The Fantasy Fan, November 1933 The Fans' Own Magazine
Volume one number one of Mind Magic, a magazine dealing with the
occult, was June, 1931. It lasted until the end of the year, December, 1931 issue. (The last two issues were published under the title of My Self Magazine.) Another science fiction magazine, Miracle, Science and Fantasy Stories, disappeared after issuing two numbers, the April-May and June-July, 1931. The same publisher of this magazine, Harry Hershey, printed some good fantasies in Ghost Stories. Exact dates of this magazine are unknown to the writer, but the magazine gave up its ghost sometime in 1932.
Hugo Gernsback, editor of Wonder Stories, put out two magazines that expired within a year. The first, Air Wonder Stories (July, 1929 to May, 1930) dealt with aviation of the future, mostly. It combined with Science and Wonder Stories in June, 1930 to form the present Wonder Stories. The other, Scientific Detective Monthly, appeared in January, 1930, and after changing its name to Amazing Detective Tales in June collapsed with the October, 1930 issue.
Oriental Stories, companion magazine to Weird Tales, burst forth on the stands September 15, 1930. Some excellent weird and oriental tales made their appearance in this magazine, which afterwards, in January, 1933, became Magic Carpet. Black Cat magazine (published around 1924) had some weird and scientifiction stories. These issues are particularly hard to obtain.
CLUB NEWS
The Fantasy Fan Fraternity, announced in our September issue, is now well under way, with members in nine different states. The purpose of the organization is to foster fellowship among science-fiction fans by means of correspondence, or where possible, by personal contact in local groups or chapters.
The first such chapter has been established in New York City, where the Scienceers, first fan club of its kind, is functioning as the local Fraternity branch. Meetings are held every week; and membership is open to all metropolitan fans. Further information about this group may be obtained from the secretary, Allen Glasser, 1610 University Avenue, Bronx, New York.
Any reader wishing to join the national F.F.F., or to found a branch in his community, should send six cents in stamps to Mr. Glasser, at the above address, for a membership card and a list of other members with whom to correspond. This small charge, to cover necessary expenses, is the only cost of enrollment into the Fraternity--a nation-wide association devoted solely to the interests of fantasy fans. Why not be one of us?
* * * * *
Next month Mr. Schwartz, in "How to Collect Fantasy Fiction," takes up the seven Munsey magazines and the English periodicals containing fantastic fiction. Don't miss part four.
* * * * *
'The Fantasy Fan' is the ONLY fan magazine for the readers of weird fiction. Tell your friends about it, and urge them to subscribe.
TRUE GHOST STORIES
(Part Two--Conclusion)
At one time there was a woman of rank living in London who was hated by everyone. When she died, she was not missed, but her spirit haunted her home every night. After a number of years someone saw her approach one side of a room and paw at a wall. Then she disappeared. The wall was removed and many valuable papers were discovered, including one that proved she had murdered her husband. Her ghost never appeared after that. It seemed that at last she had repented her evil existence, and was trying to redeem her soul.
The guard of the London prison tower was making one of his nightly rounds when he discovered a peculiar light emanating from the utmost tower. Upon climbing up he noticed that it was an unearthly blue-white light which permeated everything within, but seemed to have no point of origin. Within this baleful gleam he saw the spirits of those that had died in the London tower through the ages--warriors of the time of Henry the Eighth--and noblemen of all periods. They were marching in a solemn procession. Suddenly everything faded and the guard found himself in utter darkness.
There are many other ghost stories of London--such as phantom hands appearing above the water of the Thames, sworn to by witnesses to be gospel truth--but our reason forces us to reject them.
Recently, the noted Weird Tales author, Elliott O'Donnell, released his book, "Ghosts of London," which relates further tales of this nature.
THE END
SCIENCE FICTION IN ENGLISH MAGAZINES
by Bob Tucker
(Series Three)
An all-science-weird magazine started in England to last for just one issue. The title was "Argo Weekly." The number contained various stf stories concerning everything from prehistoric animals to the "End of the World."
A late September number of "The Wizard" carried a fair story of another Martian invasion entitled "Raiders from the Red World." The invaders landed among the native tribes of Africa, instead of New York City, the usual landing place. And, incidentally, they were not slugs, giants, or etc., but just ordinary human beings.
"The Skipper" published a humorous story named "Ginger Snapp." In this tale, an old professor invents a contrivance that emits a ray which disintegrates metal by the push of a button. More rays! The professor's son is surprised to see his dinner disappear while monkeying with the mechanism.
As a rule, English magazines have covers that would make Buffalo Bill or Nick Carter quit work. They are very "dime novelish" at times, and go to extremes to amaze the reader.
A request has come in for a female stf enthusiast, who would correspond with American readers, so here she is, to you who wish a foreign penpal: Miss Molly Upchurch, 139 Byron Rd., Small Heath, Birmingham, 10, England.
* * * * *
Join "The Fantasy Fan Fraternity." See the "Club News" in this issue for complete information.
MY SCIENCE FICTION COLLECTION
by Forrest J. Ackerman