8 ell, I guess you can say that DEVOID SPECIMEN 8 is a commonplace book in the form of a personal SF/F zine by David W N’APA was a good training Speakman for the Neffer Amateur Press Association (N’APA). The name of this zine comes from his experience with early word processors of the 1980s with proto spellcheck capabil- ground for me. I am on the ities that did not know proper nouns and suggested “Devoid Specimen” as an alternate downslope of my second year as Offi- spelling of his name. As a commonplace book, this zine is a semi-scrapbook collection of cial Editor of the N3F. starts, stops, ideas, jots, doodles, lists, dregs of fanac, and not-quite fully formed articles If I had to be proud of something and other detritus that may yet be polished and find a home … somewhere. This issue was I’ve done with the job so far: it’s that I started on March 15, 2011 and completed on June 15, 2013. (email: [email protected]) brought back Tightbeam as a sepa- to shrink to fit into smaller envelopes as I have not been active in N’APA for rate publication. to allow for the lowest postage 2 years—my middle-aged brain does I’m still determined to bring back costs—which either means smaller or not remember the last issue I read. both TNFF and Tightbeam to their fewer zines or higher member dues. In the following pages, I will be pre- former glory—with a new zine in a I’m currently working with the Di- senting a collection of items I’ve cre- members mailbox (or inbox) at least rectorate to figure out how to get the ated over the past two years. These once per month. best of both worlds—more zines and are things that I do not consider cast- The only problem I am having lower costs to the members. The goal offs—but, instead, items that I think achieving this goal is the skyrocketing is to attract more members, not either have potential to develop into price of postage. bleed dry those we already have. something good … or inspire me to do Because of that, our zines may have I do not have any LoCs in this issue something better.—DS How to survive a spouse who speaks fluent Fannish

Looking at the calendar, It’s going For me: it was great—a quiet to be a busy summer for me. This thoughtful con that is tailor-made for June, Rich and I will be celebrating introverts who also are writers. our 5th anniversary of the marriage For Rich—who is an extroverted that took. [Next February is the 10th media fan, it was sheer, unadulterat- Anniversary of the marriage that was ed hell. Over the 4-day weekend, annulled by the Supreme Court of there were only three panels that California—but that is a different sto- addressed media fandom at all—and ry.] none of them had to do with any cur- Over Memorial Day, I talked Rich rent TV series. into attending BayCon—which bills So. To make it up to him—I prom- itself as the general SF/F convention ised to take him to DragonCon, of the Bay Area. which is media fen a-go-go. In reality: it is a small con geared Variety is the spice of life … and toward writers and makers. Only. that spice must flow.

Memes & Things

I make stuff; I always have. These pages are the result of me exercising my past inter- est as a graphic designer / in- fo-graphic creator for news- papers and magazines. Some of these are my ob- servations, some of them are inspired by the work of oth- ers. But all of them I made with the intent to share—to inform, or amuse. I hope you enjoy this visual trip through my mind.

2 3 No Spoilers: shines through as romance is re- That said, for the Darkover fan, REACTIONS AND REVIEWS placed by intrigue and adventure. Ross’ depiction of Dry Town society in This book follows the adventures the first part of the book is fascinating Recently consumed genre media of Prince Gareth Elhalyn in the first and very well done. Ross also success-

novel almost completely set in Darko- fully plugs many ongoing plot holes MOVIE—It’s a Disaster (2012) ver’s Dry Towns to find out if the Ter- and unanswered questions in regard A very dry comedy about self- rans have returned to Darkover after to Darkover world building inconsist- involved Southern California couples the World Wreckers left the planet a encies and its races, making the book at a Sunday brunch who stay self- generation ago. a valuable addition to a Darkover involved after a deadly terrorist The book delves into issues of indi- fan’s library. attack. The entire film takes place in- viduality vs. social pressure to con- side the bungalow-style house of one form to cultural traditions— MOVIE—Man of Steel (2013) couple. At times witty, at times an- particularly in regard to gender and Last year, I predicted that Man of noying, the dialog by writer/director class. It also looks at how male gen- Steel would make Henry Cavill a Todd Berger and comedic timing of der privilege can be exploited. household name in a similar way the the cast (stand-outs are the perfor- From the outset, it is obvious that first -X Men film made Hugh Jackman mances by David Cross, Julia Stiles Ross did her homework researching a star or Thelma and Louise made and America Ferrera) save this quirky what she could find that MZB had Brad Pitt a star. I stand by that state- film from being boring … that is, as written about the Dry Towns (which ment. Wow - his charisma just leaps long as you like movies that are more was not much) and expanded it to be out of the screen and hits you in the character interaction than plot driv- relevant to readers living on 2013 gut, outshining every other actor, en. Earth. Under Ross, the culture of the male or female.

region are very similar to the Middle Many people have been comparing NOVEL—The Children of Kings by Di- East or South Central Asia—if the in- the 2013 Man of Steel to 1978’s Su- ana J Ross (2013) habitants were paler and blue eyed. perman: The Movie—which is not fair The latest Darkover novel by Ross The book was enjoyable and is a to either film. The 1978 Christopher (who shares joint writing credit with must-buy for any Darkover com- Reeve movie is a slapstick fish out of the long-deceased Marion Zimmer pletest (of course). But, in retrospect, water romance comedy compared to Bradley). When Ross took over the it is by no means among the best of the dark, violent action of Man of Darkover series, she said she sat with the Darkover books written or co- Steel. MZB at length, outlining novels and written by Ross. What screenwriter David S Goyer story ideas. A series of novels fol- My impression is that Ross was accomplished in Man of Steel is noth- lowed where MZB’s voice came writing in the mode of Grand Epic ing short of a complete reconstruc- through loud and clear, even though Trilogy author for the first 4/5ths of tion of the Kryptonian mythos and they were written and published well this novel. Then, at about 80 percent the Kal-El/Clark Kent character to after her death. As Ross’ tenure in done—the epic-ness of the trilogy is bring Superman from a two- Darkover continues, this latest novel truncated into a rushed ending that dimensional, bland cardboard cut-out feels like the first one Ross has only takes a few chapters to con- to an updated story—smashing cliché written without MZB’s voice or style. clude. This sprint to the end left me a expectations to pieces along the way. The signature inner emotional angst, little flat as it neither fit the tone or Gone is the perfect moral compass neuroses, brooding and the grand style of the first 80% of the book nor of previous incarnations. This Super- romances typical of an MZB work is did it wrap up story arcs in a satisfy- man struggles in his life on Earth. gone. Instead, Ross’ writing voice ing way. (Continued on page 5) 4 (Continued from page 4) sat there in our seats letting the past story be about him and the conse- two hours soak in, trying to figure out quences of his choices. This story is science fiction space what just happened to us. MOVIE: Cloud Atlas (2012) opera on a grand scale, an epic tale of We both loved this film despite its I, for one, am tired of “art films” a dying race and its desperate too-loud soundtrack of explosions. with science fiction settings devolving attempt to avoid extinction. This was not the Superman of our into anti-science or anti-science fic- This film also is political—with a childhood; this is the Superman of tion lectures. Thankfully, Cloud Atlas strong message about environmental- right now—with flaws and an out- is not one of these films. ism and genetic manipulation. cast’s humility that is palpable. But, make no mistake, it is an art This movie hits on the struggle Kal- Although a buff heartthrob now, film—which means its tone and mood El faces and reveals that his “powers” the actor who plays superman says he may be a little too obscure and on- are also a constant source of physical drew upon memories as a bullied, linear for folks who want a movie pain that he has dealt with on a daily overweight child in boarding school, with a hero and a definite beginning, basis since childhood. taunted and called “Fat Cavill” by the middle and end. There is an emotional resonance in popular gang of kids—a bullying vic- This film does not explain how it this film—a true delving into the soul tim who found no evening refuge does it or why it happens, but it ap- of the man who wears the cape and with family as he only got to see them parently takes place in different times his search for a way to belong—in on holidays and every third weekend. on different planets in alternate uni- seeking advice to do the right thing. I That brings me to Henry Cavill’s verses. was, frankly, surprised by the tasteful performance. His superman does not Every actor plays at least three inclusion of earnest spirituality in this talk much at all in this film. But he different parts—some up to 6 parts. film as Clark/Kal-El searches for guid- acted the hell out of his part. The vul- Depending on the universe the ac- ance. nerability and depth of emotional tor’s race, age, orientation and gen- That said, one of the most-jarring pain that plays across his face— der fluctuates. aspects of Man of Steel—for me—is including the brave face he puts on to At first it seems a mishmash as the the way it killed off the goody-two- hide it—was masterful and draws you narrative skips around until it be- shoes squeaky-clean Superman. into the turmoil in his soul. You will- comes clear that we are witnessing The film is overflowing with power- ingly go along for the ride. epic love stories that cross space-time ful, violent imagery—all done very In previous versions of on-screen constraints. well and very loudly. This is not a film Superman, the villains and supporting The film is gorgeously shot; the art that you watch as an observer. Direc- characters had to carry the show be- direction is phenomenal. Neffy Award tor Zach Snyder beats you up with cause the guy in blue was too perfect -winning pro artist Jonas De Ro paint- this film—it happens to you, not in on his own to be interesting. ed the digital backdrops used in some front of you. Modern superhero stories have of the scenes. From almost the first scene, it is a become predictable: they are either It is a treat to watch the talents of breathless and noisy—and violent— simply about slaying the dragon or Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broad- science fiction action flick. All of your too-convenient morality tales about bent, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, senses, including your sense of empa- the people whose lives are changed and Hugh Grant stretch as they thy are pounded to a pulp—in a very by meeting the hero. change into and out of roles (and masterful way—while watching this Not this time. With Cavill’s inter- sometimes genders) and try to pick film. pretation of Goyer’s writing, we final- them out under heavy make-up. When Man of Steel ended and the ly have a Superman who is interesting But for a film about the quantum credits started to roll, Rich and I just enough in his own right to have the (Continued on page 6) 5 (Continued from page 5) to confirm that the Russians had se- The biggest name stars of this cretly landed on the lunar surface, movie are Paul Giamatti and Clancy connection of two beings that brings but something went horribly wrong. Brown, who play smallish, supporting them together repeatedly in differ- This film was supposedly compiled roles. ence universes, it falls flat in allowing from film shot by the astronauts The point of this film is its farce— the audience to emotionally connect themselves. like Bill & Ted’s Bizarro World Adven- with most of the onscreen characters. The “found footage” horror movie ture. If that does not sound appealing Instead, this film should be viewed concept killed this movie for me. It to you—then you will not like this for what it is: a lyrical and gorgeous- would have been much better had it movie. looking feast of a meditation on the been filmed as a straight-up period value of a person despite the role piece of fiction. MOVIE: Thale (2012) they are assigned at birth. That’s because the film’s plot con- This is movie based upon Norwe- cept itself is fairly compelling: Rus- gian folklore. As a person who does MOVIE: Dark Skies (2013) sians secretly land on the Moon and not want to spoil movies in his re- Dark Skies falls apart in the third find something that is deadly. A simi- views, this film is a challenge because act—which is an all-too-common lar plot was successful when John it is so original, that it is hard not to affliction of genre movies. But its Carpenter re-made “The Thing” in spoil the plot. So, I’ll just talk around shaggy dog of a twist ending is unin- 1982—and it is still terrifying today. it. spired and leaves the film in the The main actors, Warren Christie This film was so successful in Scan- “meh” realm. (Alphas), Lloyd Owen, and Ryan Rob- dinavia, that it is getting a sequel and This film is science fiction horror— bins (Sanctuary, Falling Skies, Caprica, there are talks about remaking it for and is about a family coping with al- Battlestar Galactica, Stargate: Atlan- the U.S. audience in English. ien abduction. The movie does OK in tis) are outstanding. The genre of this film is probably the science fiction, but the horror is It’s just that the hack premise “urban fantasy” horror - though it not horrific at all. made the movie more of a gimmick does not have an urban setting, per The good news is that the acting is than the thrill ride it could have been. se. done really well. Keri Russell (Felicity, There are worse movies than Apol- The actors, all unknown to Ameri- The Americans), in particular, is fear- lo 18, but there also are many better can audiences, are good in their roles. less in how she threw herself into her movies more worth the time invest- As is the technical craft of the film role. ment. making and special effects. This film’s failure, though, is solely It Is hard to believe that a film of in the hands of writer/director Scott MOVIE: John Dies at the End (2012) this quality did not come out of Holly- Stewart (Priest, Legion) who originally If you are a fan of old Sam Raimi wood. made a career for himself in special films Army( of Darkness, etc.) or the The one complaint I have is that in effects. humor of the late Douglas Adams - reading the subtitles, you may miss The effects in this film are top- then this movie is right up your alley. some of the fleeting foreshadowing in notch, by the way. But I still cannot It is a twisted farce of a comedy the background scenes. recommend it. based on a book of the same name by Additionally, the film is violent and David Wong. deserves an R rating for the violence MOVIE: Apollo 18 (2011) It follows the bizarre exploits of and adult situations. The premise of this film is that the two slackers (David and John) in a But if that doesn't bother you in last secret manned moon mission by world that resembles Evil Dead-meets the slightest, you may be in for a NASA was Defense Department move -Naked Lunch. (Continued on page 7) 6 (Continued from page 6) Then there is the scene-chomping member to create this 92-page full overacting of Jeremy Irons, Margot color guide to Buck Rogers fandom— treat as it is easily one of the most Martindale and Emma Thompson— with an emphasis on the Big Little original thrillers in years. It also intro- who push this film firmly into the Book collections of reprinted Buck duces an obscure Norwegian folk tale realm of camp. If it had stayed there, Rogers comic strips from 1933 on. in a compelling way. it would have been a bizarre comedy In addition, the publication with a twisted bend. attempts to catalog most forms of MOVIE: Beautiful Creatures (2013) Instead, the wonderful Viola Davis collectible merchandise and quite a From Writer/Director Richard delivers a grounded, serious perfor- few fan-made collectibles for the LaGravenese, comes this film based mance that otherwise would have character first created by Philip Fran- upon the novel by Kami Garcia. worked - but here, it gives this film a cis Nowlan for the August 1928 issue More than slightly influenced by case of schizophrenia that makes it of Amazing Stories. Wuthering Heights, this movie falls near unwatchable as a whole. The authors detail a fascinating flat—but not for lack of trying. That kind of mixed message is a story of how the original story and Upon watching it, it looks like sign the director has lost control of characters were changed by savvy Warner Brothers was trying to devel- the movie. I think that is the case marketing from the 1920s to the op a cross between Harry Potter and here, too. 1980s, including full color reproduc- Twilight. That’s what it got—sort of. That is too bad, because under tions of advertisements and posters. The resulting movie is a romantic more skillful hands, this film could In addition, they document Rogers’ gothic romance with comedic ele- have been so much better if it had a appearances in radio, television and ments. It’s also creepy—but not the unified tone. It is a good-looking film, film—putting into context and tracing in the thriller way … it’s creepy in the but I cannot in good conscience rec- the historical roots of the people, rac- “bad touch” way. ommend it. es and storylines of the Buck Rogers The plot involves overtly exploiting universe. the sexuality of girls—and boys— NONFICTION: The Buck Rogers Big An added benefit to SF/F scholars: under age 18. The fact that the actors Little Books and Other Collectibles by the authors include a detailed anno- (Alice Englert, Alden Ehrenreich) who Jon D. Swartz and Lawrence F. Low- tated bibliography of the work as will are portraying these early-teen char- ery (2013, Big Little Book Club) as fictional character index for easy acters are in their 20s only heightens N3F member Jon Swartz teamed cross reference. the “ew”-factor. up with a fellow Big Little Book Club - Davodd

FANZINES RECEIVED SINCE LAST ISH #253—August 2012—16 pp. #260—St. Urho’s Day 2013—16 pp.  ESSAY: Cowtown Parties Hearty by Dale  ARTICLE: Human Evolution: Part 2, We OPTUNTIA (ISSN 1183-2703) Speirs Migrated and Migrated and Migrated  ARTICLE: The Man from Montenegro:  ESSAY: Transit Fanning in Calgary: Part Dale Speirs, Box 6830, Calgary AB T2P 2E7 Part 2 by Dale Speirs 3, Articulata CANADA ($3/ish)   CON REPORT: When Words Collide 2012 REVIEWS: Non-Fiction Books #28—March 1996—16 pp. by Dale Speirs  ESSAY: The Past was Prologue   LOCs: Teddy Hervia; Joseph Major; Harry REVIEWS: Sherlockiana, Pt. 10  LOCS to FAPA #302 Warner, Jr.; Joseph Nicholas; Sheryl Birk- “The Adventure of the Purloined Paget” # 261—April 2013—16 pp. head, Lloyd Penney, A Study in Sherlock (2011); “The Audi-  REVIEWS: Sherlockiana, Pt. 12 ence of the Dead” Strand Magazine  ESSAY: Telegraph Fandom and T-Zines by “The Adventure of the Memento Man” (June 2011); “The Adventure of the Vint- Dale Speirs Strand Magazine by Lindsay Faye (June ner’s Codex” Strand Magazine (Oct.  ARTICLE: Zines: An EO-History by Ken 2012); “The Adventure of the Lightless 2011). (Continued on page 8) Faig, Jr. 7 (Continued from page 7)  ESSAYS by Robert Jennings: Sales by Louis Desy Jr. - A Cure for the National Drought;  FICTION: Coupon Special by Albert J. Maiden” Strand Magazine by Lindsay - The State of the Print Fantastic Maga- Manachino Faye (Nov. 2012); Sherlock Holmes and zine Market;  REVIEW by Robert Jennings: Spacehawk the Ghosts of Bly by Donald Thomas - For Those Who Asked, And Those Who by Basil Wolverton (2010); More Holmes for the Holidays by Didn’t;  LOCs: Reader Reaction Anne Perry (1999).  HUMOR: The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Nate Bucklin, James N. Dawson, David B.  ARTICLE: Human Evolution: Part 4, Dis- Terran Culture by Kim L. Neidigh Williams, Brad Foster, Jefferson P. persal Outside Africa and Europe  FICTION: Monday Morning by Albert J. Swycaffer, Ray Palm, R-Laurraine Tuti-  ESSAY: Economic Systems in Fiction Monachino hasi, Joy V. Smith, Murray Moore, Alexis  ESSAY: All the Gold in China  ARTICLE: Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Tarzan Gilliland, Norm Metcalf, Richard Hand-  LOCs: Murray Moore, Anna Banana, Bob On the Radio by Robert Jennings loff, John Thiel, Kim L. Neidigh, David Jennings  LOCs: Reader Reaction: Szurek, Lloyd Penney  ZINE LIST Nate Bucklin, John Thiel, Jefferson P.  ART: Robert Cepeda (cover), Dan Carroll #262—May 2013—16 pp. Swycaffer, Joy V. Smith, Brad W. Foster, (bc), John V. Cody, Brad Foster, Alexis  REVIEWS: The Other Invisible Men Kent McDaniel, Alexis Gilliland, Jerry Gilliland, Alan Hutchinson, Steve Stiles. Phantom From Space (1953); The Amaz- Kaufman, Joseph T. Major, Franz Zrilich, ing Transparent Man (1960); Get Smart, Milt Stevens, David Szurek, James Daw- #34—48 pp. “One Nation Invisible” (1968); The son.  ESSAY by Robert Jennings: Avengers, “The See-Through  ART: Jon V. Cody (Cover), Dan Carroll - A Blast from the Past; A Pile of Broken Man” (1967); The Astral Factor (1976); (bc), Robert Cepeda, Alexis Gilliland Dreams, MacDonald's All-Star Football Forbidden Planet (1956); The Shadow Card Set; A Box of Ancient Secret Society (1930-1954); Hollow Man (2000); Hollow #32—54 pp. Relics Man 2 (2006)  ESSAYS:  ARTICLE: Rod Serling by Jeffrey Redmond  ARTICLE: Human Evolution: Part 4. We - Another Very Crowded Issue by Robert  CON REPORT: Boskone 50 by Murray Are What We Ate Jennings Moore  REVIEWS: The Groves of Academia, Pt. 2 - Cartoonist Behind Bars by Robert  ARTICLE: Flix by Robert Jennings Powerhouse Blue by Tom Sharpe (1974); Cepeda  LOCs: Reader Reaction Grantchester Grind by Tom Sharpe  REVIEWS by Robert Jennings: Sheryl Birkhead, Jeffrey Redmond, Rob- (2995); Landscape With Dead Dons by - Felix the Cat: The Great Comic Book ert Cepeda, John Thiel, Steve Stiles, Robert Robinson (1956); Changing Plac- Tails ed. Craig Yoe (2011); Jefferson P. Swycaffer, Brad Foster, Craig es by David Lodge (1975). - Tales of Magic and Mystery, 1928 Shutt, Dwight R. Decker, George Phillies, #263—June 2013—16 pp. (Wildside Press reprint, 2004) Murray Moore, Ray Palm, R-Laurraine  REVIEWS: Radio Non-Fiction  LOCs: Reader Reaction Tutihasi, James N. Dawson, Gary Erwin, Sinc, Betty and the Morning Man by Jefferson P. Swycaffer, John Purcell, Alexis Gilliland. Donald Lamont Jack (1977); I’s Not Lloyd Penney, Murray Moore, Rob Imes,  ART: John V. Cody (cover), Dan Carroll Wearing Pants by Kelsi Jordan (2006); Chris Garcia, Kim Neidigh, George Phil- (bc), Robert Cepeda, Brad Foster, Alexis Radio Ladies by Peggy Stewart (2012); As lies, Darrell Schweitzer, Jerry Kaufman, Gilliland, Alan Hutchinson, Mike Peters, It Happened by Barbara Frum (1976); As John Thiel, Milt Stevens, Sheryl Birkhead, Steve Stiles, Jefferson Swycaffer It Happens Files by Mary Lou Finaly Alexis Gilliland, Joseph T. Major, Law- (2008). rence Dagstine.  ARTICLE: Human Evolution: Part 5, We  ART: Steve Stiles (cover), Dan Carroll Learn to think Deep (bc), Sheryl Birkhead, Robert Cepeda,  ESSAY: Around Town. Photos and essay John V. Cody, Brad Foster, Alexis Gil- about Calgary. illand.

FADEAWAY #33—40 pp.  ESSAYS by Robert Jennings: Robert Jennings, 29 Whiting Rd., Oxford MA - Once Again, Whether E-Mags?, 01540-2035 ($15/yr—6 issues)  ARTICLE: An Explanation for Reports

About a Spectacular Rise in Comic Book #31—54 pp. 8