Forrest J Ackerman

Forrest James Ackerman (November 24, 1916 – December 4, 2008) was an American magazine editor, science fiction writer and literary agent who lived and worked in Los Angeles California. He was a principal founder of science fiction fandom and the concept of a modern organised fandom. He was a leading expert on both the professional exponents, production and minutiae of genre films covering science fiction, horror and fantasy.
He was also the world's most passionate collector (unverifiable claim) of genre books and film memorabilia although his enormous collection, which filled his 18 room mansion in Los Angeles, was never categorised or listed and many irreplaceable pieces were lost or stolen.
Ackerman founded the first science fiction fan group (The Boys’ Scientifiction Club) in 1929, and wrote for the genre’s first fanzine (The Time Traveler) in 1932. He created and coined the term "Sci-Fi" to describe science fiction. He became a professional publisher of science fiction and fantasy in 1926. 
He collaborated with C. L. Moore on the story "Nymph of Darkness", part of Moore's Northwest Smith series, which appeared in the December 1939 issue of Weird Tales.
Working with publisher James Warren, Ackerman created the iconic comic book character Vampirella in 1969. 
Ackerman appeared in more than 210 films, including parts in genre films Dracula vs. Frankenstein, The Howling, The Aftermath, Scalps, Return of the Living Dead Part II, Innocent Blood, The Time Travelers, Future War, Amazon Women on the Moon, The Wizard of Speed and Time, Curse of the Queerwolf, Transylvania Twist, Hard to Die, Nudist Colony of the Dead, Attack of the 60 Foot Centerfold and at least one major music video Michael Jackson's Thriller.
Ackerman was, like H. P. Lovecraft, a confirmed atheist and skeptic. Despite this, after his death there were four attested contacts "from beyond the grave" involving people who had been close to him in the final phase of his life.
In "In the Walls of Eryx", by Lovecraft and Kenneth Sterling, the Venusian efjeh-weeds and akmans are named after Ackerman.
==Posthumous Allegations==
Forest J Ackerman has, since his death, been publicly outed as a serial sex pest and unconvicted sex offender, preying on young women relentlessly. Lucy Chase Williams was brave enough to post her personal experience but it stands for many more. Ackerman's behaviour was well known, and ignored or excused by many in the industries in which he worked.
Category:Editors
Category:Deceased (Real World)