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FORTIER TAKES ON SPILLANE AND COLLINS’ LATEST!

  • News
  • September 24, 2011

ALL PULP REVIEWS-Book Reviews by Ron Fortier
THE CONSUMMATA
By Mickey Spillane & Max Allan Collins
Hard Case Crime
247 pages
Release date 4 Oct 2011
In 1967 popular mystery writer, Mickey Spillane, sought to cash in the James Bond spy craze sweeping the world of literary fiction.  He created a Florida based government agent named Morgan the Raider; obviously referencing the famous pirate with the same name.  The book was titled THE DELTA FACTOR and the plot revolved around Morgan and a beautiful female agent, Kim Stacy, going to a South American island to rescue a scientist being held by terrorists.  Spillane had begun work on a sequel when THE DELTA FACTOR was made into a rather bland, lackluster movie in 1971 and disheartened by that film; he shelved the new book and never completed it.
Forty-four years later, thanks to Spillane’s good friend and protégé, crime novelist, Max Allan Collins, fans can now enjoy that sequel, THE CONSUMMATA.  The story takes places only a few months after the events in the first book, with Morgan now a felon having been framed for an armored car hold up that netted the thieves forty million dollars.  Although innocent, the only way he can prove his innocent is to find the stolen loot and return it, all the while eluding both local and government agents.
As if that isn’t trouble enough, he finds himself entangled with a group of Cuban exile patriots living in Miami who have become victims of a lowlife named Jamie Halaquez;  a spy for dictator, Fidel Castro.  Halaquez has stolen the rebels’ war chest containing seventy-five thousand dollars; money intended to fund the group’s activities and help other refugees flee Cuba.  Owing them a debt of honor, Morgan volunteers to find Halaquez and return their money. 
Less than twenty four hours later, a bomb destroys the hotel room in which Morgan was to have set up his base of operations.  Only through a sixth sense honed through years of espionage work does Morgan avoid being killed but at the same time is made aware that there is another spy in his new circle of friends.  Now things are really complicated, in a very deadly way.  At the same time he is playing detective in the seamy world of Miami’s sex clubs, unknown killers are dogging his trail.
THE CONSUMMATA is a typical pedal-to-metal Spillane thriller that zips along at a fast, gut tightening pace filled with lots of sexy and dangerous women and a true exotic mix of colorful supporting characters from both sides of the law.  There are always a few critics who will claim they can discern where Spillane left off and where Collins took over the yarn. This reviewer is happy to say he is not one of those.  This is a seamless adventure that moves smoothly from chapter to chapter with one clear and exciting voice, echoing the bullet-blasting tales of a true Mystery Grandmaster.

AND AS A PARTING PIRATEY SHOT, PULP EMPIRE AND ANOTHER INTERVIEW!

  • Uncategorized
  • September 24, 2011

PulpEmpire.com is proud to offer our newest anthology Pirates & Swashbucklers, a seventeen story collection of great pirate pulp fiction! Pirates & Swashbucklers author Kameron W. Franklin interviewed his fellow writers of the new Pulp Empire anthology out now!


Today he sits down with Viktor Kowalski, author of “The Treasure of the Lost Race”.


When did you first realize you were a writer?
When I wrote my first yarn. I was like: “Wow! I’m a writer! Awesome!”


What authors influence or inspire you?
Robert E. Howard.


What book(s) have you read more than once? What drew you back?
The “Complete Chronicles of Conan” by Robert E. Howard because it contains the best fantasy yarns ever written; “Prometheus Rising” by Robert A. Wilson because it is the absolutely best book about the workings of the human mind, and what you can do to make the most of yours.


Do you consider yourself a “pulp” writer? Why? Is there another genre you like to write?
But of course. I like to write pulps because that’s what I like to read.

I also write genre fiction like fantasy, historical fiction, adventure, horror and sci-fi, sometimes in pulp style, other times not. I’ve tried writing those contemporary dramas, steeped in emotional wallowing and whining, seasoned with quasi-intellectual and philosophical self-indulgence. It didn’t work.



In 25 words or less, how would you define “pulp” as a genre?
Robert E. Howard.




What made you decide to submit a story for the Pirates & Swashbucklers anthology?
It seemed like an excellent opportunity to showcase my exquisite writing ability. Seriously.




Read more of Kameron’s interviews at PensAndSwords.com.


Pulp Empire Presents: Pirates & Swashbucklers is now available at Pulp Empire.com. Until October 10th, use the code “62QUSQGC” at our CreateSpace bookstore to receive 15% off on the book!

If You Didn’t Know Minck Oosterveer, Read His BOOM! Work For Free

  • Uncategorized
  • September 24, 2011

In honor of the memory of Minck Oosterveer, who passed away last weekend, BOOM! Studios is offering all issues of Mark Waid and Oosterveer’s The Unknown and The Unknown: Devil Made Flesh for free through all their digital partners — comiXology, iVerse, Graphicly, and mydigitalcomics. It’s a very good story, albeit a bit weird reading it now, with its themes of life after death.

Take a look and see just what made this guy so good. Here’s a preview of the first ten pages of The Unknown:

Also, BOOM!’s Editor-in-Chief, Matt Gagnon, has written a stirring remembrance of Minck.

MARC ALAN FISHMAN: UltraFish — What I’d Do Were Malibu Mine

  • Uncategorized
  • September 24, 2011

fishman-column-art-110924-4602351Welcome back to the Fishtopia, gentle readers. Once again, I’m refraining from dumping all over DC. I know, bold move. But boldness is what I’m known for. Boldness, being Jewish, and uhh… having a beard. I thought I’d tickle my fantasy bone today and open a door to a magic land. Come with me, won’t you? We open on a cool, crisp Chicago late afternoon. A chilly breeze blows through my thick beardly-locks. The lake air wafts past my nose, bringing with it the scents of a city. A hotdog dragged through the garden. Buttery deep dish pizza choked with cheese and sausage. Hipster-douchebags in knit caps, skinny jeans, and too much Old Spice. Ahhhh. I gaze longingly at the Lake. A lonely boat drifts in the distance. My iPhone rings. Oh! It’s Marvel calling.

Me: Hello?

Them: Marc-E-Marc! It’s Axel!

Me: The Axe-Man! What’s the happy haps?

Them: So we just have to get you on the payroll here. It’s been too long!

Me: I know, I know. What do you have in mind? Another Slingers mini? Maybe Matt and I can knock out that Darkhawk book we keep pitching to you?

Them: Oh no, bubbala. I got something better. Something you’ve been dying for.

Me: No.

Them: Oh… oh yes.

Me: Say it. I want to hear you say it.

Them: OK Fish. Malibu. It’s yours.

At this point my legs go a bit limp. I find a bench. All is right with the world.

It’s no secret. I loved Malibu Comics’ Ultraverse. I owned nearly every book they published. If a genie were to grant me three wishes… bringing them back is the first thing I’d ask for (after world peace and a carb and calorieless Mac and Cheese). For those who aren’t familiar, let me dial up the pop-tart sized Wikipedia entry for you to wolf down before we proceed.

In 1993, a small publisher, Malibu Comics, decided to put out a line of superhero books. Hey why not, everyone else was doing it! The “Ultraverse” as it were, was a fun romp not beleaguered by decades of history (like Marvel or DC), knee-deep in boobs and guns (Ahem, Image…), nor entrenched in wads of super-science and hyper-continuity (like Valiant). Malibu’s line was just about the fun. Characters with barely believable backstories fighting baddies with a wide array of appropriated super-powers. As a 12-year old, I ate it up like a church group at a Sunday buffet. Yeah, I went there.

Fast forward to the mid-nineties… and sales dropped. Turned out all those issues of the Death of Superman weren’t worth thousands, and people were getting tired of counting the flaps of Spawn’s cape in a book of 17 splash pages. Marvel picked up the ashes of the now unpopular Ultraverse, and laid them to rest after a failed crossover. Ever since, I’ve wanted to grab those dirty ashes and reanimate them to their former glory. Here’s how…

Keeping things to their own li’l separate universe would be key. Call me crazy, but usurping an entire universe and rewriting continuity just to force a few has-beens into a modern setting seems like the dumb kid trying to wedge the square into the circle hole. Sound like anyone you know? Nah, me neither. Anyone here reading Voodoo and Grifter yet? But I digress!

I would make a batch of four or five books, akin to Marvel’s successful (turned boring, turned Jeph Loeb nightmare, turned interesting again) Ultimate line. A solid solo adventure book. A sturdy team book. Something to explore the fantasy/sci-fi angle. Maybe a nice villain-centered book. And then? A book with Wolverine in it. Hey, even in my wildest dreams, I need to sell some books. Allow me to pontificate.

My solo book? Prime. Here’s a character that begs to brought back. Taking the original Captain Marvel concept (a boy who can transform into a 20/30 something super-man), but adding a pinch of angst… makes this a title to appeal to teens and not-teens alike. Billy Batson is gee-golly-gosh cool. Seriously. I loved Mike Kunkel’s Johnny DC title. But we ain’t talkin’ about Billy.

Prime’s alter-ego is (was) Kevin Green… troubled youth. With a chip on his shoulder and an attitude problem, he’s the quintessential anti-Batson. Where a Peter Parker or Clark Kent have that “boy next door” charm, and a happy demeanor in and out of costume… Kevin is at that perfect age where he knows all the answers, and still can’t get girls to dig him. But when danger is afoot, he activates his liquid flesh power, and becomes the hyper-muscular Prime. Unlike a Marvel or Captain America though… Prime is instinctively still a teenager. He’s quick to anger. Quick to fight. And he’s powerful enough that no one is going to tell him otherwise, by force or not. Add in some crazy scientist arch nemesis and robots to trash? Maybe a love triangle where Kevin has the hots for a teen girl in high school, and a seductive Super Heroine as Prime? The book practically writes itself! Will Kevin lose his virginity to the super-slut, or save himself for prom? And how can he fight the evil mutant army, when he still needs to clean his room!?

How about a team adventure? Well, look no further than The Strangers. When a group of seven random passengers aboard a San Francisco trolley get hit by sentient alien lightning, they are imbued with super powers. They must unite to fight a mysterious eighth citizen who’s bent on taking over the city! OK, simple pitch aside, what I loved about The Strangers back in the day still holds true now. The pure oddity of powers given matched with completely dissimilar character types makes a book that never stops being fun for fun’s sake. The team is led by an art school student with Firestorm level matter-altering powers (and he doesn’t have the restriction of needing to know how to convert matter a la Ronnie or Jason). His best friend, a hot-head with a Guy Gardner level chip on his shoulder, is constantly trying to steal the spotlight. There’s a street urchin who’s more interested in using his super speed to score and sell drugs. A fashion designer who could care less about her new powers… she’s got a business to run. And did I mention the team has a hooker-android with electrical powers that may be remotely controlled by a mad scientist? What wouldn’t this book have people?!

OK, one more before I go. Mantra. For the sword and sorcery set who dig a little gender bending to boot. A warrior cursed to live eternally is reborn once more, after a thousand years… but this time, in the body of a woman! Having to acclimate himself to a modern world he’s not ready for, in a body he can’t get used to! It’s a fish out of water, with boobs. Marvel at Mantra as she fights against evil modern-day warlocks and demons… while trying to get the hang of sports bras and depilatories. Sex and the City meets Dungeons and Dragons, folks. Come get some.

Of course, you can’t actually get some. Malibu’s contracts were coated in leagues of red tape and legal roadblocks. Marvel tried to unearth the Ultraverse in 2005, but it go no further than a wish on the wind. And while no one of importance cared… I cried that lone American-Indian-on-the-side-of-the-road tear. Normally, I’d figure out a nifty way to end my column. A nice summation told via a pun or a wicked barb aimed at a worthy foe.

But I’m too sad right now. So I’m just ending with a bitter plea. Someone out there give me a million dollars, so I can go make this happen. No? You’re a bunch of jerks!

SUNDAY: John Ostrander

ARDDEN ENTERTAINMENT NEWS. FLASH.

  • Uncategorized
  • September 24, 2011

NEWS. FLASH!!

FLASH GORDON : THE VENGEANCE OF MING COMING SEPTEMBER 2011
INVASION OF THE RED SWORD TPB – COMING THIS FALL 2011

With the next exciting Flash Gordon series on the launching pad (The Vengeance of Ming #1 – due September ’11), Ardden can also reveal that its Collected Edition of The Mercy Wars is almost out of print and due to go back to press this fall for the book market and with a brand new cover too!

The Mercy Wars has gained great reviews and critical acclaim and collects the hard to find issue zero and issues #1 to #6 of the mini series released in 2009. Written by Brendan Deneen with art by Paul Green, Flash Gordon: The Mercy Wars #1 sold a staggering 15,000 copies of its debut issue in July 2008 and since then fans have just loved Ardden’s twist on a the classic sci-fi hero.

The follow-up collected edition, The Invasion Of the Red Sword, is also written by Deneen by this time Eduardo Garcia provides the interior artwork, with colors by JOK and will be 160 pages with additional material and priced at $19.99.

Ardden has something planned for the New York Comic-con this fall for Flash fans – so make sure you’re they’re to “pick up” the excitement!

FLASH GORDON : THE INVASION OF THE RED SWORD #2 – OUT NOW!!
ISSUE #3 IN JULY!

Thank you everyone who have been emailing us about the next issue of Flash Gordon IOTRS… well, you’ll be pleased to know that issue #2 is out now, with issue #3 in stores very soon.

Both Brendan and yours truly would like to let you know that Flash will return with another series very soon and after IOTRS is wrapped up in August. We’re so pleased with the feedback we’re getting – and the fanbase we’ve built – that we’d love to keep it going for another 1000 issues, but Brendan has a definitive story that will end after 24 issues and as they say “all good things come to an end.”

We’d also like to thank you for the emails that amassed after another indie publisher announced that it too would be publishing Flash Gordon. We’re none too worried as we know that when we all look back in a few years we’ll all agree that Ardden’s Flash was the best one out there. They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery — and we tend to agree! :)

Moving on… we have lots planned. The last few months have been rather busy for us with several new indie signings, one of which has caught the eye of several international publishers and studios. But for now… Flash is our main goal and to make sure you love what we’re doing each and every month.

FLASH GORDON : INVASION OF THE RED SWORD #2
Writer: Brendan Deneen
Artist: Eduardo Garcia
Price: $3.99
Full Color

To learn more about Ardden Entertainment, please visit http://limited-edition-comix.com/atlas/index.htm

Dynamite Entertainment’s October Pulpy Offerings

  • Uncategorized
  • September 24, 2011

Coming in October from Dynamite Entertainment.

DARK SHADOWS #1

Price: $3.99
Shipping: October, 2011
Related Products:
SKU: C725130179708
Rating: Teen +
Covers: Francesco Francavilla (50%), Aaron Campbell (50%)
Writer: Stuart Manning
Artist: Aaron Campbell
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Oct 2011
Format: Comic Book
Page Count: 32 pages
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
UPC: 725130179708
Television’s original reluctant vampire is back! Barnabas Collins is re-adjusting to life under his vampiric curse. Haunted by terrifying dreams of his age-old lover and nemesis, Angelique, and fighting his bloodlust, Barnabas fears that danger lies ahead for all who live at Collinwood. Meanwhile, Barnabas’ ally and trusted friend Dr. Julia Hoffman is harboring secrets of her own…

RED SONJA STATUE INSPIRED BY J. SCOTT CAMPBELL

SKU: C117134
This beautiful statue was inspired by the incredible Red Sonja artwork of J. Scott Campbell.
Tom and Joy Snyder sculpted, painted and painstakingly reviewed every detail of this statue under the watchful eye of J. Scott, creating one of the most compelling and beautiful Red Sonja statues of all time. Measuring approximately 8.5″ tall with a base 4″ long x 6″ wide, this magnificent piece shows that we created a piece that fans will appreciate for years to come
Price: $189.99
Shipping: October, 2011

WARLORD OF MARS 2012 CALENDAR

warlordcalendar-3661530

Price: $14.99
Shipping: October, 2011
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SKU: C117556
Publication Date: August 2011 (advance solicit for October 2011)
Dimensions: 12 x 12
Format: Wall Calendar
Page Count: 24 pgs
Caution Code: C:0-1-2
UPC: 725130175564
Start 2012 with a trip to Mars! This full color calendar features incredible art by J. Scott Campbell, ,Alex Ross, Joe Jusko, Paul Renaud, Arthur Adams, and Lucio Parrillo from the hit Warlord of Mars comic books. 2012 is the year of John Carter and his adventures on Mars!

KEVIN SMITH’S THE BIONIC MAN #3

Price: $3.99
Shipping: October, 2011
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SKU: C725130179753
Rating: Teen +
Covers: Alex Ross (main), Jonathan Lau (1-in-10)
Writer: Kevin Smith with Phil Hester
Artist: Jonathan Lau
Colorist: Ivan Nunes
Genre: Media Tie-In, Action Adventure
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Oct 2011
Format: Comic Book
Page Count: 32 pages
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
UPC: 725130179753
Colonel Steve Austin’s body is ruined, his spirit broken, the prospect of a future as a barely human cyborg haunting him as he hovers between life and death. Meanwhile, the demented cyborg Hull launches the first strike in his fanatical war against humanity! From the team that brought you Kevin Smith’s Green Hornet.

WARLORD OF MARS #13

Price: $3.99
Shipping: October, 2011
Related Products:
SKU: C725130179852
Rating: Mature
Covers: Joe Jusko (50%), Stephen Sadowski (50%), Lucio Parrillo (1-in-15)
Writer: Arvid Nelson
Artist: Stephen Sadowski
Colorist: Adriano Lucas
Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Super-Hero
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Oct 2011
Format: Comic Book
Page Count: 32 pages
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
UPC: 725130179852
John Carter returns to Mars to be with his beloved princess and the son he has never know – at least, that was his plan. He arrives on the Red Planet in a forest of horrors, a place he’s never seen before. Fortunately, an old friend joins him soon enough. Before Carter can look for answers about where he is, he’s going to have to do what he does best – kick a little ass. Well, more than a little! Warlord of Mars #13: A Forest Battle is the thrilling first installment of the Gods of Mars story arc, believed by some, including the writer of this very blurb, to be the finest of the Edgar Rice Burroughs Mars novels. You don’t want to miss it!

WARLORD OF MARS: DEJAH THORIS #8

Price: $3.99
Shipping: October, 2011
Related Products:
SKU: C725130179883
Rating: Mature
Covers: Paul Renaud (33%), Joe Jusko (33%), Ale Garza (33%)
Writer: Arvid Nelson
Artist: Carlos Rafael
Colorist: Carlos Lopez
Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Super-Hero
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Oct 2011
Format: Comic Book
Page Count: 32 pages
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
UPC: 725130179883
Dejah Thoris, Princess of Helium, and Phondari, Pirate Queen of Mars, find themselves in the clutches of Phodari’s old master, Xen Brega. But before Xen was Phondari’s master, he was her slave. Phondari wasn’t the kindest of mistresses, and Xen’s looking for a little vengeance. He’s invited Phondari and Dejah to dinner… to be the main course! If Dejah and Phondari can escape the butcher’s knife, Dejah might just learn a thing or two about the mysterious coin she discovered, and why Phondari is so interested in it. Get ready for Dejah Thoris #8: The Hoard of Segotha!

WARLORD OF MARS: FALL OF BARSOOM #4

Price: $3.99
Shipping: October, 2011
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SKU: C725130179913
Rating: Teen +
Covers: Joe Jusko (main), Francesco Francavilla (1-in-10)
Writer: Robert Place Napton
Artist: Roberto Castro
Genre: Action/Adventure
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Oct 2011
Format: Comic Book
Page Count: 32 pages
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
UPC: 725130179913
100,000 YEARS BEFORE THE TIME OF JOHN CARTER! A tribe of Red Martians attacks the Atmosphere Plant just as it’s about to go operational. Meanwhile, the savage Warhoon march on the last stronghold of the Orovar — the city of Horz–determined to wipe the White Martians from the face Mars. This is the penultimate chapter in the Fall of Barsoom!

GREEN HORNET #21

Price: $3.99
Shipping: October, 2011
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SKU: C725130180018
Rating: Teen +
Covers: Brian Denham (33%), Phil Hester (33%), and Jonathan Lau (33%)
Writer: Ande Parks
Artist: Igor Vitorino
Colorist: Ivan Nunes
Genre: Super-Hero, Adventure
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Oct 2011
Format: Comic Book
Page Count: 32 pages
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
UPC: 725130180018
This stand alone story is jam packed with malevolent Mixed Martial Arts mayhem, as Green Hornet and Kato enter a cage match with the baddest men in Century City! Britt Reid and Mulan have decided to enjoy a nice, street clothes night out at the fights. When an old college buddy of Britt’s is seriously injured in the octagon, our heroes join the fray. Now, Green Hornet and Kato have to stay alive in a bloody cage match to the death against the very fighters they bought tickets to see.

ZORRO RIDES AGAIN #4 (OF 12)

Price: $3.99
Shipping: October, 2011
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SKU: C725130180025
Rating: Teen +
Covers: Matt Wagner
Writer: Matt Wagner
Artist: Esteve Polls
Genre: Action/Adventure
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Oct 2011
Format: Comic Book
Page Count: 32 pages
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
UPC: 725130180025
Matt Wagner (MAGE, GRENDEL) continues the finale of his epic story of Zorro! How will Don Diego’s personal life affect Zorro’s continuing crusade against the alcalde of Los Angeles, Luis Quintero? Find out in ZORRO RIDES AGAIN #4!

RED SONJA #64

Price: $3.99
Shipping: October, 2011
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SKU: C725130180049
Rating: Teen +
Covers: Walter Geovani (50%), Wagner Reis (50%)
Writer: Eric Trautmann
Artist: Walter Geovani
Genre: Sword and Sorcery, Adventure, Superhero
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Oct 2011
Format: Comic Book
Page Count: 32 pages
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
UPC: 725130180049
The She-Devil With A Sword has traveled from pastoral Shem to strife-torn Koth and now, into the dark heart of Stygia itself. Sonja’s quest: a lost weapon of terrifying power, and perhaps, some measure of atonement. But the sinister schemes of the Phaorah’s own witch, Azenathi, may only bring Red Sonja death.

QUEEN SONJA #24

Price: $3.99
Shipping: October, 2011
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SKU: C725130180056
Rating: Teen +
Cover: Lucio Parrillo (50%), Adriano Batista (50%)
Writer: Luke Lieberman
Artist: Fritz Casas
Genre: Sword and Sorcery, Adventure
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Oct 2011
Format: Comic Book
Page Count: 32 pages
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
UPC: 725130180056
When finally the forces of Emora and Songoria meet in open battle, who lives and who dies? Can Queen Sonja stop the Emperor’s onslaught on Songoria from a hundred Leagues away? And once she sits on the Emperor’s throne, will she ever give it up?

THE LONE RANGER VOL 4: RESOLVE TPB

Price: $19.99
Shipping: October, 2011
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SKU: C1606901184
Rating: Teen +
Cover: John Cassaday
Writer: Brett Matthews
Penciller/Inker: Sergio Cariello
Colorist: Marcelo Pinto
Genre: Western, Action Adventure
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Oct 2011
Format: soft cover trade paperback
Page Count: 180+
The Ranger and Tonto head for their final confrontation with the villainy that is Butch Cavendish. Along the way, love is found, life is lost, and the Ranger learns the true meaning of “Resolve”.
Collects issues #17-25, along with a complete cover gallery by artist John Cassaday.
ISBN-10: 1-60690-118-4
ISBN-13: 978-1-60690-118-2

GREEN HORNET VOL 3: IDOLS TPB

Price: $16.99
Shipping: October, 2011
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SKU: C1606902199
Rating: Teen +
Cover: Alex Ross
Writer: Phil Hester
Artist: Jonathan Lau
Colorist: Ivan Nunes
Genre: Superhero, Action Adventure
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Oct 2011
Format: soft cover trade paperback
Page Count: 136
Picking up right where Kevin Smith’s Green Hornet left off! The Black Hornet is history, but a new, even deadlier threat has grown right in the heart of Century City, and it may already be too late for The Green Hornet and Kato to stop it. How can Green Hornet scare a street gang out of business when the gang members themselves have no fear of anything – even death? Is the horrifying power behind their fearless ferocity truly supernatural? And just who is Saint Death?
Collects issues #11-15 in one volume, along with complete cover gallery.
Introduction by Ande Parks
ISBN-10: 1-60690-219-9
ISBN-13: 978-1-60690-219-6

WARLORD OF MARS: DEJAH THORIS VOLUME 1 – THE COLOSSUS OF MARS TP

Price: $16.99
Shipping: October, 2011
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SKU: C1606902458
Rating: Mature
Cover: Paul Renaud
Writer: Arvid Nelson
Artist: Carlos Rafael
Colorist: Carlos Lopez
Genre: Fantasy, Sci Fi, Action Adventure
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Oct 2011
Format: soft cover trade paperback
Page Count: 128
Martians live forever – everyone knows that. So what was Dejah Thoris doing all those hundreds of years before John Carter arrived? Four hundred years before the events of Warlord of Mars took place, Dejah’s nation of Helium was divided into two warring city-states. An unscrupulous overlord from afar encouraged that rivalry to his own advantage, until he discovers a terrible secret from Mars’s ancient past beneath Dejah Thoris’ capital. A secret to kill for!
Collecting the first five issues of the hit series in one volume, with bonus material and a complete cover gallery from artists such as Art Adams, Joe Jusko, Paul Renaud, Sean Chen, and Ale Garza.
John Carter of Mars film in development from Pixar, set for a March 9, 2012 release in theaters worldwide.
ISBN-10: 1-60690-245-8
ISBN-13: 978-1-60690-245-5

SHERLOCK HOLMES: YEAR ONE TPB

Price: $19.99
Shipping: October, 2011
Related Products:
SKU: C1606902172
Rating: Teen +
Cover: Francesco Francavilla
Writer: Scott Beatty
Artist: Daniel Indro
Genre: Mystery, Action Adventure
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Oct 2011
Format: soft cover trade paperback
Page Count: 144
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s dauntless detective returns in an all-new series of adventures exploring the sleuth’s untold origins! Join Dr. John Watson as he meets young Sherlock Holmes in a fateful encounter that will forever shape both men’s destinies! Mysteries and murders most foul abound as we discover clues that reveal just how Holmes became the world’s most famous detective.
Collecting the 6-issue series in one volume, plus bonus material and a complete cover gallery timed to coincide with the new Guy Ritchie Sherlock Holmes movie, A Game of Shadows, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law slated for theatrical release December 16, 2011!
ISBN-10: 1-60690-217-2
ISBN-13: 978-1-60690-217-2

WAREHOUSE 13 #3 (OF 5)

Price: $3.99
Shipping: October, 2011
Related Products:
SKU: C725130179982
Rating: Teen +
Covers: Ben Morse (50%), Photo Cover (50%)
Writer: Marque Franklin-Williams & John-Paul Nickel
Artist: Ben Morse
Genre: Media Tie-In, Sci-Fi
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Oct 2011
Format: Comic Book
Page Count: 32 pages
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
UPC: 725130179982
When a series of strange murders in Japan pings the Warehouse team’s radar, Pete, Myka and Claudia journey to the Land of the Rising Sun to investigate. What they discover is a masked assassin who’s using an artifact to cut a swath of terror through the Japanese criminal underworld. In order to snag, bag and tag this deadly weapon, our heroes will have to protect the head of the Yakuza from becoming the killer’s next victim. Little do they realize the assassin is closer than they think! Written by WAREHOUSE 13’s Marque Franklin-Williams & John-Paul Nickel.

For a full listing of Dynamite’s October Release, visit them at http://www.dynamite.net/htmlfiles/previews.html?getMonth=October&getYear=2011

SIMON PRICE IS BACK IN ‘MOVING TARGETS’ FROM CR AND REDBUD!

  • News
  • September 23, 2011

Writer: Ron Fortier Art: Rob Davis Inks: Steve Farfan Letters: Brant Fowler

Standard Comic
Black & White
Page Count: 24
POD

Nearly killed by two assassins wearing gorilla masks
Simon investigates the attempt on his life. What he
finds out shocks him.

Hounded off the Police Force by crossing the
“thin blue line” and
turning in his dirty partner, Simon Price becomes
 a Private Eye.

Price For The Asking #2 TM and © 2011 Ron Fortier & Bill Gladman
 Art © 2011 Rob Davis & Steve Farfan. All rights reserved.

HOLLYWOOD, DOC, SPIDER, THE UNEXPECTED, AND MORE FROM RADIO ARCHIVES!

  • News
  • September 23, 2011
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September 23, 2011
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NEW RELEASE – The Lux Radio Theatre, Volume 3
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“Lux Presents Hollywood!”
Hollywood’s greatest actors and best directors. Star level writing and production values. A world renowned Hollywood legend as the host. And a full hour weekly to showcase it all to the listening public. Sound like the perfect formula for a drama program from the Golden Age of Radio? It was and Radio Archives has it here for you, The Lux Radio Theatre Volume 3!
The Lux Radio Theatre, based in New York, premiered on the Blue Network October 14, 1934. The name derived from the show’s sponsor, Lux Soap from Lever Brothers. Although Lux began primarily as an anthology based on Broadway shows of the period, it recognized the value of Hollywood star power from the start. Stories abound of the various imaginative and cunning ways that scouts for Lux snagged top talent.
Even with creative recruitment techniques, The Lux Radio Theatre teetered on cancellation within a year of its debut, due largely to lack of available talent in New York. Even a move to CBS on July 29, 1935 didn’t change the downward spiral. Danny Denker, an executive with the ad agency handling the Lever Brothers account, advised that production values of The Lux Radio Theatre had to be opulent and top notch and that films, not Broadway shows, should be the focus, and most of all, the program had to come out of Hollywood, not New York.
Denker’s suggestions became fact on June 1, 1936 with the first Lux Radio Theatre program from Hollywood. And from the first show, opulent and top notch was the new standard for the program: budgeted at $17,000.00, more than half of that going to pay Marlene Dietrich and Clark Gable, the show’s leads, and acclaimed director Cecil B. Demille as host.
As the six programs in this third volume of Lux Radio Theatre clearly show, there were many reasons that this hour long program was a top-ten network show for much of its nearly twenty year run after moving to Hollywood and remains one of the most beloved shows by OTR collectors today. The programs spotlighted in this volume are from early 1939 and are headlined by the seminal Hollywood talent of the era, including James Cagney and Maureen O’Sullivan. That combined with the sparkling audio quality of this newly restored and remastered set makes Radio Archive’s third volume of The Lux Radio Theatre an absolute must-have for OTR fans. Priced at only $17.98 for the six hour Audio CD set or $11.98 for the Digital Download version, you’ll want to add this to your personal collection today.



Radio Reviews of “The Unexpected Volume 1”
By Tommy Hancock


ra198-200-7621354Even though it seems that all the audio gems that could be discovered from the Golden Age of Radio have been available for years, there are still several hidden treasures that haven’t been heard in many cases since the first time some radio station played them fifty or more years ago. Thanks to the work of Radio Archives, one such program, The Unexpected has risen from past obscurity and can be appreciated for all of its genre smashing greatness.
Produced by Hamilton-Whitney Productions for syndication in 1947, The Unexpected is a program consisting of fifteen minute long episodes, each one a self-contained tale involving some sort of situation that a protagonist found him or herself in, one usually of their own making, that led to adventure, action, or simply general chaos. Also, each show ended in exactly the same way. A resolution would be presented, seemingly the end of the episode, then the disturbingly deep voice of the announcer interrupted with “You think the story is over, don’t you? But wait! Fate takes a hand. Wait for the Unexpected!”
The Unexpected Volume 1 is just that, an unexpected treat for a variety of reasons. First, the cast pool that Hamilton-Whitney drew from consisted mostly of excellent character actors, like Barry Sullivan, Lyle Talbot, and Lurene Tuttle, many of which had experience behind the radio microphone as well. Even when there are flubs on the part of someone like Sullivan or Tuttle, it adds realism to the performance, accenting the anxiety already building for the character.
As mentioned, the scripts provided for The Unexpected are shining examples of just what a skillful writer can do with about twelve minutes of story. The pacing is frenetic, from the usually already in progress feel of the beginning all the way through the shock ending. Even though some of the outcomes may seem cliché to a modern audience, listeners will find they don’t care because they are caught up in the flow of the story. Add in the haunting melody of the theme music and the unassuming, yet unsettling tones of the announcer, and the production values of The Unexpected make this stand out well amongst other similar shows
The Unexpected is a stand out show that blends horror, mystery, adventure, and even a touch of comedy every once in a while. Stories in this volume range from adventure yarns like ‘Unknown Cargo’ to slice of life situations such as ‘Birthday Present’ and even into the realm of predestined justice with tales like ‘The Cripple.’ Each show is the audio equivalent of flipping through the yellowed pages of an old Pulp magazine, not knowing what thrills lay ahead. Excellent performances, dead on pacing, twist endings, and quality audio remastering insure that The Unexpected Volume One is one of the best series of its type! And it is available from Radio Archives for only $14.98 for the five hour CD collection or $9.98 for the Digital Download version.


31 New Digital Download sets now available
RA001 One Man’s Family, Vol 1                           RA002 Mr. President, Vol 1
RA005 Little Orphan Annie                                    RA008 The Shadow of Fu Manchu
RA009 The Kraft Music Hall starring Al Jolson   RA016 Frontier Town
RA017 The Milton Berle Show                              RA020 Dr. Christian

RA031 The Complete Cinnamon Bear                RA027 Birds Eye Open House, starring Dinah Shore

RA037 Mr. President, Vol 2                                    RA039 Richard Diamond, Private Detective, Vol 1
RA045 Matinee with Bob and Ray, Vol 1             RA064 One Man’s Family, Vol 2
RA068 Komedy Kingdom                                       RA079 The Big Bands on One Night Stand, Vol 1
RA080 The Mercury Theatre on the Air                RA082 The Big Bands on One Night Stand, Vol 2
RA083 MGM Theatre of the Air                              RA085 Mystery House
RA127 The Couple Next Door                               RA128 Screen Director’s Playhouse
RA131 Space Patrol, Vol 1                                     RA156 Imperial Leader
RA158 Date with the Duke                                     RA160 Curtain Time, Vol 1 
RA169 Luke Slaughter of Tombstone                  RA163 The Big Bands on One Night Stand, Vol 3
RA171 Command Performance, Vol 1                 RA174 All-Star Western Theatre
RA178 Radio Hall of Fame, Vol 1
RadioArchives.com continues to bring the best of the Past to You via the technology of Today! With Digital Downloads, the amazing quality audio content that Radio Archives is known for can be yours on your phone, computer, iPod or portable device! Set at a great price with immediate delivery once you click and purchase, the audio you love from Radio Archives is available now as Digital Downloads! Click here to see all the sets available for download.
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The Spider Arrives in First Audiobook

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RadioArchives.com takes pulp audiobooks to a new and exciting level, with the release of Prince of the Red Looters, the first Spider audiobook, coming October 7.
Producer Roger Rittner says, “Prince of the Red Looters will be a stunning addition to RadioArchives.com‘s audiobook line. This action-packed story will have two stars of stage and film narrating and voicing the character parts. Nick Santa Maria and Robin Riker have done outstanding work in this exciting novel-length adventure of the classic pulp hero, The Spider.
“Nick has the perfect voice to narrate the fantastic adventures of The Spider. And Robin, who played Pat Savage in The Adventures of Doc Savage, has turned in a stellar performance as his companion and confidant, Nita Van Sloane, as well as other female characters.
“This new and exciting audiobook enhanced with sound effects and full music score takes you on a roller-coaster ride of danger, action, thrills, and adventure.”
In Prince of the Red Looters, The Spider faces one of his most cunning criminal enemies The Fly! The Fly’s ruthlessly efficient crime organization commits a chain of bold and deadly atrocities on New York City, while The Fly taunts The Spider in a series of ever more dangerous duels.
“The result is a listening experience that will thrill every fan of audiobooks and pulp fiction,” Roger says.
Listeners who have previewed early chapters are enthused:
* “It’s excellent. Really held my attention. I think it works wonderfully.”
* “An exceptional job.”
* “The results are amazing.”
Prince of the Red Looters will be available in a six-CD set at $19.98, and an MP3 Digital Download at just $14.98.


Doc Savage Audiobooks Continue to Delight Fans
RadioArchives.com‘s first two Doc Savage audiobooks, Will Murray’s Python Isle and White Eyes, continue to attract and delight Doc fans as well as those just discovering the greatest adventure hero of the 1930s.
Narrator Michael McConnohie’s extended audio-visual sampler of Python Isle, the first Doc Savage audiobook, is available for viewing on the Python Isle Liner Notes in the Audiobook category. Python Isle will soon be available at selected comic book retailers.
White Eyes narrator Richard Epcar has been talking up the second Doc Savage audiobooks at recent comic and video game conventions, and says many of his fans are enthusiastic when they learn about the adventure hero.
Python Isle and White Eyes are available in impressive CD sets, as digital downloads, and also in special Signed Director’s Editions.
New Pulp Fiction Reprints
Need a dose of Action?  Want to infuse some Adventure into your every day life?  Do you need a Hero?  Then find all of that and more in the classic pulp novel reprints from RadioArchives.com featuring the greatest heroes, the highest adventure, and the most action from the best Pulp Fiction has to offer!
Doc Savage, Volume 51: Halloween Special
The Pulp Era’s legendary superhero follows terror trails in classic thrillers by Harold A. Davis and Lester Dent writing as “Kenneth Robeson.” First, the Man of Bronze journeys to “The Land of Fear” hidden deep within Africa to discover the deadly secret behind the “skeleton death” that dissolves human flesh to the bone. Then, a grisly vampire murder in the lobby of his own headquarters building leads Doc Savage and his beautiful cousin Patricia to the South Atlantic in pursuit of “The Fiery Menace.” This classic pulp reprint showcases the original color pulp covers by Robert G. Harris and Emery Clarke, Paul Orban’s classic interior illustrations and a behind-the-scenes article by Will Murray, writer of eight Doc Savage novels. Only $14.95 at RadioArchives.com


The Shadow, Volume 53: Vampire Triple Feature!
The Knight of Darkness investigates deadly vampire attacks in two heart-stopping chillers by Walter Gibson writing as “Maxwell Grant” and a classic radio mystery! First, the Master of Darkness must battle a giant vampire bat and enter the dangerous “Garden of Death” to discover the secret behind a deadly drug monopoly. Then, The Shadow enters haunted Haldrew Hall to unearth the bloody secret behind “The Vampire Murders” in a sequel to the legendary Victorian thriller, “Varney the Vampire.” BONUS: “Vampires Prowl by Night,” a lost thriller from the Golden Age of Radio! This instant collector’s item showcases both classic pulp covers by George Rozen, the original interior illustrations by Paul Orban and commentary by popular-culture historians Anthony Tollin and Will Murray. Available now for $14.95.


The Spider, Volume 20
The Spider returns in two thrill-packed adventures!  First, in The Devil’s Candlesticks, Only the Spider can combat a mystic murder spell turning the rich into ruthless fiends has fallen over Manhattan! Then, in Revolt Of The Underworld, America’s most ruthless criminals, led by the Fox, have declared war on the Spider. Nita Van Sloan apparently murdered! Richard Wentworth framed! Can the Spider successfully clear his name and find his beloved fiancé?  All this and more for $14.95 from RadioArchives.com!

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Review of “Crime, Insured” from The Shadow, Volume 1
By John Olsen

“Crime, Insured” was originally published in the July 1, 1937 issue of The Shadow Magazine. A new racket has sprung up in Manhattan: crime insurance. Crime has gone ultra-modern. Bigshots have discarded old-fashioned methods and are now insuring their crimes against failure. But can they insure against intervention by that master of the night, The Shadow?
Nearly all of The Shadow’s agents appear in this story. Not only the main agents who are captured, but some of the secondary or “reserve” agents appear as well. Criminologist Slade Farrow shows up along with his assistant Tapper, whose expertise at picking a lock is second only to The Shadow. Giant African Jericho Druke is another reserve agent who appears. Doctor Rupert Sayre joins in to assist with some radio direction finding tasks.The New York Police is represented by Commissioner Ralph Weston and ace inspector Joe Cardona. Both get small parts, and don’t get to do much. Still, it’s nice to see them included here.
It’s mentioned that The Shadow is an expert at jujutsu. This isn’t the only time his martial arts abilities have been mentioned, but it’s nice to see them specifically identified.
In 1933s story “The Black Hush,” an amazing invention was detailed. A black-ray machine that could suppress all electrical activity. That machine reappears in this story, four years later. The black ray machine plays an important part in the rescue of the agents. Also, that strange code that The Shadow uses, the one that’s comprised of a silent eye-code shows up again. This time it’s Burbank who uses it to communicate with the other agents during their confinement. “Glances, with simple shifts of gaze, enabled them to spell out secret messages.”
This story is one of the pivotal ones in the saga of The Shadow. Read as The Shadow battles the boldest and most amazing racket in the history of modern crime, and nearly loses his entire organization in the bargain. Yup, this is the one. And it is available from Radio Archives in The Shadow Volume 1 for $12.95.

Will Murray’s New Doc Savage Book: The Desert Demons
by Lester Dent and Will Murray, writing as Kenneth Robeson

The Ultimate Pulp Hero is back after 20 years! Doc Savage and his mighty crew return in a brand-new series of nightmare exploits that can only be called The Wild Adventures of Doc Savage!
Ferocious blood-red Things drop down from the sky! The state of California is besieged by the Desert Demons, a phenomenon so fierce that it triggers a modern exodus! Only Doc Savage, the scientist-superman forged in the fires of scientific knowledge to battle the unknown, is equal to the challenge. From the Hollywood hills to the alligator-infested interior of Florida, the Man of Bronze wages war with cyclonic monsters that seem to possess an intelligence of their own and a murderous malevolence that smacks of the unearthly!
From ideas crafted by Pulp Legend Lester Dent, noted Pulp Author and Historian Will Murray uses his incredible storytelling skills to bring life once more to the penultimate fiction Hero of the 20th Century! Before Comic books there were pulps and before four color heroes, there was Doc Savage! And, thanks to Will Murray, Doc is most definitely Back in this first of The Wild Adventures of Doc Savage series.
The Desert Demons – Written by Will Murray! Based on concepts by Lester Dent! Cover Illustration by Joe DeVito! Get your copy today from RadioArchives.com for only $24.95!


Praise for The Desert Demons
My cover arrived today; it is fabulous! Without a doubt or hesitation it is worth every single penny! I hope fans recognize what a super bargain this volume is and support this release. From cover to cover this book remind me of times when publishers really took pride in their books; you folks obviously do and it shows! As always, I hope y’all know just how much Doc fans appreciate these new adventures! Will, you have really outdone yourself with this one; great fun! Wishing you all the very best!
Link Hullar
The Desert Demons resurrects Doc Savage and his friends in a way Lester Dent would be proud of. Will Murray, who fleshes out this novel from some previously unpublished notes and material written by Dent in the mid-thirties, seems at times to be channeling Dent in an almost supernatural way. Certainly The Desert Demons is a novel every fan of Doc Savage will not just enjoy, but thrill to. This one, certainly did.
Gerald W. Page, editor The Years’ Best Horror Stories
This took me back to my youth, when I spent summer afternoons avidly reading musty back issues of Doc Savage Magazine. It’s all here – the fantastic other-worldly menace, Doc’s crew of five, his cousin Pat, and the pre-World War 2 world of the ’30s. What more could I ask?
Ted White, author of The Great Gold Steal
A “lost” novel of the Man of Bronze, conceived in the 1930s by the great Kenneth Robeson and written by his brilliant successor, famed adventure novelist Will Murray the real Doc Savage lives again!
Richard Kyle, editor, Argosy

Deal of the Day
Deal of the Day

Looking for the best in quality Audio, Pulps, and classic DVDs at a price you just can’t beat? Then you’re in the right place for Radio Archive’s Deal Of The Day!
Not only is one item available daily at a discount, but there are Three Deals at All Times with the Deal of the Day! No limits! No minimum amount! Simply Great Products at Unbelievable Prices!
Every Day a Different Item is available at 10% Off. If you’re into Pulp, Tuesdays and Thursdays are the days to pick up a great Pulp deal at a 10% discount!
For The Next Two Weeks Only – 4 Hours of Western Audio Adventure for 25% off!
OTR and Pulp fans alike will thrill to the six gun two fisted action of yesteryear with this fantastic 4 hour set of classic Radio Westerns. Stars such as Jeff Chandler, Guy Madison, Roy Rogers, and Gene Autry as well as classic Western characters like Wild Bill Hickok and The Cisco Kid make this Western set a must have for fans of Cowboys and Frontier Justice! And until October 6th, it’s available for $14.98, 25% percent off regular price!
September Deal Of The Month – Zorro: The Masked Avenger
Out of the old Spanish West comes Zorro! Relive the classic tales of Zorro, the defender of the common people, the masked hero of the oppressed riding right out of the old Spanish West! This 3-DVD set features three classic movie serials from Hollywood’s Golden Age plus the 1936 feature length film “The Bold Caballero”. Swashbuckling sword slinging at its best for only $14.98, 50% off regular price! for the entire month of September!
Look for the yellow ‘Deal Of The Day’ price tag in the upper right hand corner of the home page and click it for a great deal Every Single Day from RadioArchives.com!


Comments From Our Customers!
Steven Goodrich writes:
Thanks for the response. You have a great company there. Keep up the good work.
Andy Howells reviews The New Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes Volume 1 and writes:
“a new collection of rare radio plays from the 1940s recently released by Radio Archives retells some of Holmes greatest escapades from the armchair of his closest ally, Dr Watson and despite the age of the recordings have excellent sound quality. The presentation and pace of the stories is very good and in all examples have a beginning, middle and end making them very listenable and enjoyable.
Steve Sher writes:
Listened to “Suspense” on the way home tonight–lots of traffic–and was held spellbound by “Donovan’s Brain.” Just had to tell you!
Gil Wilson says of The Unexpected Volume 1:
“This collection is perfect for any fan of mystery, thrillers, suspense and old time radio. If you are just plain curious, check them out they are a lot of fun, especially because the end of each story is Unexpected.”
If you’d like to share a comment with us or if you have a question or a suggestion send an email to Service@RadioArchives.com. We’d love to hear from you!

The Point Radio: Old Faces Come To Top Shows

  • News
  • September 23, 2011

This season, several returning shows are shaking it up with some familiar faces joint the cast. Stephanie March & Linus Roache are coming back to LAW AND ORDER:SVU. Meanwhile, John Goodman enrolls on COMMUNITY and Joel McHale is thrilled. They are all here to fill us in – plus THOR 2 gets a director and The Doctor (Who) will not be be seeing us for awhile.

The Point Radio is on the air right now – 24 hours a day of pop culture fun for FREE. GO HERE and LISTEN FREE on any computer or mobile device– and please check us out on Facebookright here & toss us a “like” or follow us on Twitter @ThePointRadio.

Are People In Comics Really Crazy?

  • News
  • September 23, 2011

RESPONDING to years of declining readership, DC Comics — the publisher behind Superman, Batman and other superheroes — recently reintroduced itself with 52 new titles, featuring characters and story lines that better reflect today’s diverse sensibilities. But it remains to be seen whether that diversity will include more accurate portrayals of mental illnesses. Although the reintroduction is in full swing, it’s not too late for DC to use its unique and influential position in American pop culture to combat harmful stereotypes.

via Putting the Caped Crusader on the Couch – NYTimes.com.

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