Last year the Canadian Mint issued several beautiful coloured coins in honour of Star Trek’s anniversary. This year, they have added two more to the series: Five Captains, and The Borg.


Last year the Canadian Mint issued several beautiful coloured coins in honour of Star Trek’s anniversary. This year, they have added two more to the series: Five Captains, and The Borg.
The Crossing, an official prologue short to Alien: Covenant, reveals what happened to crew members Dr. Elizabeth Shaw and the synthetic David after the events of Prometheus. Set aboard an abandoned Engineer vessel, Dr. Shaw repairs David as they continue their search for humanity’s creators.
Fornax is a fanzine devoted to history, science fiction & gaming as well as other areas where the editor’s curiosity goes. It is edited/published by Charles Rector. In the grand tradition of fanzines, it is mostly written by the editor. This is the April 2017 issue.
This issue of The National Fantasy Fan was sent to you by the National Fantasy Fan Federation, founded 1941 http://N3F.org.
From Felicity Walker, BCSFAzine 521, clubzine for British Columbia Science Fiction Association.
We have also received, via TNFF, 4 issues of Mount Void and 6 issues of the Revenge of Hump Day.
Revenge of Hump Day 2017-02-08
Revenge of Hump Day 2017-02-22
Revenge of Hump Day 2017-03-01
Revenge of Hump Day 2017-03-08
Revenge of Hump Day 2017-03-29
Revenge of Hump Day 2017-04-05
It may seem strange for an Avatar-themed park to be opening in 2017, but the Avatar franchise is far from over. Last April, Fox confirmed Cameron would direct Avatar 2, Avatar 3, Avatar 4 and Avatar 5 over the course of the next six years, with the final movie expected to be released around Christmas 2023. Avatar 2, the sequel to Cameron’s box office-breaking 2009 film, will be released around Christmas 2018.
Copied from: http://www.arctera.com/wfa/wfadmin-award-announcement.htm
The Awards Administration wanted something representational that would reflect the depth and breadth of the fantasy field, from horror to high fantasy and all stops in between. Trees—good trees, evil trees, prophetic trees, harboring trees, forests full of demons, forests of sanctuary—turn up throughout art and literature from the very beginning. They represent life, strength, nature, endurance, wisdom, rebirth, protection; they symbolize the link between heaven and earth. In Christian mythology, mankind starts with the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. In Norse mythology, the entire structure of the universe is dependent on the giant ash Yggdrasill, the World Tree, which many Eastern European countries see as a home to the spirits of the dead. Indian mythology has the cosmic tree Asvattha, and there are plenty of fantastical trees in Greek and Roman mythology too, including dryads, the nymphs who inhabit trees, the Dodona grove of prophetic trees, and Argo, Jason’s ship, which maintained the magical properties of the tree which provided its wood.
The Green Man is a magical figure in many countries; druids are tied to the oak and the ash; some oak trees were thought to be oracular. Yews guard the entrance to the underworld, rowan keeps witches away. In Native American myth the hero Gluskap created humans by shooting an arrow into the heart of a birch. In Persia, the tree which grew from the decomposing corpse of the first human split into a man and woman, and the fruit became the other races of mankind. Buddha reached enlightenment under a Bodhi tree, which in turn inspired Robert Jordan’s Chora trees.
Trees bestride fantasy literature, from Roger Zelazny’s The Chronicles of Amber to Robert Holdstock’s WFA-winning Mythago Wood cycle, C.S. Lewis’ Narnia chronicles to Michael Sullivan’s Age of Myth cycle, the godswoods of Westeros in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, J.R.R. Tolkien’s Ents and Enid Blyton’s Magical Faraway Tree.
But not all trees are nurturing: it’s the treatment of a Chora sapling which begins a bloody war in Jordan’s books. Tolkien’s Mirkwood is as evil as its denizens and Weasels and Stoats rampage around Kenneth Grahame’s Wild Wood; J.K. Rowling’s Whomping Willow has terrified millions, while Patrick Rothfuss’ Cthaeh, lurk unseen in the branches of a giant tree in the fae realm. There’s the baobab tree in Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince, Ray Bradbury’s The October Tree, the apple tree in The Wizard of Oz, and many more.
Vincent Villafranca has encapsulated the worlds of fantasy in the branches of our new award, and we thank him.
Later this year, MonSFFA is planning a discussion of SF/F art and artists. The Chesley Awards are for the best art in the previous year, and are presented in a ceremony at the World Con, this year in Helsinki.
Take time to see the images, they’re awe inspiring!
Cathy
2017 Chesley Award Final Nomination List (for 2016 Works)
This is the official final nomination list for the 32nd annual ASFA awards, the Chesleys. The Chesley, named for the great astronomical artist Chesley Bonestell, started in 1985 as a means for the SF & Fantasy art community to recognize individual works and achievements in a given year. This year’s awards are for works and achievements in the period from January 1st to December 31st 2016.
Album https://goo.gl/photos/Ms1RqFpsTQp6Pdpy6
Dan dos Santos Fables: Cubs in Toyland by Bill Willingham Vertigo, September 2016
Todd Lockwood Summer Dragon by Todd Lockwood DAW, May 2016
Tran Nguyen Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey Subterranean Press, October 2016
Cliff Nielsen Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare McElderry Books, March 2016
David Palumbo Arcanum Unbounded by Brandon Sanderson Tor, November 2016
John Picacio In the House of the Worm by George R.R. Martin Baltimore Science Fiction Society, May 2016
Album https://goo.gl/photos/n7rLm6WRQx8oE56h6
Tommy Arnold A Taste of Honey by Kai Ashante Wilson Tor.com Publishing, October 2016
Julie Dillon Beyond the Stars: At Galaxy’s Edge by Assorted Authors Astral books Amazon Digital Services, August 2016
Sarah Anne Langton Central Station by Lavie Tidhar Tachyon Publications, May 2016
Gene Mollica Breath of Earth by Beth Cato Harper Voyager, August 2016
Victo Ngai Forest of Memory by Mary Robinette Kowal Tor, March 2016
Album https://goo.gl/photos/eTTAWtG7V4f8TLY68
Galen Dara Uncanny Issue 10, May/June 2016
Elizabeth Leggett LIGHTSPEED #69, February 2016
David Palumbo Swallowed Whole, Aliens – Life and Death #1 Dark Horse, September 2016
Paolo Rivera Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. 1953 Dark Horse, February 2016
Jeremy Wilson Chimera Brigade #1 By Serge Lehman and Fabrice Colin Titan Comics, October 2016
Album https://goo.gl/photos/7vJkVu63StdPWVqEA
Rovina Cai “Tom, Thom” by K.M. Ferebee Tor.com, February 2016
Kari Christensen Gethsemoni, Court of the Dead: Chronicle of the Underworld by Tom Gilliland Sideshow Collectibles 2016
Tran Nguyen Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey Subterranean Press 2016
Greg Ruth “Freedom is Space for the Spirit” by Glen Hirshberg Tor.com, April 2016
Ivica Stevanovic The Bestiary edited by Ann Vandermeer Centipede Press, March 2016
Album https://goo.gl/photos/1VqM4odHaXVHEmTt6
Mauricio Calle Encounter at Stygeon Prime- Star Wars: The Card Game Fantasy Flight Games 2016
Cliff Childs Long-Finned Skywhale Kaladesh card set WotC, Sept. 2016
Ryan Pancoast Inventor’s Apprentice Kaladesh card set WotC, Sept. 2016
Matthew Stewart Mastertrinketeer Kaladesh card set WotC, Sept. 2016
Ryan Yee Die Young Kaladesh card set WotC, Sept. 2016
Album https://goo.gl/photos/DkxYUiB5ASL4fnQy9
Donato Giancola Portal Promotional art for Illuxcon
Clark Huggins Advertisement for RECKLESS DECK Imagine FX, February 2016
John Picacio La Corona (The Crown) Loteria Lone Boy
Cynthia Sheppard 2017 Llewellyn’s Astrological Calendar
Greg Spalenka banner art to promote Roxana Illuminated Perfume 2016
Album https://goo.gl/photos/1wF16zG6GU9EE61P9
John Harris The Ark, Oil
Vanessa Lemen Holding On and Letting Go, Oil on canvas
Miranda Meeks December, Digital
Shreya Shetty The Dragon Charmer, Digital
Michael Whelan In a World of Her Own, Acrylic
Album https://goo.gl/photos/VVrMNjUUgdFwRKtZ8
Marcela Bolivar White Crown, Photoshop
Jana Heidersdorf Darkness Acrylics, pencil and digital
Travis Lewis Soul Engine, Graphite
Ruth Sanderson Luna, Scratchboard
Allen Williams The Fall of Night, Pencil
Album https://goo.gl/photos/tVmpAewdX2bLbTS26
Akihito Ikeda Nephila, Mixed media
Thomas Kuebler Medusa, Mixed media
Forest Rogers La Belle Crustace, premier air-dry clay & washi paper
Virginie Ropars The Evil Eye, Mixed media
Lee Shamel “The Scepter of the Crystal Flame”, Mixed media
Neil Clarke Clarkesworld Magazine
Irene Gallo Tor/tor.com
Sheila Gilbert & Betsy Wollheim DAW Books
Lauren Panepinto Orbit Books
Cynthia Sheppard Wizards of the Coast
Iain McCaig
Greg Manchess
Hayao Miyazaki
Wendy Pini
Drew Struzan
Berni Wrightson
Mark Sunday, May 14, on your calendars, for with the Who’s familiar guitar riff ringing in our ears, we’re headed to the Montreal Science Centre at the Old Port to take in CSI: The Experience!
Based on the popular, long-running American television franchise, this “interactive learning adventure,” so described, will allow us to play forensic detective as we investigate a “crime scene,” collecting and analyzing “blood splatter, DNA,” and other evidence in order to solve a case of criminal nefariousness!
We’ll meet no later than 12:30PM in front of the ticket booth in the Science Centre’s lobby. Our plan is to have everyone purchase tickets for a 1:00PM or 1:15PM entry, so that we may all access the exhibit area at the same time.
MonSFFen will be responsible for their own admission. Adult admittance is listed at $23, with discounts available for children and seniors. A family rate is also offered, and we are given to understand that Canadian residents will benefit from a further rebate as part of the cross-country celebrations of Canada’s 150th birthday this year!
Arrive a bit early if you wish to scoff a quick bite beforehand. You may pack a lunch, or purchase food and drink at the snack bar on site; a dining area is open to all.
The Montreal Science Centre is located on the King Edward Pier, Old Port of Montreal—that’s at the intersection of St-Laurent Boulevard and de la Commune Street, an approximately 10- to 15-minute walk from either the Place d’Armes or Champs-de-Mars Metro stations.
Street parking is available in the area for those travelling by car, but we caution that it can be difficult to find a spot. Alternately, paid parking is available in a lot adjacent the Science Centre (access via King Edward Pier entrance).
This outing will take place in lieu of a club meeting this month. Note that our next MonSFFA meeting is scheduled for June 4.
Visit the Science Centre’s Web site for more information on CSI: The Experience: www.montrealsciencecentre.com
INTERESTING TIMES 6
Garth Spencer asks: What is the difference between primary resource companies and kindergarten pupils? Answer: Kindergarten children clean up after themselves. To which I have to respond: Only when threatened with missing recess…so really not all that different; just a different threat required, such as one that bites them in the pocket.
Contents
Strange Fictions’ New Zine ………………………………… 1
Not for Print #2 ………………………………………………… 2
Missing Persons ……………………………………………….. 2
Letters…………………………………………………………….. 3
It Approaches (BC election) …………………………………. 4
Blast from the Past ……………………………………………. 4
How to Skin a Beaver (T. Wayne) …………………………. 6
Classifieds ……………………………………………………….. 7
Book Review (Fragment, by Craig Russel) ………………. 7
Calendar …………………………………………………………. 7
Freedom of the Press ……………………………………….. 10
IONISPHERE 4 Official Publication of the National Fantasy Fan Federation. Highlights: Author interviews, including Robert Sawyer, and a valuable list of links to interesting sites on the Internet.
VIBRATOR 38 : Ooo La La it’s your latest fix of fandom’s most regular fanzine, Vibrator 38 Torn from the massive mountain of personal experience and chiselled down to a few shards which tantalizingly hint at its final meeting. Like Arrival it is a fanzine to be deciphered and savoured and then forgotten. Discard it on the junk pile of history but first of all be sure to write a loc. It may be your last chance for fannish immortality. This issue is dedicated to Cas Skeleton’s westie called Bestie, because he is seriously ill and desevres to get better. Open this file now and prepare to be amazed. Well, amused. — Graham Charnock
By Martin Morse Wooster: Here is some news I unearthed while attending the Craft Brewers Conference.
I know fans will enjoy the many fine products of Canada’s Great Lakes Brewery in their Take Ten series. This is the brewery that dares to produce Harry Porter, Harry Porter and the Bourbon Soaked Vanilla Bean, Robohop, and Octopus Wants to Fight IPA. I bet they’d be sued if they produced beers with these names in the US (and with Harry Porter, they write, “Please don’t sue us”) but they’re Canadian, so presumably Hollywood doesn’t care.
I stopped by Geeks Who Drink, a nationwide pub trivia company. Once I established my geek cred by telling them, “I once won a tossup round against Roger Craig” (which for Jeopardy! fans is the equivalent of saying, “I once hit a single off of Greg Maddux”) they told me everything, including that their annual Geek Bowl tournament was so geeky that they got Jim Parsons AND Wil Wheaton to pose questions. If you visit their site you will find they are holding a national Star Wars trivia tournament on May 4.
Are you one with the force? Is the force one with you? Does your partner still hate you for insisting on answering “I know” every time they tell you that they love you? Then join us on May 4th, as Geeks Who Drink returns to a galaxy far, far away for our third iteration of Let the Wookiee Win: A Star Wars Quiz.
Listen up, because we’re going to kill a TON of Bothans to bring you this quiz. Our questions will cover the five, good theatrical Star Wars films and (pretty much) only those movies. That means you can expect a healthy dose of Episodes IV through VII and Rogue One and just a smattering of Extended Universe references to separate the contenders from the pretenders. Study like a thorough padawan; they may never say the names of those bounty hunters Vader sends after the Millennium Falcon, but we consider that fair game.
More than 100,000 books and periodicals for $3 or lessOpen to the public |
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ATTENTION, NEW LOCATION FOR 2017!
This year, our Annual Book Sale will be held at: The bulk of the books and magazines on sale come from Montréal public libraries. Most documents on sale are in French, but we usually showcase between 12,000 and 15,000 English books. We may also have foreign language books, and a few audio tapes, CDs, CD-ROMs, and DVDs. |