Before “Fan Films” There Was ‘The Fanzine’ – Star Trek & Star Wars Fanzine Collection Acquired By University Of Iowa

Written by Will Stape on July 2, 2009 – 8:14 pm -

Before loyal fanboys and fangirls donned replica Starfleet uniforms, wielded fannybattytoy lightsabers or squeezed their ample flesh into Batman tights, capes and cowls to bring forth the frenetic fan film, there was the pulpy goodness of the fanzine. These stories took sci-fi heroes like Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock and Darth Vader and broadened their back stories, pitted them in valiant battles and just generally had fun with sci-fi TV and film properties.

Today it’s much more chic, or cheeky even, to make your own superhero or sci-fi driven fan film. Recently a lavish fan production of Lord Of The Rings has also been making the rounds. Before all that digital flash in the pan, there was the fanzine. These short stories or epics would circulate at sci-fi conventions to the delight of Star Trek and Star Wars fans. Now all that amateur speculative writing has been brought into the hallowed halls of academia. The University of Iowa has acquired Mariellen (Ming) Wathne Fanzine Archive Collection. It encompasses 3,000 science fiction fanzines and not only documents the importance of fan creations, but boosts the University Library’s holdings.

So the next time a rabid fan pleads for you to see his fan film, tell him yes. As long as he’ll curl up with one of the thousands of fan fueled fiction, which boldly paved the way for his digital dreams of fanboy delight.
http://www.press-citizen.com/article/20090702/NEWS01/90702003/1079/news01

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Posted in SF-TV & Movie News | 1 Comment »


One Response to “Before “Fan Films” There Was ‘The Fanzine’ – Star Trek & Star Wars Fanzine Collection Acquired By University Of Iowa”

  1. By Kevin Rooker on Jul 14, 2009 | Reply

    This is great news and very welcome. As a frustrated writer myself, I know that there is skill, energy, and creativity that goes into the creation of a fanzine. To find such a massive collection being purchased by a college and appreciated for its merit is a great thing.

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