Perry Rhodan Infotransmitter

January 2005

readersplanet Publishes Classic Science Fiction

December 1, 2004 – With its “readersplanet Science Fiction-Klassiker” series, readersplanet is publishing sf novels from years past by well-known authors in a new appealing hardcover edition. Volume 1 contains  Clark Darlton’s novels Ufo am Nachthimmel [UFO in the Night Sky] and Die Zeitlosen [The Timeless Ones].

With Ufo am Nachthimmel, the “Perry Rhodan” co-founder published his first stand-alone novel in 1955. He only succeeded, however, with the help of a trick: As his publisher consistently rejected German writers,  Walter Ernsting submitted the novel under the pseudonym “Clark Darlton,” pitching it as a translation of an English original, though it was, of course, his own novel. The trick succeeded, in part because at that time,  Clark Darlton was in fact working as a translator. Two years later, the novel received the German Hugo award.

Volume 2 of the series is slated for release in spring 2005. It will contain  Karl-Herbert Scheer’s novels Der Verbannte von Asyth [The Exile from Asyth] and Der Mann von Oros [The Man from Oros].

A tradition continues...

December 7, 2004 – GarchingCon 6 will be held on May 27 to 29, 2005, at the Bürgerhaus [Community Center] in Garching near Munich.

Once again, many writers, artists, journalists, and editors from the German science fiction scene are expected for autographing sessions, discussions with fans, and interesting lectures and panel discussions. Agenda items on “Perry Rhodan”, “Atlan”, and many other (new) series and single editions, as well as art and model exhibits, a dealers’ room, Saturday night entertainment, and much more will be offered—a weekend with a broad spectrum of activities in store that will leave nothing to be desired as far as the hearts and minds of fans are concerned.

Until December 31, fans can still register at a reduced rate. Further details about the program and guests can be found at the Con’s web site:  www.garching-con.net.

By Bettina Lang

December 10, 2004 – You’ve already stumbled across this when you recently picked up your latest weekly “Perry Rhodan” issue at the newsstand: The price has gone up by 10 Cents. The publisher had no choice but to pass on the increase in cost of printing, paper, and distribution during the past two years.

This price increase also effects the reissue editions and subscriptions. Hence, this editor’s log entry with all the details.

Starting with double-issue  1666/1667 (released on 12/30/2004), the 3^rd edition will cost 3.50 Euros. This same new price will impact the 5^th edition starting with issue  1160/1161 (released on 12/23/2004).

Here are the new annual subscription rates:

“Perry Rhodan”, 1^st edition:

Germany: 104 Euros

Austria: 117 Euros

Switzerland: 202.80 SF.

“Perry Rhodan”, 3^rd and 5^th editions:

Germany: 98.80 Euros

Austria: 111.80 Euros

Switzerland: 193.70 SF.

There’s also a change in responsibility for international subscriptions: Starting December 1, 2004, PMS GmbH & Co. KG (Adlerstrasse 22, 40211 Düsseldorf; T: 0211/69 07 89 26) is handling all subscriptions!

[Of course, North American and other international subscribers can continue subscribe "Perry Rhodan" through GLPNews ( www.glpnews.com) in New Jersey, USA. The Translator].

On the bright side, some good news: The pricing of the “Atlan” booklet series will stay the same for now—the next “Lordrichter” issue will cost 1.65 Euros, as usual.

The “Exodus of the Generations” begins!

December 16, 2004 – The  third volume of the “ Lemuria” paperback series has drifted into the bookstores just in time for Christmas.  Exodus der Generationen [Exodus of the Generations] covers new territory on two levels: First of all, the action takes us back 50,000 years, to events in Lemurian history that have not yet been described in “Perry Rhodan.”

Moreover, the volume marks the debut of a new writer in the Perryverse: Andreas Brandhorst. This translator and writer who lives in Italy is currently causing quite a stir in German sf with his elaborate “ Kantaki” series (the second volume of which, Der Metamorph [The Metamorphan], is being released concurrently with  Exodus der Generationen), and we think that his first “Perry Rhodan” novel also turned out very well. Look forward to a gripping read!

More information on Exodus der Generationen can be found  here.

A new design for a classic story cycle!

December 17, 2004 – Next spring will be great! You can already look forward to a big surprise: One of the most popular segments of the “Perry Rhodan” series, the “Schwarm” [Swarm] cycle, is coming to the bookstores in a special edition.

Throughout nine volumes produced as high-quality paperbacks, you can once again embark on the flight to the mysterious stellar swarm with  Perry Rhodan and his cohorts—a flight that’s worth every moment. After all, weekly issues 500 through 569, on which this book edition will be based, mark the start of the truly cosmic phase of the “Perry Rhodan” series.

In any event, these volumes will also be a feast for the eyes: Celebrated artist and illustrator  Dirk Schulz has personally designed the nine volumes, whose combined spines create a coherent motive (see the picture).

Want to know more? Then stop by  www.schwarm.perry-rhodan.net, where you’ll find further information, plus the covers of all nine volumes.

P.S.: We almost forgot the best part: Each volume costs only 9.90 Euros!

An Editor’s Log Entry

By Klaus N. Frick

December 17, 2004 – A new name will be added to the “Perry Rhodan” writers’ squad starting with weekly issue  2265. Anyone who is somewhat familiar with the “scene” or has been following the “Atlan” booklet series already knows his name:  Michael Marcus Thurner.

A profile on this friendly Viennese can already be found at the “Perry Rhodan” web site, surely to be followed by an interview with him in Sol (the magazine of the  PERRY RHODAN-FanZentrale) and in the readers’ corner of the weekly series. Thus, I won’t reiterate  Thurner’s biographical data here.

This writer already came to my attention a few years ago, mainly in result of fannish activities by the Perry Rhodan roundtable in Vienna.  And when he contributed a novel to the  PERRY RHODAN-FanEdition (“Mit den Augen des Mörders” [With the Eyes of the Murderer]), which, of course, I read, I noticed that here’s someone who consistently takes a stab at “larger issues.” During a writing seminar at the Federal Academy for Cultural Education (Bundesakademie für kulturelle Bildung) in Wolfenbüttel, where  Thurner was joined by  Leo Lukas and  Andreas Findig, he demonstrated his imaginativeness and good grasp of style.

Reason enough for  Sabine Kropp and me to give  Michael Marcus Thurner a chance with the “Atlan” miniseries “ Centauri” (“Gefangen im Hypersturm” [Trapped in the Hyperstorm]). His novel was published as the third volume of the miniseries. Reviews were indeed mixed, as not all readers liked his work. Nevertheless,  Thurner garnered the attention of our colleagues at the Bastei publishing house. Consequently, he wrote several volumes for the since then cancelled sf booklet series “Bad Earth.” And as fans of the series report, they were pretty good…

Meanwhile, he maintained his contacts with the “Perry Rhodan” editors, and he immediately came back on board for Atlan’s latest adventures. He has long since become an important resource for “Atlan” editor  Sabine Kropp.

And now the leap to “Perry Rhodan.” Titled “Die Krone von Roewis” [The Crown of Roewis], his novel is a very clever and, most of all, entertaining inside perspective on the culture of the Gurrads. I thought that the novel was great, and I’m very interested in reactions from readers. Various first readers have already expressed much appreciation for this effort.

Most likely, this won’t be  Michael Marcus Thurner’s last “Perry Rhodan” novel. Without going into detail: The second plot outline has already reached his desk in Vienna…

An Editor’s Log Entry

By Klaus N. Frick

December 21, 2004 - Stars of the successful sci-fi series “Stargate-SG1” landed in Germany in December.

The venue’s appearance alone already made the approximately 500 fans of the science fiction series “Stargate-SG1” who had made the trip feel quite at home: On December 11 and 12, the Pyramid Hotel in Fürth near Nuremberg was the meeting place was science fiction enthusiasts from all over Europe. Immediately within the lobby area, various dealers were already offering merchandise and fannish collectibles related to the subject of “Stargate.”

As various creators of the “Perry Rhodan” series are also big fans of “Stargate-SG1,” I visited  GermanCityCon 2004 together with media reporter Robert Vogel.

At a meeting with popular actor Michael Shanks alias “Dr. Daniel Jackson,” we were able to present a banner as a gift from the “Perry Rhodan” editors, expressing our thanks on behalf of the world’s greatest sf series for the work of many years by the “Stargate-SG1” team. Michael was very appreciative and was also amazed to hear that the “Perry Rhodan” series has now reached 2260 weekly issues.

Peter DeLuise also attended this  con, which marked his first public appearance in Europe. He’s not only the producer of “Stargate-SG1” but also works as a director and script writer. Beyond that, he’s also known as an actor in several U.S. series. Peter insisted on chatting and joking around with us for a while—clearly, he has some of the same talent as his father, the well-known comedian Dom DeLuise!

At the conclusion of our visit, Robert and I had to step through a replica of the Stargate to reach the stage. In front of roughly 200 guests we spoke about “Perry Rhodan” in general and Robert’s visit to the set of “Stargate: Atlantis” in particular. We’re currently working on a small surprise for the German launch of this new series in spring 2005.

 GermanCityCon 2004 certainly succeeded on all levels. My thanks goes to Robert Vogel and the two con organizers Ulli Hartmann and Ute Schuh for their excellent support, and also to Martina Koppe for capturing the presentation of the banner in picture.

On the occasion of GCC 2004, we are awarding 14 episodes of Stargate on (German) VHS. Simply answer the following question:

What is the name of the actor who has been leading the SG1 team as “Colonel Jack O’Neill”?  Click here to submit your answer. The deadline is January 7, 2005.

Additional images from GermanCityCon 2004 can be seen  here.

By Sabine Kropp

December 27, 2004 – In early December 2004, our “Atlan” head writer  Uwe Anton, editor-in-chief  Klaus N. Frick, and I had a meeting. It concerned nothing less than the continuation of the “Atlan” miniseries.

We certainly want to keep going on the heels of the successful “Lordrichter” [Lord Judges] story arc, which is currently heading for its climax. Consequently, this conversation had to take place as soon as possible. As you know, starting and maintaining a series requires a concept and various planning activities at the outset.

We were all asking ourselves the same big question at our meeting in Rastatt: What direction to take? We had a long discussion, in the course of which some very nice ideas emerged. We’ve also already come up with a name for the new storyline.

Thus, with “Der Dunkelstern” [Darkstar], more Atlan adventures will be released without any interruption, i.e.: The new “Atlan” miniseries “Der Dunkelstern” will start on April 12, 2005!  Uwe Anton is already working on the new plot treatments so that we can all really look forward to Dunkelstern.”

An Editor’s Log Entry

By Klaus N. Frick

December 29, 2004 – Again and again, there are fanzines that in my view turned out very well. A nice example of this is “Centauri Spezial,” which just fluttered onto my desk. Published by the “ Science Fiction Club Universum,” which has been around for many years, it contains 116 pages in the DIN A5 format and comes with a neat binding and attractive design.

“This special edition is to remind you of the cycle and may also bring details to your attention that were missed in a first reading,” writes editor Claudia Höfs in the fanzine’s preface. Indeed, “Centauri Spezial” contains much information that the “normal” reader wouldn’t have known until now.

Next to a summary of the action of the 12 volumes of the “ Centauri” campaign, there are reviews of individual volumes, plus much background information contributed by Rainer Castor. Additionally, there are descriptions of the stellar globular cluster, detailed fact sheets on the various solar systems and persons, as well as historical background to the storyline, which, after all, interconnects on several levels with the entire “Perry Rhodan” series.

Writer and artist profiles are included in the fanzine as well as a quite critical assessment by Heiko Langhans, who addresses those aspects of the cycle that were less appealing to him. Overall, a wide variety of materials that ought to be especially worthwhile to those fans who want to know more about the “Perryverse.”

The fanzine, for which the designation “book” would not be out of place, costs four euros and can be ordered directly from the club: Frank Zeiger, Hauptstrasse 46a, 66909 Herschweiler-Pettersheim, Germany (e-mail:  Versand@sfcu.de).