The Drink Tank Issue 122

Handicapping The Hugos I’d been planning on doing friends a guy could have- this issue for a while. As soon as the Lloyd, Frank, John, Mike, Hugo Noms got posted, I was going to Yvonne, Trey, Barbara, Kevin, Andy, go through and Handicap them all, Elisa, James, Mark, Claire, Guy, Evelyn, give odds and so forth. I even started Genevieve, M, Jay, SaBean, Judith, working on it based on solid assuptions Lisa, Ed, George, Vanessa, Leigh Ann, and word of mouth. Somewhere along Niall, Greg, Steve, Jason, Dave, David, the way I was thrown a curveball: I Don, Doug, Jean, Eva, Espana, Brian, ended up on the list of nominees. Martin, Marty, Miles, Colin, Catherine, Now, if you’d ask me what I The Legendary Ted, Peter, Bill, Randy, thought my chances were of being Andy, Jeff, Sabre, Cruz, Kathryn, nominated, I’d have said 10-1 for Best James, Eric, Erica, Howeird, Kelly, Fan Writer (with Dave Langford 1-3, Diana, Kristen, Karen, Alana, Myra, Claire at 2/3, Steven Silver at 3-4, Billiam, Shannon, Kiyoko, Gary, Dag, John Hertz at 2-1 and Guy Lillian also Judy, Neil, girl whose name I never 2-1). If you’d asked about The Drink remember, guy whose name I always Tank, I’d have said 20-1 (with Plokta forget, Arminder, Alex, Ken, Lance, at Even money, Banana Wings at 4- Elliott, Wayne, Susie, Mom, Diana, 3, File 770 6-5, Challenger also at 6-5 Reyna, Earl, Harry, Hank, Don, Cullen, and Chunga at 2-1). You can see that Ron, Scott, Kate, Sarah, Sara, Cera, I really didn’t think I’d make the list. Chris, Christopher, Christian, Charles, My two inclusions were hardly the only Chaz, Chuck, Charleen, Janice, Alisa, surprizes this year. In fact, I’d say it lifetime is a great feeling. You can read Melissa, Mel, Melinda, Dr. Tong, Nick, was a little more shockworthy than the next SF/SF for a more detailed Norm, Noodleboy, Ric, Little Naitch, usual. This issue will be all about my “Holy Mother of Ghod!” article on the Ray, Bam Bam, Hulk, Derek, Marin, thoughts on who will win, why, and subject. Ryan, Lon, Rosa, Peter, Pete, Pedro, interesting little tidbits along the way. I have so many people to thank Ricky, Brian, Evan, Rey, Eddie, Johnny, I’ve also employed my team of unwitting that I’m just going to do first names and Bailey, Ben, Sprinkles, Justin, Jules, spies to bring me good info when I had if it happens to belong to a couple of Lillian, Lila, Lily, Horace, Bobby, Bob, none. different people, it’s meant for both of Robert, Rob, Geri, Spike, Tom, Hope, As for getting nominated, it’s a you! I do have to say a single shout-out Art, Jack, Milt, Arnie, Joyce, Merric, huge honor. I can’t think of something to the man who made it all possible by Luba, Jaime, Teresa, Theresa, Sheila, that’s happened to me in my life that’s having founded eFanzines.com. To Mr. Radio, Craige, Michael, Tom, Todd, Ted, been more unexpected and wonderful. I Bill Burns, I salute! I also gotta give big Tim, Thelma, Jameson, Ghod, Elvis and don’t this this for egoboo, but knowing ups to my Pops. I miss ya big guy and the American Dream. that my name and the name of my I’m sure you’d have had a good laugh zine will be on that list (and in that the moment you found out about it. So, Comments? Wikipedia entry) for the rest of fandom’s here’s thanks to the best damn fannish [email protected] The 2007 for Best Fanzine!!!

While it’s so very nice to be nom- Mostly web-based zines haven’t won inated, there’s almost no real chance since Emerald City in 2004. for The Drink Tank to win the thing. The lower profile really makes it a long I really like Challenger. I’ve been shot. The two things it has going for a fan since I came back to fandom it are frequency (so theoretically folks and one of my earliest articles in any who only stop in when they here about fanzine was in Challenger. Even with a particular issue might think that it’s all that quality, I’m still not sure if it a better zine than it is) and the general can win. There’s some buzz, but not out-there-ness of the folks involved. nearly as much as for the top three. Still, I don’t see it being a serious threat to winning, though I’m told that Odds- 6-to-1 Japanese fandom could go any of a The Drink Tank (50 issues in number of ways. Banana Wings (Four Issues) 2006) Editors- The incomparable Claire Bria- Odds- 15-to-1 Editor- Christopher J. Garcia ley and Meganaut Mark Plummer Regular Contributors- M Lloyd, Sa- Regular Contributors- Max, James Bean MoreL, Frank Wu, Lloyd Penney, CHallenger (two Issues) Bacon, Greg Pickersgill, ATom, John Purcell Editor- The Great Guy Lillian III Type of Zine- PrintZine Type of Zine- eZine Regular Contributors- Amount of Content from Chris Amount of Content from Chris Type of Zine- eZine with Print Compo- Garcia- I think I had two LoCs in 2006 Garcia- A whole bunch, more than 100 nent issues and an article coming up in articles over the space of the year. Amount of Content from Chris 2007. What it’s got going for it- Variety of Garcia- I think I had an LoC in one What it’s got going for it- It’s an Eng- contributors who rarely show up any- issue, though I had a short article in a lish fanzine. It’s got the highest qual- where else, lots of art, Available to all 2005 issue. ity writing of any nominated zine. It’s on eFanzines.com. What it’s got going for it- Top-notch brilliantly laid-out and print only gains What’s Going Against it- Not a well- writing and layout. Strong presence respect these days. Mark and Claire edited zine, few ‘Big Name’ regular around fandom. Large readership. are highly thought-of. contributors, no regular print version, Available on-line. Long-running with What’s Going Against it- Not on-line, smallish readership, frequency means many nominations. which is a big deal this year with re- that many issues get skipped, little What’s Going Against it- It’s never quired exposure to Japanese voters. coverage in other zines. managed to win. Not from the UK. a good photo thingee with it. There’s only one reason why Won the Banana Wings probably won’t win: the What it’s got going for it- last two Hugos for Best Fanzine. Well- on-line matter. My guess is that the written English zine. Excellent lay-out majority of Japanese voters (and let’s and art. Great web-presence. Well-re- remember that LACon members aren’t spected group of contributors. Lots of eligible unless they join Nippon 07) will colour. be looking on-line for info on the vari- Some ous nominated zines, and since Ba- What’s Going Against it- splashback from two consequetive nana Wings isn’t on-line yet, it’s prob- wins. ably not going to get the votes from the Japanese that would be required for I like Plokta a lot, and I’m not victory, which is a shame as it’s the just saying that because they used best written zine in the world right now one of my articles. It’s a very pretty (with the possible exception of eI). The lish zine. fanzine with some really good writing fact that it’s a British zine adds a little and a good bit of fun. I’m told that’s cache. I’d love it if SFFY took home this the Cabal boiled down to syrup as well. Hugo, but I don’t think this is the year, I’m a fan and I think it’ll take it for the sadly. Yeah, it’s a legend and the issue Odds- 3-to-1 name recognition, the fact that it does was great, and I think it’ll be close, but have a serious website and the general not quite. Science FIction Five YEarly quality. It’s also got the whole English thing going for it, which is always a Odds- 2-to-1 (One Issue) good thing despite Brits who seem to Editors- Geri Sullivan and Randy By- think that Americans won’t vote for UK ers Plokta (two ISsues) zines, my thought is that BritZines get Regular Contributors- , Editors- All-powerful Alison Scott, far more respect than many US zines. Rich Coad, , Steve Sensational Steve Davies, and Super- Stiles, Lee Hoffman (founder) man Mike Scott Odds- Even Money. Type of Zine- PrintZine with PDF on Regular Contributors- Sue Mason, eFanzines.com Flick, Max, Guilia de Caeser, Abi This category is solid, even Amount of Content from Chris Brown with the inclusion of The Drink Garcia- Absolutely none! Type of Zine- PrintZine with PDF Tank. I’m proud to be in this great What it’s got going for it- Long-stand- available on plokta.com company. There were several zines ing quality zine which has become very Amount of Content from Chris that I’d have loved to have seen up legendary. The recent loss of Lee Hoff- Garcia- Article about faking being at there (Prolapse, eI, Pixel, Chunga, man led to more visibility. This is the WorldCon 2005. It’s one of the more File 770) but you can’t have it all. last issue fun things I wrote in 2006 and it’s got Plokta wins. What’s Going Against it- Not an Eng- The 2007 Hugo Award for Best FaN Artist

Teddy Harvia Odds- 5-to-1 What he’s got going for him- A lot of great History. A fun style that’s easy Steve Stiles recognised. What he’s got going for him- A lot of What he’s got going against him- not great History. Many consider him the much production that I’ve seen this greatest living fan artist. Cartoon style year in current zines. that’s immediately recognised. Has Art Provided for Christopher J. Gar- never won the award. Is supported by cia’s zines- None. various other fan artists. Appears in many top-flight zines and in Progress reports and so on. Teddy’s a legend and will prob- What he’s got going against him- ably be getting the Rotsler any day Timing. Not as out with the people as now and he’s got a few Hugos already. many of the nominees. Perhaps a slight I don’t see him winning this year be- drop in the number of cartoons he’s cause he hasn’t had a lot of new work provided recently. showing up in zines (most of the stuff Art Provided for Christopher J. Gar- I see is older) but he’s still quite popu- cia’s zines- None, though he offered lar. I’m saying Fan Artist will be a tight and I dropped the ball. race this year. Steve should win one of these Odds- 8-to-1 someday. There are a lot of folks that would love to see him do it, but main- Sue Mason Sue Mason beat Frank Wu twice for this award, once in Toronto and stream fandom doesn’t seem to notice What she’s got going for her- Former once in the UK. She’s a helluva fun art- him as much as the other four. Still, two-time winner in this category. Fre- ist and her stuff is showcased beauti- he’s done very well with Fanzine Fans quent appearances in well-respected fully in PLOKTA, which is probably the who tend to support him over anyone zines like PLOKTA. Being a member of best zine to be seen in right now. Still, else (see his wins in the FAAn Awards) the Cabal. I’m thinking that a few things will keep and he’ll get close again, but I don’t What she’s got going against her- not her from winning, most notably the think this’ll be the year he wins. much production for many US zines. fact that we don’t see a lot of her stuff Art Provided for Christopher J. Gar- in American zines. Odds- 4-to-1 cia’s zines- None. Brad Foster ence as a writer for zines as well. More friends than anyone What he’s got going for him- A lot of else I know. A genuinely nice great History. He’s a multi-winner of guy. the award. He’s been putting out as What he’s got going against much great art as he ever has. Recent- him- There was a fuss raised ly started experimenting with using when he won his first Hugo in Photoshop for colouring his pieces and 2004. Not so much last year. has produced some remarkable covers Art Provided for Christopher for The Drink Tank, Askance, Feline J. Garcia’s zines- Are you kid- Mewsings and more. ding me? This guy’s been my What he’s got going against him- I rock. Without Frank, there’d be really can’t think of anything. no Drink Tank. Also did Chris Art Provided for Christopher J. Gar- for TAFF art. cia’s zines- He did Chris for TAFF art, pieces in issue 100 and The Second won this year’s FAAn Award for Best Annual Giant-Sized Annual. This is a hard one as Frank’s one of my favourite people. He’s got some Fan Artist. I had him on my ballot (and I always do, since he’s my fave fan This year it’s a pitched bat- detractors, but I love his stuff and so artist in the world) and he’s well-past tle between two giants. Brad Foster does a large swatch of fandom. His due for a nom and a win in my eyes. started doing those Photoshop colored work has been in art shows at cons Craig Smith is at that level too. And pieces for zines like Pixel and has just and in the pages of many many zines, Taral Wayne. I’d love to see those guys blown up since. He’s done art for so including In A Prior Lifetime, The Drink get noms, and I think it’ll happen. I’m many people over the years and now Tank, Challenger, and more. He broke betting Harvia drops off the ballot next he’s put forward new and exciting stuff out and started a cartoon series called year, and I’m putting Taral and Kurt that just keeps getting better. I’d love Guidolon that’s a lot of fun (and not Erichsen at the top of the list as likely to see Brad win, and I’m betting he will just because I’m the main character’s to replace him. Or maybe Marc Scher- come very very close. He’s got a couple voice) and he’s been a favourite figure meister. of these awards (as do all the nominees around cons all over the place. Still, What was very surprising about except for Steve Stiles) and this could I’m thinking this is a tough year with the nominees over-all had to be the be the year when he wins it all again. Brad changing his game so strongly. absence of a single Japanese nominee. Japan has a bunch of Fan Artists (and Odds- 4-to-3 Odds- 4-to-3 Fan Writers and Fanzines, many of which were displayed at CascadiaCon) Frank Wu This whole category is tough, and there are a few folks who weren’t and it would have been nice to see one What he’s got going for him- A lot of nominated who’d have made excellent or more of them nominated. art show appearances. Art in lots of additions. There’s Dan Steffan, who zines around the world. A strong pres- The 2007 Hugo Award for Best FaN Writer Christopher J. Garcia and with good reason. He’s a darn good writer. I don’t think he has enough Where you can read his stuff- Well, penetration to win the thing, but he’ll you’re lookin’ at it, plus Pixel, Some do OK. While I’ll be beaten by No Fantastic, Johnnyeponymous on LJ, Award, he’ll take over fourth place with various other articles, LoCs in Banana a solid. Wings, File 770 and VFW. Had an arti- cle in PLOKTA last year. Odds- 10-to-1 What he’s got going for him- Writes a lot. Also has a fanzine nominated. Does some OK comedy. Steven H. Silver What he’s got going against him- Where you can read his stuff- He’s Writing’s not exactly the strongest had stuff in various zines like The you’ll ever read. Topics range far out- Drink Tank, Some Fantastic and oth- side of fannish interest quite often. ers, and he also does Argentus. Writing Provided for Christopher J. What he’s got going for him- Writes a Garcia’s zines- Just a few things... lot and is very high profile. Has a Best Related Book nomination this year as I’ve got no chance, and that’s well. OK. I’m just hoping I beat out No What he’s got going against him- Award for fifth place. The thing here is Well, there’s not much. Maybe not the I’m not sure what I’ve been nominated most widely known name on the ballot. for, whether it’s the stuff that shows Writing Provided for Christopher J. up in The Drink Tank or the stuff that I books and various other places. Garcia’s zines- He had a piece in the do elsewhere. Either way, it ain’t gonna What he’s got going for him- Good This Were WorldCon issue. be me who takes home that rocket. stuff in widely-read zines. Well-known around fandom and the subject of the Steven needs to win one of these Odds- 20-to-1 HANA fund to send him to Japan. someday. He’s been putting out good What he’s got going against him- Not stuff for a while now and it would be John Hertz involved in eLists. nice to see it recognised. He’s got a good chance for Best Fanzine someday Where you can read his stuff- He’s Writing Provided for Christopher J. too (Argentus is a fine zine as well). had stuff in recent File 770s and does Garcia’s zines- Oddly, none. a regular zine for APA-L called Vande- mond. He’s also seen in programme John was nominated last year Odds- 5-to-1 these things. His logner works, when Garcia’s zines- None, but I’ve asked. they appear, tend to be really really good. John’s taking it home this year. What he’s got going against him- He’s gonna be the one that breaks the There’s been an ‘Enough Already’ back- Langford streak. There were others lash for a few years, but he keeps on who were believed to be The One winning. Not as prolific as many others (Cheryl Morgan, Evelyn Leeper, Andy on this list. Hooper, Claire Brialey) but Joe’s gonna Writing Provided for Christopher J. do it based on name rec and blog- Garcia’s zines- Sadly, none, though power. Not that he doesn’t deserve it, I’ve asked him for a piece. but I’m still kinda on the fence about the whole Pros getting nominated for Not picking Dave as the favourite Fan Writer. Still, he’ll make a good and feels odd, but looking at the noms, it historic winner and I’m betting that just makes sense. He’s a legend, he’s he’s the one for us. in Cooperstown already, but there’s still a lot of life left in Dave (even if Odds- Even Money Fluff Cthulhu has eaten his brain in that photo). The interesting thing about this list is who’s not on it. There’s no Guy Odds- 2-to-1 Lillian (he’s been off the liost for a cou- ple of years, but he really deserves to John Scalzi be on it) and there’s no Andy Hooper or Where you can read his stuff-His blog Randy Byers, both of whom have put Dave Langford is the site for most of his fanwriting out some spectacular stuff this year. I Where you can read his stuff- Mostly as I understand it. He’s also got books was also surprised that Joe Scalzi got it’s in Ansible, but he has a few things out. the nomination over Jay Lake, who is pop up every year in various zines. I What he’s got going for him- Big also a blogging heavyweight. rather enjoyed his recent article along- name as a writer (he won the Campbell The big deletion has to be Claire side Niall Harrison’s brilliant piece in last year) and very popular over-all. He Brialey. She’s so damn good and to not Zoo Nation. It’s really not fair to put does a darn entertaining blog. have her on the list just doesn’t feel the real Dave Langford next to the next What he’s got going against him- right. She should be the one who takes Dave Langford. He’s a pro and that rubs some fans over in the coming years as the most What he’s got going for him- Writes the wrong way. Winning the Campbell frequent winner. Instead, she’ll have Ansible, which is one of the few zines before being nominated for Best Fan to accept the FAAn Awards like she that enjoys a Mainstream Fannish Writer is kinda different. should every year! Redership. Long tradition of winning Writing Provided for Christopher J. The 2007 Hugo Award for Best Semi-Pro

Lady Churchill’s Rosebud Odds- 15-to-1 Wristlet New York Review of Science Editor- Gavin Grant and Kelly Link What it’s got going for it- Good mate- Fiction rial and a long run. Beat Locus back in Editor- Kathryn Cramer, David G. the 1990s. A very strong contributors Hartwell, & Kevin J. Maroney list. Kelly Link is a big deal (and was What it’s got going for it- Great com- robbed for Magic for Beginners!) Recent mentary on the world of SF. excellent cover features a sleeperhold! contributors list. Well-designed. Fifteen What’s Going Against it- It’s not years old and still going strong. Locus. It’s got a smallish circulation. What’s Going Against it- It’s not Lo- Hasn’t become a name among a large cus, nor is it Ansible. swatch of fandom. The New York Review of Science The biggest thing about this is Fiction is a powerful zine that deserves that it got nominated. I’m sure it won’t a lot of respect, and it gets it. I suspect be the last time it’s on the ballot. Sad- that when Locus’ run of winning every ly, I don’t see it winning in a race with year ends for good (not jsut for a one- a behomth and a half like the top two. off win as there have been over the last couple of decades) I’m pretty sure that Odds- 20-to-1 NYRSF will be the one that takes over. Dave Hartwell deserves a lot of praise In a different year, I’d say that Interzone because of the work he does on the Interzone would have a very good zine. Editor- Andy Cox chance. This year, with the strange What it’s got going for it- Good mate- way the voting went (who expected no Odds- 8-to-1 rial and a long run. Beat Locus back in Japanese nominees?), I’m sadly cer- the 1990s. A very strong contributors tain that Interzone will be a fairly long Ansible list. Home to a regular Dave Langford contestant. Still, it’ll do OK and for column. any zine that’s been around 25 years, Editor- Dave Langford What’s Going Against it- It’s not Lo- you’re bouund to have some long-time What it’s got going for it- Beloved cus. Doesn’t get nearly the penetration adherant. material and a long run. Beat Locus into the US that it deserves. back in 2005. Any association with Dave Langford makes you an automat- ic contender. One of the very few zines to winning Best Semi-Pro. erage. Mainstream fandom loves. What’s Going Against it- There’s some What’s Going Against it- It’s not Lo- Odds- 2-to-1 backlash against a zine that always cus. The Langfordian backlash. wins. Not as much influence anywhere LoCus outside the US and Canada. I read Ansible just about every Editor- Charles N. Brown, Kirsten month. That’s more than I can say Gong-Wong, & Liza Groen Trombi I’m firmly of the opinion that about most of the nominees (though What it’s got going for it- Long his- Locus will keep winning until they fold. I’m starting a subscription to Lady tory of winning this award. Beloved by It’s not my thing, but I’m seldom disap- Churchill’s) and I’m never disappoint- many, especially those working in the pointed when I take a look at it. ed. It’s not really my thing, but it’s SF industry. Great contributors. The very well done. This is another fanzine Gold Standard when it comes to SFcov- Odds- Even Money that’s gone from winning Best Fanzine The 2007 Hugo Award for Best Editor: Short Form Stanley Schmidt Gardner Dozois Editor- Analog Editor- Year’s Best SF What he’s got going for him- Long- What he’s got going for him- Long- serving editor of one of the Big Three. standing editor and writer. Has a few of Respected as both writer and editor. these Hugo things littering his home. Had a better year than the last couple. What he’s got going against him- No What he’s got going against longer editing Asimov’s. Year’s Best SF him- Hasn’t won in a long line of not nearly the showcase title it was a nominations. Analog’s not nearly what while back. it used to be. I’m torn between saying that I’d love to see Gardner get back Stanley, who I’ve always liked, will up and running as a contender, but I never again regain the top of hte don’t think it’ll happen any time soon. pyramid and saying that he’s on the Yeah, Year’s Best is a great title, but way back up again. Analog seemed to it’s lost a little lustre. I’m saying the have lost it’s way a few years back. I’d shot is very long. love to see him beat predictions Odds- 15-to-1 Odds- 10-to-1 David Hartwell Gordon Van Gelder Sheila WIlliams Editor- Year’s Best SF and The New Editor- The Magazine of Science Fic- Editor- Asimov’s York Review of Science Fiction tion & Fantasy What she’s got going for her- Well- What he’s got going for him- Won the What he’s got going for him- Long- liked and hugely respected. Long over- Best Editor Hugo last year. Well-liked standing and top-quality editor of looked by voters. Had a great year this and a respected. Solid year. F&SF. Does some of the best rejection year. What he’s got going against him- letters in the world. What she’s got going against her- Tougher year in the category. What he’s got going against him- Tougher year in the category. Tough year. I’d almost feel bad about putting I think that Gordon needs one of I think she’ll win and there’s a David in this spot if I didn’t think that these Hugo thingees someday, but I’m lot of buzz around that happening. he’d be dominating it sooner or later. not seeing it anytime soon. He’s done a While I don’t read as many ProMags as He’s got it written all over him. This is helluva job over at F&SF and I’ve re- I should, I liked what she put out this a tough year and I’m betting that he’ll ally liked what he’s done. I think he’ll year that I read. move down the ladder a bit only to rise come very close, but not quite make it. back up to the top. I know a lot of people are talking about Odds- 2-to-1 him winning, but not this year. Odds- 5-to-1 Odds- 3-to-1 And where’s Mike Resnick? The 2007 Hugo Award for Best Editor: Long Form Since I don’t know enough about Hayden and David Hartwell. Hartwell about, but in none of the gossip mills each individual editor to do a full per- won the Best Editor last year and is has anyone been talking about him son-by-person account, I’ll go strictly the only one on both the Long and winning, so I’m thinking that he’s a off of what I’ve been hearing people say Short Form ballots. Patrick’s been on long shot. over the last few weeks and what I per- the ballot a lot and has a strong follow- Ginjer Buchanan. I like Ginjer. sonally know. I really wish there were ing. I met her a few years ago and she was a comprehenive resource where I could That’s not to say this is a sim- really nice. Sadly, I’m not thinking she get the info on who edited what and ple two horse race. There’s a lot of has enough pull to take this one. when. I found one, but I couldn’t figure sentiment for Jim Baen, who recently Of all the houses listed, Tor is out what was what by the way that the passed away. There’s a precedant for a the powerhouse. It’s gotta be either information was presented. dead winner set a few years back so it’s Patrick or David, unless sentiment Anyhoo, the battle would seem to not unthinkable. takes over and it’s Jim. I’m calling Dav- be between two people: Patrick Neilsen- is a guy I know little id in a very close vote. The 2007 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation: Short Form sTARGATE sg-1 200 Dr. Who- School Reunion What it’s got going for it- a strong What it’s got going for it- It’s Dr. fan following. Good acting. the only Who. The story is an important one as episode of SG-1 that I’ve watched all it brings back two major characters. the way through without having to go David Tennant is awesome. to the bathroom. What’s going against it- There is such What’s going against it- It ain’t Dr. a thing as vote-splitting, but it rarely Who. I haven’t looked at the ratings happens. While old-timer Whovians lately, but I believe it’s the lowest rated love this one, youngsters might not get of the shows nominated. it entirely. Do try the chips...

It’s a really good episode and one Yeah, this one is my personal of the few that I’ve seen. I’m not a big fave for the season. I love K9 and Sa- SG-1 fan, but had I started with this rah Jane and I can’t wait for the Sarah ep, I think I would have ended up as Jane Adventures. It should be a very one. IT’s a comedy concept that deals fun little series. with everything that I love. Odds- 5-to-1 Odds- 15-to-1 Battlestar Gallactica Down- Dr. Who- Army of Ghosts loaded and Doomsday not nearly as good as the best of the What it’s got going for it- It’s the re- What it’s got going for it- It’s Dr. Who nominees. freshing alternative to Dr. Who. Great Who. The story is an important one as cast. Strong fanbase. it writes out a major character. David I love David Tennant and his What’s going against it- It’s not Dr. Tennant is awesome. version of The Doctor. I’m saying that Who. What’s going against it- There is such this’ll come last of the three. I like this a thing as vote-splitting, but it rarely storyline, but it’s not nearly as good as I didn’t get to see it all (I still happens. Both the other eps nominat- the other two that are up. have troubles accepting a Battlestar ed from Who are better. No Sarah Jane Odds- 10-to-1 Gallactica without Dirk Benedict and Smith or K-9 in this pair.The story’s Lorne Greene) but I’ve heard folks rav- ing about it. Odds- 3-to-1 Who. The story is awesome and it’s got happens. Sophie Myles in it! Easily the Whovians Dr. Who- Girl in the Fire- favourite episode of the season. David This is the big one and I’m fairly place Tennant is awesome. certain that it’ll be the big winner. What’s going against it- There is such Odds- 2-to-1 What it’s got going for it- It’s Dr. a thing as vote-splitting, but it rarely The 2007 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation: Long Form Children of Men of the Black Pearl and no one was as good in the second as they were in What it’s got going for it- A really the first. Some people might not enjoy good movie by a director whose got a Hamster-inspired fight scenes. name that’s growing every year. One of I know I’m in the minority who the best action sequences in years. A thinks that Dead Man’s Chest was wonderful cast. A very thinking man’s almost as good as the first film, but film. it was so much fun. I’m amazed that What’s going against it- It’s the small- they’ve managed to do two films at this est film on this list as for number of quality level wihtout watering either people who’ve seen it and I’m not sure down when it came to production val- it’s on DVD yet. ues (and it’s fair to say that the Prod- Clive Owen is a Ghod and prob- Val on the second film might have been ably should have been James Bond. higher than on the first!). Still, I think Naw, Danny Craig is too damn good. there are enough people who didn’t en- The film’s not one that I’d normally joy it as much as I did who won’t vote think of for the Hugo nomination, but for it it’s great to see it up there. Still, I don’t think it’s gonna win Odds- 10-to-1 Odds- 15-to-1 A Scanner Darkly Pirates of the Caribbean- What it’s got going for it- A Phillip K. it. Great effects (won an Oscar), and Dick story made into a very experimen- Dead Man’s Chest Johnny Depp is always entertaining. tal movie by an awesome director. Fans What it’s got going for it- A very Has been released on DVD. believe that it was unfairly over-looked. popular franchise. Lots of folks saw What’s going against it- It ain’t Curse Another thinking man’s science fiction story. Has been released on DVD. a strong director. A film for thinking Hugo Weaving. great cinematography What’s going against it- It’s a small people with enough eye candy for all. and a beautiful score. Big release and film in terms of release. Some say that Based off a CHristopher Priest book well-received for the most part. it was too much like the story it was Available on DVD. David Bowie playing What’s going against it- Not liked at based on. Some didn’t like the anima- Tesla. ‘nuff said. all by Alan Moore and some fans com- tion. What’s going against it- As SF, it’s a plained it was too different from the It’s a good movie, no doubt, and bit thin. comic. if it had done better in theatres, I’d say Another really solid film that There’s a lot to be said about V it’d win, but it didn’t make that leap. it got nominated. I’d say it was at least for Vendetta. The changes made it play did do well in Japan, though. The reac- as good as anything I saw last year better in the US in 2006 and I thought tion of fans when it wasn’t nominated and the way it relates to the wrestling it was just about perfect the way it for the Best Animated Oscar tells me wars of the 1980s is remarkable (And I went down. I think that the perform- quite a bit. promise I’ll write that article soon). ance of Hugo Weaving seperates it from Odds- 4-to-1 every other film in the category this Odds- 8-to-1 year. V for Vendetta Odds- 2-to-1 THe Prestige What it’s got going for it- A great What it’s got going for it- Great adaptation of a great graphic novel. acting in a strong script directed by A truly remarkable performance from The 2007 Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist Again. I don’t know enough The folks who are up are a great putting high on your final voting ballot. about the pro artists to do a full thin- bunch. John Jude Palencar is a great is another guy who is gee, but here’s what I think I know and artist and I think he has a chance. just fantastic and this can be shown what I’ve heard. John Picacio I’m not nearly as familiar through the fact that he’s amassed a The last couple of years have with, but I hear that he’s well-worth load of Chesleys and a Hugo that he been very interesting in this category, a nomination, though no one seems won last year. with the first and most notable thing to think he’ll win. Stephan Martinière I’m torn. I’m thinking that it’s being that is missing. is a personal fave, though less for his either a long-time winner like Eggleton That could be because he turned down book covers and more for the fact that or Donato repeating. There’s really no the nomination because he was a guest he’s an excellent production designer bad choice here and I’m hoping that of the con or he could have missed the in animation. Bob Eggleton is a legend Donato wins again because he’s done cut (and that’s happened before). and is always worth nominating and some great stuff! About Writing: Seven The 2007 Hugo Award for Best Related Book About Writing: Seven Essays, get everyone, but it does get most of the big speeches that we’d otherwise Four Letters and Five INter- never get to hear. views by Samuel Delany I reviewed this for Some Fantas- What it’s got going for it- A good tic and I thought it was really good. look into writing. The Delaney...I mean Yeah, not quite perfect, but really en- Dalaney...I mean Chip’s name. joyable. Silver and Siclari are enough What’s going against it- Not as widely to get it plenty of votes. read as you think. Never featured on Odds- 5-to-1 NPR. I’m surprised this made the bal- Heinlein’s Children: The Ju- lot. I haven’t read all of it, but what I veniles by Joe Major read was OK. I like Delany’s stuff, but this was a little too ‘writers write’ for What it’s got going for it- Avery good me. book by a very popular fan writer. Lots of press in various places. There are a Odds- 20-to-1 lot of Heinlein nuts who will vote for it just because of the association. Cover Story: The Art of What’s going against it- Not featured John Picacio on NPR. Some people have started to What it’s got going for it- An art book tune out all things Heinlein do to the from a nominee for Best Professional masive push he’s gotten recently. Artist Hugo. Art books have done well I liked it. I think Joe did a great in the past. job and in another year, it’d win the What’s going against it- Not featured Speeches whole thing. As it stands, it’s running on NPR. Picacio isn’t going to win Pro What it’s got going for it- It’s about in a tight race for second. Artist, most likely. It’s a good book but WorldCon and it’s a darn good read. Odds- 4-to-1 it hardly made a blip compared to the Edited by very popular folks (Steve SIl- big ones on the list. ver and Joe Siclari). James Tiptree Jr.: THe DOu- Odds- 12-to-1 What’s going against it- Not featured ble Life of Alice B. Sheldon on NPR. Well, not everyone’s as into What it’s got going for it- It was WorldCOn Guest of Honor FanHistory as I am. The book doesn’t featured on more than one NPR pro- There’s an 800 pound Gorilla Lectures, pushed it as one of the best gramme. A thorough and engaging in this category and this is it. I don’t bios of the last year. I’d certainly agree, biography. The subject is a legend in think anyone expects anything other as I found the style to be remarkable. the SF field. than the Tiptree bio to win the award. Well worth reading and voting for. What’s going against it- Over-expo- The NPR programmes it was on, Fresh Odds- Even Money sure? Air, Forum and I think City Arts and The 2007 Hugo Award for Best Short Story Kin by Bruce McAllister Odds- 5-to-1 What it’s got going for it- I didn’t read it until today. Interesting writing The House Beyond Your Sky from an interesting writer. by Benjamin Rosenbaum What’s going against it- Not bad, but What it’s got going for it- Didn’t win I known I’ve read considerably better for one of the best stories of the last stuff in Strange Horizons and F&SF, decade two years ago and the crowd not to mention various anthologies. may give him sympathy votes. A really Sheila Williams’ chances look good story on its own too. I would say very good when you think that she’s Ben is number three on my list of fave responsible for 3 of the 5 in this cat- shorter length writers. egory. This is the weakest of them and What’s going against it- He’s a bit I don’t expect it to do terribly well. Not Sheila Williams’ picked well odd... that it’s a bad story, but it’s not on the again, but it’s also not the type of story Strange Horizons put out good level of the tops in this one. that I’d pick to win awards. I’m affraid stuff this year and this would be my Odds- 20-to-1 this one’ll lose too. fave too. I’m thinking that name value Odds- 20-to-1 coupled with very high quality prose Eight Episodes by Robert will put him in second. Reed Impossible Dreams by Time Odds- 3-to-1 What it’s got going for it- I didn’t Pratt How to Talk to Girls at Par- read it until today. Well-written stuff What it’s got going for it- I didn’t from a well-liked author who’s been read it until today. Very good stuff. ties nominated a number of times. Pratt’s a very popular writer and this is What it’s got going for it- It’s by Neil What’s going against it- Not the best some of his best stuff in a while. freakin’ Gaimen, that’s what! Also thing Reed’s done in the last few years. What’s going against it- Good, but a funny story and it’s got the most Has never won a Hugo. Name recogni- not great, name value. presense of any of the pieces nomi- tion isn’t as high as the top three. Solid, borderline spectacular. nated and I’d go so far as to say that know...I know.) the anthology left me a little flat. I will it’s actually a great story. I love the Well, YOu can’t say that Neil say that it deserves to be nominated concept of the story (guys, a party, didn’t out-perform my expectations on and even win. It’s so good, it made me girls...or are they?) this one. He did another book of short forget I really don’t like reading Neil What’s going against it- Well, person- stories and this original piece just Gaimen1 ally I’ve never been a big Gaimen fan (I made me very happy, even if the rest of Odds- 5-to-3 The 2007 Hugo Award for Best Novelette All The Things You Are by of mine rave about it. I have enjoyed Paolo’s stuff before. Mike Resnick What’s going against it- Tough cat- What it’s got going for it- A typically egory this year. Not as big a name as good Mike Resnick story. Mike’s a very some. popular writer (and editor). There may I can’t say that it was good stuff be some sentiment for anything that from personal observation, but eve- appeared in Jim Baen’s Universe. ryone I’ve talked to who is into short What’s going against it- Not the best stuff liked it a lot. I’m going to get it, Resnick in recent memory. It feels a lit- but I just ran out of reading time )and tle dated in my eyes. nearly fell asleep while reading one or It’s a tight category with none of two other pieces) them being super-heavy faves. I think Odds- 7-to-1 Mike’ll get lost in the sea of good work. Odds- 10-to-1 The Djinn’s Wife by Ian Mc- Dawn, and Sunset, and the Donald What it’s got going for it- Ian’s a big Colours of the Earth by star writer and this is one of his better Michael Flynn pieces of late. The last line “It is as the What it’s got going for it- A popular old Urdu poets declare,” says A.J. Rao. author does a good story. “Paradise is indeed contained within What’s going against it- Tough cat- a wall.” is without question one of the egory this year. best of the last few years. It’s a tight category. I’m think- Yellow Card Man by Paolo What’s going against it- Tough cat- ing that Flynn will be close to the pack Bacigalupi egory this year. BIgger with Brits than instead of the top. What it’s got going for it- I didn’t other countrymen. Odds- 8-to-1 read it, though at least two Brit friends It’s the kind of story I enjoy and it’s probably the best thing I’ve read lous and powerful story. Ryman is an niques that he used and I’m hoping at this length from McDonald. It’s an up-and-comer. that I see more Ryman soon. I have to awesome read and I’m hoping that What’s going against it- Appearing in say that I’d pick this over any of the others will go to the web and read it F&SF might hold it back. Some might others on the list, but I could see the because it deserves to strongly contend be turned away by the way the narra- appeal of the McDonlad piece over this in this crowded field. tor works throughout the piece. one for those who have a more tradi- Odds- 5-to-1 This one may not be as much on tional view of things. I’m hoping that the RADAR as the McDonald, but it’s this wins, but it’ll be close no matter Pol Pot’s Beautiful Daughter so damn good. Part ghost story (which who wins. has a touch of the Winchester Mys- Odds- 4-to-1 by Geoff Ryman tery House story to it) and part love What it’s got going for it- A marve- story...sort of. I really like the tech- The 2007 Hugo Award for Best Novela

A Billion Eves by Robert The Walls of the Universe by Reed Paul Melko What it’s got going for it- I read What it’s got going for it- It’s a this on BART while going up to playful, Universe-hopping story! San Francisco and thought it What’s going against it- I could see would make a good nomination. It someone hating the way Melko wrote combines Mormonist theory with the piece. environmentalist thinking with This is another Universe hopping Universe hopping! story and a Nebula nominee as well. What’s going against it- Sadly, I don’t It’s a lot lighter and more fun than think it holds up against the rest in Reed’s, but it’s also very good. I liked the category. Reed’s been accused of this a lot better the second time I read not using slick writing (which probably it and when I reread it this morning, I explains why he’s in Asimov’s a lot). was even happier. Reed gets another Nom and it’s a Odds- 10-to-1 worthy piece, though not the strongest in the set. I like the concepts, I like the Inclination by WIlliam presentation, and I liked the way he Shunn wrote it, though some have criticized What it’s got going for it- A really his lack of panache. good, twisted, philosophical story. It Odds- 12-to-1 reads like ’s good stuff Lord Weary’s Empire by Julian: A Christmas Story by mixed with Arthur C. Clarke’s great stuff and T.C. Boyle’s average stuff. Michael Swanwick Robert CHarles Wilson What’s going against it- That last What it’s got going for it- A really What it’s got going for it- Robert part of that author cocktail could turn good story from a really good writer Charles Wilson is always exciting, has people off. Not the biggest name author with a really good fanbase. a good following and here wrote a good of the bunch. What’s going against it- There’s story. Niall Harrison liked it. Wow. I hadn’t read this piece always been a contingent that sees What’s going against it- I don’t see until I started this list and I found it Swanwick as overly rough. any. on the Nebula nominees site and I I read this on-line this week and Niall said several wonderful was very impressed. The line “Late for I wasn’t blown away, but it is powerful things about the story in Strange my curfew and trembling, I grasp the reading. Swanwick does characters Horizons. The one that I totally agree doorknob that is not a doorknob.” is right. His name alone puts him up with was his last words: “What Julian enough to make me happy, but the higher than the others, and the story has been trying to tell Adam, and whole thing is just wonderful. Sadly, I is worthy too, even if it’s not totally my what Julian has been trying to tell us, don’t see other being as enthusiastic as cup of tea. Swanwick always does well, is simple, but heartfelt: here comes me (and when has that happened?) and this is no exception. tomorrow.” That’s why it’ll win. Odds- 8-to-1 Odds- 4-to-1 Odds- 2-to-1 The 2007 Hugo Award for Best Novel Blindsight by Peter Watts Eifelheim by Michael Flynn His Majesty’s Dragon by What it’s got going for it- I started What it’s got going for it- Good book Naomi Novik reading it and I have to say it was well- by a popular author (how many times What it’s got going for it- Really good written. Niall liked it a fair bit. have I said that in this issue?). book that even Evelyn enjoyed when I What’s going against it- I only got What’s going against it- Not nearly as read part of it to her. about 50 pages in and stopped. good as some other Flynn books. The What’s going against it- While there’s I started to read this and I parallel structure might turn folks off. no longer a serious anti-fantasy thought it wasn’t my thing. Even when Another one that I didn’t contingent, it’s still usually pushed I stopped, I knew this wasn’t the kind manage to finish, though I made it a behind really good SF. of book that wins. Reading various good way through. I love the settings, I liked this and I think that reviews I’ve come to the decision that especially the way he describes Novik will win the Campbell (and this it lacks that special something that Medievil Germany. It’s a thing that’ll is Handicapping the Hugos and the usually wins this award exists in usually make me take notice. It didn’t Campbell is NOT a Hugo!). Good story other’s eyes too! feel like a winner, though. of Dragons and the English Military. Odds- 12-to-1 Odds- 9-to-1 Odds- 5-to-1 Glasshouse by Charles And I have to say that these why The Drink Tank is nominated, Stross opinions are based largely on buzz welcome and I should say that things and my own opinions (because I’d aren’t usually this serious. Hell, What it’s got going for it- Hugely love to be able to say that Joe Major there’s hardly one image of a busty popular writer of really wild and was gonna walk home with a Hugo lass in this issue! wonderful science fiction. He’s what for Heinlein’s Children) and tries to And now I’ll be working on a would happen if Aldous Huxley, David take into consideration the fact that few regular issues, and then the big Peoples, Elvis Costello, Marvin Minsky the Japanese Votership won’t be the If I Ran WorldCon issue. That’ll be and William Gibson all got together to normal voting block, but there’ll be followed by a few more regular issues write an SF novel. a good sized US and UK votership and then This Were WorldCons. Mark What’s going against it- Nothing big. as well. There are things I think Plummer, Claire Brialey, Andy Hooper, I really like Charlie Stross. I are missing (Guidolon! Pacheco and John Purcell have said they’d send really do. I read this book and it kept Progress! Claire Brialey! Dan Steffan stuff for that one, and I’m probably me going. I’m a big fan (and not jsut for Best Fan Artist) but I kinda like gonna be able to get a few more folks. because of his facial hair) and his blog this list...except for the lack of I’ll be editing some of my Dad’s notes is great too. I’m thinking that he’s big Japanese and Female noms. so that I can present a thingee abotu enough to the point that he can pretty the 1968 WorldCon. much win Best Novel based on name So, there you have it. If you’re And that’s gonan be everything. recognition and a good novel. In this one of the beautiful people who are LoCs in the next issue and a few fun case, he’ll come in second based on checking in for the first time to see things. See ya! name recognition and a really really good novel. Art from- Selina Phanara, Odds- 3-to-1 Frank Wu, James Logan, Frank Wu, Brad W. Foster, Rainbows End by Vernor lab, Lucious Kayne, Trimuph the Insult COmic Frog, Vinge CHris Garcia, John Piley, What it’s got going for it- Really good Chaz Boston-Baden, Neil novel by one of the most popular SF Lepp and Alan White. novelists going today. He writes smart I’d like to thank Niall and strong science fiction in a style Harrison, Strange Horizons, Kevin Roche, that jsut keeps going. Ed, Trey Haddad, Barb, What’s going against it- Nothing big. BASFAns, Miek Walton, It’ll be close, and I could see Frank Wu, John Purcell a tie. This is Vernor’s first book that and others for all the I could make it all the way through buzz! You can send your without giving up for a while. thoughts to garcia Odds- 3-to-1 @computerhistory.org