Clypeus UFO and Fortean Phenomena - 1978 No 7

Magazine Overview

This issue of CLYPEUS UFO AND FORTEAN PHENOMENA, Volume II, Number 1 (7), dated January-February 1978, is a bimonthly review directed by Edoardo Russo and published by Gianni V. Settimo in Torino, Italy. The cover features a striking illustration of two grey aliens examining a human on a table, with the headline "RAPITO DA UN UFO !" (Kidnapped by a UFO!). The issue includes articles by D'Amico, Haines, Keel, and Russo, as well as a comic strip titled "CLYPPY" by Horus.

Editorial and Publisher's Notes

The editorial section emphasizes the magazine's commitment to its second year of publication, reiterating its goal of utilizing a thirty-year archive of UFO and Fortean material, primarily publishing previously unpublished extra-national content in Italy. The magazine is sent free to members of the "Gruppo Clypeus," with an annual membership fee of 5,000 lire. The publisher expresses gratitude to voluntary collaborators and clarifies that signed articles are the responsibility of their authors, while unsigned articles are compiled by the editorial staff. The publisher reserves absolute rights to all published material.

The issue acknowledges past delays in publication but assures readers that they are catching up and aim to be back on schedule, noting that punctuality is a common challenge for specialized, volunteer-run publications worldwide.

Key Articles and Features

"Incontri Ravvicinati del Tipo Religioso" by John A. Keel

John A. Keel analyzes the impact of Steven Spielberg's film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," noting its immense box office success. Keel argues that the film transcends typical science fiction, offering a religious-like experience that confirms personal beliefs for viewers, particularly the younger generation. He highlights the film's use of sound and special effects to create an immersive and awe-inspiring experience, leading audiences to look at the sky with a sense of wonder and anticipation. Keel expresses concern that Hollywood's portrayal of UFOs as benevolent beings might oversimplify the complex and sometimes frightening nature of actual UFO encounters, potentially leading to a skewed public perception.

"L'Indagine Ufologica Dopo il Film «Incontri Ravvicinati»" by Richard F. Haines

Richard F. Haines, an expert in visual perception and psychological aspects of UFO witnesses, discusses the potential contamination of UFO data due to the film's release. He urges ufologists to be cautious and to consider the film's influence when collecting and analyzing witness reports. Haines suggests that investigators should avoid mentioning the film's title or plot during interviews, instead asking witnesses if they have seen the film only at the end, to prevent their experiences from being unconsciously shaped by the movie.

"Osservatorio" (Observatory)

This section presents various UFO-related observations:

• Umanoidi nel Quebec (Humanoids in Quebec): Two cases from Montreal are detailed. The first involves a woman witnessing a luminous, lenticular object land on a rooftop, from which two tall, thin, suited figures emerged. Traces of an oval depression and footprints were found. The second case describes a disc-shaped object hovering over trees, from which a creature emerged, leaving large footprints, and causing disturbances in television reception.
• UFO E Bambini (UFO and Children): This subsection highlights that children are often involuntary protagonists in UFO events and provide credible testimony because they tend to not rationalize their experiences. Two cases are presented: one from Harrah, Washington, where a boy reported seeing "green men" and "steel ships," with ground traces found; and another from Seven Mile Beach, Tasmania, where children observed a dome-shaped object with colored lights.
• Flap Maltese (Maltese Flap): Reports from Malta describe a period of intense UFO sightings, including lights and luminous discs, which excited the local population. However, an official statement from a British military base indicated no radar contacts of unidentified flying objects, leading to a calming of public excitement.

"Clypeus-Ricerche: Appunti per una Critica all'Ipotesi Extraterrestre" by Edoardo Russo

In the second part of his study, Edoardo Russo continues his critique of the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH). He examines the assumption that UFOs are spacecraft from beyond Earth. Russo discusses the idea of extraterrestrial bases on the Moon and questions the origin of these beings, noting that many reported "ufonauts" seem perfectly adapted to Earth's environment. He reviews proposed origins like Venus and Mars, citing recent space probe data that has largely excluded the possibility of intelligent life on these planets. The article explores other celestial bodies and concludes that most extraterrestrialists have leaned towards origins beyond the solar system since the mid-1950s.

"Inserto: Le prime tavole di Clyppy - Horus: intervista all'autore di Clyppy" by Roberto D'Amico

This section features the early comic strips of "Clyppy," the magazine's mascot, and an interview with its creator, Horus. The strips are presented as a subtle yet sharp and ironic critique of ufology.

"Clyppy: gli occhi spaziali" by Horus

This is a comic strip featuring the character Clyppy.

"Millenovecentosessantotto"

A section likely detailing events or cases from the year 1968.

"Casistica Recente: L'ondata spagnola del 1968"

This article focuses on the Spanish UFO wave of 1968, providing a detailed account of the sightings and events during that period.

"Casistica Recuperata"

This section appears to be a collection of recovered UFO case files.

"Cornucopia"

This subsection includes brief reports on various unusual phenomena:

• "USO o mostro canadese?" (UFO or Canadian monster?)
• "Alla TV un messaggio dallo spazio?" (A message from space on TV?)
• "L'elisir di lunga vita!" (The elixir of long life!)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with media, particularly the influence of films like "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." There is a critical stance towards simplistic explanations of UFOs, especially the extraterrestrial hypothesis, advocating for rigorous analysis and data integrity. The magazine champions the publication of diverse and international UFO and Fortean reports, aiming to inform and culturally enrich its readership. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, tempered by a critical and analytical approach, with a strong emphasis on the importance of accurate reporting and investigation.

This issue of CLYPEUS, identified as issue number 10 from 1971, is a publication focused on ufology, featuring a blend of investigative articles, satirical comic strips, and interviews. The cover prominently displays the title 'CLYPEUS' with the subtitle 'GLI OCCHI SPAZIALI' (The Space Eyes) and credits 'TESTO E DISEGNI di HORUS' (Text and Drawings by Horus). The issue delves into the significant UFO wave of 1968, particularly focusing on incidents in Spain, and includes an interview with Horus, the creator of the satirical comic character Clyppy.

The 1968 UFO Wave and the Spanish Context

The magazine highlights 1968 as a pivotal year for both social and ufological movements. It notes the global youth protests and the rise of a new generation with a different worldview. Ufologically, 1968 is presented as a major turning point, influenced by several factors. The issue discusses the controversial Condon Report, which concluded a study on UFOs conducted by the University of Colorado. The report's findings, though nefariously consequential for public perception and the press, are seen as having significantly impacted ufology, leading up to the large 'wave' of 1973. The closure of the U.S. government's Project Blue Book, a long-standing official reference point for UFO investigations, is also marked as the end of an era.

Simultaneously, 1968 is identified as the beginning of a new approach to ufology, characterized by an 'ufologia nuova' (new ufology) that, despite being less recognized in Italy, opened new horizons for a field that had become stagnant. This period also coincided with a massive 'invasion' of UFOs, which had begun in 1964 and lasted for five years, referred to as the 'greatest flap ever seen.' The magazine presents archival data, including graphs showing daily, weekly, and monthly distributions of sightings in 1968, noting that days without sightings were rare.

The issue specifically focuses on the 'Spanish wave' of 1968, presenting a detailed analysis of landings and low-altitude sightings. It references three main sources for Spanish UFO reports: Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos and Jacques Vallée's 'Catalogue of Iberian Landings,' Ballester-Olmos's 'Catalogue of Negative Iberian Landings,' and a study on the 'Spanish Wave of 1968-69' by the Madrid group Eridani. The magazine limits its detailed reporting to 'Type 1' cases, defined as sightings where the UFO is in direct contact with the ground, or encounters involving humanoid figures, physical traces, or close-proximity effects.

• Several specific cases from Spain in 1968 are detailed:
• El Padul (Grenada): A university student and his mother observed a luminous, biconvex object that hovered at low altitude, causing the car's engine to fail. The object was described as rotating and the woman suffered nervous shock.
• Candanchu (Huesca): Over three hundred people witnessed a dome-shaped object on the snow. The UFO departed before the military arrived, leaving behind distinct hexagonal traces.
• Tossa de Mar (Gerona): A bus driver and passengers observed a luminous circular object descend among trees. A tall, humanoid figure emerged, circled the craft, and then re-entered it before departure. The incident reportedly caused the driver's watch to stop.

Interview with Horus, Creator of Clyppy

The magazine features an interview with Roberto D'Amico, the author behind the satirical comic strip 'Clyppy.' D'Amico explains that Clyppy, an extraterrestrial character represented solely by his eyes, was created to offer an outsider's perspective on Earth and humanity. He chose eyes as they could convey a wide range of expressions, effectively communicating the message to readers.

D'Amico states that Clyppy's satire is primarily directed at the world of ufology, which he believes has been inundated with 'fesserie' (nonsense) over the past thirty years. He argues that those who seriously engage with ufology should be the first to ridicule and dismiss unsubstantiated claims. However, Clyppy's satire also targets the forced demythologization of UFOs and human incredulity towards phenomena that are clearly evident. D'Amico sees Clyppy as embodying his own perspective: a search for truth amidst a sea of fabricated stories.

He acknowledges that Clyppy's humor can be difficult for non-specialists to understand but asserts that the magazine is not intended for the uninformed. D'Amico reveals that his pseudonym 'Horus' is a private joke, related to his real name and Egyptian mythology. He clarifies that he is not a professional cartoonist, viewing his work as a hobby and an escape. He has created only a few unpaid comic strips so far. D'Amico also hints at an original storytelling technique he is developing, where animated characters are depicted as simple geometric figures against realistic backgrounds, and is currently working on his first adventure story using this method.

Regarding the evolution of Clyppy, D'Amico notes that the early 1971 strips were more like sketches than fully developed panels. He anticipates future changes in both the character's artistic style and the storylines, with the current 'shadow mission' continuing until there is enough material to ridicule.

Comic Strips and Editorial Stance

The issue includes several comic strip installments of 'Clyppy,' continuing the narrative and satirical themes. These strips often depict Clyppy interacting with various scenarios, including space travel, encounters with other beings, and commentary on human activities like space exploration (NASA) and even fashion (winter suits).

One strip humorously contrasts the 'primitive' nature of terrestrial launches with the perceived superiority of extraterrestrial technology. Another strip features Clyppy encountering Bigfoot-like creatures, who comment on his appearance. The strips consistently employ a visual style that juxtaposes simple, expressive characters with more detailed backgrounds, reinforcing the satirical and observational nature of the comic.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is a critical examination of ufology and the phenomena associated with it. The magazine adopts a stance that is both investigative and satirical, aiming to separate credible evidence from speculation and misinformation. There is a clear emphasis on the need for rigorous research and a skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, while simultaneously acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena. The interview with Horus and the 'Clyppy' comic strips serve as vehicles for this critical perspective, using humor and direct commentary to challenge conventional thinking within the ufological community and the broader public's perception of UFOs and extraterrestrial life. The issue champions a 'new ufology' that is more analytical and less prone to sensationalism.

This issue of "Notiziario ufologico ACOM" from October 1976, titled "CASISTICA RECUPERATA," focuses on recovered UFO case files, primarily from 1968, with some entries from 1975 and 1976. The magazine presents a detailed catalog of sightings, often including witness accounts, locations, dates, and cross-references to other publications. The content is predominantly in Italian, with some references to English and French sources.

Casistica Recuperata (Recovered Case Files)

The core of the issue is a compilation of UFO sightings, presented chronologically and geographically. The reports detail a variety of phenomena:

• 1968.06.23 - Bilbao, Spain: A circular object with red, green, and yellow lights was observed landing near mountains.
• 1968.07.?-Armental, Spain: A report of insects discharged by flying saucers, later found to be partly false.
• 1968.08.07 - Betanzos-Villalba, Spain: An artist claimed to have seen a luminous object, but it was later revealed to be a hoax for publicity.
• 1968.08.15 - Villaverde-Brenes, Spain: An oval object resembling a small bus with illuminated portholes was seen by three people in a car.
• 1968.08.16 - Tivissa, Spain: A herdsman witnessed a luminous hemisphere hovering above the ground, with two strange, polyp-like creatures approaching it. A scorched grass mark and stopped watches were noted.
• 1968.08.28 - Ucero, Spain: A man observed a 'sun' with multi-colored lights that descended, scanned the terrain, and then landed. It was described as two superimposed plates with windows. Small dark objects emerged and were recovered. The observation lasted seven minutes.
• 1968.08.30 - Colloto, Spain: Two individuals saw a bright, umbrella-shaped object that caused a feeling of being crushed to the ground, leading to a nervous crisis for one witness.
• 1968.08.31 - Santiponce, Spain: Four girls reported a round object with colored lights landing between trees. A nearby high-tension line was affected.
• 1968.09.06 - Castelldefels, Spain: A woman encountered two individuals in suits and helmets, who turned out to be Red Cross nurses.
• 1968.09.11 - San Martin de Tous, Spain: An orange, dome-shaped light was seen, followed by four 'luminous forms' moving curiously. The object then took off with multi-colored lights and a loud hiss. Three ground marks were found.
• 1968.09.16 - Guadalcanal, Spain: A family in a car experienced engine trouble near an orange glow, which was identified as a dome-shaped object with 'tentacles'.
• 1968.09.21 - La Llagosta, Spain: A disc-shaped object was seen by a truck driver with a small figure nearby.
• 1968.09.21 - La Escala, Spain: Two beings in black suits with luminous faces emerged from the sea, described by one source as divers.
• 1968.09.24 - Cedeira, Spain: A woman saw a bright light and two tall beings with 'multi-colored lights on their faces.' An area of burnt ground was found nearby.
• 1968.10.? - Acula, Spain: Five people in a car observed three UFOs with green, white, and red beams approaching, landing, and then becoming dark.
• 1968.10.11 - Set Cases, Spain: Hikers saw an object land and two small figures emerge.
• 1968.10.15 - San Lucar de Barrameda, Spain: A child saw a 'large tomato' object emitting a loud sound. Traces were found at the landing site.
• 1968.10.19 - Santa Eugenia de Berga, Spain: A luminous white sphere landed, leaving a circular mark. Another witness saw a 'ball of fire.'
• 1968.11.02 - Villareal de tbro, Spain: Five people in a car saw a large yellow disc that caused their car's electronics to fail. The object landed, then took off rapidly.
• 1968.11.14 - Zafra, Spain: A driver saw a tall, immobile figure with long arms and black face by the roadside.
• 1968.11.30 - Palencia, Spain: An industrialist saw a landed object and fled.

Additional cases from 1975 and 1967 are also included:

• 1975.estate - Ogena, Wisconsin, USA: Two people observed a dazzling light hovering over their car, which stopped nearby. The object was triangular with lights at each vertex. The car's tachometer failed, and transistors were burned.
• 1975.08.13 - Alamogordo, New Mexico, USA: A sergeant searching for meteorites saw a double-dish shaped object land. He lost consciousness and later recalled being taken into the UFO by two beings and examined. He was told that they would soon land publicly.
• 1977.10.09 - El Lago, Texas, USA: A woman saw a triangular object with green, white, and red lights, described as 'jet-sized,' hovering about 60 meters high and evading her car.
• 1967.06.24 - Bovingdon, England: A man saw a short, humanoid figure in a black suit 'digging' with a trowel and emitting a sound before disappearing.

Africa UFO Express

This section reports on unusual phenomena observed in Chad during September. Reports include "strange extraterrestrial phenomena" in Ndjamena, Krim-Krim, and Beinamar. Objects were described as "nebulous," flying slowly at low altitude, with "twelve lights in the shape of Mirages" and "lightning" sounds reported in Krim-Krim. The National Meteorological Office of Chad found no scientific explanation and did not rule out meteorites or UFOs.

Panorama dell'Insolito (Panorama of the Unusual)

• Uso o Mostro Canadese? (Seal or Canadian Monster?): Three fishermen in a boat on Teslin Lake observed a strange, semi-submerged object about 10 meters long with black spots. It moved slowly and then submerged.
• Alla TV un Messaggio dallo Spazio? (On TV a Message from Space?): The issue details an incident on November 26th where Southern Television's broadcast in Reading, UK, was interrupted by a message from "Asteron," an "authorized representative of the Intergalactic Mission." The message urged humanity to destroy weapons and live in peace, or leave the galaxy. The report notes that the group responsible was later identified as students who used a low-power device to interfere with the transmission. A similar prank involving Ugandan President Idi Dada Amin was mentioned from two years prior.
• L'Elisir di Lunga Vita! (The Elixir of Long Life!): This segment discusses an experiment by Dr. Jerome Wodinsky at Brandeis University. By removing the reproductive glands of octopuses, he observed that they began to eat voraciously, doubled their weight, and lived twice as long. This is presented as a significant scientific breakthrough in understanding aging.

Cornucopia

This section continues with the "Casistica" (Case Files) and includes a note about a scientific article on endocrine glands and their role in blocking processes that lead to death.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the documentation and analysis of unexplained aerial phenomena and alleged extraterrestrial encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and reporting of such events, presenting them with details and cross-references to other sources. The magazine aims to compile and disseminate information on UFOs and related mysteries, encouraging readers to consider the evidence presented. There is a clear interest in cataloging sightings and providing context through various publications and witness accounts.