read. intended] Not only Fantasy lovers but than usual. The book is a page turner, Mayan Codex. The Codex foretells the Fantasy lovers won’t want to miss this romance lovers will love it. This is a fast-paced and compulsively readable. If end of humanity. Jed must enter the mind one. ~~ Pam Allan keeper. I will be surprised not to see a you are a fan of urban fantasy you will of an ancient Mayan King to prevent the mention of Heart’s Blood at award time. want to collect the series to revisit the end. His journey takes him back to Mayan Candle in the Storm ~~ Pam Allan rainy streets of Portland. I do. ~~ Pam civilization and forward to the end of by Morgan Howell Allan time. It also brings him into the hands of Del Ray, $7.99, 370 pp Night of Demons an international corporation with its own by Tony Richards The Child Thief agenda. Candle in the Storm is book two of the Eos, 390 pp, $7.99 by Brom Wow. An intelligent fantasy mixing Shadowed Path. Eos, $26. 95, 484 pp science, legend and history in an awesome The Shadow of the Devourer lies over Night of Demons is by the author of cocktail the reader can’t put down till the the land destroying all in their path with Dark Rain. The Child Thief is a dark retelling of last drop. You have a historical thriller armies of ensorcelled slayers.. Only two Raines Landing was settled by the . based on prodigious research and a sure people, followers of the gentle goddess witches of Salem and cloaked in magic. Brom is a horror artist and author/ hand with plot, action and character that Karm, stand in the way of hell on earth. No one who lives here can leave, but a artist of games and two horror novels. equals D’Amato’s sculpture. This is the Honus, a grim-faced warrior sworn to twisted serial killer has pierced the Here he has the softer happier Peter best I’ve read in its genre, a classic. I Karm, and Yim, who carries the power to boundaries, killing the village’s oldest Pan back to the more threatening early can’t wait for the next installment due out stop Lord Bahl are the only hope. adept, and inadvertently gains possession Celtic myths. in 2010. ~~ Pam Allan But the price is high. Yim must leave of a powerful tool. That lets him take over Nick, a lost boy in Prospect Park has her love, Honus and seek out Lord Bahl in bodies so he can torture and kill at will. been set upon by a gang taking his ill- Destroyer of Worlds sacrifice. As the destruction grows, can Ross Devries is an ex-cop with no gotten gains to finance running away, by Larry Niven and Edward M. Lerner the flame of hope survive? supernatural powers and with his Peter saves him to take him to a Tor, $25.99, 365 pp This is classic fantasy with a motorcycle riding partner Cassie are the that has more horrors than believable world, well-drawn characters, last line of defense. Michael Jackson and James Barrie ever Destroyer of Worlds is a continuation and enough action to keep the reader This is a dark fantasy, touching on dreamed of in their wildest nightmares. of the Fleet of Worlds series. enthralled. What more can one ask for on horror. It is a well-written with plenty of But it is well-written, and if you love a The Pak are fleeing the chain reaction a rainy afternoon? You’ll love it. ~~ Pam action and a pleasant way to spend some children’s classic turned into modern of supernovae at the galactic core. God Allan time. Enjoy. ~~ Pam Allan horror you will love it. Most of the help those who stand in their way. The puppeteers have the resources but don’t confront anyone. Who but New ( Cont’d on page 18 ) Volume 20 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 17 In Our Book (Cont’d from page 17) Bound to Shadows by Keri Arthur Confessions of a Demon Dell, $7.99, 346 pp by S.L. Wright The Central Arizona Speculative Roc, $7.99, 339 pp Arthur is the author Full Moon Rising and other urban fantasies. Fiction Society NEEDS YOU! This is apparently a debut novel. Riley Jenson is part Vampire, part Allay is the only demon/human hybrid werewolf and knows well what can created when attacked by a dying demon. happen when the two species won’t play Since demons feed on human emotions, well together. But this series of brutal Allay opens a bar where she eases the murders leaving the victims beheaded is pain of her patrons while staying under threatening to blow up into a full fledged the radar of the demons who want her essence. She is attacked and nearly killed by another demon. She is saved by a handsome mortal who appoints himself as her bodyguard. But demon plots are hatching and war looming between powerful forces with Allay in the middle. Who can she believe? And where should her loyalties belong? This is a tightly-written supernatural action mystery with the obligatory romance. It sports a well-developed world with a tortured heroine trying to hold on to her shreds of humanity and ready to kick ass as needed fighting a demonic religious plot. I couldn’t put it down as war and not just the multiple murders. the story unfolded. This is a keeper, and I One suspect is trying to seduce Riley. Her look forward to an exciting series. ~~ soul mate [whom she hates] is on a power Pam Allan trip and is a major suspect. If he is killed, she may die. And then there is Quinn, the Howling Legion cool elegant vampire she loves and who Do you enjoy CopperCon? DarkCon*? RandomCon*? Any of the other by Marcus Pelegrimas may be targeted… along with her. local volunteer, fan-run conventions? CopperCon and the others are all Eos, $7.99, 356 pp Keri Arthur writes with imagination staffed completely by unpaid volunteers, from the chair person to the and energy that carries you along through volunteer that helps for only one hour. Howling Legion is the second book of her well-done urban fantasies and that’s the Skinners series. rare [pun intended] so enjoy oh lovers of Cole was a video game designer when urban fantasy. The collecting urge may If you enjoy our events and want them to continue then please consider he learned the truth about the monsters of surface. ~~ Pam Allan helping any or all of Arizona’s fan run events. By volunteering you can be the night lusting for our blood and the part of making the conventions the kind of event that you want to see and world we live in. Now he is a member of attend. the skinners, an ancient secret society of Lord of Silence warriors keeping the monsters at bay. by Mark Chadbourn For information on available CopperCon positions please contact us at Now the monsters are suddenly free and Solaris, $7.99, 537 pp [email protected] or www.coppercon.org decimating the unsuspecting city. No one knows what is next, but Cole and his sexy Lord of Silence is the two-time winner And even if you do not have the time to volunteer please come join us at partner will be the first to charge the of the British Fantasy award by the author maelstrom and hope to come out without of the Kingdom Of The Serpent series. CopperCon because without you, the attendees, all our effort is for naught. looking like hamburger, Oh yeah, and When the hero of Idriss is murdered, save the world. the Vidar, the Lord of Silence, must take Our parent organization, the Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society Howling Legion adds another twist to (CASFS) is also looking for new members. Check our web site at man versus monster With all the gore and www.casfs.org for information on meetings and upcoming events or contact action the most dedicated fan could want, us at [email protected] there is also humor, wisecracks and fun. Monster hunters, there is a new kid on the *Darkcon and RandomCon are not CASFS events, Darkcon © The Dark Ones Inc & block you will really enjoy. ~~ Pam RandomCon © WesternSFA Inc Allan . Now he must solve a murder, defend the city, deal with the politics, and solve the three thousand year old mystery that holds the key. This is not a standard how-to fantasy. It is fantasy noir with magic, romance, and mystery with some great characters. It is a stand alone but might well become a series. Either way, it is a page turner that his place as the defender of Idriss. But he fantasy lovers will love to keep and is also an amnesiac ridden by a vampire reread. Enjoy. ~~ Pam Allan jewel. that demands the life energy of others. Page 18 ConNotations Volume 20 Issue 1 AZCorsairs “Founded in 1971 as a branch of enced players. Visit http://www.warhorn.net/ THE PHOENIX FANTASY FILM SOCI- Club Listings the Society for Creative Anachronisms, or gathering, to see what we have coming up. If ETY A Phoenix based club interest-ed in the ACROSS PLUS - So you live in North SCA, our primary focus is 16th – 18th century you have any questions email us at entire realm of SF, Fantasy and Horror film. European culture and the pirate lifestyle of PFFS has been in existence for 30 years, Phoenix and are interested in anime? Well [email protected] there is a club out there available for you the time. The Corsairs will extend pirate meeting every 6 weeks in member’s homes. people. portrayals as far back as Phoenician, Roman Dues are $10 per year. Membership includes Across Plus is a social club that discuses Era or to future Space, Science Fiction genre, THE JEDI KNIGHTS (Founded 1977) newsletters, an annual film awards and anime, video games, manga, other animation, and more publicly recognizable Hollywood Meetings are the 3rd Sunday of each month. various outings. For information, contact and the Japanese culture. We meet at styled pirate. Corsair membership is largely For more information call Carol Alves, PFFS, P.O. Box 34023, Phoenix, AZ 85067 or Bookman’s on 19th Ave and Northern on volunteer-oriented, gathered together for fun Publicity, (760)244-9593 or write Jedi call David Storck at (602) 274_7404, e-mail: Sundays at 7:00pm until 9:00pm. and while helping others out. [email protected]. Members of the Arizona Corsairs are, much Knights, c/o Carol Alves 8038 “I” Street, In general, we explore anime, manga, and Hesperia CA, 92345-7066. other styles of animation, creative educative like their historical counterparts, masters of RAGE ACROSS THE SOUTHWEST A demonstrations, participate in interactive their own destiny. Creation of characters, Live Action Theatre Troupe based out of the discussions, attend local Arizona conventions, complete with backstory with correlation to LEPRECON, INC. One of the two Phoenix ASU campus in Tempe, AZ. It is dedicated to and make cosplay. history, period costume, and emulation of area corporations that put on yearly conven- the game Werewolf: The Apocalypse by We are willing to gain any new members out pirate traditions and arts, rests on each tions. Best described as SF/F generalists with White Wolf publishing. Contact Mike there who are interested. Our members are performer, creating varied storylines and McLaughlin at (602)461-5842 or write 1730 deep, interesting characters. a main thrust into SF/F art. Guests are W Emelita Place #2025, Mesa AZ 85202- very friendly, respectful, and fun. We welcome. The meetings are quarterly on the welcome any and all. For more information, please contact Captaim 3144 or [email protected] For more information, contact Todd Miles at Max - Ambassador, AZCorsairs second Saturday of February, May, August & [email protected] [email protected] 602-799-6184" November unless otherwise notified. August RAW GAMES (Role-players & is the annual meeting where board positions Wargamers, Inc.) Role-players & ADRIAN EMPIRE A medieval and renais- BASFA Local Tucson science fiction group are deter-mined. For more information, write Wargamers, Inc. is the Valley’s oldest role- that puts on TusCon. Contact us at PO Box playing and wargaming club. Currently sance recreationist club. Sword-fighting, arts, PO Box 26665, Tempe, AZ 85285; call Mike banquets, masquerades, dances. meets every 2528, Tucson AZ 85702-2528 or meeting at 8159 W. Weldon in Phoenix every [email protected] Willmoth, 480-945-6890, Email Sunday from 12noon-5pm (except during Wednesday night from 7-10pm at Encanto [email protected] Webpage: Park. All are welcome. Free. our website at http://home.earthlink.net/ conventions and other special events). Open ~basfa/ www.leprecon.org to new members - call (623) 849-9515. AERIAL MIRAGE JUGGLERS. Meets CENTRAL ARIZONA SPECULATIVE MIB The Men in Black is the official global SHIELD OF ALMOR The Shield of Almor Wednesday 7-10pm in Encanto Park, 15th organization of field operatives for Steve Avenue, south of Encanto. No dues, everyone FICTION SOCIETY, INC. (CASFS) The is a RPGA club located in the greater Phoenix non-profit corporation that puts on Jackson Games. We attend local conventions area. If you are interested in Living Greyhawk welcome. All levels skill exchange in many to demonstrate and promote products of Steve areas of object manipulation Dave Davis CopperCon conventions, SmurfCons, catch one of our meetings the 1st Sunday of HexaCons, occasional regional cons, and Jackson Games. We also schedule demos in every month at Imperial Outpost Games , 602-955-9446; local gaming stores as well as community or Ron Harvey , 480- publishes Con-Notations. Best described as (www.imperialoutpost.com) in Glendale. If SF/F generalists with a strong bent towards service events. If you have a gaming store, you are interested in Living Arcanis or Living 775-4690 for more info or impromptu convention, or community service that you juggling sessions. literary SF/F. Guests welcome - meets at 8pm Spycraft catch us on the 3rd Sunday of every on the last Friday of each month in January would like to have official Steve Jackson month also at Imperial Outpost Games. The thru September and the second Friday in Games representation at, please contact the Shield of Almor hosts RPGA events at the ARIZONA LANBASHERS LEAGUE A MIB Arizona Cell collaboration of computer gaming enthusiasts, October, November and December at local Phoenix conventions. For more Denny’s, 2360 W Northern Ave in Phoenix, Leader at [email protected]. We are also information visit us at the Arizona LANbashers League throws recruiting new MIBs in some areas of quarterly LANparty events. Between parties, AZ. For information: write PO Box 62613, games.groups.yahoo.com/group/AZ_RPG/ or Phoenix, AZ 85082-2613 or email Arizona. If you’re interested, contact us. You you can sign up for games at support is given to local groups who wish to can find additional information about the advertise their own gatherings. We have no [email protected] Web www.casfs.org www.nyrond.org. Or you can just stop by the Arizona MIB at our website http:// 1st Sunday of the month. Meeting starts at set genre of games and play anything from members.cox.net/mib.6361/ strategy games to first-person shooters to *****C.R.O.F.T. Celtic Reenactment of 10am. Hope to see you there. driving/flying simulations. No annual Fellowship and Trades is Phoenix based Reenactment group specializing in the MVD GHOSTCHASERS—The MVD THE SOCIETY FOR CREATIVE membership is required and admission to an Ghostchasers are a paranormal team event ranges from $5-$15. See our webpage western European renaissance. We research ANACHRONISM The kingdom of Atenveldt lifestyles and trades concurrent with the established in 1995. This band of ghost doth lie in the state of Arizona. Within the fair for current events. Email: hunters conducts regular investigations of [email protected] Web: Celtic Peoples from 400 BC until 1746 AD. kingdom can be found six Baronies: We emphasize Scots, Irish or Welsh crafts and haunted, historical locations throughout Atenveldt, Mons Tonitrus, Twin Moons, www.lanparty.com/all/ VoiceMail: 602-306- Arizona. They also research and investigate 9339 do Celtic re-enactment. We open participation SunDragon, Tir Ysgithr and Ered Sul. For to anyone with an interest in period crafting “house call” hauntings for the public. The more information on any of these or for MVD Ghostchasers lead Spirit Photo ARIZONA PARANORMAL and entertainment. Demonstrations occur at general information on contact the Kingdom the Highland Games, Scarborough Fair, and Workshops/Tours to various haunted locations Seneschal. Email: [email protected] INVESTIGATIONS We are a highly across Arizona. These workshops give ghost trained, non-profit paranormal investigation the Arizona Renaissance Festival. Web page Web www.atenveldt.com http://www.crofters.org We meet in Tempe at hunters, paranormal team members and folks group, registered with the state of Arizona, wanting to learn the art of ghost hunting a providing service to Arizona and the the Pyle Adult Center SW corner of Rural and SOUTHWEST COSTUMER’S GUILD The Southern on the 2nd Saturday of every month, chance to work and learn techniques together. Southwest Costumers Guild is a loose Southwest since 1994. Having served the The MVD Ghostchasers team are guest public for 12 years, we are one of the oldest, phone number (480)350-5211. The Board organization of persons interested in all facets meeting will be at 2:00 pm with the General speakers at many venues and have appeared of historical, cultural, science fiction, fantasy, most respected paranormal investigation on TV news reports and the subject of several groups in Arizona. We are primarily science meeting starting at 2:30 pm. and humor costume. Members are often seen newspaper stories. For more information on stage and behind the scenes at local and based and don’t go on an investigation contact: looking for ghosts, we go looking for THE DARK ONES (Dark-wunz) n. 1) An regional Science Fiction Convention organization formed for the expression and MVD Ghostchasers—Debe Branning, masquerades. They meet on the last Sunday of answers. There is never a charge for an Director—480-969-4049 Web page: investigation. Contact us at by e-mail at exploration of various cultural themes each month at various members’ homes in the including, but not limited to, the Dark Ages www.mvdghostchasers.com or greater Phoenix area. For details. Southwest [email protected] or [email protected] visit our website at: http:// and the Renaissance through forms of art Costumers Guild, PO Box 39504, Phoenix, www.arizonaparanormalinvestigations.com/ including, but not limited to, painting, AZ 85609 or Randall Whitlock at drawing, writing, photography, spoken word, ORANGE COUNTY SCIENCE FICTION [email protected] or and acts of characterization. 2) a member of CLUB meets last Wednesday of every month www.southwestcostumersguild.org THE AWAY TEAM: The Away Team, is a (except Dec.) in Fullerton. The meetings are general sci-fi appreciation group that meets this organization. 3) Information available at www.darkones.org built around guest speakers. We’ve had SPACE ACCESS SOCIETY Space Access once a month for discussion of various sci-fi authors such as Octavia Butler and Greg news regarding several mediums to include: Society’s sole purpose is to promote radically THE EMPIRE OF CHIVALRY AND Benford. Non-members are welcome. For cheaper access to space, ASAP. We think it’s television, movies, video, books, comics, details of current events and location see our magazines, collecting, and so forth. The STEEL, INC. The Empire of Chivalry and possible within ten years, with a little luck Steel specializes in the general recreation of website www.ocsfc.org or email and a lot of hard work. Join us and help us meetings are comprised of news, review and [email protected] comment, BBS/computer news and help, the culture of the Middle Ages including all of make it happen! SAS membership is $30 for the Art Forms, Events (Feasts, Tournaments, one year, which gets you emailed Space meeting new members, video presentations, PAReX is a non profit organization dedicated games, and socializing fun! Food and drinks Ceremonies and Wars) and Combat Arts Access Updates the instant they pass final covering the years of 800AD up to 1650AD to building and promoting Autonomous edit, plus discounts on our annual conference are provided, via a $3 munchie fee (per robotics. The club has been in existance since meeting) to compensate the host. (No other and any location within Europe or its explored on the technology, politics, and business of territories. For more information contact 1998. Meetings are currently conducted twice radically cheaper space transportation, fees are involved.) The electronic home of the a month at two different Phoenix, Arizona Away Team, is the Lightspeed Space Station Leonard Byrd (Tucson) (520)742-2432 Web: featuring leading players in the field. Email www.galandor.org locations, http://www.parex.org/ us at: [email protected] BBS at (520) 325-6674.... Member ages for meetings.shtml. Club dues are on an annual the group range from 13-40-something with Web page: www.space-access.org/ A GATHERING OF PLAYERS- Find Your basis: Regular members $20 Student members both male and female members. Other $15 Of course visitors are always welcome activities include null-modem link gamefests, Adventure SUPERSTITION SPACEMODELING Our club is running into our sixth year. Join because we know you will eventually become SOCIETY is Arizona’s club for builders of group theater movie viewings, convention a member anyway Web page: http:// trips and more. Have sci-fi fun in a relaxed, us for games and adventure set in the model and high-power rockets and those who Dungeons and Dragons realm. We offer www.parex.org/ E-mail Contact: love to see them fly. Launches are held on the low-structure environment. NO RUBBER [email protected] EARS ALLOWED!! For questions, you can Living Forgotten Realms and Pathfinder second Saturday morning of each month in call the BBS, or write to: LSS c/o R. Martin; Society. We welcome both new and experi- Rainbow Valley. SSS hosts the annual G. 2522 N. Sparkman Blvd.; Tucson, AZ 85716 ( Cont’d on page 20 ) Volume 20 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 19 In an effort to expand membership the USS Club Listings ( Cont’d from page 19 ) CASFS Business Report Leonidas has assisted in the formation of a Convention Harry Stine Memorial Rocket Launch every High School Star Trek club called the October. Visit www.sssrocketry.org for STARFLEET Science and Tactical Academy. CASFS Business Report Jan 12, 2010 membership information, directions to the Students participate in a wide range of Listings launches and meetings, and to read the activities with the hope that they will become LepreCon 36 (May 14-16, 2010) monthly newsletter, “Newton’s Minutes.” interested in Star Trek and join STARFLEET Phoenix Marriott Mesa, 200 North CopperCon 30 — Chairman Mark as officers. Boniece - The CopperCon 30 Author TARDIS is a Phoenix-based General SF/ The USS Leonidas has a crew of 30. Starfleet Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ Ph: (480) Fantasy Fan Club, specializing in Interna- Science and Tactical Academy has 52 cadets. 898-8300, Room Rates $99 S/D/T/Q. Guest of Honor is Stephen R. Donaldson, tional media SF/Fantasy since 1983. TARDIS Members age from 14-65 years old. Average www.marriott.com, online booking code known for his Thomas Covenant Triple meets every two weeks at different locations age is 20-25. is “leplepa”. Guests: Artist GoH Charles Trilogy. Additional Author Guests are around the valley. Activities include watching Club meeting locations vary due to scheduled Vess, Author GoH: George R.R. Martin, David Lee Summers, SF and Fantasy videos, discussions, parties, games, and away missions and such, but usually meet in a Local Artist/Author GoH: James A. occasional outings with more to come now classroom at Apache Junction High School. Owen. Memberships rates: $40 Jan 1 thru Author and Weston Ochse, Horror Writer. that Doctor Who is returning from hiatus. Membership with Starfleet International is The Convention theme is The Anti-Hero Many members maintain an active presence at required. www.sfi.org Upon joining April 15, 2010, $45 at the door. Web site conventions. You can contact us at 2243 W STARFLEET a member is a Cadet. Upon at www.leprecon.org/lep36 or email in SF, Fantasy, Comics and Anime. The Wagon Wheel Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85021, Voice passing the Officer’s Training School Exam at [email protected] for more CopperCon Hotel is the Windemere, 5750 Mail at (602) 864-0901, E-mail TARDIS- the Online Academy, the member becomes a information. East Main St. Mesa, Arizona 85205 Ph: [email protected] or visit us at http:// Commissioned Officer aboard the Leonidas. members.cox.net/tardisaz/tardis.html The chapter does not have dues as of yet. The (480)985-3600 Toll Free: (800) 888-3561 dues to be a member of STARFLEET RandomCon 2010 (July 9-11, 2010) Reservations by phone ONLY. Our rate is Windemere Hotel and Conference Center, TEKWAR FAN CLUB Sanctioned by the International are $15 a year. $59 Single/Double/Triple/Quad Rooms series’ production companies and the USA No newsletter, but members do receive an 5750 East Main St.• Mesa, Arizona 85205 Network! It is THE information conduit activities E-mail update. No web site yet. • Ph: (480)985-3600 • Toll Free: (800) include: FREE Deluxe Continental between the fans and the series! Fan club Contact : Jonathan Krieger, 480-677-0269, 888-3561 Room Rate: $59 S/D/T/Q and Breakfast. Given the low rate reserve your membership will bring you the following 1) [email protected] subscription to the info filled Tek Informer includes breakfast and free Internet. For room now or you might be disappointed. newsletter; 2) official TekWar Fan Club USS STORMBRINGER The Stormbringer is our games we plan to have RPGA - plans CopperCon 31 — Chairman Nyki membership card and kit. Membership is by a correspondence Star Trek fan club chapter include Living Forgotten Realms, Arcanis Robertson. The CopperCon 31 Guest of regular mail only and the newsletter and of Starfleet, Intl. based out of Tucson AZ. and Pathfinder. Amber Diceless - In the Honor is Carrie Vaughn, Author the materials will not be reproduced electroni- The chapter was commissioned as the USS tradition of AmberCons across the World, cally. To join the action and initiate your Stormbringer NCC-74213, attached to RandomCon brings you the Chronicles of “Kitty” werewolf novels. The Hotel is annual membership, make check or money Division 31, Starfleet Covert Operations, on Amber in roleplaying form in a variety of again the Windemere. order out for $12.50 to: Official TekWar Fan 10/31/98. As of 11/29/98 there were 32 CASFS Book Social – Randall Whitlock. Club (Membership section), 2522 N members. There are no dues other than the games. PLUS Console Gaming, Card Sparkman Blvd., Tucson AZ 85716-2417 $15 for joining Star-fleet Intl.. Members are Games, Board Games, Miniature The Book Social is held in the Coffee scattered world wide but the primary clusters Gaming, LARPs, and much more! There Shop of the Bent Cover on the West side T.H.E.M. is ASU’s science fiction and are in Tucson, AZ and Plano, TX. They don’t will be a consuite and a small dealer of 28th Drive North of Cactus Road in fantasy club. Weekly meetings are held on the meet on a regular basis since they are a room. Cost is $20 From January 1 to Phoenix at 7 p.m. January 19, we will Arizona State University campus, with dates correspondence chapter. Their web site is: June 30, 2010 and $25 at the door. Pay and places to be announced after the semester http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Vault/9505/ now via Paypal on our web site at discuss Turncoat by Jim Butcher. Febru- starts. For more information, Email and their contact/CO is Capt. Dave Pitts, ary 16, we will discuss The Invisible Man [email protected] Web [email protected] www.randomcon.org or mail check or www.themonline.org money order to RandomCon, PO Box by H.G. Wells and on March 16, The Last WESTERN SCIENCE FICTION ASSO- 67457, Phoenix AZ 85082. Memberships Centurion by John Ringo. TUCSON FAN ALLIANCE E-Mail Address CIATION (WesternSFA) A non-profit also available at Imperial Outpost, 4920 By-Law Revisions. – We completed the is [email protected] or corporation that sponsors AniZona, the [email protected] ConRunners seminars, Across Plus Anime W. Thunderbird, Glendale, AZ 85306. Check revision of By-Law language to make it Club and sponsored the 2004 Westercon. our web site for updates or contact us at more consistent and clear. The only real [email protected] UNITED FEDERATION OF PHOENIX A Dedicated primarily to educational activities change was to authorize a Audit Commit- Phoenix area Star Trek and general SciFi fan relating to literature, music, and visual and club. We are a social club that meets every performing arts, especially in the genres of CopperCon 30 (September 3-6, 2010) tee or an Auditor. Formerly only the two weeks at various locations around the Anime, science fiction, fantasy, costuming, Windemere Hotel, 5750 East Main St., Auditor was authorized. Phoenix area. The UFP has been meeting for gaming and science. Applicants for member- Elections – In December we elected the over 30 years of continuous activity. Dues are ship in WesternSFA must be sponsored by a Mesa, Arizona 85205, Guests: Stephen $15/per year prorated when you join; no current active WesternSFA member. Dues are R. Donaldson. Our Room Rates $59 S/D/ President, the Vice President and three restrictions. Membership includes member- $10 yearly plus a $5 non-refundable applica- T/Q. http://www.resortmesa.com/ Rooms Board positions. The only change was the ship roster and monthly newsletter. Come to tion fee. General Meetings are held on the include Complimentary gourmet deluxe election of Gary Swaty to the Board any two meetings at no obligation. For first Friday of February, May, August and breakfast buffet served every day and replacing Randall Whitlock who did not information, write the UFP at PO Box 37224, November, check our website for meeting fresh baked cookies served every Phoenix, AZ 85069, or call Jim Strait at (602) location Guests are welcome. For more info evening. The hotel has 114 rooms so run. 242-9203. Web page: http://www.U-F-P.org contact Craig Dyer at WesternSFA, PO Box ConNotations – ConNotations was or Email to [email protected] 67457, Phoenix AZ 85082 Email: there is a good chance we can have the [email protected] Webpage: entire hotel for ourselves. Hotel reserva- printed and mailed later than planned due USS LEONIDAS The Leonidas is a member www.westernsfa.org tions by phone only at (480)985-3600 • to a problem at the Payson printer. of Region IV of STARFLEET International. Toll Free: (800) 888-3561 Convention Current issue is proceeding normally. The chapter is an opportunity for those that Z-PHILES are the ariZona x-PHILES. We Memberships rates: $35 Jan 1 thru April share a love of Star Trek to have fun and help maintain a mailing list for news and get- –Gary Swaty, Secretary the community at the same time. The togethers of fans of the X-Files living in 30, 2010, $40 May 1 thru August 23, Leonidas stresses uniforms or other costumes Arizona. We get together in both the Phoenix 2010. Please check the web site at What is CASFS? to have the ability to participate actively in and Tucson areas. To subscribe, send an www.coppercon.org or contact us at What is really behind putting on a various events as they present themselves but empty message to z-philes- [email protected] for more info. convention? What are the funds raised by a they are not required. [email protected] convention used for? Why not attend a Generic Convention Registration Form meeting and find out? We’re the sponsor of ConNotations, CopperCons, HexaCons, SmerfCons and other conventions. We are Name:______a charitable, non-profit organization that exists to further science fiction, fantasy Badge Name:______and science fields in Arizona. CASFS currently meets at the JB’s Restaurant at Address:______1818 W Montebello in Phoenix The meetings begin at 8PM and are held on the City/State/ZIP:______last Friday of the month Jan. through Sept. and on the second Friday of the month Oct Phone:______Email:______through Dec. Everyone is invited to attend Enclosed is $______for ______memberships for two meetings as a guest (non-member). Membership rates are $12/year plus an ______convention. initial $3 application fee and rates are pro- rated for the amount of the year remaining. (See individual convention listing for mailing address) For more info: Webpage: www.casfs.org More info on __ Masquerade __Art Show __Volunteer __ Other Email: [email protected] Page 20 ConNotations Volume 20 Issue 1