Fantasy Unlimited/16-30

16-30

Zine
Title:	Fantasy Unlimited Issues #16-30
Publisher:	Fantasy Unlimited Publications
Editor(s):	Alan Austin
Type:	adzine, fanzine
Date(s):	1973-1975
Medium:	print
Size:	quarto
Fandom:	Comics
Language:	English
External Links:	Issues 18-19, 26, 27; The Fanscene Project
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Issue #16

Issue #16, art by Kevin O'Neill, featuring Batman

October/November 1973. Editor: Alan Austin, published bi-monthly. Cover art by Kevin O'Neill. This was the Batman Special Edition.

Contents:

• Front cover by Kevin O'Neill, featuring Batman
• Editorial by Alan Austin
• "We Want Information" compiled by Alan Austin, banner art by Alan Hunter
• "Mail Unlimited" edited by Alan Austin - LOCs
• "Fantasy Unlimited Sales Lists"
• and more...

Issue 16 was late (Oct/Nov) but it was a splendid issue featuring the Batman. It included a lead article on the Joker stories from Batman 1 by Alan Austin, and Martin Lock's first FU contribution: an article on Batman's Brave and Bold appearances.

"The Fanzines of Alan Austin (Or the AA Guide to FU Publications?) - Allan J. Palmer - Comics Unlimited #50 (1979)

Issue #17

Issue #17, art by Paul Rose, Justice Society of America

January 1974. Editor: Alan Austin. Published bi-monthly. Cover art by Paul Rose

1974 began with FU17 and the announcement that Alan had moved his dealing premises to an office cum warehouse in the Lower Clapton Road.

ibid

Contents:

• Front cover by Paul Rose, featuring characters from the Justice Society of America (DC Comics).
• Editorial by Alan Austin
• "Bouncy Bunny in the Friendly Forest - The E.C. Story" by Doc Garriock. Part II
• "We Want Information" compiled by Alan Austin, banner art by Alan Hunter
• "A Chronicle of the Most Magnificent Failures in Comic History" by Howard Stangroom - Part II
• "Fantasy Unlimited Sales Lists"
• and more...

Reactions and Reviews - Issue #17

Issue 17 was well up to standard, confirming that Fantasy Unlimited is Britain's best article gen-zine...

LOC - Martin Lock - Fantasy Unlimited #18

In his 'Opinion' article, Martin Lock said no-one could convince Joe Public that war comics give the sanest view of military conflict in contemporary fiction. No-one could convince me either, and I'm a collector. Whatever a sane view of war is, it is not to be found in comics.

LOC - "Harry" - Fantasy Unlimited #18

This issue was very good all round - especially liked the E.C., Classics Illustrated and Archie articles and I hope to see more on the more obscure comics. The second part of the Alter and Capt. Ego story was much better than the first and really left me guessing.

Having read a number of early zines like Batmania and Countdown, I agree that they and FU have a certain something that most modern ones lack.

((Richard recently mentioned to me, after reading of my now abandoned intention to revive Batmania, that he'd like to have a try at publishing it himself, and I have offered to help him.

As I stated in my reasons for deciding not to have a go, one of the main problems is going to be getting enough material to fill each issue. So, anyone who has anything relating to Batman that they'd like to contribute, by all means send it to me... - Ed))

LOC - Richard Morrissey - Fantasy Unlimited #18

Issue #18

Issue #18, art by Colin Jennings, Hal Jordan v Alan Scott

March/April 1974. Editor: Alan Austin. Production Assistant: Martin Lock. Published bi-monthly. Cover art by Colin Jennings. 47 pages.

Contents:

• Front cover by Colin Jennings, featuring the Silver and Golden Age Green Lanterns, Hal Jordan v Alan Scott.
• Editorial by Alan Austin.

Hopefully, as of writing, this FU18 will be out on time, and I'll not experience the printing difficulties I had with the last issue. (The less said about that the better)

A few things to mention this time round, the main one being what happened at the last Comic Mart. After reporting last issue the thefts from dealers tables, I'm glad to say that someone was actually caught stealing at the January 19 Mart. It was, unusual though it may sem [sic], a Chinese woman who had been noticed hanging suspiciously around certain tables, and this had been reported to Rob Barrow and Trevor Wyatt, who were handling security. She was caught in the act of putting a few comics in her bag without paying for them, and upon examination of her bags later, she was found to have over 200 stolen comics, including over #40 worth from my stall alone!...

...At long last, the complete edition of The Marvel Superhero Index is nearing publication (it should be out 2-3 weeks after this FU). Advance orders show the demand is going to be greater than I expected, so get those orders in quickly.

I mentioned last issue that callers are welcome at Fantasy Unlimited's basement premises (alias 'The Crypt of Comics'). I don't want to turn customers away, but I may have to, for this reason. Running a full-time mail-order business means that everything has to be kept in perfect order so that I know where any single item is at a given moment. All comics are neatly arranged in piles in alphabetical and numerical order. Lately it has become increasingly difficult to keep them that way, thanks to a number of ignorant people who, in a matter of minutes, despite my requests to keep the comics in order, disarange piles of comics that take me hours each week to sort out and add to when new stock come in...

...Thanks to all who helped me with this issue - Doc Garriock, Howard Stangroom, John Pierce, Paul Rose, Superswipe, Colin Jennings, Brian Hood, Phillipe Combs and Mike Hill.

Editorial - Alan Austin - Fantasy Unlimited #18

• "Bouncy Bunny in the Friendly Forest - The E.C. Story" by Doc Garriock. Part III - article about EC Comics; this part covers the rise of artist Jack Davis, the impact of "Seduction of the Innocent" and the Comics Code Authority and the departure of Harvey Kurtzman from MAD Magazine. Includes reprints of art from Al Williamson, Jack Davis and the character The Old Witch.
• "We Want Information" compiled by Alan Austin, banner art by Alan Hunter and 7 pages of reader questions answered.
• "Opinion - The Great Vanishing Trick" by Martin Lock - opinion piece on recent thefts from Comic Marts.
• "The Forgotten Fanzine - Memories of "Headline" " by John Pierce. Art by Superswipe - article on the U.S. movie-television-comics fanzine Headline, edited by Steve Gerber.
• "Mail Unlimited" edited by Alan Austin - LOCs
• Illustration by Paul Rose - Dynamo from T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents
• "A Chronicle of the Most Magnificent Failures in Comic History" by Howard Stangroom - Part III - Tower. Art by Paul Rose - article about Tower Comics' T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents characters Dynamo and No-Man.
• Comic Quiz - winners of and answers to the previous issue's quiz, this issue's quiz.
• Reproduction of Captain America Vol 2 No. 9 (1941) Contents Page.
• Advertisement - coming soon to the Fantasy Unlimited store: Golden Age Gold (series of Golden Age comics reprints, cover-to-cover); The Marvel Superhero Index (completed index compiled and bound into one publication); Jerry Bails' Who's Who of American Comic Books (first of a 3-volume listing of "all the people who ever worked for comics" by Alter Ego founder Jerry Bails); Bob Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide 1974.
• Fantasy Unlimited: For Sale.
• Back Cover, reproduction of Detective Comics No. 8 (1937).

Reactions and Reviews - Issue #18

...Anyway, the EC story was gripping stuff (that means I enjoyed it) and We Want Information continues to be the best fandom feature in Britain. It seems surprising but FU continues to be the best in British fandom, surprising in that other magazines, be they adzines like FA, or fanzines like CM (Comic Media) just can't stand up to it. Let's compare - CM and FA are much slicker in printing, but FA is mostly ad-oriented (although the ads are extremely interesting), and for all its potential CM goes and writes about rubbish like British comics and foreign muck. As for FU, it never changes, it still prints fan art, and fan articles and most important it is American oriented. Of all the fanzines that I get, the one that gives me the most pleasure is still FU, so keep up the good work.

LOC - David McLintock - Fantasy Unlimited #19

... I'm glad to see one of DC's Demon Correspondents, Richard Morrissey, contributing; especially as he answered a couple of questions I'd posed in an earlier issue. Thanks, Richard.

Martin Lock's Opinion column was a good addition; and I'm glad to see Martin's appearance as Production Assistant has resulted in a general improvement of the mag, especially in the typing and reproduction of the articles. Could Martin also be persuaded to contribute some Emlock Tail-enders to future issues? ((Your wish is our command. - Ed))

A note on one of your art contributors, Paul "Superswipe" Rose. Although I cannot forgive Paul for Alias, a sorry attempt at a fanzine back in 1972, his artwork in recent issues has livened up FU somewhat for me, and as long as he doesn't omit indications that the art is rip-offs, I look forward to seeing his work in future issues.

LOC - Alan J. Palmer - Fantasy Unlimited #19

...And now a word to any younger readers of the mag. I am thinking of getting a duplicator and starting a type of fanzine aimed at the sixteen and under age group. If anyone is interested in contributing to, or even with assisting the creation of a junior fanzine, please contact me at the above address. ((Although I think FU is probably one of the few fanzines that does reach a younger as well as an older readership, I'm sure a fanzine aimed at younger fans would go down very well. So anyone interested be sure to contact Andy and give any help you can - Ed))

LOC - Andy Johnson (age 15) - Fantasy Unlimited #19

Issue #19

Issue #19, art by Laurence Piper, featuring Will Eisner's The Spirit

May/June 1974. Editor: Alan Austin. Production Assistant: Martin Lock. Published bi-monthly. Cover art by Laurence Piper. 57 pages.

Contents:

• Front wraparound cover by Laurence Piper, featuring Will Eisner's The Spirit.
• Editorial by Alan Austin.

Just a bit late this one - the Comic Mart got in the way of things a bit, what with the usual chaos preparing for it and the mess to be sorted out afterwards. Thankfully the comic thieves appeared to have been warned off successfully, and as far as I know there weren't any cases of theft at all. But that doesn't mean dealers won't be keeping a sharp eye out for light-fingered types at future Comic Marts and conventions.

One significant change this issue, but not a permanent one - a wrap-around cover. Comments on this will be welcome.

And after all the complaints from people who said they'd prefer to receive FU flat rather than in a roller, which apparently often made the staples loose and the issue came apart, I'm glad to say a cheap source of envelopes has been found (there seems to be an envelope shortage, as well as a paper and umpteen other things), and all future issues sent out by post will be mailed flat in an envelope.

This issue sees publication of the final installment of the E.C. Story and the penultimate part of "Most Magnificent Failures in Comic History". So FU will soon be in need of more written material to fill each issue. If anyone has ideas for an article, or a series, please let me know.

And another project I've started on, prompted partly by the lack of material on the subject available in Britain, a new fanzine, tentatively titled "The Golden Age Fanzine". Hopefully this will be published quarterly, each issue covering the Golden Age of comics (a period roughly covering the forties), and anything related to the period. Again, articles are badly needed, as is artwork, so please help if you can.

Thanks to everyone who helped put out this issue - Martin Lock, Paul Rose, Howard Stangroom, Richard Morrissey, Greg Chown, Doc Garriock, and Laurence Piper.

Editorial - Alan Austin - Fantasy Unlimited #19

• "Bouncy Bunny in the Friendly Forest - The E.C. Story" by Doc Garriock. Part IV - article on EC Comics, including the artists (spotlight on John Severin, Bill Elder, Wallace Wood and Al Williamson)

For the most part, EC has stood the test of time. Though the comics contain good art and stories, they are probably "plodding" in terms of "comic art aesthetics"--the story usually looked heavy because of all the words -- whereas today I think comics are more visual. Take a look at the French artist Druillet and "Lone Sloane" -- this is today's SF comic. In EC the quality of art was usually good, the stories imaginative, and a sense of fun was always there-- where perhaps makes a comic book. And so shall EC be judged.

"Bouncy Bunny in the Friendly Forest - the EC Story" - Doc Garriock - Fantasy Unlimited #19

• "We Want Information" compiled by Alan Austin, banner art by Alan Hunter, interior art by Paul Rose (Plastic Man) and Colin Jennings (Superman), 8 pages of reader questions answered.
• "A Chronicle of the Most Magnificent Failures in Comic History" by Howard Stangroom - Part IV - Harvey. Art by Superswipe - article on Harvey Publications and their Silver Age superhero line.
• "Wonder Woman on the Tube" by Rich Morrissey. Art by Superswipe - article about the 1974 Wonder Woman movie.
• "The Worlds of Emlock" by Martin Lock - opinion piece on the recent London Comic Mart and his haul.
• "Panelogical Brain of Britain 1974" - special quiz to find "Britain's most knowledgeable comic fan". Three sections: General Panelogical Knowledge, Artist Recognition and Specific Characters; "a sort of comic book Mastermind".
• Mail Unlimited - LOCs.
• Opinion by Alan Austin - the focus of UK fanzines moving away from American comics to British.
• "The Grand Fantasy Unlimited Comic Poll" - the second annual comic poll.
• "The Achievements of Mort Weisinger" by Richard Morrissey. Art by Superswipe - article on comics editor Mort Weisinger, best know for editing Superman from the mid-50s to mid-60s.
• Advertisement - Emsworth Spring Comic Con, 1974.
• Fantasy Unlimited Sales Lists
• Advertisements - Bob Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide 1974; Golden Age Gold: Reprint of Captain America Vol 2 No. 9 (1941); The Marvel Superhero Index.
• Special Supplement to FU No. 19 - further items offered for sale.
• Back wraparound cover by Laurence Piper, featuring Will Eisner's The Spirit.

Issue #20

Issue #20, art by Phillip Morton

August 1974. Editor: Alan Austin, Production Assistant: Martin Lock. Published bi-monthly. Cover art by Phillip Morton. 100 pages.

Contents:

• Front cover by Phillip Morton

• Editorial by Alan Austin
• "Mail Unlimited" edited by Alan Austin - LOCs
• "We Want Information" compiled by Alan Austin, banner art by Alan Hunter.
• "Fantasy Unlimited Sales Lists"
• and more...
  
  
  
  
  

Issue #21

Issue #21, Steve Ditko Special, art by Steve Ditko

October 1974. Steve Ditko Special. Editor: Alan Austin. Assistant Editor: Martin Lock. Published bi-monthly. Cover art by Steve Ditko, interior art by Rafael Gonzalez Negrete and others.

Contents:

• Front cover by Steve Ditko - miscellaneous comic art.

• Editorial by Alan Austin
• "Mail Unlimited" edited by Alan Austin - LOCs
• "We Want Information" compiled by Alan Austin, banner art by Alan Hunter.
• "The Life and Times of Peter Parker, as seen by Steve Ditko" by Alan Austin.
• 'Up and At Them, Captain Atom!' by Ruan Lanihorne
• 'The Wonderous Worlds of Doctor Strange' by Martin Lock.
• article about Ditko's creations The Question, Mr. A., Killjoy etc by Dave McLintock.
• "Fantasy Unlimited Sales Lists"
• and more...
  

Issue #22

Issue #22, art by Martin Lock

December 1974. Editor: Alan Austin, assistant editor: Martin Lock. Published bi-monthly. Cover art by Martin Lock

Contents:

• Front cover by Martin Lock - Donald Duck meets Swamp Thing.

• Table of Contents, art credits, acknowledgements and subscription details.
• "Mail Unlimited" edited by Alan Austin - LOCs
• "We Want Information" compiled by Alan Austin, banner art by Alan Hunter.
• "The Chronicles of Earth-Two" by Richard Morrissey - article examining the DC stories which featured their 1940s heroes on their 'parallel earth'.
• "What If Superman (1940s version) Met Doc Savage?" by Mike Hill.
• "Fantasy Unlimited Sales Lists"
• and more...

Issue #23

Issue #23, art by Alan Hunter

January 1975. Editor: Alan Austin, assistant editor Martin Lock, production assistant Gary Fox. Published bi-monthly. Cover art by Alan Hunter.

Contents:

• Front cover by Alan Hunter.

• Table of Contents, art credits, acknowledgements and subscription details.
• "Mail Unlimited" edited by Alan Austin - LOCs
• "We Want Information" compiled by Alan Austin, banner art by Alan Hunter.
• 'America and the New York Comic Convention' by Mike Hill - convention report for the 1974 New York Comicon.
• "Fantasy Unlimited Sales Lists"
• and more...

Reactions and Reviews - Issue #23

This issue saw the start of what was the zine's best era as regards both content and quality. The feature article was Mike Hill's 'America and the New York Comic Convention', a most interesting account of Mike's visit to the 1974 New York Comicon ((Which to date is still the most popular article I've published. There may be another similar feature in the near future - Alan)) The 'We Want Information' column also included some very interesting information from Bob Overstreet prior to its appearance in his Price Guide concerning the first appearance of the Sub-Mariner in Motion Picture Funnies Weekly, then only just discovered in the estate of the deceased publisher.

"The Fanzines of Alan Austin (Or the AA Guide to FU Publications?) - Allan J. Palmer - Comics Unlimited #50 (1979)

Issue #24

Issue #24, The Shadow, cover art by Rafael Gonzalez Negrete

March 1975. Editor: Alan Austin, assistant editor Martin Lock, production assistant Gary Fox. Published bi-monthly. Cover art by Rafael Gonzalez Negrete.

Contents:

• Front cover by Rafael Gonzalez Negrete.

• Table of Contents, art credits, acknowledgements and subscription details.
• "Mail Unlimited" edited by Alan Austin - LOCs
• "We Want Information" compiled by Alan Austin, banner art by Alan Hunter.
• "Thursby and Dowd, Detectives" Part I - written and drawn by the Demon Dentist, lettering by Andrew Johnson - comic strip.
• "Fantasy Unlimited Sales Lists"
• and more...

A Rafael Gonzalez Negrete cover featuring The Shadow graced the next issue [Issue 24] ((If I held a poll to find the most popular FU/CU cover I wouldn't be surprised if this was it. Rafa certainly is missed by me and a great many CU readers - Alan)) and featured a Rich Morrissey article on the Creeper; also Ruan Lanihorne reviewed the first 16 issues of The Defenders. This issue's letter column also featured some comments on Alan's most controversial fan publication 'The Comic Book Price Guide for Great Britain'. Well, as Abraham Lincoln said, "You can please some of the people all of the time; you can please all of the people some of the time; but what you cannot do is please all of the people all of the time". I guess that applies to comic fans as well. This issue also marked FU's resumption of a monthly schedule.

ibid

Issue #25

Issue #25, art by Keith J. Luck

April 1975. Editor: Alan Austin, assistant editor Martin Lock, production assistant Gary Fox. Published monthly. Cover art by Keith J. Luck.

Issue 25 was sort of [an] April Fool's special, printed somewhat like an ACE Double paperback, it meant that is you opened the envelope the zine arrived in the wrong way up, you were treated to an issue of Fantasy Uninhibited. This includes the Superswipe interview, 'Who Wants Information?', and the Alternate Worlds of Emlock; all quite funny.

ibid

Contents:

• Front cover by Keith J. Luck - superhero Beatles.

• Table of Contents, art credits, acknowledgements and subscription details.
• "Mail Unlimited" edited by Alan Austin - LOCs
• "Thursby and Dowd, Detectives" Part II - written and drawn by the Demon Dentist, lettering by Andrew Johnson - comic strip.
• "Enter the Heroes Part I: Adam Strange" by Martin Lock - article on DC's Adam Strange
• "Fan Spotlight"
• "Rip-Off of the Month Award" by "Josh Truth" of the 'Komic Sharks Organisation'.
• "Fantasy Unlimited Sales Lists"
• and more...

Issue #26

Issue #26, art by Keith J. Luck

May 1975. Captain Marvel Special Issue. Alan Austin, assistant editor Martin Lock, production assistant Gary Fox. Published monthly. Cover art by Keith J. Luck; Superswipe for interior art, "Otto Von Ripoff" for the back cover and some interior art. 62 pages. Contents:

• Front cover by Keith J. Luck - Captain Marvel (and King Kong).
• "Conversations with C.C. Beck" compiled by John Pierce - interview with CC. Beck, artist for Captain Marvel (DC)
• "News...News...News..." compiled by Gary Fox - DC/National Comics, Marvel Comics, Seaboard/Atlas and Charlton.
• "Levity, Learning and Lightning Bolts" by John Pierce - article on the solo adventures of Captain Marvel and the use of humour and moral lessons. Art by Sideswipe and Otto Von Ripoff (Mr. Mind" on pages 11 and 19)

Captain Marvel might achieve some measure of his former popularity again, but it is doubtful that, in the hands of his present "creators", he will ever be as good as he once was. Otto Binder is dead. Wendell Crowley is dead. Most of the other writers and editors who worked on the Big Red Cheese are no longer in comics. As Jim Steranko said, "The magic is gone."

"Levity, Learning and Lightning Bolts" - John Pierce - Fantasy Unlimited #26

• "We Want Information" compiled by Alan Austin, banner art by Alan Hunter, 3 pages of reader questions answered.
• "The World's Mightiest Mortal vs The World's Stupidest Publisher" by CC Beck - article about the second incarnation of Capt. Marvel by the artist; art by "Otto Von Ripoff" and Sideswipe.

...Understandably, C.C. Beck refused to put into picture form the story as re-written [by National]. He felt that it was childish, silly and totally lacking in characters and plot...

...When he [CC Beck] came to the scene where Captain Marvel was to be shown with Uncle Marvel (who can't fly) riding piggyback on The World's Mightiest Mortal, he tore up the whole story and threw it in the garbage.

Does anyone know why National is trying to turn all the readers off with their rotten new stories? Can it be that National still hates Captain Marvel after all these years? Are they still trying to destroy The World's Mightiest Mortal so that their own Man of Steel will have no competition?

Or is it simply that Captain Marvel has now fallen into the hands of The World's Stupidest Publisher?

"The World's Mightiest Mortal vs The World's Stupidest Publisher" - CC Beck - Fantasy Unlimited #26

• "Kurt Schaffenberger Interviewed" by John Pierce - interview with Kurt Schaffenberger, artist for Captain Marvel and The Marvel Family (DC)
• "Odds and Ends" compiled by Rich Morrissey - trivia and news about "The Big Red Cheese" aka Captain Marvel. Including the note that the Six Million Dollar Man assistant director is called Jerry Siegel, which is the name of Superman's creator.
• "A Few Closing Remarks" by CC Beck, E. Nelson Birdwell and John Pierce - reflections on CC Beck's article, a quote from Birdwell on the "mangled" story and Pierce's thoughts.
• Results of "The Grand Fantasy Unlimited Comic Poll '75"
• Basement Bullpen Bulletins by NPE - news on various fannish projects by Austin and the FU Publications team; includes the note that there is no letters column in Issue 26 "after last issue's epic battle".
• Advertisements for Fantasy Unlimited's back issues and books, including "The Comic Book Price Guide for Great Britain", The Marvel Superhero Index and Golden Age Fanzine.
• Back cover by "Otto Von Ripoff"

Issue #27

Issue #27, art by Antonio Chura

June 1975. Editor: Alan Austin, assistant editors Martin Lock and Gary Fox. Published monthly. Front cover art by Antonio Ghura; back cover by Rafael Gonzalez Negrete. Interior art by Superswipe, Geoff Cousins, Greg Chown, Steve Craddock, Alan Hunter, Denis Lee, Pepe Negrete and Robert Whitlam.

Contents:

• Front cover by Antonio Ghura, featuring The Incredible Hulk.
• Table of Contents, art credits, acknowledgements and subscription details.
• "Behold the Silver Surfer" by Lee Hopewell and Malcom Williams, edited by Alan Austin. Art by Superswipe and Geoff Cousins.
• "The Panelological Brain of Britain 1975 - answers and winners.
• "Thursby and Dowd, Detectives" Part III - written and drawn by the Demon Dentist, lettering by Andrew Johnson - comic strip.
• "We Want Information" compiled by Alan Austin, banner art by Alan Hunter with interior art by Greg Chown (The Shadow) and Steve Craddock (Doctor Who), 6 pages of reader questions answered.
• "News...News...News..." compiled by Gary Fox - Marvel Comics, DC Comics/National, Atlas Comics.
• 'The Worlds of Emlock' by Martin Lock - comics review column.
• "The Saga of George, The Toad and The Rock" by Paul Jay - comic strip.
• "Enter the Heroes Part II: Lois Lane" by Martin Lock - article on DC's Lois Lane, art by Sideswipe.
• "Rip-Off of the Month Award" by "Josh Truth" of the 'Komic Sharks Organisation' - featuring Alain J. Bryant/Mercury Comic Sales.
• "Basement Bullpen Bulletins" by NPE - news on various fannish projects by Austin and the FU Publications team;
• Batman #49 Full Page Cover Reproduction - illustration
• "Mail Unlimited" edited by Alan Austin - LOCs, banner by Denis Lee, art by Pepe Negrete and Robert Whitlam - more letters about The Comic Book Price Guide for Great Britain, plus praise for the "Rip-Off of the Month Award" regular feature. Also plugs for expressions of interest in a Glasgow Comic Con, new fanzine Crom! #1, requesting information about books on comics for a list being compiled by Peter Robinson and an art request on behalf of Utopia #1.

"Battle of the Titans" by Bonk, Fantasy Unlimited #27

The proposed discussion for this issue on the question 'Why do you collect comics?' is postponed due both to lack of space and lack of letters on the subject to print. We'd still welcome letters from anyone wishing to discuss this subject. And is there anything else anyone would like to see discussed? If you have an idea on any particular theme, send in your own thoughts, or perhaps just suggest something. And as always we're willing to listen to comments about FU. Anyone have any amusing experiences to relate about their involved in comic collecting? Just a thought. - Ed

Mail Unlimited editor's note - Alan Austin - Fantasy Unlimited #27

• "Battle of the Titans" conceived, written & drawn by Bonk - comic strip featuring 'The Analyser' (who fights for the cause of "comics is Art" but also exists in another identity as Mike Cruden) and 'Super Austin (alias Alan Austin)' (hero of those who actually read comics for...(gasp)...enjoyment!)
• Illustration - "Komic Sharks Organisation - Bargain of the Day" by Bryan Talbot
• "Fantasy Unlimited Sales Lists"

Issue #28

Issue #28, art by Rafael Gonzalez Negrete

July 1975. Editor: Alan Austin, assistant editors Martin Lock and Gary Fox. Published monthly. Front cover art by Rafael Gonzalez Negrete; back cover by John Bolton. This issue focussed on comic artist Berni Wrightson.

Contents:

• Front cover by Rafael Gonzalez Negrete
• Table of Contents, art credits, acknowledgements and subscription details.
• "We Want Information" compiled by Alan Austin, banner art by Alan Hunter
• "News...News...News..." compiled by Gary Fox - Marvel Comics, DC Comics/National, Atlas Comics.
• 'The Worlds of Emlock' by Martin Lock - comics review column.
• "Mail Unlimited" edited by Alan Austin - LOCs, banner by Denis Lee.
• "Fan Spotlight"
• "Fantasy Unlimited Sales Lists"
• and more...
• Back cover by John Bolton
  

Issue #29

Issue #29, art by Mercy Van Vlack

August 1975. Editor: Alan Austin, assistant editors Martin Lock and Gary Fox. Published monthly. Front cover art by Mercy Van Vlack.

Contents:

• Front cover by Mercy Van Vlack featuring Wonder Woman.

• Table of Contents, art credits, acknowledgements and subscription details.
• "We Want Information" compiled by Alan Austin, banner art by Alan Hunter
• "News...News...News..." compiled by Gary Fox - Marvel Comics, DC Comics/National, Atlas Comics.
• 'The Worlds of Emlock' by Martin Lock - comics review column.
• "Mail Unlimited" edited by Alan Austin - LOCs, banner by Denis Lee.
• "Fan Spotlight"
• "Fantasy Unlimited Sales Lists"
• "The Terrible Secret of the Thing on Bald Mountain Where the Eyes of Edward Morgo Met the Kwills Who Came from the Black Void in the Little Gypsy Tea Room" by Alan Austin - article on Steve Ditko.
• and more...

Unlimited Annual 1975

Fantasy Unlimited Annual 1975, art by John Bolton

August/September 1975. Editor: Alan Austin, assistant editors Martin Lock and Gary Fox.

Contents:

• Front cover by John Bolton.

...Around this time was also published the Fantasy Unlimited Annual, a 100 page collection of previously published and unpublished FU features, quite a chunky read. ((I remember being quite proud of that zine. It had long been my ambition to publish something like that institution of the US fanzine world, Rocket's Blast Comicollector. Each issue seemed so think, 100 pages ofte4n more, and had those brilliant covers. Unfortunately, the British zine market just isn't big enough to support something like that, so I had to make to [sic] with a hundred pages of duplicating. Still, I think the overall effect was quite impressive, especially with the front cover of Doctor Strange by John Bolton in half-tone. Strarge [sic], either no-one wants to read one or no-one wants to publish one, but you just don't seem to get any of the good old article zines. Is the interest really that dead? - Alan)) This was also the swan song of the old FU format as Alan announced a 'new look' for succeeding issues.

"The Fanzines of Alan Austin (Or the AA Guide to FU Publications?) - Allan J. Palmer - Comics Unlimited #50 (1979)

Issue #30

Issue #30, art by Jean-Daniel Breque

October 1975. Editor: Alan Austin, assistant editors Martin Lock and Gary Fox. Published monthly. Front and back cover art by Jean-Daniel Breque.

Contents:

• Front cover by Jean-Daniel Breque, featuring Spock from Star Trek: The Original Series.
• Table of Contents, art credits, acknowledgements and subscription details.
• "Fan Spotlight"
• "We Want Information" compiled by Alan Austin, banner art by Alan Hunter
• 'The Worlds of Emlock' by Martin Lock - comics review column.
• "Mail Unlimited" edited by Alan Austin - LOCs, banner by Denis Lee.

• Back cover by Jean-Daniel Breque, featuring Doc Savage.

With Issue 30, Fantasy Unlimited moved from its duplicated quarto size format to become an A4 size litho printed fanzine. Between Jean-Daniel Breque covers featuring Mr. Spock and Doc Savage, FU took on new life. The old features (Worlds of Emlock, Fan Spotlight, We Want Information, Mail Unlimited) were there suitably more impressive in the new format, while Howard Stangroom began a series on the Legion of Super-Heroes, and Gary Fox initiated a comic news column, Fox on the Run. With issue 31, the zine changed its name to 'Comics Unlimited' to re-establish its primary interest.

ibid