Harlan Ellison's farewell appearance--with Whovian overtones

[Julia]

At MadCon, an ailing Harlan Ellison will say goodbye Farewell to the
fans

Fans of fantastic fiction -- or just some of the finest damn writing
to be put on paper -- take heed: If you've ever wanted to talk to
Harlan Ellison, MadCon 2010 is your last chance.
The 76-year-old writer, cultural critic and longtime den mother of the
genre he'd prefer you didn't call "science fiction" is the guest of
honor at the convention, happening Sept. 24-26. Ellison is the winner
of multiple Hugo, Nebula and Edgar awards. Other scheduled notables at
MadCon include writers Gene Wolfe, Peter David and Patrick Rothfuss,
and Doctor Who's Sophie Aldred.
Due to his failing health, there had been some doubt about whether
Ellison would show up in person or participate in panels, readings and
other events by telephone. But at press time he affirmed he was
coming. He is also adamant that MadCon will be the final convention he
ever attends, in any fashion.
"The truth of what's going on here is that I'm dying," says Ellison,
by phone. "I'm like the Wicked Witch of the West -- I'm melting. I
began to sense it back in January. By that time I had agreed to do the
convention. And I said, I can make it."
"This is gonna be the biggest f--g science-fiction convention ever,"
Ellison says, "because no con has ever had a guest of honor drop dead
while performing for the g--d-- audience. The only comparison is the
death of Patrick Troughton, at a Doctor Who convention. And I don't
think he was even onstage."