Volume 14, Issue 4 August/September ConNotations 2004 The Bi-Monthly Science Fiction, Fantasy & Convention Newszine of the Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society

A Conversation with Featured Inside Todd Lockwood SF Tube Talk Special Features All the latest news about A Conversation with By Larry Vela & Velavision Scienc Fiction TV shows Todd Lockwood by Larry Vela & Velavision Larry Vela of Velavision interviewed Todd Moore on an Asimov’s cover that he 24 Frames Lockwood. We are privileged to print a couldn’t do. My agent was also his agent All the latest Movie News Robot Stories transcript of that interview in and the editor Terri Chechko (sp?) was ConNotations with the gracious permis- very pleased, and she gave me another Haunted History sion of Mr. Lockwood and Velavision. one, and was very pleased. And I asked Videophile Reviews of genre releases Never Alone Transcript of Todd Lockwood interview. how can I get more of this type of work? by Dawn Mullan Larry Vela: Todd Lockwood, you are the She said “hang your stuff at a science on DVD and VHS guest of honor for CopperCon 24. fiction fantasy convention.” Screening Room The Shinkasen Has Left The Building Todd Lockwood: Thank you very much. I said “A what?” I really had no idea; I By Shane Shellenbarger I’m looking forward to it. had never been to one. I had heard of Reviews of current theatrical releases LV: Todd, everybody has their start, GenCon, the gaming convention, but I Catwoman Houston We Have A Problem what’s your story? wasn’t interested in going. I enjoyed the The Bourne Supremacy An Open Letter to Fandom TL: Oh what’s my story? Well, that’s not a game, but I wasn’t willing to give up Spiderman 2 from Leslie Fish short story, unfortunately. vacation time to travel somewhere and Around the World in 80 Days I graduated from Colorado Institute of Art be that immersed in it. Although, I was The Day After Tomorrow Plus our Regular Features: in 1981. And I planned to just head plenty immersed in it in our own gaming Harry Potter and the straight to New York City and start group. Prisoner of Azkaban looking for book work. And my wife said But I took her advice and went to Van Helsing CASFS Business Report “You don’t really want to go to New York, Winnepeg in ’94, with some stuff and do you?” Well, no, not really. So I stuck (put it in) the art show. Some of it was In Memorium Event Calendar around Denver and it was just the wrong very well received. Michael Whelan Woody Harper Area events, TV premires, market for me. I was doing advertising, stopped me in the hall to tell me how Vladimr DVD & Movie releases lottery tickets, Coors beer cans; I did a lot much he liked “Cereberus.” That was my of satellite dishes. It just got to where I convention right there. I went home In Our Book FYI was doing crap work for people who had inspired, and started going to more Reviews of New SF/F Books News and tidbits of no clue; frustrated illustrators themselves. conventions and that was really the interest to fans I had to get out. Meanwhile, I had agents genesis. I met some of the right people at in New York, and other places, and they the right time, and was in the right place Musty Tomes didn’t want to sell to this market. I’d had when TSR was looking for more artists Reviews of Classic Genre books Club Listings enough and about ’94, kind of by chance, to replace some guys who had left. Convention List & I got an opportunity to fill in for Chris It still kind of amazes me how fast it all Generic Registration Form ( Continued on page 15 )

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Country Club, Ste. 105, Mesa, AZ 85028 (602)308-0292 ConNotations 85210 (480)649-0807 ISSN: 1082-7765 4537 E Cactus, Phoenix AZ 85032 PUBLISHED: Six times a year (602) 923-0733 BY: Central Arizona Speculative 3029 W Peoria, Suite CC, Phoenix, AZ Fiction Society, PO Box 62613, 85021 (602)395-1066 Phoenix, AZ 85082 ISSUE NUMBER: Volume 14 Issue 4 SUBSCRIPTION: $15 for 6 ISSUES Page 2 ConNotations Volume 14 Issue 4 mosphere allows for a return trip to Earth working with Will Vinton Studios on a SF Tube Talk — but the team may not be able to return to 24 Frames new stop-action animated movie, The TV News & Previews Atlantis. Corpse Bride, for October 2005 release. Coming up on October 17th will be the Movie News Based on a Russian folk tale, it is set in a By Lee Whiteside return of Farscape to the SciFi Channel By Lee Whiteside 19th century European village and deals with the four hour miniseries Farscape with a young man (Johnny Depp) who A few notes on some sad news in the Peacekeeper War. The movie picks up fol- Boffo Box Office So Far For Summer genre TV area to start off with this issue. gets married to the corpse of a murdered lowing the end of season four when SciFi Kicking things off in June, Harry bride (Helena Bonham Carter), who is First of all, actor Richard Biggs, who por- cancelled the series. Due to the fan outcry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban then resurrected. trayed Dr. Franklin on Babylon 5, passed and support, The Jim Henson Company and debuted with a record weekend haul of Filming on Peter Jackson’s remake away from an apparent heart attack on May Hallmark Entertainment partnered with 22, 2004. He was only 44 years old and over $93 million in the U.S., the best of of King Kong is expected to start in New some other backers to produce the four hour the three movies so far, and it looks on leaves behind his wife and two children. A miniseries with SciFi picking it up for Zealand in August. Andy Serkis will par to end up with total box office memorial fund has been set up for his chil- broadcast after it was finished. Returning provide the reference for the title charac- comparable to the second movie’s take of dren and donations can be sent to The Ben- will be all the main cast (Ben Browder as ter as he did with Gollum in the Lord of efit of the Children of Richard Biggs, c/o Crichton, Claudia Black as Aeryn Sun, $262 million. The Chronicles of Riddick the Rings Trilogy. Other casting an- Washington Mutual Bank, 840-N. San Anthony Simcoe as D’Argo, Gigi Edgley debuted strong with over $24 million its nounced are Naomi Watts (Ann Fernando Blvd., Burbank, CA 91502. It was as Chiana, Melissa Jaffer and Noranti, opening weekend but has faded fast and Darrow), Jack Black (Carl Denham), also recently announced that James Wayne Pygram as Scorpius, Paul definitely won’t recoup its $105 million Adrien Brody (Jack Driscoll), Thomas Doohan, Scotty on the original Star Trek Goddard as Stark, Raelee Hill as Sikozu, production costs unless they sell an awful Kretschmann (Captain of the Venture), series, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and David Franklin as Captain Braca) plus lot of DVDs. As anticipated, Spider-Man Colin Hanks, and Kyle Chandler. disease, which in addition to pulmonary a few returning favorites such as Tammy 2 jumped out of the gate breaking records December 2005 is the target date for the fibrosis, Parkinson’s and diabetes he has McIntosh as Jool, Kent McCord as Jack for movie box-office and looking to movie’s release. been fighting, has left the 84 year old actor Crichton, Rebecca Riggs as Commandant outdistance the first movie. With a Star Wars Episode III is well into in failing health. He will be awarded a star Grayza and possibly a few surprises they Wednesday opening on a long holiday post-production with some additional on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at the end aren’t admitting to. The miniseries will weekend, the movie set a new record for filming scheduled this summer with some of August and special tribute convention is quickly resolve the situation that John and the first week with $192 million, $35 being held in Los Angeles with him and the of the cast. No official title has been Aeryn found themselves in at the end of million above the prior record holder released, but rumors seem to be leading other surviving original series cast mem- the fourth season and find them trying to Matrix Reloaded. The end of Spider- towards Rise of the Empire or maybe bers participating. For more information on get some peace and quiet while waiting for Man 2 made it quite clear that things are Revenge of the Sith. Look for a larger role the convention, visit http://planetxpo.com/ their baby to arrive. Needless to say, that doohan . well under way for setting up Spider- by Yoda including more lightsaber action doesn’t last very long and John’s wormhole Man 3 planned for May 2007. The Stargate Franchise expanded in knowledge drags them into a full-scale war with him and a big opening space battle. In the Works July with the addition of Stargate Atlantis between the Peacekeepers and the Scarrans. The big villain in the third movie will be Currently filming in London is Tim to the SciFi Channel schedule on Friday The budget for the miniseries allows for General Grevious, who is described in the nights. As expected, lots of viewers tuned more special effects and lots of explosions. Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate official Star Wars magazine as “part non- in making SciFi and MGM very happy in USA Network will be wrapping up its Factory, a new adaptation of the Roald humanoid alien, part custom-designed their expansion into new territory. There genre shows in August getting ready to Dahl book of the same name with druid, General Grievous hunted Jedi for will be new episodes of each series on Fri- share Olympics coverage with their new Johnny Depp starring as Willy Wonka. sport and proudly displayed his victims’ day nights through the end of August. owner, NBC. Their short run series, The Expect this movie to be more faithful to lightsabers around his belt as trophies of Stargate SG-1 sees the episode Icon 4400 will finish up its last two episodes on the original book and not to be a musical his conquests. His unorthodox fighting where Daniel is stranded on another planet Sunday nights before awaiting word on if like the 1971 Willy Wonka movie. Look form and mechanical enhancements gave after the team’s arrival on an alien world it will be brought back. The Dead Zone will for it in July 2005. Tim Burton is also sparks a violent conflict between two na- ( Continued on page 5 ) tions, in Avatar Teal’c is trapped in a vir- quickly wrap up its sea- tual reality simulation, in which he must son with double epi- defend the base from a Goa’uld super-sol- sodes on the last two dier incursion. Affinity deals with the pri- Sundays of the series’ vate lives of Teal’c and Carter when Teal’c summer run. There’s finds himself in the middle of a dangerous no advance press infor- dispute and becomes a murder suspect mation on these epi- when he moves into an apartment off-base sodes, but expect and Carter has second thoughts about main- things to ramp up with taining a committed relationship with Pete Greg Stilson and com- Shanahan. Covenant sees a businessman pany as well as some threaten to expose the secrets of alien life revelations about the to the world, forcing Stargate Command to death of Rachel. bring him into the loop. Charles G. Following the suc- Shaughnessy guest stars as Alec Colson in cess of the 20 episode what may end up as a recurring role. micro-series Star Wars Over on Stargate Atlantis during Au- Clone Wars, the Car- gust, after a series of run-ins with the toon Network will part- Wraith, the team begins to suspect their ner with LucasFilm for Athosian allies of having a spy in their another set of episodes midst in Suspicion, in Childhood’s End, next March in advance Sheppard and the team visit a world where of the release of Star no one is over 24 years old — because of a Wars Episode III. ritual suicide practice they believe keeps Once again Genndy the Wraith at bay, in Poisoning the Well, Tartakovsky will the Atlantis team gates to another world serve as director, co- used by the Wraith as a feeding ground — screenwriter and ex- but whose people are on the brink of a dis- ecutive producer of a covery that may make them immune to their new series of five 12 enemy, and in Home, McKay’s efforts to minute Star Wars epi- harness the energy of an alien planet’s at- ( Continued on page 4 ) Volume 14 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 3 SF Tube Talk ( Continued from page 3 ) for the new series, starring Christopher the Nazis overrunning North America with Smallville returns Sept 29 and how Eccleston, is that negotiations broke down the help of the alien seen in last season’s things will be resolved with the different sodes to start airing March 21, 2005. We’ll with the Terry Nation estate over story finale. On the Enterprise, time traveler predicaments isn’t very clear, but indica- see more of Anakin, Obi-Wan, Mace lines and thus the Daleks will not be mak- Daniels is in sick bay with his body in a tions that there will be a couple of new re- Windu, Yoda and an expanded role of the ing an appearance in the new series. That state of temporal flux and the crew needs curring characters appear early in the sea- new Episode III villain General Grevous didn’t stop BBC comedy series Coupling to track down Silik to try to figure out how son. First of all will be a new boy for Lana who made an impressive debut in chapter from placing one in the scifi/horror book to get the timeline back on track. Lang, named Jason Teague, a 21-year-old 20 of Star Wars Clone Wars. shop of their new character, Oliver, though. Over on ABC, the new J. J. Abrams college junior whom she meets while in In the near term, Cartoon Network has Coupling creator Steven Moffat is also series, Lost, will debut on September 22. Paris, and follows her back to Smallville. new episodes of Justice League Unlimited writing a couple of episodes of the new It’s about a group of 48 survivors of a plane Jensen Ackles (Days of Our Lives and and Teen Titans through the beginning of Doctor Who series. crash on a pacific island that have to learn Dawson’s Creek) will play Jason, described September on Saturday nights. Over on the networks, there’s a limited to work together and survive. It’s “an ac- as the “stubbornly independent heir to a rich The new roster of Justice League Un- amount of new genre shows for the fall, tion packed adventure that will bring out Metropolis financial firm who becomes limited includes some of the most famous with ABC keeping Alias on hold until Janu- the very best and the very worst in the romantically involved with Lana Lang.” superheroes around, like Green Arrow, ary so the series can run mostly straight people who are lost.” There are also mys- The bigger news is that Lois Lane will turn Supergirl and Captain Atom. Other mem- through without any breaks for repeats or terious creatures on the island stalking the up for four episodes, investigating the ap- bers may be a bit more obscure. Hawk & pre-emptions. jungle. Leading the cast is Matthew Fox parent death of her cousin, Chloe Sullivan. Dove are siblings with a very different take NBC will debut their new CGI animated as Jack, with Dominic Monaghan (Hobbit Rumored casting is Erica Durance, who on conflict resolution techniques. B’wana series, Father of the Pride, on August 31st Alert!) as Charlie, Evangeline Lilly as has appeared on Mutant X and Tru Call- Beast is a jungle man-turned-superhero, a and will likely be promoting it heavily dur- Kare, Ian Somerhalder as Boone, and ing. combination of the Bronx and the Bronx ing the Olympics. From DreamWorks Ani- Daniel Dae Kim as island native Jin. Not Charmed will return to the WB on Sept Zoo. The Atom is the world’s smallest su- mation, producer of Shrek and Shrek 2, this much has been revealed about further 26 and will have a special guest for a few perhero. Booster Gold, a glory-seeking hero a new CGI-animated comedy series goes storylines beyond the pilot, but other writ- episodes in singer/actor Nick Lachey, who from the future, joins the Justice League, beyond the glitz of the iconic Siegfried & ers on the series include David Fury, fresh will play someone hired as a ghost writer as does Zatanna, a beautiful magician and Roy show to glimpse the off-stage antics from Buffy and Angel. for witch Phoebe Halliwell’s advice column sorceress. While there is a universe filled and the suburban life of the performing who ends up romantically involved with her with new threats, a few classic villains re- white lions. Played very much for laughs, turn, including Lex Luthor, Soloman the producers will also address more seri- Grundy and Mongul. We’ll see episodes ous issues including the near fatal attack including For the Man Who Has Every- that happened in real-life. Voice talent in- thing, based on the classic Alan Moore cludes John Goodman as Larry, the pride’s comic story where Batman and Wonder father and Cheryl Hines as Kate, the head Woman visit Superman on his birthday at lioness. Carl Reiner is the aging headliner his Fortress of Solitude only to find him Sarmoti, who is always butting heads with immobilized by a special gift that Mongul Larry. CGI versions of Siegfried and Roy has brought to him. Hawk and Dove will will also appear, voiced by Julian see the pacifist/aggresive superhero duo Holloway and Dave Herman. This will be join Wonder Woman on a mission to stop a the first television show with feature film- war between two neighboring factions. quality CGI animation (no, Tripping the Fearful Symmetry features Supergirl, who Rift doesn’t count), and NBC is banking starts having disturbing dreams and seeks on it being a hit. help from Green Arrow and The Question. Star Trek Enterprise will return for a Kids Stuff finds Superman, Wonder Woman, fourth season, but will move to Friday Batman and Green Lantern transformed nights on UPN as part of a special deal into 8-year-olds in an attempt to save the worked with Paramount. UPN was reluc- world from the magic of Mordred. tant to renew Star Trek Enterprise for an- Teen Titans will wrap up the second other season following the lower ratings it season and move right into the third sea- has gotten in the last season. In order to son with episodes such as Fractured, where keep the show on the air, UPN will pay a Robin is visited by a short little weirdo from much lower license fee to Paramount and another dimension known as Larry the Ti- will move the series to the second hour of tan! But unlucky for Robin, Larry’s real- programming on Friday nights where they ity-bending powers cause more problems have normally ran low rated movies. Para- than they fix. The two part Aftershock sees mount is willing to make this arrangement Slade and Terra returning with Slade order- with the idea that they will recoup the losses ing Overload, Cinderblock and Plasmus to on DVD sales and syndication sales with launch a series of attacks on the city and the additional season. For the new season the Titans are MIA. Kicking off the third of Enterprise, returning Sept 17th, Manny season of the show right away will be De- Cotto will be taking on a more prominent ception where the Titans go undercover at role in the series allowing Rick Berman the Hive Academy to find out what their and Brannon Braga to work on some other rivals, Gizmo, Jinx, and Mammoth are up projects. Berman has indicated that they to. Later in the new season we will see new will possibly wrap up the whole Temporal Titan characters including Bumblebee as Cold War storyline early in the season and well as a return of Aqualad and Speedy as have shorter, high-concept, story arcs span- well as some more villains not yet seen in ning a few episodes instead of the whole animated form. season like last year. They are also looking Across the pond on the BBC, they have to arrange some special guest star roles, cast the Doctor’s companion. Playing Rose including the possiblity of William Tyler will be pop singer/actress Billie Piper. Shatner as one of Kirk’s ancestors and Her career started with pop success as a Brent Spiner playing an ancestor of Dr. teenager in the UK ala Britney Spears, but Noonien Soong. her move into acting has gone much better Opening up the season will be Storm than her U.S. counterpart. She has recently Front, which finds Archer and the Enter- won acclaim for a role in British TV series prise in an alternate time line in 1944 with The Canterbury Tales. The other big news Page 4 ConNotations Volume 14 Issue 4 24 Frames ( Continued from page 3 ) proof bubble. There is great political Romulan Star Empire, first mentioned in Alien vs. Predator - The iconic monsters conflict within, however, and this is the the Original Series episode “The Balance from the two franchises battle each other him an edge in close-quarters combat, story of an acrobatic assassin, Aeon Flux, of Terror.” As for the possible Babylon 5 on Earth – no matter who wins, we lose. and his strategic ingenuity and flawless whose latest target is the government’s movie, indications from creator J. In the present day, the discovery of an cunning rendered him almost invincible top leader.” Michael Straczynski are that things are ancient pyramid buried in Antarctica against the Jedi.” Grevious was featured Bewitched is now coming to the big still moving forward but that some sends a team of scientists and adventurers in the 20th chapter of the Star Wars Clone screen next summer with most of the cast changes will be needed following the to the frozen continent. There, they make Wars micro-series on Cartoon Network having been lined up in preparation for death of Richard Biggs, who played Dr. a terrifying discovery: two alien races and will also be featured in the new series filming to begin. Nicole Kidman will be Franklin in the Babylon 5 TV series. engaged in an ultimate battle, the Aliens scheduled to debut in March. witch Samantha Stephens, Will Ferrell as News Flash - Warner Bros. has and the Predators. Sanaa Lathan (Lex The next big Marvel adaptation will her husband Darrin Stephens with confirmed that Bryan Singer will be Kline), Lance Henriksen (Charles be Marvel’s The Fantastic Four, Shirley MacLaine as Endora and directing the Superman movie and Weyland), Raoul Bova (Sebastian Wells), scheduled to hit the screens next July. Michael Caine as Maurice. No official indications are that he will start from and Ewen Bremner (Miller). Directed by Filming will start later this summer and details have been announced on the scratch with a new script. There’s also a Paul W.S. Anderson. we’ve got official news on most of the manner of the adaptation, but expect it to strong rumor that Jack Black will take Yo-Gi-Oh! - The ancient Egyptians main cast. Leading the team as Reed lean towards the romantic side, being on the role of Green Lantern for a comic played dangerous “Shadow Games” using Richards (aka Mr. Fantastic) will be Ioan penned by Nora Ephron (Sleepless in take on the superhero. cards that could summon forth all Gruffudd, Johnny Storm (aka The Seattle, When Harry Met Sally). Also in Future Releases varieties of mythological monsters and Human Torch) will be portrayed by Chris the works is a movie adaptation of I Code 46 is a love story set in an eerily magical forces to become manifested as Evans , and Michael Chiklis (The Dream of Jeannie, with Lindsey Lohan possible near-future where cities are pawns in the game. The Shadow Games Shield) will be Ben Grimm (aka The rumored for the role of Jeannie. heavily controlled and only accessible eventually led to a war that nearly Thing). At press time, casting for Sue The Joss Whedon Firefly movie, through checkpoints. People cannot travel destroyed the entire world until the Storm (aka Invisible Woman) has not yet Serenity, now has an April 22nd release unless they have a “papelles,” a special secrets of the game were locked away in been announced but those in the running date. The movie will follow on from the travel insurance. Outside cities, the desert artifacts called the Millennium Items. include Jessica Alba, Rachel show’s mythology, with The Alliance has taken over and shanty towns are 5,000 years later, Yugi is a teenager with MacAdams, and Keri Russell. Tim assigning an agent known only as “The jammed with non-citizens – people spiky blonde hair who has unlocked the Story (Barber Shop) will direct, from a Operative”, played by British actor without papelles whose lives are severely secrets of the Shadow Game as part of a script by Simon Kinberg. Chiwetel Ejiofor, to track down Simon restricted. William (Tim Robbins) is a game called Duel Monsters. Now, Yugi Batman Begins will be filming Tam and his sister, River. According to family man who works as an insurance becomes engaged in a new sort of card exterior shots for Gotham City locations actor Alan Tudyk (Wash), the movie will investigator. When his company sends game challenge... Based on the popular on location in Chicago. According to an be bigger and better, and will feature him to another city to solve a case of fake cartoon and card game. official Chicago press release “Chicago much improved sets from the TV series. papelles, he meets a woman named Maria Exorcist: The Beginning - It tells the tale will be standing in for Gotham in this Initial reports that Angel star David (Samantha Morton.) Although he knows of Father Merrin’s (Stellan Skarsgaard) version being directed by Chris Nolan Boreanz was appearing in the movie she’s been creating the forgeries, he falls journey as a young missionary priest to (Memento) whose brother lives in appear to have been false or premature. completely in love with her. He hides her post-WWII Africa, which led to his first Chicago. When the script called for an Rumblings have started about what crime and they have a wild, passionate encounter with demonic forces. Directed underground road he immediately might come to the big screen next in the affair that can only last as long as his by Renny Harlin, this is actually the thought of Lower Wacker, which brought Star Trek universe. In a recent interview, papelles: 24 hours. Back home, William second attempt at this prequel. A version the project to Illinois. The work has producers Rick Berman and Brannon is obsessed with the memory of Maria. directed by Paul Schrader was shelved expanded to include the Amstutz High- Brage indicated they would like to have He tries to see her but is refused the but may end up being made available as way in Waukegan and various Chicago the next Trek film to be a prequel, set necessary papers to travel. Desperate, he part of the DVD for this movie. area locales for 15-plus days.” Some before the Original Series, but after Star uses one of the fake papelles he kept from Hero - In a distant war-torn land, a lucky Chicago area fans may end up Trek Enterprise. The subject of the his investigation. He eventually tracks her ruthless emperor is rising to power with being extras in the outdoor shots. movie would be the original war between down, only to discover she has been an iron fist and his massive armies. To On the Superman front, actor Shia the newly formed Federation and the accused of a Code 46 violation. control everything, he will stop at LaBeouf reported that he interviewed ( Continued on page 6 ) with director McG for the role of Jimmy Olsen. He said that McG is now planning on casting an unknown for the role of Superman/Clark Kent and is trying to get Scarlett Johansson for Lois Lane and Johnny Depp for Lex Luthor. There are also rumors that McG is now off the project and that Michael Bay and Bryan Singer are possibilities for directing now. Indications are still that the J. J. Abrams script is what will be used for the movie. Someday, Warner Bros will actually get this movie into production and will have to lock down the directors and actors. Small Screen to Big A live action movie based on Aeon Flux starts filming in Berlin this summer. Taking on the lead role is Charlize Theron, who has been undergoing several months of intensive training to get ready for the role. Frances McDormand has joined the cast as Aeon’s Handler. The movie is described as “In the 25th century, a rampaging virus has forced the remnants of humanity into the seclusion of a final city surrounded by a disease- Volume 14 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 5 used to unlock the secrets of youth and Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (Elle Hudson), James Brolin, Portia de ( Continued from page 5 ) 24 Frames immortality. What they discover is that - Famous scientists around the world Rossi, Illeana Douglas, Jesse Eisenberg nothing. International action star Jet Li is the orchid is already being used by a have mysteriously disappeared and (Jimmy Myers), Shannon Elizabeth a fearless warrior with no name on a powerful group... a swarm of giant snakes Chronicle reporter Polly Perkins (Becky), Omar Epps, Robert Forster, mission of revenge for the massacre of that derive their super strength, size and (Gwyneth Paltrow) along with ace Judy Greer, Joshua Jackson (Jake), his people. Seeing limited release in vitality from the flowers, and extremely aviator Sky Captain (Jude Law) are on Mya, Kristina Anapau (Brooke), August. large snakes are also extremely hungry the investigation. Risking their lives as Michael Rosenbaum, James Callahan Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood snakes... Stars Johnny Messner, Morris they travel to exotic places around world, (Mark), Scott Foley, Shashawnee Hall, Orchid - A scientific expedition is sent to Chestnut, Eugene Byrd, Nicholas can the fearless duo stop Dr. Totenkopf, Michelle Krusiec (Debbie), Eric Ladin the jungles of Borneo to search for a rare Hope, and Peter Curtis and a lot of the evil mastermind behind a plot to (Louie), Milo Ventimiglia (Bo) plus a black orchid by a powerful pharmaceuti- snakes. destroy the earth? Aided by Franky Cook few surprise cameos. cal company that hopes the orchid can be (Angelina Jolie), commander of an all- Resident Evil: Apocalypse - Picking up where the end of the first movie left off, World Fantasy Convention 2004 female amphibious an elite military agent, Alice (Milla squadron, and techni- Jovovich), finds herself stranded in the October 28-31, 2004 www.wfc2004.org cal genius Dex ruins of Raccoon City following a virus Tempe Mission Palms, Tempe, Arizona (Giovanni Ribisi), outbreak which has turned the city’s Polly and Sky Captain inhabitants into bloodthirsty zombies. World Fantasy Convention may be our planet’s Searching for a way to contain the virus, The 2004 edition of the in Tempe, Arizona has a theme only hope. Directed by of Women of Fantasy and Horror. It will feature a Dealer’s Room, Art Show, Alice also teams up with other survivors, Kerry Conran. who include Jill Valentine (Sienna Programming featuring our Guests of Honor and other participants including The Forgotten - A Guillory), who finds herself being discussion panels, workshops and readings, the World Fantasy Awards Banquet, single mother, Telly hunted down by a massive monster called Autograph Reception, Artists Reception, and more. Paretta (Julianne Nemesis with ties to Alice. Expect lots of Moore), whose 8-year- mayhem and video game violence in this Join us at the Tempe Mission Palms in downtown Tempe, Arizona! old son has recently one. The Tempe Mission Palms has a wide variety of restaurants, shopping and nightlife in disappeared during an Sharks - This mafia movie, set in the the immediate area plus recreation at Tempe Town Lake and Karsten Golf Course. airplane crash (and world of saltwater fish, is the story of Free airport shuttle and free parking are available at the hotel. whom she fears might what happens when the son of the shark The average daytime high temperature in late October is 85 degrees. be dead), seeks the boss (Robert De Niro) of a fish crime help of a psychiatrist family is killed (by a dropped anchor), Author Guest of Honour Gwyneth Jones (Gary Sinise) to cope and a bottom-feeder named Oscar (Will with the pain of her Gwyneth Jones is a writer and critic of Fantasy and Science Fiction and also writes as Ann Halam, a writer of Smith) is found at the scene of the crime. teenage fiction. She has been awarded two World Fantasy Awards, a BSFA short story award, the Children of the grief, only to be told Hoping to win favor with the enemies of Night Award from the Dracula Society, the 2001 Arthur C. Clarke award for Bold As Love, and is a co-winner of that her son is merely a the ganglord, the fast-talking hustler the Tiptree award. figment of her imagi- poses as the killer known as the nation, with her mind Artist Guest of Honor Janny Wurts “sharkslayer”, but soon learns it’s a making up eight years dangerous game in a world where the big Janny's award winning paintings have been showcased in many exhibitions of imaginative artwork and she has of false memories. been awarded three Chesley awards by The Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists (ASFA). She is also fish generally eat the little fish... Other the author of eleven novels, a collection of short stories, and the internationally best selling Empire trilogy written When she meets a voices include Renee Zellweger, in collaboration with Raymond E. Feist. father (Dominic West) Angelina Jolie, Jack Black, Peter Falk who has had a similar and Kevin Pollak. Editor Guest of Honor: Ellen Datlow experience with his Award winning editor of many fantasy, horror and science fiction anthologies including The Year's Best Fantasy own disappearing and Horror for sixteen years. She has won the World Fantasy Award six times, the Bram Stoker Award once, and daughter recently, the the 2002 Hugo Award for Best Professional Editor. Datlow consults for Tor Books, was fiction editor for OMNI two team up to try to magazine for 17 years and is currently the editor for SCI FICTION, the fiction area of SCIFI.COM. find the answers Publisher Guest of Honor: Betty Ballantine behind what appears to Betty Ballantine and her husband Ian Ballantine were a team for over 50 years, helping to form Bantam Books in be some sort of 1945, launching their own firm, Ballantine Books, in 1952 and becoming freelance consulting editors/publishers in otherworldly case of the 1970s. Ballantine Books was one of the earliest publishers of original SF books, with authors ranging from mass kidnapping (by Arthur C. Clarke, to Anne McCaffrey, and H.P. Lovecraft. They published the first "authorized" edition of J.R.R. aliens? or... something Tolkien's works, the art book Faeries, and James Gurney's Dinotopia. else?). Toastmistress: Jennifer Roberson Cursed - An estranged Since 1984, Jennifer Roberson has published 22 solo novels, among them fourteen bestselling fantasy novels: the brother and sister 8-volume Chronicles of the Cheysuli, about a race of shapechangers and a divine prophecy; the 6-volume Sword- living in Los Angeles, Dancer The Golden Key saga the author describes as "Conan the Barbarian Meets Gloria Steinem," and with mourning the recent Melanie Rawn and Kate Elliott. loss of their parents, Yvonne Navarro, Don Maitz Other Guests Writer/Illustrator Award winning artist are brought together by a savage werewolf Memberships are US$160 currently and at the door. Pay online using PayPal! attack, forcing them to fight for survival, Tempe Mission Palms against both the beast World Fantasy 2004 Contact Info: and the dangers of its 60 E. Fifth St., Tempe, Arizona 85281 World Fantasy 2004, virulent curse... Room Rates: $155 S/D/T/Q plus tax c/o Leprecon, Inc. Written by Kevin (Kids 18 & under stay free with adult) Williamson (Scream P.O. Box 26665, © Sue Dawe Tempe, AZ 85285 movies), directed by Call 800-547-8705 (or 480-894-1400) Wes Craven (Night- for hotel reservations. Phone: (480) 945-6890 mare on Elm Street, Register online at Missionpalms.com Fax: (480) 941-3438 Scream movies), and using the group code FANTA Email: [email protected] stars Christina Ricci Page 6 ConNotations Volume 14 Issue 4 fascination with the mysterious assassin found them and then framed - when Peter confesses to Aunt May that Screening Room Catwoman, who appears to be Bourne for a murder in Berlin. Jason it was his fault that Uncle Ben was killed responsible for a string of crime sprees travels from India to Germany to Russia what we saw was a real human reaction In theaters now: plaguing the city.” to solve the mystery and get CIA to leave from May, not the usual “I understand” ** Catwoman Ok, that is a good overview of the him alone. that so often occurs in movies. ** The Bourne Supremacy film’s plot. I enjoyed the story line much First, other than the character’s names The film is just the right mix of plot, **** Spiderman 2 more than the brief outline of and the title, this has absolutely no character development and special *** Around the World in 80 Days Catwoman’s creation in one of the resemblance to the Robert Ludlum book effects. So often these films get eaten up *** The Day After Tomorrow Batman movies and it certainly makes the on which it is supposedly based. The by spectacular effects to the detriment of Coming Soon: Catwoman character both more story is OK but the filmmakers were way the story but Sam Raimi’s deft direction Sky Captain and the World of understandable and much more too impressed with fancy never sacrifices the characters for the Tomorrow sympathetic. Add in Sharon Stone’s cinematography. The chase scenes are too easy-out of awesome special effects. Second Opinions: appearance as Laurel Hedare, aging up close, just a bit out of focus and go on Don’t get me wrong, the effects are Harry Potter and the Prisoner model and evil villainess, Lambert for way too long - they gave me a spectacular, Doc Ock moves seamlessly of Azkaban Wilson as her cheating husband Georges headache and distracted from what might and the fight on the train is riveting as is Van Helsing Hedare and Alex Borstein as Patience’s have been a moderately interesting the final confrontation between Spider- friend Sally and we have all the espionage story. Man and Doc Ock but the effects are Catwoman ingredients of a really good adaptation of All in all, I suggest reading the book. - interspersed with the touches that make PG-13, 104 minutes a comic book into a film. The problem, Stephanie L Bannon the movie so much more than the typical surprisingly, comes from the CGI action film..... Aunt May forgiving Peter The official synopsis from the portions, to a small degree the cat’s Spider-Man 2 for his uncle’s death, the people on the website: “Catwoman is the story of shy, movements but much more so the CGI PG-13, 127 minutes train who stand up for Spider-Man when sensitive artist Patience Philips (Halle Catwoman’s movements. Anyone who he is injured.... these are the kinds of Berry), a woman who can’t seem to stop has spent any time living with cats can In Spider-Man 2, Peter Parker (Tobey touches that make a movie a classic as apologizing for her own existence. She see that the catlike movements of Maguire)is finding out the being a opposed to just another summer action works as a graphic designer for Hedare Catwoman are off, not a lot, but just superhero isn’t all that grand. He is film. Beauty, a mammoth cosmetics company enough to be distracting. Nor does Halle flunking his college classes and can’t pay The end of this movie leaves the door on the verge of releasing a revolutionary Berry really get the cat-like slink quite his rent, he’s even been fired from his wide open for Spider-Man 3 and I, for anti-aging product. When Patience right, though it is hard to tell if it is deadend job as a pizza delivery man. To one, can hardly wait to see where this inadvertently happens upon a dark secret actually her or the CGI-her. cap his really bad week, he finds that franchise goes next. One can only hope her employer is hiding, she finds herself Overall I enjoyed the film and will Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst) is engaged to the studio has the intelligence to keep the in the middle of a corporate conspiracy. certainly pick it up when it is released on an astronaut, kindly Aunt May is going to current cast and director for the third What happens next changes Patience DVD but it could have been so much be evicted from the family home and his installment. - Stephanie L Bannon forever. In a mystical twist of fate, she is better with just a little more attention to spider powers are starting to fail at the transformed into a woman with the the tiny details instead of going for the most inopportune moments. What is a Around the World In 80 Days strength, speed, agility and ultra-keen big special effects. - Stephanie L young superhero to do? PG, 120 minutes senses of a cat. With her newfound Bannon Peter decides to quit - no more Spider- prowess and feline intuition, Patience Man, no more stress, no more lies. Sure This adaptation of the famous Jules becomes Catwoman, a sleek and stealthy The Bourne Supremacy enough, his grades improve, and he Verne novel puts the focus on creature balancing on the thin line PG-13, 108 minutes finally starts to get his life back to Passepartout (Jackie Chan) instead of between good and bad. Like any wildcat, normal. Peter’s childhood friend Harry Phineas Fogg (Steve Coogan). Chan’s she’s dangerous, elusive and untamed. Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) and arranges for Peter to meet the brilliant character is a thief, but an honest one, as Her adventures are complicated by a Marie (Franka Potente) have been living scientist Dr. Otto Octavius and Peter is he is only stealing back that which was burgeoning relationship with Tom Lone under assumed names in a small out of one of the witnesses to Dr Octavius’ stolen from his people. Fleeing from his (Benjamin Bratt), a cop who has fallen the way seaside village in India. But they disastrous cold fusion experiment. When robbery of the Bank of England, Chan for Patience but cannot shake his stayed in one place too long; a rogue the once kindly scientist resurfaces as becomes Fogg’s manservant and maneuvers the bet that sends them off on Doctor a trip around the world in 180 days. In Octopus with Paris, they acquire the obligatory female four metal traveling companion, misunderstood tentacles artist Monique La Roche (Cecile De sticking out of France). As the trip progresses Phineas his back, Peter learns to value friendships over science, must decide Passepartout returns the stolen Buddha to which life his village and the trio works together to path he will help Fogg win his bet. follow - Granted, this has little to do with the normal life or Verne story and is more of a showcase for Spider-Man? Chan’s martial arts prowess but all in all This is one it is a pleasant little romp. The tone is sequel that light throughout, there are numerous more than cameos that are fun to watch for and the lives up to, if martial arts scenes are pure Chan at his not surpasses, best. A great way to spend an afternoon - the first film. the only thing missing was the typical The characters Chan touch of outtakes interspersed with have the closing credits. We’ll have to wait for obviously the DVD release for those. - Stephanie L grown and the Bannon relationships ( Continued on page 8 ) are true to life

Volume 14 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 7 Screening Second Opinions: IN MEMORIAM contributions be made toward funeral expenses. Please contact Alice at ( Continued from page 7 ) Room Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Woody Harper [email protected] should you wish to The Day After Tomorrow Azkaban August 11, 1963 - June 9, 2004 contribute. PG-13, 124 minutes PG-13, 141 minutes Woody was admitted to the hospital Vladimir Professor Adrian Hall (Dennis Quaid) Different style and mood are noticeable Monday afternoon, June 7th, with 3/1/85 - 6/21/04 tries to warn the world’s leaders about modifications made by the new director, dehydration, liver failure, renal failure global warming but, of course, they Alfonso Cuaron. This film is dark and and high potassium. In spite of aggressive At 10:41PM on June 21, 2004 Count choose not to listen. Then Mother Nature foreboding, and Harry soon discovers that treatment with IV fluids, he lost Vladimir Felis lost his battle for life, he strikes with a series of disasters nothing is as it seems. The escaped convict consciousness and his heart stopped was 19 years, 3 months and 21 days old. (tornadoes in LA, a blizzard in India) Sirius Black, whom most in this magical Monday night; he was resuscitated after Vladimir had been ill for the past couple heralding the beginning of a new ice age. world believe helped Voldemort kill Harry’s much effort, and put on a ventilator and months, the vet diagnosed lymphoma. Adrian’s son is trapped in New York parents, is believed to be innocent by Harry, mild sedative. Tuesday he was diagnosed Vladimir was a regular at conventions when the rapid descent of the ice age first Hermione and Ron who must save him with fulminant hepatitis, but his kidneys from 1988 - 1993. His first convention floods New York with giant tidal waves from imprisonment. All the while, Ron’s rat were starting to look better. By the being Westercon 41 in 1988 and his last and then freezes everything. It is a race familiar is the actual culprit when he is in morning his vitals and lab tests were against time to reach New York and save human form. Though Harry desperately looking better, though he was still in his son. tries to find a way to save Black so Harry critical condition and still had not OK, so the plot is predictable and the no longer must depend on the Dursleys for regained consciousness. He was taken off dialogue is nothing to write home about a home; he must reconcile his fate and let the sedative, but after 8 hours had not but this movie had two things going for it Sirius go into hiding away from their world. regained consciousness, so he was taken in my book: The darker points of this film range from for a CT scan and was found to have First off I’ll admit that I am a sucker tea leaf readings, werewolf encounters, and suffered massive brain damage. He was for “end of the world as we know it” Dementor hunger. Some visuals are not for scenarios and I’m not too picky about the small children and some concepts are means with which the director decides to beyond the PG-13 rating. end the world. I understand the science in As the third installment and a this film was unlikely, to say the least, reproduction of a larger novel, Harry Potter and that many viewed it as a political and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a good slam at the current administration but any movie, hitting only highlights of the book, disaster film that starts out cracking the but not as nearly as fun and exciting as its polar cap ice (and along the way predecessors. Hopefully, an extended reminding me vividly of the squirrel in version will be released and answer some Ice Age) has captured my attention in the plot questions. Until then, this film should opening minutes. Add the tremendous keep audiences satisfied until the next special effect and this gets my vote for a movie reaches theaters late next year. - (official) convention was CopperCon 13 way to spend two hours of mindless fun. I Dawn Mullan in 1993. can’t wait for the DVD to see some Condolences and written memories of determined to have no brain function left, behind the scenes on the effects. - Van Helsing Vladimir can be sent to Diana McClure. and at 9:20 p.m. he was taken off the Stephanie L Bannon PG-13, 145 minutes Email: [email protected] or snail respirator. He passed away peacefully mail 3738 E. Pershing Ave, Phoenix, within minutes, surrounded by friends Coming Soon: Monster mayhem as the Wolfman, 85032. and family. Frankenstein’s Monster, Dracula and his Woody was only 40 years old, and left Sky Captain and brides, and Igor take over a Romanian town. behind his wife, his mother Jeannette, his the World of Tomorrow Gabriel Van Helsing is called in to save the stepchildren, Janella, Daniel, and Starring: Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, town and the young beauty, Princess Anna Benjamin, and three grandchildren, Janet, Angelina Jolie Valerious. Her clan’s immortal souls are in Damon, and Ashlynn. danger of falling from grace since none of A memorial service for Woody was held OK, this is just from the trailer and a them will be allowed into heaven if Dracula Wednesday, June 16, in Tacoma. The bit of internet followup. Why? To tip you remains alive. family asked that, in lieu of flowers, off to catch this on the big screen before Nice set up. No follow-through. This it goes away. Imagine an old Gernsback movie feels like a carnival ride and not a magazine cover turned into a movie. This classic horror movie. There is no character one is called retro, camp, a homage to old development. Everyone is static. We find serials. The appeal is nostalgic, the color out interesting facts about the chief is tinted black and white. Set in 1939 characters, but tidbits are not enough. Bent Cover Bookstore New York City, an invasion of giant Moviegoers want to be thrilled and robots is fought by a fighter pilot and a excited. Dracula and Igor’s quips give the st female reporter. They go to Nepal to audience a taste of what the film could have Paperbacks y Hardcovers y 1 Editions defeat the mad scientist. If you want been: witty and interesting. Alas, we are not Free Booksearch y Buy, Sell & Trade imagery to escape into, this looks like a thrilled and excited. Instead the audience Mon-Fri 10:00 – 9:00 y Sat 10:00 – 6:00 y Sun 12:00 – 6:00 new standard. Mainly CGI, and ILM did is bombarded with action sequences one help with it. Move over, Star Wars. right after another. Special effects should Official website at skycaptain.com. Join enhance the film, not be the film. the resistance! - Mike Griffin Hollywood has not gotten that concept yet. (602) 942-3778 - Dawn Mullan www.bentcover.com [email protected] 12428 North 28th Drive Phoenix, AZ 85029-2433

Page 8 ConNotations Volume 14 Issue 4 Haunted History what had happened to them. Many in Japan, has made no games for the Xbox, “Robot Stories” pictures taken from the site confirm that but is considering making games for the Never Alone paranormal activity was taking place in next Xbox, said Michiro Sasaki, general By Dawn Mullan the cemetery with images of orbs and manager for corporate planning. No state- The critically acclaimed Robot Stories is mists. ment was made concerning the “Final Fan- coming to Phoenix exclusively at Pollack Beautiful and majestic mountains This town has history and personality. tasy” series, currently a PS2 exclusive pro- Tempe Cinemas. Winner of over 30 surround Douglas, Arizona which lies When visiting this quaint western duced by Square Enix Co. Another fault in awards, “Robot Stories” is science fiction one mile north from the U.S.-Mexican location, remember to bring a camera for Microsoft’s planning was in failing to from the heart, four stories starring border. Overcast sky allowed bursts of the wonderful landscape and buildings. lineup resident game makers. Konami Corp. Tamlyn Tomita (“Joy Luck Club,” sunlight to illuminate this small historic Also, visitors should be ready to docu- exclusively released “Air Force Delta 2” “Babylon 5”) and Sab Shimono (“The Big town. In 1901, Phelps Dodge established ment sightings of the supernatural; in for the Xbox during the consoles debut, but Hit,” “Suture”) in which utterly human a copper smelter on the site and named it historic Douglas no one ever stands the follow-up is exclusive to PS2. Capcom characters struggle to connect in a world after Dr. James Douglas. The place grew alone. Co. plans to release 25 games this year, only of robot babies and android office up around the copper giving the town Next stop is the John Slaughter Ranch one of which will be compatible with the workers. The stories include: such historical markers as Church Square Museum fifteen miles from downtown Xbox. Microsoft’s own development team “My Robot Baby”Before they and the Gadsden Hotel. Douglas… a tale for another time. in Japan plans to release only three new can adopt a human child, young profes- There are plenty of stories of paranor- games in the coming year. sionals Marcia (Tamlyn Tomita) and Roy mal activity in the buildings of this early The Shinkansen Has Left The While many of the Japanese game de- (James Saito) must prove themselves by western town. Douglas, in the time of velopers are interested in Microsoft’s plans taking care of a robot baby. But when Roy cowboys, was a railroad town on the way Station: Microsoft’s Xbox pulls to gain on Sony with the next version of leaves on a business emergency and the to and from California. Many people in third place in the race for the the Xbox, even Microsoft concedes defeat robot begins to malfunction, Marcia must entered and exited the town during that Japanese market with the current version. Norm Cheuk, head confront her fears of the machine - and of time. Most were the affluent giving rise of Microsoft’s game development division motherhood itself. to three different theaters and a grand By Shane Shellenbarger in Tokyo recently stated that it was too late “The Robot Fixer”Bernice Chin hotel. to be number one with the current console, (Wai Ching Ho) has never really known The Gadsden hotel was built in 1907. I have a friend named Tom who hates but he has plans for the next incarnation of her estranged son Wilson. Now a car The hotel caught fire and was rebuilt in seafood due to a misspent summer as a the Xbox. Cheuk, who moved from accident has put Wilson into a coma. And 1929. All was quiet in the hotel until youth gutting fish. If he were starving I Microsoft’s Redmond, Washington head- the only clue he’s left behind is a box of 1988 when the Gadsden underwent firmly believe that he would eschew eating quarters to Tokyo last September, stated that twenty-year-old toy robots. As her restoration. Ever since, a headless ghost anything and everything that had spent most Microsoft will develop and release games daughter Grace (Cindy Cheung) presses in a khaki army outfit has made his of its life in any body of water. Apparently, tailored for Japanese gamers; they will be her to deal with Wilson’s deteriorating presence known to staff and guests. Japanese gamers feel about Xbox games the working to convince Japanese game pub- condition, Bernice becomes obsessed with The medium that went on this way Tom feels about fish. lishers to make more titles for the new sys- Wilson’s toys, as if repairing the robots investigation could sense presences when On a recent trip to Japan, I came across tem, and he has replaced some of his 100 will help her connect with her unreach- arriving in the lobby of the hotel. Though an article in The Japan Times written by game developers and engineers with new able son. the medium did not see the headless Desmond Hutton detailing Microsoft’s fail- Japanese talent. For the current Xbox, “Machine Love”The latest soldier, the medium did have someone ure in marketing the Xbox to the world’s Cheuk’s Tokyo-based development team component of the digital office, the Sprout play with her cheek and hair in several second-largest videogame console market. will be releasing in November, “Magatama” G9 iPerson is a walking, talking coding locations in the hotel, especially at Sony’s Playstation 2 console outsells – a game set in an ancient Japanese city machine programmed to fit seamlessly bedtime. Others on the investigation tried Microsoft’s Xbox by a ratio of 48-to-1 due starring a sword-swinging monk who fights into its work environment by learning to catch a glimpse of the apparition but in no small part to the vast divide in games supernatural forces to free the enslaved city. from its human co-workers. But when he the ghost was not forthcoming in making available to the Japanese: fewer than 160 Microsoft will also release the role-play- finds himself in an oppressive office an appearance for them either. Xbox games compared to 6,165 PS2 games. ing game, “Sudeki” by the end of 2004, surrounded by dysfunctional people, a G9 In addition to the Hotel’s headless Even Nintendo’s GameCube has 191 games along with two more games by mid-2005. named Archie (Greg Pak) learns just how guest, there are other entities that roam available in the Japanese Market. Microsoft has made no projection of a re- much he needs love. the halls of this establishment. At least, to Microsoft’s console numbers have been lease date for the next generation of video “Clay”In John Lee’s world, the acknowledgement of the medium, trailing, as well. Last fiscal year, consum- game console. technology allows people to scan their there is a woman who also patronizes the ers in Japan bought about 60,000 Xboxes While Tom may never take a liking to memories - and thus their consciousness - hotel from the otherside. This female compared to 2.9 million PS2’s. Microsoft seafood, perhaps the Japanese can better into computers. John (Sab Shimono), an entity walks the halls, favoring the fourth cut prices by a third to ¥16,800 (about stomach future Microsoft game consoles. old sculptor, struggles to complete his floor. Another entity, that of a young $157.00 U.S. Dollars) in November, but design for a major public square project, Native American boy, stands on the sales in Japan slid by two-thirds when the http://quote.bloomberg.com/apps/ but his body is falling apart. His doctor, second floor Mezzanine which is locked sales year ended on March 31, according news?pid=10000101&sid=a6lnGKueKIro his son Tommy (Ron Domingo), and his at night and likes to pull pranks on to Enterbrain Inc. Outside of Japan, Enterbrain, Inc. digitized wife Helen (Eisa Davis) all tell guests. The medium does not know which Microsoft has faired better, selling between http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/en/c_outline/ him the same thing - it’s time to get presence made her ill and a companion 13.5 million and 16 million consoles as of mark.html# scanned. Then he’ll merge with all human feel stabbed in the chest on the second June 30th, while Nintendo has sold about Market Scale Transition knowledge and experience, achieving level in the breakout room next to the 14.5 million GameCube consoles and Sony http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/en/c_outline/ perfect love, perfect art. But John resists, balcony, but the sensations were intense. has sold about 70 million PS2 consoles, img/mkt-trans1.gif fighting for the right to struggle and die. Down the road from Douglas is the both as of March 31. Market Share John Petrakis of the Chicago Tribune calls Pirtleville Cemetery, one of the most Some would argue that Microsoft http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/en/c_outline/ the film “one of the most moving pieces active sites in Arizona. There, contact doesn’t understand the Japanese gamers img/mkt-share.gif I’ve seen all year” while Entertainment was made from the otherside from or mind. At E3 (Electronic Entertainment Sales Share Insiders calls it “the kind of science about “Pedro.” First the medium thought Expo) in Los Angeles, Pete Moore, http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/en/c_outline/ fiction sophisticated audiences crave and Pedro was trying to communicate and Microsoft’s vice president of retail sales and img/sales-share.gif deserve.”Robot Stories opens for a special searched the cemetery for his grave. With entertainment suggested that early introduc- Software Sales sorted by genre engagement as part of a local independent no luck finding the tombstone, the tion of role-playing games similar to “Fi- http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/en/c_outline/ film series in Tempe on Saturday Sept 18, medium believes that a person’s name nal Fantasy” would have been more in genre_sales.html 2004. There are only 4 shows, so purchase wasn’t the reference but rather someone keeping with the Japanese sensibilities. Manufacturer Software Sales tickets in advance at: may have drown in the San Pedro River First-person shooters, vastly enjoyed in the http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/en/c_outline/ www.foundfootagefilm.com/robot not far from the location of the cemetery. United States, are received coolly in Japan. sales.html The victim wanted someone to know Square Enix Co., the No. 2 game publisher http://xbox2.gamegossip.com/ Volume 14 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 9 Our Friend The Atom - Aired January 23, making the long-range bomber the allies’ 1957, Dr. Heinz Haber presents a very chief priority. Winston Churchill prodded Walt Disney Treasures: Videophile idealistic view of scientific history to the FDR into see this film after which the US Mickey Mouse in Living Color ***** Walt Disney Treasures: atomic energy and some of the uses of committed fully to long-range bombers. Part 2 1939 - Today Tomorrowland atomic energy. The complete film has not been seen Disney, 345 minutes, G ***** Walt Disney Treasures: Also: since WWII. DVD $32.99 On The Front Lines An interview with Walt Disney’s old This is a wonderful example of how ***** Walt Disney Treasures: friend Ray Bradbury. the film industry was used for the war From the back cover “The celebration MickeyMouse in Living Color EPCOT - The futuristic city that Walt effort. Many of these films have not been of Mickey’s color capers continues in this Part 2: 1939 - Today wanted to build but was never done. seen since WWII and need to be seen by second volume of shorts — from “Soci- ***** Walt Disney Treasures Eye In Outer Space-30-minute featurette any military buff. - Barry Bard ety Dog Show” in 1939 to his last short, The Chronological Donald released June 1959; shows how satellites “The Simple Things,” in 1953 — and Duck 1934 - 1941 were and would be in the future ( Continued on page 11 ) ***** Kill Bill Vol 1 predicting weather ***** Lord of the Rings: around the world. The Return of the King These give us a **** Bubba Ho-Tep wonderful view of how **** Ghosts of the Abyss the future space and **** Paul McCartney The atomic energy were Music & Animation Collection viewed in the mid- *** Scary Movie 3 1950’s. This is absolutely recommended Spectre’s Quick Takes: for any science buff. Summer of Fear The second set is: Wishmaster 4: On The Front Lines— The Prophecy Fulfilled Disney during World Bloody Murder 2: War II. During WWII Closing Camp the military almost Shadows Run Black completely took over the Halloween: Resurrection Disney Studios. Joseph Goebel was so impressed with Disney films that he Walt Disney Treasures: based some of the Nazi Tomorrowland: Disney propaganda films on the In Space and Beyond way Disney had 240 minutes, G produced theirs. This On The Front Lines DVD shows how Disney 210 minutes, G helped the war effort. $32.99 each Topical Cartoons— These were regular Disney has released from its vaults a cartoons with a war new series of DVDs called “Walt Disney theme. Five included in Treasures.” Each one covers an area of video. Disney’s past releases. Some of the Educational Shorts— material contained in these DVDs has not This group are films to been seen in over 50 years. Two of them support the war effort are: such as War Bonds or Tomorrow Land—This is the name of Food Drives. Includes one of the four areas that Disney’s five films. original TV show, Disneyland, covered. Propaganda—Anti-Nazi Tomorrow Land was said to be about the propaganda films, ‘promise to things to come’ and was on includes the short Der science and the future. These are narrated Fuehrer’s Face, hit song by Leonard Maltin, produced and by Oliver Wallace. There directed by Ward Kimball. Presented on are four films. this DVD are four episodes: Training Films—Some Man In Space - Aired March 9, 1955, it of the training films profiled people like Werner Von Braun, done by Disney. Include Wiley Ley and Heinz Haber and a lot of 2 full films and a animation to project what man’s past montage of partial other fascination and future involvement in films. My only space travel would be like. complaint is I would like Man On The Moon - Aired December 28, to see the full films that 1955, Werner Von Braun presents using are in the montage. animation and models man’s past and Victory Through present fascination with the moon and Airpower—Full length how man will travel there in the near film released in 1943, it future. is based on a book by Mars And Beyond - Aired December 4, Major Alexander de 1957, Werner Von Braun, Wiley Ley Seversky calling for an present the future of space travel. overhaul of priorities

Page 10 ConNotations Volume 14 Issue 4 hold him back, and the much loved Videophile( Continued from page 10 ) cranky character went on to be the most feature film appearances, giving you a prolific of Walt’s “fabulous five.” Now decidedly colorful history of the most for the first time, you can enjoy the HELP WANTED famous mouse in the world. This out- Donald in all of his solo starring shorts standing review of Mickey’s color career from “Donald And Pluto” in 1936 to spotlights some very special features, “Chef Donald” in 1941. This volume also We’re looking for Auctioneer including his groundbreaking perfor- includes a loving tribute to the man who mance in “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” achieved immortality by inventing the Apprentices. If you’ve ever voice of Donald Duck — and performing as his alter ego for 50 years — Clarence “Ducky” Nash. Featuring exclusive been fascinated by the doings introductions by film historian Leonard Maltin, this is a timeless collection from of the Great Ones behind the generations past for generations to come.” podiums, here’s your chance to This is a wonderful collection of early Donald Duck cartoons, the digital meet them up close and per- remastering makes them crisp and the colors are so clear it is as if they were sonal. If you’d like to learn how made yesterday. The 36 shorts on these two discs are just the start of Donald’s career and we can watch how the charac- to be an Auctioneer at our con- ter grew and developed - from the initial sort of ugly Donald with fat legs and a ventions, please contact us at: much longer beak to the sleek Donald we know now. Where Micky was the idealist, [email protected] Donald is “everyman” and we can all identify with him. You’ll also get an inside look at Mickey’s Adults will enjoy this collection for Lucy Liu (Charlie’s Angels, Chicago) and followers against the growing power of recent career through the eyes of his most the nostalgia - remembering the days of Vivica A Fox (Two Can Play That Game) the Dark Lord Sauron, so that the Ring- recent animators, Mark Henn and our childhood when life seemed simpler. in an astonishing, action-packed thriller bearer may complete his quest.” Andreas Deja, and voice actors Wayne Children will just enjoy Donald from his about brutal betrayal and an epic Many critics have described the entire Allwine (Mickey) and Russi Taylor sputtering temper tantrums to the disas- vendetta! Four years after taking a bullet trilogy as the greatest fantasy epic of all (Minnie). Featuring exclusive introduc- ters that are sure to follow him every in the head at her own wedding, The time and it is an apt description. When we tions by film historian Leonard Maltin, where he goes. Bride (Thurman) emerges from a coma got the DVD we immediately sat down this is a timeless collection from genera- A must for the Disney fan and all and decides it’s time for payback....with a and watched The Return of the King and tions past for generations to come” children (and the child in all adults) Only vengeance! Having been gunned down by then the following weekend we did the The constant explanations by Leonard 165,000 sets were issued so get yours her former boss (David Carradine) and whole trilogy - the only thing that will be Maltin are bearable only because they are quickly before they are gone. - Stephanie his deadly squad of international better is when the extended version of what convinced the studio to release the L Bannon assassins, it’s a kill-or-be-killed fight she The Return of the King is released. older material unedited. In this era of didn’t start but is determined to finish!” The extras on the DVD set are “political correctness” I guess being Kill Bill, Volume 1 The back cover doesn’t lie. While I impressive, as well; including three treated as if we are too stupid to recog- Miramax, 111 minutes, R don’t generally enjoy movies of this documentaries, six featurettes and a 6- nize that the past had different values is a DVD $29.99 genre I thoroughly enjoyed this one and minute trailer for the trilogy. This is cross we all have to bear if we want to couldn’t wait for Volume 2 (now I can’t definitely a must-have for the fantasy fan actually see the shorts as they were made. From the back cover: “The acclaimed wait for Volume 2 on DVD so we can - both the theatrical releases as well as the These sets, however, remain a testa- fourth film from groundbreaking writer watch the entire story, beginning to end, extended versions. - Stephanie L ment to Disney’s creativity - the fact that and director, Quentin Tarantino (Pulp in one sitting.) The climatic fight scene Bannon the cartoons are enjoyable 60plus years Fiction, Jackie Brown), Kill Bill, Volume with Lucy Liu is a classic - the later says a lot about the quality that 1 stars Uma Thurman (Pulp Fiction), choreography and the photography are Bubba Ho-Tep people used to put into their work. fantastic. While I saw the cliff-hanger at MGM, 95 minutes, R This set , along with Walt Disney the end coming almost from the DVD $27.99 Treasures Mickey Mouse in Living Color, beginning it didn’t detract from the film. is a must for the Disney fan and the This is a definite “must have” for anyone Bubba Ho-Tep is based on the Bram Mickey Mouse fan. I strongly recom- who enjoys action films. - Stephanie L Stoker Award nominee short story by cult mend getting this, and all the Walt Disney Bannon author Joe R. Lansdale. The film gives us Treasures titles. There were only 175,000 the “true story” of what really happened of these sets produced so get one soon. - Lord of the Rings: The Return of the to Elvis (Bruce Campbell) who is now an Stephanie L Bannon King elderly resident of an East Texas “old New Line, 200 minutes, PG-13 folks” home. Seems Elvis switched Walt Disney Treasures: DVD $29.95 places with an Elvis impersonator before The Chronological Donald Duck his “death” and then lost the chance to Volume 1: 1934-1941 The eagerly awaited conclusion to the switch back. His best friend in the Disney, 275 minutes, G Lord of the Rings trilogy was released on nursing home is Jack (Ossie Davis) who DVD $32.99 May 25. From the back cover: “The final believes himself to be President John F. battle for Middle-earth begins. Frodo and Kennedy - “they” dyed him black and From the back cover: “It was 1934 Sam, led by Gollum, continue their removed his brain for reasons of national when the irascible Donald Duck came to dangerous mission toward the fires of security. Elvis and JFK realize that life in a teeny bit of a part in “The Wise Mount Doom in order to destroy the One something is going on when the other Little Hen” and proceeded to steal the Ring. Aragorn struggles to fulfill his residents start dropping like flies. They show. From that point on nobody could legacy as he leads his outnumbered ( Continued on page 12 ) Volume 14 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 11 Videophile ( Continued from page 11 ) made an exception for the “Elvis.” The Deep feature that delves into how the guys.” It is a gentle telling of Linda’s Making of Bubba Ho-Tep documentary is cameras were used, how the shots were vegetarian message and is also one of the discover an Egyptian cowboy mummy is a four part 45-minute behind the scenes created as well as extra scenes of the last animated features produced totally by sucking souls out of the residents since look at the film and its success on the wreck. The ROV Experience takes 10 hand. no one would notice if a few old people festival circuit. Other features include minutes of one dive and lets you choose Tuesday (2000) follows a group of deleted scenes, music video and Joe R. to view it from one of six different frogs as their lily pads take off like flying Lansdale reading from his short story. camera angles. This is a must-have for carpets and fly them into town for an This is a must for either a Bruce any collection. - Stephanie L Bannon evening of fun. It is based on the book by Campbell or Elvis fan - Stephanie L David Wiesner. There is little dialog Bannon Paul McCartney The Music & (though the voice talent is Dustin Animation Collection Hoffman) but the musical score is Ghosts of the Abyss Miramax, 103 minutes, NR beautiful. Buena Vista, 119 minutes, PG DVD $29.99 Extras include an interview with Paul DVD $29.99 McCartney where he talks about the I grew up with the Beatles and Paul background of each feature and some I have always been fascinated by the McCartney was always my favorite - the plans he has for the future. There is also a Titanic and James Cameron’s one I always felt was the most talented. documentary on the making of Tuesday documentary was the first IMAX feature These three shorts films which span and Tropical Island Hum. The only thing I ever went to see. This documentary is Paul’s career from 1985 to 2000, are a that would have made this collection possibly the best recreation of the sinking must for the Beatles fan or for parents better would be the inclusion of Oriental and exploration of the wreck itself that I looking for entertainment they can share Nightfish and Seaside Woman. - have ever seen. The animation is flawless with the whole family. Stephanie L Bannon and the technology that enables us to see Rupert and the Frog Song from 1985 kicked off. The two elderly heroes decide the wreckage with crystal clarity is awe follows Rupert the Bear as he goes Scary Movie 3 to stop the mummy and the battle is on.... inspiring. exploring one night and finds a gathering Miramax, 90 minutes, PG-13 Apparently its theatrical release in the On this DVD, the documentary is of frogs. DVD $29.99 US was limited, which is a shame since I presented in the 61-minute IMAX version Tropical Island Hum (1997) was would have loved to have seen this on the (without the 3-D) and an expanded 92- produced by Paul and his late wife Linda The third entry in this series follows big screen. This is a wonderful film; minute version. Several scenes of the and they do nearly all the voices. It is the Cindy, a ditzy newscaster, who believes Bruce Campbell’s “Elvis” is terrific. I wreckage are expanded and there are new story of an island where abused animals that a deadly video tape (ala The Ring) is love Bruce Campbell movies and this one scenes about the Titanic’s captain as well find refuge from those who abuse them or linked to mysterious crop circles (ala is as much fun as my favorite Army of as life on the research vessel. The hunt them.... including the one-legged Signs). Also parodied are 8 Miles, The Darkness. The DVD extras are expanded documentary alone is worth the frog that lost his leg to “some French Others and The Matrix along with cameo stupendous, as well; and, while I don’t cost of the DVD but there are even more usually turn on the commentary track, we ( Continued on page 13 ) features - a half-hour Reflections of the

Page 12 ConNotations Volume 14 Issue 4 Cons - The fact that there was only one help? ... or if he died, why didn’t the “Halloween: Resurrection” (Continued from page 12 ) Videophile pro should tell you something ... Acting intended victim find the body before Dimension, 94 minutes, R appearances by Queen Latifah, George was horrid and the plot was weak at best dying? ... I feel that most of the people DVD $19.99 Carlin, Simon Cowel, Denise Richards, … and the fact the horror movies should that were on film were there for no other Pamela Anderson, Jenny McCarthy, be twisted and scary and not a predictable reason than they were friends of the Pros - Good cast, fair acting, very well Jeremy Piven, Camryn Manheim, Ja B movie tragic romance is something we producers. done set design, the perfect horror Rule, dozens of rap stars, and Leslie can all agree on. All that was missing was As for the editing of the movie... the ending. Nielsen as the President of the U.S. This for every one in the movie to die. editor botched his role “save vs. bad Cons - Think of what would it look like is parody at its best - a truly silly way to Reviewer’s note - Not unlike the rest of editing” ... for that matter so did I “save if you were to put a horror spin on “the fritter away a lazy evening. the Wishmaster series, this installment vs. bad movie” I rolled a 1 ... let just face Real World” meets “Blair Witch” ... yes, The extras are almost as much fun as had little plot and even less acting ... It fact ... there is no saving this movie; I it really is that campy at times ... some of the movie. There is an extended alternate took only 2 min. and 58 sec. for the first don’t think even M.S.T.3K would touch the dialog was so-so ... ok, most of the ending, two “making of” features - one “adult” scene to show up and that is this one. dialog, but, hey, this is a horror movie ... real, one parody -, deleted scenes and including the prolog ... the “hunter” after you hear the first few screams you more. A great evening of fun. - Stephanie seemed to be an afterthought to what little can’t hear all that well anyway. L Bannon plot there was. The fight scene with the “hunter” looked like a VERY bad ( Continued on page 15 ) Spectre’s Quick Takes Highlander rip-off in slow-mo. Finally, last and most definitely least, I have seen “Summer of Fear” better dialog in 5th grade school plays ... Books for Soldiers Artisan, 94 minutes, PG-13 please understand that I love horror DVD $14.98 movies; even B horror movies can be Care Packages for the Mind good; however, were it not for the fact Pros - A nicely remastered movie put out that I am the one to review this movie I in the late 70’s; one of Linda Blair’s would have tuned it off 2 min. and 58 horror movies (for all of you pop culture sec. into the film. What does a soldier do with his down time buffs.) All in all, for the time frame, it is a good B horror film. Oh and I forgot, it “Bloody Murder 2: Closing Camp” when he’s stationed in the Middle East? If has a pre-op and young Fran Drescher Artisan, 92 minutes, R he’s lucky, he has a book to read. from TV’s “The Nanny” ... yes, she has DVD $14.98 always sounded like that. Since mid-April, The Bent Cover Bookstore, Cons - Linda Blair’s hair ... you will find Pros - Ummmmm... a very small piece of yourself wishing she would get a haircut dialog at the start of the film slamming 12428 N. 28th Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85029, has or stop blow drying her PERM ... ‘can movies like this one. you say white afro?’ The use of a Cons - Bad editing, bad cinematography, been doing its best to make sure that each and “witch” as the bad guy/girl. bad acting, No plot ... and even the Reviewer’s note - I don’t think I can ever “death” scenes were boring. every soldier has something to read. June, watch a Linda Blair movie without seeing Reviewer’s note - Lets just say that even owner of The Bent Cover Bookstore, is donat- her walking down stairs like a spider ala a fan of B movies would spend more time “the exorcist”. Here we find young Linda, counting the rip-offs than paying ing the books and both she and the branch post a horse-loving country girl, who has attention to how bad this film was. nothing more than her boyfriend and the Myself, I counted 8+ ... this movie is a office in Linda’s Hallmark at 51st Ave. and annual dance to look forward to ...but must see for all of you who wish to make then (enter the villain) Julia (Lee Purcell) even a B horror film, in that it shows you Olive in Glendale, AZ, are collecting postage shows up and the -fit hits the shan- she’s what not to do, and to top this little jewel a witch and she doesn’t like anyone off ... the best character in the film is the money from anyone who will donate. Peoria really. A few Blah Blah Blahs later - first to die, poor ‘whatever his name High School students and teachers collected everyone finds out and she tries to kill was.’ everyone ...something goes wrong, the more than $900 to donate to the program. witch dies and everyone lives happy ever “Shadows Run Black” after …the end? Well, not really. Like in Lionsgate/Fox. 89 minutes, NR What can you do? You can make out a any other horror movie, do you think a DVD little thing like driving off a cliff and check to the Postmaster and send it to June at bursting into a fireball and flying down Pros - Kevin Costner is in this movie but the rock face is gonna stop our villain? not listed in the credits ... that’s right - The Bent Cover. A donation of $5 will send a Ummmmm, well, it should have … but Kevin’s first movie ... I bet they thought box of 15-20 books to a military person to read no, just like any other horror film the bad that he would not get anywhere so they guy lives ... that’s why we have sequels just didn’t list him. and share with his/her tentmates. A donation so we can try again ... so what else can Cons - The movie and the sound track you say about this movie? Nothing - it is were done separately, no plot, no of $10 will send a 25-pound box of books - what it is ... 1978 B horror ... every one explanation to speak of, random has a perm and no-one ever uses introduction of people without any reason and that’s a lot of books!! So far more than profanity (not even the bad guy). ... except to be just someone for the bad guy to kill. 7,000 books have been sent from The Bent “Wishmaster 4: The Prophecy Reviewer’s note - Lets be honest ... no Cover to military personnel in the Middle East. Fulfilled” one ... not a single one of the people in Lionsgate/Fox, 92 minutes, R this movie could act (not even Kevin. We need your help and your donations. If you DVD $14.98 People just show up on the screen only to be killed and the people they were with have questions, call June at 602-942-3778 or Pros - the FX in the movie were well just vanish ... this movie will have you thought out and executed … (I think that wondering what happen to that guy that email Jan at [email protected]. is where the budget went.) was there a sec ago ... why didn’t he Volume 14 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 13 CCOOPPPPEERRCCOONN 2244 Sept 10-12, 2004 Embassy Suites Phoenix North, Phoenix, AZ Annual Literary Science Fiction & Fantasy Convention

Author Guest of Honor: Alan Dean Foster

Acclaimed Best-Selling Author of hard science-fiction, fantasy, horror, detective, western,

historical, and contemporary fiction including Star Wars, Star Trek, and the Spellsinger series.

Todd Lockwood Artist Guest of Honor: Chesley Award Winning (9 times) Illustrator for Wizards of the Coast & Dragon Magazine.

Local Author Guest of Honor: Catherine Wells Author of Beyond the Gates, Mother Grimm, & many short stories, plays, and historical fiction Music Guest: Leslie Fish (sponsored by the Phoenix Filk Circle) Art by Todd Lockwood Nationally renowned Filk and Music Artist heard on Dr. Demento (Banned from Argo) CopperCon 24 will feature an Art Show and Auction, Gaming, Hospitality Suite, Masquerade, Video Room, Anime Room, Charity Auction to benefit the Thomas J. Pappas School for the homeless, a Dealer’s Room, and special events on Thursday night for pre-registered members. We will be back at the Embassy Suites where you get spacious two-room suites with a microwave and mini-fridge plus a free breakfast and nightly happy hour. CopperCon 24 Programming CopperCon 24 Art Show We’ll be having panels featuring our guests as well as many other authors, artists, scientists and other experts and participants. We are proud to announce Todd Lockwood as our Artist Guest of Honor. We are planning a guided tour of the art show Friday evening hosted by Confirmed program participants include Jaqueline Lichtenberg, John Wheeler, Todd Lockwood. Adam Niswander, Michelle Welch, Ben Massoglia. Janeen O'Kerry, Paula Lary, Bennie Grezlik, Pat Broussard, Joseph Formichella, Allison Mitchell, Murray Farr, Our plan is to offer the best of science fiction and fantasy art to the fans of Dave Duncan, Paul Tanton, Dr. David Williams, Mark Kreighbaum, Alice Massoglia, Phoenix. Art show panels (a panel is 4 ft. X 4 ft. flat brown pegboard) may Robin Roberts, Michael Stackpole, C.F. Yankovich, David Perrine, Christopher Turco, be reserved for a fee of $5.00 per panel. 3D artwork can be displayed on 6 ft. Jeff Mariotte, Maryelizabeth Hart, David Lee Summers, David Beaucage, X 2.5 ft. tables, with a fee of $10.00 per table, or $5.00 for 1/2 table. The Christine Beaucage, Marty Massoglia, Rachel Amberson, Kit Townsend, D.F. Sanders convention will take a 12% commission on these sales. We will feature a print shop -- an area for artists to sell multiple prints of some of their more CopperCon 24 Charity Auction We're happy to present our annual Charity popular work, with the convention taking a 15% commission on these sales. Auction to benefit the Thomas J. Pappas elementary school. The school has a mission to There is no fee to display in the print shop. provide equitable education, particularly to homeless children. Some items available at Artists that have reserved space: Todd Lockwood, Betsy Mott, auction include: signed photos of TV & movie stars, Star Wars collectibles, Transformers Mai Q. Nguyen, Sylvana Anderson-Gish, R. Merrill Bollerud, posters, grab bag of 30 paperbacks - many collectible - over 50 years old, artwork, Deborah Woods, Ellisa Mitchell, Monika Livingstone, Daniel Cortopassi, 35mm movie trailers and signed books from David Weber, John Ringo, Selina Rosen, Charlene Taylor D'Alessio, Jessica Douglas and Kathleen Lowe, Kevin J. Anderson and Orson Scott Card.

We will accept Visa, MasterCard as well as cash and checks. Book Donations There will be a collection box in the fan table area to accept your donations of books for homeless children. We particularly need S-F and fantasy genre We are anticipating a great art show this year, so be sure to come down and paperbacks for children and young adults. But we're not real finicky - we'll take everything see the pride of a lot of super artists. you bring us. If you have any questions, or if you are interested in reserving display space, please contact Ray Gish at 2527 N. Silverado Mesa AZ 85215, Handicap Access Handicap Liaison will be at CopperCon24 for any and all in need call 480-641-3997 or email [email protected] yet all spare wheelchair requests need to be mentioned before the convention. Contact the Handicap Liaison at [email protected] .

Memberships Embassy Suites Phoenix North Contact CopperCon 24 at:

$35 thru 8/27/04, Room Rates: $84 S/D/T/Q +tax Write: CopperCon 24, $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]

Page 14 ConNotations Volume 14 Issue 4 Going in, I thought I’d stay a couple of cats, that’s not lizards. Iguanas don’t do Videophile ( Continued from page 13 ) Lockwood ( Continued from page 1) years then see what happened. It was that, they’re just (dopey voice) “Where’s Reviewer’s note – Well, I, for one, am spun around. In ’96 I was working as a pretty brilliant. I learned a lot. I learned the sun?” glad to bring you this review; the pros staff artist for TSR. This little window more in those seven years than I did in art That’s not a dragon. A dragon is proud, definitely out-weigh the cons in this opened and I dived through and it school and the fifteen years between. athletic, lithe, and arrogant. Everything movie. Though she had a small part to snapped shut behind me. Now those jobs So… I was talking about that once to that the king of beasts has - dragons play in the movie, Jamie Lee had a great are gone forever, ‘cause once Wizards Jane Frank and said pretty much that. should have. That’s the way I see it. So I death scene and it started the movie off bought TSR and Hasbro bought Wizards, And she said that “it’s a great school isn’t start from a cat’s anatomy for some of the nicely. Busta ... man ... you go, boy they eliminated all the art staff. They out- it?” and I said “yeah it is a really good structural details of the dragon. Even ...NEVER, I have never seen a better job source all that stuff now. school.” And this is a good school too. their heads tend to have a more cat-like of delivering only mediocre one-liners ... LV: Did you have a chance to work with You come here and talk to Donato proportion than a lizard-like proportion. but it just goes to show that you can make Larry Elmore? (Giancola), or Tom Kidd, Don Maitz, all (They) just have a long neck, and a tail, up for dialog with acting. I must say TL: He left before I started. But I’d these guys. The energy you get from different claws. But some of its lizard, putting real world views on what the always admired his work, and Jeff Easley. communing, it’s wonderful. It’s a very bird scale patterns, but they’re more public wants as entertainment was good. They all had kind of an impact on my supportive industry too. In advertising, advanced than some side-walking lizards. “Who wants to see a group of people go thinking. But my biggest influence was man, you don’t get secrets, you don’t get So I started with a cat, the ultimate into a old house with nothing in it, that is probably Michael Whelan; I just felt the hints, tips, they’re all secretive and predator on this planet. That’s how I see just boring” I, like most of the people that way he thinks. The amount of thoughtful jealously guard their clients. It’s not that dragons. would watch this movie, want blood ... process that goes into every one of his way in this industry. Everybody’s helpful LV: Do you use any computer tools as far lots of it ...The perfect horror ending with paintings really said a lot to me. And and encouraging. They’re willing to tell as aiding you in figuring out a painting, a hint of … “that’s just cool” on top of a before him, of course, (was) Frank you how they did anything, introduce you as far as… big helping of ... the Michael we all know Frazetta. And, to a much lesser extent, to people. It’s like finding a family. Very TL: Yeah, actually I do a lot of digital and love. Boris Vallejo. There were a lot of uplifting. paintings these days just for time and It was without a doubt a great movie, a illustration artists I admired, like David LV: Do you have any inspiration that speed. And ‘cause a lot of clients demand must have for all horror fans Wilcox and others whom I’ve sort of really stands out as your most (or) digital files - don’t want to be bothered forgotten since then. I had their names to greatest source as far as family, animals, with shipping and insuring and photo- Until next time, go away...I’m watching a tell you but I just can’t remember them travel? graphing and scanning paintings and movie, right now. But Michael Whelan was TL: It comes from every one of those crating and shipping them back. They just Spectre probably the biggest influence so not sources and more, dreams, memories, want you to upload something to them, only meeting him in Winnepeg but books you’ve seen, or hanging out at the and that’s kind of the way it’s going. having him stop me and offer encourage- National Gallery all day the other day, Some artists are still painting, but then ment was really a big deal. and the persons or (unintelligible) this having digital shots done and just sending (I was) nearly seven years at TSR, morning. Seeing great art from masters. the digital files. Which is something I actually it was just over seven years. (It) gives you ideas. Yeah, I grew up on would do more of. But most of the time if Walt Disney and science fiction movies it’s going to be a digital painting; it starts and “Lost in Space” and “Star Trek”, and digitally and ends digitally. “G.I. Joe”, I mean all those things, they’re I started this painting on the computer, all in my work to some extent or another. and did the drawing on the computer, The first movie I remember seeing was printed it out in two pieces, taped them “Sleeping Beauty” …because of the together, and took them down to Kinkos dragon. I think I was a year old when it and used their big document printer and came out but I remember seeing that copied it on to watercolor paper. Which is when I was tiny, tiny. I how I was doing my drawings before. LV: We can see to your left that you have Then mounting it on masonite and sealing several pictures that are dragons. it and going over it with oils. Unlike most TL: Dragons, go figure. collaborations, this started digitally and Both: (chuckling, and laughter) finished traditionally; which I much LV: But, would you say that every artist prefer. I like to have a painting when I’m has to have that dragon in the bag, so to done. speak, LV: With the accessibility through the TL: Sure, Sure internet, do you worry about image theft? LV: There a way of drawing a dragon to TL: All the time; it can be a real problem. make theirs stand out from the crowd? I have to go back to my website and TL: In fact that was one of my biggest remove some images that are too big professional thrills, getting to design the because they can be downloaded and look of the dragons for (Dungeons and printed out. I’ve even had people down- Dragons) third edition. I got to fix every load images, print them out, and mail pet peeve I’d ever had about dragons. them to me and ask (for) them to be I’ve given them musculature for the signed. You have to draw the line wings, which is something you never see. somewhere, ‘cause that’s … in essence, It’s sort of something just stuck in the that’s theft. They want value for nothing. side of a lizard’s body. What’s lifting Recently, right before I went to London them into the air? I want to see something for EuroGencon, my webservice provider beefy under their arms. went out of business. And I had to get a LV: So what is it about the anatomy, what new server in a hurry, and within two do you use for a reference point? weeks they dropped me for bandwidth TL: There is a lot of references. But the over-usage. Well I had five gigabytes of one that jelled in my head even before I bandwidth, that’s more than the New was aware of it was that personality-wise York Times uses. They said “well, you they are more like cats than any other exceeded that.” And I got my web guy animal. Just that disdainful, wrapping on it and we got to looking into it and we themselves in their own superiority, that’s ( Continued on page 16 ) Volume 14 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 15 Lockwood ( Continued from page 15) I can come up with some notes for you.’ thought “well…ok.”’ Cause I had been HOUSTON, WE HAVE A She got my fax number and we hung up. I thinking “You know if this is still PROBLEM… discovered that D&D fans were hot- felt like the dictionary definition of a kicking around in a year I’m going to linking to my site to get pictures of their heel. Just a complete schmuck. But the send it to Tanith. I’m just going to give it characters to attach to every email they next Saturday in my fax suddenly came to her, ‘cause she was so sweet. And I Hello, fellow fen: I’m Leslie Fish. For sent. And they were in these forums three pages of detailed notes about the feel like I owe her that much.” But here’s those of you who know me, I won’t ask doing this, sending e-mails back and book. It blew me away. And I took those someone wanting to buy it. Oh well, how many of you first heard of me by forth. Within two weeks (they used) five and did a nice cover. I was very grateful shoot. way of my most notorious song, “Banned gigabytes at fifty kilobytes a pop. Itty- and thought ”wow, what a lot of class!” Turns out it was, and I may get her name From Argo”. For those of you who don’t bitty little images by the thousands; it Well, forward a couple of years to World wrong, Ellen Asher (Sp) maybe? It was know me, go see “Trekkies 2” when it shut me down. It cost me like two Fantasy in Providence. I took that the woman who edited the book and comes out; that damned song is featured hundred dollars to get back up and in painting, along with some others, and it wanted to buy the cover as a gift for in it – and so am I. business. And that’s theft, they took two was the only painting I dared put a price Tanith. So it worked out perfectly. ‘Cause Now to the problem. In early May I hundred dollars out of my pocket. It’s a on. The others needed to go to other I got to cover the cost of the trip, she got caught a really nasty kidney infection that problem. shows or were committed to somebody to give the perfect gift, and the painting kept me bouncing in and out of the The flip side is accessibility, of course; I else or I just didn’t want to part with wound up where I wanted it. Very cool! hospital (two of them, actually) for the get letters from all over the world. That’s them, but I thought if I could sell one of next couple months while the doctors great! That’s a real thrill. That art and the these to cover my costs to be here, I searched for (and ultimately found, thank game of Dungeons & Dragons tran- should. So reluctantly I put a price on the Ghu) an antibiotic that would kill the scended borders and brought people “Mask of Venus” piece. And the next day infection without killing me. Those of together, that’s just an amazing thing. The Ron Dalotski (SP?) came up to me and you who saw me perform at WesterCon internet is a really powerful tool for said there’s some lady that wants to buy may have noticed that I spent most of my community. So there is a trade out sure, that painting and she’s looking for you. I performance-time sitting down – and and so I’m willing to accept some of that there’s a reason for it; over those two loss. And plus, people can buy prints months, either the infection or the online, can buy my book online. So there antibiotics or a combination of both is some benefit. stripped all the tone out of my muscles – If you downloaded a bunch of my ALL my muscles, with the exception of images, if you have a desktop full of my my heart, thank Goddess. For the last images, send me ten bucks. several weeks I’ve been trying to recover (Laughter) my strength, but it’s taking for-bloody- LV: Have you had any unusual humorous ever. Meanwhile, I’m weak as the adventure at a convention? proverbial kitten; I can’t sit up and work TL: Yes at the typewriter/computer very long, LV: Go ahead can’t stand up for very long either, and TL: Well, the ones that come to mind can’t walk far. Among other things, I immediately, I really don’t want to share can’t stand up long enough to do house- (Chuckle). They involve late nights and work, let alone repairs, or even cook for … well let’s leave it at that. myself. (Laughter) Well, it’s time to see how many friends TL: There was one kind of fun story, it’s I’ve got in the valley, because what I in my book. There was a cover I did for a badly need now is to live with a friend or Tanith Lee collection, “The Mask of two, not just indifferent tenants. Venus.” I had done an illustration for her Is there anybody out there who’s before in “Realms of Fantasy” magazine. willing to move in with me and take over She actually wrote me through the a good bit of the housework and mainte- publisher to tell me how happy she was nance – in exchange for reduced rent (the with it. We talked a little bit and I really landlord won’t let me make it for free) liked her so when the opportunity came and…tutorials? to do this cover I jumped at it ‘cause I Let me put it this way: if you’ll move really enjoyed her. I didn’t have time to in and help me take care of this place I’ll read the book and they didn’t have an give you a total rent-plus-utilities of $360 outline they could give me. So I called per month – and I’ll teach everything I Tanith, I really wanted to pick her brain know about music, Sci-Fi writing, for information on her book. We talked and…magic. for a good hour and a half, and I took a Caveats: the landlord insists (after bad bunch of notes, it was very pleasurable experiences with deadbeats) that you and I thanked her, then put the notes aside prove you have a job or at least a reliable and finished the project I was doing. A income, and that I talk to your previous month later I was ready to start her cover landlord. Also, you must be capable of and I couldn’t find my notes, I looked putting up with smoking, cats, and and looked and looked, they were gone. I evaporative cooling. don’t know what happened. So I kind of I do, however, have Cox cable-modem sheepishly called her back. I got her – which can expand to serve up to seven husband I guess it was, on the phone. I computers in one house. Yes, it’s as fast said is Tanith there? He said she is but and reliable as you’ve heard and has its she can only talk for a minute, she just own virus-filtering system. found out five minutes ago her father If interested, phone me at 623-247- died. (Long pause) OH! I felt so bad, 7809, or email [email protected]. ‘cause I had to tell her look ‘I lost your Yes, this is for real, folks. notes, I was hoping we could talk again.’ So, how many friends have I got out She said ‘I really can’t talk now I’ll see if there? --Leslie <;)))>< Page 16 ConNotations Volume 14 Issue 4 Calendar of Events - August/September 2004 To have your event or meeting listed please email [email protected] - Deadline for October/November Submissions - September 15, 2004 (This is a free service. All release dates are tentative) August August 20 -Friday September September 21 - Tuesday

August 3 - Tuesday Event: Fannish Open House at Craig & September 4 - Saturday Movie/DVD: Star Wars Trilogy Box Set Stephanie’s place - Info: TV/DVD: Andromeda Vol 4.2 TV/DVD: Sliders Season 1/2, STTNG [email protected] Meeting: UFP Elections, Video The Picard Collection Movie: Exorcist: The Beginning, Hero September 22 - Wednesday September 7 - Tuesday August 6 - Friday August 21 - Saturday TV: Smallville Season Premiere - The Movie/DVD: Star Trek Generations WB Meeting: CASFS - 8PM at JBs at I-17 & Meeting: Video Production Collectors Edition TV: Lost Season Premiere - ABC Indian School Info: [email protected] TV/DVD: Alias Season 3, Angel Season Movie: Code 46 (LA/NY) August 22 - Sunday 4, Twilight Zone (2002) Complete Series, September 24 - Friday Martian Chronicles August 7 - Saturday Meeting: CopperCon 25 Committee Meeting: CASFS - 8PM at JBs at I-17 & Meeting 2PM at JBs at I-17 & Indian September 10-12 - Friday-Sunday Indian School Info: [email protected] Meeting: UFP Pool Party School Info [email protected] Movie: The Forgotten Meeting: HexaCon 14 Wrap Up 4PM at Event: CopperCon 24 - Embassy Suites TV: Joan of Arcadia Season Premiere - August 8 - Sunday JBs at I-17 & Indian School Info: Mike North www.coppercon.org CBS Willmoth TV: The 4400 marathon & Season Finale September 12 - Sunday September 26 - Sunday - USA August 24 - Tuesday TV: Charmed Season Premiere - The WB Meeting: SWCG 1PM - Info August 10 - Tuesday [email protected] TV/DVD: Farscape Season 3, Futurama September 15- Wednesday TV/DVD: Alf Season 1, Highlander Season 4, Harsh Realm Complete Series, September 28 - Tuesday Season 5, Andromeda Vol 4.1 Munsters Season 1 Book Discussion: 7PM at Barnes & Noble Metro Center. Book: So You Want Movie/DVD: Van Helsing August 13 - Friday August 27 - Friday To Be A Wizard by Diane Duane Info: TV/DVD: Star Trek Voyager Season 4, [email protected] Dark Shadows Collection 14 Movie: Alien vs. Predator, Yu-Gi-Oh! Meeting: CASFS - 8PM at JBs at I-17 & Indian School Info: [email protected] September 17 - Friday Upcoming Events August 15 - Sunday Movie: Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid Event: Fannish Open House at Craig & October 1 - Friday Meeting: CopperCon 24 Hotel Walk Thru Stephanie’s place - Info: Movie: Cursed, Resident Evil: Apoca- at Embassy Suites North Info: August 28 - Saturday [email protected] lypse, Shark Tail [email protected] Movie - Sky Captain and the World of Signing - Brian erbert & Kevin J Ander- Tomorrow October 3 - Sunday August 17 - Tuesday son, Poisoned Pen Bookstore, TV: Enterprise Season Premiere - UPN Meeting: ConNotations Labeling & Pot www.poisonedpen.com Luck 4PM at Craig & Stephanie’s place - TV/DVD: Babylon 5 Movies Set, September 18 - Saturday Info: [email protected] Mutantx X Vol 2.3 August 28 - Sunday Meeting: UFP Calendar Planning October 6 - Wednesday August 18 - Wednesday Meeting: SWCG 1PM - Info Meeting: ConNotations Staff Meeting - [email protected] September 19 - Sunday JBs (I-17 & Indian School) 7PM Info: Book Discussion: 7PM at Barnes & Meeting: CopperCon 24 Committee 2PM [email protected] Noble Metro Center. Book: Howling at JBs at I-17 & Indian School Info Meeting: CopperCon 25 Committee Stones by Alan Dean Foster Info: Meeting 2PM at JBs at I-17 & Indian October 8 - Friday [email protected] August 31 - Tuesday School Info [email protected] Meeting: CASFS - 8PM at JBs at I-17 & Indian School Info: [email protected] TV: Father of the Pride Debut - NBC TV/DVD: Star Trek TOS Season 1,

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 6pm L5R CCG Imperial Outpost, 49th Ave & Thunderbird www.imperialoutpost.com Thursdays 6pm Camarilla Anarch Game Kiwanis Park www.titheofsouls.com 6pm Mechwarrior Dark Age Tournament Imperial Outpost, 49th Ave & Thunderbird www.imperialoutpost.com 6pm Magic ThG type 1.5 Tournament Imperial Outpost, 49th Ave & Thunderbird www.imperialoutpost.com 6pm Warmachine League Imperial Outpost, 49th Ave & Thunderbird www.imperialoutpost.com Fridays 6pm Magic the Gathering DCI Sanctioned Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com 7pm HeroClix Tournament Imperial Outpost, 49th Ave & Thunderbird www.imperialoutpost.com 7pm Magic: The Gathering Tournaments Game Daze 2140 E 5th St #11, Tempe AZ 85281 Saturdays* AllDay Warhammer Fantasy & 40K Imperial Outpost, 49th Ave & Thunderbird www.imperialoutpost.com Noon Hack Tournament Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com Noon Duel Masters Tournaments Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com 3pm YU-GI-OH Tournaments Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com 6pm Anime Club Meeting Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com Sundays* Noon YU-GI-OH Tournaments Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com 3pm Dragonball Z CCG Tournament Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com 6pm Dragon Page Live Fire SF/F Radio Talk Show - KFYI 550 www.dragonpage.com Volume 14 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 17 Crawlers ballot and all past winners, remembering In Our Book by John Shirley Damon Knight, Molly Gloss intros Le FYI Del Rey, 384 pp, $14.95 Guin’s story, and Sharon Lee intros CASFS Book Discussion Dead Until Dark MacLean’s story. by Charlaine Harris John Shirley has been called “one of the You really should read this collection, TheCASFS Book Discussion is held ACE, 260 pp, $5.99 most original voices in fiction today.” It to see how good the best really is. These monthly at the Barnes & Noble bookstore surely wasn’t for this book. He may have stories inspire sense of wonder and other at Metrocenter, 10235 N. Metro Parkway It seems vampires went public just a few won the Horror Writer’s Assn. Bram Stoker emotions, too, while taking your imagina- East. We will be meeting on the third years ago. Things are easier for them now Award and others like it but it couldn’t have tion in flight. Well done. - Mike Griffin Wednesday of each month at 7PM that synthetic blood is available and one can been for this book. This book was utterly On August 18 we will discuss usually find a willing “Fang Banger.” They unremarkable except for the fact it was so Howling Stones by Alan Dean Foster, claim the blood craving and allergies to sil- durned clichéd. I know I’ve seen this story the boys are back in town CopperCon 24’s Author Guest of Honor, ver and sunlight are caused by a virus. Are done many times before both in print and by Christopher Golden on September 15 we will discuss So You they really? Sookie Stackhouse is a wait- on the small screen. I could even tell how Bantam Spectra Dark Fantasy, 347 pp, Want To Be A Wizards by Diane Duane, ress at the local watering hole in a small it would end and what the characters would $12.00 and on October 20 we will discuss A Louisiana town. Being born a telepath gave do before I was half finished. Scanner Darkly by Philip K Dick. her a rather limited social life until she met Military project goes awry, nasty little Will James’ tenth high school reunion For more information contact Bill Compton, a civil war veteran and her nano-technology bugs go berserk and take should have been a fun romp down nostal- Catherine vampire paramour. Now somebody is kill- over humans. They take over a town, start- gia lane except that his old buddy Mike ing women who consort with vampires. ing with the adults/parents. Military quar- wasn’t there as they had planned the week Book Signing Sookie fears she may be next. antines the town to take notes. Rogue mili- before. And, when he mentioned Mike to The book has well-drawn characters, tary officer takes matters into his own hands their other friends, he wasn’t prepared for to put right what went wrong. Teenagers their shocked reaction. After all, everyone Saturday August 28 - 12PM at the good atmosphere, and an engaging mystery are last to be affected, only ones to see that remembers the hit-and-run that killed Mike Poison Pen Bookstore located at 4014 N plot. It’s the first of the “Southern Vampire something’s wrong. Token adults, savvy in their senior year. Will doesn’t remem- Goldwater in Scottsdale. - Brian Herbert Series,” which now includes four volumes. teens and military officer combine forces ber it that way… at first. Now, his memo- signs The Forgotten Heroes (Forge $25). This was the June selection for the CASFS to defeat the buggers just before the mili- ries are changing and he’s not only losing Brian, son of Dune author Frank Herbert, Book Discussion Group. Come join us on tary tries to bomb them out of existence to Mike, but his very best lifelong friend, has written about WWII’s Merchant the third Wednesday evening of every stop the inevitable spread and takeover of Ashleigh, is changing in front of his eyes. Marine, one of whom is Dean Beaumont month at the Barnes & Noble store at the whole planet. There’s even a scene But it takes a great deal more to happen to of Scottsdale who figures prominently in Metrocenter in Phoenix. where the officer has to plant the killer de- Will and his friends before he remembers the book and will be at the event along That term “southern vampire series” vice right in the spot where the ‘mother’ why; and why he chose to forget what hap- with Herbert. Also Herbert and Kevin J. kind of stuck in my mind. May Ms. Harris creature is nested. Is everyone nodding pened in his senior year. Once he under- Anderson will together sign Dune: The and Mr. Foxworthy forgive me for what their heads and saying, “Yep, seen that, read stands what’s been put into motion, he fran- Battle of Corrin (Forge $28). follows. – Randall Whitlock that…”? - Catherine Book tically tries to prevent the tinkering some- You May be a Redneck Vampire If one is doing to his and his friends’ past. But that someone is always one step ahead 1. They call you “Colonel Dracula” or Nebula Awards Showcase 2004 of him and his best efforts are worthless. “Boss Feratu.” edited by Vonda N. McIntyre This is not science fiction, this is beau- 2. Your crypt is decorated with NASCAR ROC Books, 281 pp., $14.95 tifully plotted horror. I personally hate gra- posters. tuitous violence that is currently marketed 3. You are repelled by garlic, but attracted This trade paperback’s subtitle sums it as horror. This little book is a gem. The to cayenne pepper. up well: the year’s best SF and fantasy, se- reader’s involvement escalates in pace with 4. Ironically, crosses now burn YOU. lected by the Science Fiction Writers of our would-be hero’s. I felt his horror as he 5. There are tobacco juice stains on your America. Stories by Ursula Le Guin, Neil gained understanding. Mr. Golden doesn’t fangs. have a superfluous word in the whole book; 6. You can turn into a possum, alligator, or it’s a wonderful plot with well-defined char- raccoon. acters. The ‘horror’ is subtle yet insidious. 7. Your ghoulish servant subsists on june The ending rushed up at me and (warning, bugs and boll weevils. cliché imminent…) I literally couldn’t put 8. Moonshine turns you into a howling the book down. Now I gotta go find more beast. (Heck, it does that to ever’body.) of this guy’s stuff…- Catherine Book 9. Your favorite songs include “Southern Nights,” “Bad Moon Rising,” and “Elvira.” 10. There are several half-junked hearses House of War parked in front of your castle. The one that by Judith Tarr still runs has nekkid lady mudflaps and a Roc Trade; 376 pp., $16.00 Bela Lugosi bobblehead on the dash. 11. Your three brides wear denim short- Poor me. To have a better handle on shorts and plaid shirts tied up in the front. what was happening in this latest Judith Tarr 12. Your victims wake up complaining novel, I had to read her previous work, about “them dadgum big skeeters.” Devil’s Bargain. 13. Your place was haunted until the ghosts What a terrible trial, to be sure. moved out, muttering something about NOT! “property values.” I love Judith Tarr’s works. I love the way 14. You ask for O Negative syrup at the Gaiman, Ted Chiang, Richard Chwedyk, she deals with magic, mages and elves. As Waffle House. It comes with a side of grits. Jack McDevitt, Charles Stross, Adam-Troy a matter of fact, she has written the best 15. You can’t get into the blood bank, so Castro, Megan Lindholm, Michael books about elves, outside of Tolkien. (Try you try the payday advance place. Swanwick, Katherine MacLean, and Carol her Hound and the Falcon series. Fabu- Emshwiller. Of these eleven tales, five in- lous!) volve genetic engineering - a trend? Non- fiction entries include the 2003 final Nebula ( Continued on page 19 ) Page 18 ConNotations Volume 14 Issue 4 In Our Book (Continued from page 18) won’t stay dead) and the amassed might of Star Wars: New Jedi Order Star Wars: New Jedi Order Muslim, Christian and Jewish soldiers and Force Heretic III: Reunion The Final Prophecy Anyway, there are no elves in these two their respective mages. Sinan wants the Seal Sean Williams and Shane Dix by Greg Keyes books (sigh), just the larger-than-life Rich- of Solomon (which was central to the pre- Del Rey, 432 pp, $6.99 Del Rey, 320 pp, $6.99 ard the Lionheart, his respected opponent, vious book) AND the Ark of the Covenant. Saladin and a host of other wonderful char- With these two immensely powerful relics, The New Jedi Order, Force Heretic III: The New Jedi Order, The Final Proph- acters. House of War deals with the struggle he would be able to swallow the whole Reunion is book 17 and the last of the Force ecy is book 18 by Greg Keyes. This book between the Dark and the Light and the fate world in darkness and despair. Heretic Trilogy by Sean Williams and read better than his duology of the series: of Jerusalem. And to start off the conflict, the Old Man Shane Dix. This novel represents the apex Edge of Victory I and II. In The Final Characters from the previous book are strikes at the heart of Ahmad and Sioned of the Zonoma Sekot storyline in this tril- Prophecy, Keyes flourishes even with a all here: Ahmad, sultan of Cairo and mar- by attacking their children. ogy and the best hope the galaxy has for sluggish beginning to this story. The action ried to Richard’s half sister, the very fey There will be hell to pay, as it were. defeating the Yuuzhan Vong. and characters are developed and executed Sioned who is a healer and a mage (as is Ms. Tarr sets the mood and the envi- The multiple story lines are given de- well. Ahmad.) The very clever and subtle ronment of her tales. I have been to Egypt, tail and attention that make Star Wars a The story opens with Tahiri on Dagobah Mustapha, “the King’s Dog,” a Muslim that but not Israel or the surrounding countries. great read. on a personal quest and finds the Yuuzhan has given his loyalty to Richard. And of Ms. Tarr makes the landscape so vivid and From Luke, Mara, Jacen, Danni, Saba, Vong searching the planet. In the jungle, a course, the nasty, nasty baddie Sinan, the real, the dryness, the broken, rocky wadis and Tekli finding Zonoma Sekot to Han, Shamed One gives her another duty to ful- Old Man of the Mountain—the head of the and canyons and the occasional oasis. And Leia, Tahiri, Jag, Jaina, and C-3PO saving fill: take the news of the prophesied world deadly assassins. the dust. But equally fine are her fragrant, Esfandia, readers are taken on a journey to the Prophet. Tahiri returns to keep her There are new characters too: Sioned colorful gardens and the hustle and bustle across the galaxy. Nom Anor is as malevo- promise while maintaining her Jedi alle- and Ahmad’s daughter, Teleri and the mas- of large cities. lent and self-serving as ever. Tahiri has a giance. ter healer and mage Judah’s son, Benjamin. I love being there. breakthrough with her multiple personali- The Galactic Federation of Free Alli- Berengaria, Richard’s abandoned wife Her characters are so well drawn out, ties. The Imperials engage the enemy at ances has other plans. Tahiri will accom- plays a pivotal role. And for Mustapha, a flaws and all, that you really root for them Zonoma Sekot and Esfandia in epic battles. pany Corran Horn to Zonoma Sekot. Un- wonderful Roman mage who becomes his and get caught up in their concerns. On Zonoma Sekot, the native people, fortunately, some Yuuzhan Vong decided lover, and the holder of a very important And historically, her flavor is very tell- known as the Ferroans, do not appreciate they should go along too: Nem Yim, Harrar, secret, which proves crucial to Sinan’s war ing and convincing; even though this is a the newcomers. Their apathy turns to ag- and the Prophet (aka Nom Anor.) Corran on all who oppose him, and on Jerusalem “historical fantasy romance.” gression when Danni is kidnapped. In an Horn and Tahiri take the three to the living and Richard, specifically. But “House of War” is fascinating and attempt to rescue her, Jacen follows. Leav- world. There, Nem Yim finds the parallels Oh, wait, there is also the Ark of the engrossing and so smoothly and stylishly ing the others behind, Luke tries to negoti- between the planet and her people. Harrar Covenant. You might remember its awe- written. ate with the natives and the living planet, comes to terms with the knowledge of the some power from the movie Raiders of the I can’t wait for the next book. - Sue but discovers that the Zonoma Sekot is cu- planet. The Prophet unveils himself as Nom Lost Ark…. Martin rious about its own consciousness as well Anor killing the other two Yuuzhan Vong The Ark is used to full force here and as tests its new Jedi visitors. and reporting his position to the Supreme becomes the heart of the struggle between On Esfandia, Han and Leia meet the Overlord’s forces and sabotaging the liv- the Old Man of the Mountain (who just unlikeliest of creatures, the Cold Ones, ing planet. floating in the atmosphere of Esfandia. Meanwhile, General Wedge Antilles, Bargaining with the creatures in order to Admiral Pelleon, and Pash Cracken set up stop the Yuuzhan Vong, Han and Leia must an ambush for the Yuuzhan Vong at find a way to stop the destruction of the Bilbringi to retake the system. The prob- communications relay stations. The Cold lem is that Pelleon and Cracken await Gen- Ones become an unusual ally in their ef- eral Antilles’s orders to join the fight and, forts. with the communication relays down, Though the book is better then the pre- Wedge was going to be waiting a long time ceding two, there are bad points with the for reinforcements. good. Nom Anor and the heretics’ arc do The Final Prophecy lends its storylines not progress. Rather this element seems a to the series while setting up for the end bit of a side story. Tahiri’s mending of her novel nearly flawlessly. Though I would split personality is predictable but turns out have liked Corran, Tahiri, and the Yuuzhan to be a better storyline than expected. She Vong’s presence to have been more quickly becomes one with her polar opposite per- adapted into the storyline, the book is a sonalities. She is not perfect, but not insane. good read and a fantastic showing by I do wish someone besides Timothy Zahn Keyes. The highlights in this novel are nu- could write Mara instead of making her one merous from Nom Anor’s betrayal of Nem dimensional. The best part of the novel be- Yim, Harrar and sabotage of the planet to sides the Zonoma Sekot storyline was Corran Horn and Tahiri’s shaky relation- Droma and the Ryn spy network. These ship growing into a new mentorship. Star aliens are so diffused that their spy network Wars fans should be satisfied with this one. actually works against the Yuuzhan Vong. - Dawn Mullan This novel became a fast paced, genu- ine story in which the characters are not Holder of Lightning even convinced what the ending will be. The Cloudmages #1 Concept is insightful. The reader gets more by S.L. Farrell familiar with the thought processes of the DAW, 618 pp, $6.99 characters. The story combination is a truly intriguing formula and sets up the next The mage lights have returned to the sky stand alone book in the New Jedi Order - those magical lights that allow the hold- series nicely. - Dawn Mullan ers of a Cloch to perform wonders beyond belief. Jenna Aoire is just a simple 17-year- old peasant girl who has found a pretty stone lying on the ground. Who could ever (Continued on page 20) Volume 14 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 19 In Our Book(Continued from page 19) Taking Time www.leprecon.org by Lynn Abbey imagine that such a little stone could turn ACE, 328 pp, $6.50 her life upside down? For her little pebble is the Lamh Shabhala, the key to Taking Time is part reawakening all the cloches. The rich and of the “Time” series powerful want her stone but Jenna can’t featuring Emma give it up. Oh, how is a poor little peasant Merrigan, librarian girl going to defend herself against the and curse hunter. power, deceit and treachery of the most In Taking Time, powerful lords in the land? Emma must travel This novel is billed as the first story in back through time and a multi-generational saga set in a Celtic discover the origin of milieu. The main character is well devel- a curse that has May 6-8, 2005 oped and interesting. The villains tend to plagued a family for Carefree Resort, Carefree, AZ be shallow, undeveloped, and colorless. The generations. With the author’s attempt to use dialect is a disaster. help of an on-again, Annual Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention with an emphasis on Art If you are really into long-running sword off-again mother and and sorcery epics you might want to pick her friends, she must Artist Guest of Honor Author Guest of Honor up a copy of this book when it goes onto tread a fine line be- the discount table but I cannot recommend tween guidance and Dave Dorman Kevin J. Anderson paying full price for this book. - William interference, avoid the B. Whitmore Special Artist Guest Local Artist Guest of Honor Contro; a sort of a curse hunter’s asso- Bear Burge Sarah Clemens Mage of Clouds ciation, and allow a The Cloudmages #2 disaster to happen to by S.L. Farrell save the future. Oh, LepreCon 31 features the Largest Science Fiction and Fantasy Art Show in DAW, 514 pp, $23.95 and handle personnel the Southwest with 40+ nationally known artists doing demos and workshops, a problems and budget full Filmmaking track, the LepreCon 31 Film Festival, A Student Art Show, Meriel is the daughter of Jenna Aoire cuts at the college li- Programming with Panel Discussions, Art Demos, & more. Events and Activities MacEagan, the first holder of the Lamh brary. include Dealer’s Room, Gaming, LARP, LAN Party, Masquerade,

Shabhala. Meriel is not like her mother, The book is fun and Hospitality Suite, Film Festival room, and a Charity Auction to benefit ASFA she does not want to become a holder of hard to put down, and the Thomas J. Pappas School Art department. Lamh Shabhala. Kidnapped by her uncle, good characters and Meriel is forced to become more than she action, a definite ad- ever thought she could be. With stubborn dition to contempo- Join these artists at LepreCon 31! LepreCon Film Festival determination, Meriel wins through to a rary fantasy libraries. Caniglia, Liz Danforth, Monte M. Moore, Sue Dawe, We’re planning an independent film very surpassing conclusion. - Pam Allan John Picacio, James Reade, Larry Vela, Gilead, festival for genre films for LepreCon 31. This is the second book in the Michelle Ellington, Jeanette Thompson, GAK, Check our web site for more details.

Cloudmages series. Billed as a multi- Ingrid Stevenson, Lisa Snellings Clark, Robert Ross, LepreCon 31 Masquerade Wants You! generational saga this book is an im- Star Corps Pamalina Hovnatanian, Vicki Visconti-Tilly, This year’s Masquerade theme is Movie or provement over the first book. The Book One of the Mark Greenawalt, Sylvana Anderson-Gish & more! Movie-Inspired costumes. Contact villains are better developed, the support- Legacy Trilogy Masquerade director Margaret Grady at ing characters are more believable but the by Ian Douglas Join us for a fun and relaxing weekend at [email protected] for more details author still has not mastered the use of EOS, 453 pp, $7.50 the Carefree Resort in the Northeast Valley! dialect. This novel should appeal to the fans of epic sword and sorcery sagas. - John Garroway Memberships are $25 thru 8/31/04, $30 thru 12/31/04. William B. Whitmore joined the Marines to Kids 7-12 half price, Kids 6 & Under Free with Adult membership get away from an abu- Pay online using PayPal! sive father. He just Devlin’s Justice didn’t realize how far Carefree Resort Contact LepreCon 31 at: by Patricia Bray away he would get. www.carefree-resort.com Bantam Spectra, 388 pp, $6.50 Write: LepreCon 31, Eight light years 37220 Mule Train Road, Carefree, AZ away, the An have at- Room Rates: $89 S/D, $99 T, $109 Q PO Box 26665 Devlin’s Justice is Book # of the tacked. The shattered (plus tax and $9 resort fee per room) Tempe, AZ 85285 Sword of Change series. remnant of a once Casitas and Villas also available at Phone: (480) 945-6890 Devlin of Duncar has retrieved the great star-spanning [email protected] Sword Of Light. But while he was doing discounted rates. Email: empire, the An have Web: www.leprecon.org/lep31 so, dark forces took over the Jorsk Court. dreams of recreating (480) 488-5300 or (888) 488-9034 Devlin is betrayed, and he and the sword their past glory and it are turned over to the enemy. Jorsk comes is up to the Marines to teach them the er- Dime Store Magic is also the leader of the American Coven of under attack, and Devlin must escape his rors of their ways. by Kelly Armstrong Witches who disapprove of her and her captors and assemble his own guerilla army. Set two hundred years after the Heri- Bantam Spectra. 414 pp,$6.99 ward, Savannah; and want no one to know But the invaders are only the first wave of tage Trilogy, Star Corps is a good action they exist. Paige must survive the attacks evil that will force Devlin to sacrifice ev- adventure. The characters are well-devel- Dime Store Magic is part of the Women of multiple otherworld minions of the sor- erything to prevent Armageddon. oped, the combat is believable, and the his- of the Otherworld series which includes cerers’ Cabal while dealing with a budding The Devlin series each stand alone. tory is explained enough to make this a Bitten, and Stolen. Each one stands alone. romance with a sorcerer. Through lots of They are page turners, making an excellent stand-alone story. I greatly enjoyed this Paige Winterborne, 23-year-old witch hair -raising episodes she must out-wit her read. Definitely worth the time. A good novel and eagerly look forward to the next and web page designer, has adopted an ex- enemies, control her smart mouth and Sa- addition to your Fantasy Library. - Pam two in the series. - William B. Whitmore ceedingly powerful 13-year-old witch fol- vannah while overcoming long odds. Allan lowing the violent death of her mother. She (Continued on page 21) Page 20 ConNotations Volume 14 Issue 4 In Our Book (Continued from page 20) virtuosity. It turns out that she has been Brunner on the decline of the west, war, Dime Store Magic is both stylish and invaded by the spirit Franz Shubert Musty Tomes race relations, and human motivation. It’s full of action done with humor and human- wanting to tie up loose ends. As the world fun on so many levels, nowadays. - Mike learns her secret, her family and others Griffin ity. Gotta love it. - Pam Allan The Martian Sphinx take over her life, planning concert tours by Keith Woodcott (John Brunner) and selling her to the public regardless of The Caves of Steel Across the Sea of Suns Ace Books, 1965 by Gregory Benford her wishes. by Isaac Asimov Lisa must try to hold onto her identity, Aspect, 506 pp, $6.99 There’s a large polyhedral object on and come to terms with what has happened. So, you probably know that I, Robot is Mars that beckons to man, an object called Poignant, funny and sometimes downright on the big screen now – so, here’s the story Across the Sea of Suns is Book 2 of the the Sphinx. Also lurking on Mars is a pretty suspenseful by turns, the author’s first book that started it all (well, at least the title…). Galactic Center series. Like In the Ocean woman and a race of far-traveling aliens. takes you on a roller coaster ride through Set on a future Earth where the population of Night, it can stand alone. Then another alien species arrives, and the craziness of the arts and media. Worth is so large that huge underground cities The year is 2076. Earth’s first starship, battle is joined with the earthmen. Here’s a read. - Pam Allan house people who never see the sun or feel Lancer, is on a mission to find new civili- an interesting name coinage: “Got to think the wind on their face. Some have left Earth zations. Although aging astronaut Nigel of some other label than just ‘alien’ to refer for the stars and are now considered sepa- Walmsey may be the expert, nobody be- to them. How about grays? We have blacks rate from earthmen. Both ‘races’ have lieves his theory that machines are the and browns and yellows among us, and a strengths and weaknesses that can either be dominant intelligence in the universe, and white; gray, a good neutral color for crea- their undoing or their salvation. These dif- they are out to eliminate organic life. tures who can’t go by the distinctions we ferences contribute greatly to the ‘feel’ and After they discover once-living planets find all-important.” This seems like a source reasoning of the story. where only machines survive, and survivors pilfered by the UFO crowd. Still, writers Robots, an integral part of the Spacers’ hide from lethal AI warships, views begin have been putting Egyptian ruins on Mars way of life, contribute to a luxurious stan- to change. But the machines have discov- since the old pulp magazines, so such ideas dard of living. Robots are barely tolerated ered Lancer, and are attacking Earth. are common motifs. Mixed in with the Once again, Benford makes an exciting space opera are salient comments by (Continued on page 22) hard science fiction adventure with my fa- vorite virtues, good characters, tight plotting, and a sense of thoughtful analysis that hold a reader to the last page. This se- ries deserves space in every li- brary. - Pam Allan

The Zenith Angels by Bruce Sterling Del Ray, 306 pp, $24.95

Derek Vandeveer, computer wizard, is living large. Happily married, with a new son and making more money than he can spend, he has everything but fur- niture when the planes hit the towers, and the S*** hits the fan. Co-opted by the government, he finds himself a financially poor cyberwarrior defending the nation’s cyberware from en- emies foreign and domestic Sterling has written an often comic novel of info-war, home- land security, and politics. His insights may be scary, but the dry humor and suspense make a darn good read. You’ll enjoy this one while wondering about the state of the cyber-union - Pam Allan

Sleeping with Shubert by Bonnie Marson Random House, 377 pp, $21,95

Lisa Durbin, Brooklyn real estate attorney, is suddenly overcome by the urge to play the piano in Nordstrom’s shoe department. She displays a never-before-heard, by her,

Volume 14 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 21 Musty Tomes(Continued from page 21) BASFA Local Tuscon science fiction 2258. They have a website up at http:// Club group that puts on TusCon. Contact us at members.home.net/jeanderson/ on Earth where they are looked at with great PO Box 2528, Tucson AZ 85702-2528 daystarholt.html suspicion and loathing as they replace men or [email protected]. Listings our website at home.earthlink.net/~basfa/ THE EMPIRE OF CHIVALRY AND STEEL, INC. The Empire of Chivalry ADRIAN EMPIRE A medieval and CENTRAL ARIZONA SPECULA- and Steel specializes in the general renaissance recreationist club. Sword- TIVE FICTION SOCIETY, INC. recreation of the culture of the Middle fighting, arts, banquets, masquerades, (CASFS) The non-profit corporation that Ages inc-luding all of the Art Forms, dances. meets every Wednesday night puts on CopperCon conventions, Events (Feasts, Tournaments, Ceremonies from 7-10pm at Encanto Park. All are SmurfCons, HexaCons, occasional and Wars) and Combat Arts covering the welcome. Free. regional cons, and publishes Con- years of 800AD up to 1650AD and any Notations. Best described as SF/F location within Europe or its explored Aerial Mirage Jugglers. Meets generalists with a strong bent towards territories. For more information contact Wednesday 7-10pm in Encanto Park, 15th literary SF/F. Guests welcome - meets at Bart Smith (Phoenix) (602)937-6995 or Avenue, south of Encanto. No dues, 8pm on the last Friday of each month in Leonard Bird (Tucson) (520)742-2432 everyone welcome. All levels skill exc- January thru September and the second Web: www.galandor.org hange in many areas of object manipula- Friday in October, November and tion Dave Davis December at JB’s Restaurant, 2560 W. HELLMOUTH CENTRAL, a new , 602-955- Indian School in Phoenix, AZ. Write PO group for fans of Buffy the Vampire 9446; or Ron Harvey Box 62613, Phoenix, AZ 85082-2613 or Slayer and Angel, as well as the charac- , 602-863-0284 for call Stephanie L. Bannon (602)973-2341 ters and actors who play them, is being more info or impromptu juggling for information. Web www.casfs.org formed in Central Phoenix. For additional sessions. information, call Jane at 602-266-7007 C.R.O.F.T. Celtic Reenactment of ARIZONA LANBASHERS LEAGUE Fellowship and Trades is Phoenix based THE JEDI KNIGHTS Meetings are the A collaboration of computer gaming at more and more jobs. Enter our hero – an Reenactment group specializing in the 3rd Sunday of each month. For more enthusiasts, the Arizona LANbashers Earthman Police Detective, Elijah Baley. western European renaissance. As an org- information call Carol Alves, Publicity, League throws quarterly LANparty Baley has been directed to investigate a anization, it is our goal to promote felow- (760)244-9593 or write Jedi Knights, c/o events. Between parties, support is given dreadful murder which will have dire con- ship while researching lifestyles and Jim Lowerre, 12291 Meade Street, to local groups who wish to advertise their sequences for Earth and unexpected ones trades concurrent with the Celtic Peoples Garden Grove, CA 92841-3629 own gatherings. We have no set genre of for the Spacers. The Spacers wish to have from 400 BC until 1746 AD. Although games and play anything from strategy one of their own participate in the investi- most members claim Scots, Irish or Welsh LEPRECON, INC. One of the two games to first-person shooters to driving/ gation; but, because of their lack of immu- an-cestry and do Celtic re-enactment, it is Phoenix area corporations that put on flying simulations. No annual member- nity to just about every germ on Earth, they our intent to open participation to anyone yearly con-ventions. Best described as SF/ ship is required and admission to an event send a robot – a very special robot that looks with an interest in period crafting and F gene-ralists with a main thrust into SF/F ranges from $5-$15. See our webpage for exactly like a human man. Despite Baley’s enter-tainment, no matter what his/her art. Guests are welcome. The meetings current events. Email: issues with the robot, they do satisfactorily ethnicity. The sense of being a real village are quarterly on the second Saturday of [email protected] Web: http:/ solve the murder. The ramifications of their surround-ing Croft is vital to promote a Febr-uary, May, August & November www.lanparty.com/all/ VoiceMail: 602- partnership are the basis for several novels feeling of family and fellowship which unless otherwise notified. August is the 306-9339 by Asimov. The author wrote several short was a reality in earlier times. Croft is a annual meeting where board positions are stories and novelettes on this theme, coin- family-oriented and kid-friendly deter-mined. For more information, write THE AWAY TEAM: The Away Team, ing the term ‘robotics’ along the way. Taken organization.C.R.O.F.T. members can be PO Box 26665, Tempe, AZ 85285; call is a general sci-fi appreciation group that as a whole, these stories are a fascinating found demon-strating in events such as Mike Willmoth, 480-945-6890, Email meets once a month for discussion of peek into our own genre history and a ba- the Highland Games, Scarborough Fair, [email protected] various sci-fi news regarding several sis for many robot-themed stories. This is a and the Arizona Renaissance Festival. www.leprecon.org mediums to include: television, movies, highly recommended read. - Catherine Web page http://www.crofters.org video, books, comics, magazines, collect- Book MIB The Men in Black is the official ing, and so forth. The meetings are THE DARK ONES (Dark-wunz) n. 1) organization of field operatives for Steve comprised of news, review and comment, The Color of Magic An organization formed for the expression Jackson Games. They attend local con- BBS/computer news and help, meeting by Terry Pratchett and exploration of various cultural themes ventions to demonstrate and promote new members, video presentations, Harper Paperbacks, 227 pp, $6.50 including, but not limited to, the Dark products of Steve Jackson Games. The games, and socializing fun! Food and Ages and the Renaissance through forms also schedule demos in local gaming drinks are provided, via a $3 munchie fee A reprint of the start of the Discworld of art including, but not limited to, stores. If you have a gaming store or (per meeting) to compensate the host. series, now in its fifteenth or so novel. It painting, drawing, writing, photography, convention that you would like to have (No other fees are involved.) The elec- contains four novellas, all on the misadven- spoken word, and acts of characterization. official Steve Jackson Games represen- tronic home of the Away Team, is the tures of an incompetent wizard, his naive 2) a member of this organization. 3) Infor- tation at, please contact the MIB Arizona Lightspeed Space Station BBS at (520) tourist buddy, and the tourist’s luggage - mation available at www.darkones.org Cell Leader at [email protected] made of sentient pearwood, self-walking on 325-6674.... Member ages for the group range from 13-40-something with both little feet, indestructible and able to devour DAYSTAR HOLT Arizona’s first and ORANGE COUNTY SCIENCE male and female members. Other activi- all foes. Twenty years after publication, this longest-running Elfquest fan club. Daystar FICTION CLUB meets last Wednesday ties include null-modem link gamefests, book is still funny on my first time reading meets to talk about EQ and related stuff, of every month (except Dec.) We group theater movie viewings, convention it. The wit is not dated, though some paro- develop characters, publish stories in our frequently have author guest speakers. trips and more. Have sci-fi fun in a died characters may be. We get appearances ‘zine Playelf and create an annual You’re all welcome relaxed, low-structure environment. NO by not-really-disguised Conan, Fafhrd, the calendar. Other common interests include to come if you’re in the area. We meet in RUBBER EARS ALLOWED!! For Gray Mouser, with allusions to Amber. music, belly dance, camping and of Fullerton, about 5 miles north of Disney- questions, you can call the BBS, or write Most useful is a sixteen-page supplement course, SF. Membership is free (18 or land. For more details ph. Greg at [949] to: LSS c/o R. Martin; 2522 N. Sparkman on people, places, and a bibliography of the over) and is attained by group vote after 552-4925 or send a message to our Blvd.; Tucson, AZ 85716 whole series. This is the perfect guide, so you attend two meetings or holt-related listserve [email protected] you have no excuse not to get started on get-togethers. Meetings are usually the this any more. - Mike Griffin first Saturday of each month; for more PAReX is a non-profit, just for fun info, call Tom or Janice at (602) 581- ( Continued on page 23 ) Page 22 ConNotations Volume 14 Issue 4 Club Listings (Cont’d from page 22 ) St.. Mem-bers discuss anime and manga, Moons, SunDragon, Tir Ysgithr and Ered work on a web comic, discuss fund Sul. For more information on any of these organization dedicated to the proliferation raisers, and schedule club events. After or for general information on thy past of robotics as a hobby. Monthly meetings each meeting the club views selected tomorrows thou mayest contact Mistress will be held and will be announced under anime DVD’s and plays games. Open to Myrddina o Dolwyddelan (Terry the Meeting Information page, http:// new members. Contact Moryha Banks— Schwartz) PO Box 584, Sonoita AZ www.parex.org/meetinfo.htm. All (602)265-8886, 85637 (520)455-5835 Email: interest-ed persons are invited to partici- moryha!samuraicomics.com [email protected] www.atenveldt.org pate. We are currently in the process of getting organized and becoming an SCIENCE FICTION CONTINUUM THE SOUTHWEST COSTUMER’S official organization with tax status. Web The Science Fiction Continuum: An GUILD The Southwest Costumers Guild page: http://www.parex.org/ E-mail Independ-ent Star Trek and Sci-Fi club in is a loose organization of persons inter- Contact: John Kittelsrud, Phoenix, AZ. The SFCOM is an active ested in all facets of historical, cultural, [email protected] club that participates in Local Phoenix, science fiction, fantasy, and humor and South-western Star Trek and Sci-Fi costume. Members are often seen on stage THE PHOENIX FANTASY FILM conventions and movies. The SFCOM has and behind the scenes at local and SOCIETY A Phoenix based club interest- three different divisions. The SFCOM regional Science Fiction Conven-tion ed in the entire realm of SF, Fantasy and itself, a free group where fun is the name masquerades. They meet on the last Horror film. PFFS has been in existence of the game. The Deep Space SolarFlare Sunday of each month at various mem- for 25 years, meeting every 6 weeks in (DSSF) an active member club in the bers’ homes in the greater Phoenix area. mem-ber’s homes. Dues are $10 per year. International Federation of Treker’s (IFT). For details. Southwest Costumers Guild, Mem-bership includes newsletters, an This group is based on DS9 (a space PO Box 39504, Phoenix, AZ 85609 or annual film awards and various outings. station). And the IKV Sto-Vo-Kor Randall Whitlock at [email protected] For information, contact PFFS, P.O. Box (Independent Klingon Vessel). A Klingon or www.southwestcostumersguild.org 34023, Phoenix, AZ 85067 or call David Bird of Prey, roaming the desert looking Storck at (602) 274_7404, e_mail: for battle. Are the Fed’s too soft, looking SPACE ACCESS SOCIETY Space [email protected]. for combat, feel the call to glory. This is Access Society’s sole purpose is to the ship for you. Member-ship in the promote radically cheaper access to space, RAGE ACROSS THE SOUTHWEST SFCOM is free! To join DSSF or the Sto- ASAP. We think it’s possible within ten A Live Action Theatre Troupe based out Vo-Kor a nominal fee for the national years, with a little luck and a lot of hard of the ASU campus in Tempe, AZ. It is clubs involved and uniforms. For further work. Join us and help us make it happen! dedicated to the game Werewolf: The information contact President John SAS membership is $30 for one year, Apocalypse by White Wolf publishing. Nelson at (602) 409-7169 or on the which gets you emailed Space Access Contact Mike McLaughlin at (602)461- internet at; [email protected] or Updates the instant they pass final edit, 5842 or write 1730 W Emelita Place check out our web site. http:// plus discounts on our annual confer-ence #2025, Mesa AZ 85202-3144 or www.thesfcom.com on the technology, politics, and busi-ness [email protected] of radically cheaper space trans- SFACE (Speculative Fiction And Com- portation, featuring leading players in the RAW GAMES (Role-players & puter Enthusiasts) Phoenix College’s one field. Email us at: Space.Access@Space- Wargamers, Inc.) Role-players & and only connection to the worlds of Access.org Web page: www.space- Wargamers, Inc. is the Valley’s oldest speculative fiction, including science access.org/ role-playing and wargaming club. fiction, fantasy, and horror as well as table Currently meeting at 8159 W. Weldon in top, live action and internet gaming, SUPERSTITION SPACEMODELING Phoenix every Sunday from 3pm-9pm SFACE also serves as a guide through the SOCIETY is Arizona’s club for builders (except during conventions and other Internet - both teaching basic use and of model and high_power rockets and special events). Open to new members - utilizing as a source of speculative fiction. those who love to see them fly. Launches call (602) 849-9515. www.rawgames.org For more info contact Dr Ray Bromley at are held on the second Saturday morning bromley.ray@ a1.pc.maricopa.edu. The of each month in Rainbow Valley. SSS REBEL LEGION - JUNDLAND SFACE Web site is found at http:// hosts the annual G. Harry Stine Memorial OUTPOST The Jundland Outpost is a www.pc. maricopa.edu/departments/ Rocket Launch every October. Visit small band of Rebels which form a part of studentact/organizations/sface/ www.sssrocketry.org for membership the rapidly growing Rebel Legion. information, directions to the launches While it's main focus is Star Wars SHADOWKEEP BBS Intelligent and meetings, and to read the monthly costuming, much like it's 501st counter- conver-sation, awesome graphics, newsletter, “Newton’s Minutes.” part the Dune Sea Garrison, the Jundland stupendous door games, unworldly Outpost's mission is to brighten up the filebank, RPG forums, QWK message TARDIS is a Phoenix-based General SF/ lives of children and Star Wars fans of all system and online RPG BBS-mode-rated Fantasy Fan Club, specializing in Interna- ages across the Phoenix Metro area and games! Our BBS is mainly RPG oriented eventually other parts of Arizona as well. and we offer many services to GMs and ( Continued on page 24 ) Members also make appearances with players. No fees neces-sary for users who other Star Wars organizations as part post intelligent messages! $5 in credits to What is CASFS? of a joint effort to help with Charities and What is really behind putting on a convention? What the funds raised by a conven- new users. Over 20 conferences and 10 tion used for? Why not attend a meeting and find out? We’re the sponsor of events around Arizona. doors to choose from! Shadowkeep BBS - If you have an event you would like us to ConNotations, CopperCons, HexaCons, SmerfCons and other conventions. We are PCBoard 15.2/M - US Robotics 28.8 a charitable, non-profit organization that exists to further science fiction, fantasy appear at, please contact us at Modem. Phoenix, AZ (602)245-0919; and science fields in Arizona. CASFS currently meets at the JB’s Restaurant at [email protected]. Connect at 2400-28800 2560 W Indian School Rd in Phoenix (NW corner of I-17 and Indian School). The meetings begin at 8PM and are held on the last Friday of the month Jan. Through SAMURAI OTAKU ANIME CLUB THE SOCIETY FOR CREATIVE Sept. And on the second Friday of the month Oct through Dec. Everyone is invited to attend two meetings as a guest (non-member). Membership rates are $12/year The Samurai Otaku is a group of fans of ANACHRONISM The kingdom of plus an initial $3 application fee and rates are pro-rated for the amount of the year anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture. Atenveldt doth lie in the state of Arizona. Meet-ings are held every Saturday night remaining. For more info Call: Stephanie L. Bannon (602)973-2341 Webpage: Within the fair kingdom can be found six www.casfs.org email: [email protected] at 6pm at Samurai Comics, 5024 N. 7th Baronies: Atenveldt, Mons Tonitrus, Twin Volume 14 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 23 Club Listings ( Cont’d from page 23 ) 29/98 there were 32 members. There are Editor Guest of Honor Ellen Datlow; no dues other than the $15 for joining Convention Publisher Guest of Honor Betty tional media SF/Fantasy since 1983. Star-fleet Intl.. Members are scattered Ballantine; Toastmistress Jennifer TARDIS meets every two weeks at world wide but the primary clusters are in Listings Roberson Memberships US$160 currently different locations around the valley. Tucson, AZ and Plano, TX. They don’t at the door Hotel Rates$155 S/D/T/Q Activities include watching videos, meet on a regular basis since they are a (plus tax); Tempe Mission Palms, 60 E discussions, parties, fund-raisers, auc- ArmadilloCon 26 (Austin TX) August correspondence chapter. Their web site is: 5th St, Tempe, AZ 85281 (800) 547-8705 tions, games, camping trips and outings. 13-15, 2004 Hilton North, Austin, TX; 1- http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Vault/ Info World Fantasy 2004, c/o LepreCon, We also maintain an active presence at 512-451-5757; rms: $99 sngl-quad. GoH: 9505/ and their contact/CO is Capt. Dave Inc. PO Box 26665, Tempe AZ 85285; local conventions. TARDIS publishes a Sharon Shinn; FGoH: Chaz “Hazel” Pitts, [email protected]. (480) 945-6890; e-mail monthly inform-ative news-letter, The Boston Baden; TM: K.D. Wentworth; [email protected]; Index File, with a national circulation EGoH: Stan Schmidt; AGoH: Charles Z-PHILES are the ariZona x-PHILES. websitewww.wfc2004.org which is included with mem-bership. Vess; SGoH: TBA. Theme: Literary We maintain a mailing list for news and Annual membership is just $12.50. You SF&F. Memb: $35 until 7/25/04; $40 get-togethers of fans of the X-Files living TusCon 31 (Tucson AZ) Nov 5-7, 2004 - can contact us at 2243 W Wagon Wheel after and at the door. Info: ArmadilloCon in Arizona. We get together in both the InnSuites Hotel, Tucson AZ Guests Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85021, Voice Mail at 26, PO Box 27277, Austin, TX 78755; 1- Phoenix and Tucson areas. To subscribe, Fantasy Author GoH Barbara Hambly; (602) 864-0901, E-mail TARDIS- 512-565-0637; send an empty message to z-philes- Science and SF Guest of Honor William [email protected] or visit http:// [email protected] [email protected] K. Hartmann, Fan Guest of Honor Carol www.primenet.com/~jgeorge/tardis.html Bubonicon 36 (Albuquerque NM) De Priest; Toastmaster Ed Bryant Mem- UNITED FEDERATION OF PHOE- berships $40 until 9/07/04, and $45 after TEKWAR FAN CLUB Sanctioned by August 27-29, 2004 Wyndham Airport NIX A Phoenix area Star Trek and that and at the door. One-days are $15/30/ the series’ production companies and the Hotel, 2910 Yale Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, general SciFi fan club. We are a social 15 for Fri/Sat/Sun. Children (ages 3-12) USA Network! It is THE information NM; 1-800-227-1117; rms: $69 sngl- club that meets every two weeks at are ½ current adult rates. Hotel InnSuites conduit between the fans and the series! quad. GoH: Connie Willis; AGoH: David various locations around the Phoenix area. Hotel, 475 North Granada, Tucson AZ Fan club membership will bring you the Mattingly; TM: Gardner Dozois. Theme: The UFP has been meeting for over 25 85701 Per night rates are $79 (studio following 1) subscription to the info filled SF&F. Memb: $27 until 8/14/04; $30 at years of continuous activity. Dues are room) or $89 (2-room suite). Reserva- Tek Informer newsletter; 2) official the door; Youths (12-16): $15. Checks to: $15/per year prorated when you join; no tions1-877-446-6589, Fax520-623-8922, TekWar Fan Club membership card and NMSF Conference. Info: PO Box 37257, restrictions. Membership includes Local520-622-3000 Info TusCon, PO Box kit. Membership is by regular mail only Albuquerque, NM 87176; 1-505-266- membership roster and monthly newslet- PO Box 2528, Tucson AZ 85702-2528 and the newsletter and mater-ials will not 8905, 1-505-232-2892; ter. Come to any two meetings at no FAX us at 520-571-7180, Email be reproduced electron-ically. To join the [email protected]. obligation. For information, write the UFP [email protected] Web http// action and initiate your annual member- at PO Box 37224, Phoenix, AZ 85069, or CopperCon 24 Sept 10- home.earthlink.net/~basfa/ ship, make check or money order out for (Phoenix, AZ) call Jim Strait at (602) 242-9203. Web 12, 2004 $12.50 to: Official TekWar Fan Club ; Literary oriented SF/F Conven- page: http://www.U-F-P.org or Email to LepreCon 31 (Carefree AZ) May 6-8, (Membership section), 2522 N Sparkman tion Embassy Suites Phoenix North, [email protected] 2005 - Carefree Resort, Carefree, AZ Blvd., Tucson AZ 85716-2417 Phoenix, Arizona Guests Author GoH Alan Dean Foster, Artist GoH Todd Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention WESTERN SCIENCE FICTION with an emphasis on art Artist GoH Dave T.H.E.M. is ASU’s science fiction and Lockwood; Local Author GoH Catherine ASSOCIATION (WesternSFA) A non- Dorman; Author GoH Kevin J. Anderson; fantasy club. Weekly meetings are held on Wells; Music Guest Leslie Fish Memb$35 profit corporation that sponsors the Special Artist Guest Bear Burge; Local the Arizona State University campus, with thru 8/27/04, $40 at the door ConRunners seminars and is sponsoring Artist GoH Sarah Clemens; Room dates and places to be announced after the Hotel Embassy Suites Phoenix North, the 2004 Westercon. Dedicated primarily Rates$89 S/D, $99 T, $109 Q (plus tax semester starts. For more information, to educational activities relating to 2577 W. Greenway Rd, Phoenix, AZ and $9 resort fee per room) (480) 488- [email protected] literature, music, and visual and perform- (602) 375-1777. Rooms$79 S/D, $89 T, 5300 or (888) 488-9034 Memberships are www.themonline.org ing arts, especially in the genres of $99 Q (plus tax) Info CopperCon 24, PO science fiction, fantasy, costuming, Box 62613, Phoenix, AZ 85082,Phone $25 thru 8/31/04. $30 thru 12/31/04; ; Kids 7-12 half price, Kids 6 & Under Free TUCSON FAN ALLIANCE E-Mail gaming and science. Applicants for (602) 973-2341 , membership in WesternSFA must be (with Adult membership) Write LepreCon Address is [email protected] or [email protected] ;Website sponsored by a current active 31, PO Box 26665, Tempe, AZ 85285, [email protected]. www.coppercon.org WesternSFA member. Dues are $10 Phone (480) 945-6890, yearly plus a $5 non-refundable applica- Conjecture 3, October [email protected] Web http// USS STORMBRINGER The Storm- (San Diego CA) tion fee. General Meetings are held on the 1-3, 2004 DoubleTree Club, Mission www.leprecon.org/lep31 bringer is a correspondence Star Trek fan first Friday of February, May, August and Valley, San Diego, CA Writer Guest of club chapter of Starfleet, Intl. based out of November, usually at the home of a Tucson AZ. The chapter was commis- member. Guests are welcome. For more Honor C.S. Friedman Gaming Guest of sioned as the USS Stormbringer NCC- info contact Craig Dyer at WesternSFA, Honor Jess Heinig Memberships$35 thru 74213, attached to Division 31, Starfleet PO Box 87457, Phoenix AZ 85082, (602) 9/15/04, $45 after and at the door Hotel Covert Operations, on 10/31/98. As of 11/ 973-2341, Email: [email protected]. Room Rates $99 S/D/T/Q, 1-800-489- Webpage: www.westernsfa.org 9671, or 619-881-6900 Generic Convention Regestration Form [email protected] Web www.conjecture.org

Name:______VegaCon (Las Vegas NV) Oct 15-17, 2004 - CONVENTION CANCELLED - Badge Name:______A Fan Gathering with Author GoH Steven Address:______Brust may still happen - Info at www.vegacon.com or email City/State/ZIP:[email protected] Phone:______Email:______World Fantasy Convention 2004, Enclosed is $______for ______memberships for (Tempe AZ) Oct 28-31, 2004, Tempe ______convention. Mission Palms, Tempe, AZ Guests (See calendar for mailing address) Author Guest of Honor Gwyneth Jones; More info on __ Masquerade __Art Show __Volunteer __ Other Artist Guest of Honor Janny Wurts;

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