Cultus Dispatches: Revelations from Marquette's Fanzine Dataset
In September 2026, Marquette University released a dataset about their Tolkien fanzine collection. Analysis of the data reveals what these fanzines contained and show how pre-internet Tolkien fandom responded to the publication of "The Silmarillion."

(1) Comment by Lyra for Star Kindler
Beautiful. I love the fireworks that seem to make up Varda's body, and the way in which you painted her breathing the stars into the sky. There's a real sense of tenderness, but also of motion. Great use of contrast and colour!
Re: (1) Comment by Lyra for Star Kindler
Eeeee! Thank you!
(2) Comment by StarSpray for Star Kindler
Ohhhh, this is so beautiful!
(3) Comment by Robinka for Star Kindler
This is a beautiful piece! Thank you so much for sharing :)
(4) Comment by hennethgalad for Star Kindler
:) i like the inhuman thing, and i really like the background, but most of all i like the way she's blowing then like thistledown ! marvellous !
(5) Comment by Hrymfaxe for Star Kindler
What an amazing image! I love how she is gently blowing the stars to the sky and how the impressionistic flowers form her body. You have shown a lot of movement in a beautiful simple way.
(6) Comment by oshun for Star Kindler
This is absolutely stunning! So gorgeous! I love the blue of the background contrasted with the red--breathtaking. The highlights, of course, make the piece. Thank you so much for contributing this to the collection.
(7) Comment by Himring for Star Kindler
"O stars that in the Sunless Year With shining hand by her were sown, In Windy fields now bright and clear. We see your silver blossom blown!"
Thank you for sharing this. It's lovely!
(8) Comment by Grundy for Star Kindler
Lovely! I like the sense of whimsy, with Varda blowing the stars into the air like a dandelion puff, and the vivid color.
(9) Comment by Independence1776 for Star Kindler
This is gorgeous! I love the colors.
(10) Comment by Athrabeth for Star Kindler
This is great!