SPACEMEN NO. 8 (PART 1)

SPACEMEN
Vol. 2 No. 4 (Whole number 8)
June 1964
Warren Publishing Co.
Editor: Forrest J Ackerman
Cover: Photo cover
Pages: 68

Warren's SPACEMEN was the science-fiction version of FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND. It is not a stretch to see that it resembles FM in looks, formatting and design. One could even say that is was FM, just without the Gothic and supernatural horror elements. As with his flagship monster 'zine, Warren allowed editor Forry Ackerman to indulge himself with the true love of his life -- film fantasies -- this time with space ships and exploration of the endless universe. Consequently, the METROPOLIS filmbook was expanded from the usual FM fare, and spread out over three issues, the final part appearing here. Forry had a fondness for this film and, along with THINGS TO COME, another futuristic fantasy, seemed to be as fascinated with it as he was with KING KONG.

In any event, SPACEMEN died a quick death from the dreaded distribution Death-Ray and apparent lack of reader interest. With the exception of an annual edition, this is the last issue that was printed.

However, it did not go out with a whimper. This is one of the strongest issues in the run. The addition of another long filmbook, the first half of which is contained in this issue, is dedicated to Harryhausen's 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH. That it is written by one of my favorite crime/mystery writers, Henry Slesar, makes it all the more noteworthy. Slesar dipped his pen in the ink of fantasy and science-fiction on occasion and this tale is adapted from his paperback novel published by Ziff Davis in 1957 when he was just 30 years old. More on Mr. Slesar in a latter post.