My Hero: Forrest J Ackerman

Couldn't let another day go by without acknowledging the passing of Forrest J. Ackerman, the world's most influential "fan" of fantastic cinema. Forrest was well known and well liked for many decades as the "Godfather" of Sci-Fi ("Sci-Fi" being a term he himself coined after hearing of the sound system "Hi-Fi"). Forrest collected a lot of the memorabilia that WAS Sci-Fi movies, and his influence will be felt probably for as long as there are science fiction and horror films. Instead of trying to tell you his credits, here is a quick film via You Tube of just some of his credits:



I happily got to shake the hand of Forrey at a San Diego Comic Con many years ago. I saw him meandering about as any fan would do, asked if it was him, and shook his hand in delight. I was never a huge fan of Famous Monsters Of Filmland (his opus contribution of over 190 issues all dedicated to the works that he loved), but without Famous Monsters there would never had been a cash base that spawned the rest of the Warren Magazines: Eerie, Creepy, Vamirella (a creation of Ackerman's btw), 1999, and The Spirit, that were responsible of many, many hours of enjoyment to me as a little monkey.

So hats off and a big bow of respect to fandom's #1 collector and master of influence! I know of no better way to eulogize the man than by yet another clip via You Tube of him speaking about his life, and his inevitable passing. Once again Forrest J Ackerman:



R.I.P. Forrey, you finely loved fiend, and to the rest of you...

WAKE UP!