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The Zygon Outer-Space Diaries are heading to paperback, with a cover by Alister Pearson – and we’re offering a chance to win a unique print of the artwork.

The Zygon Outer-Space Diaries tells the story of the Exodus of the Zygons from their homeworld determined to make a new start on Earth, which to them is being terraformed by Broton for their arrival. But things aren’t going to plan: ships are being sabotaged, scout ships are going missing, there is an infection in the Skarasen herds putting the military in danger. Is this just bad luck or is there a hidden force working against the Zygon refugees?

The book has previously been published in hardback, and is still available, but in these hard times it makes sense to make the book available at a more pocket-friendly price, especially for fans who don’t necessarily have the nostalgia for the ‘annual’-type books.

Alister Pearson very kindly offered to update (with help from David Lavelle) his Terror of the Zygons Virgin novel cover for this project.

All proceeds are for Cancer Research UK and no one is making any profit from this book at all, which available from Lulu print on demand service, who set the price. Ordering details will appear on the Zygon Outer-Space Diaries Facebook page, and also on the @ZygonDiaries Twitter feed from Monday 15th August.

Using Alister Pearson’s ‘blue spine’ reprint Target book cover artwork from 1992 for TERROR OF THE ZYGONS (adapted by his colleague David Lavelle) the print (seen above alongside the original painting) measures 420mm by 256mm (not including the thin white border).

Alister comments: “When I did the original painting back in June/July 1992 I was blissfully unaware that the reference photo of Broton that I was copying had been printed ‘flipped’ (i.e. mirror-imaged) – so this new revised version offered us the chance to flip it back again! I could never have imagined, thirty years ago, that this painting would one day be utilised for such a project and I’m very happy with the results we’ve achieved. As I already know that the as-and-when BBC audiobook of “…AND THE LOCH NESS MONSTER” will feature the original Target cover by Chris Achilleos, this project has been a welcome opportunity to revisit the ’92 artwork and, perhaps, present it to a new audience.”

Please note: the print features the revised artwork as submitted and therefore does not include a digitally-extended section on the left side which, on the published paperback cover, goes across the spine and partway across the back cover.

The print will be signed by Alister and dedicated to the winner, who can come from anywhere on the planet. Earth, that is.

To win the print, just answer the following simple question:

Who played Broton in Terror of the Zygons?

A) John Woodward

B) John Woodvine

C) John Woodnutt

Simply send your answer – A, B, or C – to scifibulletin@gmail.com with the subject line WAVE A GRACIOUS CLAW along with your name and address and the following code (which will change regularly) 080, to arrive before 0001 BST on Monday August 15, 2021. This competition is open to readers worldwide, save where prohibited by law.

The Small Print

The competition is open to anyone aged 18 or over worldwide, except where prohibited by law. Anyone professionally connected with the promotion, and their families, are excluded from entering this competition. Prizes will be awarded from all the correct entries through a random draw under independent supervision within seven days of the closing date. There is no cash alternative to the prize. The editor’s decision is final and no discussion will be entered into. To request a list of winners please write to Paul Simpson at scifibulletin@gmail.com within 28 days of the closing date. Sci-Fi Bulletin is the recognised promoter of this competition. Only one entry per person.