Reference books, novels, magazines

September 17, 2020September 17, 2020CollectingTrek

Inside Star Trek 9: Polka-dot marshmallows and herding extras with Charlie Washburn

The second assistant director kept the set running on seasons two and three.

August 28, 2020August 28, 2020CollectingTrek

Relive John Belushi’s final captain’s log

Gene Roddenberry thought the Saturday Night Live parody of Star Trek’s cancellation was “delicious.”

July 23, 2020CollectingTrek

Inside Star Trek 8: George Takei on almost everything except Star Trek

Read a wide-ranging interview with Takei and get confirmation that TOS did not employ invisible stagehands.

February 17, 2020February 19, 2020CollectingTrek

Before VCRs, we had the Fotonovels. And they were glorious

In the before-time when home video was unknown, we had Fotonovels. Those great photos meant we could examine the bridge, the transporter effect and the tricorder’s control panel. Fotonovel 1 retells the most famous episode, and includes Harlan Ellison informing readers his script was better.

October 24, 2019March 4, 2020CollectingTrek

Boarding the Enterprise, a review: challenging and fascinating insights into the original series

Star Trek’s take on the Vietnam War. Kirk/Spock slash fic. Is the transporter a death machine? Why no seatbelts? You should read this book, but first read my post about it.

October 11, 2019July 21, 2020CollectingTrek

Inside Star Trek 7: Bill Theiss’ favourite costume designs, plus some fashion advice

Theiss knew Andrea’s costume pushed censorship boundaries and he “was prepared for and eagerly anticipated the storm.” Read more about his favourite creations.

August 22, 2019July 21, 2020CollectingTrek

Inside Star Trek 6: bubble-wrap Klingons and warm Gorns

Ruth Berman takes us into Leonard Nimoy’s office, costumer Bill Theiss reveals the placemat origins of the Elasian costumes, and there’s a strange bit about a warm Gorn.

August 1, 2019August 8, 2019CollectingTrek

Harlan Ellison put a drug dealer on the Enterprise. That was not the biggest script problem

Gene Roddenberry was right: Ellison’s version of The City on the Edge of Forever was not suitable for Star Trek, but the story is inventive and compelling and IDW’s graphic novel brings it to life with beautiful illustrations.