Dear Jo,
In issue #11 Archie Waugh inspired me to put together my Darth Vader
model, which my wife and I will do next week. He also mentioned the Darth Vader table
lamp. I have one of these (signed on the helmet by Dave Prowes), but it is missing the
lamp shade. Any idea what the shade may have looked like so that I could try to replicate
it or possibly purchase a replacement? Any advise will be appreciated.
Second, I enjoyed Tom Becks column, but technically (Mistress)
K-9 was the Dr. Who companion featured most often 21 times to 19 for Jamie. Last, I
realize a color cover is certainly more attractive and a sine qua non for newsstand
distribution, but I would personally prefer to see more information on upcoming Cons
around the country. I feel the two issues are linked, as the money spent on color might
instead be used for free or reduced-price listings for Cons. I travel a bit and would try
to time some of it to coincide with Cons in other areas, but I have no information about
them. Please consider this, or if there already is a publication that features such
information, please let me know.
Thanks a lot,
Horace Marchant
Belchertown MA
Dear Horace:
The only Darth Vader table lamp I know of is an unlicensed product from
Windmill Ceramics, 1979. This ceramic, 9-1/2" tall accent lamp had no lamp shade. It
is on the cover of SNW issue #6. If you have a different lamp, please send me a photo.
Several publications provide convention listings, among them Analog,
Asimovs Science Fiction, Science Fiction Chronicle (for literary conventions),
and StarLog (good source for media conventions). These
are available at most newsstands and bookstores. Also, many fan clubs keep convention
lists; check your area for local groups.
Erwin S. Strauss puts together Asimovs SF Conventional Calendar.
For a longer, later list, an explanation of conventions, a sample of SF folksongs, and
information about clubs and fanzines, send him a SASE at Box 3343, Fairfax VA 22038. Hot
line is (703)2SF-DAYS (273-3297). If you have a computer and modem, you can connect
through the Internet with SF-LOVERS mailing list. For information about how to receive a
copy of their convention list, send a message to SF-LOVERS-FTP@RUTGERS.EDU with the single
word message "help." They maintain extensive information about conventions,
listed both chronologically and geographically. As for the color covers, you correctly
assumed that color is a necessity for newsstand distribution. But there is a more
compelling reason for going to color: I wanted it, so were doing it.
J.D.
Dear Sirs,
Ive enjoyed Strange New Worlds, especially your
model-making article on the Jupiter II in issue 10. Id like to see you
feature articles on SF model making, especially scratch-builders. There are many
incredibly talented people out there such as Steve Bohl of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jim Key
of Georgia, David Merriman, Jr. of Virginia Beach, Virginia and so on. Even though many of
these people have appeared in different magazines from time to time. Its always
great to see more of their efforts displayed.
Sincerely,
Mark Dorais
Battle Creek MI
Dear Mark:
We, too, appreciate the talent of model makers. In issue #3 we featured
some of the beautiful miniatures of Jim Key. We hope to have more articles in the future
about prominent modelmakers and designers. In the meantime, I think youll enjoy our
June feature: 1950s model spaceship kits. J.D.
Dear Jo:
In issue #11 I read an article on the Galactica 15 Year Reunion
Convention by Becky Einsig. I was surprised and dismayed that I was not cited in the
article as a reputable source of Galactica products... (Couldve sworn Id left
my cloaking device in the shuttlecraft.) At a paid for table, I sold my models of the
Colonial Blaster which had a reliably functional light system and digital playback of the
original sound effect. At their debut I sold them at the introductory price of $180. Their
current retail price is $200.
If you watched Sci-Fi Buzzs recent coverage of the
Reunion, that was my Blaster Mike Jerrick was firing. Richard Hatch was impressed with my
weapons display, particularly the Forbidden Planet Blaster with light and
digital sound. He even autographed a couple of my Galactica Blasters which I put into my
own personal collection.
Properly Yours,
Richard A. Coyle
PO Box 86175
Phoenix AZ 85080-6175
Dear Richard:
Thanks for the information about your quality products and their
appearance on Sci-Fi Buzz. (Readers who wish to know more about Mr. Coyle
and his work in the Star Trek feature films, please refer to our article in Issue #6.)
The purpose of the Galactica Reunion article was to provide our readers
with a general overview of the convention, not a comprehensive listing of every activity
and every dealer. J.D.
Dear Jo,
I managed to read through a copy of the magazine that I saw at EVECON
in Virginia over New Years weekend. I was slightly annoyed by the short shrift my
company was given by your reviewer, Becky Einsig, in regards to collectibles at the
Battlestar Galactica 15 Year Reunion. I went to great lengths to make sure that I had some
of the more unusual and rarely reproduced shots . . . She completely omitted the fact that
Dirk Benedict [Starbuck] made his first ever convention appearance at the show . . . Also,
I was informed that John Colicos [Baltar] never made it to the convention . . .
On a more positive side, you'll be happy to note that the TV Guide for
this week has announced that starting in the next issue, there will be a column devoted to
science fiction television. At long last we get the respect and recognition that we
deserve.
Your Truly,
Mark Marmor
Director of Services
THE OMEGA ZONE, 258 West 15th St.
New York NY 10011, 212/677-9375
Dear Mark:
Thank you for pointing out these errors. The guest list provided to our reporter did
not include these changes. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused. J.D.