Sequels are never as good as the original? When it comes to Issue 2 of the Sci-Fi Studios Magazine, don't you believe it!

We're still getting the kinks worked out, but our sophomore edition lives up to every bit of the ideal of serving up thoughtful views, news and commentary while giving fans with a similar bent a chance to break in and try out the field. Just like the rest of the Sci Fi Studios site, we do our part to help would-be pros get a leg up -- whether they be reporters, reviewers, editors or graphic artists. Just look at this jam-packed issue, and our all-veteran line-up that brought it to you.

And how can you go wrong with the theme of  "Women in Sci-Fi"?

From her shot as a green Orion slave girl dancer on Star Trek: Enterprise, Menina Fortunato tells SFS Mag's Alan Anderton about life as a fan favorite while building a solid career, and her reflections on the benefits and pressures of just what that means. Alan covers the fan film world of women as well in a survey of those in the most popular efforts going, while Jaydin shares the stories of "Silent Inspirations" -- nine leading women of sci-fi on both sides of the camera who are no longer with us. Finally, Wendy Gamble uses comments by two fellow fans to reflect on one of the prime female leads and casts in all of genre shows, Buffy the Vampire Slayer -- and the life still shining in that beloved series.

But wait -- there's lots more! Wendy also takes us inside the mind of Dr. Robin Cook, starting with the doctor's best-selling novels Coma and Sphinx, while Jaydin chimes in with three more: a fans'-eye perspective of the 2006 Starbase Indy convention goings-on, plus reviews of the sudden fan passion for CBS' Jericho and for The Merchant Prince, a novel by Armin "Quark" Shimerman and Michael Scott.  Harry Potter fans should enjoy the-leaky-cauldron.org website -- especially after Ralph Rivas tells you all about it -- and Ken Lavine looks at the surprising new world of, yes, Doctor Who spin-off series -- would you believe two of them? For everything you ever wanted to know about role-playing games but were afraid to ask, Robert Humes offers a safe, reassuring intro into the world of stats, dice and DMs. It's a "natural 20" for anyone who ever wondered what "RPG" meant.

How about real "Hobbits"? Jeff Mahr dives into true science to share the shocking news of tiny Hominid bones found on the island of Flores that won that nickname, while Charles Ivie continues his look at interstellar travel and new light speed drives. And our "true life" science section also has Dr. Robert E. Pyatt back, this time inserting himself into the hot topic of global nose-picking in a scholarly work he calls "The Eaters of the Boogers."

Alan digs into another story, teaming up with Lazlo Kovacs on Finland's claim to the fan film phenomenon with Timo Vuorensola, his Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning spoof and his very serious future plans via online input -- what a concept! Chris McQuillan takes a fresh look in review at perhaps the "misunderstood middle child" of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. And the prolific Jaydin chimes in again, asking the question that the world finally seems to be waking up to: when did sci-fi geek become sci-fi chic? Don't believe it? Check the facts and figures she rolls out.

Finally, from the "SFS Insider", Tim Brazeal himself gives us a recap of where things stand, the new pros on the site, and the retooling going on as this revolutionary fan/pro invention figures itself out.

My own shout-out as well goes to Cheryl Jenkins, our new assistant editor who's joined the staff and been a boon to our adventurous all-fan team who brings SFS Magazine to you.

Stay tuned -- you ain't seen nothing yet!

LARRY NEMECEK

Executive Editor