Volume 12, Issue 1 ConNotations February/March The Bi-Monthly Science Fiction, Fantasy & Convention Newszine of the Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society 24 Frames SF Tube Talk ReAnimation In This Issue Movie News & Reviews TV News & Previews Anime Reviews By Lee Whiteside By Lee Whiteside By Craig L. Dyer News & Reviews SF Tube Talk 1 Harrry Potter & Lord of the Rings do We’ve got lots of news this issue. Some ***** Akira about series ending, some about new 24 Frames 1 Boffo Box Office **** Gatekeepers Vol. 1: Opening in November, Harry Potter and series and lots of news, information and ReAnimation 1 Open the Gate the Sorcerer’s Stone broke opening day rumors about your favorite ongoing FYI 2 genre series. **** Hand Maid May Vol. 1: and opening weekend box office records CASFS Business Report 2 and had reached nearly $300 million by the Enterprising Bottles Maid to Order Reports are that the early episodes of Gamers Corner 3 end of the year. Opening the Wednesday *** Hand Maid May Vol. 2: Enterprise have used up a lot of the Musical Notes 4 before Christmas was “The Lord of the Product Recall Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”. season’s budget, so we’ll be seeing more ConClusion 5 Opening on a Wednesday instead of a ship based, or bottle, shows the Videophile 6 remainder of the season. This isn’t AKIRA Pioneer, 124 min, 16+ In Our Book (Book Reviews) 16 VHS $19.98,DVD:- $24.98 Musty Tomes 20

Katsuhiro Otomo’s landmark sci-fi anime feature Akira arrived in U.S. Special Feature theaters in 1988, and has often been TusCon Writing Contest Winner described as the movie that created a mass Passing Over by Eric Penner Haury 8 audience for Japanese animation in America. But while audiences walked away Convention & Fandom enchanted with the overall effect of the Club Listings 21 film, the story itself was vague and 23 unfocused when compared to the original Convention Listings graphic novel. This re-release restores Convention Registration Form 23 © New Line focus and clarity in more ways than one. © UPN Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins in T'Pol (Jolene Blalock) This re-mastered edition was produced by Art Work LORD OF THE RINGS: using the original negative, and this FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING Sue Dawe 2 necessarily a bad thing, since it may force captures Neo-Tokyo’s postapocalyptic Sherlock 1, 15, 17 the writers to be a bit more creative in the luster. The new English translation makes Friday and the longer running time meant storylines. The series continues to do more sense than the original. While the that the LoTR movie didn’t break any well in the ratings and with the demise of ending leaves many questions records other than having the highest one Special Unit 2, look for UPN to start unanswered, the convoluted plot is easier day box-office for a December opening with running repeat episodes of Enterprise in to follow since it is far more faithful to $18.6 million. Through Christmas and New the second hour of prime time on Otomo’s original text,. This version should ( Cont’d on page 9 ) ( Cont’d on page 10 ) ( Cont’d on Page 13 )

ConNotations Non-Profit Org. Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society US Postage PO Box 62613 PAID Phoenix, AZ 85082 Permit 839 Phoenix, AZ

Volume 12 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 1 Other Book Groups FYI CASFS Business Report Who’s Who This Issue BORDERS OTHER WORLDS BOOK BOOK DISCUSSION GROUPS DISCUSSION GROUP Supernal Readers, Managing Editor: Stephanie Bannon CASFS Sponsored Groups Third Thursday at Borders, 2402 E Co-Editor: Sue Martin In January the CASFS Meetings move Co-Editor: Gary Swaty Camelback at 6PM back the regular slot, the last Friday in the Graphics Editor: Craig L. Dyer GLENDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY: February 21: TBA Month. The January meeting will be on Film & Video Reporter: Barry Bard 1st Thursday of each month at 5959 W March 21: TBA Friday the 25th. The last Friday is the Staff Writers: Pam Allen, Barry Bard, Brown in Glendale at 7PM April 18: TBA meeting slot except in October, November Catherine Book, Craig L. Dyer, Michael Feb 7: The Fellowship Of The Ring by May 16: TBA Griffin, Daryl F. Mallett, Shane and December when it is the second J.R.R. Tolkien For more info contact Eric 602-957-6660 or Shellenbarger, Tom Tuerff, Lee Whiteside, March 7: Tehanu by Ursula Le Quin [email protected] Friday. Occasionally we move a meeting Randall Whitlock, Mike Willmoth April 4: The Demolished Man by Alfred out of necessity. If this happens, all who Layout & Design: Stephanie L. Bannon Bester BORDERS FANTASY & SCI-FI BOOK attend the previous meeting will be told Keeper of the Mailing List: Craig L. May 2: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the DISCUSSION: and those who don’t will be notified by Dyer and Doug Cosper Galaxy by Douglas Adams Fourth Wednesday at Borders, 7320 W Email or snail mail if they have been good Contributors: Shane Irons, Tanya Bell Rd in Glendale. at 7PM. Gouchenour June 6: The Palace by Chelsea Quinn This group is on hiatus for November and enough to keep their information up to Labeling Crew for Volume 11 Issue 6: Yarbro December and will resume in January. date. If their information is not up to date Stephanie Bannon, Catherine Book, Craig For more information on the Glendale February 27: White by Tanith Lee they are technically inactive members per L. Dyer, Ray & Pinkie Gish, Sue & Jo group contact Sue Martin at 623-939-7815 March 27: TBA the by-laws. Martin, Milly McCloskey, April Rice, April 24: TBA In November and December we Walter Sanville, Gary Swaty,Lee Whiteside, Bill Whitmore May 22: TBA nominated for the President, Vice For details contact Tanya 623-487-9110 About ConNotations: ConNotations is the President, and three board seats. Dave fan published newszine of the Central Hungerford was declared President by Arizona Speculative Fiction Society Pick up your copy of ConNotations at From the the SFWA News Site: Acclamation as he was the sole nominee (CASFS) an IRS-recognized 501(c)3 non- these locations: Jack C. Haldeman II, for that office. So, too, did Lee Whiteside profit organization. Circulation is All About Books and Comics 1941-2002 estimated at 4,000 readers for this issue, become our Acclaimed Vice President. 5060 N. Central, Phoenix, AZ (602) primarily CASFS members and attendees Author Jack C. Haldeman II, known to There were four nominees for the three 277-0757 of recent AZ sf/f conventions. family and friends as Jay, died at 1:45 PM, board seats, Jim Cryer, Jeff Georg, J.B. Subscriptions: The newszine is currently 810 S. Ash, Tempe, AZ (480) 858- January 1st. He was surrounded by family Talbot and Ray Gish. Elected were Jim sent free of charge to anyone who has 9447 and friends, listening to music that he Cryer, Jeff George and Ray Gish. I am attended a CASFS or LepreCon sponsored 4022 E. Greenway, Phoenix, AZ (602) loved. He was in a hospice in his home convention in the last two years and to all certain we will see more of J.B. whose work 494-1976 town of Gainesville, following CASFS members. Subscriptions are avail- in securing ads for ConNotations should Amazing Discoveries unsuccessful treatment for cancer. able. Cost for a six issue subscription is: be appreciated by all. USA: $12/bulk. 2545 E Speedway #155, Tucson, AZ Jay was the husband of Barbara Delaplace and the brother of Joe The HexaCon 11 books have been Copyright: Articles, fiction, photos and (520) 320-0338 artwork in this issue are copyright © of the Haldeman. Both request that in lieu of closed with $6166.82 available to turn back Book Connection flowers, donations be made in Jay’s name author/artist and cannot be reproduced in to CASFS. This is a record amount. any manner without their written consent. 6434 S McClintock, Tempe (480) 820- to Hospice of North Central Florida (4200 Kudos to all those involved. If no author or artist is credited the artwork 2953 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606). Work on HexaCon 12 is proceeding or article is copyright ©of the Central Book Exchange Plus A memorial service will be held Arizona Speculative Fiction Society. well. As of yet they don’t have a guest. 2601 E Bell #14, Phoenix, AZ (602) Saturday January 12. 2:00 P.M. at the Publication: Publications dates are CopperCon 22 is developing nicely. 867-1018 Theatre of Memory in High Springs (the February, April, June, August, October & opera house above the Great Outdoors Barbara Hambly and Mojo are the December. Publication date of this issue is Borders Book Stores Cafe, 65 North Main). currently announced guests. The 01/30/2003; mailing date is 02/04/2002 2402 E Camelback, Phoenix, AZ (602) programming group is meeting regularly Advertising: ConNotations reaches 957-6600 INFORMATION LINE: For up to date approx. 4,000 science fiction, fantasy, and reports good progress. The Filk Guest 870 N 54th St, Chandler, AZ (480) information on each month’s CASFS and gaming and horror fans throughout the is in the works. It should be a great Con. Phoenix metro area, the Southwest and 961-4915 fan sponsored sci-fi related events call Work on CopperCon 23 and HexaCon nationwide. Our ad rates are:Back cover/ 1361 N. Alma School Rd., Mesa, AZ (602)973-2341 and select option 7 for a pre- 13 are in the formative stages. $150, $100/full page; $70/two-thirds page; (480) 833-2244 recorded message. There is also a weekly $50/half page; $35/one-third page; $25/ email update. If you wish to receive the Until next time 4555 E. Cactus Rd., Phoenix, AZ (602) one-fourth page; $18/one-eigth page. More email update send your email address to The Busy Scribe information can be obtained by contacting 953-9699 Stephanie at [email protected] Stephanie L. Bannon, PO Box 62613, 7320 W. Bell Rd., Glendale, AZ (623) Phoenix, AZ 85082-2613 Phone or FAX; 487-9110 What is CASFS? (602)973-2341; Email: [email protected] Mill, Tempe, AZ ( 480 ) What is really behind putting on a Submission Info: Writers and artists are encouraged to submit work for publication. convention? What the funds raised by a While we cannot pay you for your efforts convention used for? Why not attend a Discount Book 3650 W Glendale Ave, your work will be seen by over 4,000 fans Phoenix AZ (602) 589-0188 meeting and find out? We’re the sponsor across the Southwest and the country. You of ConNotations, CopperCons, Hexa- will retain the copyright to your work for Game Keeper Cons, SmerfCons and other conventions. Metro Center Mall, 9617 N Metro future publication. To submit your work or We are a charitable, non-profit organiza- for more information please write to: Pkwy W., Phoenix AZ (602)944-2073 tion that exists to further science fiction, ConNotations; PO Box 62613, Phoenix, Imperial Outpost fantasy and science fields in Arizona. AZ 85082-2613 or contact us via Email at 4212 W Cactus Rd #1111, Phoenix, AZ CASFS currently meets at the JB’s [email protected] Restaurant at 2560 W Indian School Rd (602) 862-9683 Contact Information: ConNotations and in Phoenix (NW corner of I-17 and Indian its contributors can be contacted by mail at Michael’s Magic School). The meetings begin at 8PM and PO Box 62613, Phoenix, AZ 85082-2613 3617 E Southern Ave #8, Mesa, AZ are held on the last Friday of the month or via email at [email protected] (480) 325-7485 Jan. Through Sept. And on the second Stalking Moon Comics & Col- Friday of the month Oct through Dec. ConNotations Everyone is invited to attend two lectibles ISSN: 1082-7765 meetings as a guest (non-member). PUBLISHED: Six times a year 5775 W Bell Rd #B-6, Glendale, Membership rates are $12/year plus an Arizona (602) 896-9992 initial $3 application fee and rates are BY: Central Arizona Speculative Things For Thinkers pro-rated for the amount of the year Fiction Society, PO Box 62613, Phoenix, 4500 E Speedway Blvd #36, Tucson, remaining. For more info Call: Stephanie AZ 85051 L. Bannon (602)973-2341 Webpage: AZ (520) 326-7679 ISSUE NUMBER: Volume 12 Issue 1 www.casfs.org email: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION: $12 for 6 ISSUES © Sue Dawe Page 2 ConNotations Volume 12 Issue 1 5 one-time use spells that can be 25 price. Cave Troll. Gamer’s Corner purchased with shield tokens gathered Also popular is Decipher’s Lord of the Although you may have to search throughout your travels. These cards will Rings collectible card game released in online, Der Herr der Ringe: Die definitely be needed to help deal with 2001. While I’m very skeptical to buy any Gefahrten is currently very popular with Lord of the Rings: The Games several special and often hard to be CCG anymore (they just seem to come and the online crowd. It is currently available By Shane Irons special events that occur specific to each go so fast), the LOTR CCG has several in German only, but the game itself is Editor of www.justgoplay.com area. nice concepts that make buying it very almost completely language independent If all else fails there is always the ring; worthwhile. (Very little text), and an English translation After watching the movie twice, I find however, even use of the ring can First of all players are competing to make of the rules can be found at http:// myself already counting down the days to ultimately bring Sauron closer than you it through 9 areas of Middle Earth first. www.boardgamegeek.com or by December and the premier of the second may like. There are different areas available for each requesting help in the Board Game Lord of the Rings (LOTR) movie. Luckily Personally although I liked this game for of the nine steps, for example area 1 can be newsgroup from http://groups.google.com we have 6 new LOTR related games and the first five plays or so, it felt like the The Prancing Pony Inn or Bag End, each known as rec.games.board. even one expansion that has been recently game pretty much played itself. Bad dice area providing a different bonus or This Ravensburger game, also created released in effort to satisfy our LOTR rolling or event draws ultimately can kill restriction. Players bid by corrupting by Reiner Knizia, is not a CCG, but a needs for at least the next 332 days. the party just as quickly as not Frodo to see who goes first (corrupting simple tile laying game, only in this game Back in 2000 Hasbro launched their cooperating. Frodo to 10 points is one way to win the players lay cards instead of forming a version of Lord of the Rings, which If you’ve seen this game for over $150 game). board out of tiles. quickly went on to be labeled the Best you’ve actually seen the special limited To progress through all nine areas you Each player is given a color-coded 22- Family Strategy Game of 2002 by the edition version that was released in 2001. will require some powerful allies and card deck of similar point values but with Games 100. Though game play is identical the extra equipment all of which have a certain different pictures taken from the movie. hundred bucks buys you a gold plated shadow point cost that your opponent will Players will use these cards in attempt to one ring token, pewter figures, a picture then use in order to play various goblins, gain majority in each of 10 sites where and a limited edition certificate. Neat if you orcs or even cave trolls. points and even rings are at stake. have the extra cash, but the $50 or so Most characters have different common, Each site can be surrounded by up to 10 version suits me just fine. uncommon, and rare versions. While there different cards at which point the site is In 2001 Rio Grande Games released Lord are a few rare characters that are very scored, and the player who placed the last of the Rings: The Search by Peter powerful, most have different drawbacks surrounding card gets to chose a side to Neugebauer. This two-player tile laying that leave the common or uncommon place the second site on. This allows game pits Sam and Frodo head to head as versions to be more desirable at least in already placed cards along a side to be they search Middle Earth in search for the my opinion. The ring, although not quite a used to help gain control of the next site. Although Hasbro produced this game ring and then rush to Mount Doom to character, is the best example. The Ring tokens allow special rule breaking Reiner Knizia, one of Germany’s leading destroy it. common and rare versions are identical actions to occur in order to gain a better game developers, created it. Unlike card Both players take turns building Middle except that the rare version gives your ring foothold within the current site. The ring and role-playing games it is very important Earth tile by tile and moving their figures bearer an extra hit point in exchange for tokens have German writing and will to gain familiarity with board game through newly completed terrain areas doubling the cost of ignoring damage. definitely require an English set of the designer names as their games are often where random encounters award them with This is currently the most fun LOTR rules present in order to help all players published by several different companies points. game currently in the market; it is also the use their powers. on a contract basis. In other words if you Encounters can only occur within most expensive due to the fact that it is a Finally the game ends when all 10 sites like this game there is a high chance you specific terrain types, forests and fields are CCG. My deck, which uses goblins and have been used, or when an edge of the will love some of Reiner Knizia’s other always safe awarding the most points and hobbits since they are cheaper, cost me table has been reached, and the next site works. allies to help you fight along the way. The roughly $50 including the fact that I cannot be played with enough room left Unlike other board games where ring can only be found in water which bought and traded for several rare cards. for the surrounding cards. competition is key, this version of LOTR is requires use of a boat to enter, and the Unfortunately this did not include the For all you Knizia game buffs out there a cooperative board game. Each player boat must be bought by giving up ( cont’d on page 15 ) represents a Hobbit, each with different mountain game play ability, and they must work encounter tiles together in effort to beat the game where the bad otherwise known as Sauron. guys may Even though united, winning this game appear and is no easy task as players attempt to travel cause you to down multiple paths along multiple game loose your next boards including Moria. Each area specific turn or two. board has one main path to cross in order While to complete the area, as well as one or two players are other sub tracks, which can lead to bonus clearly cards, which will be of great help along the competing for way. individual Players take turns helping the party points in this along these paths by playing game, player corresponding movement cards from their interaction is hands, but they must also remember to pretty much collect a sun token to keep their spirit up, a kept to tile heart token to keep their health and a ring placement only. token to help resist the temptations of the While this is a one ring. If a board is completed and these much simpler tokens are not in your possession then game with a your character will be moved closer to very short Sauron, and ultimately your individual replay value, it character’s demise. does come with Gandalf is also represented in the form of a simpler $20-

Volume 12 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 3 Also in the mix are a lot of dreamy really what this CD is about. It’s about monumental that project might be. Musical Notes sound effects and studio craziness that being entertained and dazzled by a If you’re at a con and you see that by Tom Tuerff fortunately just add to the whole effect. phenomenal performer. No wonder Ian “Stardust County” is being performed, Then there’s Keating’s voice, a Anderson and the Tull boys liked her so come in and check it out. Vyktoria Pratt Keating: This Guardian at delightful thing that tracks well with itself much. ——- Noon *** and handles high notes that might Ms. Keating makes periodic “First House,” from my own CD, Diaphanous 012 otherwise be shrill with a warm appearances here in town at Fiddlers’ “Something To Sell at My Gigs,” wound smoothness I find remarkable. Dream, and plans to attend both LepreCon up as song Number 5 on the year-end You’re not likely to meet too many Lyrically, these are some of the most and CopperCon this year. She says she’ll Funny 25 of the Dr. Demento Show. Since people at a science fiction convention (or thought-provoking songs I’ve heard in a be bringing along a bunch of new stuff, Dr. D. doesn’t air on any station here in anywhere, for that matter) who can while. Keating is not your standard four- including songs about black helicopters, the Valley, I had to download the show in casually say they spent five months chord, oh-baby-I-dig-your-face kind of mutating frogs, disembodied voices, the order to hear it. touring as an opening act for Jethro Tull, songwriter. You are definitely going on a Mars face, etc. I, for one, will be there to I think we should pick a station and but Vyktoria Keating can boast that quite trip here. listen. And you should, too. just bug the crap out of them until they proudly. Check out this verse from “Do We ——— put the Good Doctor back on the air here. The Sedona-based singer has three Entrain?”: By the time you read this, Nancy Who cares if it doesn’t “fit the format?” albums out, and as she’s planning to Freeman and a cast of seven or eight of We want “Fish Heads!” A city isn’t a city attend upcoming cons in the Valley, she Do we entrain her close, personal friends will have until it has a station broadcasting “Dead sent yours truly a copy of her first CD, Linking up like atoms performed her “Stardust County” folk Puppies” on a semi-regular basis. which she thought you, the discriminating Are we the same opera three whole times in public, and If there’s anybody reading this who ConNotations filk reader, would want to Or like magnets attracting chances are it will be performed at works for a Phoenix radio station, FORCE know about. Will we remain LepreCon, as well. the programing director, with incriminating And trust me, you DO want to know Synched up like watches I will admit that as a participant in pictures if necessary, to pick up Dr. about it. Can I change into who I was? these performances, I may be a little Demento. Is that too much to ask? Pretty 1997’s “This Guardian at Noon” is biased, but all of the songs are good, and please? probably best described as ten aural Make of that what you will. I like this. most of them are just freakin’ wonderful. Tom Tuerff writes about filk and folk landscapes. Keating plays a series of A lot. They’re not EASY TO PLAY, by any music in general for ConNotations and guitars, mostly tuned to different open Oh, did I mention she can also pick means, but I don’t know if there’s a better other high-paying niche zines. He wants to chords. In this way, she evokes many guitar notes like a demon on speed? songwriter in the Valley today than our review your stuff! Drop him a line at different sounds and moods, making the I also have to mention the song “When own Ms. Nancy. She has a new CD coming [email protected]. guitar sound like a dulcimer at times I Dream,” which is probably the closest out (produced by Jeff Bohnhoff) any time (“Multitudinous”) and almost electric at thing to something you can tap your foot now, and we’re all nagging her to record other points. to, and it’s very funny. “Stardust County,” regardless of how However, tapping your foot is not

Arizona in 2004 Westercon 57 Bid July 2-5, 2004

It is time for another Arizona Westercon. Please support us and help us bring you the best Arizona Westercon of the new millennium. Pre-supporting memberships: $10 Friend of the Bid: $50 Includes voting fees at the 2002 Westercon and, if necessary, a supporting membership in the LA 2002 Westercon Bid Sponsor: $100 Includes all privileges of Friend of the Bid as well as free attendance, if desired, at the Locus Banquet when we win.

There will be a graduated scale of conversion to full membership in the Arizona 2004 Westercon depending on the level of pre support. Check our website at www.az-sf.org for more details.

We also are looking for fans and/or professionals interested in supporting the bid by being an active member of the bid committee. Please contact us at Arizona in 2004, PO Box 67457, Phoenix AZ 85082, Email: [email protected] Craig Dyer at (602)973-2341 - Email: [email protected] or Mike Willmoth at (480) 945-6890 - Email: [email protected]

Page 4 ConNotations Volume 12 Issue 1 office. After flying in the first two years I past cons). I visited the party floors where 1am (ours, Westercon 2002 bid). So, I got ConClusion attended I have opted to drive over on quite a few were already happening. to bed around 2am. Thanksgiving Day (which is a sparse but Westercon 2002 in LA was in action along Sunday I missed breakfast yet again. LosCon 28 Review, by Mike quick drive from Phoenix) so that I can with Worldcon parties, various other cons Some events this day were Slide Show: have wheels. Downtown Burbank is a and private organizations. I think I got to Astronomical Art of Aldo Spadoni, Land Willmoth short drive across the freeway (I-5) with bed around 1am after making the rounds. Warrior: Soldier of the Future (Chuck lots of shops and restaurants. The hotel is Saturday I missed breakfast (overslept Cady), Skeptical Teaching, Free Enterprise LosCon is the annual Los Angeles under $100/nt, but they charge for parking. while my family didn’t). Events started up in Space, How Bad Can TV Get, World of Science Fiction Fantasy Convention Fortunately, it is less expensive than the at 10am with Comets: Investigating the the Dinosaurs, Societies Without Rules, traditionally held over the American airport parking that they do during the Visitors, Writing For Smart Kids, Technology Seeks Application and Vice Thanksgiving Day Weekend. 2001 was no holiday weekend. The rooms are nice, the Wassamatta U (Rocky & Bullwinkle eps), Versa, How Good Can TV Get, Vampire exception as it was held Friday November restaurant adequate but tiring after a NASA: After The Goldin Years and The Hunters Club: Deliberately Making A Cult 23 - Sunday November 25 at the Burbank couple of meals and the other amenities Third World In SF And Fantasy. Next Film, Building a Better LosCon and Jeff (California) Airport Hilton Hotel. It’s been (pool, health club) no big deal. came Kelly Freas Portfolio and Slide Show, Walker’s Trailer Park. at this site since I’ve been attending We (my family) drove over on Physics and Logic of Time Travel, Once Rick Foss wrapped up starting in the mid-90s. It is run by the Los Thursday and arrived early in the evening. Psychotic Fantasies and The Involuntary programming we did dinner with his family Angeles Science Fantasy Society (LASFS) Since the hotel restaurant was open we Human Is Dragged Kicking and Screaming and friends at a steak house in downtown which holds weekly meetings at a opted to do turkey dinner there and ended Toward Sentience by the Cosmic Badger. Burbank. The food was ok, but I got to clubhouse somewhere in LA since early up sitting next to some friends from the At 1pm they offered The Best Film You’ve split the bill since the restaurant wouldn’t last century (1940). If you’re interested in east coast. After eating and getting caught Never Seen, SF Fandom on the Net, Small do it. Not only did they not bring me a more details, please let me know and I’ll up I wandered the east tower looking for Press, Smaller Press and No Press At All, calculator (so I had to do it by hand), not give you more available from their program any early parties. I found one and and a real interesting one called Robocop only did they not bring me a pen (so I had book. socialized a bit before retiring for the night Meets Real Cop. Of course they had the to use a crayon), but they hosed the Their theme was Education: Building before the con started. Friday we did obligatory Harry Potter and the Movie of gratuity when they removed the cash from the Future One Mind at a Time. Guests-of- breakfast before shopping downtown on Fire, Charity Auction with David Gerrold, the bill so two of us could pay with plastic. Honor were Patricia C. Wrede (Author), the busiest shopping day of the year. The Astronomical Art and Scientific Truth, It was a cluster, er, mistake on their part. Chris Butler (Artist) and Lynn Gold hotel had a shuttle that was available to Who Watches the Watchers and Writers We had a good time otherwise. Upon (Fan). The Chair was Chaz Boston Baden drop guests off and pick them up at a of the Future. 4pm brought Before the returning I actually found one party going and Programming was done by Rick Foss. specific spot, but it took us 30 minutes to Killer App, Growing Up With The Space but got to bed early for once. Monday we Other participants include: Forrest J. round up someone to do this for us. Since Program (Chris Butler again, really good), checked out and drove home via San Ackerman, Karen Anderson (wife of late we were hanging out with our friends the Human Cultures Are Weird and TV & Film Diego where we met some friends for Poul Anderson, former CopperCon GoH), ladies went one way and the gents the As Comfort Food. lunch and another for dinner. We got Steve Barnes, Emma Bull, Chuck Cady other. Robin and I headed to San For the dinner break we headed out to home really late and dove into the usual (Arizona), Sue Dawe, John de Chancie Fernando Blvd. on the other side of the Van Nuys (west of Burbank) again, but post con chores. (former LepreCon GoH), Harlan Ellison, mall where I had seen some bookstores in this time for Japanese. By the time we So, with another LosCon under my Frank Kelly Freas (former LepreCon the past. Sure enough we found them and returned we missed all but the end of the belt, I can say that I had a great time. The GoH), Laura Brodian Freas (former spent several hours perusing their used Masquerade which was put into a really convention had interesting programming, LepreCon GoH), David Gerrold (former wares. We grabbed a bite of lunch before small room this year for some reason, even we had wonderful meals with friends we CopperCon GoH), Mike Glyer, Ashley wandering back to the meeting place Larry Niven was originally denied seating. only get to see once or twice a year, the Grayson, Barbara Hambly (future local where the ladies would be. We then called I headed upstairs again for parties. Ours bid brought in a fair amount of money and GoH), Francis Hamit, John Hertz, Aleta the hotel for the shuttle and while we (Arizona in 2004 Westercon) was our party went over well. I got to network Jackson, Warren James, Dr. Lynn waited Robin and I wandered the nearby reasonably well attended, so I figured I with folks about LepreCon’s bid for World Maners, Craig Miller, Larry Niven Ikea department store. Returning just in wasn’t required and wandered. I ran into Fantasy 2004 as well as ConJose (former LepreCon & CopperCon GoH), Val time to meet the shuttle we returned to the Lee Whiteside and Emily Christensen (of (Worldcon 2002) and my part as Science Ontell, Dr. Jerry Pournelle, Harry hotel for the con. LA) so we party-hopped the rest of the Program Liaison. It was a fun and fruitful Turtledove (future Westercon GoH), The fan tables were located in the evening. We had a great time and I got to weekend. Next year’s con will be at the Christine Valada, Chris Weber, Lee foyer area of the convention center. That’s pun Emily from party to party for about same site over the traditional weekend, so Whiteside (Arizona), Karen Willson, where Arizona had a table to promote its four hours! Besides the Worldcons and be sure to check it out on the web Janet Wilson-Anderson, William Wu and Westercon 2004 bid as well as local Westercon party there was LosCon, L. (www.loscon.org). I’m sure you’ll have a Janine Ellen Young. conventions (LepreCon, HexaCon, Ron Hubbard Writers Of The Future which great time. Maybe I’ll see you there! - LosCon is much like a larger LepreCon CopperCon and TusCon). Other tables was serving ice cream (lots of humor with Mike Willmoth, 480-945-6890 or CopperCon with attendance usually nearby were ConDor (San Diego), the whipped cream and cherries), several [email protected], over 1000. Besides the usual multitrack ConJecture (San Diego), LosCon, local groups, programming they have an art show, Westercon (LA 2002), Worldcons (UK/ one couple dealers room, con suite, anime room, Glasgow 2005, San Jose 2002), etc. I helped celebrating gaming room, reading room, fan lounge, out periodically at our table throughout their 10th listening lounge (think audio books), kid’s the con as well as the Saturday evening anniversary, room, filk lounge, fan gallery and artists’ party. Programming started around 1pm John Hertz concourse (similar to Comic Con). They with Opening Ceremonies, Blood Drive with Becky had a blood drive, ice cream social (sort of and Sex, Violence and Youth. Next came Thomson like our Meet-the-Pros), regency dance, lux Our Little Corner of the Galaxy (Chris and Tom schoolhouse theater, rock dance and Butler), Researching on the Net and Veal (Chair, history of rock dance, masquerade, celtic- Enterprise: Does The Future of Star Trek Chicon 2000 eclectic cabaret, filk concert and midnight Lie In Its Past? At 4pm came Making Worldcon), horror reading. Rocket Engines As Safe And Reliable As etc. All The hotel itself has two towers, east Jets, The Selling Of SF Films and 2D to 3D: together and west. West tower is the quiet area Making Costumes From Written Sources. there must with some events on the first floor. East Since there was a break between have been at tower is the party area and has some other daytime and evening events we went to a least a dozen events there. East of that is the barbecue place in Van Nuys with some parties this convention center with the remaining friends for dinner. Upon returning I caught year. This is ballrooms and such. It’s really quite easy the tail end of the Ice Cream Social (ran out in contract to get around in the hotel and if you fly of stuff), then the Lux Schoolhouse to two years into Burbank Airport the free shuttle Theater which was pretty good ago where drives you across the street to the hotel entertainment, caught some of the there were itself. There’s not much within walking Regency Dance, missed the Outdoor maybe six distance except one fast food Chinese Rocket Motor Exhibit and the Celtic and only one restaurant, Fry’s Electronics and a post Cabaret (which is quite good as seen at going after Volume 12 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 5 affordable for even causal Buffy fans to successful and Warner Brothers is paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill, check out or re-live the first season. planning on putting the series out on reprising his role from the first film), and Videophile But those who have seen the episodes DVD, although no details are yet available. Billy, his protégée (Allesandro Nivola) to Buffy The Vampire Slayer: The Movie and have them all on tape may want to So those of you who bought the DVD act as tour guides on a flyover trip to Isla Twentieth Century Fox, 86 min, PG-13 know what extras you get with the right away helped to ensure there will be Sorna. Actually they are on a search-and- VHS $9.98, DVD $19.98 episodes. As with other FOX season sets more of them. But what about the actual rescue mission to find their missing son for the X-Files, they make use of some DVD? Eric (Trevor Morgan), who landed on the Buffy Summers (Kristy Swanson) is archival material, in this case they use The Babylon 5 pilot movie was done island due to a parasailing accident. the ultimate Valley Girl - an empty-headed, some interviews with Joss Whedon and as a pilot a year before the show started The plane crash is just the beginning high-school cheerleader whose only goal David Boreanaz that I believe were done airing the series. There were changes made of the action as they dodge multiple is to “graduate high-school, go to Europe, for the original video tape release of some between the pilot and the series and avid dinosaurs, rescue Eric and discover that marry Christian Slater and die”. Her life of the episodes. They also have a photo Babylon 5 fans will notice them right away. the dinosaurs are much smarter and faster changes when she meets Merrick (Donald gallery and biographies on the cast and When Babylon 5 moved to TNT for it’s than anyone, including Alan Grant, had Sutherland) who tries to convince her that producers you can page through. The final season and several TV movies, J. anticipated. she is the latest in a long line of ancient only really new material for the DVD Michael Straczynski took the opportunity Additional features include a “Making vampire killers. Buffy is the Chosen One... release is commentary by creator Joss to re-edit the pilot, remove some stuff, add of Jurassic Park III”, Feature Commentary, she is the Vampire Slayer. some stuff back in and redo the music New dinosaurs of JPIII, Tour of Stan Even as she tries to deny her fate, score. That revamped version is what was Winston Studio, Visit to ILM, Dinosaur Lothos (Rutger Hauer), the Master included on this DVD. The pilot was also turntables, Behind-the-Scenes Montage, Vampire, returns to continue his on going the only Babylon 5 show filmed without Storyboard Sequences, JPIII Archives and battle with the Slayer. Aided by Pike (Luke wide-screen in mind, so it is presented in Theatrical trailer(s). Several of the shorter Perry), a rebel, she battles vampires and full frame, not mock wide-screen as SciFi featurettes seem to be bits and pieces from plans the prom. airs it. But the big drawback with the DVD the longer “Making of” feature. Paul Reubens, formerly Pee-wee presentation of the pilot is that there is no All in all, this is a truly enjoyable film, Herman, appears as Amilyn, Lothos’ supplementary material or commentary one we will enjoy watching again and accomplice. His death scene is hysterical. included with it to detail the work that again. - Stephanie L Bannon There are also minor appearances by Ben went into the pilot and changes made for Whedon on the opening two episodes, Affleck as a basketball player and Ricki the series. Hopefully some of this may be The Mummy Returns “Welcome to the Hellmouth” and “The Lake as Charlotte. addressed when the series is released on Universal, 130 mins, PG-13, Harvest”, which aired originally as a two I enjoyed this the first time I saw it in DVD. The other movie on the DVD, In The VHS $22.98, DVD $26.98 hour movie. In it he talks about each of the the theater and it is just as much fun on Beginning, is a prequel to the series, characters as they are introduced, talks DVD. The mix of actual horror and camp detailing the events that happened during The Mummy Returns is that rare thing, some about the production of the show, fun makes this one to watch over and the Earth/Minbari War ten years before a sequel that is as good or better than the where they cut corners and where they did over. the series. We see most of the series first film. things only once and never did again The DVD includes only a few extras, regulars in it, some very briefly. It also The action picks up 10 years after the because it was too much cost or work for the theatrical trailer, two different TV spots answers a lot of questions that were not events of the first film. Rick O’Connell television. Unfortunately, Joss has said in and a very short (approx 3-4 minutes) (Brendan Fraser) and Evelyn (Rachel interviews that he really doesn’t like to do featurette. - Stephanie L Bannon Weisz) are now married and have a son, commentary and will likely only do it for Alex (Freddie Boath). On an expedition to only a few other episodes for the entire Buffy The Vampire Slayer: The Complete Egypt they find the bracelet of Anubis and series. That’s a shame because it is First Season return to London. They are followed by a interesting to hear as you watch the CBS/FOX Home Entertainment, NR mysterious man, Baltus Hafez, (Alun episodes. DVD $39.98 If you’ve enjoyed watching the series and haven’t seen these in a long time, it’s If you are a big Buffy The Vampire fan, a lot of fun to relive the early days. And you probably have already bought this for a box set, it’s a good buy at under $30 DVD, even if you don’t yet have a DVD in most places. - Lee Whiteside player. If you haven’t, I’ll let you know the good parts about the release and the few answered right away in the series, so it Babylon 5: The Gathering/In The negatives about it. The DVD contains the actually could spoil some of the series Beginning 12 episodes that made up the first season viewing for newcomers. It was the best of Warner Home Video NR of Buffy The Vampire Slayer which the made for TNT movies, though, and VHS, $29.90, DVD $19.98 debuted on The WB as a mid-season does do service to the series and is Armstrong) who has raised Lord Imhotep replacement in March of 1997. This was something that can be watched multiple Many Babylon 5 fans have been (Arnold Vosloo). Using the Bracelet of before Buffy became the phenomenon it is times. The DVD is good for essentially awaiting the release of the series on DVD, Anubis, Baltus plans to find and raise the today, before The WB had bunches of providing two movies for the price of one, knowing that the series was filmed with Scorpion King, who has lain dormant for teen dramas, when all people knew of but would have been much better if there wide-screen in mind (as it has been airing 5,000 years, under control of the Egyptian Buffy was the original theatrical movie that had been something extra to go with the on SciFi Channel for the last year) and god Anubis, then use Imhotep to kill the was more of a comedy than a serious movies. - Lee Whiteside wanting to have it on DVD for their Scorpion King and use the Army of movie. As Josh Whedon explains in the collections. But Warner Home Video Anubis to rule the world. When Alex puts commentary on the opening two episodes, Jurassic Park III hasn’t been too quick to release any TV on the bracelet he becomes the key to they filmed the whole season before Universal,93 mins, PG-13 shows on DVD, let alone Babylon 5. This finding the Oasis of Ahm Shere and anything had aired and even had time to VHS $22.98, DVD $26.98 release contains the Babylon 5 Pilot movie raising the Army of Anubis. go back and redo some scenes from the The Gathering as well as the prequel TV Filled with rip roaring action, first episode while they were filming the Jurassic Park III. captures the movie In The Beginning with no additional stupendous effects, this film recreates last episode. These initial episodes set up excitement of the first film with panoramic supplementary material. It serves partly as both the London and Egypt of the 1930s the whole series, introduces the main views of the dinosaurs, an improved a test for Warner Brothers to see if as well as the grandeur of ancient Egypt. It characters and some of the secondary Raptor, some new dinosaurs and non-stop Babylon 5 fans would buy a DVD and is especially well done when Evie characters that have continued on to action. determine if they should go ahead with remembers her past life as Princess become much more major as the years Paul Kirby (William Macy) and putting the series out on DVD. From Nefertiri, protector of the Bracelet of have gone by. Having only twelve Amanda, his ex-wife (Tea Leoni) pose as unconfirmed reports, the test has been episodes also makes the set very wealthy tourists in order to trick ( Cont’d on page 7 ) Page 6 ConNotations Volume 12 Issue 1 Videophile (cont’d from page 6 ) paroled con working as a short order cook But, not only do aliens contact the Eeyore,” Pooh and his friends all get very at the Dixie Boy truck stop, owned by station, they do so through Proto-Zoa’s special Valentines. When they find out Anubis and daughter of Pharaoh Seti I Bubba Hendershot (Pat Hingle) along with hit song. Of course, no one believes Eeyore didn’t get one they try to prepare who was betrayed by his wife Anck-su- hitchhiker Brett (Laura Harrington) newly Zenon so she stows away to Earth, an extra-special valentine greeting for their namun (Patricia Velazquez) and murdered weds Curtis and Connie ( John Short and followed by Margie, in order to find Proto- donkey buddy with predictably comic by Lord Imhotep. Yeardley Smith) and assorted others as Zoa, bring him to space, and use him to results. This seamlessly segues into the John Hannah returns as Evie’s brother they battle rogue electric knives, make contact with the aliens. In the second tale in which “Mr. Narrator”, faced Jonathan and Oded Fehr returns as the electrifying pinball machines and, of process, Zenon and Margie become with the problem of an “unstory,”, invents mystical warrior Ardeth Bay. course, rampaging trucks. Stephen King’s friends and along with Proto-Zoa they one, with comical results. The DVD is also packed full of extras, only directorial outing also features help the aliens find their way home and The third tale, and admittedly my including a conversation with The Rock, a appearances by Giancarlo Esposito, and save the space station to boot. preview of The Scorpion King, Unlock the Marla Maples as victims. There are only This is a fun romp for the whole family, Secrets of the Scorpion King Commentary two extras on this DVD, the original trailer the kids will identify with Zenon, the story by director Stephen Sommers, Go behind and a biography on King. is pleasant and parents will not be bored. I the scenes with director Stephen Sommers Schlock genre films are one of my look forward to seeing Zenon in more and the cast, Outtakes, Live music video, guilty pleasures and this is one I’ll enjoy adventures. - Stephanie L Bannon Chamber of Doom”: a virtual tour of watching again and again. - Stephanie L Universal Studios’ latest theme park Bannon Princess Of Thieves attraction, “Egyptology 201”: and a fun Disney, 88 min, and educational look at ancient Egypt and Zenon The Zequel VHS $19.99, DVD $29.99 Egyptian mythology. Disney, 89 min, TV-G, This is a wonderful addition to our VHS $14.99 Robin Hood has no sons to carry on favorite, has Pooh and Piglet imagining DVD collection and I can hardly wait for the family tradition but he does have a themselves as Don Quixote and Sancho The Scorpion King. - Stephanie L Bannon This is the second of the Zenon daughter Gwyn (Keira Knightley), who Panza. And for our final tale we have Pooh movies produced by the Disney Channel. has her mother’s beauty along with her and the gang trying to help Eeyore answer Maximum Overdrive Set in the 21st century in a time not too far father’s swashbuckling prowess. Raised the question “ If Tiggers bounce and Anchor Bay, 98 mins, R, distant from the present, Zenon and her by Friar Tuck, Gwyn develops into a Pooh-Bears eat honey, what do Eeyores VHS $9.99, DVD $24.98 family live on a space station. Zenon is a headstrong young woman who is resentful do best?” typical teen, with boyfriend problems, of her father’s repeated absences and There is also a ten-minute Rolie Polie This film has always been one of my who, wants more out of life than “plucking Olie short called Hiding In Plain Site which favorites. I’m particularly pleased to have chickens and mending socks.” When isn’t listed on the box. - Stephanie L the theatrical release on DVD since my Richard the Lionheart is close to death he Bannon usual viewing has been on TV, with all the sends Robin to protect his son, Prince attendant cuts and edits dictated by Philip, and see that Philip is crowned King Moulin Rouge nervous TV stations. of England instead of Richard’s brother Fox, 97 min, PG-13, John. VHS $110.99, DVD $29.98 Defying her father, Gwyn masquerades as a boy to help Robin in rescuing Prince I’m not sure what I expected when I Philip from Prince John and the Sheriff of popped this video into the VCR since I school problems, her enemy, Margie, has Nottingham (Malcolm McDowall). Chance hadn’t seen it in it’s theatrical release. I moved to space with her dad, Margie’s throws Gwyn and Philip together, though will say that, having seen the 1952 version dad is planning to shut down and destroy she believes him to be Prince Philip’s with Jose’ Ferrer this new version was the space station and to top it all off, valet, and the two form an alliance. When surprising to say the least. Proto-Zoa, Zenon’s favorite musician has Robin is captured and thrown into the Christian (Ewan McGregor) is an disappeared Tower of London, Gwyn and Philip rally idealistic and impoverished young writer When she accidently gets into trouble his Merry Men to rescue him and stop in 1900’s Montmartre. He meets the Based on Stephen King’s short story again, the station Commander assigns John’s coronation. absinthe- and alcohol-addicted artist Henri Trucks the much-maligned Maximum Zenon the most boring duty he can think This is a made for TV film that is family de Toulouse-Lautrec (John Leguizamo), Overdrive begins as Earth passes through of - working in the Alien Patrol room. Since friendly, both the adults and the kids who introduces him to a world of sex, the tail of a comet, causing trucks and no one ever contacts the humans he watched with interest and no fidgeting. drugs, music, theater, and the Moulin assorted machines to become animated figures he has safely found a place to Granted it is historically inaccurate since Rouge’s scandalous queen courtesan and homicidal. We follow the survival stash Zenon where she can’t cause any Richard had no children and John did Satine (Nicole Kidman). When Satine struggles of Billy (Emilio Estevez), a more problems. succeed him on the throne but it is still mistakes Christian for the Duke of Roxbury fun. There is no overt violence, just a few (Richard Roxburgh), a comedy of mistaken deaths by arrow, and even the evil identities ensues, quickly enmeshing the Prince’s rack is deployed, off-screen. young poet in a love triangle. MEDIABURN.NET Aimed at the 8-13 crowd this will give girls Mixing a period romance with not quite ready for Buffy or Xena a strong anachronistic dialogue and songs which The E-Zine to write home about female role model. - Stephanie L Bannon range from songs by Nirvana, Madonna, the Beatles, David Bowie and Queen as Winnie The Pooh: well as favorites such as “the Sound of A Valentine For Eeyore Music,”the story follows the tragically Playhouse Disney, 46 min, NR, doomed romance of Christian and Satine VHS, $12.99 as she becomes the star of the play he’s writing. This video consists of four Nothing is original in this love heartwarming tales that focus on tragedy–you’ve heard the words and Articles, Merchandise, Downloads friendship, imagination and self-esteem. music before. However, when you filter it With its lifelike puppetry and computer- through Director Baz Luhrmann’s love for http://www.mediaburn.net animated set, these stories are gently pop songs and showmanship, somehow it paced filled with subtle humor. all comes together In the first tale, “A Valentine for (Cont’d on page 15 ) Volume 12 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 7 We are pleased to present the winning “I’ve got more food for Tell me how you got there.” “You both lie around all story from the TusCon Writing Contest. you. Mommy made it, so it’s “I don’t know. I have no the time. But she doesn’t Just a few weeks ago Eric Penner Haury good.” memory of any time before do it because she wants too. sold a story (a different one) to a webzine. “Truly I thank you. And the castle. Perhaps I had She’s too weak. Are you?” yet, did you not say when we been there so long I had “Am I? It takes a lot out Passing Over last met that the food was forgotten life could be of a fellow to fall from for your Granny?” different. But then, such a height. On the way by Eric Penner Haury “Yes. But Granny doesn’t perhaps I’d always been down, I was sure I’d die. want all of it any more. there. As you always took When I found myself lying “I’m back,” the girl told She’s given up meat. She food to your Granny.” here, I tried to move and the hill, after a moment’s says being eaten yourself “But didn’t you ever see couldn’t. I tried for the hesitation adding, “Hello? changes your view on the anything from up there?” longest time. So long that, Are you there?” It was a subject. But Mommy still “Ah, that I did.” He after a while, I failed to silly thing to say. Of puts meat in my basket.” smiled as broadly as was notice I was doing it. For course he was there. He “Now why would she do possible for a giant lying all I know, I’m trying now. couldn’t leave. Besides, that?” imbedded in the ground with Still, if I am, I doubt I’ll she could see him. And he “I don’t know. She’s the hard earth tightly succeed. I think I’ll must have already smelled always done it. Not just squeezing his face. “For always be here. And you’ll her; his nose was keener meat. Cookies, cheese days upon days, I peered always come feed me and ask than a dog’s. assortments, little down from my window. And for stories.” But he never said anything sandwiches with the crust though the ground was far, “Maybe not now. Now that I until after she greeted him. cut off. And I always took my sight was good, and I saw know you can’t tell any.” It was as though she needed it to Granny and she used to many things. I saw a lady “Ah, that is true. So to wake him. But if he were eat them. But then things in a castle throw a frog maybe I won’t always be sleeping, he did it with changed. I took the basket against the wall. I saw a here. Maybe I’ll be taking eyes open, gazing upwards. to her. But it wasn’t her. warrior stand before a a stroll pretty soon. No, I “Ah, there you are,” he It was him. And he ate me thorny thicket just as the think not. This is where answered. “I’ve been and then I was cut free.” thorns changed into flowers. I’ll stay.” wondering.” His voice was “Aye. And the next time I saw a man riding a horse “And I’ll still come feed deep and loud. The branches you went to your Granny’s, toss a comb in the path you. I like talking to you of trees growing around him you found me. I, who’d not behind him, only for it to even if you don’t tell me shook with each word, seen a human soul in the turn into an impassable stories. You’re another sending a sprinkle of still- years since I fell to the range of mountains. I saw a person to know. And I like green leaves fluttering down ground. Strange, is it not, woman weeping before the this part of my day. But to litter his face. “What that an unchanging path led bones of a fish that she had what about when I’m not with brings you here, once more, you where it never had lain in the sand by a river. you? Do you get bored?” to an old, old man?” before? But now you always I saw tears and smiles, “If I’d fallen on my face “You’re not old.” come.” dances and battles, people instead of my back, I may “And how would a wee girl “Yes. Because Mommy makes wandering the wilderness and well have. But as it is know that?” a basket for me to take to others staring down distant there’s much to see. Look “Well. I guess... I don’t Granny and I always take it. roads. I’ve seen all of there,” he said. Following know many people. Just my But Granny always says she those a thousand times.” his gaze, she saw a hawk Mommy and my Granny and the doesn’t want more meat, so I “Then tell me! Tell me glide down to a tree limb nice woodsman and the... always give it to you on the all!” and settle on a nest that But he wasn’t a person, was way over.” “Ah, but that is the pity she never would have spotted he? But my Granny’s old and “And I always eat it. And of it, my girl. I just did. without his guidance. all her hair is white. And you always ask me to tell For my cloud was always “I’ve seen that one yours isn’t. So you can’t you a story.” moving, leaving me with before,” he told her, “She be old.” “Yes,” she said, her eyes nothing but moments. I saw comes in this part of the “Ah, but what of the hair glowing with hope. the flowers bloom, but not year and goes when the that’s underground? You “And I always say I know no what the warrior did. I saw leaves are falling. There’s never saw me before I fell stories.” the frog hit the wall, but another, her mate. I saw from the clouds. And though “But you have to. You do. never knew why it was that nest built not long it was not white before I The day things changed, the thrown. I know a bit of all after I fell. It was strong fell, I’ve not seen it in so day I met you, you told me a and all of nothing. When at first, but after the long, it may be now.” story. About the thief who the cloud finally came to a birds left, it got weaker “And how long is that?” went to your castle and stop, it grew large and and weaker. Just when it “Long enough to lose count, stole all those things and thick, and hid the world was ready to fall from the my girl. Long enough to not cut down the stalk when you from me. Then it was that tree, they came back and quite care. But not long were still on it. That was the thief came. So you see, fixed it. That is how it enough to forget that life a story.” I can tell you no stories.” is, now. Each year, it’s could be different. Now “Was it now? Why did the “Oh. I understand. I’ll abandoned and degrades until come to where I can see you fellow come to my castle? still give you the food. it’s about to fall. When and tell me why you have How did he find such a stalk It’s only fair. You told me the early flowers bloom, come. Though I think I as that? And where did he about those giant bean pods they come and fix it. They know.” go once he sent me here? where the stalk fell. They raise a young hawk in summer He felt her hands and feet Find the thief and you’ll don’t seem ever to go bad. warmth. And when the leaves as she climbed up the mound find the story. He would Granny’ll probably live on turn, all three fly away. that he’d become onto his not even leave me with them for the rest of her The young one I never see chest, where at last he saw that.” life.” A pause. “She’s again. It is a fine thing her and her expected little “But before. You lived in like you.” basket. the castle in the clouds. “Is she now?” ( Cont’d on page 9 ) Page 8 ConNotations Volume 12 Issue 1 Passing Over (cont’d from page 8 ) Harry Potter movie, “Harry Potter and the Jackie Chan dons The Tuxedo the Spiderman movie on the heels of the Chamber of Secrets” has been filming in This summer’s action/comedy with Jackie first X-Men movie, there’s several movies to watch when no people are England and is scheduled for a November, Chan deals with what happens when in the works based on comics old and new. around to speak to.” 2002 release with a likely third movie to Chan’s character, Jimmy Tong, puts on a The Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden “But it won’t be forever. follow the next year. That will make Harry supernatural tuxedo. Jason Isaacs co-stars Dragon) directed live action Hulk movie is Someday they won’t be there Potter and Lord of the Rings a continuing as a James Bond like superspy, Clark gearing up for production with filming when they should... Like... 1-2 punch for the next couple of years for Devlin, who goes into a coma. When Tong starting in March. Australian actor Eric my Granny, I suppose.” movie-goers. find Isaacs’s tuxedo and puts it on, he Bana (Blackhawk Down) has signed to “Aye, that is true. They Star Trek - Nemesis finds that he can do anything he wants to play the lead character, playing both the won’t. And then the nest The next Star Trek movie, Nemesis, is well do. Tong ends up having to take on scientist and monster incarnations. Co- will fall and be no more into production. The main Next Generation Devlin’s spy role, paired up with Starring as Betty Ross will be Jennifer than twigs and leaves on the cast will all be appearing and the majority inexperienced agent played by Jennifer Connelly (The Rocketeer), General Ross ground.” of the guest stars have now been revealed. Love Hewitt. Look for the movie in June “And... won’t you be sad?” The main villain, Shinzon, is being played 2002. “Aye, that I will. And by newcomer Tom Hardy, who has been in Spy Kids 2 yet, not wholly. For it the HBO series “Band of Brothers” and In production for a summer release is the will be pleasant, if just sequel Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost once, to be around for an Dreams. Again directed by Robert ending.” Rodriguez with Antonio Banderas and END Carla Gugino reprising their roles of parents Gregorio and Ingrid Cortez, and © Paramount Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara returning as 24 Frames (cont’d from page 1 ) their kids, Carmen and Juni. In this movie, Year’s the movie ran to full houses and the upcoming movie “Blackhawk Down”. had taken in over $150 million in it’s first Playing Shinzon’s right hand man, The twelve days. With a lot of repeat business, Viceroy, will be veteran genre actor Ron Perlman, best know for his role as Vincent it should end up with well over $300 will be Sam Elliott and Nick Nolte will on Beauty and the Beast and a co-star in million in US box office alone. The movie play Bruce Banner’s father. Ben Affleck The Magnificent Seven TV series. The has opened strongly in much of the rest of has signed on for the lead in a movie Viceroy is a Reman, a sister race of the the world as well. The strong bow of the based on Marvel’s Daredevil, playing the Romulans that are described as looking first Lord of the Rings movie vindicates blind superhero. Various actresses have vampire-like with long, sharp talons and New Line, who committed the $270 million been rumored for the role of Elektra in the sunken features. Also appearing will be to film all three movies up front. Even as movie, including Jessica Albe, Penelope Dina Meyer (Starship Troopers) as the the first movie opened, director Peter The SPY KIDS themselves: Cruz, Katie Homes, and Selma Hayek and Romulan Commander Donatra and Steven Jackson has been at work putting Daryl Sabara and Alexa Vega Colin Ferrell has been rumored to take on Culp (JAG) as the Starfleet Commander together rough edits of the next two Carmen and Juni do battle with another the role of Bullseye in the movie, which Madden. From the Star Trek ranks we will movies and overseeing the special effects pair of spy siblings, Gary and Gerty will be directed by Mark Steven Johnson. see guest appearances by Wil Wheaton work for “The Two Towers”, which will be Giggles (played by Matthew O’Leary and In other comic movie adaptations in the (Wesley Crusher), Majel Barrett released in December, 2002. Reports are Emily Osment). Spy Kids 2 also stars works, Sandra Bullock is still in the Roddenberry (Lwaxana Troi), Whoopi that New Line will be adding a preview of Cheech Marin, Ricardo Montalban, Bill running to play Wonder Woman. Producer Goldberg (Guinan) and Kate Mulgrew “The Two Towers” to the end of “The Paxton, Steve Buscemi and Holland Leonard Goldberg has said that they are in (Captain Janeway). The movie is Fellowship of the Ring” before the end of Taylor. the process of making changes to the scheduled for a fall release. the movie’s run to entice fans to go back More Comics to Film Adaptations script to make all parties involved happy and see it one more time. The second With the buzz and anticipated success of and eager to proceed with themovie. In other movie news... E Online reported that the Mummy prequel The Scorpion King is undergoing major re-shoots and art direction changes in order to save the movie. Apparently responses from test audiences have not been good. Movie Previews for February and March We’ve got several movies delayed from earlier dates for various reasons plus a few new ones to look forward to. Rollerball - If not for Pluto Nash (delayed yet again to August), this movie would probably win the award for one of the most delayed releases. In this case, it’s more likely an escape. Advance buzz has not been good and any fixing up they may have done probably won’t save it. The movie stars Chris Klein, LL Cool J, Jean Reno, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, and Andrew Bryniarski. It’s about a futuristic (well, 2005) game called Rollerball that combines Wrestling, Roller Derby and basketball (and other assorted mayhem) into a popular sport that fills arenas. When the team owners starts sacrificing

( cont’d on back cover ) Volume 12 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 9 SF Tube Talk( Cont’d from page 1 ) to creator Chris Carter «We’ve built with «The Screwdriver Killer». When the around waiting for word on that possible toward a cliffhanger ending every man convicted for the crimes is released, series. He’s been spending the last six Wednesday nights. season,» he said. «This will be the ultimate there becomes some doubt as to if he was months in Vancouver overseeing the new First up in February will be Shadows of cliffhanger.» This would be a jumping-off the one responsible for the murders. Other series Jeremiah which will debut on P’Jem, which features the return of the point for a theatrical movie, which Carter upcoming, yet untitled, episodes will Showtime Sunday, March 3rd at 8 pm and Andorians when Archer and T’Pol are feature one mythology episode where will then air weekly on Fridays after kidnapped by a militant faction of another someone being chased by the Border Stargate SG-1 at 10:45 pm. The original alien race. Next is Shuttlepod One, which Patrol in Idaho turns out to have rubbings intention was to start the series in January, focuses on Tucker and Reed, who end up similar to those of the spaceship Scully but in light of the events of Sept 11th, it trapped in a shuttlepod thinking the found in Africa. Another will have an was decided to push the start of the series Enterprise has been destroyed and agent with a mysterious artifact related to back. Based on the Platinum Studios they’ve only got a couple of days of air. Scully’s baby and may be a continuation graphic novel series by Belgian author After that will be Equilibrium, which deals of the previous episode. Scary Monsters Hermann Huppen, the premise is that ten with a group of renegade Vulcans, who will feature the return of the fannish Agent years ago, a virus wiped out the world’s have rejected logic and set out to explore Leyla Harrison, who brings Doggett and adult population, sparing only those who other ways of life. In Rogue Planet, the Reyes into an investigation that she thinks hadn’t yet reached the age of puberty. The Enterprise comes across an alien race of should be an X-File. In Audrey Pauley, series will focus on some of the oldest hunters called the Eska, who are hunting Reyes is in a car accident and is in a coma. survivors, now in their 20’s, who need to to extinction another race on the planet. © Fox Gillian Anderson as Agent Dana Scully She has an out of body experience and is try to keep civilization from completely X-Files Calls it Quits on THE X-FILES. able to see other patients in the hospital collapsing. Starring as Jeremiah will be The producers of The X-Files and who are also in comas, which may not be Luke Perry, with Malcolm Jamal-Warner FOX have confirmed that this season of natural ones. Also expect an episode to as Kurdey. The series debut will be a 90 The X-Files will be it’s final season. With hopes to get started on shortly after the heavily feature The Lone Gunmen that will minute movie titled «The Long Road» in lower ratings and Gillian Anderson not TV series ends. It is also possible that serve as closure to their spinoff series. which Jeremiah is searching for a willing to return for a tenth season, they David Duchovny may take part in the final Straczynski Returns to cable with mysterious place called Valhalla, a place decided to end the series now. Don’t episodes. Jeremiah and Legend of the Rangers where his father had indicated might be expect a lot of mythology episodes to tie Between the Super Bowl and counter The Babylon 5 TV movie Legend of the best hope for the survivors. He things up, however. Most of the remaining programming against the Olympics, the the Rangers aired in late January and reluctantly joins up with Kurdey and when episodes of the season will be standalone next new episodes won’t be until the end depending on how the ratings went, it they encounter an organized group of ones. They are planning a two-part series of February. Beginning with Underneath, could turn into a second Babylon 5 survivors living in Thunder Mountain, his finale to tie up some of the loose end and Scully, Doggett and Reyes investigate an spinoff series. Babylon 5 creator J. personal quest gets redirected into a larger bring things to a close, sort of. According old case of Doggett’s in Brooklyn dealing Michael Straczynski has not been sitting ( cont’d on page 11 )

CopperCon Ad 1/2 page

Page 10 ConNotations Volume 12 Issue 1 SF Tube Talk( Cont’d from page 10 ) Buffy and Angel creator Joss Whedon classmate, Eric, who gets stronger as Clark mastermind bad guy behind the will be taking on another series this fall for gets weaker. In Kinetic, Lana’s boyfriend assassination plot. The WB has brought one. They ask him to help bring about FOX, this one a science fiction space Whitney gets involved with a gang of ex- on Kevin (Dawson’s Creek, Scream) peace between warring factions and series called Firefly. It will be part western, jocks who have been organizing bank Williamson’s Glory Days as a mid-season prevent the virus from returning. Also part ensemble space drama and was robberies and burglaries. When Chloe is replacement for Felicity, a suspense starring in the series will be Peter inspired by Whedon’s reading about the injured, Clark takes over her investigation thriller about the strange goings on in the Stebbings as Markus Alexander, Tricia battle of Gettysburg and the into the gang. In Zero, we’ll learn more small, northwest island town of Glory. The Helfer as Sara, who befriends Jeremiah reconstruction era. It will be set 500 years about Lex’s past when Jude Boyce WB has supposedly steered the show when he comes to Thunder Mountain, and in the future and focus on the crew of a (Doogie Howser’s Neil Patrick Harris) more towards a lighter tone with less of an Alex Zahara as Ezekiel, a mysterious firefly class spaceship. It won’t be a best comes to Smallville and warns Lana that emphasis on the darker side of things. At character who aids and gives advice to of the fleet crew, but one just trying to Lex is bad news. Jude was supposedly press time only the first episode has aired, Jeremiah. stay alive and keep out of trouble. It’s a shot and killed in the now-closed so the jury is still out on the show. Buffy Gets Dark, Angel Gets good bet that the series might take over Metropolis nightclub Club Zero several So Long Tick, Special Unit 2, Outer Domestic, Joss Does Firefly the Sunday night X-Files time slot next years ago. We’ll see flashbacks to that Limits and Invisible Man As we are at the midway point of the season. Whedon is also working with the time and Clark will travel to Metropolis to As expected, FOX has canceled The season for both Buffy and Angel, Buffy BBC to make a mini-series about Buffy’s investigate. (Thanks to Tick, leaving one episode unaired. It’s not will be taking a darker turn as the season watcher, Rupert Giles, and is still www.kryptonsite.com for the info). certain if FOX has the rights to air a ninth progresses while Angel has gotten a bit developing an animated Buffy TV series, On FOX’s Dark Angel, which has had episode or if they only bought eight of the lighter with the addition of a baby to the which will need to find a new home since it’s time slot moved back an hour, we’ve nine produced episodes. Over at UPN, mix and Cordelia becoming part demon. FOX is shutting down their FOX kids got the following upcoming episodes to after giving Special Unit 2 an order for the Coming up on Buffy will be Dead Things, Saturday morning block. look forward to. In Harbor Lights, Max is «back nine» episodes, new management where the death of someone close to the Alien Teens and Mutagenics shot and hospitalized while Logan must put in place by UPN’s parent owners Scooby gang will take its toll on them as Moving on to teenage aliens, Roswell rescinded that order and production was the reality of Buffy’s resurrection begins has gotten an order for 7 more episodes to halted after thirteen episodes. The last two give them 20 total this season, which likely episode will air in early February on UPN. will be it’s last one. Ratings have not been The final episodes of The Outer Limits good opposite Smallville and unless UPN seventh season aired on SciFi in January gives it a shot in the post-Enterprise time and will appear in syndication later this slot, it will not be renewed. They will be spring. The last two episodes were clip shaking things up a bit in the rest of the shows, leading the series to pretty much season, however. Liz begins to experience go out without much fanfare. The show’s some side-effects from Max’s healing of producers are gearing up to produce a

her and elects to leave Roswell and go off © Fox theatrical Outer Limits movie, however. to the boarding school in Vermont. Jesse The Invisible Man’s final episodes aired will likely learn the truth about Isabelle. on SciFi in January as well and will be For the season (series?) finale, they are race White and a curious CDC doctor to airing in syndication in February. In the planning a two part episode that is keep Max’s transgenic identity a secret. In final episodes, the counter-agent for the © Fox Love in Vein, Max tracks down a gang of Buffy & Spike scheduled to air in a two-hour block. quicksilver gland has not been working as In Smallville, where Metropolis is trouble making transgenics, only to well and has led to several complications. only three hours away, we’ll likely be discover that their fake bar codes are a In the series finale two parter, Darien finds seeing more of the big city as the season tribute to a transgenic master with a out that Arnaud has allied himself with to finally sink in with Willow. Next is Older and the series progresses. The WB has messiah-like hold on his human disciples. Chrysalis in search of a cure for the and Far Away, which is Buffy’s 21st given the go-ahead for a second season And in Shush, Max and the gang are taken quicksilver gland. He and Hobbes also birthday. During the party at Buffy’s already and the series looks to be sticking for a ride when a hypnotically persuasive learn that the Agency may be keeping a house, when Dawn begins to feel around for a while. As part of the show’s transgenic uses an Eyes Only case for her major secret from them about the whole neglected, her wish to keep people from development, we’ll start seeing more own self-serving agenda. quicksilver process when a farmer claims leaving her is answered by a demon. who continuing storylines and less of the Some Notes on Semi Genre Network that his crops were destroyed by invisible binds the party-goers to the house, with Kryptonite mutation of the week, although Shows - Alias, 24 and Glory Days locusts. the demon inside. In the final February the affects of the meteors will still play a There isn’t much advance info for As the Andromeda Turns.... episode, Buffy’s former lover Riley returns. significant role in things. Over the next these shows, but I felt I should make some Expect to see some major changes in Now married, his perfect relationship couple of episodes, the storyline with comments about them. Alias has turned Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda during causes Buffy to reflect on her relationship Lex’s old flame, Victoria, will continue as out to be one of the better new shows of the remainder of the season and into next with Spike. Later episodes include Asylum, she and her father try to recruit Lex to join the season and has been doing season. The producers have let go where Buffy becomes possessed by a their business and compete against his respectable for ABC and has gotten a Executive Producer and co-creator Robert demon, putting her in a mental hospital father. In the episode Hug, a traveling second season commitment already. It’s a when she can’t distinguish between what good mix of action, spy thriller and 20- is and isn’t real. According to producer something angst that moves at a very fast Marti Noxon, the trio of villains will pace with some science fiction elements become more of a threat and less comic that may surface stronger as the series relief as the season continues. Over on evolves. It features a strong ensemble cast Angel, the advance word is not near as which earned it the best new series detailed (why can’t these people who People’s Choice award. FOX’s new drama come up with spoilers for Buffy do the 24 got rave reviews from the critics but same for Angel?). With Cordelia now hasn’t been able to muster an audience to being half-demon and able to handle her match. It’s «each episode is one hour in a © Tribune Entertainment visions much easier, look for her © The WB day» premise works although there’s an ANDROMEDA's first officer relationship with Angel to get even more Michael Rosenbaum as Luthor awful lot happening in this one day we are Beka Valentine (Lisa Ryder) friendly. It also appears that Gunn and in SMALLVILLE seeing. Whether they can keep the tension Fred will be drawing closer to each other. I and excitement going for the full 24 salesman with Kryptonite enhanced H. Wolfe and have brought on Robert guess Wesley will get to do a lot of episodes is still to be seen. Reports are the powers of persuasion convinces Clark’s Engels to be the head writer/producer for babysitting while the two couples have Dennis Hopper has signed on to appear in dad to sell the family farm. In Leech, a the third season. Tribune has confirmed their fun together. the latter half of the season as the lightning strike transfers Clark’s power to a ( cont’d on page 12 ) Volume 12 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 11 hijacks a Pyrian Torch ship and things get time to maximize their promotional efforts. being held by one of the Moth builders. SF Tube Talk (cont’d from page 11 ) steamy. In All My Sins Remembered, They decided to hold back the final four Upcoming episodes include «Bad Carrot» that the series will go at least four years Dylan, Beka and Harper are lured to the season three episodes until April, making where Prince, The President and Bunny and made the move as a change in planet Cascada Sueno in order to identify Farscape fans wait seven months for the take yet another space shuttle to the Lexx direction for the show to more action the body of Beka’s former lover, Bobby. It new episodes. in an attempt to take it over, but things go oriented standalone episodes and less turns out to be a trap and during So, what can we expect in those awry when one of the alien carrot robots continuing storylines. Wolfe departed flashbacks to Beka’s time with Bobby, we episodes? For Stargate SG-1, the new (or whatever the hell they are..) gets on the midway through the second season and also learn more about how Harper joined episodes start with a two part episode that ship and starts taking control of some of some of the changes will be very apparent up with her. In Dance of the Mayflies, the sees Daniel captured by the Gou’ald and them. In 769, 790 agrees to help Prince if in some of the new episodes airing in crew are pitted against plague victims delivered into slavery while Osiris has put he arranges for him to get a body. When February. Engels has previously been a infected with nanobots. Ending up the together a powerful army and is going on 790’s robot head is grafted onto the Moth writer/producer on Twin Peaks and current batch of new episodes will be In the offensive against the Gou’ald System builder with The Key, hijinks ensue. In SeaQuest DSV as well as the Matthew Heaven Now Are Three where Dylan, Lords. SG-1 and the Tokra plan to Prime Ridge, the Lexx crew return to Earth Blackheart Monster Smasher pilot which Beka and Trance embark on an Indiana- sabotage a summit of the System Lords and settle down in a small American town. almost went to series on SciFi. Of the Jones type quest to recover a lost artifact. who meet to negotiate an alliance. In 48 In Mort, Stan, Kai and Xev are sheltered current writing team, only co-producer Starting out the next batch of new Hours, Teal’c is lost in transit while en by a mortician with a bizarre obsession. In Ethlie Van Vare will not be returning, episodes in April will be The Fair route back to Earth and the rest of the SG- the episode Moss, the Lexx crew is caught citing «creative differences» as the reason. Unknown, which is rumored to feature the 1 team must work quickly to save him. The up in the post-Waco politics of a band of There will also be a cast change this return of the Vedran race, the centaur like SGC base is compromised while O’Neill is obsessed patriots. In Dutch Treat, The season with actor Brent Sait’s character, aliens who founded the Commonwealth. training a bunch of new cadets. He must President and Bunny attempt (again) to Rev Bem, departing the show by the end After that will be The Knight, Death, and take them into battle unproven in order to hijack the Lexx and in The Game, Kai plays of the season. Sait has had major problems The Devil, which will feature guest stars save their project. In Fail Safe, Earth is chess with Prince in a surreal high-stakes with the makeup and has been in only a Michael Hurst (Hercules) and threatened not by aliens, but by a large game. Subsequent episodes will see The few of the second season episodes so far. Christopher Judge (Stargate SG-1) as asteroid on a collision course with the Lexx meet up Halley’s Comet, the Lexx crew There’s no word yet if there will be any avatars for Commonwealth ships planet. visit (and likely destroy) Las Vegas and new cast members for the third season, discovered in a prisoner of war camp. Over on Farscape, when we last left may visit southeast Asia in Epicalyx Now. which will start filming in February. Both If you’ve been wondering when new the crew, Crichton had talked them into Starting on February 8th, SciFi will Trance Gemini and Andromeda will have Stargate SG-1 episodes will start on stopping Scorpius from developing the begin airing the full run of the 1999 ABC make overs and will look much different in Showtime or when new Farscape wormhole technology into a weapon. In series Strange World that was pulled after the latter half of the season. According to episodes will air on SciFi, we finally have airing only 3 episodes in its original run. comments from Kevin Sorbo, the «Reunite some answers! Both series were delayed This will be the first time all episodes have the Commonwealth» storyline will likely be from their normal airing schedules by their been seen in the U.S. It stars Tim Guinea resolved by the end of the season, setting respective channels, adding two-three as an Army scientist who was infected the stage for the third season to be very more months to the cycle of repeats. with a deadly toxin while on a secret much stand-alone episodes. Showtime normally would have started mission to Iraq in 1991. He has been kept The episode Ouroboros airing at the airing new Stargate’s in January, but alive by receiving regular injections from a first of February will signal the beginning decided that they wanted to hold back the mysterious Asian woman (Vivian Wu), of some of the changes. According to the last new episodes to air along with their who gives him missions and special official web site «The past and the future new series, Jeremiah. Since Jeremiah was investigations that leads him to believe converge on the Andromeda Ascendant delayed until March, that also delayed that others are using science for non- and all we can say is that what was meant Stargate until March. It will resume new beneficial results that include cloning, to be - happens, and nothing will ever be episodes in it’s usual Friday night time slot organ harvesting, bio-weapons and other the same. « It is reportedly the final in early March, with new Jeremiah © Sci-Fi activities. The series was created and Commander John Crichton (Ben Browder) episode with Rev Bem and will involve episodes airing right afterwards. Stargate overseen by former X-Files producer and Aeryn Sun (Claudia Black) star in also figures into SciFi’s decision to hold Howard Gordon and was ABC’s attempt to time travel. Next up is Lava and Rockets, a FARSCAPE raucous action episode where Dylan back Farscape. Normally, the final four try to have their own X-Files like series. episodes of the current Farscape season But, as usual, the initial ratings were not the remaining season three episodes, would have good and ABC pulled it quickly and never D’Argo and Rygel meet with Scorpius on a aired in aired the remaining episodes. The series remote planet to arrange a deal for January and will air in the Friday 8 pm ET/PT time slot Crichton to help Scorpius in exchange for the new on SciFi. immunity for Moya and her crew. In order season Coming to SciFi during March will be to assure their co-operations, Scorpius has would have the four hour miniseries Fire starter: D’Argo and his Peacekeeper Lt. where I- started in Rekindled. It picks up 20 years after the Yensch bracelets that will case each of March. But, them to feel the other’s pain if anything SciFi has happens. Talyn begins to become more picked up and more unstable and when he learns that Stargate SG- Craise is going to dismantle his weapons, 1 for it’s he goes out of control and destroys a sixth and defenseless hospital ship and it’s final season passengers. After things are worked out, and plans to Crichton joins Scorpius on his flagship to start airing it help with perfecting the wormhole in late June. technology, but in actuality planning to They sabotage it. The season finale will deal © Sci-Fi decided that with the aftermath of the previous three they would Marguerite Moreau as Charlie McGee in episodes. To say more would be more rather start FIRESTARTER: REKINDLED spoilers than I like to put here. up the new Lexx will continue with their events seen in the original movie that was season of adventures on Earth, partly because no based on a Stephen King novel. Charlene Farscape at one has yet to figure out that the Key is the same (Cont’d on back cover ) Page 12 ConNotations Volume 12 Issue 1 Gatekeepers Vol. 1: Open the Gate Hand Maid May Vol. 2: Product Recall ReAmination (cont’d from page 1 ) Pioneer, 80 min, 13+ Pioneer, 75 min, 13+ VHS $24.98, DVD $29.98 VHS $24.98, DVD $29.98 stand as the definitive version of Akira. The year is 2019, 31 years after Tokyo In 1969 stranger alien invaders Further lunacy with the gang from Volume was destroyed by a top secret weapons threaten Japan’s recovery from the 1. Due to Kazuya’s failure to pay the project during World War III. Now, Neo- devastation of World War II. The aliens $1,450,000 for May, Cyberdyne keeps Tokyo has risen from the ashes to become can only be defeated by the Gatekeepers, a dark and dangerous megalopolis infested teenagers from Japan with the psychic with gangs and terrorists. Two childhood power to channel energy from other friends - slight, resentful Tetsuo and dimensions. These teenagers are sought confident, breezy Kanada– are part of a out and trained by the Earth Defense Force, A.E.G.I.S. Shun Ukiya is an unlikely hero - goofy kid who’s read too many comic books. When he is recruited by A.E.G.I.S. forces Shun is transferred to a special high school where he meets other

trying to repossess May. Before she is returned to the factory, Kasumi arranges for Kazuya and May share some biker gang, but trouble grows when wonderful last-minute memories. After Tetsuo start to resent the way Kanada May is taken back to the factory the always has to rescue him. Elsewhere, a mysterious Cyber-X appears in Kazuya’s group of scientists, military men, and apartment late one night and asks him to politicians try to decide what to do with a help with the hand maid project. Kazuya’s collection of withered children who price is the return of May and sure enough possess enormous psychic powers. They she returns... but this time she is a full sized! are especially frightened that the agents he’ll be working with: mechanical The next volume is Hand Maid May Vol. mysterious, rarely seen Akira will awaken. whiz Megane, immature musician Reiko, 3: Memory Failure and I look forward to Tetsuo is captured by the military and and Ruriko, whom he knew as a child. He seeing how the adventure continues. - subjected to experiments that make him a is also forced to face his troubled Craig L Dyer powerful psychic. While Kanada attempts relationship with his late father and his to find and rescue his friend before family responsibilities. Tetsuo’s powers rage out of control, Akira Gatekeepers is a mixture of comedy awakens and Neo-Tokyo may not survive. and sci-fi adventure, making it very The special edition DVD has English enjoyable and believable. There is lots of and Japanese soundtracks along with action and the humor is slightly risque English subtitles and the “Capsule mode” teen humor. There are at least four more which offers brief explanations of some volumes, though Vol 4 and 5 haven’t been details and translations of signs in released yet, and I will have to get them as Japanese during the feature. “ well. - Craig L Dyer There is also a 2 disc Deluxe edition for $39.98. Disc 2 bonus material includes Hand Maid May Vol. 1: Maid to Order “Akira Production Report” - Making of Pioneer, 100 min, 13+ Akira documentary; “Akira Sound Clip by VHS $24.98 , DVD $29.98 Geinoh Yamashiro Gumi” - Making of the Akira music; an Interview with Director Nanbara, the villain, is a self-absorbed Katsuhiro Otomo; Over 4,500 stills of rich kid, who has always resented Kazuya, production materials; Over 100 terms and the main character and hero. Nanbara has definitions in the Akira Glossary; the developed a computer virus to exact Original teasers and trailers and Interviews revenge on Kazuya but the plan backfires with restoration staff when Cyberdyne delivers a 1-foot tall Akira was created back in 1988 and it cyborg maid to his door. May, whose remains one of the classic Anime films of sweetness is exceeded only by her our time. While this revision has been cheerfulness turns Kazuya’s life upside completely restored and digitally re- down and then the $1,450,000 bill arrives. mastered, Akira still remains the explosive The characters are crazy, the action is and intensely violent saga of power and fast paced and the humor is non-stop corruption that gained it an R rating in its which makes this a pretty fun series. The theatrical release. rating is too low, it should be 16+ due to a This is definitely a necessary addition few too many over done sexual overtones. to everyone’s Anime collection. It is so I look forward to the rest of the series - beautifully redone I only wish we had Craig L Dyer gotten the deluxe version. - Craig L Dyer Volume 12 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 13 MORE HexaCon 12 GAMING BIGGER Arizona’ Largest Gaming Convention SPACE LOCATION July 26-28, 2002 Embassy Suites North, Phoenix We have a new, LARGER site and plan to have all our regular features such as RPGA events, Magic ThG, Chess, Computer Gaming, LARPs, Board Games, Miniatures, the Miniatuer Painting Contest, our popular Used Game Auction, Consuite and Anime plus as many new events as we can think of. If there is something you would like to see at HexaCon or if you want to schedule a game, please contact us at [email protected] or 602-973-2341 Scheduled Events Include

Memersership Rates: Sanctioned Magic & Computer Gaming Chess Federation CCG Tournaments Miniatures Painting Now you can try your LUCK at $10 at HexaCon 11 Vegas Fun Chess at Hexacon XII. $15 July 30 - Dec 31, 2001 Steve Jackson Games Contest Luck at chess??? Yes, Luck!! Vegas Fun Chess adds the element $20 Jan 1 - June 30, 2002 Board Gaming Used Game Auction of luck through the use of dice to $25 thereafter and at the door determine the pieces that can be Miniatures Anime Room moved on your turn. LARP Full Consuite Of course, traditional chess and Contact Info many other variations of chess will HexaCon 12 Role Playing Surprises! also be available at the Chess Club at Hexacon XII. PO Box 62613 For more information contact Myron Phoenix AZ 85082 or Rachel Lieberman at [email protected] Email: [email protected] It has been said that from behind the screens's societies of the K it Phone: 602-973-2341 the Elders guide their pawns across a multitudeds. That of thecheis Web: www.casfs.org power is undeniable. What happens when the hessboard?pawn flees For times endless the Cliath's of the Garou Nationindoctrina havet in the individual beliefs of their Tribes.achings But whenfail tho what choices will they make and what will thee? consequen

Location Info At HexaCon 2002 you will have the chance to s.test This these ysto r There will be special Embassy Suites North centers on the schemes of an Elder and theLeader. orders Bothof a desire the same goal, which is locked awaylt, inside but howa ba tn Thursday, July 25, 2577 W. Greenway Rd; get them? Should they work with the Wyrm to ize?gain Ora grat 602-375-1777 should they slay each other and to the victors? goes the events and prizes 800-527-7715 This tournament, putThe on Wreckingby Crew a White Wolf Demo Te available only to those Standard: $74 S/D will be held on both Friday and Saturday. ovidedPregens with will t h Boardroom Suite $74 S/D/T/Q opportunity to customize. Prizes will be awardedday and on bot who pre-register. Executive Suite $94 S/D/T/Q Saturday. For answers contact David Martin at Gaming starts at 10:00 Rooms INCLUDE a full breakfast [email protected] and Happy Hour http://davidshome.home.mindspring.com/ AM on Friday, July 26 and runs NON-STOP PRIZE DRAWING Those pre-register with the until Sunday, July 28 convention and reserve a hotel room at 3PM by July 1, 2002 will be eligible for a drawing for the following prizes: 1 free room night Dealer’s Room 2 memberships to HexaCon 13 For information about reserving a table in $40 in coupons for the HexaCon 12 the dealer’s room please contact Michael Dealer’s Room Bauerlein

Page 14 ConNotations Volume 12 Issue 1 Videophile ( cont’d from page 7 ) world and humans are reduced to little English Dubbed soundtracks with the Gamers Corner more than servants or pets. They are available subtitles being English, Spanish, (Cont’d from page 3 ) We got a VHS for review but a quick befriended, somewhat reluctantly at first, or French. I’ll admit I found it amusing that check on amazon.com shows that the DVD by Galen (Roddy McDowell) as he begins we are offered English subtitles for an this game is very similar to an earlier is a two disc set which includes the to question the almost religious belief that Australian language film. Reiner game known as Samurai. Then main following extras not found on the VHS humans have always been inferior and the The extras on this Special Edition differences being the addition of the rings, tape: Production commentary by director world has always been ruled by apes. include Commentary by designer Jon and playing one site at a time instead of Baz Luhrmann, production designer After Galen is imprisoned for his heresy he Dowding, cinematographer David Eggby, laying all sites on the table allowing Catherine Martin, and cinematographer is rescued by Virdon and Burke. Pursued special effect designer Chris Murray & players to play on any site they wished. Don McAlpine, Writing commentary by by General Urko (Mark Lenard) who seeks Tim Ridge, “Mel Gibson: The Birth Of A Fantasy Flight Games just recently writers Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce, 8 to kill them before the heresy spreads, the Star” Documentary, “Mad Max: The Film released the Reiner Knizia expansion for behind-the-scenes branches, Audio track three friends flee. Burke is convinced Phenomenon” Documentary, Theatrical the Hasbro version of LOTR entitled for the visually impaired, “The Making of there is somewhere on earth that still has Trailers, “Road Rants” Trivia & Fun Fact Friends and Foes. Moulin Rouge” HBO special, 5 “Star” the technology to read the computer disc Track which sort of like the pop-up videos Friends and Foes adds two new game featurettes: Nicole Kidman, Ewan he salvaged from their destroyed space on VH-1 showing bits of trivia on the boards for Bree and Isengard, 3 new McGregor, John Leguizamo, Jim craft and help the astronauts return to bottom of the screen, Photo Gallery, and Gandalf spell cards, 13 new feature cards Broadbent, Richard Roxburgh, The Story their own time TV Spots. - Stephanie L Bannon including Pipe Weed (heals 3 hit points, Is About...: interview with writers Baz Thoughtful stories have the very nice), and two new card types Luhrmann and Craig Pearce; Craig Pearce astronauts trying to bridge the human-ape The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai including character abilities and foe cards. reads early treatment; old storyline and gap and address serious issues such as Across the 8th Dimension (Special In the original game there were dice rolls script comparisons, The Cutting Room: violence and equality in a sci-fi setting. Edition) or events that could lead to discarding interview with Baz Luhrmann and editor Jill Also of note are guest appearances by MGM/UA, 103 min, PG, cards. Now discarding has been replaced Bilcock; unseen footage of abandoned such now notable actors as Marc DVD, $19.98 with adding a foe. Foes usually require a edits (Come What May, Twice, Across the “Beastmaster” Singer (“The Gladiators”), special card to be played or specific Sky, Eidler’s Rap, Outside It May Be Roscoe Lee Browne (“Tomorrow’s Tide”), Peter Weller stars as Buckaroo, an condition be met to remove them from Raining, Green Fairy Previsualisation); Sondra Locke (“The Cure”), and a pre-Bad acclaimed neurosurgeon, particle play. They can be ignored, but they carry director’s mock previsualisations, The News Bears Jackie Earle Haley (“The physicist, and, of course, rock star. He over from one board to the next, and if Dance: A Word with Baz, Tango (extended Legacy”). travels with the Hong Kong Cavaliers, a there are ever 8 foe cards in play at one & multicam), Hindi (extended), Can Can The series holds up surprisingly well band of hard-rocking scientists who are time the game ends with everybody losing. (extended & multicam), Coup d’Etat, considering it originally aired 28 years ago. also Buckaroo’s mercenary force. If you have no foe cards in play at the (extended & multicam), The Music: The I enjoyed the series during it’s very short Buckaroo’s interdimensional experiments beginning of Moria, Helm’s Deep or the Musical Journey, interview with Fatboy original run and was always sorry it aired with his Overthruster throw him (and the Sheleb’s Lair you can opt to skip the entire Slim, The Lady Marmalade Phenomenon, prior to the purchase of my first VCR. I Earth) straight into the middle of an alien board simply by adding four new foes to Come What May, The Design: Interview was very pleased to see the series was war, and before you know it, he’s got just the game. with production designer and co-costume being released on DVD in it’s entirety and a few hours to save the world. General consensus is that while the designer Catherine Martin, set design, I certainly am pleased that we picked up There really isn’t much plot expansion makes the original game harder, interview with co-costume designer this set. So far everyone who has development, you never really get it also makes it more fun and doesn’t effect Angus Strathe, costume design, graphic wandered through the room while I was the time it takes to complete a game by design, smoke and mirrors, and Marketing: watching has ended up sitting down and very much. International sizzle reel, photo gallery, the watching it as well so it seems to be a hit Also of note but not yet played games little red book, poster gallery, trailers, with new fans as well. I highly recommend include Games Workshop’s Lord of the music promo spot, extended scenes & 4 re- this as an addition to everyone’s Rings the miniatures tabletop game a cut dance sequences. - Stephanie L collection. - Stephanie L Bannon skirmish style battle system. I honestly do Bannon not know much about this game other than Mad Max (Special Edition) the fact that the miniatures are beautiful. Planet Of The Apes MGM/UA , 94 min, R, Fantasy Flight Games also released The The Complete TV Series DVD $19.98 Hobbit by Keith Meyers and Michael involved with the characters and the Twentieth Century Fox, 644 min, NR, Stern. Players are hobbits up against the effects aren’t that stupendous considering DVD, $49.98 Mad Max is the film that introduced dragon Smaug in attempt to defeat the the advances made since the film’s release. Mel Gibson to American audiences even dragon by stealing all its treasure. On the other hand, the dialogue is full of This 4 disc set includes all 14 episodes though the American distributors did all Next issue Games that Put “Family” back weird jokes like the voice on the hospital of the 1974 TV series that was based on they could to toss this film into oblivion, in Family Game Night. Until then send all loudspeaker that calmly announces that the Planet of the Apes films. Included is they even redubbed the film with comments or questions to “lithium is no longer available on credit” The Liberator, an episode that never aired American voices. Now, in this Special [email protected] and visit http:// and total non-sequiturs like “You’re like during the show’s original run. Edition, we get to see and hear Max as www.justgoplay.com for detailed reviews Jerry Lewis: you give me hope to carry Two astronauts from 1981, Alan director George Miller intended. and pictures of other great board games. on.”), and weirdness just for the sake of Virdon (Ron Harper) and Pete Burke By now we are all familiar with the Mad weirdness like the exchange of “Why is (James Naughton) inadvertently travel Max saga. In a near future world, not too there a watermelon there?” “I’ll tell you through time and land on earth in the year different from the present, society is on later.” 3085. There they find that apes rule the the verge of the total collapse. We see in The DVD extras include Commentary the post apocalyptic regression to by director W.D. Richter, Special Features medieval conditions that we see in the for Nuon Players (which we couldn’t use), other Mad Max films. The police have their Rare Prologue Sequence, Never-Before- hands full keeping the roads safe from Seen Deleted Scenes, Making-Of roving gangs. Max (Mel Gibson) is tired of Documentary, Character Profiles, Banzai being a cop and quits, but then his wife Institute Archives and Easter Eggs. In and child are murdered by the vicious many respects the extras are more cyclists. Max sets out to avenge his informative and interesting than the film is. family....and then rides off into the wilds to Amusing enough to watch once but it return in the popular sequels. probably won’t get a repeat performance The DVD features a choice between anytime soon. - Stephanie L Bannon the Original Australian Language and © Sherlock Volume 12 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 15 on to the next leg of the adventure. “Narcissus in Chains.” They were being Truths are compounded of common sense, In Our Book Overall, the novel mixes fantasy elements abused. After this, there are assassination hard work, response in timely fashion to with present day situations to make a very or abduction attempts on every shape historical trends, immediate response to Magic Time good start to a new series. changing Alpha in St. Louis. Oddly this unexpected events... It is a harsh and by Marc Scott Zicree and Barbara Hambly This is Zicree’s first novel. His includes Anita herself, who is not a shape unforgiving belief which promises nothing EOS, 384 pp, $26.00 previous published work is The Twilight changer. Since the different groups don’t except the chance that Mankind might Zone Companion and he has numerous talk to each other, it takes a while for have a greater Destiny if they have the Magic Time is the first of a planned writing and producing credits in television. anyone to realize the generality of the courage to grasp it in their hands and trilogy about what happens when magic Barbara Hambly has numerous Fantasy, danger. shape it. returns to present day Earth, disabling Science Fiction and Mystery novels to her Anita gradually grasps the nature of technology as it does. It follows the path credit. Magic Time was originally the problem and at the last organizes of several ordinary people who find developed with a television series in mind opposition. The clues eventually lead back themselves involved with the changes that and was then transformed into a series of to “Narcissus in Chains” where she meets have taken place. With lawyer Cal Griffin novels. The acknowledgments of those an old opponent in an unexpected guise. in New York City, residents of a West who gave advice and suggestions is During this time Anita discovers new Virginia coal town, and Secret Service pretty impressive (Ray Bradbury, Harry powers, a new boy friend and a new place Agent Larry Shango, we get varied Turtledove, Joe Straczynski, Rockne for herself in the wolf pack. Also, she perspectives on the affects of the change O’Bannon, Leonard Maltin, Kim Stanley acquires a Vampire Servant for herself as and their involvement in trying to figure it Robinson, Orson Scott Card, Frank Master Necromancer and chairmanship of Darabont and many others) and their the new shapeshifters’ coalition. out and hopefully do something about it. In the book we meet her husband, contributions helped to make this an even This is not a book for those who are As the book opens, a secret Bankole, and the various members of her better story. - Lee Whiteside squeamish about blood or sexuality. I government project in South Dakota community. Their daily struggles to would recommend it to any adult fan of the known as The Source goes awry and survive are a good test of the Earthseed Narcissus in Chains genre - Gary Swaty instantaneously disables all technology in concept. People are being murdered and By Laurell K. Hamilton the United States and possibly the world. enslaved all around them and the Berkley Books, 432 pps, $22.95 The Parable of the Talents This shuts down all power sources, government does nothing. They survive. By Octavia Butler disabling cars, planes (including those in They take in anyone who is willing to work This is the tenth in Ms. Hamilton’s Warner Aspect, 345 p.p.s., $6.99 mid-air) and leading to many dangerous hard and respect their beliefs whether they Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series. The situations all over the country. As a result join or not. Olamina tries to maintain the series is about St. Louis as it would be “God is Change.” “God is Chaos,” of this, some people begin to change, direction of Earthseed and not get today if all the tales about Vampires, says Lauren Oya Olamina to her little turning into various types of humanoid completely bogged down with mere Werewolves, Demons, Witches, group of Earthseed gathered at the tiny creatures. New York lawyer Cal Griffin sees survival. community of Acorn in near future his sister change into a fairylike being She envisions Earthseed spreading out anarchic Northern California. “Shape while his boss has turned into a monster. and building many communities like Acorn Chaos, shape God. Act,” she commands. Miners trapped in a West Virginia coal across California and the chaotic United Earthseed embodies the concept of an mine find out some of them are turning States. She reckons without the advent of impersonal God, by whom mankind can into beasts of some sort while a President Jarret, the ultimate redneck shape its own Destiny among the Stars. schoolteacher in the same town starts Fundamentalist with followers who go out Olamina has tried to collect Truths, which exhibiting cat like abilities. Secret Service killing and burning anyone who is in the if followed, will shape this Destiny and Agent Shango tries to track down another least odd. agent who was bringing information about result in interstellar colonization. These The Source to the President but was on a ( Cont’d on page 18) plane about to land in Washington, D.C. Necromancers, etc. were when the change hit. As events transpire, factual. Anita herself is the transformed humans are drawn toward a Vampire Executioner The Source, both it’s location in South and a Necromancer. Dakota as well as the coal mining town in Given this, her West Virginia. Cal, his sister, and a group relationship as lover and of other New Yorkers must escape from Human Servant of the New York and find their way to West Master Vampire of St. Virginia to try to find out what has Louis, Missouri seems happened and figure out a way to stop it, improper and assuming they can. inconsistent. She has The opening chapters of the book spent the last nine depicting the immediate results of the books learning/ change come across as very realistic, rationalizing this. especially in light of recent real world I would subtitle this events. Seeing how people in New York “Anita Blake comes to are affected by this and how they rise to terms with herself.” I the challenge reflects a lot on how the city don’t think we’re going responded to tragedy in real life. Zicree to be afflicted with any and Hambly spend time to introduce the more excruciating self- characters so that we can appreciate how analysis from this they react to the changes they must deal character. She’ll now with but still move the story along, moving leave that for Richard, back and forth between the different the werewolf pack king. locales as the story progresses. Knowing We begin with it was the first of a planned trilogy, I was Anita rescuing some not expecting a full resolution of the wereleopards she has situation by the end of the book, but the made herself end point is satisfying in resolving some responsible for from a of the events, but leaving us ready to go Dance Club called Page 16 ConNotations Volume 12 Issue 1 James REade Ad Full Page

Volume 12 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 17 In Our Book (cont’d from page 16) Hawkwood’s Voyage by Paul Kearney Her little group must re-think its Ace, 376 pp, $6.50 methods and respond to this new challenge if it is to survive and have a chance to achieve its Destiny. She has to Hawkwood’s Voyage is a well written figure out how to spread it faster and story of political intrigue, venal self- farther. The grassroots bottom up serving priests, and foreign conquerors. approach does not have a good chance in Our title character Captain Hawkwood is a the chaotic environment. reluctant Christopher Columbus forced Through all the difficulties she strives into a voyage of exploration to find a to build a structure which will survive her mysterious and unexplored western as she fears that she will not live to see the continent. The corrupt Inceptine order is a launch into space. thinly disguised Jesuit order and their The book will captivate all who believe inquisition and the unstoppable that Man’s Destiny lies among the stars. It is a sequel to “The Parable of the Sower” which describes Olamina’s journey across California to found Acorn. – Gary Swaty

Second Chances By Susan Shwartz Tor Books , 384 p.p.s., $24.95

Susan Shwartz has done the unforgivable and done it well. She has conquering Murduk are a very convincing taken Lord Jim, Josef Conrad’s non-hero Ottoman Turk Empire. For people for them to do it is to record people’s provision themselves. The party consists and carried him into outer space. Susan’s interested in early European Renaissance minds and turn them into an AI computer of the Justicar, a young man he’s training Jim is a man tormented by a past history it will be interesting to see how Mr. program and then “man” the interstellar named Henry, Escalla the faerie, Enid the transgression. He spends his life Kearney has set his story in a remarkably probes with the AIs. The adventure of sphinx, and Polk the badger (who used to attempting to expiate this sin. Every time similar alternate world. what they find at one of their destinations be a man). Also along is the Justicar’s With the Inceptine order starting a and what they find when they return to sentient hell hound pelt, named Cinders pogrom to undermine the authority of the earth make an exiting backdrop for several and Justicar’s magic sword, Benelux, also crowned kings, civil war threatens while interesting questions such as; if you make sentient. After being in the city awhile, the conquering Murduk horde overruns an exact copy of yourself which one of they discover that a massive army of the holy city of Aekir and threatens to you is really you? And if there are multiple demons, spiders and other grotesque bring the whole world under their rule. copies of you and one is killed, is this Abyssal beings are converging on the city Young king Abeleyn tries to form an murder? Because after all, you are still and must accept that the reason behind it alliance to curb the power of the Inceptine alive. is Lolth. The party has several close calls order and defend the land from the Sean Williams and Shane Dix have before making it out of the city as the Murduk. In this, Book One of the succeeded in producing a very thought Justicar and Escalla learn that Lolth has Monarchies of God, Paul Kearney has provoking novel. I would recommend special enemies waiting for them. Harried made a good start on an epic adventure Echoes of Earth to anyone interested in and pursued by enemies, the group series. His characters are well-developed, novels about the near future. - William B. decides to take the fight to Lolth’s home his story is interesting and his action is Whitmore plane. Their perilous journey continues, believably written. he approaches greatness he finds a way to until they reach their quest’s end and a For people who like epic adventure Queen of the Demonweb Pits flee away from it into new obscurity. final battle unfolds, with some surprises series this is a very good choice. - by Paul Kid In parallel to this we have the story of thrown in to make it interesting. William B. Whitmore Wizards of the Coast, 320 pp, $6.99 Caroline Marlowe, who overcomes This book is not hard to read at all, and enormous physical and mental problems once started is easily finished. Fans of the Echoes of Earth Queen of the Demonweb Pits was an caused by delayed revival from frozen Greyhawk universe will surely find this a by Sean Williams and Shane Dix engaging book to read. The story follows sleep. She does not torture herself about welcome addition to their library, unless, ACE, 432pps, $6.99 the quest of an adventuring party, led by a of course, they are fans of Lolth. - Tanya the past, what she has failed at or ranger known as the Justicar, to stop anything. She works, strives and Gouchenour Echoes of Earth is a very interesting Lolth, the Demon Spider Queen, from conquers. She helps Jim when he book that raises some interesting wrecking havoc on his world. Seven years disappears and saves him from himself questions. The basic story line is that previous, Justicar and his friends banished several times but at the last Jim manages earth of 2100s wants to explore the stars. Lolth, and now that she’s free, she wants an inglorious death with all he loved But the only technologically feasible way revenge. hating him and his sin is expiated. The man The opening of the book introduces needed a good swift kick. readers to the Justicar as a younger man in Jim’s and Caroline’s characters are the tutelage of a Grass Elf sword-master well-developed. Flat stereotypical named Recca. Their last battle together is characters are thin on the ground. The detailed and then the story moves ahead backdrop of a disastrous human Civil War several years to Lolth getting a new body fought to a stalemate is vividly drawn. The in which to terrorize Oerth. During this motivations of the survivors are starkly time the adventurers have reached a city drawn. The Alliance Fleet officers, The where they plan to ask for news and re- Secessionists, The Scavengers and The Wreckers are all of them alive in the minds of the reader. The book is a must read.. - Gary Swaty Page 18 ConNotations Volume 12 Issue 1 LeprCon ad Full page

Volume 12 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 19 Simeon Krug. He’s building a Tower of his amazing adventures (long after Bilbo’s Their way is dogged by the evil Black Musty Tomes Babel, to reply to a message from the stars. eleventy-first birthday and not so quickly Riders (nine wraiths once kings of men Where The Evil Dwells What he doesn’t know is that his androids as it seems in the film.) I love the lush and now ghostly slaves to Sauron the by Clifford Simak secretly worship him as their god. The setting and Tolkien’s descriptive ability, Dark One and sworn to track down the Del Rey, 249 pp religious implications of cloning are his obvious love for the soil and whereabouts of the Ring Sauron covets). explored herein, with a result comparable countryside: the Hobbit holes, the The hobbits have many adventures While 1982 doesn’t seem like very long to the Babel story in the Bible. Another gardening, the love of mushrooms. before they meet the mysterious Ranger ago to me at all, Mr. Simak has been issue is a character study of Krug’s And because of his linguistic ability, Strider at the Prancing Pony in Bree. They writing since at least 1951 which certainly android foreman. The explicit description (he was a professor of Anglo-Saxon and of meet up with a merry band of elves along qualifies him as a Musty Tome. I chose English literature at Oxford University) the the road, cross paths with the Black this later work to represent Mr. Simak for a language flows and is liberally flavored Riders, discover the irrepressible Tom couple reasons. Any fan of his would with long poetical sagas and songs. He Bombadil and his wife Goldberry and have recognize that almost all his stories deal developed in detail the Elvish and a harrowing run in with some barrow with First Contact and many of the earlier Dwarvish languages that are utilized wights. ones were very simplistic. I’m afraid our throughout the books. But once Strider joins the group in more sophisticated and jaded palates The dialogue can be witty though Bree, their way gets even more dangerous. might not appreciate Mr. Simak’s earliest frequently serious and formal as the story He decides to take the hobbits to work if we weren’t already a fan. This progresses. We even have some comic Weathertop, an old look out hill that the novel shows a greater degree of maturity relief, but not for long. As the story moves much-delayed Gandalf, if he is following, and sophistication and is an alternate on, the doom of all seems to seep into the would undoubtedly make for. history story. pages like a noxious miasma from Mordor. Weathertop, once called Amon Sul, Since the ancient days, the Empty of his loss of virginity is very insightful. Basically, Frodo gets his affairs in proves a disaster. It is there that the Black Lands had stood between the eastern Sex and religion mix well in this story, order and sets off in the autumn. Actually Riders finally track down the hobbits and barbarians and the 2000-year-old which is unusual for the genre. - Michael not sure where he’s supposed to go, while Strider and the others valiantly fight civilization of Rome and the Church. Griffin Frodo follows instructions from Gandalf them off, Frodo is compelled to put on the the Grey, a wizard and good friend to the Ring, which makes him invisible, and sees Nightwings Baggins’, who tells him he needs to get the Riders for the ghostly apparitions they by Robert Silverberg the One Ring, bequeathed to him by an are. Their leader pulls out a sword and Pocket Books/iBooks, 240 pp, $12.00 absent Bilbo, out of the Shire where the stabs Frodo in the shoulder. Before pain Hobbits all live and head for Rivendell engulfs him, Frodo takes off the Ring. This story well deserved its 1969 Hugo where the elves dwell. Frodo lets all and Frodo’s gradually festering wound Award. It shows a future Earth regressed sundry know he is planning to retire at exacerbates an already worsening into high-tech medieval decadence. Skilled nearby Crickhollow in Buckland and will situation and Strider rushes them through craft guilds preserve knowledge, like the sell his home to his relatives. Ah, the the wild to Rivendell where it is hoped Watchers and Defenders. Aging Wuelig Sackville-Baggins’ are thrilled to finally get Elrond, the lord of Rivendell can save the Watcher uses his machines to project their hands on Bag End, Bilbo (and then Frodo from the creeping nasty Morgul his mind into the far reaches of space. His Frodo’s) wonderful cozy hobbit hole in magic. companions are the petite flying girl Hobbiton (and so wonderfully depicted in It takes two weeks to get Frodo to Unfortunately, the Empty Lands are not Avluela and the strong Gormon. Wuelig’s Peter Jackson’s current film). The Rivendell (he really hangs in there!) and really empty as every evil creature from job is to watch for alien invaders. One day Sackville-Baggins’ are certain there’s gold before they arrive, they meet up with an myth lives there. Four humans find reason the aliens do come, and conquer Earth. hidden in Bag End from Bilbo’s previous elven prince, Glorfindel sent out by Elrond to invade the Empty Lands. Harcourt leads Wuelig’s career then changes; he joins the adventures with the Dwarves and dragon. to find them. He helps get them through a them as he searches for his lost love, Rememberers and Pilgrims guilds. This But many months have gone by and gathering of Riders at the River of Bruinen stolen by the Evil. His Abbot, an old portrayal of one possible path of Frodo has not heard from Gandalf. He sets (the border of Rivendell) where Elrond friend, hopes to find and recapture a civilization is truly masterful. While the off anyway with his faithful Sam and commands the river to rise and sweep the precious prism said to hold the soul of a writing is plain and easy, the effect is friends Merry and Pippin. Merry and encroaching Riders away before they can saint. The Knurly Man, who is somewhat lyrical and poetic. And this new edition is Pippin were always of the party and not take Frodo. These actions in the film are other than human, goes to protect his revised by the author, with a historical and just a lucky(?) happy coincidental meeting taken on by Arwen, Elrond’s daughter and friend, Harcourt, and to find his death. biographical introduction. - Michael on Sam and Frodo’s way out of the Shire the love of Strider. And the last of the group is Yolanda, a Griffin (as in the film). Elrond’s skill saves Frodo and he and strange orphan who seems to possess an ( cont’d on page 21 ) unnatural amount of familiarity with the The Fellowship Empty Lands. They travel secretly but of the Ring apparently everyone in the Empty Lands by J. R. R. Tolkien seems to know about their journey. For the inhabitants of the Empty Lands have Well, I thought I’d take strong reasons to prevent them from a look at what the hubbub completing their journey - it could mean is about and reread the the end of their existence. For behind all Fellowship. It has been the Evil is hidden a most ancient power easily 20 years since I read that is waiting for the unsuspecting it last. And I assume, for humans to set it free. - Catherine Book most of our readers, the characters and situations Tower Of Glass are very familiar. And of by Robert Silverberg course, the movie helps. Sterling Publishing, 208 pp, $14.95 As you know, The Fellowship of the Ring is In this time of human cloning, one can the first of a trilogy of expect that any science fiction book on books (and a trilogy of this subject may be reprinted. This 1971 movies). It has always novel is close enough, with its android been my favorite. workers created by billionaire industrialist In it Frodo sets off on Page 20 ConNotations Volume 12 Issue 1 Musty Tomes (cont’d from page 20 ) Fellowship is tested as they go forth. falling demon and both are swallowed into Defeated by weather magic from the echoing dark. Club his companions spend several weeks in crossing a mountain pass, they make for Crushed, the Fellowship runs blindly Rivendell (Oh, would that I could!) resting the Dwarven Mines of Moria where Gimli out of the Mines of Moria. and recuperating. And as Bilbo has been assures them of a warm welcome. Strider rallies them and they make for Listings living in Rivendell all this time, they have a Barely getting in through the Gates of another elven stronghold, Lothlorien (EDITOR’S NOTE: Please check your club merry reunion. Moria, they discover all has gone where Lord Celebron and Lady Galadriel listing for errors. Please send corrections and updates to the editor in writing or via email) But all things most pass and Elrond hideously awry: the Dwarves are dead, rule. convenes a Council to decide the fate of Moria is sacked and destroyed and evil is Here Galadriel reveals to Frodo ADRIAN EMPIRE A medieval and the Ring. Elves, Dwarves and Men show abroad. through the use of her “mirror,” a basin of renaissance recreationist club. Sword- up for this meeting and great dissension A grim march of four days reveals that enchanted water, what may happen in the fighting, arts, banquets, masquerades, among other things, they are being tracked future to the Fellowship, and the rest of dances. meets every Wednesday night takes place. No one can decide what from 7-10pm at Encanto Park. All are exactly is to be done. Boromir, a man of by that unhappy creature Gollum. Gollum Middle Earth. welcome. Free. For details, call (602)582- Gondor, is confused as to why they just had owned the Ring for five hundred Frodo, though disheartened by the 6990. don’t wield the Ring themselves and years, living in dark caves obsessed by it, visions, knows he most go forward and defeat Sauron forthwith. until one day when Bilbo (on his destroy the Ring. (Poor Frodo, it is here, ARIZONA LANBASHERS LEAGUE A adventures 60 years earlier) came across hoping to dump this miserable trinket, that collaboration of computer gaming In the midst of this arguing, Frodo enthusiasts, the Arizona LANbashers realizes that he must be the one to take the the Ring, which had left Gollum (seeking he offers the Ring to Galadriel, who League throws quarterly LANparty Ring South and see this quest to an end. better action than a wet cave) and took it though tempted ,knows it’s evil would events. Between parties, support is given So, it is decided. Elrond establishes the home. These adventures of course are eventually corrupt, and declines). to local groups who wish to advertise their Fellowship of the Ring of which there is contained in Tolkien’s previous work, After a few weeks in Lothlorien, they own gatherings. We have no set genre of “The Hobbit.” finally take their leave of the Fair Folk. games and play anything from strategy nine: Strider (who is revealed to be games to first-person shooters to driving/ Aragorn and heir to the throne of Gondor), Gandalf has lead them almost out of And using lovely elven boats, sail down flying simulations. No annual membership Gandalf, Boromir, Legolas, an elf from the mines when they are confronted, not the River Anduin ever south. is required and admission to an event Mirkwood (the foxy Orlando Bloom in the only by marauding orcs and a cave troll, Several weeks later, finds the ranges from $5-$15. See our webpage for movie and new teen heartthrob), Gimili son but a darker, older evil from millennium ago Fellowship on the western shore deciding current events. Email: called a Balrog. Gandalf sends them which path to take: Gondor or Mordor? [email protected] Web: http:/ of Gloin, a dwarf and the four hobbits: www.lanparty.com/all/ VoiceMail: 602-306- Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin. running for the Bridge of Khazad-Dum Frodo has wandered off and is followed by 9339 So they set off at the edge of winter on where as they rush over, Gandalf stops to a troubled Boromir whose obsession with the perilous path to Mount Doom in confront the demon. the Ring has grown alarmingly since THE AWAY TEAM: The Away Team, is a Mordor where the Ring must be And here Gandalf, thinking he has Rivendell. He confronts Frodo and general sci-fi appreciation group that bested the Balrog by breaking the bridge demands the Ring. Anguished, Frodo puts meets once a month for discussion of destroyed. various sci-fi news regarding several Through foul adventures and fair, the beneath it, is pulled into the chasm by the on the Ring on to escape. mediums to include: television, movies, He runs away, ever more determined to video, books, comics, magazines, see the quest through, knowing now he collecting, and so forth. The meetings are must go on alone, and take the Ring to comprised of news, review and comment, Mordor. BBS/computer news and help, meeting new members, video presentations, games, The rest of the Fellowship, alarmed at and socializing fun! Food and drinks are Frodo’s absence, go off in search of him. provided, via a $3 munchie fee (per Sam is about to join them when he meeting) to compensate the host. (No realizes what Frodo is about and makes for other fees are involved.) The electronic the river. He is just in time to see Frodo home of the Away Team, is the Lightspeed Space Station BBS at (520) 325-6674.... take off in a boat intending to cross to the Member ages for the group range from 13- east. Without thought, Sam flings himself 40-something with both male and female into the river to follow. members. Other activities include null- Appalled by his foolhardy bravery modem link gamefests, group theater (Sam cannot swim), Frodo saves him from movie viewings, convention trips and more. Have sci-fi fun in a relaxed, low- drowning and the two hobbits make off for structure environment. NO RUBBER EARS the east, and Mordor. ALLOWED!! For questions, you can call And here ends the First Book. the BBS, or write to: LSS c/o R. Martin; Now, wasn’t that fun? You probably 2522 N. Sparkman Blvd.; Tucson, AZ knew all that already…and I imagine a 85716 good many of you have seen the film. BASFA Baja Arizona Science Fiction Read the book (again): See the movie. And Association, a non-profit organization. though many have been distressed that Puts on TusCon Convention annually. the film takes liberty with the book (it was Webpage: http://home.earthlink.net/~basfa ever thus), this reader couldn’t have been Email: [email protected] happier. None of the changes or CENTRAL ARIZONA SPECULATIVE compressions of plot bother me. And the FICTION SOCIETY, INC. (CASFS) The actors couldn’t have been better cast! non-profit corporation that puts on When I was a young lass, many a summer CopperCon conventions, SmurfCons, night would be taken up by casting the HexaCons, occasional regional cons, and publishes Con-Notations. Best described trilogy (I remember discussing Patrick as SF/F generalists with a strong bent McGoohan as Strider).The actors they towards literary SF/F. Guests welcome - chose work so well and are so compelling. meets at 8pm on the last Friday of each And the New Zealand scenery!! Buy me a month in January thru September and the ticket! second Friday in October, November and December at JB’s Restaurant, 2560 W. Hype aside, both the book and the Indian School in Phoenix, AZ. Write PO movie are lyrical and engrossing works Box 62613, Phoenix, AZ 85082-2613 or call and not to be missed - Sue Martin Stephanie L. Bannon (602)973-2341 for information. Web www.casfs.org ( cont’d on page 22 ) Volume 12 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 21 MIB The Men in Black is the official is free! To join DSSF or the Sto-Vo-Kor a TARDIS TARDIS is a Phoenix-based Club Listings ( Cont’d from page 21 ) organization of field operatives for Steve nominal fee for the national clubs involved General SF/Fantasy Fan Club, Jackson Games. They attend local and uniforms. For further information contact specializing in International media SF/ C.R.O.F.T. Celtic Reenactment of conventions to demonstrate and promote President John Nelson at (602) 409-7169 or on Fantasy since 1983. TARDIS meets Fellowship and Trades is Phoenix based products of Steve Jackson Games. The the internet at; [email protected] or every two weeks at different locations Reenactment group specializing in the also schedule demos in local gaming check out our web site. http:// around the valley. Activities include western European renaissance. As an org- stores. If you have a gaming store or www.thesfcom.com watching videos, discussions, parties, anization, it is our goal to promote felow- convention that you would like to have fund-raisers, auctions, games, camping ship while researching lifestyles and official Steve Jackson Games SFACE (Speculative Fiction And Computer trips and outings. We also maintain an trades concurrent with the Celtic Peoples representation at, please contact the MIB Enthusiasts) Phoenix College’s one and only active presence at local conventions. from 400 BC until 1746 AD. Although most Arizona Cell Leader at connection to the worlds of speculative TARDIS publishes a monthly inform- members claim Scots, Irish or Welsh an- [email protected]. fiction, including science fiction, fantasy, and ative newsletter, The Index File, with a cestry and do Celtic re-enactment, it is our horror as well as table top, live action and national circulation which is included intent to open participation to anyone with PAReX is a non-profit, just for fun internet gaming, SFACE also serves as a with membership. Annual membership an interest in period crafting and enter- organization dedicated to the proliferation guide through the Internet - both teaching is just $12.50. You can contact us at P.O. tainment, no matter what his/her ethnicity. of robotics as a hobby. Monthly meetings basic use and utilizing as a source of Box 63191, Phoenix, AZ 85082-3191, The sense of being a real village surround- will be held and will be announced under speculative fiction. For more info contact Dr Voice Mail at (602) 864-0901, E-mail ing Croft is vital to promote a feeling of the Meeting Information page, http:// Ray Bromley at bromley.ray@ [email protected] or visit family and fellowship which was a reality www.parex.org/meetinfo.htm. All interest- a1.pc.maricopa.edu. The SFACE Web site is http://www.primenet.com/~jgeorge/ in earlier times. Croft is a family-oriented ed persons are invited to participate. We found at http://www.pc. maricopa.edu/ tardis.html and kid-friendly organization. are currently in the process of getting departments/studentact/organizations/sface/ C.R.O.F.T. members can be found demon- organized and becoming an official TEKWAR FAN CLUB Sanctioned by strating in events such as the Highland organization with tax status. Web page: SHADOWKEEP BBS Intelligent conver- the series’ production companies and Games, Scarborough Fair, and the Arizona http://www.parex.org/ E-mail Contact: John sation, awesome graphics, stupendous door the USA Network! It is THE information Renaissance Festival. Kittelsrud, [email protected] games, unworldly filebank, RPG forums, conduit between the fans and the Web page http://www.crofters.org QWK message system and online RPG BBS- series! Fan club membership will bring THE PHOENIX FANTASY FILM moderated games! Our BBS is mainly RPG you the following 1) subscription to the THE DARK ONES (Dark-wunz) n. 1) An SOCIETY A Phoenix based club interest- oriented and we offer many services to GMs info filled Tek Informer newsletter; 2) organization formed for the expression and ed in the entire realm of SF, Fantasy and and players. No fees necessary for users who official TekWar Fan Club membership exploration of various cultural themes Horror film. PFFS has been in existence for post intelligent messages! $5 in credits to card and kit. Membership is by regular including, but not limited to, the Dark 25 years, meeting every 6 weeks in mem- new users. Over 20 conferences and 10 doors mail only and the newsletter and Ages and the Renaissance through forms ber’s homes. Dues are $10 per year. to choose from! Shadowkeep BBS - PCBoard materials will not be reproduced of art including, but not limited to, Membership includes newsletters, an 15.2/M - US Robotics 28.8 Modem. Phoenix, electronically. To join the action and painting, drawing, writing, photography, annual film awards and various outings. AZ (602)245-0919; Connect at 2400-28800 initiate your annual membership, make spoken word, and acts of characterization. For information, contact PFFS, P.O. Box check or money order out for $12.50 to: 2) a member of this organization. 3) Infor- 34023, Phoenix, AZ 85067 or call David THE SOCIETY FOR CREATIVE ANACH- Official TekWar Fan Club (Membership mation available at www.darkones.org Storck at (602) 274_7404, e_mail: RONISM The kingdom of Atenveldt doth lie section), 2522 N Sparkman Blvd., [email protected]. in the state of Arizona. Within the fair Tucson AZ 85716-2417 DAYSTAR HOLT Arizona’s first and kingdom can be found six Baronies: longest-running Elfquest fan club. Daystar PHOENIX JAPANIMATION SOCIETY Atenveldt, Mons Tonitrus, Twin Moons, T.H.E.M. T.H.E.M. is ASU’s science meets to talk about EQ and related stuff, Local chapter of Japanimation/general SunDragon, Tir Ysgithr and Ered Sul. For fiction and fantasy club. Weekly develop characters, publish stories in our animation oriented fans - meets monthly. more information on any of these or for meetings are held on the Arizona State ‘zine Playelf and create an annual Membership is free, though optional general information on thy past tomorrows University campus, with dates and calendar. Other common interests include monthly newsletter is $5/year or $.50 per thou mayest contact Mistress Myrddina o places to be announced after the music, belly dance, camping and of course, month. Call Tom Perry at (602) 996-2196 or Dolwyddelan (Terry Schwartz) PO Box 584, semester starts. For more information, SF. Membership is free (18 or over) and is write 3241 E. Altadena, Phoenix, AZ 85028. Sonoita AZ 85637 (520)455-5835 Email: contact Erik Wennstrom, email: attained by group vote after you attend [email protected] www.atenveldt.org [email protected] Phone: 480-968-5257.To two meetings or holt-related get-togethers. RAGE ACROSS THE SOUTHWEST A subscribe to our listserve, send a Meetings are usually the first Saturday of Live Action Theatre Troupe based out of THE SOUTHWEST COSTUMER’S GUILD message to [email protected]. each month; for more info, call Tom or the ASU campus in Tempe, AZ. It is The Southwest Costumers Guild is a loose Janice at (602) 581-2258. They have a dedicated to the game Werewolf: The organization of persons interested in all TUCSON FAN ALLIANCE E-Mail website up at http://members.home.net/ Apocalypse by White Wolf publishing. facets of historical, cultural, science fiction, Address is [email protected] or jeanderson/daystarholt.html Contact Mike McLaughlin at (602)461-5842 fantasy, and humor costume. Members are [email protected]. or write 1730 W Emelita Place #2025, Mesa often seen on stage and behind the scenes at THE EMPIRE OF CHIVALRY AND AZ85202-3144 or email to local and regional Science Fiction USS STORMBRINGER The Storm- STEEL, INC. The Empire of Chivalry and [email protected] Convention masquerades. They meet on the bringer is a correspondence Star Trek Steel specializes in the general recreation last Sunday of each month at various fan club chapter of Starfleet, Intl. based of the culture of the Middle Ages RAW GAMES (Role-players & members’ homes in the greater Phoenix area. out of Tucson AZ. The chapter was including all of the Art Forms, Events Wargamers, Inc.) Role-players & For details. Southwest Costumers Guild, PO commissioned as the USS Stormbringer (Feasts, Tournaments, Ceremonies and Wargamers, Inc. is the Valley's oldest role- Box 39504, Phoenix, AZ 85609 or call Randall NCC-74213, attached to Division 31, Wars) and Combat Arts covering the years playing and wargaming club. Currently Whitlock at (602)995-7514, email: Starfleet Covert Operations, on 10/31/ of 800AD up to 1650AD and any location meeting at 8159 W. Weldon in Phoenix [email protected] or Website: 98. As of 11/29/98 there were 32 within Europe or its explored territories. every Sunday from 3pm-9pm (except www.southwestcostumersguild.org members. There are no dues other than For more information contact Bart Smith during conventions and other special the $15 for joining Starfleet Intl.. (Phoenix) (602)937-6995 or Leonard Bird events). Open to new members - call (602) SPACE ACCESS SOCIETY Space Access Members are scattered world wide but (Tucson) (520)742-2432 849-9515. WWW.rawgames.org Society’s sole purpose is to promote radically the primary clusters are in Tucson, AZ cheaper access to space, ASAP. We think it’s and Plano, TX. They don’t meet on a THE JEDI KNIGHTS Meetings are the 3rd SCIENCE FICTION CONTINUUM possible within ten years, with a little luck regular basis since they are a Sunday of each month. For more The Science Fiction Continuum: An and a lot of hard work. Join us and help us correspondence chapter. Their web site information call Carol Alves, Publicity, Independent Star Trek and Sci-Fi club in make it happen! SAS membership is $30 for is: http://www.geocities.com/Area51/ (760)244-9593 or write Jedi Knights, c/o Jim Phoenix, AZ. The SFCOM is an active club one year, which gets you emailed Space Vault/9505/ and their contact/CO is Lowerre, 12291 Meade Street, Garden that participates in Local Phoenix, and Access Updates the instant they pass final Capt. Dave Pitts, Grove, CA 92841-3629 Southwestern Star Trek and Sci-Fi edit, plus discounts on our annual [email protected]. conventions and movies. The SFCOM has conference on the technology, politics, and LEPRECON, INC. One of the two Phoenix three different divisions. The SFCOM business of radically cheaper space Z-PHILES are the ariZona x-PHILES. area corporations that put on yearly itself, a free group where fun is the name transportation, featuring leading players in We maintain a mailing list for news and conventions. Best described as SF/F of the game. The Deep Space SolarFlare the field. Email us at: Space.Access@Space- get-togethers of fans of the X-Files generalists with a main thrust into SF/F art. (DSSF) an active member club in the Access.org Web page: www.space- living in Arizona. We get together in Guests are welcome. The meetings are International Federation of Treker’s (IFT). access.org/ both the Phoenix and Tucson areas. To quarterly on the second Saturday of This group is based on DS9 (a space subscribe, send an empty message to z- February, May, August & November station). And the IKV Sto-Vo-Kor STARBASE TUCSON Tucson Arizona [email protected] unless otherwise notified. August is the (Independent Klingon Vessel). A Klingon based Star Trek club. For info call Geof Wood annual meeting where board positions are Bird of Prey, roaming the desert looking for at (520) 746-1822 or write Starbase Tucson ; UNITED FEDERATION OF PHOENIX determined. For more information, write PO battle. Are the Fed’s too soft, looking for 3314 E. Benson Hwy ; Tucson AZ 85706. A Phoenix area Star Trek and general Box 26665, Tempe, AZ 85285 ; call Mike combat, feel the call to glory. This is the Email:[email protected] SciFi fan club. We are a social club that Willmoth at (480) 945-6890 or Email: ship for you. Membership in the SFCOM [email protected] ( cont’d on page 23 ) Page 22 ConNotations Volume 12 Issue 1 Club Listings ( Cont’d from page 22 ) ConDor IX (San Diego, CA) Feb 22-24, ConJose (World Science Fiction 2002 Doubletree Hotel - Del Mar. Guests Convention) San Jose, CA August 29-Sept meets every two weeks at various Robert Trebor. Membership $45 at the 2, 2002 McEnery Convention Center, San locations around the Phoenix area. The door. Info: ConDor, PO Box 15771, San Jose CA. Guests: Vernor Vinge, David UFP has been meeting for over 25 years of continuous activity. Dues are $15/per year Diego, CA 92175 Web: Cherry, Bjo & John Trimble, Ferdinand prorated when you join; no restrictions. www.condorcon.org Email Feghoot. Attending $160, Supporting $35. Membership includes membership roster [email protected] Info: Conjosse, PO Box 61363, Sunnyvale and monthly newsletter. Come to any two CA 94088-1363 Web: www.conjose.org meetings at no obligation. For information, ConFurence (Burbank CA) April 26-28, Email: [email protected] write the UFP at PO Box 37224, Phoenix, AZ 85069, or call Jim Strait at (602) 242- 2002 Hilton Burbank Airport & 9203. Web page: http://www.U-F-P.org or Convention Center. Guests: Eric Garcia, CopperCon 22, (Phoenix, AZ) Sept 6-8, Email to [email protected] Roz Gibson, Ed Luena. Memberships $35 2002 Author GoH: Barbara Hambly; thru March 15, $45 at the door. Info: The Media GoH: Mojo; Location: Embassy UNITED WHOVIANS OF TUCSON ConFurence Group, PO Box 84721, San Suites North, 2577 W. Greenway Rd; A well-informed and very active Dr. Who club. $15 yearly membership includes four Diego, CA 92138-4721, Phone 619-303-9380 Phoenix AZ; 602-375-1777 or 800-527-7715 issues of their fanzine - TARDIS Time Lore Email [email protected] Web: Info: CopperCon 22, PO Box 62613, - written by semi-pros and other dedicated confurence.net Phoenix, AZ 85082, [email protected] or fans. For more information, contact The www.casfs.org United Whovians of Tucson at P. O. Box LepreCon 28, (Phoenix, AZ), May 17-19, 13541, Tucson, AZ 85732-3541. Also, you can contact the president at 2002, Embassy Suites Phoenix North, ConTours 2002 (Burbank, CA) Sept 20- [email protected] or the UWOT Artist Guest: Monte Moore, Author GoH: 22, 2002 Hilton Burbank Airporrt & webmaster at [email protected] Peter David, Music Guests: Jeff & Maya Convention. Guests Mark Sheperd, Nene Web page at: http://www.azstarnet.com/ Kaatherine Bohnhoff, Memberships: $25 Thomas, Heather Alexander. Memberships ~hgadlng/uwotclub.htm until 8/31/01, $30 until 1/31/02, $35 until 5/ begin at $25 Info: Web Western Science Fiction Association 05/02, $40 at the door. Kids 9-12 1/2 price contours.roleplayingguild.com (WesternSFA) A non-profit corporation (kids 6 & under free with adult admission) that sponsors the ConRunners seminars Hotel: Embassy Suites Phoenix North, 2577 Conjecture (San Diego, CA) Oct 18-20. and is sponsoring a bid for the 2004 W. Greenway Rd. (602) 375-1777 or 800- 2002) DoubleTree Mission Valley Hotel, Westercon. Dedicated primarily to 527-7715, Rates: $79 S/D, $89 T, $99 Q Info: San Diego, CA. GoH: Steven Brust. Memb: educational activities relating to literature, music, and visual and performing arts, LepreCon 28, PO Box 26665, Tempe, AZ $30.00 to 6/1/02 (checks to Conjecture). especially in the genres of science fiction, 85285 Phone: (480) 945-6890 ; Email: Info: ConJecture, PO Box 927388, San fantasy, costuming, gaming and science. [email protected] Web: Diego CA 92192; email: Applicants for membership in www.leprecon.org/lep28 [email protected]; website: WesternSFA must be sponsored by a www.conjecture.org current active WesternSFA member. Dues are $10 yearly plus a $5 non-refundable WesterCon 55: Conagerie (Los Angeles, application fee. General Meetings are held CA) July 4-7, 2002 Los Angeles Airport TusCon 29 (Tucson, AZ) November 8-10, on the first Friday of February, May, Radisson Hotel, Los Angeles, CA Author 2002 at the really spiffy InnSuites. GoH: August and November, usually at the Goh: Harry Turtledove, Editor: Beth TBA; AGoH: TBA. Events include: Meet home of a member. Guests are welcome. Meachem, Fan: Robert Lichtman, Artist: the Authors and Artists, Panels, Readings, For more info contact Craig Dyer at Ross Chamberlain Video Room, Dealers Room, Art Show, WesternSFA, PO Box 87457, Phoenix AZ LosCon 29 (Burbank CA) November 29- Memb: $60 through Feb 28, 2002 Info: Game Room, LAN Computer Gaming, 85082, (602) 973-2341, Email: Dec 1, 2002 Burbank Airport Hilton, [email protected]. Webpage: WesterCon 55, c/o SCIFI, Inc., PO Box Masqerade, Adult Masquerade, and Burbank, CA Guests: Author Goh: David www.westernsfa.org 8442, Van Nuys, CA 91409 Web: ConSuite. Memb: $30 for now, $45 at the Weber. Memb * $30 December 1 until www.westercon.org/55 door. kids 6-12 half price. InnSuites, 475 N February 28, $35 until July 1, 40 until Granada Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701 (near October 31 : $45 at the door. Hotel Room HexaCon 12 (Phoenix, AZ) July 26-28, I-10 and St Mary’s Road) (520) 622-3000. Rates: $94 Single-Quad * $114 Executive 2002 Embassy Suites North Phoenix. Room rates include a real breakfast! Info: Sxuites Info: LosCon c/o LASFS, 11513 Arizona’s Largest Annual Gaming TusCon 29 PO Box 27307, Tucson AZ Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA Convention Memberships: $15 July 30 - 85726-7307 Webpage: http:// 91609 Email: [email protected] Dec 31, 2001; $20 Jan 1 - June 30, 2002; $25 home.earthlink.net/~basfa Email: Web: www.loscon.org/loscon/29 at the door. Special Thursday night events [email protected] for pre-registered members only. Location © Sherlock Info: Embassy Suites North, 2577 W.

Greenway Rd; 602-375-1777 or 800-527-

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○ 7715 Rates: Standard: $74 S/D; Boardroom Suite $74 S/D/T/Q; Executive Suite $94 S/ D/T/Q Rooms INCLUDE a full breakfast Generic Convention Regestration Form Convention and Happy Hour. Info: Hexacon 12, PO Box 62613, Phoenix, AZ 85082 Phone: (602) Listings 973-2341; Email:[email protected] Name:______

The Thirteenth Floor of Gallifrey One San Diego ComicCon International (San Badge Name:______(Los Angeles, CA) Feb 15-18, 2002 The Diego, CA.) Aug 1-4, 2002 San Diego Address:______Airtel Plaza Hotel, Los Angeles, CA Convention Center, San Diego, CA. Guests: Nicola Bryant, Carole Ann Ford, Guests: Lots & Lots including Craig City/State/ZIP:______Frazer Hines Memb: $35 thru 8/31/01, $40 McCraken (Powerpuff Girls), Peter David, Phone:______Email:______thru 11/30/01, $45 thru 1/31/02 and $50 at Bob Oskener, Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez the door. Info: Gallifrey Conventions, Post (Love & Rockets) Info: Comic_Con, PO Enclosed is $______for ______memberships for Office Box 3021, North Hollywood, CA Box 128458, San Diego, CA 92112_8458. ______convention. 91609 Email: [email protected] Web: Phone: (619) 491_2475, Email: (See calendar for mailing address) www.gallifreyone.com [email protected] More info on __ Masquerade __Art Show __Volunteer __ Other

Volume 12 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 23 that takes him 800,000 years into the 24 Frames (cont’d from page 9 ) future. There he discovers that mankind anything and everything to achieve higher has evolved into two races: the Eloi and ratings, the players have to expose the the Morlocks. Also starring are Mark Addy and Jeremy Irons. The movie is Your Full Page treachery and corruption before it does them in. directed by Simon Wells, H.G. Wells Collateral Damage - Delayed due to it’s great-grandson with Morlock effects done original release being shortly after the by Stan Winston. events of September 11th, this Arnold Ice Age is a new CGI animated movie Ad could be Schwarzenegger action movie features being released by FOX and produced by Arnold as Gordon Brewer, a firefighter who Blue Sky Animation studios. Back in the sees his wife and child killed by a bombing ice age, a woolly mammoth, saber-toothed credited to international terrorist Claudio “The Wolf” Perrini (Cliff Curtis). When appearing here official investigation into the bombing stalls, Brewer travels to Columbia to take matters into his own hands. In a rare theatrical sequel, Disney brings back Peter Pan in “Return to Neverland” for only $150 with Captain Hook, Peter Pan and Tinkerbell trying to save Wendy’s daughter, Jane, after Captain Hook travels Dark City) with Kari Skogland (The © Fox to England and kidnaps her (thinking he SF Tube Talk (cont’d from page 12 ) Crow: Stairway to Heaven, Queer as Scrat's one mission in life - to retrieve a has Wendy). Folk) directing from a script by Stuart precious acorn - triggers the ICE AGE «Charlie» McGee is played by Marguerite The Queen of the Damned is a film Moreau (Queen of the Damned) and she is Hazeldine. Brad Johnson (CSI, Always) adaptation of Ann Rice’s third Vampire tiger, and a pair of giant sloths find a tired of running from the government that will play astronaut Jeff Hale, Emily Lloyd Chronicles novel. It follows the legendary human infant. They must cooperate and created her. As she searches for answers will play Alice Hargreaves (the inspiration vampire Lestat (Stuart Townsend) as he work together in order to return the child to her psychic fire starting ability, she runs for Alice in Wonderland), Cameron Daddo reinvents himself as a contemporary rock back to its missing parents. It features the afoul of Rainbird (Malcolm McDowell), a (Models, Inc.) will play Samuel Clemens star. His music awakens Akasha (Aaliyah), voices of Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, sociopathic government agent who wants (i.e. Mark Twain), Jonathon Cake (First the queen of all vampires, and Lestat and Denis Leary, Kristen Johnston, and Jack to control Charlie’s powers. Danny Nucci Knight) is Roman Emperor Nero, and other vampire must unite to stop her from Black If the movie is half as good as the and Dennis Hopper also star. Philip Kevin Smith (Hercules, Xena) will play taking over all of them. Also starring are trailer, it should definitely be worth Eisner (Event Horizon) wrote the Valdemar, a likely villain. Filming began late Claudia Black and Marguerite Moreau. checking out. miniseries, which is directed by Robert last year in New Zealand and it is expected Dragonfly is a supernatural thriller about a Wesley Snipes returns as Blade in Blade Iscove. to air as early as this summer. SciFi has not 2: Bloodhound. Blade must fight against a In other genre TV news, SciFi has yet committed to a weekly series and may fearsome pack of undead creatures that announced casting for two upcoming wait to see how the movie does before prey on vampires and humans. He must shows, the Taken miniseries and the pilot committing to one. The other project form an uneasy alliance with a band of movie for Riverworld. Scheduled to begin announced by SciFi at the same time as elite vampires to battle this new threat. airing in December of 2002, Taken will Riverworld, Anonymous Rex, appears to Also starring are Kris Kristofferson, follow three generations of alien still be in development. Tcheky Karyo, Luke Goss, and Leonor abductees with historical events as In other cable network news, USA Valera backdrops over ten two-hour movies. Network picked up The Dead Zone for a Upcoming Movie Release Dates Similarities to the NBC series «Dark full season, picking it up after UPN Feb 8 - Rollerball, Collateral Damage Skies» will seem to be more pronounced decided not to go with it as a mid-season Feb 15 - Return to Neverland with one of the cast members being Eric series. The cast used for the pilot will be Feb 22 - The Queen of the Damned, Close, the lead character in Dark Skies. there for the series, which will start airing Dragonfly Originally, Dark Skies creator Bryce Zabel in June on USA Network, debuting with a Mar 8 - The Time Machine was to be involved with the series but was two hour movie. It stars Anthony Michael Mar 15 - Ice Age dropped from it as it stayed in Hall as Johnny Smith, who develops man (Kevin Costner) who believes that his Mar 29 - Blade 2: Bloodhound development limbo for a couple of years. psychic powers after being in a coma. Co- deceased wife (Susanna Thompson) is Apr 19 - The Scorpion King Writing all 20 hours of the series is Leslie stars include Nicole deBoer (Deep Space trying to communicate with him through Summer movie release dates include Bohem (Dante’s Peak) who is also Nine’s Ezri Dax), Chris Bruno (Another the near-death experiences of her patients. Spiderman (May 3), Star Wars Episode II producing along with Steve Beers. The World, All My Children), and John The Time Machine arrives in March after (May 16), The Tuxedo (June 7), Scooby cast will feature Eric Close (Dark Skies, Adams. The series was developed by being pushed back from Christmas due to Doo (June 14), Minority Report (June 28), Now and Again), Michael Moriarty (Law Michael Piller (Deep Space Nine, some reworking of the ending (originally Men in Black 2 (July 3), Reign of Fire and Order), Julie Benz (the late Darla on Legend) and his son, Shawn Piller. having pieces of the moon falling on New (July 12), Stuart Little 2 (July 19), Austin Angel), Steve Burton (The Last Castle), More schedule information, news and York). Alexander Hartdegen (Guy Pearce) Powers in Goldmember (July 26), Spy Joel Gretsch (Legend of Bagger Vance), links, visit the Magrathea/SFTV Pages at invents a time machine in the late 1800s Kids 2 (Aug 7), Pluto Nash (Aug 16) Willie Garson (Sex & The City) and many www.sftv More schedule information, news and more. I’ll have more information as we get links, visit the Magrathea/SFTV Pages at closer to the airing of the miniseries. www.sftv.org Expect lots of promotion for it from SciFi over the coming year. Filming has started on the pilot movie for Riverworld, based on the Phillip Jose Farmer series about a world where everyone from Earth’s history is reincarnated along the banks of an endless river. The movie is being executive produced by Alex Proyas (The Crow, Page 24 ConNotations Volume 12 Issue 1