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Fantasite, v. 2, issue 5, whole 11, May-June 1943

Page 29

THE FANTASITE .... 29

STARTLING STORIES--January 1943. This is the first issue of the magazine that I've read since 1939, and I think I'll continue to read it because I've found in it the solution to a jaded scientifictional appetite. The cover this time is another of the monstrosities that made me shy away from the mag for so long. The lead novel "World Beyond the Sky", by Robert Moore Williams, is a fair story of two universes with all the usual bloodshed and a pretty girl. The hero and others enter this second rate Utopia and with the aid of some of the inhabitants, overthrow the tyrant in control. Rather entertaining, and, take this as you will, reminiscent of a Cummings opus. "Forgotten Past", by William Morrison is the current revival of the old plot of the fellow who, by the use of a machine he has invented, sees his own death. Rating: one aspirin tablet. "The Man Who Was King" by Nat Nitkin is the space-opera of the month, and the only really poor story in the issue. Best among the shorts is "The Gladiators", by Walt Dennis and Ernest Tucker. An interesting story of gladiators in a future world and how they obtain their freedom. I won't say word about this "Sergeant Saturn" who has befouled the pages of what could become a first class mag. 

ASTOUNDING SCIENCE -FICTION--January 1943. It would seem that this is a special time-travel number, what with five out of eight stories concerning time-travel in one aspect or another. Without a doubt the best story in the issue is Van Vogt's "The Search". It's a time-travel story with a new angle and a punch. "Elsewhen", another time-travel story, rates second place in this fine issue. A scientifictional murder yarn--but good. Third place goes to Ross Rocklynne for his "Backfire". A clever little tale of social conditions in the future, and how one loquacious individual from the Twentieth Century almost disrupts an entire civilization. Jameson's "Barrius, Imp," ranks next. "Time Locker", by Padgett, is an amusing tale with a whacky inventor, a shyster lawyer, and a novel ending. "The Cave", by Miller, is a well written story which would have been much better if it were longer. Last, but still a good story is "Nothing But Gingerbread Left", an unusual tale of how a simple little rhythm rhyme can upset the best laid schemes. I reserve my judgment on Will Stewart's sequel to "Collision Orbit" and "Minus Sign". "Opposites--React!", even though it starts out as one of the best of the last year may end up a fizzle, in keeping with the more recent serials. I hope not.
--MANSON BRACKNEY.

LE ZOMBIE--January 1943. Fourth Anniversary Issue! 45 pages! Two litho-covers, by Dorothy Les Tina, and Ronald Clyne! Chain-Letter Dept.; Long Letter Section; Tucker Humorl D. B. Thompson, Harry Warner; Walt Liebscher; Brazier; Blakely; Bridges; Fanzine Yearbook for '42!!!!! This is the best single item I've seen in ages, without exception. Youve simply got to have a copy. Yes 45 pages of stuporpendous-Tuckerana neatly mimeod on yellow mimeo bond. Orchids, a case of Mattingley and Moore, and Lamarr to Bob.
--RANDOLPH TILLYWISH.

ASTONISHING STORIES--April, 1943. Bradbury, that industrious up-and-coming young author cops the honors with his short story, "Subterfuge", in this issue. Tucker's short tale, "Exit", ranks next in line, despite a timeworn plot. The old-plot idea applies to Bradbury's short, also, but heck! there aren't any new plots! The rest of the stories in this number are only mediocre, but enjoyable reading nonetheless. We suggest you grab up a copy of Astonishing. The fan departments alone are worth more than the price of the mag.
--RANDOLPH TILLYWISH.

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THE FANTASITE .... 29 STARTLING STORIES--January 1943. This is the first issue of the magazine that I've read since 1939, and I think I'll continue to read it because I've found in it the solution to a jaded scientifictional appetite. The cover this time is another of the monstrosities that made me shy away from the mag for so long. The lead novel "World Beyond the Sky", by Robert Moore Williams, is a fair story of two universes with all the usual bloodshed and a pretty girl. The hero and others enter this second rate Utopia and with the aid of some of the inhabitants, overthrow the tyrant in control. Rather entertaining, and, take this as you will, reminiscent of a Cummings opus. "Forgotten Past", by William Morrison is the current revival of the old plot of the fellow who, by the use of a machine he has invented, sees his own death. Rating: one aspirin tablet. "The Man Who Was King" by Nat Nitkin is the space-opera of the month, and the only really poor story in the issue. Best among the shorts is "The Gladiators", by Walt Dennis and Ernest Tucker. An interesting story of gladiators in a future world and how they obtain their freedom. I won't say word about this "Sergeant Saturn" who has befouled the pages of what could become a first class mag. ASTOUNDING SCIENCE -FICTION--January 1943. It would seem that this is a special time-travel number, what with five out of eight stories concerning time-travel in one aspect or another. Without a doubt the best story in the issue is Van Vogt's "The Search". It's a time-travel story with a new angle and a punch. "Elsewhen", another time-travel story, rates second place in this fine issue. A scientifictional murder yarn--but good. Third place goes to Ross Rocklynne for his "Backfire". A clever little tale of social conditions in the future, and how one loquacious individual from the Twentieth Century almost disrupts an entire civilization. Jameson's "Barrius, Imp," ranks next. "Time Locker", by Padgett, is an amusing tale with a whacky inventor, a shyster lawyer, and a novel ending. "The Cave", by Miller, is a well written story which would have been much better if it were longer. Last, but still a good story is "Nothing But Gingerbread Left", an unusual tale of how a simple little rhythm rhyme can upset the best laid schemes. I reserve my judgment on Will Stewart's sequel to "Collision Orbit" and "Minus Sign". "Opposites--React!", even though it starts out as one of the best of the last year may end up a fizzle, in keeping with the more recent serials. I hope not. --MANSON BRACKNEY. LE ZOMBIE--January 1943. Fourth Anniversary Issue! 45 pages! Two litho-covers, by Dorothy Les Tina, and Ronald Clyne! Chain-Letter Dept.; Long Letter Section; Tucker Humorl D. B. Thompson, Harry Warner; Walt Liebscher; Brazier; Blakely; Bridges; Fanzine Yearbook for '42!!!!! This is the best single item I've seen in ages, without exception. Youve simply got to have a copy. Yes 45 pages of stuporpendous-Tuckerana neatly mimeod on yellow mimeo bond. Orchids, a case of Mattingley and Moore, and Lamarr to Bob. --RANDOLPH TILLYWISH. ASTONISHING STORIES--April, 1943. Bradbury, that industrious up-and-coming young author cops the honors with his short story, "Subterfuge", in this issue. Tucker's short tale, "Exit", ranks next in line, despite a timeworn plot. The old-plot idea applies to Bradbury's short, also, but heck! there aren't any new plots! The rest of the stories in this number are only mediocre, but enjoyable reading nonetheless. We suggest you grab up a copy of Astonishing. The fan departments alone are worth more than the price of the mag. --RANDOLPH TILLYWISH.