FANTASTIC UNIVERSE SCIENCE FICTION

Magazine Overview

Title: FANTASTIC UNIVERSE SCIENCE FICTION
Issue: August
Date: 1954-08
Price: 35c
Publisher: ICD

This issue of Fantastic Universe Science Fiction features a prominent cover with a surreal depiction of two robots at a bus stop in a post-apocalyptic setting, hinting at themes of artificiality and desolation. The cover also lists several featured stories, including "SUBSTITUTE GOD" by John Brunner, "ARM OF THE LAW" by Harry Harrison, "KA THE APPALLING" by L. Sprague de Camp, and "THE AMAZING MRS. MIMMS" by David C. Knight.

Report from Brazil

The main article, "Report from Brazil" by Dr. Olavo Fontes, delves into two alleged UFO landing incidents that occurred in December 1954 in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Dr. Fontes, a physician and surgeon and a researcher for the Centro de Pesquisa dos Discos Voadores, presents these cases as significant encounters with 'space-people' that differ from typical 'contactee' reports.

Incident 1: Olmiro da Costa e Rosa

On December 9, 1954, farmer Olmiro da Costa e Rosa reported witnessing a cream-colored craft, shaped like an explorer's hat, hovering motionless about five feet above a field. The craft emitted a smell similar to burning coal. He observed three figures: one near him, one inside the craft with his head out, and another examining a barbed-wire fence. The figure near him made a military-like greeting, examined his hoe, and took samples of French-bean and maize plants before returning to the craft. The beings were described as medium stature, broad-shouldered, blond, with long hair, and similar faces, but with slanted eyes and pallid faces, resembling 'corpses.' They wore one-piece light brown garments that seemed integrated with their shoes, which had no heels. The entire event lasted approximately five minutes, and the craft departed at high speed.

Incident 2: Pedro Morais

Two days later, on December 11, 1954, at the same hour and in the same area, farmer Pedro Morais reported a similar incident. While investigating a chicken's cries, he saw a hovering object making a 'sewing-machine' noise. It was described as shaped like a jeep's hood on top and a polished brass kettle on the bottom, made of yellow metal. He then saw two figures walking through a tobacco plantation. One figure motioned him not to approach. These beings were described as about four feet tall, human in shape, but with no visible eyes, nose, mouth, or ears, appearing to be enclosed in a yellow sack-like garment. They took a tobacco plant, entered the craft, and it departed quickly. Morais did not notice any smell and found no footprints, only an empty hole where the plant had been.

Analysis and Comparison

Dr. Fontes notes that both incidents were investigated by state authorities and classified as unsolved. He highlights the striking similarities between the two events: the time, location, craft appearance, sound, and the beings' actions. However, he points out the disturbing difference in the physical appearance of the beings – the first described as almost human with faces, and the second as 'little men' without faces. This discrepancy leads him to question if they belong to different races or species from the same or different planets, allied under a common command. He dismisses the idea of communication, citing research by Isabel L. Davis, which characterizes 'space-people' encounters as non-communicative and incomprehensible, with witnesses often terrified or baffled, unlike 'contactees' who become public figures.

Third Landing Report

Rumors of a third landing in December 1954 near Cachoeira do Sul are also mentioned. This report, which did not appear in the press and was not officially investigated, involved a Police Inspector and friends who sighted a disk-shaped craft from which two 'men' with long blond hair emerged. The Inspector aimed his gun, and the beings retreated into the craft, which then departed. Dr. Fontes expresses skepticism about this third report due to the lack of official investigation, suggesting it might have been inspired by the earlier, more substantiated cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of science fiction, extraterrestrial encounters, and unexplained phenomena. The "Report from Brazil" article, in particular, focuses on the analytical approach to UFO sightings, distinguishing between 'contactee' narratives and more mysterious, non-communicative encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into anomalous events, presenting witness testimonies and expert analysis, even when the phenomena are bizarre and lack clear explanations. The magazine aims to present intriguing cases that challenge conventional understanding, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond established scientific paradigms.