If you’re not a science fiction fan you may not know the name, but he’s made a long long life out of science fiction, pretty much starting with Gernsback:
He is a publisher, author and literary agent (to Ed Wood, L. Ron Hubbard and Marion Zimmer Bradley, among others.) He named Vampirella and wrote her backstory. He was fluent in Esperanto. He was instrumental in the American publication of German Perry Rhodan, as well as scads of early American magazines, including Scientifilm World, Science Fiction Magazine, Future Fantasia, and The Time Traveller. He wrote numerous short stories, including the shortest short story, comprised of one letter.
See? He knew everyone, touched SF everywhere.
Everyone who has ever enjoyed any bit of science fiction, from Star Wars fanboys, to the short stories found in rare magazines from the forties owes Ackerman a debt, for his work in the genre, his support of it and his boundless enthusiasm and generosity.
So do your good deed of the day and send him a card at:
4511 Russell Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90027
RTWT at LAist.
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