The Mix : What are people talking about today?

NEW COLUMN COMING TO ALL PULP-TUNE INTO PULP!!!

  • News
  • January 7, 2011
Logo and Design by Ali

Yep, Tune Into Pulp is on the air!!!

Well, sorta…

Pulp, as we all know and as I’m known to say frequently, isn’t just found in the printed word or in the bottom of your orange juice glass.  This area we so enjoy to read, write, draw, and create in has spread its Lovecraftian tentacles into all sorts of mediums, pretty much since pulp began.  One arena that pulp took hold of early on and thankfully hasn’t let go of is that of the audio drama.   Back before boobs sat before tubes with flickering lights and little colored dots, mystery, comedy, drama, talk shows, all that goodness existed somewhere else.  Somewhere where the stage was in your mind and the doors inside were your ears. 

Radio, my friends. 

What we all now know as OTR (Old Time Radio) was simply the entertainment of the day at its peak.  That was where most people were first introduced to the mysterious figure known as The Shadow…where that immortal phrase ‘Up, Up, and Away’ was first ever heard…where a single surviving Texas Ranger met his Indian companion and saved the west…and generations later where that ranger’s descendant rode into high octane action with his Oriental chauffeur at his side, both in masks…and those are just the characters most of you know about.  A literal plethora of characters existed in the golden age of radio that could be considered pulp and they are in part the focus of this column. 

The other part is what is referred to as modern audio drama.  Many companies, individuals, and collectives have come together, especially with the advent of the internet, and began producing original audio works for the listening and podcasting audience.  And these new pioneers of audio greatness have not forgotten their roots.  Two fisted heroes, over the top villains, and wild plots abound.  Pulp is still alive and has a strong voice in modern audio drama.

Lastly, this column will look at ways audio characters, both old and new, have transcended audio and either came from other works originally or have inspired new works in other mediums!  Several comic and publishing companies today have mined the wealth of characters and tales found in audio drama and we’ll be discussing those.

This column will be at least weekly, hopefully twice a week.   I have a great list of characters, shows, and companies I already plan to cover.  Here’s just a taste-

YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR
THE RED PANDA
BROKEN SEA PRODUCTIONS
THE BLUE BEETLE
CHANDU THE MAGICIAN
THE SHADOW
BOSTON BLACKIE
PENDANT AUDIO PRODUCTIONS
MOONSTONE ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
PHILLIP MARLOWE

Yes, there are many, many more….and of course, if you have suggestions, send ’em along to allpulp@yahoo.com.   This column aims to make sure that another vital area of pulp, one of the reasons the genre even still has life, is made better known to pulp fans everywhere.  So, be ready for the next time…pull your stool up close to the radio, turn the dial, and be ready to..TUNE INTO PULP!!!

ALL PULP GUEST REVIEW-DR. HERMES REVIEWS A TALE OF THE AVENGER!

  • News
  • January 7, 2011
Dr. Hermes takes the guest review spot once more! 
 
THE GLASS MOUNTAIN  

From May 1940, this is a good, solid Avenger story in the classic tradition. If the solution to the weird Rain God murders seems a bit obvious, it’s probably because we’ve read so darn many pulp thrillers. To an imaginative young reader first discovering this type of adventure, THE GLASS MOUNTAIN is filled wtth dramatic cliffhangers and creepy events, and a cast of larger than life oddballs.

An ancient legend seems to be coming back to life in a remote area of Idaho, where a railroad construction project is beginning to blast a tunnel through the black basalt Mount Rainod (the ‘glass mountain’ of the title), and a wizened Pawnee elder named Yellow Moccasins is doing his best by terrorize the workers by telling them the recent deaths have been the work of the Rain God that dwells in the mountain. Now, if you’re a fan of the series, you’re likely to suspect a rational explanation for the shenanigans. But on the other hand, we do witness a mysterious green mist twenty feet high repeatedly appear out of nowhere and elecrocute people dead in their tracks.

Although Rosabel Newton doesn’t appear (and isn’t even mentioned as far as I can find), Josh gets a bigger share of the action than usual. In addition to punching and running and diving into subterranean water to rescue people, he grudgingly takes on the chore of being camp cook for sixty workers. (He does a good job, too, and everyone loves his cooking.) Josh’s deliberate ‘dumb Negro’ pantomime works effectively , as crooks underestimate him enough to give him an opening to attack them. But his most notable moment is when he’s jolted by the green mist and is literally killed by it. Benson does manage to revive his friend (with some impromptu methods) before a critical amount of time has passed but it’s a harrowing event. The fact that a similar fate strikes Mac almost immediately afterwards doesn’t help. (Rubber shoes do, though.)

When Smitty teases him about his experience, Josh shivers and says, “Don’t even joke about it.” The big guy asks if he had any visions and Josh replies no, it was just like being unconscious. A good many pulp heroes are pronounced clinically dead and revived (It happened to Monk and Ham in PIRATE OF THE PACIFIC) but they usually seem to forget about it immediately as if it’s no big deal, and it’s unsettling to see Josh brooding about the experience as a person actually would.

Smitty and Mac are their usual selves, but Nellie Gray doesn’t shine very well in this story. Although she doesn’t turn up until halfway through the book, she manages to get bludgeoned unconscious TWICE in quick succession. I hope her dainty little skull was thicker than it seemed, or she would end up later in the series going, “Doy… uhh, hi dere.”

For some reason, Benson himself seems much more accessible than usual this time. He explains what he’s thinking and reacts to events more openly than his normal secretive way. When he impersonates the shady old Yellow Moccasins, he finds out that someone else is doing the same thing and for a while, there are three wrinkled old guys running around (the crooks are confused enough without stuff like this).

One touch I liked about the early stories was that The Avenger would occasionally run into someone who hadn’t seen him since his tragedy. Here an old foreman of his says awkwardly but sympathetically, “You’ve had trouble. I heard about it. Your wife and the little girl–” But he’s cut off by a cold glare from those eyes. Part of Benson’s problem, if you ask me, is that he never talked about his loss and he gruffly rejects any compassionate overtures from his old friends. It’s part of what makes him such a dramatic, intense fgure but it would have done him a world of good to thank this man for his concern.

Several times, in fact, we’re told that Benson doesn’t want to heal and learn to live again. He never considers suicide, but it’s explicitly said that he’s waiting for his life to be over so he can be reunited with his wife and daughter in the next world. Whle the Avenger never quite puts himself in the path of certain destruction, he comes awful close with all his deliberate walking right into traps. “Death could come any time it liked. Life wasn’t too kind, with wife and daughter taken from him in a criminal plot.”

ALL PULP NEWSSTAND NIGHTHAWK EDITION 1/6/11

  • News
  • January 7, 2011
ALL PULP NEWSSTAND
NIGHTHAWK EDITION
1/6/11
UPCOMING COVER FOR BARRY REESE NOVEL FROM WILD CAT BOOKS RELEASED!
Noted Pulp Author Barry Reese (Creator of THE ROOK, LAZARUS GRAY, and RABBIT HEART) released the above image of his upcoming novel, THE DAMNED THING, from Wild Cat Books. 
This is a preliminary version of the fantastic cover by Jason Levesque.  Reese stated that THE DAMNED THING will likely be available in the coming weeks!

MISS LAST WEEK’S BOOK CAVE? THEN LISTEN TO IT NOW!

ALL PULP’S OFFICIAL PODCAST!!!!

1/6/11

Tom and Ginger Johnson join Art and Ric on a trip to the different versions of Mars in fiction. And Tommy Hancock follows up with THE ALL PULP NEWS!
Check out ALL PULP’S official podcast, THE BOOK CAVE here-

‘Star Wars’ Collection Comes to Blu-ray

  • News
  • January 6, 2011

George Lucas may never finish tinkering with his Star Wars series. At the Consumer Electronics Show today, the anticipated announcement was officially made that the six movies will be collected in a nine-disc box set. The original trilogy will be making their Blu-ray debut — but these are the special editions. Apparently, the original elements from the first releases are fragile and need to be recreated or cleaned to properly reproduce in high definition (yes, meaning another opportunity to sell us product).

All the usual websites are now taking pre-orders but the disc won’t be out for months. Here’s the formal release:

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 6, 2011) – The most anticipated Blu-ray release ever – the Star Wars™ Saga – emerges from light speed this September 2011. For the first time, all six of George Lucas’ epic films (Episodes I-VI) are united in one complete set. Fans worldwide are able to pre-order now with online retailers.

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will release Star Wars in three distinct sets to meet the needs of every Star Wars fan:

–    Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-ray (9-disc Set includes all six films)
–    Star Wars: Prequel Blu-ray Trilogy (3-disc set includes Episodes I-III)
–    Star Wars: Original Blu-ray Trilogy (3-disc set includes Episodes IV-VI)

STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA ON BLU-RAY will feature all six live-action Star Wars feature films utilizing the highest possible picture and audio presentation, along with three additional discs and more than 30 hours of extensive special features including never-before-seen deleted and alternate scenes, an exploration of the exclusive Star Wars archives, and much more.

Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-ray will be available for $139.99 US/$179.99 CAN and the Star Wars: Trilogy Sets for $69.99 US/89.99 CAN.  Pricing for each set will vary by international territory.

Flanked by a  legion of his finest  Imperial Stormtroopers, Darth Vader himself joined Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment President Mike Dunn at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to announce the release, vowing  “The forces of the Empire will be at your disposal to assure the success of this endeavor.’’

“The Star Wars Saga is the most anticipated Blu-ray collection since the launch of the high-def format,” Dunn said. “The epic franchise pioneered sound and visual presentation in theaters and is perfectly suited to do it again in the home, with a viewing experience only possible with Blu-ray.”

“With all six episodes available for the first time in one collection, this is a great way for families and home audiences to experience the complete Saga from start to finish,” said Doug Yates, Vice President of Marketing, Online, Distribution, Lucasfilm Ltd. “And with the quality of high-definition, Blu-ray provides the most immersive home experience possible.”

“The Star Wars franchise has been one of the most anticipated Blu-ray releases by Amazon’s customers,” said Bill Carr, Vice President of Music and Video at Amazon. “We think that Star Wars will be incredibly popular with our customers, and we expect pre-orders to be very strong.”

ALL PULP NEWSSTAND BULLDOG EDITION 1/6/11

  • News
  • January 6, 2011
ALL PULP NEWSSTAND
BULLDOG EDITION
1/6/11
moonstonelogocopy-9653016
1128 South State Street
Lockport, Illinois, 60441
815-834-1658

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-
1/6/11, Lockport Illinois-

COMICS WITH HEAVY PULP THEMES FROM MOONSTONE RECEIVE ACCLAIM IN 2010!

CRITICALLY ACCAIMED ‘ROTTEN’ FROM MOONSTONE ONE OF BEST OF 2010!
Moonstone Entertainment, Inc. announces that the wildly eclectic, genre busting comic ‘ROTTEN’ from writers Mark Rahner and Robert Horton and Artist Dan Dougherty continues to receive accolades and notice, this time from writers at the Comic Book Bin (http://www.comicbookbin.com/).   Writers for the comic book centered site instituted their own awards this year.  Calling them ‘The Binnies’, writers established several comic book oriented categories and then chose the winners for each category.  ROTTEN was named as one of the six winners of Best New or Mini Series for 2010.  Comic Book Bin writer Pat Oliver selected the Moonstone title for this recognition and wrote-

       I quite liked Rotten (Moonstone) this year. Created by Mark Rahner and Robert Horton, with       artwork by Dan Dougherty, it evoked memories of the old TV series Wild Wild West, and was a nice new twist on both the western and zombie genres. Its two main protagonists are likeable, ethical men and experts in their own fields. One may be more cerebral than the other, but neither is a stranger to action, both being army men. It is a many layered comic book. For instance, it can be read as a good adventure horror story with thriller elements, or it can viewed as holding up a mirror to events in Modern society. Zombie Detective piece or political allegory, either 


This excellent description and recognition of this trail blazing tale exploring new frontiers in both genre and comic storytelling is the latest in a series of compliments and praise for ROTTEN and its creative team. Others include-

“A super-cool approach.” FANGORIA

“A must-buy … 5 George Romeros out of 5.” Ain’t It Cool News

“One of the strongest and strangest concepts I’ve ever heard, executed with horrific precision.” ED BRUBAKER
“It’s Deadwood by way of Stephen King. It’s Undeadwood. It’s witty, it’s disturbing, and it’s a must-read.” MARK WAID

ROTTEN is a multilayered event that at times is a western, a zombie tale, a detective story, an exploration of conspiracies, a horror masterpiece, and even a satirical comment on modern politics.   This fantastic comic adventure is now available in trade paperback from Moonstone!  Order from your favorite comic retailer today or order directly from Moonstone Entertainment, Inc. at http://www.moonstonebooks.com/   


It’s time for you to get ROTTEN.


 ROTTEN
Story by Mark Rahner and Robert Horton
Art by Dan Dougherty
Single Issues and ROTTEN TPB #1 available now!
http://www.moonstonebooks.com/

MOONSTONE’S ‘PHANTOM’ GETS TWO BEST OF 2010 NODS!

ChronicleChamber.com, the leading Phantom focused site on the internet, centering on The Phantom, Mandrake the Magician, and the work of creator Lee Falk released its top 5 2010 Best Phantom portrayals and Moonstone Entertainment, Inc’s Phantom work filled two of the five spots.

Quoted from the site-
Now that 2010 is behind us and 2011 has begun with the promise of bringing more great Phantom stories CC has taken a look back over the past year to see which issues came up trumps. Some of the entries may even surprise you. At any rate, it’s sure the list will cause discussion. So, without further ado we present the top five issues of 2010.

Oh, and some spoilers are contained within, so if you’ve not read these issues you may want to skip their entries…

3. The Phantom: Ghost Who Walks #12 (Moonstone Books)
Writer: Mike Bullock
Artist: Silvestre Syzilagyi

While it might not be the greatest issue Moonstone ever produced, it is what GWW #12 represents that earns it its’ place as our number 3. Moonstone’s Phantom series – both the first series and the Ghost Who Walks reboot – went from strength to strength over its’ seven year run. Arguably coming of age when Mike Bullock took over, the series proved that the Phantom still mattered in a modern world and that his adventures could be just as exciting now as they were back in 1936. Ending in the culmination of all of Bullock’s previous work on the series and Moonstone’s most ambitious story arc, The Phantom: Ghost Who Walks #12 marked the end of an era. Moonstone was a company that was willing to try new things with the character and take him in new directions, all while staying true to his roots. Moonstone’s run will be remembered as one of the finest in the Phantom’s long 74 year history and GWW #12 is the issue with which Moonstone could say “look at all we accomplished.”

1. Phantom Double Shot: KGB Noir #1 (Moonstone Books)
Writer: Mike Bullock
Artist: Fernando Peniche

The reason Phantom Double Shot: KGB Noir is awarded first place is due to its simplicity. As we said in our review of issue one, putting the Phantom in a noir world seems like such an obvious idea it’s amazing no one had done it before. From the first page KGB is a rollercoaster ride of action, adventure and brutal battles. But what really sets this issue apart from the others is just how well it all fits together. While other series tried different things none felt as natural to the character of the Phantom as the noir setting of KGB. From the beautiful black and white art to the fast, brutal script, everything was pitch perfect. The greatest ideas are often those that prove to be the most simple and with this series Moonstone proved that you don’t need character evolution, status quo upset or any other myriad of things to make an awesome story. All you need is a simple idea, a top writer, a talented artist and a desire to try something just a little different.

Congratulations to Moonstone Entertainment, Inc. and all the creators involved in turning out some of the best efforts focused on one of pop culture’s most beloved characters-THE PHANTOM!

Moonstone Entertainment Inc. publishes comics and illustrated fiction designed to “awaken your sense of adventure”, featuring classic and new heroes in thrilling tales of adventure, mystery, and horror. For more than a decade, Moonstone Entertainment Inc. has created fine and distinct comic books, Graphic Novels and prose…books that are meant to be read.  Awaken your sense of adventure at http://www.moonstonebooks.com/
merlinbbc-s21-9454490

Review: ‘Merlin Season 2’

merlinbbc-s21-9454490When a show deviates too far from the source material, its fate is in the hands of the writing staff who can take the raw elements and run with them or spin their wheels and grind the freshness out of the subject matter. Much as [[[Smallville]]] ran out of steam six seasons back, its spiritual successor, the BBC’s [[[Merlin]]], quickly lost its way in the first season. The second season, out on DVD now from BBC Video, takes great legendary figures and turns them into maudlin soap characters. When the first season came to America, NBC tried it out and the low ratings relegated season two to SyFy where the mediocre can rule.

The second season picks up as Uther Pendragon (Anthony Stewart Head) remains closed-minded to the dangers around him, focusing on eradicating witches and wizards despite growing threats, with “The Witchfinder” being particular ludicrous.  After “Sweet Dreams” and “The Witch’s Quickening” you would have thought Uther would have reconsidered his stand but no, the writers don’t seem to want real character growth or characters to act like real people. Throughout the season, Uther continues to act like a moron most of the time, with touching scenes here and there to attempt to round him out. When he reveals he is actually Morgana’s father, it’s done so badly; she overhears and has new cause to hate him. That Morgana (Katie McGrath) has powers does not seem to change his mind and he is blind to Merlin’s own abilities. He’s further blind to the notion that Arthur has fallen in love with Gwen (Angel Coulby) despite the gap in their status. Instead, he’s a writer’s pawn acting like a bastard because it suits them.

Merlin (Colin Morgan), keeping his magical abilities a secret, continues his education under Gaius’ (Richard Wilson) watchful eye. His heavy burden weighs on him throughout the season and he struggles with it, which is about the only character growth we get until the final episode, “The Last Dragonlord”: where he reunites with his father and gains yet another burden. Until he can truly be a court magician, he will continue to appear like a whiny boy.

Instead, the most interesting character development in season two is with Morgana, who comes into her own power after letting her occult abilities bubble near the surface since the earliest episodes. As she learns her true origins and nature, she acts out, angered at those who hid the truth from her and finds herself at odds with Arthur (Bradley James) and Merlin, who had only shown her friendship and support. And Arthur continues to struggle in the shadow of his father, recognizing how cruel he can be. Instead, thanks to Merlin and Gwen, he is displaying a conscience that should make him an excellent king, if he can ever get over his own self-doubt.

All the foreshadowing about the adult roles we know them to play is rich material but the writing rarely lives up to potential. Instead, everyone is flat with little subtlety or surprise. All too often people are enchanted or tricked or misdirected to believe things that beggar the imagination. As a result, the season meanders without much to recommend it.

The five disc set comes complete with a lengthy Behind the Scenes look at the show plus The Making of Merlin, which focuses more on the character. The cast and crew offer up introductions plus there are commentaries but none of the usual deleted scenes or gag reels. You do get a photo gallery and wallpapers. Still, this is a disappointing show that has limped through to a fourth season (the third debuts this week on SyFy).

Fans of ‘Lost’ Win $150 in Tuesday’s MegaMillions… But Does It Hint At Something More?

  • News
  • January 5, 2011

The winning numbers in yesterday’s MegaMillions lottery, with a $355 million jackpot, are:

4, 8, 15, 25, 47, Mega Ball: 42

Now, if you’re a fan of the TV show Lost, you are familiar with the mythology of the numbers 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, and 42, which (among other things) were the winning lottery numbers for Hugo “Hurley” Reyes, netting him $114 million.

As a result, a lot of people play those numbers. And if you picked those numbers last night, you would have had 4 out of 6 numbers, netting you $150… almost the exact price to pick up Lost: The Complete Collection
on DVD. But I’m sure that’s just a coincidence.

The odds of picking those numbers are 1 in 13,781, (or (56!/(3!(56-3)!))46 out of (56!/(5!(56-5)!))46 if you want to do the math). The question arises, however: how many players play the Lost numbers? 1 out of 10000? 1 out of 5000? 1 out of 1000?

Based on 25,587 reported winners last night, it turns out that payout for that combination was about 42% (there’s that number again… surely another coincidence) higher than expected, or around 7200 extra winning tickets, for a total of… $1.08 million.

108? All right, now it’s getting a bit weird.

IDEAS LIKE BULLETS FIRES OFF A CONTEST!!!!

  • News
  • January 5, 2011

Yep.  It’s time to roust the roosters and the wrens a bit.  We’re going to have a contest, kiddoes! 

The discussions I’ve had with people about my IDEAS LIKE BULLETS columns have been great and of the four posted, two have already moved on to become actual projects with writers and that is the whole purpose of doing this!  So, with that said, I thought it might be time to take one of the other four ideas and see if we can get some interest in it.  And what better way to do that then to HOST A CONTEST! So, here goes!

IDEAS LIKE BULLETS CONTEST-DAYDREAMING

It’s simple.   The first column I posted introduced the world to a concept of mine about a heroine named Daydream.  That column can be found here- http://allpulp.blogspot.com/2010/11/new-column-ideas-like-bullets-take-one.html.  Daydream could be taken any number of directions with the way I left it in the column and I hope many of you who are writers will do just that.  The rules are as follows- Write a minimum of a 3,000 word story starring Daydream.  It can be fleshing out the work I put in the column, it can be pre-Daydream days, it can be with her as a full fledged heroine or whatever you make her, but it has to be the character as introduced in the first ILB column.  Now, more words would be fine and it can be a novel if you want it to, but that won’t necessarily earn you extra points.  The story must have a beginning, middle, and end and must be pulp in nature.  Your first submission is your only submission, we won’t be editing and sending back for improvement.  At least not until a winner is chosen.

What do you win, may you ask? Well, first is publication of your winning entry in Pro Se Production’s PRO SE PRESENTS magazine line.  Secondly, a complimentary copy of said magazine your story appears in.  Thirdly, a slot as co-writer or possibly even as full writer on a DAYDREAM series of recurring stories to appear in Pro Se publications if you so choose to accept it.  Is it a lot? No, not at all.  But it’s something.

Now, if you decide you’re going to take up this challenge, then you have to email me at allpulp@yahoo.com and notify me of such BEFORE you start writing.  If I receive an entry without having been notified prior to receiving it, it will be disqualified.  I want to  know who’s working on what.   today is January 5th, 2011.  All entries must be in to me by February 5th, 2011. And just in case you missed it, here’s the link to the original ILB about Daydream- http://allpulp.blogspot.com/2010/11/new-column-ideas-like-bullets-take-one.html

 OK, guys and gals, the gun’s loaded…FIRE AWAY!

Reviews from the 86th Floor: Book Reviews by Barry Reese

  • News
  • January 5, 2011


ESCAPE FROM LOKI
Written by Philip Jose Farmer
Bantam Books
0-553-29093-2

This novel has interested me for years. PJF writing the story of a 16-year old Doc Savage, telling how he met the men would become his aides in his war on crime? How could you go wrong? And yet, I’d heard many complaints over the years — that it was “boring,” “out of character” and “plodding.” So I wasn’t sure what to expect.

Doc, as presented here, is a much more human character than Lester Dent portrayed. He has failings and has yet to become the superman he’d destined to be. He has sexual yearnings and briefly falls prey to the femme fatale in the story. He loses his temper. He displays a fear of germs. All of these are modernized additions to his character but none of them changes the essential core of the classic Doc — and so, for me, they work by adding layers to him. I can’t stand people who alter characters without reason — but I don’t feel that’s the case here.

The focus is on Doc, though his aides are presented well. The villains are interesting and the addition of a little sex spices things up: PJF does not go over-the-top as he did in his pastiches of Doc.

I found this book to be a wonderful addition to Doc Savage lore. One of the best reads I’ve had in awhile. The only drawback was an ugly depiction of Doc on the cover.

I give it 5 out of 5!

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