BeABohema

BeABohema was an American science-fiction fanzine associated with editor Frank Lunney of Quakertown, Pennsylvania. It operated during a period when fan publications were an important part of science-fiction culture: they provided forums for criticism, correspondence, debate, original commentary, and interaction among professional writers and readers. Unlike a commercial magazine, BeABohema was a fan-produced publication whose identity was shaped by its editor, contributors, and engagement with current issues in the genre community. The fanzine ran for twenty issues, beginning in 1968 and continuing through December 1971. Its relatively short run nevertheless placed it within a particularly active period in science-fiction publishing. The late 1960s and early 1970s saw vigorous discussion about the direction of the field, including the emergence of New Wave science fiction and disputes concerning the relationship between the Science Fiction Writers of America and the publisher of Amazing Stories, Ultimate Publishing. BeABohema became known for addressing and sometimes provoking discussion around these subjects, giving it a reputation beyond that of a routine club or correspondence publication. Its contributor list included a mixture of established writers, critics, artists, and prominent fans. Among those associated with the fanzine were Dean Koontz, Piers Anthony, Bill Rotsler, Ted White, Philip José Farmer, James Blish, David Gerrold, Sam Moskowitz, Jay Kinney, Terry Carr, and David R. Bunch. Piers Anthony contributed a recurring column called “Babble” for a period. The publication also featured a contribution from a then-obscure fan using the name “Gene Klein”; he later became widely known as Gene Simmons, the musician and co-founder of KISS. BeABohema received significant recognition within organized science-fiction fandom when it was nominated for the 1970 Hugo Award for Best Fanzine. It did not win; the award went to Richard E. Geis’s Science Fiction Review. The nomination nevertheless indicates that BeABohema was regarded as a notable fan publication by contemporary genre readers and voters. After its twentieth issue in December 1971, the fanzine ceased publication. No later corporate owner, successor brand, or continuing publication is identified in the available reference material.

BeABohema emerged in 1968 as a science-fiction fanzine edited by Frank Lunney in Quakertown, Pennsylvania. Its publication coincided with a period of intense activity in American science-fiction fandom, when fan-produced magazines served as important venues for discussion outside the commercial publishing system. Such publications commonly connected readers with professional authors, critics, artists, and other fans, while also providing room for arguments about the development and institutions of the field. The fanzine published twenty issues and remained active until December 1971. Its distinguishing characteristic was its willingness to engage with contentious subjects in science-fiction culture. These included disputes involving the Science Fiction Writers of America and Ultimate Publishing, the company associated with Amazing Stories, as well as arguments over New Wave science fiction. The available descriptions characterize BeABohema as known for controversies surrounding these issues, suggesting that its editorial identity was shaped as much by debate and criticism as by routine fan activity. A broad group of contributors was connected with the publication. The list included Dean Koontz, Piers Anthony, Bill Rotsler, Ted White, Philip José Farmer, James Blish, David Gerrold, Sam Moskowitz, Jay Kinney, Terry Carr, and David R. Bunch. Piers Anthony wrote a column titled “Babble” for part of the fanzine's run. Another contributor appeared under the name “Gene Klein,” who was not yet prominent at the time but later became known publicly as Gene Simmons of KISS. These associations placed BeABohema within the overlap between organized fandom and professional science-fiction culture. The publication's strongest documented recognition came in 1970, when it was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Fanzine. The award was won by Richard E. Geis's Science Fiction Review, but the nomination marked BeABohema as a noteworthy publication within the period's fan community. It continued for another year after the nomination and concluded with its twentieth issue in December 1971. The available material does not identify a successor publication, a corporate owner, or a revival. BeABohema is therefore best understood as a defunct historical fanzine rather than a continuing commercial media brand.

• 1971

  Final issue

  [1]BeABohemaen.wikipedia.org

  The publication ended after twenty issues, with its final issue appearing in December 1971.

• 1970

  Hugo Award nomination

  [1]BeABohemaen.wikipedia.org

  BeABohema was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Fanzine. Richard E. Geis's Science Fiction Review received the award.

• 1968

  Publication begins

  [1]BeABohemaen.wikipedia.org

  Frank Lunney began publishing BeABohema as a science-fiction fanzine associated with Quakertown, Pennsylvania.

An independent, discussion-oriented science-fiction fanzine focused on genre commentary, fandom debate, and contributions from writers, artists, critics, and fans.

• Science-fiction fanzine · 1968

  BeABohema issues

  The core offering was the BeABohema fanzine itself, published over a twenty-issue run from 1968 through December 1971. Its editorial material engaged with science-fiction writing, fandom, publishing institutions, and disputes over the direction of the genre. The issues also drew contributions from professional writers and notable fans, giving the publication a role as a forum connecting amateur and professional science-fiction communities.

• 1971

  BeABohema completes its publication run[1]BeABohemaen.wikipedia.org

  Other

  The fanzine ended after twenty issues, with the final issue published in December 1971.

• 1970

  BeABohema nominated for the 1970 Hugo Award for Best Fanzine[1]BeABohemaen.wikipedia.org

  Other

  BeABohema received a nomination for the Hugo Award for Best Fanzine. Richard E. Geis's Science Fiction Review won the category.

1. 1BeABohemaen.wikipedia.org