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Heritage 1a: 1972
Editors/publishers: Doug Murray and Richard Garrison

There has long been a debate between what constitutes a fanzine. Some publications at the lower end are dubbed “crudzines,” while the upper middle is populated by “semi-pro” zines, with the tippity top of the quality iceberg are the lofty “prozines.” Heritage most certainly occupies the upper altitudes of that category. Impeccable contributors, airy and professional design, and heck, there are two separate volumes! I have 1b on order, so will do an installment on that very soon. For now, let’s gaze, awe struck, at the incredible visuals by this cast of some of the best artists of that, or any time, in comics and fantasy. The spot illustration at left is one of several sprinkled on the high quality paper throughout the pages, mostly by Al Williamson (including the one at left).

The theme for both volumes is the character, Flash Gordon. Above you can see the elegant Alex Raymond front cover. After an introduction by editor Doug Murray and a few spot illustrations, the zine starts in high quality style in a strip by Jeff Jones, each panel a lesson in beautiful composition. Below you can see a few pages of this 4 page story.

After a typically classy pin up by Reed Crandall (below) Allan Asherman conducts a lengthy article on the Buster Crabbe/Flash Gordon serials from the mid-1930s, complete with a plethora of photos from those innocent films of yesterday (also below).

Next up is a lushly illustrated Flash Gordon parody/homage by Frank Brunner at the height of his abilities entitled Smash Gordon in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Mongo!

The beauty continues with a Gray Morrow portfolio. For me, Morrow ranks as one of the best realistic sequential artists of any time. Sometimes I feel like he never got his proper due and is all too forgotten today.

Following Morrow’s portfolio is a good and long interview with Buster Crabbe by not only the two editors, but the creator of some of the most elegant and gorgeous works of fantasy, Al Williamson. It contains not only photos of many of Crabbe’s roles, but photos of the man himself taken at the time of this interview by editor Garrison. To the right you also see one of several spot illustrations by Al Williamson that populate many of the ample white spaces adorning the book.

Kenneth Smith follow with a mini portfolio, showcasing his intricate line work and fantastically weird creatures.

The last feature of this volume is a story by Michael Kaluta, aptly showing how much of a son he was of the classic fantasy illustrators like Roy Krenkel, Williamson, and Crandall.

The last thing you see, on the back cover, is a pencil vignette of Crabbe as Flash by Frank Frazetta…not a bad way to end!

And that about wraps it up! I didn’t feel like had or needed to say much while covering this zine…it pretty much speaks for itself, and very eloquently at that. But of course, get the pdf to see the full stories, read the article and the interview! And please, feel free to leave comments so I know someone is reading! Remember, you can access all the installments, and the pdfs at my site here.

Next up will probably either be Afta 3 or the second volume of this publication, so stay tuned!

Ken Meyer Jr.
kenmeyerjr@yahoo.com