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THE FANTASY FAN
THE FANS' OWN MAGAZINE
~Editor~: Charles D. Hornig
Published 10 cents a copyMonthly $1.00 per year
137 West Grand Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey
Volume 1 September, 1933 Number 1
100 PER CENT YOURS
Every fantasy fiction magazine says: "This is YOUR magazine." Mostfans like this phrase, for it provides a very welcome personal feelingon the part of the readers toward these magazines. The business ofthese publishers is to produce a high-class brand of fantasy,according to the wishes of the fans, many of whom claim that thereaders' letters in each issue are well worth the price of the book.THE FANTASY FAN is for such people--those who feel a sense ofparticipation when they read the opinions of others on science andweird fiction, and have their own letters published. The sole purposeof THE FANTASY FAN is to strengthen the bond between the fans, andadvance the popularity of fantasy fiction in every way possible. Wewill do our part by publishing interesting and absorbing articles bythe leading fan writers and authors of the day--many dozens of whichwe now have on hand; occasionally an exceptionally good short story;poetry; and all sorts of regular monthly departments. We will alsofeature a cash prize contest every month as an incentive to you, thefans, to show your enthusiasm. Remember one thing, YOU control THEFANTASY FAN. You will get everything that you want within our power,and what you do not like will be kept out of our pages. There areseveral advantages you have in reading THE FANTASY FAN. Besideschoosing your articles, you can submit your own. We will gladlyconsider any of your original material for publication, and if it isaccepted, you will be paid for it. Participate in our cash contests,which, you will note, are simplicity itself. You can ask us questionsabout fantasy fiction, and we will answer them free of charge in our'Information' department. You can have your letters printed,criticizing THE FANTASY FAN. If you want to make pen pals, let usknow, and we will list your name in our 'Penpals Wanted' column. Watchour department, 'The Boiling Point,' in which the most radicalarguments will be carried on. Come to 'The Boiling Point' and presentyour side of the controversy. Your suggestions are welcome. You are anassociate editor--flood us with letters. We have told you our part. Wecan accomplish these things and make THE FANTASY FAN bigger and bettereach month ONLY WITH YOUR HELP! If you have not yet subscribed, do sonow, and insure yourself of a monthly copy. There are only a limitednumber printed. If you do not intend to subscribe, send us your dimefor the next issue within a week. Well, here's hoping THE FANTASY FANgrows and grows, and someday you will be proud to say: "I was one ofthe earliest readers!" Stick with us. Look for more pages, a coloredcover and illustrations in the near future.
WELL WISHES
We wish to give our sincere thanks to all those who have so kindlywritten in and expressed their hope that THE FANTASY FAN will prosper.
From that supreme master of the weird and occult, Clark Ashton Smith,we hear: "I am vastly interested to learn of your plans for THEFANTASY FAN. I enclose dollar bill, for which please enroll me on yourroster at once. The magazine should fill a definite need.... Ofcourse, I shall be glad to give you any help that lies in my power.Imaginative fiction, particularly the weird and occult, is my chiefinterest. I hope that the public for it, and the publications devotedto it, will increase in number with the lightening of the presentdepression."
Allen Glasser writes: "The name you have chosen, THE FANTASY FAN,seems far better to me than anything previously used in this line,since it is all-inclusive and embraces the entire field of weird,fantastic, and scientific fiction. With that title, the mag has a goodstart toward success--and I certainly hope it attains it!"
From Conrad H. Ruppert we learn that; "You never get anywhere if youdon't try anything. I certainly wish you all the success in the world,and will do my best to help."
Brief, but ever welcome, is the message from Mortimer Weisinger: "Bestof luck in your venture."
Julius Schwartz also drops a line: "With all the articles you have,THE FANTASY FAN should get along quite well."
This column would not be complete without a good word from thatsuper-active fan, Forrest J. Ackerman, who says: "I'm looking forwardto every number of THE FANTASY FAN. Good luck!"
We have received many other letters on the same trend. They encourageus, and we appreciate them. We know you feel the same way. Boost THEFANTASY FAN to your friends.
* * * * *
Have you any original fan material you would like us to print?Anything you submit will be carefully considered. All acceptedmaterial will be paid for in copies of TFF--we hope, later, in cash.
INFORMATION
In this department each month we will answer your questions concerningscience and weird fiction. Do you want to know when and where acertain story was first printed?--who wrote a certain story?--the dateand a list of stories of the first issue of a magazine?--a list ofyour favorite author's stories?--anything at all that you would liketo know. This column may clear up many doubtful points in your mind,and you are free to use it.
THIS MONTH'S CASH CONTEST
Each month we shall award a one dollar bill for the best answer to thesimple questions that we ask. The best answer to
"Why do you read fantasy fiction?"
will win this month. Simple, isn't it? Entries will be judged entirelyon the interest and convincing qualities. Do not go over 100 words.All entries must be in our office by Thursday, August 17. If you wouldrather have a one year subscription to THE FANTASY FAN (in the casethat you do not already subscribe) let us know. This contest is tooeasy for you to pass up. You have never had an easier opportunity ofwinning a dollar!
QUESTIONNAIRE
(Try to answer these questions to test your knowledge of fantasyfiction. The answers will appear in the next issue.)
1. What was Dr. Keller's first story?
2. In what stories did Tom Jenkins appear?
3. What author writes mostly of Central and South America?
4. What story explained the fairy myth scientifically?
5. Who wrote "Dr. Hackensaw's Secrets"?
* * * * *
Join the Jules Verne Prize Club, for the advancement of sciencefiction, for details write to:
Raymond A. Palmer 4331 North 27th Street Milwaukee, Wisconsin
CONGLAMITORIAL
Drury D. Sharp's first story, "The Goddess of the Painted Priests," inthe April, 1929 Weird, was the only one where his first name wasspelled out.... Years ago, Weird would occasionally print theillustration with the installment of a story that had been the coverpicture of the first installment the month before.... The last issueof Astounding had two illustrations by Marchionni--the only issue sohonored, and a story named "The End of Time," the title of a story inWonder two years ago.... Speaking about reprints! Believe it or not,the March, 1933 Amazing contained four of them! Only--these reprintswere letters which appeared in the February number.... Among theoddities of science fiction should go down the March, 1933 WonderStories. This issue was the first Wonder not to contain an installmentof a serial. The narrow band on the top of the cover, which had amotto for Wonder since April, 1930, for the first time in its h
istorydid not contain such but instead the name of a story in the mag....The November, 1931 Astounding was the only issue to have a few wordsin quotations on the cover. They were: "And then his skeletonappeared!"... "Faster Than Light," by J. Harvey Haggard in theOctober, 1930 Wonder Stories was announced as "Beyond the Universe" inthe previous issue.... If any person doubts that Forrest J. Ackermanis the most active science fiction fan--let him look into theDiscussions of the April 1933 Amazing. Three of his letters appear.Yea, verily, "An issue without Forrest's letter is incomplete" ...more next month....
HOW TO COLLECT FANTASY FICTION
by Julius Schwartz
It is a peculiar, but nevertheless well-founded fact, that there issomething magnetic in fantastic fiction that will attract the readeras no other type of fiction can. One of the consequences resultingfrom the reading of this absorbing and fascinating type of fiction isthat the fantasy fan feels the urge to save and collect fantasystories, and will, indeed, go to extreme ends to make his collectioncomplete as possible.
But how is he to go about accumulating a good, worthy collection?
The first rule is simple: collect all the fantastic fiction that isappearing in the current magazines. Wonder Stories, Amazing Storiesand their quarterlies, and Science Fiction are the current magazinesthat specialize in the printing of science fiction, probably the mostpopular type of fantastic fiction.
However, without a shadow of a doubt the foremost magazine thatspecializes in fantastic fiction is Weird Tales. Its editor,Farnsworth Wright, insists that the stories appearing there be of highliterary quality, and thus we find that many stories have coppedhonorable mentions in O'Brien's list of the best stories of the yearand in the O'Henry Memorial Prize list. The range of Weird Talescomprises every type of fantastic fiction: from the occult to sciencefiction, from ghost stories to the supernatural, from voodoo thrillersto vampire tales, from werewolf yarns to reincarnation, and from themystic to the physic.
Other current magazines may occasionally print fantasyarns. Keep aneye on Argosy, Blue Book, Magic Carpet, Ten Detective Aces, DimeDetective, Thrilling Adventures, Doc Savage, the Science FictionDigest, and The Fantasy Fan, and, in truth, any of the detective, air,and adventure magazines.
(Next month Mr. Schwartz takes up the more difficult tasks in thecollecting of fantasy fiction. No collector should miss this series.)
* * * * *
Boost The Fantasy Fan to your pals.
FAMOUS FANTASY FANS
1--Allen Glasser
Allen Glasser has had stories published in more than a dozen differentmags--but only two of them were science fiction. Therefore, his claimto fame in the latter field must rest mainly on his activities as afan.
Glasser's first effort in behalf of science fiction was the foundingof The Scienceers, a fan club, early in 1930. For his work in thisconnection, he was awarded a prize by Science Wonder Quarterly.
During 1931 he began a one-man campaign for more scientifilms, havingcoined that term himself. He wrote to various producers and magazineson this subject, and he believes he really started something.
In January, 1932, he became editor of The Time Traveller, sciencefiction's first fan magazine, and conducted it successfully (forhimself) during its brief career. He also founded the Fantasy FanFraternity in this period.
In addition to his fan activities, he has several other items to hiscredit in connection with science fiction. He won third prize inWonder Quarterly's Interplanetary Plot Contest, his story, "TheMartian," appearing in their Winter 1932 edition. A poem of his waspublished in the Summer 1933 issue of Amazing Quarterly; and a shortstory, "Across the Ages," in the August-September 1933 AmazingStories. He has also had two articles on science fiction in The Author& Journalist, a prominent writers' magazine. They were "Wells StartedIt," published September, 1932, and "The Wane of Science Fiction"which appeared last June.
Despite the pessimistic title of his last named work, Glasser stillhas strong faith and deep interest in science fiction--as proven byhis contributions to THE FANTASY FAN.
He may not have the beautiful vocabulary of Clark Ashton Smith, theironic humor of Stanton A. Coblentz, the psychology of Dr. Keller, orthe science of John W. Campbell, Jr., but it is our sincere beliefthat Allen Glasser is one of science fiction's potential authors.
(Another in this series will soon appear.)
CLUB NEWS
In this department will be discussed news of any science fiction orweird story club and their activities. If you belong to a club devotedto fantasy, tell us about it, and we will let the rest of the readersknow. Some may want to join your club.
For the benefit of those fans that would like to belong to a sciencefiction club, but have not as yet had the opportunity to join, we wishto make an important announcement. Allen Glasser, former editor of TheTime Traveller, had formed a club for his readers named "Fantasy Fan'sFraternity." Because of the discontinuance of The Time Traveller, theclub became unorganized. We are happy to inform you, however, that Mr.Glasser wishes to re-organize this association with the readers of THEFANTASY FAN as members. There will be no dues in the new club. Everyloyal fan should join. For particulars write direct to Mr. AllenGlasser at 1610 University Ave., New York City and we'll wager youwill never regret it.
Forrest J. Ackerman, the world's most active, science fiction fan, isa member of the British Science Fiction Club, and he has this to sayabout it:
The membership is one dollar a year. Some of the advantages receivedin return are: the magazine-book service, and Book InformationDepartment; the general scientific information bureau, andcorrespondence between BSFC members of oversea clubs. In time, amonthly magazine of the club is hoped to be produced to be solely thework of the members. The Society is affiliated with the InternationalScientific Association of America. Professor J. Graham Kerr, J.P.,F.R.S., Professor of Zoology in the University of Glasgow, is anhonorary Member of the Society, and Dr. C. G. Jung, because of hisdistinguished contributions to the Literature of Psychology, and HugoGernsback, well-known editor of Wonder Stories, both of whom haveexpressed great interest in the work of the Association, have beennominated for new Honorary Members. Officers are: J. R. Elliot, Esq.,46, Ascot Gardens, Southall, Middlesex, England (President), and P.Enever, Esq., "Rosemead," High Road, Hayes, Middlesex, England (Hon.Secretary). The method to be followed in sending in an application isas follows: in ink or type give 1. Full name; 2. Full address; 3. Agein years and months; 4. Your hobby (if any); 5. The names of thescience fiction magazines you read; 6. Your scientific pursuits andinterests. State what subscriptions you inclose. (It is desirable,though not necessary if you are unable to afford it, to send yourdollar for the year.) Sign at the bottom, and submit.
MY FAVORITE SCIENCE FICTION STORY
by Mortimer Weisinger
"The Second Deluge" by Garret P. Serviss has always had a hold on me.I have re-read it so many times that the characters in this tale seemto be real people. When Garret P. Serviss, a world famous scientist,couples his knowledge with vivid imagination, the result is sure to besomething decidedly unique, and "The Second Deluge" was a trulyamazing tale. The colorful descriptions and gripping action of thisexciting narrative make it one that is not soon forgotten.
PENPALS WANTED
Every month in this column will appear the names of those that desirepenpals. PC after a name means via postcard. If you want to correspondwith other lovers of science and weird fiction, send us your name andwe will print it free of charge.
Bob Tucker, P.O. Box 260, Bloomington, Illinois. PC
THE BOILING POINT
Only the hottest of controversies will be printed in thiscolumn--radical arguments that will bring your blood to 'The BoilingPoint.' We start this department off by presenting one of the mostblasphemous articles it has been our pleasure to read. It is byForrest J. Ackerman, and he calls it
'A Quarrel With Clark Ashton Smith'
No doubt this will be the comm
encement of a lively discussion betweenthe readers. It is the editor's intention to print the mostinteresting arguments on both sides of the case. I have this to say:it seems to me that Wonder Stories is going far afield when it takessuch a horror story as Mr. Smith's "Dweller in Martian Depths" and,because it is laid on the Red Planet, prints it in a magazine ofscientific fiction. Frankly, I could not find one redeeming featureabout the story. Of course, everything doesn't have to have a moral.The thrilling scientifilm, "King Kong," for instance, has no moral toit--except, perhaps, to be careful of Fay Wray, if you are a greatprehistoric ape--but it has a point, at least: to interest. And"Dweller in Martian Depths" didn't interest me. I don't know, maybe itdid others. But it disappointed me very greatly to find it in a stfpublication. In Weird Tales, all right. I don't like that type ofstory, I wouldn't read it there. I fail to find anything worth-whilein an endless procession of ethereal lites, phantastic visions,ultra-mundane life, exotic paradises, airy vegetation, whisperingflutes, ghastly plants, and dirge-like horrors. May the ink dry up inthe pen from which they flow! Or, at least, Mr. Smith, direct thosetales elsewhere--NOT to a stf publication, because I do like yourscience fiction like "Master of the Asteroid" and "Flight into SuperTime." But 'stuff' like "The Light From Beyond"....
Well, let's hear from someone in favor.
(Make "The Boiling Point" boil you indignant fans. Don't let this guyAckerman get away with it. Your replies will be published in thisdepartment. We would especially appreciate a reply from Mr. Smithhimself in defense of his stories.)