Sci-fi fest hits Albuquerque

by Estaban Sena

Daily Lobo

Serious science fiction fans attend conventions throughout the country each year. One of the more intimate conventions

has been hosted in Albuquerque every August since 1969. This weekend, Bubonicon will feature more than 40 people who make their living in the science fiction realm. Among the numerous artists and authors presenting at Bubonicon this year are guest of honor author Vernor Vinge from San Diego, guest artist William Stout of Pasadena, Calif., and novelist Jane Lindskold from Albuquerque, who will act as toastmistress. This convention is considered a small one, drawing about 470-520 people each year. Although it is primarily a science fiction convention, it draws fans from the horror and fantasy genres, as well.Bubonicon got its name from UNM alumnus Robert E. Vardeman back in 1971, when he was interested in the level of bubonic plague cases the state was reporting and an alert by Egyptian officials warning of travelers

from New Mexico. In 1973, the convention adopted its mascot, Perry Rodent, a parody of a European science fiction hero. Vinge is a retired mathematics professor from San Diego State University. Vinge has been writing for more than 40 years and has won two Hugo Awards for his novels A Fire Upon the Deep in 1992 and A Deepness in the Sky in 1999. Vinge will be participating in several events throughout the weekend, including panels and a one-hour reading at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Vinge will begin his guest of honor presentation at 11 a.m. Sunday. Guest artist William Stout is an accomplished illustrator and designer. Stout received a full scholarship to Chouinard Art Institute when he was 17 years old and received his bachelor's

degree there. He started helping Russ Manning with the "Tarzan of the Apes" comic strips in 1971, also producing his first movie poster the same year. Stout has worked on production design for numerous films since 1978, including both "Conan" films, "The Hitcher," "First Blood" and "Pan's Labyrinth." He was also one of the first American contributors to the illustrated magazine Heavy Metal. Stout will be participating in several panels and discussions during the weekend. Jane Lindskold is a novelist living in Albuquerque. Several of her novels

are set in or around New Mexico. She is currently working on the first volume of a series for Tor Books and a series based on Chinese mythology and history. Her duties as Bubonicon toastmistress will include various panels and the guest of honor ceremony with Vinge on Sunday. Bubonicon 39 will offer other participants from across the country in a variety of panels, a late-night charity auction Friday, the Green Slime Awards (honoring achievements in wretchedness in science fiction and fact) on Sunday, a screening of local filmmaker Scott Phillips' "Gimme Skelter" late Saturday and various other events.Registration starts at 3:30 p.m. at the Wyndham Albuquerque Airport

Hotel at 2910 Yale Blvd. Festival

memberships start at $40 for all three days but are also available at $15 for Friday, $20 for Saturday and $15 for Sunday. A special rate of $18 is also being offered for children 12 to 16 years old, while children 12 and under are free with a paying adult's admission fee.