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Home , Compton Crook Award, Kelly Freas, Poul Anderson, The Phantom (miniseries)

PO Box 656, Washington, DC 20044 - (202) 232-3141 - Issue #179 - Feb. 2005 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: http://www.lambdasf.org/

The LSF Book Discussion Group

If you’re interested in lively discussions of F&SF books (with an emphasis on elements of interest to the LBGT community), we invite you to join the LSF Book Discussion Group. Each month, we conduct fascinating round- table discussions of works by significant Astounding Frank Kelly Freas Astounding F&SF authors. (Sept. 1954) (Oct. 1953) 1922 - 2005 The LSF Book Discussion Group generally meets on the 4th Frank Kelly Freas was a mem- Van Vogt, , and Frederik Thursday of every month, starting at ber of First . The Encyclopedia Pohl and has won 11 Hugo Awards for 7:00 PM, at Peter & Rob’s home: 1425 “S” of named him “the most his work. He wrote and illustrated the St., NW -- for directions or more details, popular sf artist in the history of the following books: The Astounding call 202-483-6369. The next meeting will field.” He was also certainly one of the Fifties, Frank Kelly Freas: The Art of be held on Feb. 24th. Here’s the sche- most prolific, remaining an active artist Science Fiction, A Separate Star, and dule for the next couple of meetings: until just weeks before his death in Frank Kelly Freas: As He Sees It. Feb. 24th - Lust by Geoff Ryman; moder- January. Freas also created a large ator: Peter. Freas first entered the field of body of work outside the F&SF field. March 24th - Frankstein by Mary Shel- F&SF illustration in 1950; and in the During World War II, he painted ley (Yes, the classic!); moderator: TBA ensuing half century or so, he painted beautiful women on the noses of (Scott?). ΛΨΦ literally hundreds of covers (and bombers; and he painted portraits of interior illustrations) for 28 magazines – five hundred saints for the Franciscans. - Next LSF Meeting - including, most famously, his work for He was an official NASA mission artist Feb. 13th Astounding Science Fiction, as well as – his space posters hang in the and Science Fiction, Planet Smithsonian Institution and in 2000 he The next Lambda Sci-Fi meeting Stories, and If – and for such book was elected a Fellow of the Interna- will be held at James Crutchfield’s apart- publishers as Ace, , DAW, tional Association of Astronomical ment (1414 17th St., NW, #413) on Sun- and Laser Books (their complete run of Artists. The Skylab I astronauts even day, February 13th. The business meet- 57 books), and for Mad Magazine. He commissioned him to design their crew ing will begin at 1:30 PM; and the social has illustrated the stories of such patch. meeting will begin at 2:00 PM. Please bring classic authors as , Frank Kelly Freas is survived some munchies or soft drinks, if you can. Robert Heinlein, Arthur C. Clarke, A.E. by his second wife, fellow artist Laura. See you there! ΛΨΦ

WHAT'S INSIDE? LSF Jan. 9 Meeting Minutes (pg. 2); Award Season Begins: The Philip K. Dick Award Finalists (pg. 2);The of the Opera (film review, pg. 3); (obituary, pg. 3); Realities (Part 2) (book review - pg. 4);Annie Nominees Announced (pg. 5);Sapphire Nominees Announced (pg. 5);About Lambda Sci-Fi: DC Area Gaylaxians &Con Calendar (pg. 6) 1 ΛΨΦΛΨΦ by — a collection of Award Season Begins: ΛΨΦΛΨΦ F&SF stories by authors from various The Philip K. Dick LSF Jan. 9 Meeting Minutes “native peoples.” Award Finalists The next Pixar/Disney film minutes by Scott info passed along by Rob Gates (called Cars) doesn’t seem to look - - - - impressive. Michael reported on the recent www.comingsoon.net is a web- movie outing to see Phantom of the site that Peter uses to learn about Philip K. Dick Opera. According to attendees, the upcoming movies. He commented on actor who played certainly (a Dreamworks animated movie), photo by was not as hideous as the Phantom was Star Wars III, Batman Begins, Charlie David G. supposed to be. and the Chocolate Factory and, of Hartwell Kate Mulgrew (Captain Janeway course, the next “Harry Potter” movie. on Voyager) is portraying Katherine And then it was time for the Hepburn in a one-person play in Annual LSF Book Exchange! A good Baltimore. Everyone agreed that Kate time was had by all! Here’s who got what Mulgrew should be able to pull off from whom: Nominees for this year’s Philip Katherine Hepburn rather successfully. Randy received Jeff Ryman’s Lust from K. Dick Award – given annually for Electra opens next weekend. Peter. distinguished science fiction published The second season of Carnivale begins Scott received Johanna Sinisalo’s Troll in paperback original form in the United tonight (ShowTime). The 1st season of from Rob — and then passed it States – have been announced. First Carnivale is now available on DVD for along to Julian. prize and any special citations will be an outrageous price. Peter commented Peter received three DVD’s (Wizards, announced on March 25, 2005 at that all seven seasons of Star Trek: Next Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, 28 (Doubletree SeaTac Ho- Generation are available for about $500. Bubba Ho-tep) from Randy. tel, Seattle-Tacoma, Washington). Ben Browder, star of , Josh received a DVD with episodes from The finalists include a few joins the cast of : SG1. Claudia Flash Gordon (the 50’s TV names of interest for GLBT readers. The Black (also from Farscape) will also be series) and James Blish’s list here is presented in alphabetical appearing as a recurring character on Earthman Come Home from order, by title: Stargate. And Andromeda is reported Carl. Air, by Geoff Ryman as unwatchable and deserves to die. Fausto received three Sharlene Harris (St. Martin’s Griffin) Peter passed around items paperbacks (Club Dead, Dead Apocalypse Array, by Lyda Morehouse received at the LSF mail box — flyers for Until Dark, and Living Dead In (ROC) various cons around the globe and Dallas) from James. Banner of , by Liz Williams Parsec (newsletter from a Pittsburgh sci- Michael M. got a pile of “Jules De (Bantam Spectra) fi group). Grandin” novels (by Seabury City of Pearl, by Karen Traviss Rob reminded everyone about Quinn) from (whom else?) (Eos) the Lord of the Rings movie marathon to Michael C. The Coyote Kings of the Space-Age be held at his & Peter’s house on Amazingly, Carl actually got a book that Bachelor Pad, by Minister Faust Saturday, January 22. See all three he had’t actually read before (Del Rey) extended versions of the LOTR movies in — David Gerrold’s The Man Life, by Gwyneth Jones one day, hopefully without getting Who Folded Himself, from (Aqueduct Press) bedsores from sitting so long. Doors Norman. Stable Strategies and Others, open at 10:00 AM. Michael C. received several C.J. Cherryh by Eileen Gunn Rob reminded everyone about novels (including Hammerfell) (Tachyon Publications) the upcoming books for the LSF Book from Julian. The Philip K. Dick Award is Discussion Group: Johanna Sinisalo’s James got the Disney animated Hercules sponsored by the Philadelphia Science Troll (January); February - Jeff Ryman’s from Fausto. Fiction Society; and the award ceremony Lust (February); ’s Fran- Rob received a Mystery Science Theater is sponsored by the NorthWest Science kenstein (March). (MST3K) video, plus a bonus Fiction Society. Last year’s winner was It was reported that Arthur C. “Betty Boop” video, from Scott. Altered Carbon, by Richard K. Morgan Clarke, who moved to Sri Lanka years Scott got Gore Vidal’s Smithsonian (Del Rey), with a special citation to back, was not harmed by the recent Institution from Josh. Dante’s Equation, by Jane Jensen (Del Asian tsunamis. Krista received Jeffrey Huntington’s YA Rey). Judges for this year’s award are Krista displayed her recent novel Sorceress of the Arthur Byron Cover, Karin Lowachee, acquisition, a short fiction anthology Nightwing from Michael C. Syne Mitchell, James Van Pelt, and called So Long Been Dreaming, edited ΛΨΦ Sherryl Vint (chair). ΛΨΦ 2 The Phantom of the Opera a short film review by Michael Marinelli Eisner's signature Eisner ad creation (Comicon 1999)

Will Eisner 1917 - 2005

Will Eisner is recognized into the Army and used his skills to Gerard Butler, as the Phantom internationally as one of the giants in illustrate both educational and enter- I enjoyed the movie. The sta- the field of “sequential art,” a term he tainment training pieces. In 1945, he ging is good; the music and singing are coined for what we generally think of returned to civilian life and set back to good; but the casting is more than a bit as “comics.” Wizard magazine (May work on The Spirit. (According to DC off. This is because the actor playing the 2002) even named Eisner “the most in- Comics, at its height The Spirit ap- Phantom (Gerard Butler) is just too good fluential comic artist of all time.” His peared in 20 newspapers and reached looking! He has way more physical career spanned nearly seventy years five million readers every Sunday.) At charisma than the so-called hero of the and eight decades, beginning with the same time, Eisner created the play, Raul (Patrick Wilson). Even with contributions to Wow, What a Maga- American Visuals Corporation, under- the scars and make up – the half bald and zine! while still a teenager in 1936. In taking commercial art projects for P*S white hair – he still seems far too one interview, Michael Chabon noted Magazine (an Army periodical), RCA handsome to be the physically repulsive that Joe, one of the heroes of his novel Records, the Baltimore Colts, and New monster that the play made him out to be. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier York Telephone, and others. One critic called Butler’s Phantom “the & Clay, shares some features with In 1978, Eisner created the Fashionably scarred stud of the Opera.” Eisner. first modern graphic novel, A Contract I have to agree; but it made it fun Wow only lasted four issues, With God (Baronet Books). (Accord- watching, I can tell you! He makes but Eisner gained a lot of experience. ing to N. C. Christopher Couch, Eisner Langella’s Dracula look plain by com- Next he teamed with friend Jerry Iger to “independently coined the term graphic parison. form the Eisner & Iger, a studio that novel” in that year.) He continued to The decisions made by the worked with numerous comic artists create graphic novels over the course director seem to emphasize the Phantom’s and creators – including and of the next twenty-five-plus years. hunkiness. They redid some of the – over its three-year exis- Eisner also taught cartooning at the costuming of the Phantom during the tence. (Unfortunately, Eisner turned School of Visual Arts in New York; and lesser-known scenes, to emphasize his down a comic by and Joe he wrote two books about making sex appeal and physical attractiveness. Shuster called Superman.) In 1939, “sequential art”: Comics and Sequen- For example, in a masquerade scene in Eiser left the partnership with Iger and tial Art and Graphic Storytelling. the 2nd Act, the Broadway play creates joined Quality Comics Group, where he Since 1988, one of the comics industry’s the staging of the original Lon Chaney created his signature character, The most prestigious awards, The Eisner Sr. movie and has the Phantom appear Spirit (a masked crime fighter without Award (named in his honor), has been dressed in an elaborate “Red Death any super powers). presented annually at ComicCon, outfit” – it’s quite a knock-out on stage, In 1942, Eisner was drafted America’s largest comics convention. but it hides most of his body. The movie, however, has him dressed in a rather form-fitting and flattering pirate-type red Along these lines, the movie us note the physical presence of the outfit. It’s nice, but not what I expected. also de-emphasizes the magic powers of Phantom). You more than half expect Christine the Phantom (a strong point in the play) However, on the whole, I en- (Emmy Rossum) to run off with the and has Butler using physical force to joyed it and will get the DVD when it Phantom rather than the dull pretty-boy accomplish some of the stunts and comes out (despite, and perhaps be- Raul (the choice I would have made!). actions of the character (again, making cause of, the unorthodox elements). ΛΨΦ 3 allowed them to develop a system of Steampunk Realities “telegraphic addresses” for companies (Part 2) and/or individuals. Each telegraphic book review by Carl Cipra address was a special short word -- reserved just for that company or individual -- that would be cheaper to OK, where was I? Ah, yes, I transmit than the full postal address. remember. This is the second part of a Books of telegraphic addresses (cross- set of three reviews of books dealing referenced to the actual postal delivery with various aspects of “Victorian super- addresses) were kept in each main science,” the stuff that supports the telegraph office. Telegraphic addresses "The Telegrapher" Verne-sian/Wells-ian atmosphere of (daguerreotype, ca. 1853) were issued on a first-come, first-served those steampunk novels I so enjoy. Last basis and required payment of an annual month, I reviewed Tom Standage’s The I must give Standage kudos for fee for renewal. (By 1889, 35,000 such Turk: The Life and Times of the Famous crafting the invention and development telegraphic addresses had been regis- Eighteenth-Century Chess-Playing Ma- of the electric telegraph into a fascinat- tered with the British Post Office.) Does chine (Walker & Co., 2002) and Doron ing and enjoyable tale. But, for me, the this sound familiar? Swade’s The Difference Engine: Charles really enjoyable parts of this book are (6) Telegraphy even had its equivalent of Babbage and the Quest to Build the those where Standage reveals the “dumb user” jokes (similar to current First Computer (Penguin Books, 2002). incredible parallels between the electric stories like the one about the dumb This month, it’s time to complete the set telegraph system and the Internet blonde who used white-out on the with a review of another book by Tom (development, uses, reception by the computer screen). These stories were Standage. general public, etc.). I found the wide often compiled into magazine articles range of similarities to be absolutely such as one entitled “Strange Notions of The Victorian Internet: The Remarkable incredible. Here are just a few of them: the Telegraph.” (Here’s one: “One Story of the Telegraph and the Nine- (1) Telegraphy used an agreed-upon young girl asked her mother how the teenth Century’s On-Line Pioneers protocol to transmit individual letters. messages ‘get past those poles without by Tom Standage (Walker & Co., NYC, This parallels such schemes as ASCII being torn.’ The mother is said to have 1998) (American Standard Code for informa- replied, ‘They are sent in a fluid state, my tion Interchange). dear.’”) Close on the heels of Babbage’s (2) Telegraphers developed sets of work on difference engines came the conventional abbreviations and contrac- invention of the electric telegraph, the tions (sort of a “telegraphic shorthand”) subject of this third book. And what a when communicating with each other. story it is! In the author’s words: “The One listing of common abbreviations rise and fall of the telegraph is a tale of from 1859 included the following: “I I” scientific discovery, technological cun- (dot dot, dot dot) means “I am ready” ning, personal rivalry, and cutthroat and “G A” means “go ahead”. This competition.” directly parallels the development and Standage states that the devel- use of such on-line terms as “LOL”. opment of the electric telegraph was “the (There was no single standard for greatest revolution in communications abbreviations, however; differing dia- since the development of the printing lects or customs arose on different press”, more of a quantum leap than telegraph lines.) anything since that time (telephone, (3) During slack periods, operators often Victorian advertisement radio, television, etc.); and this conten- played games (such as chess or tion certainly rings true. After all, prior to checkers) via telegraph. The Victorian Internet was far the electric telegraph, information could (4) There were telegraphic equivalents of and away my favorite book of the three. I effectively be conveyed over long “chat rooms”. For example, Standage feel that the authorial skills demon- distances only as fast as any given relates the story of employees of the strated by Standage in this book (use of messenger could physically carry it American Telegraph Company holding language, humor, narrative style, etc.) (horseback, boat, train, carrier pigeon, an after-hours meeting via telegraph. are superior to those demonstrated in his etc.). With the telegraph came what was, (“The meeting was attended by hun- later work, The Turk. However, perhaps to all intents and purposes, near dreds of operators in thirty-three offices it’s the subject matter of The Victorian instantaneous worldwide communica- along the 700-mile line.”) Internet that makes all the difference. tion -- communication not dependent on (5) The centralization of the entire British For the most part The Turk is a “period physical transport. telegraph network under the Post Office (continued on page 5) 4 Annie Nominees Sapphire Nominees Announced Announced info passed along by Kendall info passed along by Kendall On December 6, the Interna- For television, children’s favor- Not necessarily the kind of tional Animated Film Society (ASIFA- ite SpongeBob SquarePants shares the stuff I read, but... Hollywood), announced nominations for spotlight with its feature production The (on-line) Science Fiction the 32nd Annual Annie Awards. The counterpart. having picked up a nomina- Romance newsletter has announced the “Annies” (the industry’s oldest and tion for Best Animated Television nominees for the Sapphire Award. most prestigious awards) recognize the Production. Other nominations in this Nominations were made by the year’s finest achievement in animation category include My Life As A Teenage newsletter’s subscribers and selected by across film, television, commercials, and (from Frederator/Nickelodeon), a panel of five judges. short subjects and are seen as a Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends Best Novel precursor to the Oscar for animation. and Star Wars: The Clone Wars (from Day of Fire, by Kathleen Nance Pixar Animation Studios (Walt Cartoon Network Studios), and The (Dorchester) Disney Pictures) led the field with 16 Batman (from Warner Bros. Animation). Dead to the World, by Charlaine Harris nominations for The Incredibles, includ- Here are a few of the 2004 Annie (Ace) ing Best Animated Feature as well as Award nominations, by category: Heart Duel, by Robin D. Owens individual nominations for Character Best Animated Feature (Berkley) Design, Animated Effects, Character Ghost In The Shell 2: Innocence - Go Jane’s Warlord, by Angela Knight Animation, Directing, Music, Production Fish Pictures (Berkley) Design, Storyboarding, Writing, and The Incredibles - Pixar Animation Raven’s Shadow, by Patricia Briggs Voice Acting (Samuel L. Jackson as Shrek 2 - DreamWorks Animation (Ace) Lucius Best/Frozone; and Brad Bird as The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie - The Scarlet Empress, by Susan Grant Edna Mode). Peanut Worm Productions (Dorchester) DreamWorks Animation gar- Best Home Entertainment Production Best Short Fiction nered 14 nominations overall for Shrek 2 The Lion King 1½ - DisneyToon Studios “Dead Girls Don’t Dance,” by MaryJanice and Shark Tale, each with seven. Shrek Mickey, Donald & Goofy: The Three Davidson (fromCravings ; Jove) 2 captured nominations for Best Ani- Musketeers - DisneyToon “The Night Owl,” by Emma Holly (from mated Feature, Animated Effects, Direct- Scooby-Doo and the Loch Ness Monster Hot Blooded; Jove) ing, Music, Storyboarding, Voice Acting - Warner Bros. Animation “Originally Human,” by Eileen Wilks (Antonio Banderas for Puss in Boots), Best Animated Television Production (from Cravings; Jove) and Writing. Shark Tale received its Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends - “Stained Glass Heart,” by Catherine nominations for Animated Effects, Char- Cartoon Network Studios Asaro (from Irresistible Forces; acter Animation, Character Design, Pro- My Life As A Teenage Robot - Frederator/ NAL) duction Design (three nominations), and Nickelodeon “The Trouble with Heroes,” by Jo Writing. SpongeBob SquarePants - Nickelodeon Beverly (from Irresistible Rounding out the nominations Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Cartoon Forces; NAL) for top animated feature are Ghost In The Network Studios “Winter Born,” by Sherrilyn Kenyon Shell 2: Innocence (from Go Fish Pic- The Batman - Warner Bros. Animation (from Stroke of Midnight; St. tures/DreamWorks Animation) and The For more information on other Martin’s) SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (from categories, check out their website: “Winterfair Gifts,” by Lois McMaster Peanut Worm Productions/Paramount www.annieawards.org Bujold (from Irresistible Forces; ΛΨΦ Pictures). NAL) ΛΨΦ

Steampunk Realities continued from page 4 piece.” It concentrates on telling the story of a single artifact, one with limited relevance to our modern world. And, after all, the Turk was a fake; it wasn’t at all the mechanical marvel it was purported to be. The Victorian Internet, on the other hand, tells a story that’s world-wide in scope, with (literally) a cast of thousands. It tells us about the origins and nature of a technological advance that made a quantum change in the world. To quote the book’s Epilogue: “Today, we are repeatedly told that we are in the midst of a communications revolution. But the electric telegraph was, in many ways, far more disconcerting for the inhabitants of the time than today’s advances are for us. If any generation has the right to claim that it bore the full bewildering, world-shrinking brunt of such a revolution, it is not us -- it is our nineteenth-century forebears.” ΛΨΦ 5 * * INFORMATION ABOUT LAMBDA SCI-FI: DC AREA GAYLAXIANS * *

Lambda Sci-Fi: DC Area Gaylaxians (LSF) is an organization for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and trans- gendered (GLBT) people, and their friends who are interested in science fiction, fantasy, horror and related genres in all forms (SF/F/H). LSF’s primary goals are to have fun, to provide a community, and to: • promote SF/F/H, with particular attention to materials of interest to GLBT people and their friends; • provide forums for GLBT people and their friends to share their interest in SF/F/H; • promote the presence of GLBT elements within SF/F/H and within fandom; and • promote SF/F/H within the GLBT community. Annual membership fees are $10, for which you will receive an e-mailed this monthly newsletter and a membership directory. (Hard copies of the newsletter cost an additional $15 per year.) Newsletter submissions are always welcome. Meetings are usually held on the second Sunday of each month at a private residence. The next Lambda Sci-Fi meeting will be held on the Sunday,February 13th, atJames Crutchfield’s apartment: 1414 17th St., NW, #413 (near Dupont Circle) - 1:30 PM for business meeting; 2:00 PM for social meeting. Please bring some munchies or soft drinks, if you can. Hope to see you there! Lambda Sci-Fi: DC Area Gaylaxians is an affiliate ofthe Gaylactic Network, an international organization for gay people and their friends who are interested in science-fiction and fantasy.

Con Calendar by Carl, Peter, and Rob

February 11-13, 2005 FARPOINT 2005. Marriott's Hunt Valley Inn (Hunt Valley, MD). Special Guests include: Jeffrey Combs, Kathy Garver, Tony Amendda. Membership: $50 for the full weekend (daily rates available). Make checks payable to "Farpoint Enterprises" and send to: Farpoint Enterprises, Inc., 11708 Troy Ct., Waldorf, MD 20601. (On-line registration is also available.) Website: www.farpointcon.com Email: [email protected]

May 27 - 30, 2005 39. Wyndham Baltimore Inner Harbor Hotel (Baltimore, MD). GoHs: Steven Barnes & Tananarive Due; Artist GoH: Bob Eggleton; Special Guest: E.E. Knight (2004 Compton Crook Award Author). Membership: $43 until Feb. 28; $48 from 3/1 until 4/30; $55 after that & at the door: Make checks payable to "Baltimore Science Fiction Society" and send to: Balticon, PO Box 686, Baltimore MD 21203-0686 Website: www.balticon.org E-mail: [email protected]

July 1- 4, 2005 GAYLAXICON 2005. Hyatt Regency Cambridge (Boston, MA). Guest of Honor: Lois FEMcMaster Bujold; Fan GoH: Star Trek: Hidden Frontier. Membership: $50 (more at the door!). Make checks payable to "Gaylaxicon 2005" and send to: Gaylaxicon 2005, PO Box 1059, Boston, MA 02103. (More information as it becomes available.) Website: www.gaylaxians.org/gaylaxicon2005

Aug. 4-8, 2005 INTERACTION (63rd World Science Fiction Convention). (Glasgow, Scotland, UK). Guests of Honor: Greg Pickersgill, Christopher Priest, Robert Sheckley, . Membership: $195 from 12/1/04 (will go up!). Make checks payable to "Interaction" and send to: Interaction, PO Box 58009, Louisville, KY 40268-0009 Website: www.interaction.worldon.org.uk Email: [email protected]

Sept. 3-6, 2005CASCADIA CON (NASFiC 2005). SeaTac Airport Hilton (Seattle, WA). Author GoH: Fred Saberhagen; Artist GoH: Liz Danforth; Editor GoH: Toni Weisskopf. Membership: $85 until 11/30/04 (will go up after that). Make checks payable to "Seattle NASFiC" and send to: Seattle NASFiC, Box 1066, Seattle, WA 98111. URL: www.CascadiaCon.org

Aug. 23-27, 2006L.A.CON IV (64th World Science Fiction Convention). (Los Angeles, CA). Author GoH: ; Artist GoH: James Gurney; Special Guest: Frankie Thomas (Tom Corbett, Space Cadet). Membership: $150 thru 12/31/2004 ("will go up after that"). Make checks payable to "L.A.Con IV" and send to: L.A.Con IV, c/o S.C.I.F.I., Inc., PO Box 8442, Van Nuys, CA 91409 Website: www.laconiv.com For more info: [email protected]

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