hen the first edition of the German science fiction serial Perry Rhodan debuted in 1961, the publisher anticipated that the title might last for only a few dozen issues. Thirty-seven years later the exploits of this audacious astral explorer remain tremendously popular in Germany and numerous other countries, prompting this latest reintroduction to the American SF scene.
Perry Rhodan narratives have traditionally featured story arcs lasting between 50 and 100 issues, and this publication presents the beginning of a new saga dubbed "Bridge to Eternity." Subtitled "Time Lapse," this 55-page tale spans 66 years and finds Rhodan returning from the galaxy of Hirdobaan to Earth. He learns that Mars has been replaced by Trokan, a world shrouded in a strange field that allows time on the new planet to pass at a phenomenal rate. During his absence there have also been considerable political changes, and Rhodan discovers that his presence is no longer considered vital for the survival of the assorted alliances he had forged in earlier interstellar excursions. As he and a small cadre of companions temporarily leave the solar system to wait for Trokan to evolve, various bureaucrats seek both to discover his whereabouts and to uncover the mysteries hidden behind the veil surrounding Earth's new planetary neighbor.
In addition to the story itself, this debut U.S. edition features a brief editorial by Forrest J. Ackerman and an introduction from Managing Editor John Foyt. The first part of an overall series summary is also included, along with a short lexicon and descriptions of two of the alien species previously encountered by Rhodan.
Singing the praises of space opera
Even though this is the first American issue of the new Perry Rhodan, the number 1800 on the cover signals to astute observers that there is a massive backlog of history and mythos attached to the chronicle. Folks acquainted with the U.S. paperback series of the 1970s should recognize many of the characters, yet such fans will also learn that much has happened in the Perry Rhodan realm during the intervening years.
This complex background can be a significant hurdle for readers to overcome, but once the personae become somewhat familiar, the adventure is reasonably engaging. Although the story is occasionally a tad choppy, with multi-year gaps between sections and a few minor inconsistencies, long-time Perry Rhodan author Robert Feldhoff manages to create a scenario that features a smattering of action, a promising setup for upcoming accomplishments and even a few interesting Arthurian allusions.
The publication itself physically harks back to the heyday of science fiction pulp magazines, with newsprint pages, sparse black-and-white illustrations and a relatively diminutive size (6 x 8-3/4 inches). Although such nostalgic elements are a nice touch, most of the non-narrative components are regrettably lackluster, especially the section describing the two alien races (neither actually appears in this particular issue). The old paperbacks also featured a cast list before each tale, and such an addition would probably be quite helpful here for neophyte readers. Nevertheless, the story itself is essentially enjoyable and offers an inviting launch pad for the future space-opera escapades of this internationally adored adventurer.
