WHAT? NOT ENOUGH PULP ARK YET? YES, THERE’S MORE…
You say you don’t have enough PULP ARK yet? Well, others agree with you…for instance…
You say you don’t have enough PULP ARK yet? Well, others agree with you…for instance…
Sunday, May 15th, 2011
PULP ARK came to a close at 12 Noon, May 15th, 2011. That was four days ago. Still, the internet is alive with pictures, comments, ideas, threads, and remembrances of a three days that we will never forget. There are even more pictures below. I had planned to do a major article here, but I won’t. Instead I’ll say-There will be a PULP ARK 2012, most of the guests who were there for the first time around have already committed to return. And I’ll also say…
Thank you. Thank you all.
Tommy Hancock
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| And for some, the Con went on! |
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| RADIO LIVES AGAIN! |
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| Derrick Ferguson and Art Sippo |
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| Derrick Ferguson and Lee Houston, Jr. |
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| Bobby Nash and Van Plexico |
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| Fuller Bumpers and Bobby Nash |
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| Ron Fortier and the Domino Lady |
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| Lee Houston, Jr. |
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| Terry Alexander and his lovely wife |
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| And The Pulptress awaits your return next year to PULP ARK 2012! |
Sunday, May 15, 2011
The theater day opened at PULP ARK with a rousing fight scene involving most of the cast that took two of them literally tumbling down the stairs into the middle of a panel! After that, the cast gathered and presented the third and final act of this fast paced, high adrenaline Pulp play like no other! And without further adieu….
CAST-
Merlin Montgomery-Tommy Hancock
Benita Isadore Magready (Bim)-Shannon O’Cain
Newt the Newsboy-Alex Hancock
Simon Sanders, The Rogue-Brian Coltharp
Nikola Deveraux-Tanya McClure
August-Bo Elrod
Captain Mordechai Maelstrom-David Jones
Buster-Lucas Smith
Shevara/Penny Preston-Megan Smith
Little Sister-Mackenzie Haugh
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| Merlin Montgomery antagonizes Shevara BLOODY PULP, ACT THREE |
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| Shevara faces off with Merlin Montgomery BLOODY PULP, ACT THREE |
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| Cast of Bloody Pulp trying to decide what to do next BLOODY PULP, ACT THREE |
Sunday, May 15, 2011
After another wonderful gathering for breakfast, the guests and vendors that made PULP ARK such a success convened one final time at The Cinnamon Stick, 151 West Main, Batesville, Arkansas, for the final day of the First Annual Pulp Ark Conference/Convention.
9-10:00 AM-PULP FACTORY PANEL-Why The Current New Interest in Pulps Moderator – Ron Fortier
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| RON FORTIER leads the Pulp Factory Panel |
PANELISTS
Bobby Nash
Wayne Reinagel
Art Sippo
Ric Croxton
Helmed by Comic Veteran and New Pulp pioneer Ron Fortier, this panel discussed and analyzed just what is behind the current resurgence of Pulp in general as well as interest in New Pulp tales. Not only was this panel manned by excellent writers, but also by the geniuses behind The Book Cave, considered by many to be the best Pulp Podcast airing today.
10-11:00 AM-CLASSROOM-All You Ever Wanted to know about Sun Koh!-Art Sippo
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| ART SIPPO (on right) with his SUN KOH books |
Taking on a monumental task, Art Sippo tackled the writing as well as the ‘rehabiliation’ of a Germanic character based on Doc Savage. This class focused on the controversial history behind Sun Koh as well as steps taken by Sippo to cast the character in a plainer, more favorable light.
Saturday, May 14th, 2011
After the final panel ended for the day, most of the stalwart band of PULP ARKers, guests and fans alike, went out for a nice, large dinner at Colton’s Steak House. The table filled with over thirty guests went from one wall of their largest room to the other. As had quickly become the norm, great fun and camaraderie was had by all.
Following that, PULP ARK continued with the presentation of the first annual PULP ARK Awards! These awards covered ten categories and had been voted on after nominations were taken late last year. Nine of the awards were voted on by anyone who made a nomination in just one of the nine categories. The Lifetime Achievement Award was chosen by a hand selected committee of ten, who each made three initial nominations, then the top three of those were voted on to determine the winner.
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| Rob Davis and Ron Fortier accepting BEST PULP COMIC The Pulptress in the background |
Several awards were accepted by their winners, others by proxies.
The First Annual PULP ARK Awards went to-
BEST BOOK-Gregg Taylor for TALES OF THE RED PANDA: THE ANDROID ASSASSINS
BEST COVER-Anthony Perkins for TALES OF THE RED PANDA: THE ANDROID ASSASSINS
BEST SHORT STORY-Phil Bledsoe for THE MOUNTAIN GOATS OF MADNESS
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| Tommy Hancock accepting BEST PULP MAGAZINE |
BEST INTERIOR ART-ANTHONY CASTRILLO for THE ROOK, VOLUME 5
BEST PULP COMIC-Ron Fortier and Redbud Studios for BOSTON BOMBERS
BEST PULP MAGAZINE-Fuller Bumpers and Tommy Hancock and Pro Se Productions for MASKED GUN MYSTERY
BEST PULP REVIVAL-Adam Lance Garcia for GREEN LAMA UNBOUND
BEST AUTHOR-Barry Reese
BEST NEW WRITER-Tommy Hancock
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD-Tom and Ginger Johnson
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| Art Sippo Accepting Lifetime Achievement Award for Tom and Ginger Johnson |
Following the award, the first annual PULP ARK Art Auction was held. Three artists contributed pieces-Rob Davis of Airship 27 and Pete Cooper and Dalton Carpenter of Pro Se Productions. Although the bidding was quick, there were a few heated wars amongst fans for some of the available pieces, but everyone enjoyed themselves and it must be noted 80% of the proceeds went back to the artist! This will be an event that will continue at PULP ARK!
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| Barry Reese Accepting BEST AUTHOR Award |
A major announcement, or actuall revelation was made during the Awards and Auction. The mysterious masked lady that had been seen frequently since Pulp Ark started, at one point in her standard striped shirt, suspenders, skirt, and fedora and at another in a rather stylish cowgirl outfit, was on hand to give out the awards. Her identity was revealed by Tommy Hancock to be that of THE PULPTRESS! Hancock explained that this Pulp Heroine for the 21st Century would be promoting Pro Se Productions but equally as important would be the spokesmodel for the New Pulp Movement as well. The applause and pictures being snapped around the room signalled that this announcement was a positive one. The Pulptress, still shrouded in mystery, was very pleased to be a part of all the activity and vowed to promote New Pulp along with her never ending battle against Evil. You can now join The Pulptress’s page on Facebook! Just search for The Pulptress and she’ll be there!
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| Tommy Hancock accepting BEST NEW WRITER Award |
After the Convention wrapped up for the evening, most of the participants once more gathered in the Comfort Suites conference room for an impromptu New Pulp meeting. The results of this conversation are still being developed and will be announced soon!
Saturday, May 14th, 2011
While there were three scheduled acts of THE CASE OF THE BLOODY PULP throughout the weekend, there was also a rousing impromptu fight scene amongst the principals on Saturday. Following that, new characters joined old and the story continued….
THE CASE OF THE BLOODY PULP, ACT TWO
CAST-
Merlin Montgomery-Tommy Hancock
Benita Isadore Magready (Bim)-Shannon O’Cain
Newt the Newsboy-Alex Hancock
Simon Sanders, The Rogue-Brian Coltharp
Nikola Deveraux-Tanya McClure
August-Bo Elrod
Captain Mordechai Maelstrom-David Jones
Buster-Lucas Smith
Penny Preston-Megan Smith
Little Sister-Mackenzie Haugh
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| LITTLE SISTER, NIKOLA DEVERAUX, PENNY PRESTON CAPT’N MORDECHAI, BUSTER BLOODY PULP, ACT TWO |
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| LITTLE SISTER, PENNY PRESTON, BUSTER, ROGUE CAPT’N MORDECHAI BLOODY PULP, ACT TWO |
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| FIGHT SCENE BETWEEN CAPT’N AND ROGUE BLOODY PULP, ACT TWO |
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| NIKOLA THREATENS LITTLE SISTER BLOODY PULP, ACT TWO |
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| NIKOLA THREATENS PENNY PRESTON BLOODY PULP, ACT TWO |
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| NIKOLA GAINS UPPER HAND BLOODY PULP, ACT TWO |
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| PENNY PRESTON, POSSESSED BLOODY PULP, ACT TWO |
Saturday, May 14, 2011
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| PULP ARK BREAKFAST! |
Everyone, after breakfast together at the hotel, arrived at the only full day of PULP ARK programming ready to learn and listen in the PULP ARK classrooms and panels. The information shared, the tips given, and the chance for fans and creators to talk to some of the leading New Pulp publishers and writers made the second day of PULP ARK one well worth remembering.
Covering the Panels and Classrooms in order-
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| Wayne Skiver and his son Victor! |
9-10 AM-CLASSROOM-Wayne Skiver’s ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT DOC SAVAGE!
This classroom’s title speaks for itself. AGE OF ADVENTURE Publisher and Doc Savage historian Wayne Skiver discussed many things Doc with several PULP ARK attendees and fans. Using visual aids of all sorts, Wayne delved into Doc’s history, impact and influence!
10-11 AM-PANEL-Meet Pro Se Productions!
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| From Left-Christina (Ken’s Fiance and hopefully future Pro Se Artist), Ken, Nancy, and Lee , Pro Se Creators! |
PANELISTS
Fuller Bumpers
Barry Reese
Lee Houston, Jr.
Ken Janssens
Nancy Hansen
Erwin K. Roberts
Pete Cooper
Kicked off with a quick introduction by Tommy Hancock, the Pro Se Family of creators shared their histories, their concepts, and their creations with fans and other creators. Each discussed the properties they have with Pro Se, current plans, and future possibilities!
1-2:00 PM-CLASSROOM-ROB DAVIS-How to Pick a Pulp Scene to Illustrate
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| Rob Davis teaching Class! |
A crucial part of the Pulp Experience, for Classic and New Pulp alike, is the involvement of an artist. Airship 27 Partner and Artist Extraordinaire Rob Davis gave pointers on how to determine which scene of a story to illustrate for the greatest impact and best compliment to the tale being told!
2-3:00 PM-AIRSHIP 27 PANEL-Writing New Classic Pulp Adventures Moderator – Ron Fortier
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| Airship Panel! From Left, Ron Fortier, Van Plexico, Bob Kennedy, Art Sippo, Barry Reese, Bobby Nash |
PANELISTS
Van Plexico
Art Sippo
Robert Kennedy
Barry Reese
Bobby Nash
Moderated by one of the first publishers and authors to break into New Pulp, this Panel focused on the ins and outs of creating, writing, and promoting New Pulp Adventures, stories that would appeal to all types, young and old, collector and fan, avid reader or curious passer-by! The minds and voices of this Panel are major forces in the movement that is known as New Pulp!
3-4:00 PM- CLASSROOM- TOMMY HANCOCK-History AND Pulp-Bringing Reality and Fiction Together
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| BOOK CAVE’s Ric Croxton(left) and Tommy Hancock |
New Pulp Author and Publisher and Masters Level Historian Tommy Hancock discussed and explained the truth behind the adage ‘Reality is Stranger than Fiction’ and pointed out various points in World and US History that were more pulpy than any author could write. Hancock also illustrated how to best utilize History in Pulp and ways it would improve stories and increase interest.
4-5:00 PM-PANEL-SUPER HERO PULP-Moderator-Van Plexico
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| From Left- BOOK CAVE’S Ric Croxton, Bobby Nash, Van Plexico, Wayne Reinagel |
PANELISTS
Wayne Reinagel
Bobby Nash
Led by Van Plexico, the man who almost single-handedly pioneered Cosmic super hero tales in the New Pulp Movement, these three epic authors discussed very concepts of Super Heroes, what makes these stories Pulps, how to develop characters and ways to make Super Hero Pulp tales exciting, fast paced, and more engaging than comic books!
Friday, May 13th, 2011, later….
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| Left to Right-Tommy Hancock, Wayne Reinagel, Van Plexico |
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| Ron Fortier (left) and Rob Davis |
Although everyone did not get a chance to attend, many of the guests and vendors went to eat at the end of a very awesome first day. The Pulp adventurers gathered for fine Mexican food at El Tres Amigos in Batesville and a good time was had by all. Tommy Hancock sat down at the table, strictly ordering that no conversation take place that would cause him to have ideas…the dinner ended with him having two! But the conversation and discussion that provided both inspirations…more on those later in the PULP ARK coverage…was fantastic and welcomed! Following dinner, most of the guests reconvened at the Comfort Suites in the conference room for another hour or so of fellowship!
Friday, May 13th, 2011, 6 PM
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| Tommy Hancock getting RADIO LIVES AGAIN started! |
As a part of the first day of activities at PULP ARK, Coordinator Tommy Hancock invited several writers to adapt excerpts from their stories for a live audio old time radio style recording. One writer adapted a script himself and Hancock had time to adapt two other scripts. What then ensued was tremendous fun and lots of bravery and performing by volunteers. Each excerpt was performed unrehearsed live and with sound effects.
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| Rob Davis (on floor), Art Sippo, Alex Hancock, Fuller Bumpers, Tommy Hancock RADIO LIVES AGAIN |
The first, an excerpt from Van Plexico’s GIDEON CAIN, stars Ron Fortier as a demon, Plexico as Cain, and Tommy Hancock as Cain’s Arab Companion. LANCE STAR, SKY RANGER, written by Bobby Nash, followed, with Fuller Bumpers as Lance, Rob Davis as Ice, Art Sippo as Andrew, Alex Hancock as Bar Guy and Tommy Hancock as Announcer. The final scene is from Wayne Reinagel’s KHAN DYNASTY with Patrick Cranford as Kong, Rob Davis as Bart, and Tommy Hancock as Chang Lee! Follow the link below to download the whole event AND all the con chatter that went on inbetween scenes!
http://www.filedropper.com/pulpark
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| From Left-Rob Davis, Fuller Bumpers, Art Sippo, Tommy Hancock, Alex Hancock RADIO LIVES AGAIN |
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| Van Plexico (left) and Tommy Hancock RADIO LIVES AGAIN |
Friday, May 13th, 5-6:00 PM
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| From Left-Barry Reese, Ron Fortier, Derrick Ferguson, Tommy Hancock, Bobby Nash |
The first panel of the first ever Pulp Ark was hosted and manned by six of the seven men behind the first full blown news site dedicated to Pulp. Six of the Spectacled Seven (You were missed, Sarge Portera!) made up this panel and shared news from various New Pulp publishers, a lot of which they were involved in in some way or another…..Taking one at a time, we’ll start with…
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| Art Sippo watching (from left) Derrick Ferguson, Tommy Hancock, Bobby Nash, Van Plexico |
Barry Reese-
Has stories in The Green Hornet Casefiles and The Avenger Justice Inc. Files from Moonstone. Rook Volume Six is coming out in late May- Early June, 2011 from Pro Se Productions The Family Grace Collection, focusing on the adventuring family that is the backbone of the Rook Universe, is coming out later this year from Pro Se Productions. Lazarus Gray vol. 1, a collection of Reese’s Sovereign City Project stories, will be out in September, 2011 and his first full length Lazarus Gray novel, DIE GLOCKE, is in progress. Bobby Nash-
Bobby has a few anthologies and comic books coming out featuring stories in the next several months. Theose include The Green Hornet Casefiles (Moonstone), Tales From The Zero Hour Vol. 4: Weird Tales (Blinding Force Productions), Lance Star: Sky Ranger Vol. 3 (Airship 27), Secret Agent X Vol. 4 (Airship 27), The Danger People (New Babel Books), Aym Geronimo and the Post Modern Pioneers: Tall Tales, The Ruby Files (Airship 27), Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar (Moonstone), The Wraith (Airship 27), The Avenger (Moonstone), Domino Lady Vs. The Mummy (Moonstone), untitled Abyss Walker Universe anthology, Frontier (BEN Books), and more.
Van Plexico-
Van’s new Sentinels novel, STELLARAX, from White Rocket Books, will be in stores by mid-June. It is the seventh volume in the series overall, and completes the big, cosmic “Rivals” trilogy. A story (“Thunder Over China”) in LANCE STAR: SKY RANGER, Vol. 3, coming soon from Airship 27.
Van is involved in Bobby Nash’s and Sean Taylor’s upcoming SF action anthology. Van’s 45,000-word novella is featured in the second MARS McCOY: SPACE RANGER anthology from Airship 27, coming possibly later this year.
Van created and is editing an SF action-adventure anthology for White Rocket Books: BLACKTHORN: THUNDER ON MARS. It’s a sort of John Carter – meets – Thundarr deal. Look for that one toward the end of the year.
Derrick Ferguson-
A Fortune McCall collection, part of the Sovereign City Project, later this year (October) from Pro Se Productions
A special project with Joshua Reynolds forAirship 27 Productions.
A collection of Dillon stories later this year from Pulpwork Press.
Ron Fortier-
KALUTA BOARDS AIRSHIP 27
World famous graphic artist, Michael Kaluta has signed on to provide both cover art and interior illustrations for Airship 27 Productions forthcoming title, CHALLENGER STORM, Isle of Blood; the first in a new pulp series by writer Don Gates.
Kaluta’s comics work began in the 1970s working on such titles as “House of Secrets” and “Web of Horror.” It was during this time he created fortune teller Madam Xanadu for Editor Joe Orlando. His work on DC’s Shadow comics is considered the best graphic portrayal of that classic pulp hero ever produced. He also illustrated Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Carson of Venus for that same company. From 1975 to 1979, he was a member of “The Studio” along with Barry Windsor-Smith, Bernie Wrightson and Jeff Jones. He’s an award winning painter and illustrator who had contributed to role playing games and illustrated numerous music album covers. In 2003 he was named a Spectrum Grand Master in recognition of his vast and influential body of work.
“We, at Airship 27 Productions are extremely thrilled and honored to be working with a true living legend of American art,” said Ron Fortier, Managing Editor. Airship 27 Productions is one of the leading producers of new pulp fiction novels and anthologies, their titles being published by Cornerstone Book Publishers of New Orleans.
Challenger Storm is a rollicking, old fashion pulp adventure in the grand tradition of Doc Savage and Captain Hazzard and is Gates’ first book in a planned series. “We hope to have the book out by the end of the year,” Fortier went on to add. “Mr. Kaluta is always much in demand and we are not about to rush such beautiful artwork.” Kaluta’s latest foray into pulp prose will soon be seen on the cover of Moonstone’s Green Hornet Casefiles due out in few weeks.
PHANTOM SCRIBE TACKLES S & S NOVEL
Airship 27 Productions is pleased to announce that well known Phantom comic writer, Mike Bullock, has agreed to write a new sword & sorcery novel for the company titled THE RUNEMASTER.
Bullock is an award winning fiction writer, poet and former professional musician. Born in
The Runemaster marks Bullock’s first foray into novel writing and tells the story of Skarl Kirwall, a man born during the Last Great War and destined to lead his clan as the next Runemaster. When he is betrayed by a friend, Skarl is banished from his village and later learns of its destruction at the hands of their bitter enemies, the Ysling clan.
While mourning the loss of his family and clan, Skarl discovers the woman he loves has been dragged off to be sacrificed to Ysfang, the World Serpent. Armed with only his mighty sword and cunning, Skarl sets off across the frozen wastes to rescue her and somehow regain his rightful role as the Runemaster.
Forged in the fires of Conan, Beowulf and Braveheart, steeped in Norse legendry and baptized in the blood of those who would oppose him comes the Runemaster.
Tommy Hancock –
From Moonstone Entertainment-
RETURN OF THE MONSTERS!
Moonstone Announces Halloween Pulps Coming this October from Moonstone Books – Four pulp horror books sure to frighten and delight you. In ANGELS AND THE UNDEAD writer Mike Bullock and artist Eric Johns tell a tale of spine-chilling fear as Death Angel and Black Bat team up to face none other than the Lord of Vampires: Dracula in the THE WEREWOLF WAR MASSACRES written by Martin Powell and illustrated by Jay Piscopo asks the question “Has the Master of Men finally met his Monstrous Match?” From the mind of Aaron Shaps comes the third book, PHANTOM DETECTIVE: THE BLOOD OF FRANKENSTEIN the monster enjoys a new lease on life, illustrated by Kalman Andrasofszky and Jim McKern. The fourth Halloween horror from Moonstone was announced at PULP ARK by author Bobby Nash. Bobby recently completed and submitted to Tombstone a script entitled THE PERFECT MATE pitting The Domino Lady against The Mummy! Art will be handled by Rock Baker and Jeff Austin. Covers for at least three of these pulp terror tales brought to you by Dan Brereton.
Look for these and more in October, only from Moonstone Books. Decoder Ring Theater
Tommy is penning a new six episode series for Decoder Ring Theater. Known for its audio drama podcasts starring fan favorites The Red Panda and Black Jack Justice, DRT, headed up by Gregg Taylor, is the home for great modern pulp audio. Hancock’s new series, THE WEIRD WEST ADVENTURES OF HUNT AND PECK, is based on characters created by Taylor for a recent episode of DRT’s RED PANDA where The Panda and his sidekick The Flying Squirrel go back in time to the Old West. Hancock’s six episodes will pick up where THE WILD WEST episode leaves off.
Pro Se Productions
Pro Se is moving into audio!! Tommy Hancock announced that in partnership with Broken Sea Audio, Pro Se would be releasing audio book versions of some of its product this year, including issues of its three magazine titles, Hancock’s own novel, YESTERYEAR, and Barry Reese’s THE ROOK, VOLUME SIX. Tommy reviewed upcoming publications from Pro Se Productions, including works by Nancy Hansen, Lee Houston, Jr., Ken Janssens and others. BULLOCK BRINGS TOTEM TO PRO SE! Pro Se Productions was also proud to reveal that Mike Bullock, noted author of Moonstone’s THE PHANTOM, writer of comics such as SAVAGE BEAUTY, and an upcoming BLACK BAT Original Graphic Novel as well as his own original work, including LIONS, TIGERS, AND BEARS, will be joining the ranks of Pro Se for his first every prose short story collection! Bullock brings an original character like none other to Pro Se’s stellar cast of characters. Bullock’s TOTEM, VOLUME ONE will feature four stories focused on the title character, one rich in both history and tied to the supernatural! Expect TOTEM VOLUME ONE by Mike Bullock to be out early next year from Pro Se Productions and stay tuned to http://www.pulpmachine.blogspot.com/ for more information on this fantastic creation by one of today’s best New Pulp writers as it becomes available! |