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! |
Here’s the release with all the current information, reminding us of how much we’re looking to seeing how this wraps up:
BURBANK, CA, May 19, 2011 – Principal photography has begun on Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ The Dark Knight Rises, the epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s [[[Batman]]] trilogy.
Leading an all-star international cast, Oscar® winner Christian Bale (The Fighter) again plays the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman.
The film also stars Anne Hathaway, as Selina Kyle; Tom Hardy, as Bane; Oscar® winner Marion Cotillard (La Vie en Rose), as Miranda Tate; and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as John Blake.
Returning to the main cast, Oscar® winner Michael Caine (The Cider House Rules) plays Alfred; Gary Oldman is Commissioner Gordon; and Oscar® winner Morgan Freeman (Million Dollar Baby) reprises the role of Lucius Fox.
In helming The Dark Knight Rises, Christopher Nolan is utilizing IMAX® cameras even more extensively than he did on The Dark Knight, which had marked the first time that a major feature film was partially shot with IMAX® cameras. The results were so spectacular that the director wanted to expand the use of the large-format cameras for this film.
Noted illustrator and sometime comics artist Jeffrey Catherine Jones died yesterday of complications from emphysema.
In comics, her work appeared in Heavy Metal, the various Warren magazines, Epic Illustrated, and many, many others. Committing herself to illustration in general and expressionism in specific, she was a member of the legendary Studio along with Michael Kaluta, Barry Windsor-Smith and Bernie Wrightson. Jones’ illustrations graced a great many science fantasy novels (Michael Moorcock, Dean Koontz, Fritz Lieber, Andre Norton, and others) and magazines as well as publications such as The National Lampoon.
Her work has been reprinted in a number of albums, most recently IDW’s [[[Jeffrey Jones: A Life In Art]]]. This ironically titled tome was released at the beginning of this year.
Jones married Mary Louise Alexander (now Louise Simonson) in 1966 and had a daughter, Julianna, the following year. In 2001 Jeffrey had gender reassignment surgery. In recent years she suffered from numerous ailments, but had made a sadly brief return to the drawing board last month.
In one of the highest compliments imaginable, illustrator Frank Frazetta called Jones “the greatest living painter.”
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.Â
9-10:00 AM-PULP FACTORY PANEL-Why The Current New Interest in Pulps Moderator â 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!
THE ADVENTURES OF DODGE DALTON AT THE OUTPOST OF FATE
Sean Ellis
ISBN 978-0982609996
Sequels can be funny things – deviate too much from what the original successful and people wonder what went wrong. Adhere too much to the first one’s formula and people cite you for being unoriginal. The Adventures of Dodge Dalton At The Outpost of Fate manages to dance along that delicate line that’s needed to create a worthy successor to last year’s debut. Sean Ellis reunites us with a character who’s a canny mix of Indiana Jones and Dirk Pitt, with the intriguing setup that our main character is the ghostwriter for the adventures of the “real” hero.
Ellis manages to infuse his novel with romanticism and good old-fashioned by-the-seat-of-your-pants adventure. Without giving too much of the plot away, this is another globetrotting epic with plenty of narrow scrapes for our heroes and a satisfying ending.
It’s inevitable that a second adventure seems less “new” than the original but Ellis is more comfortable now and the characters more nuanced. The Dodge Dalton series is one of the best New Pulps to come along.
I give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars!
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!