An Illustrated History of Heidi Saha

The Illustrated HIstory of Heidi Saha is a "controversial" magazine published by Warren Publishing and edited by Forrest J. Ackerman. It was a pictorial study of Heidi Salas, a young cosplayer and Ackerman's goddaughter, who later gained convention notoriety with her appearance at the 1973 Comic Art Convention as Ackerman's comic character Vampirella. The controversy came from two directions: Heidi was only fourteen when she appeared in the revealing costume; and the costume had been professionally made, which cosplayers felt was counter to the aesthetic of fannish costuming."An Illustrated History of Heidi Saha" by NerV on CGC Forums - Comics - Comic Magazines, June 24/2018 (via Wayback July 4/24) At the time the magazine was released, Saha was known on the convention circuit, partly for her cosplay and partly for her family connections: her father was science-fiction author Art Saha, a member of the Futurians and First Fandom and friend of many of the notable identities of early sci-fi fandom such as Donald A. Wollheim and Frederik Pohl.
The magazine included family photographs as well as cosplay images - there are photos of Heidi dressed Wilma Deering, Shanna the Jungle Girl and Star Trek's Shahna of Triskelion. There is also a section of "Heidi and Her Famous Friends", with photos of Heidi with various science fiction luminaries such as Isaac Asimov, Sam Moskowitz, Phil Seuling, George Zebrowski, Arthur C. Clarke, Kirk "Superman" Alyn and Anne McCaffery. 
According to Saha's brother: 
There is also this discussion with Jim Warren re the reasons for publishing the 'zine, although the magazine was released before Saha's appearance at the Comic Arts Convention:
In all events, the magazine appears to have been arranged by Saha's parents (who gave access to family photos, including one of Saha as a naked toddler), with "Uncle Forry" credited as providing "Words and Music".The most "unsavoury" element of the magazine is the captions and advertising, provided by Ackerman. Bearing in mind Saha's age and her relationship to him, his extolling her sexiness with such captions as "Pool water turned to steam when Heidi took a dip" (for a photo of her poolside in in a bikini); "...she's Lilith, Lolita & Lorelei melded into one fantastic young colt around whom there's already a cult"; "At the present time she neatly distributes 35" 24" 36" into a 5'7" frame weighing 120 lbs. and topped by a heavenly cascade of honey-blonde hair"; about Arthur C. Clarke: "take one look at those pictures of him and Heidi and you can't help but wonder if (stand in line) he isn't waiting for Childhood's End?!"
Advertising ceased in 1974 after an incident at the 1974 Creation Con during which a satirical poem/filk aimed at Saha was published in the program book that included a photo of a young blonde model (not Heidi) from a "gentleman's magazine". Saha's father attacked the author of the poem, Manny Maris, in a rage about the photograph; Maris was expelled from the convention. In the wake of this, Warren Publishing discontinued the advertising for the magazine and the poster. Saha retired from the convention circuit not long after.
Today the magazine is considered a rare find, with only 500 copies made. Copies are sold for high prices, with sellers using references to the Vampirella costume and later rumours - that the magazine was published and then recalled and destroyed; published in a limited run of 500 to sell at conventions; and that it was recalled due to "questionable content" such as nude photos - to raise interest. 
== Reactions and Reviews ==
2015
== External Links ==
* "An Illustrated History of Heidi Saha" by Richard Beland at Jungle Frolics, Jan 18/10 (via Wayback Apr 23/24)
* "Comic Book Legends Revealed #265" by Brian Cronin at CBR.com, Jan 18/10 (via Wayback Jan 18/24)
* "The Heidi Saha Shrine" @Facebook.com (via Wayback Jul 5/24)
==References==
Category:1973 Zines
Category:1973 Cosplay
Category:Science Fiction Fandom