[December 4, 1968] Sign Me Up (January 1969 Amazing)

by John Boston In this January's Amazing, on page 138, there is an editorial—A Word from the Editor, it says, bylined Barry N. Malzberg—which suggests a different direction (or maybe I should just say “a direction”) for this magazine.  First is some news.  There will be no letter column; Malzberg would rather use the space … Continue reading [December 4, 1968] Sign Me Up (January 1969 Amazing)

[December 6, 1967] Brotherly Love (Dangerous Visions, Part Two)

by Victoria Silverwolf A couple of months ago we looked at the first third of a massive new anthology of original science fiction and fantasy stories, put together by one of the most colorful figures in the field of imaginative fiction. Let's jump into the middle of the book and see if it maintains the … Continue reading [December 6, 1967] Brotherly Love (Dangerous Visions, Part Two)

[May 12, 1965] Da Capo (June 1965 Amazing)

by John Boston Changing of the Guard So here we are at the end of the Ziff-Davis Amazing and the editorship of Cele Lalli.  What’s next?  The magazine doesn’t say.  “Coming Next Month” is conspicuous by its absence, as are interior illustrations.  But the story is being told elsewhere.  The banner headline on Science Fiction … Continue reading [May 12, 1965] Da Capo (June 1965 Amazing)

[April 24, 1965] Every Silver Lining Has A Cloud (May 1965 Fantastic)

Our last two Journey shows were a gas!  You can watch the kinescope reruns here).  You don't want to miss the next episode of The Journey Show, April 25 (tomorrow) at 1PM PDT featuring professional flautist Acacia Weber as the special musical guest serving up some groovy period tunes. Register now! by Victoria Silverwolf Can't … Continue reading [April 24, 1965] Every Silver Lining Has A Cloud (May 1965 Fantastic)

[November 15, 1964] Veteran's Triumph (December 1964 Galaxy)

by Gideon Marcus Marching as to War November 11 used to be the federally mandated holiday set aside for the honoring of World War I veterans.  After "The Great War" was eclipsed by later conflicts, the day's scope became more general, dedicated to veterans of all wars.  And so, parades like this one in Walla … Continue reading [November 15, 1964] Veteran's Triumph (December 1964 Galaxy)

[July 24, 1963] The Numbers Game (August 1963 Fantastic)

[Did you meet us at Comic Con?  Read this to see what we’re all about!] by Victoria Silverwolf Those of us living in the United States had to memorize a new number this month.  In addition to our telephone numbers, Social Security numbers, and so on, we now have Zone Improvement Plan numbers, also known … Continue reading [July 24, 1963] The Numbers Game (August 1963 Fantastic)

[March 22, 1963] Return Engagements (April 1963 Fantastic)

by Victoria Silverwolf Those of us who are book addicts like to keep track of what's going on in the literary world.  One way to do this is to turn to the New York Times best seller list.  Unfortunately, strikers shut down the city's newspapers in December, preventing us from getting our weekly fix. We … Continue reading [March 22, 1963] Return Engagements (April 1963 Fantastic)

[March 18, 1963] The Missing Piece (April 1963 Fantasy and Science Fiction)

by Gideon Marcus In prior articles, the latest news has headlined and set the stage for the SFnal reviews that followed.  This week, however, the news is all internal, filled with tidbits like "YOUNG TRAVELER LEADS ACADEMIC LEAGUE TO DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS!" and "FIVE YEARS OF R&D CULMINATES IN PRODUCT LAUNCH FOR TRAVELER-HELMED COMPANY!" And yet, … Continue reading [March 18, 1963] The Missing Piece (April 1963 Fantasy and Science Fiction)

[March 12, 1963] TOO MUCH TO ASK? (the April 1963 Amazing)

by John Boston So: another not-very-good issue, this April Amazing, where the outstanding item is a piece of well-turned yard goods.  So what’s the reasonable expectation here?  Let’s not be too greedy.  How about at least something in each issue that’s unusually good, and nothing that’s unusually stupid?  Is that too much to ask?  Seems … Continue reading [March 12, 1963] TOO MUCH TO ASK? (the April 1963 Amazing)

[December 13, 1961] FAMILIAR FACES AND NEW NAMES (JANUARY 1962 FANTASTIC)

by Victoria Silverwolf To be successful, a fiction magazine often needs to strike a balance between established authors and new blood.  Experienced writers can generally be counted on to provide work of professional quality, while fledging storytellers may keep the magazine from seeming stale and predictable.  Such a strategy can be seen in the latest … Continue reading [December 13, 1961] FAMILIAR FACES AND NEW NAMES (JANUARY 1962 FANTASTIC)