In what will be a blow to Sci-Fi fans everywhere, the man largely credited with creating the term has passed on. Forrest J. Ackerman passed away late last Thursday night after a bout with illness. He was one of science fiction’s greatest fans and helped spawn the careers of many of its classic writers and inspired many film effects artists, and directors.

Along with publishing the legendary Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine, he co-wrote stories with or helped publish many classic sci-fi writers, founded several science fiction and fantasy societies, had bit parts in over 200 B movie films, contributed regularly to film magazines, and wrote the origin story for the beloved cheesecake comic book heroine Vampirella. He is also less well known as providing publishing assistance for the early lesbian rights organization known as the Daughters of Bilitis. Until 2002 he also maintained a large horror/fantasy/sci-fi film memorabilia museum in his home in Los Angeles.  

More details can be found at the SciFi Japan blog here.