Monday, July 14, 2008

The "E" Ticket # 1

Here it is, the one that started it all. This is my mint-condition and Janzen-stapled first issue of The "E" Ticket. I am fortunate to have a complete run of issues 1 through 45, the final one.

With the NFFC show coming up this weekend, I think back on the innumerable hours I spent with the brothers Janzen as we swapped stories, shared tales of recently-found treasures, and kibitzed about the upcoming issues and how I could be of help. It was always my honor and privilege to be asked and to do so. When I was regularly selling at the shows, the highlight of the morning was when Leon and Jack would saunter up to my table, root around, and try to gently low-ball me on some of my wares. Usually, it worked. What a couple of charmers.

I started my subscription with issue 6 and filled in the back issues over the years. I would never, ever have become a Disneyland collector without The "E" Ticket, something I'm sure many can say. I don't know the particulars of its demise after Leon's death other than Jack put out a couple of solid issues on his own, and then it was gone. Whatever the cause, its folding was a major loss to collecting and to me personally.

I can still smell the fresh "E" Ticket paper scent that used to emanate from the envelope containing the newest issue as I greedily ripped it open. You probably can, too.

RIP Leon Janzen
RIP The "E" Ticket

*******UPDATE!!!

Just spoke to Jack Janzen here at the NFFC show. He tells me that Issue 46, the last one, is coming soon. Very cool to hear that they'll be one more before The "E" Ticket packs it up for good.

10 comments:

Unknown said...

The E-Ticket is the most impressive collection of articles and artwork about Disneyland and the Imagineers.

The breadth of knowledge that the Janzen Brothers shared is unparalleled.

My biggest disapointment is not finding The E-Ticket soon enough. I have managed to collect most of the issues and I treasure each one.

walterworld said...

Bummer---I didn't realize they were gone...Just figured that Jack was taking his time between issues. Do you know for sure that the magazine is finished?

Thanks...

jedblau said...

I was told that it was sold, but I don't know the specifics.

Major Pepperidge said...

Yes, I had also heard that The "E" Ticket had called it quits. I think I didn't discover the magazine until I found several issues at Golden Apple Comics on Melrose. I bought all they had (the newest being issue #13), and then immediately ordered all of the back issues that were still available. I'm still lacking #1, but I have all the others, and they are a treasured part of my collection. I've got many fond memories of looking through each issue, marveling that there was a magazine like it, and trying to read them all slowly to make them last longer!

walterworld said...

Exactly Major--- I used to savor each issue when it arrived...

...Purposely reading slowly so I wouldn't blow through the whole thing in a single sitting.

Sad to see it go...

Anonymous said...

Finding the E Ticket about 15 years ago was one of those great moments in my life when I realized there were actually people out there that understood my love for vintage Disneyland, Knotts and POP. Jack Janzen if you are reading this, I want to thank you for many hours of enjoyment reading the E Ticket. I have all my back copies…which I treat like fine antiques!

By the way, dig that E Ticket cover! Lots of obscure stuff. Like the Neptune from POP in the upper right corner.

Kevin Kidney said...

I couldn't agree more, Jed. I have all my copies too, and re-visit them time after time.

But I have to admit I still get a feeling akin to that excited anticipation you spoke of, each time I check out your blog and the other "classic" Disneyland blogs that post such incredible rare photos and share stories and insight. Our labor-of-love blogs have become the next generation of the "E-Ticket" in my opinion. I'm sure Leon and Jack would agree.

Anonymous said...

I keep wishing for a compilation of all of the E-Tickets into "The E-Ticket: The Book."

Anonymous said...

I posted an email from Jack Janzen - which he confirms he DID NOT work on Jason Surrell's Pirates of the Caribbean book. See the actual email, photos and details about the connection to E-Ticket magazine, and my lawsuit against the Walt Disney Company. Jack Janzen had abruptly stopped communicating with me and is selling his E-Ticket publication. www.disneylawsuit.com

Royce Mathew

em4evr said...

I have disneyland magazines for beginning readers...issue 1-68. Where should i go to sell them??

Thanks
Melissa

Em4evr@yahoo.com
If anyones intrested make me an offer