Volume 13, Issue 5 October/November ConNotations 2003 The Bi-Monthly Science Fiction, Fantasy & Convention Newszine of the Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Featured Inside Harlan Ellison By Dawn Mullan SF Tube Talk Special Features All the latest news about Harlan Ellison’s Phoenix Appearance For all of his social improprieties and tions. Some recoil. Some rejoice. Still Scienc Fiction TV shows Ode To A Fantasy Seller narcisstic compulsions, his philosophy others sit baffled and frightened hoping by Lee Whiteside Love’s Savage Bindings protuberates underneath pretense and he won’t ask them the next question. General Research In Genetics pretext. Subliminal. An 24 Frames asynchronous perforation of All the latest Movie News Plus our Regular Features: the subconscious mind by Lee Whiteside making nothingness absorb CASFS Business Report realization, this irreverent ConClusion revolutionist drives past CopperCon Event Calendar mere conception and into by Lee Whiteside Area events, TV premires, the garage of visionary Comic Con DVD & Movie releases intellectualism. by Shane Shellenbarger In a room with an FYI agminate of students, Musical Notes News and tidbits of professors, and staff, Mr. The latest news of Filk and Filkers interest to fans Harlan Ellison uncannily from Tom Tuerff chooses from the audience Club Listings those subjects having car ReAnimation troubles on the intellectual Convention List & Reviews of Anime super-highway of life. Generic Registration Form on DVD and VHS Although, the conclave doesn’t appreciate that ignorance leaves us as In Our Book stranded and vulnerable as Reviews of New SF/F Books growing flora on the side of the road with only the NonGenre By Genre sunlight of knowledge able © Shellnbarger Non SF/F books by SF/F Authors Andre Norton to develop us into productive flowers. These tremulant minds ponder warily Plucking these sprouting petals in a the unfathomable before them: What is A Novel Idea sadistic game of “love me, love me not”, this shadowy figure protruding into the Upcoming books Mr. Ellison turns off the ignition and runs recesses of our psyche? What type of straight into the wilderness of our imagina- ( cont’d on page 8 )
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(602) 923-0733 * BuboniCon (Albuquerque, NM) ISSN: 1082-7765 1917 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ PUBLISHED: Six times a year 3029 W Peoria, Suite CC, Phoenix, AZ Root Seller Gallery announced attendance of 460, up from BY: Central Arizona Speculative 85021 (602)395-1066 1605 N 7th Ave, Phoenix AZ (602)712-9338 their usual 250. Fiction Society, PO Box 62613, Phoenix, 3155 W Chandler Blvd #5, Chandler AZ Toy Anxiety The New Guy 85226 (480)940-6061 10210 N 32nd St, Suite B3, Phoenix AZ AZ 85082 Samurai Comics 85028 (602)308-0292 ISSUE NUMBER: Volume 13 Issue 5 5024 N 7th St, Phoenix AZ (602)265-8886 SUBSCRIPTION: $12 for 6 ISSUES Page 2 ConNotations Volume 13 Issue 5 metaphor for coming into your own. “It’s SF Tube Talk kind of discovering yourself,” Gorham 24 Frames said. “And I think the ‘2.0’ kind of works TV News & Previews on that level as well. It’s like as you go Movie News By Lee Whiteside through life, you’re constantly upgrading By Lee Whiteside [and] hopefully not downgrading. And The fall season is mostly underway for each time you move into the newest Batman is Back! Warner Bros. the broadcast networks and we’ve got version of yourself, there’s new problems announced that Christian Bale (Ameri- news and info on all your favorite shows and there’s new rewards, and you kind of can Psycho, Reign of Fire) has been cast and some more details on the newcomers. have to learn all over again.” in the next Batman movie. Director There’s also lots of development news to Over at The WB, Angel is off and Christopher Nolan indicated “he has report, everything from the long in running with their new locale at Wolfram exactly the balance of darkness and light development Anonymous Rex to a new and Hart. Following last season’s finale that we were looking for.” Warner Bros. Lee Whiteside adaptation of The Flash for the WB. that set up their new digs, we’ve got a few has been silent on the plot of the movie rural Pennsylvania in 1897 in a small The new season of Enterprise started additional changes in store. First of all, and it appears to be a completely different village surrounded by mystical woods. in early September with a more uptempo Connor and Cordelia are no longer on the project from others that had been in Starring are Bryce Dallas Howard, Joaquin version of it’s opening theme song. Faith show and there’s currently no word on if development. Rumors are it will involve Phoenix, Adrien Brody, William Hurt, of the Heart. UPN is also having Star Trek they will be making any appearances. Ras Al Ghul and be set partly in London. Ashton Kutcher, and Sigourney Weaver. put in front of Enterprise for promotional James Marsters will be joining the show They are aiming for a Summer 2005 release. Also in the works for next summer is purposes hoping to remind viewers that it as a regular, with Spike initially appearing As for Superman, latest rumors are “Alien vs. Predator”, set in the near future is set in the Star Trek Universe. With the as a ghost or something of that sort. The that director McG and producer Jon where a team of scientists investigating new focus on the continuing Xindi producers have indicated that there will Peters are no longer involved and Warner ancient pyramids in Antarctica find Alien storyline, UPN is hoping for renewed likely be a visit from Sarah Michelle Bros. is starting over from scratch. face huggers. Once the aliens are uncov- interest in the series. However, the Gellar next spring during February or May Star Wars Episode Three is wrapping ered, Predators start showing up to take opening week numbers were comparable sweeps. Another familiar face turning up up filming in Australia. There’s all sorts of them on. Sort of a prequel to the Alien to what the show drew for the season as a secretary at Wolfram and Hart will be rumors and official and unofficial informa- movies and somewhat loosely related to finale that introduced the storyline. They Mercedes McNab as Harmony. One of the tion about the movie circulating online. the Dark Horse Comics line of books and will be continuing the Xindi story arc at new semi-regular characters will be Eve, There will be a new bad guy in the movie, related video games. Directed and written least into the November ratings sweeps. Angel’s liaison to the senior partners. a light saber duel between Anakin and by Paul W.S. Anderson (Resident Evil, Upcoming episodes include Raijin where Opening episodes of the season include Obi-Wan, the first glimpses of Darth Vader, Mortal Kombat, Soldier, Event Horizon). the NX-01 crew takes on a beautiful alien Convictions, where Angel deals with and a spectacular action sequence with Halle Berry will be Catwoman next slave named Raijin while they work Wolfram and Hart spying on him and a Yoda according to effects supervisor Dan summer, with Sharon Stone co-starring. towards a showdown with the Xindi; client who says he will destroy California if Gregoire. See the SF Tube Talk for more Based loosely on the DC Catwoman Impulse sees the Enterprise respond to a they don’t win his case; Just Rewards info on the Star Wars: The Clone Wars comics, Berry plays Patience Price, a Salt distress signal from a Vulcan ship in the brings Spike fully into the picture as we cartoon debuting on Cartoon Network in Lake City veterinary scientist who Expanse which contains insane zombie-like learn more about the Amulet he used in the November. becomes Catwoman to fight against the Vulcans; in Exile, a powerful telepath Buffy finale while Angel deals with Joss Whedon will be bringing his cosmetics company she works for that is a makes contact with Hoshi and offers to terminating a client who is a necromancer; cancelled Firefly TV series to the big front for the criminal activities of the help Enterprise find the Xindi ... for a price; Unleashed brings on a female werewolf screen for Universal Pictures. Whedon will husband and wife (Stone) that run it. The Shipment sees Archer, Reed and named Nina and when Angel must save also direct and will incorporate the Rumors are that Michelle Pfieffer may Major Hayes infiltrate a Xindi-Sloth her when she is captured to be this mythology of the series into the movie but make a cameo appearance to pass the industrial colony to learn more about the month’s meal at a club that dines on exotic keep it a stand alone effort with an epic torch to Berry. weapon of mass destruction that will be creatures; Hell Bound has Fred bring in a feel. Negotiations are underway to bring Blade: Trinity will see Dominic used against Earth; in Twilight, Archer psychic in an attempt to help Spike when a all of the TV cast back for the movie. Purcell (John Doe) as Wesley Snipes’ wakes up to find that the Enterprise is spirit who sends other spirits into Hell is M. Night Shyamalan’s The Woods nemesis in the third Blade movie. Also under attack, he is confined to quarters, after Spike; and the last October episode is (the title will likely change) is in the works and T’Pol is now Captain; and in North about Wolfram and Hart’s annual Hallow- for an August, 2004 release. It is set in ( cont’d on page 7 ) Star, the Enterprise comes across a Wild- een party where chaos West style town in the Delphic Expanse ensues when Lorne’s populated by Skagarans and humans subconscious comes to (descendents of a Wagon train abducted the forefront. in 1857). The episode’s writer, David The opening WANTED TO BUY!!! Goodman, has indicated the episode is episodes of Smallville intended to pay homage to original Star will deal with the after Currently paying cash for the following: Trek episode like Spectre of the Gun effects of the season RPG books like Dungeons & Dragons, Advanced Dungeons and Dragons, 3rd where the Enterprise crew came across finale where Clark’s acts ED D&D D20, Shadowrun, some older White Wolf, Middle Earth role Playing Earth like settings. led to the death of the and more! Teaming up with Enterprise on UPN Kent’s unborn baby. on Wednesday nights is Jake 2.0. It is off Clark has headed off to Avalon Hill, SPI, GMT, Columbia, GDW and other board games! to a fair start in the ratings (holding almost Metropolis and in the Magic The Gathering Cards From Beta, Unlimited, Revised, Arabian Nights and all of the Enterprise audience) but once season opener Exiles, Legends the other networks roll out new episodes, Clark gets involved with Lord of the Rings and Legend of the five rings CCG”s it may not hold up as well. There is no crime boss Morgan Battletech & older Miniatures advance info on episodes to report. As Edge (Rutger Hauer) mentioned in the previous issue, the who hires him to break Battletech books behind the scenes crew has a good into Luthercorp, Looking for anything New, Used, opened, unopened, painted and unpainted! pedigree and if given the chance, it may Jonathan Kent tries to turn out to be a good show. At press time put his family back Please call 480-807-5086 with what you have! all I have seen is the pilot, which shows together and Lionel promise. In talking to SciFi Wire, Christo- Luther accuses Helen of pher Gorham, said that the show is a ( cont’d on page 4 ) Volume 13 Issue 5 ConNotations Page 3 SF Tube Talk (Cont’d from page 3) fight. For more details check out also signed Lawless to a development deal unsuspecting best friend and Zach www.kryptonsite.com on the internet. for a possible series for next season, so if Galifianakis as Davis, the quirky morgue killing Lex. In Phoenix, Lex returns to I’ve even turned up some advanced Tarzan doesn’t make it, Lawless will likely attendant Tru works the night shift with. A everyone’s surprise and Clark and the info on Charmed for once. Following the get a chance to develop something of her computer geek friend who helps Tru out in Kents try to put their lives back together season opener where the Halliwell’s dealt own to star in. the pilot has apparently been removed while Lionel and Morgan Edge both are with Valhalla and Valkyries, in Forget Me Starting up on FOX at the end of from the show. The initial batch of looking at the sample of Clark’s blood. Not, Wyatt conjures up a dragon that episodes include Extinctions introduces a friend of Lana’s October is Tru exposes magic to the world that has to be the Pilot where who has been going around taking out the Calling with cleaned up by The Cleaners; in Power of Tru firsts learns “meteor-freaks” since one of them killed Eliza Dushku Three Blondes, three ditzy sisters (all of her special his father. He gets ahold of Chloe’s as Tru Davies, blond) from the 1920’s steal the Halliwell power when a database and sets his sights on Clark. a morgue sisters powers in an attempt to take over young woman’s Slumber sees two newcomers in town that attendant who their identities; and in Love’s a Witch, corpse says move next door to the Kents, a young girl gets messages Paige gets a new boyfriend, a warlock that “Help Me” and named Sarah and her uncle. Sarah is in a from the dead has a cursed family. she has to find comatose state likely as a result of the and wakes up Also on The WB is Tarzan, which will out how and why meteor shower. When Clark starts seeing the previous likely draw a decent sized audience but she died and try her moving around outside, he begins to morning with hasn’t yet generated much online buzz. to save her while suspect there’s more going on than it the chance to The most recent news about the show is dealing with her appears. In Perry, Clark meets up with a save them. that Lucy Lawless (Xena) will be joining siblings problems reporter named Perry White (Michael She also has a the show as Kathleen Clayton, a publish- as well; Putting McKean) who comes to Smallville on an brother, ing magnate and younger sister of Mitch Out Fires has Tru assignment while Lex begins seeing a Harrison Pileggi’s Richard Clayton, the acting head try to prevent a psychiatrist, Claire Foster. Relics sees a (Shawn of Greystoke Industries. Both Clayton’s fireman’s death story from the 1960’s about Jonathan Reaves), who have their own ideas on how to handle while saving a Kent’s parents and Lex Luthor’s grandpar- gets into their nephew, knowing that whoever family from a fire; ents dealing with a mysterious drifter trouble controls Tarzan, controls Greystoke. This Brother’s Keeper named Joe. This looks to be similar to the gambling and addition indicates that the show will not has Tru’s brother Roswell episode where everyone in the a sister, focus exclusively on the Tarzan and Jane cast played characters from an earlier time get involved with a married woman who relationship but will have a larger scope, Meredith (Jessica Collins), who has drug period to tell a story in the past. Magnetic kills her husband and Tru has to figure out thus the dropping of “Jane” from the title. problems and she uses her second chance sees a new Freak of the Week with who’s telling the truth in the relationship; Bringing Lawless in will give the show a to help them out while she is literally magnetic powers that activate when he is Past Tense sees Tru try to save five men dynamic similar to what is seen on running around town. Also regulars are given a MRI after a neck injury he got in a Smallville with the Luthors. The WB has A.J. Cook as Lindsay, Tru’s loyal and ( Cont’d on page 5 ) HH EEXXAACC OO NN 1144 Arizona’s Largest Gaming Convention July 29*-Aug 1, 2004 Tempe Mission Palms, Tempe, AZ
Arizona’s Largest Annual Gaming Convention will be even bigger in 2004. We’re moving to the Tempe Mission Palms in downtown Tempe with a lot more room and tons of nearby restaurants and shopping. We’ll have all of our regular events and activities plus more in the works. *Special events and gaming for Pre-registered members start Thursday, July 29 Gaming starts at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 30 and runs non-stop until Sunday, August 1st at 3 p.m. We are planning to have Sanctioned Magic & CCG Tournaments, Steve Jackson Games, Board Gaming, Miniatures, multiple LARPs, Battletech, Computer Lan Gaming, Miniatures Painting Contest, Role Playing, Chess Federation Sponsored Chess Events, White Wolf, Dealer’s Room, Used Game Auction, Anime Room and Full Hospitality Suite.
Location Information: Membership Rates: Contact HexaCon at: $15 through Dec 31, 2003, Hexacon 14 Tempe Mission Palms $20 through June 30, 2004, P.O. Box 62613 60 E 5th St, Tempe, AZ 85281 Phoenix, AZ 85082 (800) 547-8705 $25 at the Door. Phone: (602) 973-2341 Room Rates $85 S/D/T/Q Email: [email protected] Pay Online using PayPal! Web: www.hexacon.org
Page 4 ConNotations Volume 13 Issue 5 Joan (Amber Tamblyn) living in Arcadia both into helping with an ongoing serial operations for several intelligence and SF Tube Talk (Cont’d from page 4) that has God talk to her appearing as killer mystery her dad is working on plus security agencies. Like the members of the who are all poisoned at a bachelor party; different people. Her father, Will Girardi giving her disabled brother some Mutant X team, she was also the unwitting Haunted has Tru trying to save a medical (Joe Mantegna) is chief of police, her older encouragment. subject of genetic experimentation. As a student who is experimenting with brother Kevin (Jason Ritter) is recovering Andromeda moves into its fourth result, she can bend light rays to become recovering suppressed memories through from a car accident that disabled him a season in syndication and will be aired in invisible and manipulate light to use as a near death experiences; Star Crossed has year and a half ago, her younger brother wide-screen. Gone is Keith Hamilton Cobb weapon. The remaining mutants will learn Tru trying to save a high school couple brother, Luke (Michael Welch), is a as Tyr Anasazi (although he will be making that they are part of a much larger experi- who died in a car crash. computer geek, and her mother, Helen an appearance or two during the season). ment that Adam had kept them in the dark Elsewhere on the networks is Joan of (Mary Steenburgen), is trying to deal with According to a Tribune press release, about. Arcadia on CBS, about a teenager named all of them. The pilot shows promise, with Dylan Hunt and crew will work to keep the Over on Showtime, Dead Like Me has God directing Joan to get a job that figures finished up it’s first season with no reports fragile Commonwealth yet on if Showtime will pick it up for any from falling and we will more episodes. Taking over the Friday 10 also learn the true pm ET/PT time slot on October 10th will be nature of Trance the second (and likely final) season of Gemini. We will also Jeremiah. As previously reported, Sean see Steve Bacic return Astin (Sam Gamgee in Lord of the Rings) as Telemachus Rhade. joins the cast as the mysterious Mr. Smith, Opening the season is who talks to God among other strange Answers Given To traits. In the season opening two-parter Questions Never Asked Letters from the Other Side, Jeremiah has in which Dylan Hunt come to Valhalla Sector and found his and the Andromeda father but it seems Ezekiel was right - his must travel to the All presence may pave the way to disaster. Forces Nullification With Markus and Erin also captives of Point to save the Valhalla Sector’s rulers, only Kurdy Commonwealth remains free to try to avert it. In part two, congress that is on the Kurdy meets the mysterious Mister Smith. verge of annihilation. Reluctantly, they join others from Thunder In Double or Nothing- Mountain in Lee Chen’s danger-ridden ness, while working to plan to rescue Jeremiah, Markus and Erin rebuild the Common- from Valhalla Sector. wealth fleet, Dylan falls Coming up on The Cartoon Network is in with a gambler who (finally) the second season of The Justice puts pilots into virtual League beginning October 4th. They will reality fighter games air both parts of each two part episode on who traps him into one Saturday nights at 10 pm ET/PT. Opening of these games. In stories are Tabula Rasa where J’onn Soon the Nearing J’onzz has a crisis of conscience while Lex Vortex, Dylan stops a Luthor gains control of Amazo, a powerful pirate transporting bio- android who can copy the powers of the organic body armor entire Justice League. that leaves the wearer In Only A Dream members of the indestructible and mad. Justice League are trapped in a nightmar- In Exalted Reason, ish dream world controlled by the evil Dr. Resplendant Daughter, Destiny where they are forced to confront Dylan rescues the their own darkest fears. Maid of Honor daughter of a Common- has Wonder Woman befriend a jet-setting wealth ruler from an Kasnian princess only to find herself outlaw but finds she enmeshed in a complex plot of intrigue and has fallen in love with betrayal masterminded by the Justice the rogue. League’s old enemy, Vandal Savage. At Mutant X, Hearts and Minds has John Stewart learn there’s plenty of that Katma Tui, his old girlfriend from the changes in store there Green Lantern Corps, is missing in action. following the season He leaves Earth to try to rescue her from finale that left the fate the clutches of the mad prophet known as of most of the crew Despero. uncertain. Not return- Debuting on November 7th on the ing at all is Emma Cartoon Network is Star Wars: The Clone (Lauren Lee Smith) Wars. The first ten segments will air and Adam Kane (John weeknights at 8 pm ET/PT for two weeks Shea) will be relegated on the network in a five minute block to an occasional role. leading off the hour. The shorts tell stories Taking charge will be of events that happen between Star Wars newcomer mutant Lexa Episode II and Star Wars Episode III. Pierce (Karen Cliche They are produced by Genndy from Adventure, Inc.) Tartakovsky, creator of Dexter’s Labora- whose shadowy past tory and Samurai Jack. The remaining ten includes covert ( Cont’d on page 6 ) Volume 13 Issue 5 ConNotations Page 5 SF Tube Talk (Cont’d from page 5) Moore took the re-imagining approach, learns that Number Six (Tricia Helfer) is series and it will air on Sunday, December taking the basic concept but updating it not really a beautiful and sultry woman but 7th and Monday, December 8th. It is their episodes in the project will be aired more to today’s expectations of what a an advanced Cylon android. Even though big event miniseries for the fall and it will sometime next spring. science fiction show should be. However, Baltar escapes with the Galactica, Six is likely draw a large audience of viewers and Eric Garcia, creator of Anonymous in the process of doing so, some of the still with him due to a memory chip more than likely will spawn a weekly series Rex and writer of the book that the recent changes have been met with a fierce implanted in Baltar’s brain. Finally, Col. or additional mini-series. I’d suggest you movie Matchstick Men was based on has outcry from die-hard Galactica fans. Paul Tigh (Michael Hogan), Galactica’s watch it for what it is intended, a re- reported on his official website, Taking on the role of Cmdr. William Executive officer and Adama’s right-hand imagining of the whole thing and not get EricGarcia.com, that production on a two Adama is Edward James Olmos. Adama is man, is ill-tempered and an alcoholic, and stuck on the changes made to it. Of hour pilot movie for the Anonymous Rex in charge of the last remaining Battlestar, believes that his wife is cheating on him. course, having the original series released series has finally been given a green light. Galactica, and wants to avenge the SciFi has been heavily promoting the on DVD this fall will invite those compari- The project has been in development for deaths of billions of humans but is forced sons.... three years with SciFi and Alliance- to flee with the remnants Atlantis and has been slowly working out of humanity and lead the the problems of depicting dinosaurs rag-tag fleet of space- disguised as humans which is a central ships to a safe haven ConKopelli piece of the premise. According to Garcia, away from the Cylons. the pilot movie is actually based on the Leading the remaining story seen in the prequel book, Casual humans is President Westercon 57 Rex, in which Vincent Rubio and his part- Laura Roslin (Mary ner, Ernie, go after a back to nature dino- McDonnell) who was July 2-5, 2004 saur cult led by Circe. I’ll definitely have 43rd in succession to be more details as they become available. president and finds Litchfield Park, Arizona Former X-Files executive producer and herself the new Presi- Phoenix native Frank Spotnitz is develop- dent when she is the ing a supernatural series for the FX higest ranking survivor C.J. Cherryh - Author Guest of Honor network called The 13th Floor. The show Adama’s son, Lee deals with a lawyer who serves as an “Apollo” Adama (Jamie David Cherry - Artist Guest of Honor advocate for dead people who believe Bamber), is estranged they’ve been wrongly condemned to hell. from his father, having Heather Alexander - Music Guest of Honor Spotnitz is working with novelist Brad blamed him for the death Meltzer and Steve Cohen on the series. of his brother, Zak. An John Hertz - Fan Guest of Honor The WB has made a pilot commitment accomplished viper for a new series based loosely on DC pilot, Apollo must work Our Theme: Mythology of the SouthWest comic’s The Flash. Todd Komarnicki to set aside his grudges (Resistance) is writing the pilot and will to work with his father executive produce the show. The show will and others to fight the be another re-imagining of a comics Cylons and save character with the Flash discovering he humanity. Now we come Membership: can travel very fast when he is fresh out of to where things start to college. He also has the capability to run be a little different from Location: backwards and forwards in time. the original.... Supporting: $30 One more Gene Roddenberry project is Lt. Kara “Starbuck” in development. Former Star Trek: TNG Trace (Katee Sackhoff) Wigwam Resort Attending: $65 thru producer Herbert Wright has found is an accomplished viper 300 Wigwam Blvd. financing for a series based on pilot, a loner, rebellious 10/31/03 Roddenberry’s The Questor Tapes. and always hungry for a Litchfield Park, Arizona More later and at the door Wright told SciFi Wire that they are still good fight. When the determining if the series will go to a Cylons launch their 623 -935-3811 network, cable or into syndication. They sneak attack on Kobol, Rooms: $105 intend to start off the season with a full she finds herself at the two hour episode with 24 hour long core of the Galactica’s Suites: $135 episodes to follow. He expects the series combat team defending Room rate includes gratuity for to be ready for the 2004/2005 TV season. the last of humanity. Lt. bellman (check in/out), maid Finally, it’s time for the long awaited Sharon “Boomer” Valerii Contact Info: (or dreaded depending on your viewpoint) (Grace Park) is a young service, as well as unlimited use preview of the new Battlestar Galactica pilot, recently graduated of the Health Facilities, Valet and arriving on SciFi Channel in December. from flight school. Resort Parking, Bicycles, Shuttle ConKopelli This will be a two part, four hour Besides having to come to Wigwam Outlet Mall, Croquet, Westercon 57 miniseries that will re-imagine the series to grips with putting her Putting Green, Basketball Court & and is not a continuation of the original abilities to the test, she PO Box 67457 series. If it does well, there is a chance also adopts a young In-room coffee. SciFi will pick it up as a continuing series. orphan, Boxey. Dr. Gaius Phoenix AZ 85082 Following an earlier attempt by Bryan Baltar (James Callis) is 602-973-2341 Singer and Tom DeSanto to put together a an evil genius who has new version of Battlestar Galactica (in designed the defense [email protected] addition to Richard Hatch’s attempts to systems for Kobol. His Web: www.conkopelli.org revive the series with his own ideas), affair with what he Universal TV and SciFi went to Ron D. thinks is a corporate Moore (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, spy, Number Six, leads Roswell) to come up with his own to the downfall of approach to a new version of the series. humanity when he Page 6 ConNotations Volume 13 Issue 5 24 Frames (cont’d from page 1 ) Leslie Nielsen, and Peter Boyle. It is Murphy is a real estate agent who spends Ode to a Fantasy Seller directed by David Zucker (Airplane, a weekend in a Haunted Mansion with his Naked Gun) and does not involve the family. Also stars Terence Stamp, Don September 6, 2003 starring is Kris Kristofferson, Jessica Wayan’s Brothers who were part of the Knotts, Jennifer Tilly, and Nathaniel Biel and Ryan Reynolds. first two movies in the series. Parker. Will this be the second big LepreCon, The Ray Bradbury short story, A Alien: The Director’s Cut - A rerelease success for a Disney theme ride inspired CopperCon, Sound of Thunder, is getting the big of the classic Alien movie, with some movie? I see him at Cons. screen treatment by director Peter Hyams. added footage. Timeline - Based on the Michael He is and always will be It expands the short story about a hunter Suspended Animation - When a Crichton novel with a group of students Among going back in time to hunt dinosaurs and Hollywood animator gets lost in the time traveling back to 14th century France Us changing the timeline to that of a DNA Michigan woods on a snowmobile trip, he to rescue their professor, who has become In memory and in our hearts. researcher played by Edward Burns who is taken in by a pair of psychotic cannibal trapped in that era. Stars Paul Walker, is using time travel to reconstitute extinct sisters living in a remote cabin. Frances O’Connor, Gerard Butler, Billy I remember wildlife. The time travel trips lead to Matrix: Revolutions - The final Connolly, and David Thewlis. His Groucho mustache, evolution going berserk. Also starring is chapter in the Matrix Trilogy. Neo goes In December, New Line will be releas- His green flak jacket, Ben Kingsley and Catherine up against the machines in real life in a last ing to around 100-150 theatres the His stern look McCormack. stand to save humanity and end the rule of extended versions of the first two Lord of (To Thieves everywhere), Fall Movies Preview the machines forever. Stars the usual the Rings movies, The Fellowship of the And his love of books It’s coming into the fall holiday suspects from the first two movies. Ring (Dec 5th) and The Two Towers (Dec Especially from a Barry we know. season. This means a bunch of horror Elf - Will Farrell is a human who was 12th). They will also be having a three movies in time for Halloween and then all raised by Elves at the north pole who goes movie marathon on December 16th, I’ll miss the big holiday blockbusters in November in search of his parents in Manhattan. culminating in the first screenings of the His dry wit, with December likely taken over com- Also stars Edward Asner, Mary third movie, The Return of the King, at 11 His wares of swords, pletely by Lord of the Rings (all three Steenburgen, James Caan, Bob Newhart. pm local time. Keep an eye out for when His hellos, movies). Here’s a quick look at the genre Looney Tunes: Back in Action - The the tickets go on sale for the marathon and His greetings movies opening over the next couple of return of Looney Tunes mixed with Live schedule your time off now! And recognition months. Action with Bugs, Daffy, Porky and others Of a fellow House of the Dead - A group of young dealing with Steve Martin as their nemesis Dreamer. partiers head to a remote island in the with other humans played by Brendan Straight of Juan de Fuca for a promised Fraser, Billy West, Jenna Elfman, and Sadly, “mother of all Raves”. What they find is a Timothy Dalton. Look for some cameos by One Monday an unspeakable evil and nightmarish famous movie props in one sequence. His heart goes horrors. Their only hope to survive is to Master and Commander: The Far From Fantasy take refuge in the “House of the Dead” in Side of the World - Action & adventure on To Fact the center of the island. Stars a cast of the high seas with Russell Crowe and As he sprout wings mostly unknowns who will likely stay that Billy Boyd. The crew of the H.M.S. And fly from our fans, friends, and family. way. Surprise do battle with a privateer in a Kill Bill Volume 1 - Quentin chase that takes them to the far side of the I will never know Tarantino’s latest action adventure stars world. Fellow Dreamer. Uma Thurman as a former assassin out for Dr. Suess’ The Cat in the Hat - But I know revenge on her boss, Bill (David Michael Meyers is The Cat in the Hat, I will Carradine) who betrayed her. After based on the classic Dr. Suess story. Also Search for his table, emerging from a coma, she must take on stars Spencer Breslin, Dakota Fanning, And see with great sadness her former master and his squad of deadly Alec Baldwin, and Sean Hayes. He is not there. assassins (played by Lucy Liu, Daryl The Haunted Mansion - Eddie Hannah, Vivica A. Fox and Michael Madsen). by Jeffrey Lu The Texas Chainsaw Massacre - A remake of the original. Expect lots and lots of blood and gore. The Singing Detective - A movie version of the offbeat 1986 BBC TV miniseries by Dennis Potter about a delusional writer who reworks the story of his first novel in his mind while bedridden. Stars Robert Downey Jr., Robin Wright Penn, Mel Gibson, Katie Holmes, and Carla Gugino. Gothika - Halle Berry finds herself a prisoner in the mental institution where she works with no memory of how she ended up in her situation. She must fight to regain her sanity while dealing with a vengeful spirit using her as an earthly pawn. Also stars Penélope Cruz, Robert Downey Jr., Charles S. Dutton, and Bernard Hill. Scary Movie 3 - Let’s make fun of more movies, like Signs, The Ring, Eminimen’s 8 Mile, and Lord of the Rings. Stars Anna Faris, Charlie Sheen, Anthony Anderson, Pamela Anderson,
Volume 13 Issue 5 ConNotations Page 7 Harlan Ellison (cont’d from page 1 ) leave as their class comes to a close. For though the task is finished and the day is glance to this place from his ’47 Packard some buds, their petals wither away until done, he gazes around the room knowing and rides into the colorful desert sunset. madman rips us open and dissects us from the flower of knowledge is dry and brittle that he saved some flowers from becoming Will I ever see this crazed man again? the inside while we are still breathing and blowing the remains to the four corners. a part of the dusty, arid landscape and led Will his philosophy ever change the conscious? Rarely in the universe could Yet, this breeze also carries hope as other those freed minds into the Garden of Eden. simple into the prolific? Only time will tell one person be so bold, but then again, buds awaken from winter’s slumber into As the room empties of petal and flower, whether or not his sermons reach the why is there this one person that could spring’s warm comprehension as their he jumps in his car and turns the key. chosen few, but this petal -and anyone affect us in this manner? petals soften becoming beautiful blooms. Awaiting his next destination on this else who listens beyond the tangible- Perhaps, I could venture a guess. The sky slowly darkens on this good lonely stretch of road, he offers one last rather be a hitchhiker on his bumper than a Though not as cosmopolitan, read, or day, he redeems more than one. Even stagnate flower sucking on the tailpipe of fluent as Mr. Ellison, I hope that I, a mere life. mortal, may discern a fraction of his boundless wisdom in this quasi-lecture www.leprecon.org hall. So, I observe. Parading around, the figure waves his hands into a tornadic revelry as the wilting petals shy away from his bombardment- style ideology. “Do a good deed every- LLEEPPRREECCOONN 33 00 day,” he spouted and some of the flower petals began coming back to life. Listening at last to his words, questions emerge from May 7-9, 2004 the garden of repose. Ideas motivate conversation as Sheraton Crescent Hotel, Phoenix, AZ contemplation turns into philosophy and Annual Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention with an emphasis on Art speculation moves to debate. His words shrieking with conviction: Educate Artist Guest of H yourself. Read. Be clever and happy. Learn about international cuisine and cultures: Donato Giancola order dim sum. Become students of Renowned Science Fiction and Fantasy Artist. recipient of six ASFA deductive logic: read Sherlock Holmes. Chesley Awards including the 2002 Chesley Award for Most of all, the youth of today should Artistic Achievement. Illustrator of over 100 Science Fiction “pay attention.” and Fantasy novels & Magic Cards for Wizards of the Coast.
Author Guest of Ho David Drake Author of mercenary military science fiction with his best-selling Hammer's Slammers series, and heroic fantasy such as Lord of the Isles and Goddess of the Ice Realm.
Special ArtistGuest John Eav Senior Illustrator on Enterprise, Illustrator on recent Art by Donato Giancola Star Trek movies and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, The Majestic and Terminator 2: Judgement Day.
Local Artist Guest of SylvanaHonor Anderson-Gish
LepreCon 30 is moving to the Sheraton Crescent Hotel with more function space where almost all convention activities will be under one roof. As always, LepreCon will feature the Largest Science Fiction and Fantasy Art Show in the Southwest with art from national and local artists, Programming with Panel Discussions on Art, Writing, Science and more, Art Demos, games and special family friendly programming. We will also have a Dealer’s Room, Gaming, LARP, Video Room, © Shellnbarger Anime Room, LAN Party, Masquerade, Hospitality Suite, and a Charity Auction. Knowing about the world, its people, places and things, allows us to manifest Memberships are $30 thru 12/31/03, $35 thru 4/15/04, $40 at the door our own destinies. With cognition we are Kids 7-12 half price, Kids 6 & Under Free* powerful and the less effect strangers will * with Adult membership have on our lives. So that others in this world cannot control us by emotion or Sheraton Crescent Hotel Contact LepreCon 30 at: absurdity. Only we can control the steering of our lives, if we take the time to 2620 W. Dunlap Ave. Write: LepreCon 30, learn. Knowledge and perception promises Phoenix, AZ 85021 PO Box 26665 us that the life we lead is our own. Room Rates: Tempe, AZ 85285 As his didactic messages permeate $79 S/D, $99 T/Q +tax Phone: (480) 945-6890 throughout the room, only the interested 602-943-8200 or 800-423-4126 few grasp the concept of self-awareness Email: [email protected] and -reliance. Time passes and students Limited number of suites available
Page 8 ConNotations Volume 13 Issue 5 Troma’s Lloyd Kaufman at Diana Gabaldon will be launching her new October. Friday night screenings are at 9 FYI MadStone Theatres Oct 9th book, Lord John and the Private Matter, pm and Saturday night ones are at 8 pm. at The Poisoned Pen, 4014 N. Goldwater, This is an experiment being tried by the It’s A Boy To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Suite 101, Scottsdale, AZ , 480-947-2974, theatre based on the success they have Troma Films, Madstone Theatre will be on October 4th at 4 pm. Check out had with Rocky and its fans. It’s a rare Samurai Comics owners Mike and having a special event with Troma www.poisonedpen.com for all of their chance to see some of these movies in a Moryha Banks welcomed their son Connor President Lloyd Kaufman on Thursday upcoming mystery and fiction writer theatre with 100 or more fans that you Michael Banks into the world on Septem- night, October 9th. Kaufman will be on signings, include a special event with don’t get to do at home watching it on ber 25, 2003 at 10:40PM, 7 lbs 12.6 oz, 18 1/ hand to chat with fans from 7 pm to 10 pm British Mystery writers on October 25th. DVD. 2 inches long. Congratulations! and the theatre will screen two Troma Jane Lindskold will be signing at Chang- Tentative schedule is: films, Cannibal the Musical around 7 p.m. ing Hands Bookstore, 6428 South Oct. 3rd/4th - The Lost Boys Len Sippel and Citizen Toxie around 9 p.m.(exact times McClintock Drive, Tempe, AZ on Friday, Oct. 10th/11th - The Craft are still being worked out at presstime) October 17th at 7:00 pm. According to a Oct. 17th/18th - Interview with a Vampire Len Sippel passed away suddenly on Lloyd will be at the theater between 7PM message we recieved from Jane “The Oct. 25th/26th - The Crow Sept 1, 2003. Many of you will remember and 10PM and available for discussion focus of the signing will be my new Oct. 31st - Two Showings of Rocky Len from our local dealer’s rooms as the and will introduce each film. The prices are Release, the Dragon of Despair. Other of Horror gentleman with all the swords. We wish to $6 for students and $8 for adults. my novels, including Wolf’s Head, Wolf’s Nov. 1st - Regular Showing of Rocky express our sympathy to his family for Madstone Theatres are located at 5835 W. Heart (with a neat new paperback cover) Horror their loss. Ray Road in Chandler, Arizona. For more and Through Wolf’s Eyes should also be Nov. 7th/8th - A Clockwork Orange info, call 480.785.SHOW. available. If you’re interested in more Nov. 14th/15th - Heavy Metal LOST & FOUND information about the signing, call Nov. 21st/22nd - Pink Floyd: the Wall Jacqueline Lichtenberg Changing Hands at 480-730-0205. For more Check with the theatre and at We have a lot of items in our lost and & information about my writing, including www.azrocky.com for any schedule found bin including some recent additions Jean Lorrah sample chapters, go to my website at changes. Admission for the cult movies from HexaCon 13 and CopperCon 23. At www.janelindskold.com. I hope to have a will be $5 with Rocky Horror Picture Show HexaCon 13 we added a vest, a pair of Jacqueline Lichtenberg reports: chance to meet many of you at the being $6. Spectrum Cinemas (formerly UA sunglasses and a pair of prescrition “I have a vampire novel (Those of My signing.” Christown) is located inside the Spectrum glasses to our collection. At copperCon Blood)coming out in its first trade R.A. Salvatore has scheduled a book Mall at 19th Avenue & Bethany Home we added a book and yet another pair of paperback edition in October, (it was a St. signing for Saturday, Nov 1st at 2pm at Road. sunglasses. The book has gone home but Martin’s HC many years ago) and Borders Books & Music, 1361 S. Alma the other items remain. ....BenBella is also doing a nonfiction School Road, Mesa, AZ 85210, (480) 833- We Are Such Stuff, To be honest, I’m getting tired of book, Seven Seasons of Buffy with articles 2244 As Dreams Are Made Of storing this stuff so we decided that the by sf/f writers about Buffy The Vampire Del Rey will be bringing James Luceno deadline for claiming any of it will be Slayer, and Jean Lorrah and I have into town to promote Star Wars: New Jedi Is our own fate free will or predes- October 31, 2003 since I didn’t actually articles in that one too. Jean has a vampire Order: Unifying Force on November 5th. tined? How do you know if you are state a day in the last issue. After that we novel out now titled Blood Will Tell.” He will give a talk and sign starting at 7 pm dreaming or truly awake? These are some will consider all the items to be donations at the Desert Ridge Barnes & Noble, 21001 of the questions explored in Mesa to our group and will dispose of them Fall Book Signings N. Tatum Blvd. Suite 42, Phoenix, AZ 85050 Community College’s season theatrical appropriately. opener, LIFE IS A DREAM by Pedro So, if you’re looking for a missing item After along dry spell of very few book Cult Movies and Rocky Horror at Calderón de la Barca, October 9 through give me a call at 602-973-2341 and describe signings by science fiction and fantasy Spectrum Cinemas October 19, 2003. LIFE IS A DREAM was the item. I’d love to see some of this stuff authors touring to promote their latest written by 17th Century Spanish play- go home. books, we have several happening over With the success of the Rocky Horror wright and ordained priest Pedro Calderón the next two months. Please try to support Picture show and a recent screening of de la Barca. During the height of Spain’s these signings and hopefully the publish- Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Spectrum Golden Age of Theater, Calderón was one ers will schedule more of them instead of Cinemas, they will start screening some the leading playwrights of that century, skipping over the Phoenix area. cult movies on the weekends starting in serving as the court dramatist for King Philip IV. Born January 17, 1600, Calderón began writing plays at the age of 23 after studying law at the University of Alcalá and the University of Salamanca. LIFE IS A DREAM is one of his better known plays that was written and produced between 1635 and 1637 (sources vary). His was an active life, coming from a good family with money and connections, gaining a solid education that included the Jesuit College in Madrid before law school. He served in the military for some ten years (stationed in Italy and the Low Countries), then became a Knight of the Order of Santiago in 1637. Twelve years later, Calderón entered the priesthood, rising to become the Superior of the Brotherhood of San Pedro in Madrid. He died May 5, 1681. Join us at the Theatre Outback Black Box / Green Room TH 2, 1833 West Southern Avenue in Mesa. Show times: October 9, 10, 11, 17, 18 -- 7:30 P.M., and October 12 and 19 Sunday matinees at 2 P.M. Ticket prices: $10 general public; discounts for seniors, students, alumni, faculty, and staff. The box office number is (480) 461-7170.
Volume 13 Issue 5 ConNotations Page 9 there worth parodying this time out. But thousand miles an hour, but clearly However, thanks to my teenage sons, I Musical Note that’s okay, because it forced him to write enough that you can understand every am more than familiar with the songs Al some decent songs of his own, and with word. (It reminded me of the old song ‘Life plays in his ‘Angry White Boy Polka,’ and by Tom Tuerff one or two exceptions, these rank among is a Rock but the Radio Rolled Me’ by as usual, Al shows just how stupid some his best originals. Reunion from the ’70s.) That in itself is songs really are when you reveal them to Weird Al Yankovic Case in point: ‘Hardware Store.’ amazing. But the arrangement, particularly be easy to dance the polka to. (When he Poodle Hat Lyrically, it’s about a guy who just CAN’T the female choir, is FAN-TAS-TIC. starts singing ‘Fell in Love with a Girl’ by Volcano B000095J7Q WAIT for the new hardware store to open. Syncopated background singers add their White Stripes, I just about wet myself.) *** (Reminds me of my wife. Personally I can’t countermelodies to the chorus. It’s fun So if you’re a Weird Al fan, get this. If This is kind of an odd album for Al. Or stand those places.) It culminates with a and well done. you’re thinking about becoming a Weird as he calls it, AL-bum. well-edited litany of things you can buy in From there, jump straight to the track Al fan, you might want to get a couple For one thing, you get the feeling that a hardware store (okay, ‘automatic called ‘Bob.’ It’s a parody of how Bob other discs first. And if you do buy this he had problems finding any songs out circumcisers’ is a stretch) sung at about a Dylan writes and sings, but the ingenious- album and you don’t know who Bob Dylan or Frank Zappa are, take some extra money ness of it lies in the to the CD store, boy. You got some World Horror Convention 2004 lyrics. Study the lyrics, learnin’ to do. people. And remember: ----- April 8-11, 2004 Lisa Bonet ate no basil. Filk-related news: (That’s the best line in Leslie Fish called me a couple days Embassy Suites Phoenix North, Phoenix, Arizona the song.) before deadline and mentioned that she If you don’t get and her roommate are looking for a third www.whc2004.org what’s going on in roommate to take up residence at their ‘Bob,’ then you’re home on the west side of the Valley. Keep World Horror Convention is THE annual event for REALLY not going to in mind that by the time you read this, they get what’s going on in may very well have found someone, but if Horror Professionals and Enthusiasts! ‘Genius in France,’ but you’re interested, email her at the fact that Dweezil [email protected] Author Guest of Honor: Douglas Clegg Zappa appears on it Nancy Freeman was recently the Author of The Hour Before Dark, The Priest of Blood, should give you an idea. musical guest of honor at Confluence, an Pretend for a minute that and Red Angel (writing as Andrew Harper) annual con held in Pittsburgh, PA every Al had been given the summer. Next stop for Nancy is a visit to opportunity to write a New Zealand this winter, and if I know her Artist Guest of Honor: Caniglia song with Frank Zappa she’ll pick up some interesting musical An artist of strangely skewed visions of horror and the macabre. Illustrator before Frank left on his inspiration while she’s there. and cover artist for many books and magazines in the genre. final tour. Lyrically, it If you’re going to be at Tus-Con this gets pretty nasty and November, DO NOT MISS your chance to self-deprecating for the hear Jeff and Maya Bohnhoff perform. I’m Editor Guest of Honour: Stephen Jones song’s protagonist (I saying this even to those of you who Stephen has been editor & writer of more than 70 books. He has accumulated over twenty awards couldn’t help but think would rather catch the SARS virus than including Bram Stoker Awards, British Fantasy Awards, World Fantasy Awards, and IHG Awards. of Jerry Lewis through- spend two minutes with a filker. They are out this thing, although truly talented musicians and you will be Toastmaster: David Morrell it just as easily could impressed. apply to French “icons” Tuppence (Pat Connors, Elizabeth Award winning author of twenty five novels of international intrigue, horror, like Charles Aznavour, Burnham and Chris Dickenson) will be and high-action thrillers including Black Evening, First Blood, The Fifth Profession, Serge Gainsbourg or (at least if I heard them right at the The Totem, Assumed Identity, Extreme Denial, and The Protector even Gerard Depardieu), CopperCon filk) performing once again at but musically, if you the 2004 Arizona Renaissance Festival in Media Guest of Honor: Dee Snider know your Zappa, this February. Check them out when you go. Star, writer and producer of Dee Snider’s Strangeland, a horror cult classic movie, song is a minor master- One group you will not be seeing producer of Van Helsing’s Curse – a Halloween Orchestra stage show & album, work. Musical FZ anymore, sadly, is the Bringers, who singer for Twisted Sister Rock band, & host of The House of Hair radio show, references abound, from officially split up, both professionally and obvious nods to “In personally, after their gigs at this year’s Special Guest: Adam Niswander France,” ‘I’m the Slime’ Ren Faire. In their time, they put out two and ‘Dog Breath in the fantastic CDs. If you can find them, buy Author of The Shaman Cycle novels as well as non-shaman novels The Sand Dwellers, Year of the Plague’ to them. And when you see her, ask Michi and The Repository, A Novel of Magik and the Occult. His short fiction (including many basic ‘Zappaisms’ like the fiddler for a copy of her new solo CD horror stories) has appeared in numerous anthologies and magazines. sudden tempo changes of traditional melodies. It’s mighty fine. and low-voiced, recited Good to see Larry Warner at Writer’s Workshop Guest of Honor: Mort Castle lyrics. CopperCon, where he was Filk GOH. He The parodies? Eh. put on a nice concert that showed off his Mort Castle has been writing since 1967 and writes everything from novels to poetry. I’m 45 years old. I’ve He will be running the Writer’s Workshop at this year’s convention. best stuff, including the wonderful “Santa never heard the Eminem Monica Pier.” Having just been to Santa World Horror Convention 2004 will feature an Art Show, song Al parodies here Monica this spring, he put me right back Programming and Discussion Panels on Horror Writing and Horror Art, Author Readings , and don’t care to. And there with that song. it’s about TV shows, a large Dealer’s Room, & a Hospitality Suite . Special events include a Charity Auction, On a personal note, I’d like to thank very familiar territory Randall Whitlock for asking me to play Artist Reception with Wine & Cheese Tasting, an Independent Film Festival, that Al keeps going back the halftime show at the CopperCon Writer’s Workshop, Mass Autographing session, Flash Fiction Contest, to over and over and masquerade. I had a blast, even though my Gross Out Contest, and World Horror Convention Grand Master Award. over. personal mic stand had impotence Same goes for the problems. Anytime, dude. Memberships are US$120.00 thru 3/31/04 parody of a song by Tom Tuerff writes filk and related music Nelly, whoever she is, reviews for ConNotations. If you have a CD or Embassy Suites Phoenix North Contact Info: who apparently is so tape that you’d like him to review, send it to 2577 W. Greenway Rd., World Horror 2004, c/o Leprecon, P.O. illiterate she can’t spell him via this newspaper or wrap it up nicely in Phoenix, AZ 85023 Box 26665, Tempe, AZ 85285 the word ‘here.’ (The shiny paper and have it delivered to his house (602) 375-1777 Phone: (480) 945-6890 song Al parodies is by a willing leather dominatrix with a ‘thing’ Room Rates: $88 S/D/T/Q plus tax Fax: (480) 941-3438 called -- and I’m not for eating cheese and crackers in bed. Or, you making this up: “Hot in Group reservation code “OWH” Email: [email protected] can just arrange to get Tom’s address by e- Herre.” With two “r”s. mailing him at [email protected]. That’s Our educational system probably easier. is going in the toilet.) Page 10 ConNotations Volume 13 Issue 5 Calendar of Events -October-November 2003 To have your event or meeting listed please email [email protected] - Deadline for Dec/Jan Submissions - October 25, 2003 (This is a free service. All release dates are tentative) October 2003 October 8 October 24 November 10 Autograph party with Raven Gregory at Movies: Gothika, Scary Movie 3 DEADLINE - ConNotations Ad Deadline October is Teen Read Month Samurai Comics www.samuraicomics.com Tournament: Mech Warrior 6PM at October 25 Samurai Comics www.samuraicomics.com Samurai Comics will be doing seminars at October 10 several Phoenix area libraries showing Event: Anime Fest Cosplay Halloween November 11 clips from popular Japanese Anime Meeting: CASFS Meeting !!!!NOTE DATE Costume Contest & Party at Samurai programs, discuss the history of anime, CHANGE !!!!!- 8PM at JBs (I-17 and Comics www.samuraicomics.com DVD-Movies: Terminator 3: Rise of the give seminars on writing and drawing Indian School) Info Stephanie TV: Bone Snatcher (SciFi) Machines comics, and demoing various games.
Ongoing Events Wednesdays New Comics Arrive! Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com 6pm Hero Clix Tournamets Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com 6pm Mech WarriorTournaments Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com Thursdays 6pm Camarilla Anarch Game Kiwanis Park www.titheofsouls.com 6pm Dragonball Z Tournaments Atomic Comics-Phoenix www.atomiccomics.com\ Fridays 6pm Magic the Gathering Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com 7pm Anime Club Meeting Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com Saturdays* 3pm Mage Knight Tournaments Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com 3pm Classic Battletech Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com 4pm Hero Clix Tournamets Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com 4pm Star Wars CCG Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com 4pm Magic Tournaments Atomic Comics-Paradise Valley www.atomiccomics.com Sundays* Noon YU-GI-OH Tournaments Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com 3pm Dragonball Z Tournament Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com 3pm Creepy Freaks Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com Volume 13 Issue 5 ConNotations Page 11 Kennedy Space Center and had many other post convention reports up on the point and work our way back toward the ConClusion other authors and artists taking part web site at www.coppercon.org for programming arena. We entered at Aisle including several from outside our area everyone to look at. If you have any you 2700 and headed toward Aisle 4600, three CopperCon 23 such as Tee Morris and Kevin A. Murphy. would like to share, please let us know. salmon awash in the chaotic white water Chair’s Report Finishing off the afternoon was the charity Lee Whiteside river rapids comprised of comic book fans auction which raised $2,170 for out two CopperCon 23 Chai of every shape, size, and complexion. charities, Reading is FUNdamental and Bobbi had been to other conventions, but CopperCon 23 happened over Septem- ACTOR (A Commitment To Our Roots). never to a San Diego Comic-Con and ber 4-7 and a good time was had by all. We’d like to thank everyone who donated never to an Exhibit Hall of this enormity, so Things kicked off on Thursday with Comic-Con Limited items and especially everyone who I periodically needed to stop, retreat, and activities for pre-registered members. First opened their wallets for this event. It is Edition: In Search of the gently pry her away from the toys, comic up was Author Guest of Honor Connie the largest amount we’ve raised in a books, posters, or anime that had captured Willis doing a reading from her upcoming Elusive Collectable charity auction in recent memory. her attention. I was quickly losing Christmas story in Asimovs’ where By Shane Shellenbarger Saturday night was the Masquerade “favorite son-in-law” status. Everywhere is having a White Christmas. which had a good turnout of participants After what seemed like hours, we I’m sure everyone there will be buying the “You can’t always get what you want.” and a full house in the audience. Best of spotted our quarry, Electric Tiki came into issue to see how it all ends up. Next was a Rolling Stones show was Duel of the Fates with Steven view. The people attending the booth were special event with our Farscape guests, As I’ve done for nearly every year Colston as a very impressive Darth Maul. pleasant, and after a bit of searching they Lani Tupu and David Franklin, providing since 1973, I was headed for the San Diego Other impressive costumes were Parry located the maquette of Little Dot in a blue commentary to go with some Farscape Comic-Con. This year I had in tow my wife, Norton’s Sven the Viking King, Kevin dress, only 50 available at this convention clips and the episode “Into the Lion’s Den Laurie, and her mother, Bobbi. My friend, O’Conner’s Sentinel Soldier, and Judy for the price of $40.00 each. Imbued with Part II” where Captain Crais (Lani Tupu) Terry Hanks, had hoped to go, but while Mowbray’s Lady of the Masquerade. the thrill of completing our first quest, I sacrifices himself. The two actors enjoyed hope can spring eternal, finances can There were also plenty of parties including made Mistake #2, I asked to buy three seeing the clip collection, which included often throw up roadblocks. “Anything I Westercon 57, LosCon, The Dark Ones for Little Dots, one for each of us. I wasn’t the first appearances of their characters can get you?” I’d asked. “Well,” said DarkCon, San Diego Westercon ’06 Bid, going to keep any for myself, but I was (David Franklin had no recollection of Terry, “There are a few things I was going and The Corsairs. The most popular one filming the scenes in his first episode) as to try to get the first day . . .” He e-mailed by far was the one put on by Xcentricities, well as some other highlights from the me the list with corroborating photos and I who were set up to show off their line of series for their characters. During the was good to go. corsets and other interesting clothing. episode, they didn’t say as much, since After arriving in San Diego on Thurs- Reports are that a certain Farscape actor neither of them had really seen it com- day, July 17th, we checked into the hotel, (named David) was hanging out and being pleted and enjoyed watching it. They did registered at the convention, and then we very helpful with people trying on the spend some time afterwards talking with began our search, our treasure hunt, if you corsets. Look for Xcentricities to be back the fans about the episode and answered will. Little did we know that the treasure for future conventions in the area. some other questions. hunt would turn into more of a scavenger Sunday started off with Barry Bard’s Friday started off mid-afternoon with hunt. movie previews, which looked very good panels and question and answer sessions I’ve told you before how big the on the projection system that was set up from first David Franklin and then Lani programming areas are: There is 204,114 for it. As always, there were lots of movie Tupu. Evening activities included sq. ft. of meeting room space, comprised of promotional goodies for those in atten- Velavision’s What’s My Byte game, 72 meeting rooms, and there are two 40,000 dance. Alan Dean Foster made it to the U.F.P.’s SciFi Jeopardy, Artist Guest of sq. ft. ballrooms. The thing that you need con for a short time on Sunday, signing a Honor David Mattingly’s Art Show to know is that the Exhibit Halls are even few books and joining a panel before walkthrough, and a screening of Caribou bigger. In September of 2001, Exhibit Halls heading on to the airport. The day ended sure that Terry wouldn’t mind having two Motion Picture’s “Planet of the Killer D-H were added, more than doubling the with the end-of-con panel which garnered extra figures, perhaps to trade or sell with Robots”. size of the Hall to it’s present size of mostly praise from the attendees and other collectors. Perhaps I should call this Saturday morning we had a live 525,701 square feet, or about 100 miles if participants present. Mistake #2 and #3, because after I broadcast of weather reports by Ron you could walk each foot. This place is Foster has committed to being Author convinced the dealer to sell Laurie, Bobbi, Merrit for the KPNX-12 Saturday Morn- big, huge, ample, massive, gigantic, Guest of Honor for CopperCon 24 next and myself each one of the Harvey Comic ing News. We rounded up a stormtrooper enormous, capacious, and humungous! year, joining Artist Guest of Honor Todd Book Heroine figures, he agreed provided and Jedi Knight to talk with them and they Believe me, it is large. The first thing that Lockwood and Local Author Guest of we paid in cash. I readily concurred and also interviewed David Mattingly.. Later in we learned was that you don’t want to Honor Catherine Wells. Based on the plunked down $120.00, gathered up the the day, we realized that at no time during travel through the Exhibit Halls in order to reception for the Farscape actors at this three boxes, and headed to the second the weather forecast did they mention travel to your destination. If your plan is year’s convention (and the good time they stop, Hasbro on Aisle 3500. We’ll come storms or the possibility of tornado to walk from exhibitor’s table to exhibitor’s had with us), there’s a good chance we back to Mistake #3. warnings, which we had in the afternoon. table, you don’t have much choice, but we may have more media guests next year. Hasbro wasn’t a booth so much as it Saturday daytime saw panels and presen- had three specific exhibitor’s (old school Overall the convention was a success was a block of approximately 36 booths. tations by all of our guests. Some definition: dealers tables) areas that we with a bit over 600 memberships in total. I We fanned out (as much as three people highlights during the day were David needed to get to: Electric Tiki Design at personally received many thanks and can fan out) and started asking the Mattingly’s workshop on digital painting, 4631, DC Comics at 2731, and Hasbro at notes of appreciation during and after the employees where we could get the silver Mark Greenawalt’s latex body painting 3515. Fortunately for us, Hall H wasn’t convention. Our guests were great and Boba Fett . “You can’t get that here,” we turning a model into an elvish work of art, being used this year, so there was that were very available to chat with attendees. were told. “You have to go to the Star Connie Willis joining in a panel on Near much less Hall to walk. With the press of Connie Willis spent a lot of time chatting Wars Fan Club Booth.” We headed in the Death Experiences and finding out how people, each with their own agenda, with fans when she wasn’t on a panel. direction indicated (back the way we had prolific Mike Willmoth and Randall random directional choice, and often Connie, David Mattingly and his wife, just come from, of course) and we eventu- Whitlock are with puns on The Dubyas expanding costumes, our progress was Cathleen, also judged the masquerade. I ally found the line. Well, we found the pun panel. Larry Warner gave a fun filk slow. If I were to setout on such a mission enjoyed the time I got to spend with them middle of the line, so we backtracked until concert and Lani Tupu and David today, I’d walk through the Lobby area during the convention. I’d like to thank we found the end of the line, near the Franklin did a Q&A session together and that runs along the North side of the Halls everyone who attended and participated South end of Aisle 4800. The problems visited with fans and signed autographs in and then enter the Exhibit Hall at the doors and especially the committee, staff and were these: LucasArts were only distribut- the dealer’s room. We had Space Science nearest the booth I was seeking. I didn’t volunteers who made the convention ing 300 figures each day and their booth panels featuring our local expert David and that was Mistake #1. happen. Williams plus Louise Kleba from the My logic was to start at the furthest We will be having some pictures and ( Cont’d on page 13 ) Page 12 ConNotations Volume 13 Issue 5 At around 4:30 p.m., Laurie arrived to half the length of the convention center, on e-bay, I got curious. Were there other ( cont’d from page 12 ) ConClusion hold my seat in the “From the Cradle to the went upstairs, and sussed out a better limited convention collectables? This is (the front of the line) was in the middle of Keyboard” panel and I followed Bobbi way. They wound their way through the what I found: There were nearly fifty Aisle 4200. Doing the math, we tried for a back to the DC block. They had both been Exhibit Hall along the south wall, banded convention exclusives, everything from more sure thing: the Batman figure at the able to buy the Batman figure and they together with other intrepid souls, and Hulk, Ultimate Spider-Man, and yellow DC block between Aisles 2900 and 2700, had confirmed that my number had come found the line. They worked their way shirt Captain Kirk by Art Asylum, Mezco’s taking us past the Hasbro block of booths. up, as well. When we made it to the head along the line until they found a costumed Dick Tracy Meets The Blank Mez-itz 2- The DC block had multiple lines, of the line, I presented my badge, ticket Jedi at the end. “Are you the end of the Pack, to a Thundarr Action Figure with snaking in all directions. We’d get into a stub, and asked if they took credit cards. line for the Boba Fett figure?” Laurie Glow-in-the-Dark Sword by Toynami. If line and then ask our fellow travelers what “Nope, sorry, but it’s cash only,” said the asked. “Yes,” he replied. They moved to you are one of those collectors who want we were in line for. After several false DC employee, smiling as he took the get behind him. He stopped them with a to “collect’em all”, I wish you luck, all the starts, we found the right line. “Wow,” I twenty dollar bill. Quickly adding in my word, “No, I’m the end of the line. They luck in the world. thought to myself, “This line is going fast. head the $120.00 for the Little Dot figures aren’t selling anymore figures today.” But if you try sometimes you might They must have an efficient method and the $60.00 for the Batman figures, Other plans prevented further attempts. find you get what you need.” Rolling worked out.” Little did I know, DC wasn’t Mistake #3 reared it’s ugly head: I hadn’t This prevented us from making Mistake Stones selling the Batman figure yet, they were counted on needing so much cash. #4: Not knowing when to cut your losses http://www.comic-con.org/Pages/ only stamping badges and distributing Fortunately, I was able to borrow money and give up. Thus, that was most defi- CCIWhatsNew.html tickets for a raffle that gave you the http://www.comic-con.org/Pages/ from Bobbi and I repaid her later. nitely that. CCIExhibitorList.html CHANCE to buy a figure after 2:00 p.m. Friday dawned overcast and somewhat When we got home and I’d shipped http://www.comic-con.org/Media/CCI- We got our badges stamped, took our foggy. We got ourselves together and Terry his figures, Mistakes #2 and #3 came July8.pdf ticket stubs, and Laurie and Bobbi headed headed to the Exhibit Hall, Laurie and back to haunt me. By buying Terry two http://www.comic-con.org/Media/booth.PDF back to the Boba Fett line and I left to Bobbi to get in line first thing and me to more Little Dot figures than what he’d http://www.sdccc.org/ attend programming. http://www.sdccc.org/sdconcenter/ take a sharp right and head for program- asked for, I caused him more work. He floorplansframes.html I found out later that when the ladies ming. At this point it should occur to you needed to prepare ads and put up for http://www.aftimes.com/conexclusives/ went looking for the line it had all but that I have a very understanding and auction the two Little Dots that he had no index.shtml disappeared, so they stepped up to get somewhat indulgent wife and mother-in- need for. I had strapped myself for cash by http://www.electrictiki.com/blue_dot.html into the short line near the LucasArts law and you would be right. The two getting caught up in the thrill of the hunt http://www.hasbro.com/starwars/pl/ booth. “Sorry,” the Jedi costumed woman page.headlines/id.947/dn/default.cfm ladies were going above-and-beyond the and not sticking with his original request http://www.wizarduniverse.com/conventions/ stated, stopping them, “but the limit has call of duty. Laurie and Bobbi arrived at for a single figure. Fortunately, he was able batman2.cfm been reached for today. Comeback the Exhibit Hall doors only to be directed to unload the figures and made a tidy little http://starwars.paizo.com/news/pressreleases/ tomorrow.” Nobody sees the Great and to the Sails Pavilion, the center section on sum. Alls well that ends well. bobafett_051203.shtml Wonderful Wizard of Oz, not nobody, not the upper level. They trudged more than While checking out Terry’s auctions http://www.action-figure.com/ no how!
Volume 13 Issue 5 ConNotations Page 13 **** Hellsing 1: Impure Souls The series pits the Seven Dragons of ***** Armitage: Poly Matrix / Armitage ReAnimation Pioneer, 75 mins, 16 up Heaven (the good guys) against the Seven Dual-Matrix DVD $29.98 Dragons of Earth (the bad guys) to decide Pioneer (2-disc set), 180 mins, 16 up the fate of Earth. Kamui Shiro is being DVD $39.98 **** Stitch! The Movie Following in the tradition of Vampire watched by both sides since his psychic **** Hellsing 1: Impure Souls Hunter D the Hellsing series tells the tale powers may well will tip the scales and This special set contains both *** Hellsing 2: Blood Brothers of vampires and those who hunt them. The seal the world’s fate so both sides want to Armitage III: Polymatrix and the Special **** X (One) Royal Order of Religious Knights, headed recruit him. Reluctantly Kamui becomes Edition of Armitage Dual Matrix. These **** X (Two) by Sir Integra Hellsing, is responsible for involved though his involvement soon are stories about technology and emotion, ***** Armitage:Poly Matrix / hunting down the artificially created puts those he cares about in danger. about love and hate, but ultimately about a Armitage Dual-Matrix vampires that are attacking people. As the This is a wonderful dark fantasy with human on the edge of becoming a machine **** Lupin The 3rd Vol 1: The vampires increase in number, they begin to an intricate plot and plenty of character and a machine who is about to become World’s Most Wanted threaten the human police forces which development. In some places it is a little bit human. **** MahoRomantic: Automatic forces the Hellsing Organization’s to hard to follow the plot but all in all I In Poly Matrix it is 2179 and: Mars has Maiden 1: Combat Maid deploy it’s ultimate weapon - the rogue enjoyed this DVD. This is a very good been colonized by Earth. The population **** Chobits - Vol 1: Persocom vampire, Arucard! series that holds your attention from start consists of humans and “Second Types” **** Chobits - Vol 2: The Empty City Arucard saves a special police to finish. - CLD robots that were made to do the menial **** Chobits - Vol 3: Darkness operative, Victoria, from death by turning tasks humans won’t do. But there are also Descends her into a vampire. Working together they **** X (Two) “Third Types” that were made by an an army of vampires as well as her Pioneer, 75 minutes, 16 up underground nationalist force; illegal **** Stitch! The Movie newfound hunger for blood. DVD $29.98 humanoid robots that look and behave Disney, 64 minutes, G This series is rated 16+ for it’s vio- exactly like humans. These “Third Types” VHS $22.99 DVD $29.99 lence, sexual situations, and language. As the Seven Dragons of Heaven have been living peaceful on Mars’s until; This is not for anyone who faints at the assemble in Tokyo, Yuzuriha and her dog Rene Danclaude declares war on them, Stitch! The Movie is a sequel to last sight of blood. It’s a bloody graphic spirit Inuki, Arashi and Sorata Hinoto learn kicking things off with a massacre year’s hit Lilo & Stitch and is a lead in to violent story and a good one at that. If that Kamui is the key to the upcoming Thus arrives Naomi Armitage, an the new Disney TV series The Adventures you liked Vampire Hunter D, you will love battle that will take place between the undetected “Third” who is a cyber-punk of Lilo & Stitch. the Hellsing series. - CLD Dragons of Heaven and the Dragons of Martian cop in hot pants, with an attitude The story sets the stage for the TV Earth. The fate of the world depends on as deadly as her gun. Her partner, Ross series nicely. Lilo’s “ohana” now includes *** Hellsing 2: Blood Brothers whether Kamui joins the Dragons of Sylibus, hates robots since his previous not only Stitch (aka Experiment 626) but Pioneer, 75 mins, 16 up Heaven or the Dragons of Earth and so he partner was killed by one. When he is Dr. Jumba (David Ogden Stiers) who has DVD $29.98 walks out on everything. injured he receives a cyernetic replacement brought the other 625 experiments to More questions are answered, but for his lost limb, making him kin to the Earth. Evil Dr. Hamsterviel (Jeff Continuing the series Hellsing 2: Kamui still has even more unanswered “monsters” he hates, and thus begins to Bennett)schemes to kidnap Dr Jumba and Blood Brothers finds Arucard, Victoria questions. X Two is just as good as X One. realize that there is more to being human the other experiments and use them to and the Hellsing Organization facing two The X series is really worth getting. There than flesh and blood. reule the galaxy. It’s up to Lilo and Stitch threats, a traitor in their midst and a TV are six DVD’s out so far and I’ve heard Ross joins Armitage in her fight to save the day... reporter who wants to expose the Hellsing that eight may be the total number of against D’anclaude and together they try organization. Then the Valentine Brothers, DVD’s. - CLD to discover why the ‘Third Type’ robots Jan and Luke, lead their army in an attack were created to begin with.. on headquarters, which ( Cont’d on page 15 ) ends in a wave of violence. Yes, it is a bloody graphic wave of violence. While it’s not as good as the first DVD, it still worth watching. This second DVD sets the stage for the next two volumes in the Hellsing series, Search and Destroy, and Eternal Damnation. Both will be reviewed next time. - CLD
**** X (One) DVD Extras include a Trivia challenge, Pioneer, 100 mins 16 up where you play Dr. Hamsterviel’s trivia DVD $29.98 pop quiz; the Experiment Finder in which you help Dr. Jumbo find his experiments; X is a manga series, the Experiment gallery where you can meet turned into a movie and more alien experiments and discover their then into a TV series. X powers; and the “Aloha, E Komo Mai” (One) contains the first music video. three episodes of the TV This made for video sequel is not quite series plus a bonus the same quality as the original but it is Episode 0 that gives an still lots of fun for the whole family. I’d overview of the entire rate it at 4 out of 5 stars and a must for series, however you may those who enjoyed Lilo & Stitch. - want to skip Episode O as Stephanie L Bannon it could spoil the series’ plot for you.. Page 14 ConNotations Volume 13 Issue 5 rd ReAnimation (cont’d from page 14 ) **** Lupin The 3 Vol 1: The World’s expiration date. She is given the choice of ships and identity or take a pass. Most Wanted 37 more days as a combat robot or 398 Persocom introduces us to 18-year-old In Dual Matrix Naomi Armitage Pioneer, 150 minutes, 13 up days of honorable retirement with her Hideki Motosuwa, who leaves his family’s (Juliette Lewis) and Ross Sylibus return. DVD $24.98 weapons removed. She chooses retirement farm and travels to Tokyo to attend prep They’ve changed their names and along since she believes she has a debt to her school. Once there the poor country boy with their daughter Yoko, are living as a Lupin travels all over the world old commander. She becomes the maid of is amazed by the fantastic technology he happy and normal family on Mars. chasing beautiful women and exotic 14 year old middle school student Suguru finds, especially the Persocoms, personal When a robot riot breaks out on Earth treasures with his companions in crime, Misato who is the orphaned son of her computers in the form of people, or at an anti-matter plant Armitage goes to master marksman Jigen and samurai former commander. With much enthusiasm animals. Luckily, since he can’t afford one, earth to investigate. She finds that the riot Goemon, all the while being pursued by Mahoro turns the grungy old house into a he finds a persocom, Chi, in the trash. His is a plot to cover up evidence of illegal Interpol Inspector Zenigata. Although sparkling showplace while cooking friends, Hiromu and Minoru tell him that research and development of more “Third they somehow always manage to lose the wonderful meals and caring for Suguru. Chi might be a Chobit, a super-Persocom Robots”. She discovers the most powerful loot they do manage to escape every the This is a strange mix of slapstick that everyone thought didn’t really exist. enemy she has ever encountered - replicas clutches of Inspector Zenigata every time. comedy and pending doom as Mahoro’s Hideki must teach her how to survive in of herself! Lupin has been around since 1971 and time slowly winds down. It’s rated 16+ for the real world, while juggling school, work Both DVDs feature: 5.1 Surround the animation quality isn’t up to today’s its nudity - Stephanie L Bannon and the quest to find out her identity. Sound (both audio tracks), English spoken standards but the humor and characters The Empty City is named after a book language, English closed captions and overcome this easily to make this one a **** Chobits - Vol 1: Persocom that catches Chi’s eye at the local book- Japanese subtitles favorite. **** Chobits - Vol 2: The Empty City store. Hideki spends his dwindling funds Polymatrix features Production Notes, This DVD contains the first six **** Chobits - Vol 3: Darkness Descends to buy the book for Chi. As she reads the Original Theatrical Trailer, Letterbox episodes from the second TV season: The Pioneer, 100 minutes each, 16 up fairy tale she finds that the main character format, THX Certified. While Dual Matrix Return of Lupin the 3rd, Buns, Guns, and DVD $29.98 each seems to be a Persocom who wanders features an “Assembling Armitage” Fun in the Sun, 50 Ways to Leave Your alone in a city full of human couples, Featurette, and Character design gallery. 50-Foot Lover, Gold Smuggling 101, Chobits is the latest series from the searching for love and companionship. These are some of the best action filled Shaky Pisa, and Cursed Case Scenario - female artists’ studio Clamp that brought Since Hideki’s paycheck from the restau- plots I have seen in a long time. I was Stephanie L Bannon us X and Cardcaptor Sakura and while is rant isn’t enough to support them Chi glued to Poly-Matrix and Dual Matrix. So another tale about the geek who meets a goes out to find a job. First a stranger much so I watched both DVD’s twice in **** MahoRomantic: Automatic Maiden lovely, female android don’t expect it to be cons her into a peep show that is also one day. In my book this is a classic 1: Combat Maid the playful, innocent fun you find in broadcast online. He encourages her to animation set. A five star set. - CLD Pioneer, 100 min, 16 up Cardcaptor Sakura. It is more adult in its strip down and ends by sticking his hand DVD $29.98 theme thus earning a 16+ ranking from between her legs. He pays the price as a Pioneer. Feminists will need to look past large burst of energy demolishes the peep Mahoro is a combat android, designed the obvious in this series (such as booby show as well as disabling almost all the to fight alien invaders, is nearing her jokes) and focus on the issues of relation- ( Cont’d on page 16 ) CCOOPPPPEERRCCOONN 2244 Sept 10-12, 2 Embassy Suites Phoenix North, Phoenix, Annual Literary Science Fiction & Fantasy Convention Author Guest of Honor: Alan Dean Foster Artist Guest of Honor: Todd Lockwood Local Author Guest of Honor: Catherine Wells More Guests To Be Announced Art by Todd Lockwood Memberships Embassy Suites Phoenix North Contact CopperCon 24 at: $25 thru 12/31/03, $30 thru 4/30/04, Room Rates: $84 S/D/T/Q +tax Write: CopperCon 24, $35 thru 8/27/ 04, $40 at the door 2577 W. Greenway Rd., Phoenix, Arizona PO Box 62613 Kids 7-12 half price* (602) 375-1777 Phoenix, AZ 85082 Kids 6 & Under Free* Phone: (480) 423-0649 * with Adult membership www.coppercon.org Email: [email protected]
Volume 13 Issue 5 ConNotations Page 15 About the Author: Euripides Pansov is a pseud- ReAnimation (cont’d from page 14 ) Love’s Savage Bindings onym for Sue Donim, which is a nom de plume for Norm 1 Persocoms in the city. Luckily Chi’s next by Euripides Pansov, F.B.I. D. Bloom, which is one of the pen names used by Penn Ames, which is a name used by Anna N. Mosely when job is in a bakery while she continues to writing anonymously, which may be a made-up name learn more everyday skills You see them next to the checkout at for Mae Dupp. We lost the paper trail at that point. In Darkness Descends the series any grocery store, those steamy historical Notes fantasy novels whose covers feature a 1. Freelance Bodice Inspector begins fleshing out the characters and buxom maiden in a passionate kiss with 2. Apparently wind storms have previously undocu- some un-shirted body builder, both of their mented aphrodisiac effects. long hair streaming in the breeze 2. 3. Not available until Napoleon’s time. These books are called “Bodice 4. Or her comic-relief handmaiden. Rippers” because they inevitably include 5. Now you know why your great-grandmother kept a scene where our sensuous-but-not-too- her button hook as a sentimental heirloom. far-from-innocent heroine and the desert prince, pirate captain, wounded confederate soldier, or other dashing-but-socially- unacceptable leading World Fantasy Convention 2004 man lose control and tear out of their period October 28-31, 2004 costumes for several pages of sweat-soaked Tempe Mission Palms, Tempe, Arizona literary exposition. Now wait just a Author Guest of Honour whale-boning minute here! Bodices and Gwyneth Jones corsetry for most of Gwyneth Jones is a writer and critic of Fantasy and these historical Science Fiction and also writes as Ann Halam, a writer of periods were marvels teenage fiction. She has been awarded two World Fantasy Awards, a BSFA short story award, of structural engineer- ing, with stiff boning, the Children of the Night Award from the Dracula Society, the 2001 Arthur C. Clarke award sturdy stays, and for Bold As Love, and is a co-winner of the Tiptree award. strong cordage. It’s no coincidence that an more tension arises from the rumor that armored breastplate is Artist Guest of HonorJanny Wurts Chi may be a Chobits. called a “corselet.” Zippers weren’t Janny's award winning paintings have been showcased in many exhibitions of imaginative Yumi, Hideki’s co-worker, is the first invented yet. Unless artwork and she has been awarded three Chesley awards by The Association of Science character to be more deeply explored. Fabio has a can Fiction and Fantasy Artists (ASFA). She is also the author of eleven novels, a collection of 3 When she invites him to a movie, even opener , the unmen- short stories, and the internationally best selling Empire trilogy written in collaboration with though they are having fun, her attitude tionables aren’t coming away quickly. Raymond E. Feist. suggests she dislikes Persocoms and this Actual tearing or turns out to be an attitude that is common cutting isn’t a good with other characters in the series. idea since our heroine Editor Guest of Honor: EllenDatlow In other action, when Chi decides to needs something Award winning editor of many fantasy, horror and science fiction anthologies including The intact to wear for the buy Hideki a porn maghe doesn’t have long coach ride home. Year's Best Fantasy and Horror for sixteen years. She has won the World Fantasy Award six yet, she finds the sequel to a fairy tale The lovers are no times, the Bram Stoker Award once, and the 2002 Hugo Award for Best Professional Editor. book he had bought for her earlier. boy scouts, but they Datlow consults for Tor Books, was fiction editor for OMNI magazine for 17 years and is Throughout the series, Chi will continue to could learn something from the motto, “Be currently the editor for SCI FICTION, the fiction area of SCIFI.COM. find and buy the sequels to the book, Prepared.” With a bit which turns out to have a surprising of advance planning, More Guests toAnnounced be author. this technical problem There are also two lighter episodes on can be avoided. The World Fantasy Convention is the annual professional convention for Suppose clever this volume, one which has Hideki’s Lady Yoyoknickers Fantasy Authors, Artists, and Editors. The 2004 edition in Tempe, Arizona has a stressing out over having to teach Chi were to use an theme of Women of Fantasy and Horror. It will feature a Dealer’s Room, Art Show, how to take a bath. The other is a spooky alternative method to lace up her corset? Programming featuring our Guests of Honor and other participants including thriller in which Hideki believes the floor Instead of crossing discussion panels, workshops and readings, the World Fantasy Awards Banquet, below him contains the ghost of a knife- the two ends of a cord Mass Autographing Session, Artists Reception, and more. toting murderer. over and over each I almost gave up on this series after other through the eyelets in the tradi- Join us at the Tempe Mission Palms in downtown Tempe, Ar the first volume but I am glad I gave it a tional manner, she4 chance. The characters and plot far could form loops of The convention site has a wide variety of restaurants, shopping and nightlife outweigh the booby joke nonsense. I look cord to be drawn in the immediate area plus recreation at Tempe Town Lake. forward to watching the remaining through each pair of eyelets. Each loop episodes of this series. - Stephanie L passes through the Memberships are US $120 through 10/31/03, US$130 thru Jan 31, 2004, Bannon previous loop in a kind more later and at the door. Pay online using PayPal. of chain stitch, in much the same way that feed sacks are closed. A button hook Contact Info: would be useful at this Tempe Mission Palms point5. World Fantasy 2004, c/o Leprecon, Inc. The end result is a 60 E. First St., Tempe, Arizona 85281 P.O. Box 26665, Tempe, AZ 85285 complex slip knot. Pull Room Rates: $155 S/D/T/Q plus tax Phone: (480) 945-6890 the ripcord and Fax: (480) 941-3438 “Geronimo!” the (Kids 18 & under stay free with adult) celebrated “heaving 800-547-8705 (or 480-894-1400) Email: [email protected] bosom” is deployed www.worldfantasy2004.org and ready for action. for hotel reservations.
Page 16 ConNotations Volume 13 Issue 5 The Best of Dreams of event in her past, something she hides enslaved themselves. Maureen is the only In Our Book Decadence even from her sister in order to protect her. one who can save everyone but only if edited by Angela Kessler Their lives are changed irretrievably when she saves her own mind first and Jo can Area 51: Nosferatu Maureen meets the Pendragon, Brian. He only save David if she acknowledges her by Robert Doherty ROC Books, 338 pp., $6.99 saves her from becoming the slave of one shared heritage with the new world. I’ll be Dell Books, 310 pp., $6.99 of his relatives but she is unable to watching for more from Mr. Hetley. - And now for that genre which is based completely trust him. This leads her to Catherine Book on sublimation of sexuality: I refer, of This is the eighth novel in an open being kidnapped by Brian’s brother and course, to vampires. If you need proof that sister. Jo follows her sister into the other series, with the ninth already announced fangs and stakes piercing bodies are a for 2004. Take the following TV series and world without knowing how she did it. transposition of sex, read Dracula. Or you Brian and Jo’s lover, David, follow both mix them together: Buffy the Vampire could read this magazine collection from Slayer, Stargate, Earth Final Conflict, women only to fall victim and become ( Cont’d on Page 18 ) and you may get this storyline. By this the years 1995 to 2001. Okay, I novel, World War Three has ended and confess: if there wasn’t a hint Earth defeated the remnants of aliens who of adult erotica, I wouldn’t were the gods of Atlantis and Egypt. have read it. There, are you Traces of the aliens and their powers happy? That said, this book remain, such as five vampires, including had too little sex and too much the original Dracula. This novel tells their biting fangs. Maybe I’m not own story, ranging through history from like most people. I don’t like ancient Egypt to conclude in the present. getting scared, and I’m not While the undead vampires were many attracted to repulsive things, influential conquerors of the past, I get the especially supernatural. The impression this is their first appearance in only horror-inspired poetry the series, a sideline to the world war that and fiction I ever cared for was is over. Their story wraps up in this book, Poe and Lovecraft. A couple while the next one is subtitled Legend. Stephen King short stories put That could be about anything or anyone. me off him, and I’ve tried twice Many paranormal pop-culture icons get to get through The Vampire tied into this series, like King Arthur’s Lestat but couldn’t. This sword Excalibur and Area 51 and Nazis collection is not changing my and foo fighters and the Holy Grail and a tastes. But these are darn secret society of Watchers and haven’t we good stories. And there’s seen all this before? That’s OK, it’s still poetry to boot, not just fun to see it all tied together yet again. - sanguine or sappy but darn Mike Griffin good. If you like vampires, that is. And some of the Bit At Large stories and poems played down the bloody fangs thing by Theron Gibbons so much that even I liked them illustrated by - Mike Griffin Christy A. Moeller-Masel $12.95, Euclid Press, 211 pp The Summer Country by James A. Hetley This story is a brave attempt to project $14.00, Ace Books, the reader into a personal relationship with softcover, 361 pp the characters. It feels a bit haphazard, the author bounces us very rapidly between I loved every minute of characters and scenes. There were times this novel. Charles deLint - when I felt left behind. The pacing of the Watch out! Hetley brings a story was designed to be fast; but, dark, sharp-edged touch to unfortunately, turned out to be more jerky. fantasy. His people are well- The author could have made the transi- developed and obviously tions between scenes, characters or times have minds of their own. The more smooth. The main character, Bit, a plot moves along without any twelve-year-old angel who has to stop an help from anyone, as far as I interplanetary war, is actually pretty can tell. I felt like I was charming in a Heinlein-esque way. I didn’t watching a movie on paper. mind the plot though I found it a bit Maureen and Jo are simplistic. The most unfortunate thing sisters, as alike as night and about this book was the way the end day and just as important to collapsed into confusion. It reminded me one another. Maureen is irresistibly of the end of Heinlein’s slightly mad since all her life Number of the Beast. - Catherine Book she’s been plagued by voices from trees and a sense of another world. Jo, a bit more grounded in reality, shares the same heritage but not the same connection with the earth. Maureen’s madness is also linked to a horrifying Volume 13 Issue 5 ConNotations Page 17 In Our Book (cont’d from page 17) and a wonderful lusty sense of life. She but does not involve the Count or any of The White Dragon tells a compelling story that cares the the characters in the Dracula novel. It is Shadows and Lights by Laura Resnick reader effortlessly to the end. - Sue Martin just an unrelated event occurring at the Tor, 491 pp, $25.95 By Anne Bishop same time as events in the novel. The back ROC Fantasy,421pp., $6.99 Shadows Over Baker Street drop of the beached ship lent added enjoyment. Other uses of Victorian The White Dragon is part one of In New Tales of Horror Fire Forged, a two book sequel to In I hope you have been reading these backdrops and characters are there to be Edited by Michael Reaves and Legend Born and will be completed with books by Ms. Bishop. She is the author of found by the observant reader. The book the release of The Destroyer Goddess in the Black Jewels Trilogy and “The John Pelan is fun. I recommend it. – Gary Swaty December, 2003. Invisible Ring.” These are rich tales of the Del Rey 445 Pages $23.95 It is a time of change for the island Fae, humans and the “wiccanfae” Duel nation of Sileria. Having formed a fragile (witches) who live in Sylvalan. Shadows gather and Holmes and Terror Stories By alliance to overthrow the Valdani under The Fae are arrogant and reclusive Watson face a raft of new foes. The Richard Matheson the leadership of Josarian,”the and live in a land removed from Sylvalan Necronomicon with all that it portends Firebringer”. The alliance disintegrates called Tir Alainn. They enter the mundane comes across from Innsmouth. Visitors Tom Doherty Associates 394 with the Waterlord, Kilorans magical world through magical roads, usually to from Miskitonic University arrive and Pages Paperback $15.95 slaying of Josarian beginning a take over dally amorously among the wiccanfae and Strange Creatures from Dimensions of Sileria. Josarians sworn blood brother, humans. And when they are done, they Beyond crawl through the London Fogs This Anthology is an interesting and Tansen must form a new alliance to return to Tir Alainn. and invade the Hinterlands of Britain. fairly representative collection of combat the Waterlord, and make way for But events in Sylvalan have escalated From the pens of some the finest Horror, Matheson’s short fiction. There are no the new leader foretold by the destroyer downhill and an evil manifested by the Fantasy and Science Fiction writers living notes in the text, but I recognize a number goddess, Dar, through the guardian, Inquisitors, called Black Coats, are killing today come new tales. These are tales of of them as having been dramatized, Mirabar. A complex story with many the witches because they think they are a Holmes and Watson with the true flavor notably Duel, Little Girl Lost, Shipshape integral sub-plots woven in, this is a book blight upon the land. As a matter of fact, and ambience of Lovecraft. Home, Third from the Sun. All of these truly needing the split volume presenta- they have also spread a doctrine of making Contributing stories were Neil Gaiman, were wonderful stories when I read them tion the publisher makes. There appears to womenfolk utterly beholden to the men in Elizabeth Bear, Steve Perry, Steven-Elliot and made excellent film dramas. be no unnecessary pieces. The plots are their lives and have their actions and their Altman, James Lowder, Brian Stableford, They are typical of the spare technique tightly woven and realized. The characters tongues curtailed. The Inquisitors have Poppy Z. Brite / David Furguson, Barbara used by Matheson to achieve his affects. both conflicted and wall drawn, the action even begun to burn books and artwork Hambly, John Pelan, Usually the horror is achieved not by effective and well done. Cant wait to read created by women. The severest criticism that can be piling up numerous awful events but volume two. This truly deserves the term But it is the witches the Inquisitors mounted against this anthology is that in rather by choosing one bad thing and Epic Fantasy. - Pam Allan really want to eradicate because the the main it adheres too closely to the going with it. In Shipshape Home, it was witches anchor the Old Places, which are original format of the Sherlock Holmes the Janitor with his third eye. In Third from imbued with magic to the human world and stories. Of course this is unfair since it the Sun it was the fear of being caught and Seeds of Betrayal usually have paths called “shining roads” sets out to be an anthology of Sherlock stopped. In Lover when you’re Near me, it by David B. Coe that allow the Fae to enter the human Holmes stories set in the Cthulhu Mythos. was the awful realization of who the Tor, 540 pp, $27.95 world. And all magic to the Inquisitors is Except for Neil Gaiman who turns the Lover’s mate was. In Being, it was the anathema. whole concept of the anthology on its waiting to be consumed. A single idea in Seeds of Betrayal is book two of the The Fae, who sound like very arrogant head and Elizabeth Bear’s fine Irene Adler every case artistically executed to achieve Winds Of The Forelands tetralogy. The elves, all gorgeousness and powerful piece, the stories are just good well written the impact. He uses the same technique in Forelands have enjoyed a relatively realize that their world is being threatened tales of Sherlock Holmes which might have his TV and Movie scripts. peaceful nine centuries since the defeat of by the death of the witches. However they come from the pen of Conan Doyle This volume will have to do until they the Qirsi, but a series of brutal murders has do not want to lower themselves by himself. But they didn’t. come out with the Matheson’s Complete brought the Forelands to the brink of civil helping, dismissing the witches as Those who expect new stories typical Short Fiction: The One Volume Edition. war. The Qirsi, a race of sorcerers, have expendable supporters of Fae desires and of the authors will be disappointed. These Recommended. – Gary Swaty served as advisors, and second class wishes. are Sherlock Holmes stories narrated by citizens to the conquering race, but nine Of course, there is an exception to this Dr. Watson. One story uses the ship hundred years have only served to arrogance: a Fae couple, The Bard and The Dracula traveled to England in as a frame, Muse. ( Cont’d on page 19 ) “Shadows and Light” deals with their desperate race through Sylvalan to stop the destruction of the witches and with them, the Old Places and access to Tir Alainn. As well as make the people aware of the insidious plot of the Inquisitors. The Inquisitors speed up their attacks on the witches and the Old Places. The Bard and The Muse, Aiden and Lyrra, having given up on trying to persuade the Eastern clans of the Fae for help, turn to their estranged Western clans. These clans have remained apart from the other clans and not much is known about them. Aiden and Lyrra discover that the Western clans may hold the salvation of all of Sylvalan. Bishop is a very enjoyable writer. Easy to read and a great hand with developing her characters and their environment, all colored with a nice dry sense of humor
Page 18 ConNotations Volume 13 Issue 5 In Our Book (cont’d from page 18 ) other siblings are left to decide who will Sea of Swords Hyperthought rule the thrown. However she must By M.M. Buckner heighten the resentment of some of the by R.A.Salvatore contend with the warring clans first, yet Holtzbrinck Publishing Ace, 177 Pp, $5.99 conquered. Could the murders destabiliz- quickly she finds a greater enemy that she ing the forelands be part of a rumored must face and destroy. Hyperthought is a stand alone Sci-Fi conspiracy? Tavis, a young noble blamed This book is a joy to read for anyone, The Sea of Swords is a very vivid and thriller. Jolie Sauvage is a Parisian tunnel for the brutal murder of his fiancee, is on but for anyone who knows The Legend of interesting fantasy book. This book rat, who has Jolie’s Tours, excursions to the run seeking the real killer, accompanied the Five Rings, or has played in the features the “Companions of a Hall” a Earth’s toxic surface for the rich. Most of by Grinsa, a Qirsi trying to stop the Dungeons and Dragons Oriental Adven- group many people may know, and more the world belongs to the coms, giant multi- conspiracy. The assassin they seek is tures game, they will love the use of game specifically Drizzt Do’Urden. One of the national companies who hold lifetime Cadel, who has been hired by Qirsi terms, descriptions, and the history companions, Wulfgar the barbarian, is contracts on the workers who live in the ministers who suspect another minister of presented in the core rule books. The missing and so the companions set out to tunnels beneath the surface. Jolie, an being part of the conspiracy. Can the loyal details in this book clearly illustrate an search for him. As they search for orphan, despises them all. Jin is the son of Qirsi, Tavis, and Grinsa, the only one with Asian nation and its beliefs and values. Wulfgar, he searches for his lost war a com CEO, a movie star, but his mission is the power to stop the leader of the Though there are many wonderfully hammer, and the part of himself which he to overthrow the tyranny of the coms but conspiracy, stop the fracture of the now detailed battles the greatest part of this has lost. All the while an elf searches for has no idea how. He decides to try fragile peace, and can they survive to do book is the political and social interactions revenge that she wishes to take out on experimental neurosurgery to unleash the so among the complex of intrigues in play? between the characters. Every character is Drizzt Do’Urden. All these quests slowly hidden potential of the brain in an effort to The book is well written with complex fleshed out, and almost anyone will find a unravel and combine to make a very define his destiny. Jolie must free him, and characters, plots and subplots playing out character they can identify with. This is a enthralling book. save him from his father, the surgeon, and against a rich tapestry of political intrigue great book for anyone who enjoys the Sea of Swords will appeal to many the forces of the coms and the com wars, with plenty of action. One can get caught fantasy genre or anyone who loves tales different readers, even if they aren‘t and stay alive. With a few good friends, up in the fully realized characters read long of ancient Asia. familiar with the legendary heroes of Jolie and Jin must save the world.. Can she past your bedtime. Recommended, and Icewind Dale. The book has many also save Jin from the changes in his cant wait to read the next volume. - Pam The Savage Caves emotions, love, anger, and hatred to name brain? This is a real page turner, well worth Allan a few, and each character is fleshed out the price. Enjoy. - Pam Allan by T. H. Lain through the use of these emotions. The Holtzbrinck Publishing Living Dead vivid details of characters, landscapes, HumansBook Two of the and battles will easily captivate any reader. by T. H. Lain Neanderthal Parallax The Savage Caves is one of the many Another great feature of the books are the Holtzbrinck Publishers books written by T. H. Lain based on many different plot lines and point of by Robert J. Sawyer Wizards of the Coast’s Dungeons and views that build upon each other to form a TOR, 381 pages, $24.95 The Living Dead is an interesting Dragons role playing game. At the great plot. fantasy book based on the third edition of beginning of the book we are quickly In this book Ponter convinces the the Dungeons and Dragons role playing introduced to the two main characters, The Golden Orb High Gray Council to reopen the portal game. The tale revolves around two main Jozan, a cleric, and Redgar, a fighter. They by Douglas Niles between the worlds. Reunited with Mary characters, Mialee, a wizard, and Devis, a the two of them explore what a relationship soon find Lidda, a halfing rogue, in trouble Holtzbrinck Publishing bard. Devis has a love for Mialee from the with the local authorities. Jozan decides to between the two of them would mean and very first time he met her and this love led free her from this punishment by forcing what it would cost. This is a very intrigu- him to join her on the adventure. Mialee’s her to come along with them to solve the The Golden Orb is an action adventure ing method which allows the author to adventure occurs because her teacher, towns problem of monstrous spiders fantasy tale written by Douglas Niles. explore the most basic concepts which Favrid, has gone missing. Along their way attacking live stalk. As they are finding the There are two main characters, Kerrick, an underlay our society. What is justice? Is to find Favrid they meet with an eccentric trace of this problem they find the exiled elf living with the humans in religion a foolish myth? What makes a cleric, Zalyn, and a rogue, Hounds-eye. sorceress Naull. Mean while the book Icereach, and Grimwar Bane, the king of person human? Differing from the other books T. H. shows us the troubles of the goblin tribes the Ogres. While these two characters are While this book does not have the Lain released this book focus’s much more below, as a hobgoblin, Rezrex, causes extremely different Mr. Niles uses these action adventure that I usually look in a on the interaction and love between the tribal fueds in the dark caves. These two two different points of view to tie the story good story, it still kept my interest. The two main characters (or lack of). The plots slowly intertwine in a compelling together in an intriguing way, allowing emotional conflict suffered by the protago- interactions between the characters are story filled with great amounts of action you to choose your protagonist in some nists is intriguing. The unusual viewpoint very intriguing and many times are funny. and suspense. ways. The book takes place in the world of used to explore our society is novel. I The books lack of battle scenes however I would recommend this book for Krynn, specifically in the land of Ice reach enjoyed this book very much and anyone proves that its not always quantity that is anyone who has played the third edition a cold and dangerous land similar to who has read Hominids will be eager to needed, the few the book includes are very of Dungeons and Dragons and is curious Alaska yet to a much stronger degree of see how the story is continued in Humans. descriptive and action packed. I would say as to what the characters mentioned in the danger. The story’s plot involves the I enjoyed the Neanderthal Parallax and this book is good for someone in the players handbook have evolved towards. Ogres attempt to overrun Brackenrock, a would recommend it to anyone who is fantasy genre who enjoys love stories, I They will also note how the book contains mighty human fortress in Icereach, interested in exploring the truly unique will warn you however this book is short. many parts of the rules introduced in the through the use of a new and powerful world view offered by Mr. Sawyer. - But good things do come in small pack- Players Handbook. Many who enjoy the weapon. There are also many Man Vs. Self William B. Whitmore ages. fantasy, especially those who enjoy action conflicts within the novel. will find this book wonderful. It’s interest- The Golden Orb is the second book in Wit’ch Star The Four Winds Saga: Wind of ing creatures and many battle scenes will a series of books, however I found this by James Clemens Honor keep the reader intrigued throughout the book easy to pickup as it gave thorough descriptions of each character, in both Del Rey, 544 pp, $24.95 by Ree Soesbee entire story. This book is a tad on the short side, and an easy read, so it is a looks and personality. Someone looking Holtzbrinck Publishing for action will definitely enjoy the battles Wit’ch Star is the fourth book of The great book to pick up for a short, but Banned & The Banished series [the Witch enjoyable read. within this book, they vary in not only size The Wind of Honor is the first book but also in the environments and the War saga]. It can stand alone. (besides the prelude) in The Four Winds different opponents. However, the largest The three deadly Weirgates have been Saga. The main character Tsuado is the draw of this book is the intricate plot and destroyed, but the threat of the Dark Lord daughter of the emperor and commander man vs. self conflicts within the book. remains. Elena, the Wit’ch of spirit and of the Imperial Legion. Quickly into the stone, and her companions have gone to book her father dies and she and her 3 prepare for their final stand. Elena has (Cont’d on page 20 ) Volume 13 Issue 5 ConNotations Page 19 In Our Book (cont’d from page 19) overthrow the regent and kill the heir. At return and put a stop to the invasion. adventures with The Evil Magician Trent gone for R&R to A’loa Glen. Along comes the same time he must protect the heir from Before the can set off, they find in which nothing is what it seems. In The Harlequin Quail, a spy acting as Jester [or the Black Pearl. The mistress, Lydea, also themselves attacked on every front. Can Source for Magic, the King wants to know is it the reverse] arrives telling them they wishes to protect Kyel, the son of her late Esen and Paul survive, much less return to what the source of Xanth’s magic. He have one month to counter certain doom. lover. She survives, with the help of Mag, Esen’s former home, protect the sends Bink, and his companions out on a One Weirgate remains. The Dark lord will the” waxling”. She wants to protect Ducon indigenous tumblers, get rid of the quest for truth. Harried by an unseen use it to usher in a reign of evil without and Kyel. All seek the aid of Faey, Mag’s invaders, and stop the Granthor fleet from creature determined to stop them, and end. Hunted by the Dark Lord and his mistress who lives between the worlds. destroying everyone. having allies become enemies it will followers, with betrayal on all sides, the Can any of them survive the malicious Hidden in Sight is one of those rare become a battle of wits and luck to prevail. faithful companions will find that love and power of Domina Pearl, and how does this books that successfully tell a story from In Castle Roogna, Millie the former magic will be tested to the breaking point. effect the fate of Ombria? an alien’s point of view. Her likeable ghost had taken up being the Nanny to With shades of Robert Jordan, Wit’ch This is an extraordinary book. A characters, and realized species would Bink and Chameleon’s son Dor. But the Star has all the elements of classic fascinating journey through a maze of make it good reading. The plot twists and sprightly Millie pines for the Zombie fantasy. It also has distinctive details and truth and illusion, of love and loss, of surprises make it more so. Enjoy, fellow Master, Jonathan. To help Millie, Dor well drawn characters that make well worth bravery and magic. It has beautiful readers. I will go hunting the first two embarks on a journey to get the elixir that reading. But save a couple evenings. At characterization and witty and intelligent books. - Pam Allan will restore Jonathan to full life with Millie. 544 pages, with no excess words, it will prose that borders on poetry. If you It, too, is an adventure filled with Xanthian take some time to finish. - Pam Allan. weren’t a McKillip fan before, this could The American Fantasy Tradition surprises. transform you. Your library is incomplete edited by Brian M. Thomsen The first three Xanth novels, classics Enemies without it. - Pam Allan TOR, 602 pages, $27.95 in their sub-genre, have less word play than the later novels, but does make a by Lee Hogan The Devil and Deep Space splendid way to spend a rainy afternoon. - ROC, 416 pages, $6.99 Mr. Thomsen claims that this book is Pam Allan by Susan A. Matthews an overview of American fantasy fiction. ROC, 362 pages, $6.99 Enemies is the sequel to Belarus. In With 43 short stories spanning 200 years DeathDay Belarus the star spanning Republic fell. of American literature this is a truly Book four of the Judiciary series. amazing work. With authors as divers as by William C. Dietz now a thousand years later the Union is ACE, 355 pages, $7.50 trying to reunite the lost worlds that Surgeon/torturer Andrej Koscuisko is due Washington Irving, H.P. Lovecraft, Alan survived the fall. But the planet Belarus is to depart on home leave when a terrible Dean Foster and David Drake, to name just special for here is the only world where training accident occurs. With the Captain a few, this book makes an excellent Suddenly and without warning the both men and the ENEMY live. But in a dead, First Officer tries to save her crew introduction to a wide variety of authors world is under attack. Satellites, thousand years of sharing the world with and ship from the machinations of the and I would recommend it without communication centers, all forms of radio the ENEMY the people of Belarus have corrupt and venial officials who will not hesitation. It would be an excellent broadcast sites and military bases are become a very stubborn, stiff-necked and hesitate to kill her whole crew to cover-up introductory book for any young reader ruthlessly pounded. In three hours almost intolerant people. The Union representa- their own activities. and it is also an interesting collection of 3/4 of the planet’s population is dead and tives are vexed and exasperated by the Ms Matthews has written a good familiar favorites for an experienced reader. dying and no one knows by who or why. rulers of the planet but still they must try novel of political intrigue. Her antagonists I especially applaud the editors courage in And then things start to get really bad. to bring the people of this world into the are corrupt and self-serving while her resisting the pressures of the politically What? You don’t think things can get any Union for it is the only place in the galaxy protagonists are all too human. Torn by correct. While the works of many of the worse? Then you need to read DeathDay where man has met the ENEMY and not conflicting demands on their time and pre-civil war authors are now considered by William C. Dietz because I assure you been exterminated in the most horrible loyalty they muddle through, trying to do offensive by the narrow minded liberals Mr. Dietz’s fertile imagination finds a way manner. what is right in a universe where with no understanding of history, Mr. for it to get worse, MUCH WORSE. Enemies is a fast paced novel of “reasonable people” only think in terms of Thomsen has resisted their pressure and DeathDay is a vividly written post intrigue and suspense. It’s references to personal power and profit. chosen to included several stories apocalyptical drama of amazing scope. the things which happened in Belarus are well This is the first book by Susan A. because of the important contribution that story line is compelling, the characters are explained. The characters readily engage Matthews that I have read and I found it they made to American literature. I think well developed and easy to identify with, your sympathy and I would gladly an interesting and well written story. While we should all applaud Mr. Thomsen’s the human drama is suspenseful and recommend this book. It is a good stand frequent references are made to actions courage and include this fantastic compelling, and the action scenes are well alone novel and an even better sequel. - that have happened in prior novels anthology of American fantasy fiction our written and believably choreographed. William B. Whitmore enough explanation is provided so that libraries. - William B. Whitmore I think most sci-fi fans will find something this makes an acceptable stand alone to like in this novel and recommend it to Ombria in Shadow novel which I am sure fans of MS XANTH; The Quest for Magic all. - William B. Whitmore Matthews have eagerly awaited. - William by Patricia A. McKillip by Piers Anthony B. Whitmore Del Ray, 774 pages, $18.95 Holder of Lightning 298 pp, $14.00 by S.L. Farrell Hidden in Sight Daw, 472 pages, $23.95 Ombria In Shadow is a stand alone Xanth, The Quest for Magic is a three by Julie E. Czerneda novel omnibus of the first three Xanth fantasy. Daw, 496 pp, $6.99 When Ombria’s prince, Royce Greve, novels [of 21] issued in a hefty trade Holder of Lightning is Volume one of dies, he leaves his son, and his mistress in paperback. Celebrating 25 years of The Cloudmages, a projected multi- the hands of his great aunt Domina Pearl, a Hidden in Sight is the third volume of Xanthian publication. generational epic. Jenna Aoire is a naive 17 ruthless and ambitious sorceress. The the Web Shifters series. In A Spell for Chameleon, Bink has no year old herding sheep on Knobtop mistress is thrown out in the streets with Esen-Alit- Quar is the youngest, and apparent magic in a kingdom that exiles mountain when the legendary magelights no expectation of survival. The son and she believes, the last member of Ersh’s everyone that doesn’t evidence magic by flare up in the night sky. When Jenna finds heir has little more with the Black Pearl as web. She, and her human friend, Paul, have age 25. After an adventurous quest to the a pretty, if plain, pebble it not only heralds regent. The principality loses hope, and formed Esen’s Web, but they are hunted Good Magician Humphrey, neither the beginning of a new age of cloud magic, the portents of change appear with by those who would destroy all web Humphrey, or Beauregard the Genie can but also takes over the lives of Jenna and memories of the shadow Ombria that exists beings. Still, they have made a good life as identify what that magic is. Although her family. It also spawns war, betrayal, in parallel with gates between the two if importers on a planet far from Picco’s Humphrey writes a note to the [senile] intrigue, and death. As first holder of the only you knew where to look. Ducon Moon. When they find that Picco’s Moon King, declaring he does have magic, Bink Lamh Shabhala, the most powerful cloch, Greve, the bastard of the king, fights his is being illegally mined, and Ersh’s is exiled to Mundania. own battles against rebels who would mountain desecrated, they make plans to There he begins his second series of ( Cont’d on page 21 ) Page 20 ConNotations Volume 13 Issue 5 In Our Book (cont’d from page 20) Deathstalker Legacy Non-Genre by Genre Follow the Drum (1942) by Simon R. Green Iron Butterflies (1980) which wakes the other clochs in existence. Roc, 472 pages, $23.95 Authors - Andre Norton Maid at Arms (1981)* The holder cannot give it up, and almost Murders For Sale (1954)*
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