Dean R. Koontz started out as a Science Fiction writer, but didn't find much recognition until he worked out the kind of tale he does best - a mixture of thriller, horror, and science fiction... then he became a best-selling author, and his early stories have become collectible. Compared to his early SF novels, I think these early stories are a better indication of the kind of writer Koontz would become.

The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction: July 1968 (Volume 35, Number 1)
Wraparound cover by Jack Gaughan (for "Sos the Rope.")

Serial: "Sos the Rope" (Part 1 of 3) by Piers Anthony (had 2 sequels.)

Stories: "The Psychedelic Children" by Dean R. Koontz
"Key Item" by Isaac Asimov"
"Ultimate Defense" by Larry Brody
"The Sublimation World" by John Sladek
"Beyond Words" by Hayden Howard.

Feature: "Remote Projection" by Guillaume Apollinaire (special reprint.)

Science: "Little Lost Satellite" by Isaac Asimov.

Joseph W. Ferman is Publisher, Edward L. Ferman is Editor. Book Reviews by Judith Merrill, cartoon by Gahan Wilson.