2005 is starting out to be a rough year. It’s just barely two weeks into the New Year and I’ve already lost three friends that mean a lot to the SF world as well. Kelly Freas was a true Southern gentleman and one of the most recognized science fiction and fantasy artist whose career spanned decades. He did every cover for Laser books. I remember the covers he did for the MYTH books in their Donning incarnations and even have a couple of them autographed. I think we first met in 1977 at one of the frequent Atlanta conventions and the last time I saw him was at DragonCon a couple of years ago. He looked almost the same, except his hair was a bit whiter. His wit and demeanor were the same as ever. I did manage to get a good picture of him; I just wish it had been one of both of us. Will Eisner will always be remembered for creating The Spirit along with other witty creations including some tracts he did for the Army. We met at DragonCon a few years back when Denis Kitchen brought him in to celebrate the Kitchen Sink reprints of The Spirit. He seemed to be a bit in awe of the folks wanting his autograph stating he was just doing something he liked and was happy other folks liked it as well. Kelly Goldberg (dgk Goldberg) only had two novels out, but had a lot of short stories appear in various places. We met at Fantasm when she was promoting her book, SKATEING ON THE EDGE. We were on several panels together and drank a lot of coffee. We saw each other every now and then at cons but stayed in touch via email talking about some of her stories when they appeared. I know she was working on an anthology for Lone Wolf Press, but I don’t know if it will appear or not. I don’t know how the rest of the year will pan out, but the world is a poorer place without these folks in it.

Jack Chalker has left us as well. The creator of Nathan Brazil and the Well of Souls has joined the ever growing group of fans and writers in the great unknown. Jack, in addition to being a unique writer, was a fan and ran The Mirage Press. F. M. Busby, who’s RISSA KERGUELEN was reviewed in an early Baryon, has left us after a long illness. His books were always interesting and entertaining.

I also learned over the holidays that David Bates died last year. Dave was a frequent reviewer of unusual books for Baryon in its early years. Dave was also one of the OE’s for the Pulp History APA that we ran for several years back in the 70’s. He was also a collector and a devoted husband and father. We had lost touch over the past few years, only exchanging Christmas Cards, but he will be missed. My best wishes to Su and the girls.

Richard Marx has released his first new album in several years. It is a growth from his previous works, but is as melodic and thoughtful as his previous works were. Kasey Chambers has released her third album and it is more introspective and message driven than her previous two. I think it is her best work ever and am sure that if you give it a try, you will like it as well.

I hope you find something you like in this issue. Let me hear from you. See you in about 90 days.

Barry