A New Look for Strange New Worlds

You may notice that Strange New Worlds is a little newer and a little stranger than previous issues (and also a little thicker). Readers new to this magazine have no idea what I am talking about, but you are the reason these changes were implemented. If you purchased this publication in a comic, specialty, or book store, you have already taken advantage of Strange New Worlds new distribution arrangements. I am happy to say that we are now carried by Capital City, Diamond Comics, and International Periodical Distributors. What does this mean to our readers? One, a new look, both inside and out, to encourage newsstand sales. Two, more pages and more of the information you are seeking about collecting and collectibles. Three, more fellow science fiction enthusiasts with whom you can exchange information and wares. And, most exciting, a UPC code on the cover.

This issue also sports two new columns. Frank Words by Jane Frank, Director of the prestigious Worlds of Wonder gallery in Washington, DC. Worlds of Wonder Gallery is dedicated to gaining wider exposure for the art and artists who have made science fiction and fantasy the incredibly successful genre that it is today. Speaking in Frank Words, Jane shares her unique perspective and special insights about art and the art of collecting. Readers of Strange New Worlds will remember Jane's article "Should I Buy It?" from our anniversary issue. Her premiere column is a delightful look at the many foibles and follies in the centuries-old game of buying and selling.

Our second strange new column is Collectible Kids by Adrienne Reynolds. This column is an adult's guide to children's collectibles. All toys reviewed in the column are test-played by real kids. Strange New Worlds is also test-playing Collectible Kids. The column will run in this issue and the next (our Holiday Shopping Preview). If you like the column and the information provided, let us know and we will continue presenting this guide for the next generation of collectors.

As Adrienne looks forward one generation, lately I have been looking back. My grandmother and great aunt recently moved here to Florida. In the process, much dust was kicked up, drawers emptied, and memories uprooted. Many family stories were exchanged while going through a chest of old photos. I cannot imagine what great-great-grandpa Laws, who brought his family to Colorado in a Conestoga wagon, would think of his descendent being involved with all this space stuff. I know the initial reaction of his granddaughter (my grandmother); she was horrified to see me involved with new age "works of the devil."

Finally convinced my immortal soul was in no danger, Grandma is now an enthusiastic, though somewhat mystified, subscriber to Strange New Worlds. When editing this publication, I try to keep Grandma in mind, knowing that if I use science fiction slang, I will have to explain its significance. We have already covered phaser and warp, and I promise never again to use the word internecine in casual writing. But I was completely caught off guard when she asked the meaning of the term intergalactic.

There are still terms Grandma has to define for me. When she told me that her father, as a young man, was a cooper, I was convinced that this was his surname, not his profession. Her father later abandoned this trade in favor of another. In his later years, he proudly proclaimed to his great-grandchildren that he was the oldest retired fireman in the state of Oklahoma. My great-grandfather lived to a ripe old age and saw man take his first tentative steps into space. He never lost his sense of wonder. On one trip towards the end of his life, he was absolutely fascinated by a new-fangled drinking fountain that turned itself on when you approached. "How I wish I could live another fifty years," he said in awe. "What sights I'd see!"

I never knew this man whose blood runs through my veins. Perhaps the wonder and thrill I have over this "space stuff" comes to me through him. These family stories surfaced after Grandma simply asked the meaning of Intergalactic Bazaar — the name for the classified advertising section in this publication. Who knows what topics might have emerged if I had used my alternate choice for the classifieds . . . The Ferengi Forum. (Yes, Grandma. We'll talk.)

Jo Davidsmeyer, Publisher