Clypeus UFO and Fortean Phenomena - 1978 No 10

Magazine Overview

Title: CLYPEUS UFO AND FORTEAN PHENOMENA
Issue: Number 10 (Volume II)
Date: July-August 1978
Publisher: Gianni V. Settimo
Country of Publication: Italy
Language: Italian
Cover Headline: UFO AND FORTEAN PHENOMENA

Editorial and Publication Details

The magazine is a bimonthly publication directed by Edoardo Russo. The responsible editor and publisher is Gianni V. Settimo, based in Torino, Italy. The publication is registered with the Tribunal of Torino and is distributed free of charge to members of the "Gruppo Clypeus." The editorial stance emphasizes cultural and informative aims rather than speculative ones. Articles signed by their authors carry individual responsibility, while unsigned articles are attributed to the editorial staff. The publisher reserves all rights to published material.

Contents Overview

This issue, designated as a "Speciale" (Special), focuses heavily on the humorous and satirical aspects of UFO phenomena. It includes a supplement titled "Piemonte Insolito n°52" (Unusual Piedmont n°52) from July-September 1978.

Key Articles and Sections:

• Editoriale (Editorial): A brief introductory piece.
• UFO: Ummo-rismo dallo spazio (UFO: Ummo-humor from Space) by Renzo Rossotti: This is the main feature, exploring the psychological shift from fear to humor regarding UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena. Rossotti discusses how societal anxieties, amplified by events like World Wars, have been transformed. He references the 1938 Orson Welles radio broadcast of 'The War of the Worlds' as a pivotal moment of public panic, contrasting it with the current, more relaxed interest in UFOs, exemplified by films like 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind.' The article argues that humor serves as a powerful tool to demystify and overcome fear, making the subject of UFOs more approachable.
• CLYPEUS-Ricerche (Clypeus-Research): Umorismo ufologico: centoquaranta vignette (Ufological Humor: One Hundred and Forty Vignettes): This section presents a collection of approximately 140 cartoons and humorous illustrations related to UFOs and Fortean phenomena. The magazine explains that this collection was compiled over time and is being published as a special supplement. It notes that the focus is primarily on UFOs as the central element of the humor, with 'extra-terrestrials' and 'Fortean' elements often taking a secondary role. The editors acknowledge that sourcing original authors and complete information for every cartoon was challenging, and they apologize for any unintentional copyright infringements, emphasizing the non-commercial intent of the publication.

Cover Illustration

The cover features the magazine's title prominently. The central illustration depicts the famous "Palenque motorcyclist," a drawing by Willy Wegner. This artwork is based on a Mayan relief discovered by archaeologist Alberto Ruz Lhuiller, which is described as the lid of a sarcophagus found within the Temple of the Inscriptions in the Mayan city of Palenque. The bottom of the cover displays large text: "UM MO RISMO" (Humor).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the intersection of UFO phenomena with humor and satire. The magazine adopts a stance that seeks to demystify the subject of UFOs by using humor as a tool, transforming potential fear into curiosity and amusement. The editorial team expresses gratitude for voluntary contributions and aims to provide an informative and culturally relevant publication. The issue highlights the evolution of societal attitudes towards the unknown, suggesting that humor plays a crucial role in this process. The magazine encourages readers to engage with the subject matter in a lighthearted yet informed manner, bridging the gap between believers and skeptics through shared laughter.

This document is a collection of satirical cartoons, likely from an Italian publication, focusing on the theme of "Incontri Ravvicinati Del Terzo Mondo" (Close Encounters of the Third Kind). The issue number is 18. The cartoons humorously explore various scenarios involving UFOs, aliens, and human reactions.

Cartoon Analysis

Page 1: Features a multi-panel cartoon where an alien appears to be tending to plants, which are then revealed to be political slogans written on the ground. The final panel shows a flying saucer with more political slogans and symbols, including "LIBERTA' ME OCRAZIA", "VIVA PINECHEE E' UN'ASSAS", "PUTTANA US GO HOME", "VIVA LA JUVE", "VIOROXIN", and a swastika.

Page 2: Presents three cartoons. The first shows aliens observing humans and commenting, "'E' abitato da una razza bellicosa, e potete scordarvi il dialogo!'" (It is inhabited by a warlike race, and you can forget about dialogue!). The second depicts a flying saucer that has rear-ended another, with the pilot exclaiming, "'Con tutto questo spazio è riuscita a tamponarmi!'" (With all this space, she managed to rear-end me!). The third shows military personnel in a meeting discussing UFOs, attributing them to "palloni sonda e ad altri fenomeni che inducono l'osservatore inesperto a..." (weather balloons and other phenomena that lead the inexperienced observer to...).

Page 3: Contains three cartoons. One shows an alien holding a gun to another's head inside a flying saucer, saying, "'Venere un corno... si va a Cuba!'" (To hell with it... we're going to Cuba!). Another features a flying saucer being sold at a used car lot, with the seller offering "cinquantamila, non una lira di più!" (fifty thousand, not a lira more!). The third shows an alien asking for "un pezzettino di fil di ferro?" (a little piece of wire?).

Page 4: Features two cartoons. The first shows aliens examining a document, with one saying, "'So che non bisognerebbe copiare, ma si tratta d'un documento segreto terrestre procuratoci dai nostri agenti e a giudicare dal testo questo velivolo è di gran lunga superiore a tutto ciò che noi potremmo progettare nei prossimi mille anni!'" (I know we shouldn't copy, but it's a secret terrestrial document obtained by our agents, and judging by the text, this aircraft is far superior to anything we could design in the next thousand years!). The second shows aliens being told, "'Prendilo senza farlo spegnere!'" (Take it without letting it go out!). Another caption reads, "'Dev'essere la ragazza di Avon!'" (She must be the Avon girl!).

Page 5: Includes three cartoons. One shows a man in a suit talking to an alien, stating, "'Trattative di pace? No! Siamo qui per comprare dei dischi di Elvis Presley!'" (Peace talks? No! We're here to buy Elvis Presley records!). Another shows an alien asking if they need a fourth for bridge. A third depicts a coffee cup with the text "Mama's Hot Coffee" and an alien saying, "'Se questo non parte, sono finito'" (If this doesn't start, I'm finished).

Page 6: Features two cartoons. The first, titled "INCONTRI RAVVICINATI DEL TERZO MONDO," shows a flying saucer with various locations labeled on it, such as "TUNISIA," "USA," "SWAZILAND," and "UN STUDY OF UFOS." Aliens are depicted commenting, "'Oh no! Questi pagliacci non possono esistere davvero! Probabilmente sono solo un fenomeno d'illusione ottica!'" (Oh no! These clowns can't really exist! They are probably just an optical illusion phenomenon!). The second cartoon shows aliens observing humans and one remarking, "'E per tutto il tempo abbiamo creduto che fossero i Rossi!'" (And all this time we thought they were the Reds!).

Page 7: Presents three cartoons. One shows an alien in a flying saucer exclaiming, "RAZZA DI TARTARUGHE! C'E' UN LIMITE DI VELOCITA!'" (Race of turtles! There's a speed limit!). Another alien asks, "'Spero che non sia inquinata!'" (I hope it's not polluted!). A third cartoon shows a man telling another, "'Mario! Ti avevo detto di riparare le antenne della TV: stanno ancora vibrando!'" (Mario! I told you to fix the TV antennas: they are still vibrating!).

Page 8: Features three cartoons. The first shows aliens in a flying saucer observing Earth, with one commenting, "'Sembrano abbastanza inoffensivi. Il loro capo continua a colpire una pallina bianca con un bastone!'" (They seem quite harmless. Their leader keeps hitting a white ball with a stick!). Another alien states, "'Missione Terra a base Venere... i nativi di questo pianeta sembrano molto espansivi, specie le femmine!'" (Mission Earth from Venus base... the natives of this planet seem very expansive, especially the females!). The third shows an alien claiming, "'Prendo possesso di questo territorio!'" (I take possession of this territory!).

Page 9: Contains three cartoons. One shows an alien telling another, "'Mi raccomando: non fate molto tardi!'" (I recommend: don't be too late!). Another depicts a flying saucer pilot telling a commander, "'Non per darle torto, comandante, ma quel 'pallone sonda' ci sta superando!'" (Not to contradict you, commander, but that 'weather balloon' is overtaking us!). The third shows two figures, one saying, "'... e allora, in aperta violazione della Legge Cosmica di Non Interferenza, gli ho dato una sberla!'" (...and so, in open violation of the Cosmic Law of Non-Interference, I slapped him!).

Page 10: Features three cartoons. The first shows aliens observing a strange object, with one exclaiming, "'Guarda: un grammofono volante!'" (Look: a flying gramophone!). The second shows aliens looking at a flying saucer and one says, "CHISSA CHE RAZZA D'UCCELLO SARA MAI !!" (I wonder what kind of bird it could be!!). The third shows aliens being asked by a photographer, "'Ce ne farete avere una copia, vero?'" (You'll let us have a copy, won't you?).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are UFOs, aliens, and the human reaction to them, presented through a lens of satire and humor. The cartoons often poke fun at the seriousness with which UFO phenomena are sometimes treated, contrasting them with mundane concerns, political commentary, and everyday absurdities. There is no explicit editorial stance beyond the use of humor to comment on societal and political issues, often using the alien encounter trope as a vehicle for these observations. The publication appears to be Italian, given the language and some of the cultural references.

This issue of 'MATCH DE PARIS', identified by the number 28, is a collection of humorous cartoons with a focus on UFOs and alien encounters. The publication appears to be French in origin, though the content is in Italian. The magazine is primarily visual, with each page featuring multiple comic strips and illustrations, often accompanied by witty dialogue or captions.

Cartoon Series and Themes

The cartoons explore a variety of comedic scenarios involving aliens and their interactions with Earth and humans. The overarching theme is the humorous juxtaposition of extraterrestrial beings with mundane human life, often highlighting misunderstandings or satirical observations.

Page 1 opens with aliens greeting each other with "Paisana!" and one asking for "a cup of sugar?" Another cartoon shows aliens in a flying saucer, with one remarking, "You won't believe it, but...". A different scene depicts an alien asking a human, "Excuse me, good man, where can I find a mechanic?" The final cartoon on this page features explorers lamenting, "The explorers have deceived us! They told us there was intelligent life on this planet!"

Page 2 presents a "Camouflage Department" cartoon where two figures discuss a chandelier-like model, with one saying, "They were starting to believe in the existence of the chandelier model with three bulbs!". Another cartoon shows Santa Claus and elves looking at a UFO, with one saying, "And to think I never believed in Santa Claus!". A separate panel shows a parachute with a figure descending, captioned "Speechless.". The final cartoon on this page shows a woman on a beach being offered a ride by a UFO, to which she replies, "No, thank you! Mom told me never to accept rides on flying saucers!"

Page 3 features a UFO flying over a planet, with the occupants commenting, "A planet covered three-quarters by water cannot possibly host intelligent life!". Another cartoon shows aliens on Earth, with one saying, "Ammonia! Ammonia!". A third illustration depicts a UFO landing on a house's roof, and a man looking up in disbelief, exclaiming, "I'm on the roof of my house!". A smaller panel shows a person greeting another with "Hello, blondie!"

Page 4 includes a cartoon where one character asks another, "Joking aside, do I really look like a weather balloon?". Another shows two globes, one with a face, and a caption "Think about it: finding us here! How small the world is!". A rocket labeled "BIG ARS" is shown launching from a platform, with a caption "See? I told you it wasn't a mother ship!". A father points to a carnival attraction, telling his son, "Look son! Carnival attractions are getting stupider every year!". Finally, a cartoon shows a UFO with a new part, with one alien saying, "This wing you bought on Earth will be obvious, but it doesn't help us much!"

Page 5 shows a woman reassuring a child, "Stay calm, darling! I'm sure it's just a weather balloon!". A central panel contains a speech bubble with "WHAT DOES IT MEAN: 'OUT OF GAS'?". Another cartoon depicts a UFO with a broken engine, and a human asking, "Is it out of gas?". The final cartoon on this page shows a man being thanked by a Martian for being convinced to give his mother a ride for a couple of years, implying a long-term abduction.

Page 6 features a UFO with an alien reading a book titled "ACOM 2". The alien remarks, "I really want to buy this book: 'How to meet space men!'". A rocket is shown launching, with the observation, "They must be at an early stage of evolution: life is only just emerging from the seas!". Another panel shows a UFO with a sign "INFORMATION", where a person is being served. A third cartoon shows a UFO emitting steam, with the caption "Another one of those strange flying things!". The final cartoon shows two people looking at a UFO and commenting, "Take me to Steven Spielberg!".

Page 7 shows a UFO in the sky, with the caption "They continue not to answer us, commander!". A character asks for a light for his cigarette lighter. Another cartoon depicts a rocket launching. A panel shows two men discussing UFOs, with one saying, "I'm an ufologist, but how did you figure that out?". The response is, "If you want my opinion, they know a lot more than they admit!". A separate illustration shows a sign that reads "USAF DEPT. OF UFO", with aliens interacting with a human.

Page 8 features a cartoon where a character asks, "Can I have a bit for the cigarette lighter?". Another shows a UFO hovering over a sign that reads "PLEASE DO NOT THROW TRASH!". A man is shown telling another, "If you want my opinion, they know a lot more than they admit!".

Page 9 shows a UFO with an alien reading a book. The alien says, "I really want to buy this book: 'How to meet space men!'". Another cartoon depicts a rocket launching, with the comment, "They must be at an early stage of evolution: life is only just emerging from the seas!". A UFO is shown at an information booth. A third cartoon shows a UFO emitting steam, with the caption "Another one of those strange flying things!". The final cartoon shows two people looking at a UFO and commenting, "Take me to Steven Spielberg!".

Page 10 presents a sequence of panels showing a UFO interacting with the Leaning Tower of Pisa, lifting it and then placing it back down. The caption reads "Speechless.". A final panel shows a UFO landing near a sign that says "LOCH NESS".

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the humorous and satirical portrayal of alien encounters and UFOs. The magazine adopts a lighthearted and comedic stance, using the concept of extraterrestrial visitors to comment on human society, technology, and common beliefs. There is no discernible editorial stance beyond the presentation of these humorous illustrations. The focus is on entertainment and wit, rather than serious investigation or reporting on UFO phenomena.

This document is a collection of pages from an Italian magazine, likely focused on UFOs and extraterrestrial themes, presented primarily through a series of satirical cartoons. The pages are numbered 29 through 38, suggesting it is part of a larger publication. The content is humorous and observational, using comic strips to explore common tropes and potential scenarios involving aliens and flying saucers.

Cartoon Content Breakdown

Page 29:
The page opens with a large circular cartoon depicting a police officer directing traffic, with a flying saucer in the foreground and a small alien looking on. A speech bubble from one of the aliens asks, "And wouldn't there be another agent willing to believe in our existence?" Below this, a smaller cartoon shows a man in a flying saucer saying, "...and check the oil!" Another cartoon features a person inside a flying saucer complaining, "Damn Martians! It's the third cigarette butt from a flying cigar that's fallen on my head!" A final caption reads, "Spaceship... in a bottle."

Page 30:
This page features several cartoons. One shows an alien telling another, "The boss said to capture one, either nicely or not!" Another alien asks, "Excuse me, would you be so kind as to take us to your boss?" A third cartoon depicts a man in a UFO looking at a cow and saying, "Please, would you be so kind as to take us to your boss?" A different cartoon shows a mushroom cloud and a UFO, with a caption stating, "You'd think earthlings wouldn't realize that some mushrooms are very poisonous!" A final cartoon shows a person in a UFO looking at a drive-in movie screen showing "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," with the caption, "At the drive-in: they were showing 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'." Another small panel shows a person looking at scattered dots and exclaiming, "I WANT MOMMY!!"

Page 31:
A large cartoon at the top shows a flying saucer on a tall, thin structure in a rural setting, with small figures and plants around. A caption reads, "'Yes, Earthling: hallucinations are capable of taking plant samples!'" Below this is a caption: "Unpublished photo of Mars obtained by Australian astronomer Edwin Calbot from the Mount Palomar observatory. The shape of the mountain clearly indicates that it is a Martian base of flying saucers." A small cartoon on the right shows a police officer talking on a phone, saying, "...WHILE I WAS PROCEEDING..."

Page 32:
This page begins with a cartoon depicting a busy customs area with many people and luggage. The caption is "Speechless." Below this, a group of people are standing outside a building labeled "UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DEPARTMENT FOR NATIONAL UFO STUDY." One person says, "WE DON'T KNOW. IT COULD INVALIDATE OUR CONCLUSIONS." Another cartoon shows a person speaking to someone, saying, "CALM DOWN, DR. CONDON. SIMPLY SAY YOU DON'T BELIEVE IN THEIR EXISTENCE." A final cartoon shows a chaotic scene with damaged vehicles and structures, and a caption that reads, "The people of this planet must have been wiped out by a tremendous cataclysm!"

Page 33:
A large cartoon shows a flying saucer hovering over a group of people who are complaining about waiting for a spaceship, being hungry, and the wind. One person exclaims, "'Back again, huh? Here with all these other people, waiting for a mythical spaceship, without money, hungry, and now this strong wind!'" Another cartoon shows a person looking at a small Italian car and exclaiming, "'Oh! It must be one of those strange little Italian cars!'" A third cartoon shows an alien in a cockpit saying, "'If they are too fibrous or too tough, proceed to Mars!'" Another alien asks, "'Don't you think it's a bit indiscreet?'" A final cartoon shows an alien in a saucer asking, "'Would a hairpin be useful?'"

Page 34:
This page starts with a cartoon of a flying saucer with the text "WE COME FROM THE PLANET UMMO. BELIEVE US!" Another alien says, "BAH! IT'S NOT LIKE IT USED TO BE!" Below this, a cartoon shows two UFOs in the sky, with a caption: "LOOK HOW THEY TRY TO ATTRACT ATTENTION, THESE UFOs." A smaller cartoon shows a person in a UFO saying, "The supplier didn't have a complete service!" The bottom half of the page shows a sequence of panels depicting people relaxing on a beach, with aliens observing them, and a final panel of a woman sunbathing. The caption is "Speechless."

Page 35:
A cartoon shows two aliens on Earth, one of whom is drunk, exclaiming, "AND ON EARTH, WE'VE HIC! .... FOUND THIS STRANGE... HIC!.... LIQUID..." They are surrounded by stars. Below this, a cartoon shows two men looking at an alien and saying, "THESE BEINGS FROM ANOTHER WORLD SEEM RATHER EARTHLY." Another alien says, "HEY, ARE YOU EXPLORING EARTH...."

Page 36:
This page features several cartoons. One shows two flying saucers. Another shows a person taking a shower under a rain cloud with the caption "The shower at 2000 meters." A picnic scene is depicted with a caption, "'Stop: with this, I'll finish the roll!'" Another cartoon shows a group of people climbing a cliff towards a flying saucer, with the caption "Speechless." A final cartoon depicts an "Landing Incident" with aliens at a table, one saying, "'Alright, ring the doorbell and as soon as they open, say: BZZ, BUZZ, BAZZ, XAM, LIPP...'"

Page 37:
This page contains several cartoons. One shows a strange, tree-like alien structure with a UFO nearby, captioned "Speechless." Another shows a similar alien structure with a UFO, and a person saying, "'For heaven's sake! Don't do it!'" A cartoon depicts a car parked near a sign that reads "BROWN MIN LOOKOUT JONAS RIDGE." Several UFOs are in the sky. A person in the car asks, "'It's nice to come here to see these lights! But are you sure aviation has ascertained that they do not constitute a threat to our security?'" Another cartoon shows a mechanic working on a vehicle in an "OFFICINA" (workshop), captioned "Speechless."

Page 38:
This page begins with a cartoon of a flying saucer near Niagara Falls, with people observing. A caption reads, "'From what I gather, they are on their honeymoon!'" Below this, a sequence of four panels shows a flying saucer in different positions, with the caption "Violation of domicile." Another cartoon shows a person at a counter labeled "DISCHI" (Records), with a dog. The person says, "'They sent me to you for a repair!'"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are UFOs, aliens, space travel, and the often humorous misunderstandings or interactions between extraterrestrials and humans. The editorial stance is clearly satirical and light-hearted, using cartoons to poke fun at the serious subject matter of UFOlogy and alien encounters. There is a consistent use of irony and observational humor, suggesting a playful skepticism or at least a willingness to explore the more absurd aspects of the topic. The magazine does not appear to present factual reporting but rather uses the theme of UFOs as a vehicle for comedic commentary.

This is an issue of a magazine titled 'UFO', featuring a collection of satirical cartoons that humorously address themes of alien encounters, space travel, and unidentified flying objects. The issue appears to be from March 10, 1979, based on a handwritten annotation on one of the pages.

Cartoon Content

The cartoons present various scenarios:

• Page 1:
• One cartoon shows two people looking out a window at a UFO in the sky, with one saying, "You chop a little more meat. I'll try to get to the police!"
• Another cartoon, attributed to Duplantier, features aliens in a spaceship. One exclaims, "Good heavens! I think they've discovered our propulsion method!"
• A third cartoon depicts people watching a UFO land in a rural area, with one person confidently stating, "I'm sure I saw it land around here!"
• The final caption on this page reads "Senza parole" (Speechless).

• Page 2:
• A cartoon depicts aliens on a planet with strange geological formations. One alien says, "Hurry, they're coming back!"
• Another cartoon shows aliens interacting with what appear to be penguins. One alien comments, "We are happy, dear Earthlings, to find you so similar to us!"
• A different scene shows aliens in a spaceship approaching Earth, with one alien lamenting, "What a disgrace: our people reduced to begging!"
• A final cartoon shows a person being insulted by an alien, who says, "I've never been insulted like this! Six million light-years to hear me called a probe balloon!"

• Page 4:
• This page contains a comic strip with the annotation "Anton 10/3-79".
• The first panel shows aliens discussing their existence: "WE MUST TRY ONCE AND FOR ALL TO PROVE TO EARTHLINGS THAT WE EXIST."
• Subsequent panels depict a city under attack by UFOs, with explosions and the word "BOUM" (Boom).
• A "COMMUNIQUE FROM THE U.S. AIR FORCE" is parodied. It describes an interview with a "tramp" who saw something like a comet fall into a swamp, causing fires and disturbing six "late-night UFOs" circling a probe from Venus.
• The comic strip ends with "AND NOW A BIT OF LIGHT MUSIC".

Advertisement

Page 3 features an advertisement for "SPINARDI ASTROLOGO" (Spinardi Astrologer) in Turin, Italy. It provides an address (Via San Quintino, 43) and a phone number (011 51.68.97), stating "SOLO PER APPUNTAMENTO" (By appointment only) and "TELEFONARE AL MATTINO" (Call in the morning).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the satirical and humorous exploration of UFOs and alien life. The magazine uses cartoons to poke fun at common tropes in UFOlogy, government secrecy (via the parodied Air Force announcement), and the idea of alien civilizations. The editorial stance is clearly lighthearted and critical of the more sensationalist aspects of UFO reports, presenting them through a lens of humor and absurdity. There is no indication of a serious or investigative approach to the subject matter; instead, it leans heavily into comedic commentary.