Another anime column, you think? Well, not really. I’ve had several requests lately for more info on the Five Star Stories, and so starting now, this will become the FSS Fan. I welcome any input from fans of the series, or those who wish to become fans of the series.

After the background in the last of these columns, I’ll devote this one to some of the odder tidbits of collecting the Five Star universe.

Most of the immediate collectors of the series are familiar with the Characters books. These are essential magazines which add more support to the story, with data on some of the more esoteric bits of the story. Here, then, is a synopsis of the Characters Plus 1 through 4, and Publishers 1 through 6.

C1+: 8 new people, one new Mortar Headd, the A-Toll (Swan version); concept designs from Addler 2629; a supplement for the Chronicle (the FSS encyclopedia); a synopsis of the 5th anniversary NewType magazine’s celebration, and a panel discussion headed by Mr. Nagano himself. The panel talk is a history of FSS though NewType, and its growth over the previous years.

C2+: 8more people, another Mortar Headd, and a discussion on the Thunder Dragon. Several good pictures of kits from Kaiyodo, Volks and Wave. Another Chronicle expansion, and a detailed examination of the Float Temple, the Mirage Corps floating fortress and HQ.

C3+: 9 people and 3 Mortar Headds, more of the Chronicle, an interview with Mamoru Nagano, the anatomy of the Buster Launcher, and a very nice dissertation on the sperm whale with a model kit from Kaiyodo.

C4+: 11 people, 2 Mortar Headds, and a long running series showing the coloring patterns required to bring a cel-like illustration into being, in this case, of the Thunder Dragon. Also, a good series of shots of Seuzo, a baby Thunder Dragon. More Chronicle, but best of all, an explanation on the presence of Arch and O.P.K.L. I’ll mention them more in another article. Also, a good Factory bit on the Knight of Gold and the LED Mirage.

Now for the odd books. Each one is identifiable by the illustration of Seuzo on the front cover.

P1: ESSENTAIL for all FSS fans. The best thing about this book, for those who cannot read Japanese, is the discussion in English on the function of the Fatima. Some fans news and comments, and some very nice pictures of the Epcot Center and a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

P2: More readers comments, a very long article about the wedding, some really cool wedding shots as well as an excellent picture of the entire wedding party, and more pics of trashcans than I care to look at.

P3: A look at the collection of Tin Toys, as well as more fan artwork, an interview, a series of schedules about FSS, some good shots of the NewType office, and some pics of the Rocketeer.

P4: More Tin Toys, Naked Lunch, an article on the history of the Schpeltor, more fan art, more interviews, the best addition to Chronicle in several issues, which includes a good bit on Arch.

P5: Aside from the brief interviews and fan commentary, I cannot recommend this issue to FSS fans who cannot read Japanese. This issue does contain a FSS timeline (about the production) which is interesting, but only 3 pages long.

P6: The last of these in my collection, and I assume currently in production. A feature article on the origins of FSS, as well as a good collector’s guide to the complete range of FSS books (at the time). Also a good bit on Tin Toys.

Well, that’s all for now.

See you next time

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Copyright © 1998 Craig Gaddis

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