The editors apologize

July 1, 2005 – Due to technical reasons, Atlan 31 contains a mistake. In “Angriff der Togronen” [Attack of the Togrons] by  Michael H. Buchholz, page 61 was printed twice, while page 59 is missing. We apologize for this error! To let you read the missing text, you can review it online or download it as a PDF file.

Let me also announce that Rüdiger Schäfer’s “Fluchtpunkt Craddyn” [Vanishing Point Craddyn] (Atlan issue 32, to be released on July 15, 2005) will have a four-page special in the middle involving the missing text.

As the saying goes, to err is human, and our colleagues at the printer are no exception.

Along these lines, ad astra!

Sabine Kropp.

Get the missing pages here in  HTML or  PDF.

An Editor’s Log Entry

By Klaus N. Frick

July 4, 2005 – We already announced it a few months ago, and now I can reveal more about it: This year’s Perry Rhodan Extra (publication date: September 2, 2005) is already being typeset and will be going to print soon—and some pages that I’ve already seen really look great. So let me give you a small preview of this booklet that will be released in September, shortly before volume 2300 starts a new story cycle within the Perry Rhodan series.

While last year’s Perry Rhodan-Extra 1 mostly served as an “interim review” of the on-going Sternenozean [Ocean of Stars] cycle,  Perry Rhodan-Extra 2 represents a prelude, so to speak, to the Terranova cycle. Both the novel and the visuals provide an introduction to the Terra of the 14^th century New Galactic Era, and the story will allude to the threats against which the humans of the Perryverse will have to defend themselves.

Titled “Das Antares-Riff” [The Antares Reef], the novel in this “Extra” is by  H.G. Francis. Set against the backdrop of the state of the media industry in the years following the hyper-impedance shock, the story is about an advance toward the hyperstorm at Antares and an encounter with mysterious extraterrestrials who are on the prowl out there with their spaceship. They are associated with the terminal column known as “Traitor”—which is a topic that will be prominently featured in the stories following volume 2300.

Moreover, in portraying Terrania from the perspective of the media producer Albion Aldograd, the novel also shows that the world of the distant future is by no means a paradise but indeed has its share of drawbacks and problems. And it explains the tricks to which young people of the future in the Perryverse have to resort when they want to experience their “thrills”.

This goes along with the second focal point of this Perry Rhodan Extra: This booklet, too, will include eight four-color pages, though not a comic book like last year but more like a technical outline. Günter Puschmann, creator of cut-away drawings and an architect by profession, will present a visionary view of “transportation systems of the future,” in the form of expansively designed impressions of the ways and means by which the inhabitants of 14^th century NGE Terrania get around. To see a reproduction of Günter’s impressive creation, click  here.

Similar to the last Perry Rhodan­-Extra, this next special edition, which will be wrapped in clear plastic, will come with an audioplay on CD produced by Eins-A-Medien based on the Perry Rhodan paperback  “Beinahe ein Mensch” [Almost a Human] by  Hubert Haensel. In my view, quite a treat, and not just for audiobook aficionados!

As a further highlight of  Perry Rhodan­-Extra 2, there will also be a big quiz. Anyone who has read the volume will be able to answer the questions—and the prizes are worth it! We’ll be introducing them shortly on the Perry Rhodan web site and in the readers’ contact page of the Perry Rhodan booklets.

Summer Reading Material

July 5, 2005 – Still in search of reading material for the summer? We can help!  Andromeda is now in the bookstores—a true milestone in the history of Perry Rhodan.

Our successful collaboration with the Heyne publishing company began a few years ago with the six-volume “Andromeda” paperback series. And what a dynamic launch it was! An entire cycle, written by top writers of the series, and in a design that quickened the pulse of every sf fan—rarely was the first edition of a Perry Rhodan publication sold out as quickly as this one!

And anyone who missed out on the paperbacks now has the chance to obtain them collected in a single volume—with new exclusive cover artwork by  Oliver Scholl!

HJB’s Successful Series Continued!

July 7, 2005 – With the  Perry Rhodan Gold edition, the HJB publishing house has been presenting classic volumes of the Perry Rhodan series. Each volume of these exclusive paperbacks comes with an in-depth afterword written by Perry Rhodan expert  Michael Thiesen.

New titles have now been published in June: “Die sechste Epoche” [The Sixth Epoch] by  K.H. Scheer and “Ruf der Unsterblichkeit” [Call of Immortality] by  Ernst Vlcek.

The Gold edition is targeted at veteran and new readers alike. The former are given an opportunity to remember their favorite stories through these prestigious new releases, while the latter are introduced to true highlights from the world’s greatest sf series.

Perry Rhodan Author Visits ESA!

July 8, 2005 – To be sure, our hero really is out there as First Terran on behalf of the  League of Free Terrans. He began his career as an astronaut of the US Space Force…but whenever called upon, he proves himself to be an instantaneous adapter, ready to travel new territories with fortitude. As, for example, next week. That’s when Perry Rhodan will be sending a representative to a conference of the European Space Agency in Brussels!

This happy—and already quite excited—representative is none other than team author  Frank Borsch. Frank will be enjoying the privilege of discussing the future of European space travel with eighty other invited guests from all over Europe. Officially titled the “Third Stakeholder Roundtable Discussion,” the objective of this event is to come up with scenarios for ESA’s work through the year 2035.

We editors wish Frank much fun and success in Brussels! And let’s just already picture the faces of the other attendees as he proceeds to present the benefits of the linear drive and the matter transmitter…

An Editor’s Log Entry

By Klaus N. Frick

July 11, 2005 – It won’t be long now until the second Perry Rhodan issue of the year by a guest author is published. Therefore I can now already write a bit more about the contents and the author—of course, without revealing too much.

Since the 1990’s,  Andreas Eschbach has been known to science fiction readers as a successful writer of exciting novels. His novels have garnered him many awards and meanwhile are being translated for international publication. He also writes short stories, audioplays, and young adult books.

Non-genre audiences know  Andreas Eschbach through novels like Jesus-Video (which was even turned into a movie), or Eine Billion Dollar. Born in 1959 in Ulm and now living in Britanny, he has long since become one of the most popular German-language writers.

In 1998, he basically fulfilled a teenage dream by writing a guest novel for Perry Rhodan: “ Der Gesang der Stille” [The Song of Silence] was published as volume  1935 of the series and was justifiably celebrated by the readers. His sensitive portrayal of the relatively immortal  Reginald Bull fascinated even those who don’t generally read the series regularly.

With the story  “Die Rückkehr” [The Return], which will hit the stores as volume number  2295, Eschbach is indeed returning to the world’s greatest sf series with a second guest contribution. This time none other than Perry Rhodan himself takes center stage, telling his story from a critical vantage point.

In  “Die Rückkehr”, it’s May 1333 New Galactic Era on Terra and those planets of the Milky Way that have been settled by humans. The troops of the self-anointed god Gon-O have conquered Earth and the other worlds of the Solar System. Enormous spaceships called Kybb Titans are manipulating the sun in order to induce an artificial nova.

 Perry Rhodan, who had to retreat in the face of this overwhelming adversarial force, is gathering his fleet in the Vega system. That’s where he’s planning his tricky return to Earth to gain freedom for humankind. An ancient game is helping him develop a daring strategy.

Also waiting onboard the fleet for the mission that’s about to be launched is Derek Pander, a young technician. His family had to stay behind on Earth, and his only goal now is to see them again and to save them. Derek Pander’s story forms the crucial second narrative line of the novel: the cosmic events of this fictional future are even more exciting from the perspective of an “average Joe.”

By the way, Eschbach’s issue will be a novelty for the Perry Rhodan series in another sense as well: for the first time we’ll be releasing a volume that will come with a type of second cover that draws additional attention to the novel and the author. As far as I know, this has never occurred before in the history of the series—and of novella booklets in general in Germany.

Translator’s Comment:

One of Andreas Eschbach’s novels, Die Haarteppichknüpfer, has been published in an English translation titled  The Carpet Makers.  Andreas' personal web site can be viewed in both German and English at  www.andreaseschbach.de.

New Batch of Atlan e-Books

July 19, 2005 – In our e-book publications, the  Atlan cycle “Im Auftrag der Menschheit” [On Assignment for Humankind] will conclude this week with  Hans Kneifel’s volume 139, “Die wandernde Seele” [The Wandering Soul]. Thus ends one era of the immortal Arkonide’s long biography—and a new one begins. Why? Because the Atlan e-books will be continued seamlessly following the current batch!

New challenges are awaiting  Atlan.  “König von Atlantis” [King of Atlantis] will take  Atlan, and, hence, you readers, to the year 2648 and to a place that could not be any more mysterious: Atlantis.

After being lost for thousands of years, this continent materializes in the Atlantic Ocean, and  Atlan sets out to investigate the unknown land that is surrounded by myths. What he doesn’t know: he is venturing into an odyssey that takes him not only into the most remote parts of Atlantis but also to far-away galaxies!

“ATLAN—König von Atlantis” truly is a new begin for our vigorous Arkonide, a journey to the frontiers of science fiction and fantasy, an adventure to which you are led by several writers who were new to the series when these volumes were first published. Among them are  Marianne Sydow,  Horst Hoffmann, and  Peter Terrid!

“König von Atlantis” runs for a total of 200 issues. You can now subscribe the first 50 issues for 49.50 euros or 100 for 90.00 euros. Everything else will stay the same: the twice-weekly publication rate, the variety of electronic formats—and, of course, the enjoyment brought by these stories!

Your Editors.

P.S. Some of you may be wondering about an e-book edition of the “ATLAN-Exclusiv” volumes. Well, for that we have to ask you to turn to regular book retail channels. After all,  Atlan’s youth adventures are being released for some time now as part of the  Atlan hardcovers (starting with hc volume 17), carefully edited by Atlan expert  Rainer Castor!

Selected “Planet Novels” Now Available in a Hardcover Edition

July 25, 2005 – The complete hardcover edition of selected  Perry Rhodan “planet novels” continues to be available from the Weltbild mail order service: 26 volumes in total, each containing two complete novels plus an exclusive foreword.

The double issue that contains  William Voltz’s novels “Invasion der Puppen” [Invasion of the Puppets] and “Die Zone des Schreckens” [The Zone of Terror] provides an introduction to the series. This means that this volume costs nothing except shipping and handling. As a premium, the Weltbild service is including “the laughing mini-radio.”

If the subscriber enjoyed this first volume, each additional volume will be sent approximately every four weeks, priced at 7.95 euros per book plus shipping and handling.

This series features “classic” authors of Perry Rhodan:  Clark Darlton,  Kurt Mahr,  Ernst Vlcek,  H.G. Ewers,  William Voltz, and  Hans Kneifel. Perry Rhodan writer  Michael Nagula has selected and gently edited the best and most thrilling stories by them, all of which were originally published as Perry Rhodan paperbacks.

More information is available at Weltbild’s  Perry Rhodan Planetenromane (Sammler-Edition) page.

Translator’s comment:

Fans outside Germany might try the Transgalaxis mail order service ( www.transgalaxis.de), which also accepts payment by PayPal. Send inquiries and orders by e-mail to:  transgalaxis@transgalaxis.de.

German SF Anthology Includes Perry Rhodan Writers

July 27, 2005 – October this year will see the release of the second volume of Helmuth W. Mommers’ anthology series “VISIONEN.” With “Die Legende von Eden” [The Legend of Eden], this high-profile publisher will present a “best of” German science fiction—a “must” for any fan of the fantastic.

And if that weren’t reason enough, no less than two Perry Rhodan writers are included this time:  Ernst Vlcek and  Frank Borsch!

Additional information can be found  here.

An Editor’s Log Entry

By Klaus N. Frick

August 10, 2005 – The  2005 WorldCon in Glasgow was the second time that a science fiction  WorldCon was held in the Scottish city of Glasgow. Once before, in 1995, the SECC, the Scottish convention center, had been a meeting place for thousands of sf fans from around the globe. And during the first weekend of August 2005, fans and writers, publishers and artists once again gathered to debate and to party. Considering the high number of well-known sf and fantasy authors from around the world, autographs hounds were especially busy throughout the weekend.

 Frank Borsch and I arrived on Thursday, August 4, and we needed a while to get our bearings in the extensive layout. Altogether, more than a dozen rooms were in use for the con, ranging from the smallest of conference rooms all the way to large halls that could seat 3,000 guests. And all kinds of activities were being held everywhere. At times, more than a dozen different programs were running concurrently.

I’m not even going to try to list all the details of the con or to describe everything that we experienced. Instead, I’ll limit myself to those things that seem most important to me in hindsight. After all, half a book could be filled on everything that happens at such a  WorldCon.

In fact, we had various priorities in mind. First and foremost, we were representing Perry Rhodan. Furthermore, we also wanted to get a feel for the new trends in science fiction. Finally, we were very much interested in developing and deepening contacts to other publishing houses around the world and to talk to writers and artists. You never know when any of these relationships might become useful.

To that end,  Frank Borsch shared a panel with British author Terry Pratchett. Together with guests from Norway and France, they discussed the  challenges of translating science fiction and fantasy. Later on, the two of us were seated on a panel titled  “Perry Rhodan: The World’s Longest Running SF Series” with Dutch Perry Rhodan translator Kees van Toorn and German multimedia fan Robert Vogel to tell visitors from other countries about Perry Rhodan. We seemed to have succeeded; the audience was particularly appreciative of the artwork that has been created over a span of more than forty years.

The picture above shows us at the Perry Rhodan panel; from left to right: Frank Borsch, yours truly, Kees van Toorn, and Robert Vogel.

Next to its sheer size, one thing that distinguished this  WorldCon from typical domestic fan events was, above all, its professionalism. Hundreds of volunteer helpers are constantly in motion to keep things running, to assist speakers and presenters, and to literally work around the clock. Mistakes certainly occur even here, which is to be expected, but they are quickly fixed.

A traditional high point of any WorldCon is the so-called masquerade where fans from various countries clad themselves in colorful costumes and, for example, reenact scenes from their favorite novels. Among the participants was  Dimitra Fleissner of Germany, who garnered much acclaim for her quite original interpretation of the “ketchup song” (in a wide robe). She also received a “Best Workmanship” award for her presentation “How An Elf Starts the Day” and was  pictured in the con fanzine “The Port Authority”.

Another highlight is the presentation of the Hugo awards, probably the most important science fiction award worldwide. Authors who receive a Hugo are considered among the best of the genre. For example, nominated no less than three times was British writer  Charles Stross, definitely someone to keep an eye on. Thus, I promised  Heyne editor Sascha Mamczak on the spot to finally read Stross’ book Supernova (orig., “Iron Sunrise”), about which my colleague has been bugging me for a long time.

Incidentally, the Big Heart award was also presented this year. It is intended for well-deserving longtime fans who have been active in the scene for decades. This year, a German fan was honored for the first time: Waldemar Kumming of Munich, who has been publishing his sf fanzine “Munich Round Up” since the 1950’s, probably the longest-running fanzine not associated with a club.

So much for the business end of the program, which nevertheless was entertaining and “fannish” enough in of itself. Further remarks on the events in Glasgow will appear in the next log entry.

An Editor’s Log Entry

By Klaus N. Frick

August 12, 2005 – Anyone who attends American or British cons is not at all surprised to see authors debate and celebrate with the fans. After all, many of them “grew up” within the fandom, having published fanzines of their own in their youth and written for those of others. And many who have long since made their names as professional writers continue to be active in the scene, for example by volunteering to organize cons. Thus, here are some observations on the fannish part of this year’s  WorldCon.

Fan Rooms

One giant hall was practically reserved for nothing but fan activities. This hall was divided into smaller areas in which, for example, organizers of future cons were advertising their projects. That way, you could already pay your membership for a con that might only be happening five years from now.

One exhibit was devoted to the history of  EuroCon, i.e., European sf conventions organized by the  European Science Fiction Society. Along these lines, the histories of Irish and Scottish fandom were represented on various wall displays.

Another area was filled with with piles of fanzines from the past thirty years. Some of these publications could be acquired for a small fee. For example, I used the opportunity to secure some back issues of the award-winning “ Mimosa”.

“The Port Authority”

One thing that I personally always enjoy at these WorldCons are the daily zines that are published on location. In this case, it was  “The Port Authority”, with each issue consisting of a single sheet printed on both sides. Its content included various greetings—including  from Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling,—plus informational updates and all kinds of news bites and gossip about the con and its visitors. The fanzine was handed out in the corridors of the convention center, or it could be picked up at various information booths.

Con Books

Attendees received two books, each of which served different purposes as the  WorldCon was concerned.

The large format con book was titled “Splitting Infinity” and mainly contained information about the guests of honor and the chief attractions of the con. This also made it into a reference tool that could be enjoyed even after the con.

Most important during the con itself was the “Convention Guide,” a 132-page paperback published in a landscape format. It listed all the individual programs and also had maps and building layouts concerning both the convention center itself and the surrounding area. Without this guide, I pretty much would have been lost during the whole event.

Room Parties

Many attendees feel that the real action happens each night after the official end of the (equally official) daily program, namely when the parties go into high gear at various hotel sites.

I admit that I really had a great time at these room parties. Germans and Americans, Brits and Russians, Japanese and Ukrainians, Dutch and Rumanians, Czechs and Norwegians—basically every industrialized nation was represented by fans who were all having a lot of fun at the con.

Generally, room parties are events that fan representatives use to publicize their organizations or upcoming events or even their whole country. For the most part, they are held in the evenings at some hotel location, and they are mainly characterized by an exuberant—and somewhat inebriated—mood. Very amusing!

By the way, many publishing companies will host similar parties for their business partners and other guests. For example,  Frank Borsch and I attended an evening at a Borders Books & Music store where Australian fantasy writer Cecilie Dart-Thornton, American star author George R.R. Martin, and British sf author China Miéville were among the guests who came to enjoy a beer.

An Editor’s Log Entry

By Klaus N. Frick

August 16, 2005 – Perry Rhodan readers can expect two sets of double issues toward the end of the “Sternenozean” [Ocean of Starts] story cycle, each of which mark a conclusion, in a way, to parts of the current plot. One of these double issues is by  Leo Lukas. The two volumes,  2296, “In der Hölle von Whocain” [In the Hell of Whocain], and  2297, “Under dem Kondensator-Dom” [Under the Condenser Dome], are closely connected and involve the climax of the confrontation with the  Kybbs.

The immortal Arkonide  Atlan is a central character in this double issue, although he remains in the background for much of the two volumes. Instead, he sends out a somewhat unusual mission team into the field. Members of this team include space combat forces but also a young xenopsychologist and a specialist for positronics whom readers have already known for a while: Filana Karonadse, who has been out of sight since the events on  Hayok. Since then, she has developed (and “modified”) herself quite a bit.

Much of the action in this double issue is described from the perspective of the  Terrans, but the  Kybbs, too, play a significant role. The former rulers of the  Jamondi ocean of stars and of the Arphonie stellar cluster have not yet been defeated by far, and one of them in particular, about whom we haven’t heard in a long time, now sees a big chance for himself within his grasp.

Throughout the double issue,  Leo Lukas provides insights into Kybb culture, which continues to be quite alien to the  Terrans. And in the course of the direct confrontation that evolves between humans and Kybb, the members of the commando team can’t rely on force alone. Instead, they have to employ both diplomacy and the power of persuasion as well as certain technical capabilities that they didn’t quite anticipate at the outset.

Incidentally, this double issues comes with a very special kind of extra feature. Created by  Swen Papenbrock, the cover artwork for each volume depicts the two perspectives of the double issue: on the one hand, the positronic specialist Filana Karonadse, and on the other hand—i.e., the cover of volume  2297—a  Kybb:Traken. Side by side, the two covers comprise a single image.

And this single image can also be downloaded  right here free of charge as wall-paper.

Perry Rhodan and the World of Fashion

August 25, 2005-The Perry Rhodan series has been popping up in some strange new worlds. For example, right next to beauty tips, reports about clothing and models, and other topics of interest to fashion-conscious women, the web site  www.fashionoffice.org contains a prominent reference to  Leo Lukas’ volume  2296, “In der Hölle von Whocain” [In the Hell of Whocain].

Next to the cover itself, which was created by  Swen Papenbrock, the portrayal of the character Filana Karonadse was what garnered the attention of the editors of that web site. Thus, an article about Filana (also available in English) can currently be found at:  www.fashionoffice.org/culture.

An Editor’s Log Entry

By Sabine Kropp

August 26, 2005 – My God, how time flies! I’m just realizing the my last log entry on “Intraworld” was done quite a while ago. Thus, it’s high time for me to give you an update.

This morning, I finished up Atlan volume 38 and sent it on to the printer. Written by  Christian Montillon, this exciting novel is titled “Vorstoß in die Intrawelt” [Venturing into the Intraworld]. Meanwhile,  Hubert Haensel’s effective introductory volume “Wächter der Intraworld” [Sentries of the Intraworld] has already been edited and, according to my timeline, is scheduled for printing next week. Thus, nothing stands in the way the “Intrawelt” cycle’s launch on September 23, 2005. Excellent!

Each volume includes an interior drawing by  Harry Messerschmidt, which will certainly delight many of you. I believe that I’ve already previously announced that the first four covers were created by  Arndt Drechsler, and they’ve turned out really great—just wait and see! The next quartet of covers will be done by a new artist, whose name I’ll reveal in a future log entry.

One thing that I just can’t keep to myself till the next log entry is that  Leo Lukas is writing a volume for the Atlan series. Just in case anyone doesn’t know him yet: Together with  Hubert Haensel, Leo is one of the permanent members of the team of writers for Perry Rhodan. Leo will be responsible for the third “Intrawelt” volume, and I’ve already had a chance to read it. Wow, what a great story!

To be continued …

An Editor’s Log Entry

By Klaus N. Frick

August 30, 2005 – The excitement is growing—at least that’s the impression I get when I see the letters and e-mails that we’ve been receiving from readers or when I visit the various bulletin boards: Perry Rhodan readers are eagerly anticipating the new “Terranova” story cycle, which will be launched on September 16, 2005.

Many of you already have a sense of the “big themes” that will show up in this cycle. Respective hints have been dropped in statements by the writers and by me as editor at the con in Garching in May and in the interview that  Robert Feldhoff granted to the Sol fan magazine (which, by the way, is available from the  PERRY RHODAN-FanZentrale!). The whole idea of a “negasphere” as well as the powers of chaos that are associated with it will all certainly play an important role.

For good reason, we haven’t yet revealed any details so far, and that’s also not the purpose of this log entry. Instead, let me draw your attention to “Terranova”’s first batch of volumes.

The very first novel of the new cycle, Robert Feldhoff’s Perry Rhodan 2300 titled “Vorboten des Chaos” [Harbingers of Chaos], will already introduce a completely new species whose appearance nevertheless will remind our heroes of past old acquaintances. This species—more specifically, one of its representatives—will play an important role off the bat, particularly in a double issue by  Hubert Haensel that will have a lot to say about the “opposing” side…

Speaking of old acquaintances, some others are indeed part of the action.  Siganesans are among the most important characters in these first few volumes, and  Springers will be included as well in short order. Following the hyperspace impedance shock, Terra’s most immediate cosmic neighbors obviously are becoming important again, which will also be reflected in these stories.

Readers will encounter  Perry Rhodan himself and will also see Arkonide emperor  Bostich I in action. An unusual role will be played by Rhodan’s oldest living son in these first volumes:  Roi Danton will be taking on an assignment on behalf of humankind.

Probably the most fascinating character in these initial novels in my view is the “dual captain,” who will gain in profile especially in novels by  Arndt Ellmer and  Michael Marcus Thurner. Meanwhile, I won’t say anything yet about the secrets surrounding the young Marc London, a resident of Atlan Village, and the mysterious Fawn Suzke.

And anyone who’s interested in technology will be delighted as well. The post-hyperspace impedance shock conditions are tough, but the  Terrans prove themselves to be very inventive: “Loretta” is the secret name of a forward-looking project…

So much for these further details on the new story cycle. The long-term plot arc includes a fair amount of surprises, and I must be very careful about not giving away too much information…

An Editor’s Log Entry

By Klaus N. Frick

August 31, 2005 – Just a few more weeks until the start of the next story cycle in Perry Rhodan: with “Terranova,” a new chapter in this future history of the human race will be launched, providing hitherto unkown insights into the Perryverse.

Meanwhile, the current “Sternenozean” [Ocean of Stars] story cycle will be concluded with a double issue written by  Uwe Anton. With  2298, “Bericht eines Toten” [Report by a Dead Man], and  2299, simply titled “Ahandaba,” these two volumes will sum up the past two years to some extent and also provide a visionary peek ahead:

It would have been interesting to release the two volumes under different pseudonyms. Would the readers have noticed that the same writer was responsible for both novels? I doubt it, because both in terms of themes and of style,  Uwe Anton has taken two quite distinct approaches. In my view, this clearly increases the enjoyment of reading the two volumes.

By the way, Uwe has also taken innovative and unusual approaches in headlining the chapters in these volumes. While  2298 has no numbered chapters at all, the chapter headings in  2299 contain—just by way of hint—a literary puzzle, so to speak. Thus, while these headings speak for themselves, a closer reading will also reveal an additional association.

Enough said, enough disclosed! The double issue that concludes “Sternenozean” is powerful enough in of itself and will stand on its own merits.

A Look at the Media Industry of the Future

September 1, 2005 – With  Perry Rhodan­-Extra 2, which will be released tomorrow, September 2, 2005, the makers of Perry Rhodan are once again treading new paths: this special edition will present the fictitious world of the end of the fifth millennium in both words and images.

At the heart of the special edition is an exclusive Perry Rhodan novel by  H.G. Francis: “Das Antares Riff” [The Antares Reef]. Media producer Albion Aldograd is the protagonist in this story. He is in the business of creating a colorful mix of information and entertainment for the residents of  Terrania, Earth’s capital city. He gets his big break when he has a chance to venture to the Antares Reef as the first reporter to travel to this dangerous part of the galaxy. Once there, he encounters the harbingers of the terminal column “Traitor,” which in the 14^th century of the New Galactic Era is threatening life in the Milky Way…

This gripping Perry Rhodan novel portrays a member of the media who finds himself having to survive the adventure of a lifetime. It also describes a world of the far future that by no means is a paradise but certainly has its share of challenges and dark sides.

Included in  Perry Rhodan­-Extra 2 is an impressive vision of Terrania's transportation system created by Günter Puschmann, which can also be viewed  here.

Further details about  Perry Rhodan­-Extra 2 were already provided earlier in this newsletter in Klaus N. Frick’s editor’s log entry of July 4. The cost of this special edition is 3.50 euros.

June 2005:

Perry Rhodan Gold Edition:

“Die sechste Epoche” [The Sixth Epoch] by K.H. Scheer

“Ruf der Unsterblichkeit” [Call of Immortality] by Ernst Vlcek.

July 2005:

Andromeda

9/2/05:

Perry Rhodan-Extra 2

9/16/05:

Launch of “Terranova” with Perry Rhodan weekly issue 2300, “Vorboten des Chaos” [Harbingers of Chaos]

9/23/05:

Launch of “Intrawelt” with Atlan issue 39, “Vorstoß in die Intrawelt” [Advance Into The Intraworld]