Glimpse of Eternity by Mel Hughes

Gen, 144 pages, a Highlander/Wiseguy crossover novel. Coil Binding. Color cover by Suzan Lovett.  Black and white interior art by Lee Moyer.

Publisher: All Gen Press 

Review: First off, let me say that I was never a huge fan of Wiseguy when it was on the air.  Oh, I caught a few episodes but never enough to get hooked or to fully understand the complex relationships that seemed to fill each episode.  It also didn't help that I mostly worked evening shifts that kept me from watching any show on a regular basis.

Highlander, on the other hand, I watched almost faithfully until the show screwed the pooch with all that 'dark quickening' and 'archangel' crap.  I understood why Tessa died, even why Lauren and Alexa died – after all they were simply mortals and everyone knows that mortals die. 

But let's get to the real reason I'm here – to tell you, the potential reader, about the fanzine called Glimpse of Eternity.  My first impression was, to be honest, that I wasn't going to like the story.  After all, I didn't know the Wiseguy characters as well as I did the Highlander ones, but I'd signed on to be one of the proofreaders and, well, I take my job seriously.  What I didn't expect was that I'd get pulled into the story, sucked in so completely that I ended up having to read it twice – not a hard duty, believe me – so that I could perform my duties for Beth.  

Mel Hughes did a wonderful job of introducing each and every character from both series, and what may be an Original Character, to the point to where I knew them as well as I know myself.  I understood what motivated each one.  What made them tick, what their passions were and I felt their pain.  Yes, this is NOT a touchy-feely story, nor is it all sweetness and light.  But it's not all that dark either.  It's one of the best reflections of life stories that I've read in a long, long time.  Mel doesn't pull any punches and the main focus of her tale, Agent Frank McPike, doesn't either.  He loves, he hurts, he bleeds and much to his own disgust, he cares.  But, being the cruel reviewer that I am, I'm not going to tell you what, or whom, Frank cares about.  That would spoil the story for you and I'm not about to do that. 

Now, having said that much, let me tell you a bit about what you're going to read, should you exercise good taste and buy this 'zine from AllGen Press.

Glimpse of Eternity deals with the death of a mortal and the birth of an immortal, and the new Immy isn't all that thrilled about the idea of eternal life, carrying a sword, using it against others (including women, seems the newborn is a wee bit chivalrous) and giving up all that was before their first death.  Okay, so the newbie immortal is McPike and he's not a happy camper.  But there are others, teachers if you will, who are quite willing to kick his butt for him, to teach him the ropes, and to help him understand the life he's suddenly found himself thrust into. 

Characterizations of the Immortals who agree – some with no reservations, others with more than enough to make up for the lack – to train the newborn Immortal are dead on.  For all you Methos fans out there, you're in for a real treat within the pages of Glimpse of Eternity.  Oh, don't worry you fans of Amanda, Richie, Duncan and Joe Dawson -- they're in there too.  Fans of Uncle Mike and Vinnie will be impressed as well.  Highly impressed! 

Why?

Simple.  While the main tale is about Frank McPike and his adaptation to his new life, there's a secondary story that is touching, warming, and explains, logically in my opinion, why Uncle Mike and Joe Dawson look like each other.  And they're not the only look-a-likes in the tale, but I leave that for you to discover on your own. 

In closing, let me just say that I highly recommend Glimpse of Eternity for anyone who's a fan of Wiseguy or The Highlander, or anyone who just likes a well-written tale that has enough action and roller coaster emotions to keep you reading it for days.  So run, don't walk, to the con nearest you where you can pick up this fanzine, or drop by AllGen Press and order your copy today!

Reviewer: Suisan "Sue" R.