42nd World Science Fiction Convention

The 42nd World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), also known as L.A.con II, was held on 30 August–3 September 1984 at the Anaheim Hilton and the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, United States.

The chairmen were Craig Miller and Milt Stevens.

Participants
Attendance was 8,365, the record.

Guests of Honor

 * Gordon R. Dickson (pro)
 * Dick Eney (fan)
 * Robert Bloch (toastmaster for the Hugo ceremony)
 * Jerry Pournelle (Master of Ceremonies for the Other Awards ceremony)

Other notable participants
A.E. Van Vogt attended the convention.

Robert Heinlein appeared, continuing his campaign to encourage science fiction fans to make blood donations.

1984 Hugo Awards

 * Best Novel: Startide Rising by David Brin
 * Best Novella: "Cascade Point" by Timothy Zahn
 * Best Novelette: "Blood Music" by Greg Bear
 * Best Short Story: "Speech Sounds" by Octavia Butler
 * Best Non-Fiction Book: Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy, vol. III, by Donald Tuck
 * Best Dramatic Presentation: Return of the Jedi
 * Best Professional Editor: Shawna McCarthy
 * Best Professional Artist: Michael Whelan
 * Best Semiprozine: Locus, by Charles N. Brown
 * Best Fanzine: File 770, edited by Mike Glyer
 * Best Fan Writer: Mike Glyer
 * Best Fan Artist: Alexis Gilliland

Other awards

 * John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer: R. A. MacAvoy
 * Special Award:
 * Larry T. Shaw for lifetime achievement as a science fiction editor
 * Robert Bloch for fifty years as a science fiction professional