Forrest J. Ackerman, RIP

I wrote to friends that sf and horror fandom (heck, the whole genres, from books to movies to videogames) might not exist as they are now without Forrest J. Ackerman (aka "Uncle Forry"). He really was that influential.

Ackerman passed away last week at the age of 92. I never met the fellow-- which I think puts me in the minority-- but from all accounts he was the best of us ("us" being anyone who enjoys a good story or is excited, even passionate, about their favorite things).

In his home, the "Ackermansion," he amassed a legendary collection of memorabilia (much of which was sold, I'd heard, to cover his growing medical expenses) and published FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND, one of the earliest horror-specific entertainment periodicals. He is closely associated with Ray Bradbury, having been an early fan and supporter of the great writer's work.

The passing of a tremendous talent is always cause for sorrow and reflection. But the passing of a man whose enthusiasm, generosity and greatness of spirit made the careers of so many talents possible is, if anything, an even greater loss. Many modern fans may never have heard his name, read his work or realized what role he's played in science fiction-- but there are not many who will be regarded by historians as more vital to the creative fields he so loved and nurtured.

RIP.

UCBB Blog- RIP

I killed off the UCBB blog I'd started some months back. A few of my fellow comic book buyers signed on as authors but nobody else ever contributed. I get it-- we all have busy lives and most of us have our own blogs to worry about-- but it stings to kill it off.

Ah well.

Guess it'll be enough to hang out Wednesdays and see the folks who show up.

(BTW, UCBB stands for Union of Comic Book Buyers-- the jokey name I gave us when we collectively moved to a new store... although some of us seem to have found other ways of getting books. Again, ah well.)

Terry Pratchett's Unhappy News

This is really bad. Terry Pratchett, the world-renowned and much beloved author of the Discworld series, has been diagnosed with an early-onset form of Alzheimers disease. In a note on artist Paul Kidby's site (http://www.terrypratchett.com/), he said that he is still alive and intends to find out what he can do next.

Our hearts go out to Mr. Pratchett and his worldwide legions of fans (which includes Kat and me).