Summer ‘Times!! The days are long, the nights are warm, and there are a lot fewer school buses to compete with in commute traffic. The sunny season is finally here, and it’s the perfect time to catch up some reading…say, the latest issue of the CTO, perhaps?

Cover Lovin'

Dah dah DAAAAAHHHH! WIIIIIIIIIIiiiingboy makes the scene! One of the best-known classic ‘Times characters, Aaron Storck’s Wingboy (of the also-famed classic ‘Times campaign MAGIC) swoops in, courtesy of regular Forte artist Sean Harrington (and you Forte Gallery regulars thought he could only draw big boobies…). Excellent work, Mr. Harrington! I love the 3-D background he decided to throw in at no extra charge. There’s a man who knows how to take care of his regular customers. Do yourself a favor and click on the art and check out the full-size version.

 

Clobberin' Con XVIII on Deck!

Martin, Kaye, Joel, Ben and Jeff gamin' it up at the 2002 Clobberin' Con

And you know what summer means! Time for another Clobberin’ Con! Can you believe us ‘Timers have been doing this for eighteen years in America’s Finest City ™, San Diego? Wow. This year may be a little sparse (especially with the Forte event going on soon after) but should still be a swell time. So far all I know is that I’ll be there, and traveling with past-‘Times artist Aaron “A.T.” Thompson. And it sounds like we’ll be meeting up with original Paragons player and brief ‘Times member Mike Taylor, whom we ran into at last year’s Con after not seeing him for many, many years. And I know Ben and Kaye are locked in for Saturday. Beyond that? Got to admit, I don’t know for sure. Been too busy to keep up with people! But I’ll be sure to fill you in on all the details next time around, and I’m sure there will be both stories and pictures of the event. Stay tuned for all the exciting (and perhaps sordid?) details!

Forte 20th Anniversary Seattle Celebration Coming Fast!

It’s now more official. The 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking Champs game is set to take place in the same city the heroes of Forte call home. A number of those fortunate to be involved in Forte over the years will be meeting up for some overdue catching up, a tour of Seattle (Forte-style), and a big 20th anniversary game run by none other than Forte founder and GM K.C. Ryan. Those attending will be K.C. (GM, Eclipse), Aaron Storck (Electro Man, Dyna Girl. I HOPE he’ll be there! He’s hosting the thing!), myself (Dr. Jackal, Twostep, Seahawk, Nightsable), Jeff Baumgardner (Phantashia, Vanguard, Telesis, Max), Randy Auer (Anvil, Chill), Adam Johnson (Lightsedge) and Jim Kletzing (Armature, Tomarssuk). Sadly, thanks to Ben’s new job (congrats, Ben! Somebody scored a teaching position!), he (Mr. Bellot) (Hologram, Moonspider) and Kaye (Mrs. Bellot) (Mist, Cincoflex, Nightshift, Tinker) won’t be able to attend. Nor will Tim Watts (Phantasm, Dash, Shrike, Hammer, Rainier), Kevin Jones (Knightsabre, Synergy, Thresher, Vortex), Jim Monday (Tripwire), Logan Waterman (Secundus) or Andrea Roscoe (Moondancer). But still, not a bad showing, and should be a hell of a time and a hell of a game.

Jim K., Aaron, Andrea, Randy, me, Kaye, Ben, K.C. and Kevin at the Forte 300 event

The big event goes down August 10-12, and flights and rooms are now being finalized. Should be a geek-fest for the ages, and a perfect way to remember the campaign that all involved helped bring to life…and keep alive, long after the campaign ended! We’ll see (some of) you in Seattle!

Next Issue Deadline

Deadline for the next CTO issue is going to run a little late, due to the Con, so it's August 4, 2007, for inclusion in the Auguest 5, 2007 issue. Just put your stuff on a web page (or in a PDF) and e-mail the link (or the file) to me at:

oconnellmd@aol.com

Have fun with this issue, fun with your summer (get out and see some movies), and I'll catch you post-Con!

Michael O’Connell
Central Mailer, The Clobberin’ Times Online