1 June, 2018 Volume XLIV Number 4 ASKANCE Whole Number 44 Edited & published by John Purcell, 3744 Marielene Circle, College Station, TX 77845-3926 USA Proofreading services this time were rendered by Duckie, the wonder Labrador, ably assisted by our cats Inga, Eyegore, and Froderick. If there are typos anywhere in this issue, now you know who to blame. Contents © 2018 by John A. Purcell. Contact information:
[email protected] Even so, all rights revert to original artists and authors upon publication. Disclaimers are a dirty business, but are always included. You understand. I know you do. What you have here in your hands (or on screen) is another Mythical Publication. Copies of this fine, back on a quarterly schedule fanzine can be had for The Usual, which means expressed interest, submission and eventual inclusion of articles and artwork, letters of comment, and cold hard cash in the amount of $3.00 USD if you want a printed copy mailed to you. Bribes are also accepted. Of course, if you send in locs, articles, and artwork, you just earned a life-time free subscription. Consider yourself lucky, indeed. Table of Contents Bemused Natterings…………………………………………………………..3 I See France, by John Purcell……………………………………………….6 The Last Ex, by Taral Wayne………………………………………….….16 Chat, the 4th Fhannish Ghod, by Teddy Harvia…………………..21 Some Words about Fanzines, the editor……………………………22 Figby, by Bill Fischer………………………………………………………….23 Tales from the Convention, by Lloyd Penney……………….……24 From the Hinterlands, the lettercolumn…………….……………..27 Regional Convention Calendar……………………………….…………30 What’s Next…………………………………………………………….………..39 Art Credits Kurt Erichsen – front cover Sheryl Birkhead – 2; clip art – 6, 29, 31; photos by me – 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 26, 28, 30, 40 Nicked from Internet – 16, 8, 27, 37; Brad Foster – 20, 25; Lloyd Penney – 24 Photo of Harlan Ellison® by and copyright © Andrew Porter - 39 Member FWA (since 2007!) 2 What’s all this then? A good question.