Frienz/Issues 37-38
| Related terms: | |
| See also: | Frienz |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Frienz is a gen and non-explicit slash Starsky & Hutch letterzine.
They contain letters, want ads, con reports, clippings, flyers, and occasional fiction.
Issue 37 (July 1996)
Frienz 37 was published in July 1996 and contains 28 pages.
- TOTM: "What do you think S&H were like as students at the Academy/rookies?"
- Top Secret, fiction by Kathleen Cole
- an anti-slash fan, [KHK], includes a flounce letter, one that had an army behind it in other venues.
- As always, there's always a lot of context behind these letters in "Frienz" (the flounce letter, the letter leading up to it by the same fan, previous letters in response, and the editor of Frienz' pointed reply).
- See several editorials by Nanci Folsom Casad in That's What Friends Are For: the editorial in issue #1 and the editorial in issue #2, and the essay, GARBAGE LIKE THAT HAS NO PLACE IN FANDOM, which was was written by Nanci Folsom Casad directly in response to [KHK's] flounce. Also churning along was the very, very gen newsletter, Black Bean Soup.
From the editorial in "That's What Friends Are For" #2:
THIS ZINE IS DEDICATED TO A VERY SPECIAL PERSON: KATALIN KOROSSY, WHO KNOWS TRUTH WHEN SHE SEES IT, AND, BELIEVING IN WHAT IS RIGHT, HAS THE GUTS TO STAND BEFORE THE LIONS AND SMACK THEM ON THEIR NOSES! YOU TELL 'EM, KATI!
[...]
THIS TIME I HAVE PLENTY TO SAY, IN HONOR OF KATI'S COURAGEOUS STAND—ANTI-SLASHERS, SEE NEXT PAGE. ANY OTHERS MIGHT PREFER TO JUST SKIP IT.
Issue 37: Sample Fan Comments
From the editor:
Dear Readers, FRIENZ exists to discuss the Starsky & Hutch series. No one is expected/asked to agree with anyone else’s views about any thing at any time. We toss up ideas to discuss. I had thought that this was obvious to everyone. The only thing that writers to FRIENZ need do is be courteous to others, type your letters & don’t indulge in personal attacks. Save all your scintillating wit for the dialog in your stories. FRIENZ could use some summer short stories for the next issues.
From a German fan, who was dictating her letter to a friend to type as she was having some issues with her vision:
The other topic: the fact, that one is the leading role in a friendship, the dominant... I have to admit, for along time I thought it was Hutch who was the leading man in the friendship. That he told Starsky what to do, to feel, to be... Sometimes it wasn’t a nice feeling about the blond - I do admit. I've read "The Thousandth Man“ and was really angry because I thought what does he do to Starsky?? And I had a few arguments with other fans, who really doesn’t understand what I thought. I never was very happy with this feeling that Starsky is such a patient man. Don’t get me wrong - I mean such patience - to bear all his friend does to him. And this discussion in the end of TTM I couldn't accept. I never would endure all this hurting from a friend - no matter what dear friend she/he is - and still forgive it all. And some time later I've read "Protect and Serve" from [April Valentine] -and I felt the same anger in the beginning: a Hutch who is hurting Starsky, who is possessing him and doesn’t give him any room to be. And then Starsky was able to tell and show Hutch that he is able to live his own life. That he can do his own decisions.
A fan with plans:
I've been busy working on a couple of stories for upcoming zines, I'm looking into an idea for a novella, if I can find an editor...(Hey Linda, wake up, I know you're out there!) For anyone who doesn't know, Linda McGee is about the best editor I've ever worked with, she's tough, but you end up with a much better story for your effort!
A fan encourages new eyes despite it being an old fandom:
As a relative newcomer to the l/z most of what is said is new, to me. Though the 'veterans’ may find it irksome when old ground is retraced it’s an inescapable side effect of an expanding membership. There are brand new, sometimes very young fans with a totally different experience of life emerging all the time as the series is re-shown. They will rediscover all the old truths and hopefully add a few of their own. They should be encouraged and deserve the same opportunities. Can you remember when anew POV made you sit up and take notice, rush for a video or zine to recap, perhaps reach for pen and paper to have your say?
A fan is unhappy with what she sees as a chilling effect in this fandom:
... I’ve been quietly enjoying most of the discourse but must admit to an increasing degree of irritation as real life POVs creep into fan discussion and are used in an attempt to restrict interpretation of the series. I have a feeling of unease when I read judgemental words like 'unhealthy' in any of the exchanges. For me Fandom = Freedom + Escape from reality. It’s a place to dream, try out new ideas. Somewhere a different, more tolerant world, can be created.
Not against visibility on the internet per se, but against incomplete/incorrect information [1]:
Mundane public service announcement, necessitated by 'Internet' over enthusiasts who, without consultation or encouragement from me, have chosen to put out a notice about 'Renascence'. So ... succession of inquiries arrives. But ... I can't help since all copies, including re-printing, sold out some time ago. Additionally, the 'Internet' publicity was incomplete/inadequate, disregarding essential details in the flyer/order form. Result ... a lot of time and postage wasted. As editor, guess I have to resign myself to it and just wish that those notices which our L/Z editor has printed could be read and observed. I suppose one may have to assume good intentions, but the outcome is distinctly unhelpful.
Are some people natural fans:
Referring back to my earlier ‘Are hurt/comfort fans born?’ Question: Do y’all think fans are just born to be fans? I remember being so attracted to committed twosomes from an early age — Shane and Joe Starrett. the Cartright brothers on Bonanza. Slim Sherman and Jess Harper on Laramie, Cooper Smith and Duke Shannon on Wagon Train... I know younger fans loved Gage and DeSoto on Emergency. Any ideas on this?
Some early zine comments:
'What do you imagine S&H were like as students at the Academy/rookies?' 1990 was also the year in which I had that interesting experience of going with other SH fan-friends on a tour of The LAPD where some features were certainly relevant to the Academy course. The glimpses of training were fascinating — target practice, role-playing in dangerous situations, for example. The question recalls some satisfying fanzine fiction, especially Lynna Bright's very good story from just a few years back 'A Great Ending' (in Linda’s zine, 'The Lucky and the Strong. One of my top favourite stories — one to return to. The earliest SH zines (i.e. the published stories] turned quite often to this theme. There was Judy Maricevic's 'Second Chance'. And Teri White explored it in several stories, such as 'The Sound of Distant Drums' or 'The Long and Winding Road' or 'Prelude,' and 'Rite of Initiation' in ’Blond Blintz Bulletin.... with S&H still in the uniform branch. The only uniforms I recall in the series are in the tag of 'The Hostages', but those weren't LAPD issue. And we never saw the sequel to that order -'Be there early — bring your whistles.' There's a lot of scope here, both pre-Pilot and post S/REV.
A happy fan who'd just discovered zines and letterzines:
I just received my first issue of the letterzine. WOW! It was just a few months ago that I thought I had missed out on anything like this. I was actually sort of stunned to find that S&H fandom is still going strong. Stunned, but thrilled. When TNT started airing S&H I became hooked. I started collecting anything & everything on the show and it's stars. A truly wonderful lady in Canada sent me some old letterzines from the 1980's.That was when I first realized the extent of S&H fandom. Until then I thought I must be the only one out here with this obsession. And obsession is just what it is for me. Reading the letterzines from the 80's I felt really left out of something that sounded truly exciting to me. I learned about zines, and cons, and the like. Well with the help of the lady in Canada I was able to start tracking down some of the zines, and boy was I hooked.
Through the process of tracking down the zines I found out about this letterzine. I had never in my wildest dreams thought that something like this was still in existence. I feel like I have been given a second chance. Thanks to all involved. Only another fan can understand fully what it's all about. That's one reason that I am so happy to have found this letterzine. People who are not fans look at you sort of strange when you mention that you are a S&H fan.
Some thoughts on the fourth season:
If there had been a fifth season, we might have had even more diversity, and with luck, better scripts. Fourth season showed they were moving towards something different, and it was obviously not to everyone's taste. But it was the right thing to do. They couldn't have gone on endlessly repeating the formula of the first three seasons, despite the fact that they were the high point of the show. Fourth season emphasized the differences in their characters, and in their reactions to certain circumstances beyond their control. This slight moving away from "my partner right or wrong" seems to be what some found hard to accept. It was a testing time for the relationship, and to me as interesting as the earlier unquestioning closeness. The friendship did withstand the test, and as I said, there could have been some very interesting developments in a fifth season. Looking back to the recent half-hour documentary, there seemed to be more than a whiff of nostalgia for the series on the part of both PMG and DS. They might have been interested in developing the characters further, but producers of successful series are not notorious risk-takers and fourth season was probably as far as they were prepared to go down that road.
More thoughts on the fourth season:
One thing that I have noticed in letterzines is that the fourth season seems to be a large topic for discussion. I myself liked the fourth season. I am a Hutch fan and I liked his long hair, and mustache. Sure he looked a little rough around the edges, but he had been through some harrowing experiences. He had been shot, and his ex-wife murdered, and then he was accused of the murder. Who wouldn't look a little tired and frazzled? The friendship and love was still quite evident. When push came to shove you always knew that they would be there for each other. All relationships have there ups and downs. But even during the rough times deep down they knew that the relationship between them was to important to let anything come between them for very long.
A fan wonders about the show seen through a more modern (1996!) lens:
Yes, exactly. If it wasn't for the 'live-or-die' environment of being street cops, I doubt that S&H would be or could be as close as they are. In fact (karma aside) they might never have met. As for 'coming back' to the show... well, I for one still find myself wincing at the embarrassing moments (BRAVO just screened LV Strangler) and wondering just what kind of show it would be if they made it today. More violent, certainly. More graphic and gritty. It did have a certain cartoon quality -- some shows still do today! and I would like to see what Stephen Bocho [sic] (for example -- NYPD BLUE) would make of it.
Compromise or obedience?:
Wives obeying their husbands?...Hmmm. Having been married for thirty-plus years, I'd say that the answer is not necessarily unquestioning obedience, but the ability to communicate and to reach a compromise. A partnership of equals. Ideally, this is what S&H have.
NOT S&H:
This may not be new information to most of you, but Chris and I once started a 'how-they-met-story', complete with Academy hi-jinks. We weren't far into it when it dawned on us that whoever we were writing about, it wasn't S&H. (If you want to know who they were, drop me a line!) Anyway, 'Class of '69' (don't laugh, we know it was dumb title) became 'A Different Drummer' , and the rest, as they say, is history....if you've read your way through all the stuff in the Library, and you're hungry for more stories, you may care to try us...
S&H dark? Try Miami Vice fanfic:
You said that S&H fanfic is the darkest that you've read - try that of Miami Vice! There the program itself had story lines that you see in much fanfic: one partner shoots the other, one partner turns bad in a major way, etc. A lot of the MV fanfic portrays Sonny Crockett as a little or a lot insane, developing ideas already explored in the aired shows. In fact, I rediscovered S&H because I wanted to watch a lighter, happier show. Except for a story about Simon Marcus' followers grabbing Hutch, I can't recall anything in gen fanfic that is as dark as that of MV.
A fan writes about fannish opinions and slash:
Here's something which has sometimes puzzled me. Remember the very first published S/H fanfiction? And how some of its opponents alleged that it was 'damaging' to the actors? (It's there on record in the L/Zs of the time.) [2] And yet, when, for example — during and after the SH series — DS went on to play various roles (a pimp in 'Little Ladies of the Night, a rapist in 'Rage', a serial killer in 'The FBI Murders), I never noticed in L/Z correspondence any allegations of 'damaging'.Yet the presentation in fanfiction of a caring, steadfast, loving relationship was perceived by some as damaging. A curious double standard? Not really ever thought through? Kathleen's letter raises interesting points.
Most of us, I should think, could appreciate the possible tedium engendered by recapitulation of ancient arguments. But to newer fans the debate could well be new, and newer fans might have new approached and POV to offer. To some, it's not ancient history? The S/H premise exists. It's not going to go away. Why ever should it?! We need not feel inhibited in going over old ground. The unacceptable aspect would lie in, say, applying pejorative epithets to whatever we don't agree with, or in the assumption of superior insights, understanding or access to 'truth'. That's where 'bickering' could find its congenial slot. Free and open discussion could be the loser there.
Instead of 'retiring' or cancelling a L/Z sub., a constructive course could be to write to the L/Z the kind of letter you like to read. One kind which I always enjoy focuses imaginatively on some sequence or episode with benefit of perceptive interpretation. [...]
I heartily agree with Kathleen (wouldn't everyone?) that bickering is BORING. But genuine discussion, the rational exchange of ideas and suggestions, supported by evidence, can be one of life's pleasures. Differences of opinion are not in themselves grounds for consternation, nor need they signal eternal enmity. Exchange of views need never be a WAR of words, nor should it involve any wish to silence or suppress. All of it two-way. Discussion is surely one of the raisons d'etre of any fandom. Without it, how vapid a L/Z would become. There's a clear dividing line between the boring triviality of bickering and the illuminating exchange of views with humour and goodwill, and recognition of common ground.
An Very Unhappy Fan Leaves
A fan, [KHK], writes a fandom flounce about leaving this letterzine due to what she felt was lack of tolerance for gen fans, and while not stated here and instead in other letters (here and elsewhere), her dislike of slash:
Despite having been in fandom for ten years and a dozen universes, I still never truly appreciated it until I found S&H. It literally changed my life, and I desperately wanted to give something back to it and find others to share it with.That's when I started writing Frienz. Then, something happened at MW. A stupid thing, really, not deliberate but still hurtful. A video was shown without warning that, to me, was offensive and deeply troubling. It was not really the video that I had a problem with, it was the fact that I had no choice as in watching it or not. But I didn't say anything there, and so I really felt no right to complain too much about it afterwards.
My one reference to it in Frienz was passing and light, and as inoffensive as I could make it without judging anyone, yet making my feelings known and, hopefully, avoiding a future similar situation. I then thought the matter closed. It was not.
The next issue [of Frienz] brought hasty denials and explanations, even a redefinition of what I'd 'meant to say'. Perplexed, I tried to clarify myself, again stating I wasn't angry or judgmental, merely a little hurt and anxious to avoid a similar situation. After all, I wasn't even commenting about the 'right' or 'wrongness' of slash, merely my right to not partake in it, which I felt had been unintentionally violated.
I pleaded for a little toleration for my moral values, and again, I thought the matter closed. It was not. Shortly thereafter, a comment of mine made in a purely objective context of it being psychologically unhealthy to be both lovers and partners, gay or not, a belief supported by PD policies nationwide and not of my own creation, once again brought vigorous responses. Anything else I talked about was overshadowed by this one throwaway line.
And soon I found myself in the distasteful and unpleasant position of needing to defend my personal beliefs, and those of gen people in general, merely to validate my opinions. Friends pointed out to me in personal correspondence that the tone of exchange was getting personal, but I kept at it because I loved the fandom so darn much, I figured that could overcome everything. After all, everyone was preaching tolerance and live and let live. I idealistically believed it.
I also continued to do as much for the fandom as I could. I wrote 20 pieces in that one year, edited a zine, and researched a thorough show compendium. Somehow I figured that would show my sincerity and my deep love for the fandom. And I kept struggling for the right to not have my beliefs challenged, to not have slash forced on me, to not be condemned for the intolerance that others were so quick to show to me.
I'm tired. I'm sick of fighting with people, of arguing slash over and over because I can't accept that people are telling me I have to accept it. I don't. I never have in any other fandom, and people respected that until now. I don't know what makes this fandom different, but I'm so tired of arguing. We ought to be sharing a common love, the united enjoyment of two men who care so deeply for each other that it fills some need in all of us to share their lives. Instead, we seem to be dwelling on the one issue that divides us.
I guess I realized the pointlessness of this when I asked a fellow Frienz fan what I was doing wrong, and she said it was my fault for mentioning that video over and over again. I checked - besides that initial comment I made, and the one clarification in response to someone's personal note to me, I never mentioned that video again. But clearly I was giving the impression that I couldn't let the subject go, that I was indulging in hateful and unruly "bickering and bitterness" as one person put it. I had simply considered it defending myself. But so be it.
In the interests of peace and harmony. I'm no longer going to take part in the discussions in these pages. Yes, I've taken all the preaching about tolerance to heart; ironic, as I never was against slash people in the first place. Only I still don't understand why that philosophy of tolerance didn't include me.
I fully intend to continue my fandom work. I love writing, and I love the show very, very much. There's something in it that's transcended all the arguments and problems, and keeps me eternally and irrevocably hooked. I'm encouraged to find a continually growing crop of new fans, many of whom are gen, but of which the slash ones are also blessedly non-judgmental. I am even fortunate in counting some of them my friends. They've taken the approach that when in mixed company, they temporarily put aside their slash interests in favor of common and mutually agreeable enjoyments. I have yet to see a blue video or picture at our get-togethers - not because of our 'lack of tolerance,' but out of simple thoughtfulness and courtesy. It's heavenly.
I regret that I have surely already offended some with this letter, I really do. Believe it or not, that is not nor never was my intention. But unfortunately, it seems as though some will never see anything I say but in that light. And since I cannot to mine own self be true any less than they. I'll leave gracefully. To all those who thanked me for speaking for them, too, thank you for your encouragement. And eternal thanks to you, Jean, also, for providing the forum that led me to so many good acquaintances and friends. I'll miss seeing you all here. God bless.
- [Jean, the editor, added her response directly below this letter, something she'd not done before with any other letter to Frienz]: Your letter is the oddest mixture of seeming tolerance, rehashing your differing opinions with others + 1 paragraph on the pleasures of fandom. Probably the only thing we all agree on is that we love this series; beyond that everything is up for discussion/disagreement. Yes, you do have a choice about whether or not to watch a video anywhere at a Con. When I’m bored/bothered by a video I walk out: you too can do the same. Farewell. Editor
Issue 38 (September 1996)
Frienz 38 was published in September 1996 and contains 27 pages.
- TOTM: "Which physical aspects do we find most appealing about our two favorite cops? Also, what are your favorite drawing of them?"
Issue 38: Sample Fan Comments
Tolerance and fandom "families":
The "one big happy family" image with reference to fandom and fanfiction? Co-existence? YES, indeed. That's always been my experience and preference. I could never feel that a different POV somehow turned anyone into an object of suspicion (in absence of evidence to the contrary). Happy families aren't unanimous in their views? And gen - slash - need not be exclusive choices? I have friends who, like me, are happy to enjoy good writing in either genre and feel no urgent need to 'take sides'. Other friends' affinities are exclusively gon- or slash- oriented. (I think thtt. exclusive route could mean missing out on a lot of good things.) And there are friends whose POV I don't actually know in any detail. But we all seem to co-exist without problems. Fans aren't clones - happily. If it's stand-up-and-be-counted time, then, to me, the slash premise seems a credible and convincing starting-point for a lot of possibilities in writing and in interpretation.
Regarding discourse, and a decision by a fan to step away from this letterzine:
Indeed we do not have to agree on S&H topics, or anything else. And wouldn't it be dull if we DID?The letterzine exists for the exchange of views, which is what stimulates interest in the series.
That being so, it is hard to understand why [KHK] feels as she does, and why she is no longer willing to take part in our FRIENZly discussions. I think she is wrong to focus so much on her perception of the personalities of people she knows in fandom. I wonder how well she really knows them? I'm sure no one wants to 'fight' with her, and knowing this fandom as I do, it's hard to believe that she's met with so much intolerance for her views. Her letter seemed rather sad to me. However, her decision not to participate has to be respected if not understood. Since she says she loves fandom so much, maybe the loss will be hers.
Sees only respect:
I spent much of last evening looking through the last few issues of Frienz, hunting for examples of the intolerance that a newly departed member complained of. All I found was, to me, a fairly tiresome repeated rehashing of the issue of the rightness or wrongness of slash. But from what I can see, it was all done in a civil and respectful fashion. If those who support the slash premise had simply ignored questions or comments directed to them, would not that have been, or been seen as, discourteous or disrespectful? "The right not to have beliefs challenged?" I kind of thought that's what we were here for. It would be a mighty dull letterzine if nobody disagreed with anybody else! Am I the only living specimen of the species Genfan Non-anti-slashus? I just happen to prefer the gen premise because, to me, it makes the characters unique and thereby more interesting; but I am not anti-slash, in the sense of proclaiming that slash, or homosexuality, is somehow wrong and immoral. Are there any more like me out there?
Tolerance and fandom:
To me, acceptance of differing points of view, without being threatened by them, is one of the basic principles of fandom. After all, aren't we all a little "different" from society, by virtue of our love for a certain 70's "cop show"? Can't we like what we like, and allow others to do the same -- without censure?
Should gen and slash fans part ways?:
I'd like to summarize the 2 big questions that were raised in the last issue:1. Should the fandom remain together in Frienz, or should the slash and the gen people part company?
2. Should the discussion of slash vs. gen continue?
My own answer to both questions is yes...maybe. I think that it's counterproductive for fans of ashow to divide themselves because that makes communication more difficult. I don't mind (as a newcomer to the fandom) the discussion of slash vs. gen and appreciate those who wrote that they understood why the topic comes up again and again as new people enter the group. However. I see two problems with the discussion continuing. First, it boring some people. Perhaps those interested in such a discussion could make that private communication between interested parties. My second reason for not wanting to continue the discussion is that it has driven someone away from the letterzine, which I think is unfortunate. I know of another gen fan who was advised not to subscribe in the first place because Frienz was seen as an unfriendly environment for gen fans. I have not found this to be true.
Can't we all get along?
I liked Barbara's sensible rationalization of the 'slash/gen' issue. I'm all for peaceful coexistence. It's always worked for me and I've been in this fandom a long time. I, too, have personal friends of both persuasions. We each respect the other's viewpoint and we all love the show, and its characters. As DMS might say, "What's to argue?".
Agreement that hurt/comfort fans are born that way:
I agree that hurt/comfort fans are born and so are those drawn to "the relationship". It is the most interesting element for me in nearly all the fandoms I've been devoted to: Man From Uncle, Star Trek, S&H, Miami Vice, Alien Nation. For me, it's a chance to see mirrored in fiction what I have been fortunate to find in real life.
Born that way:
Now that you mention it, I too remember being drawn to h/c type situations, rare as they were in earlier series, even as a small child. And if, as so often happened, that aspect was just sort of quickly glossed over, I would let my imagination expand the scene to my satisfaction, though now that I do some fan writing, I find I have to be in rather a down' mood to really get into writing h/c. Maybe have to be sort of craving comfort myself to get into the characters heads with them in a similar situation?
Privacy and visibility:
I won't disagree with the need for discretion and privacy for those whose work is contained in the collection or in these pages. I, too, would be a bit nonplussed if someone came up to me at a conference and wanted to discuss my fan writing. It's a question I wrestled with before I began writing over 10 years ago. I figured if Jean Lorrah could have her fannish activities and be a university professor, I could work at a community (junior) college and survive.But this leads me to a question that has long puzzled me. Why is it perfectly ok to write pastiches of Sherlock Holmes stories and novels, recreating with more or less skill what Conan Doyle created over a hundred years ago but it's not socially acceptable to continue to write in any of the universes in which fans currently work? It's not a question of copyright because the stories started while Doyle was alive.
It seems odd that one original media being print and the other being TV would make such a difference. I don't believe that it's the difference between amateur and professional because I've seen some fan writing that's better than some of the pseudo Holmes stories published! Is it the collaborative nature of TV that generally deprives a show of having a primary ’’auteur"? Surely Gene Roddenberry or Exec. Producer of Alien Nation, Kenneth Johnson are considered the creators of their shows, So, how come?
VCRs have given a new richness to discussion, and viewing:
It was many years ago - probably somewhere at the end of the seventies or beginning of the eighties - that I read my first SH l/zs. A real highlight for me in those early days when I was, in a way, catching up with conversations previously started before my attention was engaged, was the discussion of episodes in detail, or when particular scenes were referred to in such intriguing ways that had I had a VCR in those days, would have had me instantly grabbing the remote control to see for myself. Instead, I made mental notes that I would have to look out for those particular episodes or scenes in re-runs or add them to my catalogue of audio tapes. Now, many years and the arrival of VCR and episodes tapes later, I still get great delight from reading letters like Evelyn's to Issue 37. Due to the particular generosity of two others, I am currently filling in the gaps of my SH tape library via the edited repeats on Bravo and other sources and Death Ride, which Evelyn discusses in her letter, is one of my recent acquisitions. I had watched it once, but after reading Evelyn's letter, took another closer look. She is right in pointing out that it is one of those episodes which subtly illuminates a very special pairing of minds, hearts and feelings. Evelyn offers intriguing possibilities for reading beyond even that - which one can take or leave - above all, it is worth a rewatch for those consistently affirming moments throughout the episode.
Keep the epithets at bay:
Tabby mentioned the fairly constant references in fanfic to Starsky as "the smaller man", something I have to confess, that irritates me beyond belief. I've never though the height difference was that noticeable, or that "small" was an apt, or accurate description of DMS. Likewise KH as "the blond". I was pleased to find I'm not alone in having long considered these cliche-type descriptions tiresomely overworked.
Regarding the TOTM and memorable art:
This time's TFD brings back the memories; SH fandom has been very fortunate in its artists.For me, one favourite is the front cover of 'The Goliath', You can almost hear the waves and the gulls. That cover leads memory on to so much more of Suzi's works all those beautiful covers - for 'Distant Shores', for 'Nightlight' for 'Turned to Fire' and for 'Blue Eyes and Blue Jeans'.
And still, years on, among my top favourites is the Strength and Justice theme which Connie Faddis drew for the cover of '10-13' i. I'm lucky enough to possess originals of some favourites — kind gifts from across the ocean, or drawings acquired when I could actually attend a transatlantic CON...like Jean's 'brass bed' painting of DMS, treasured since its acquisition in 1982. And the painting by 'TACS' (1985) — 'The look of today - the memory of yesterday' - printed in 'Celebration'. And Judy's PMG portrait (1990), printed in 'Penal Code',ii. It's very satisfying to be finding more drawing in a great tradition now that SH fandom is meeting Evelyn's work. It's hard to pick a favourite there but I find a lot of enjoyment in 'From the mist into the light' which graced the pages of 'Renascence'. And this response to the topic is just the tip of an artwork iceberg. There's so much, all waiting for that voyage of rediscovery.
More about favorite art:
Favorite illos? Life has been too fraught lately to allow thorough research (all right, any kind of research, other than going right now to look up a couple of page numbers!), but I vividly remember Carol Davis’ drawing of S&H’s laughing embrace from Who You Know... (p. 101) And page 162 of Casa Cabrillo with the striking profile of Hutch. The frontispiece of Bonaventure. All the illos to "Desperados," in No Pants, No Badge, No Gun. Virtually anything by Suzan Lovett. The Judy Jones S&H in the oval frame in Blue Eyes and Blue Jeans. And covers, such as those on TLC, both Nightlights, ...Turned to Fire (those eyes!). BEaBJ. And. I’m sure, many more.
TOTM and art:
TOTM: favorite drawings? You can’t seriously be asking me to CHOOOSE! Hmmmm. The one from It’s Love, Cap’n (between pp. 46 and 47) with THAT look on Starsky’s face and Hutch talking to him... it gels me every time, and always makes me wonder just what Hutch is saying. Also the illos from Labyrinth (in Shadowplay) and the one at the end of Sweetest Taboo (Code 7 #4). Every single illo in Distant Shores, Thousandth Man, The Goliath, and Murder on San Carmellias [sic]. And of course the covers from BEaBJ and Nightlight 2. Seems to me that these all have something in common, too. Of course, these are just the ones off the top of my head; every time I open a zine I’m reminded of favorite illos all over again! Wow, I’m getting all tingly just thinking about this question (my hubby is really gonna wonder about all the drool on the computer keyboard when he gets home...).
Slash as damaging to an actor?:
Your reference to slash being seen as 'damaging' to the actors reminded me of something similar that arose during the unfortunate 'Fan War' in my other fandom, Blakes 7. In this case it was an actor's wife who got wind of some stories involving her husband's character. She objected strenuously, saying: "He's not like that." Most fans, or at least those of us who'd refused to be drawn into taking sides, found this quite amusing, given that in the series this actor's character was a convicted embezzler and quickly developed into something of a homicidal maniac. She never seemed to have any problem with all that! It seems many people just have to have someone to look down on, and now that other forms of discrimination are becoming increasingly politically and socially unacceptable, gays seem to be the one remaining 'legitimate' target. That book on cops [3] I was quoting from the excerpt of earlier also lists the unofficial police men's club hierarchy: "...white males first, then black and other minority males, then white females, black females, and, last, gay males."
References
- ^ Mistakes about zine information was sometimes found in print zines as well, but this fan is unhappy with internet/online fandom and what she feels is a lack of control over what has mostly been, so far, a sort-of private space.
- ^ Comments about "damaging," see Leslie Fish's comments about "Pushin' the Odds".
- ^ (Breaking and Entering; Women Cops Talk About Life In the Ultimate Men's Club by Connie Fletcher