Alexander and Ilya Salkind had sold Superman to the Golan-Globus Group/Cannon but wisely retained the rest of the family including Superboy. Thanks to Star Trek: The Next Generation pioneering first run syndication in 1987, the Salkinds realized the Teen of Steel would be perfect. Looking to produce this on the cheap, they set up shop in Florida, hired science fiction hack Fred Freiberger to produce and hired a slate of newcomers to fill the iconic roles of Clark Kent, Ma and Pa Kent, Lana Lang, Lex Luthor, et. al. The series debuted in 1988 with 25 episodes and was pretty laughable stuff. Freiberger was past his sell-by date and the Salkinds didn’t know how to handle the half-hour drama format.
Still, the ratings from the 95% of the country the series reached were strong enough to keep them going. However, changes needed to be made. Freiberger was shoved out and Salkind favorite Cary Bates stopped writing comics to become Executive Story Consultant with Mark Jones. John Haymes Newton was asked to return the cape rather than give him a salary bump. Gerard Christopher, a more nuanced actor, became the last son of Krypton and thankfully had nice chemistry with Stacy Haiduk’s Lana. Also out was the character of TJ White with Andy McAlister the new comic relief. As performed by Ilan Mitchell-Smith, his scenes are cringe-worthy.
As a result, the second season, out now from Warner Archive, is a far stronger, more satisfying collection of 26 episodes. Contained on three discs, this stripped down collection comes complete with bumpers and coming attractions but no other extra features. The transfers are nice and clean so with the series never having been rerun in the States, this is your chance to check it out.
Along with Bates, the team of Andy Helfer and Mike Carlin moved from vetting the scripts to writing more than a few. With Denny O’Neil also back for more and Bates penning a bunch, there was a definite stronger feeling to the stories and characters. With less than thirty minutes to tell a story using the regulars and guest stars, there’s very little in the way of depth or character development. As a result, the brilliant approach to Clark Kent slowly mastering his powers and coming to grips with his responsibility as seen in Smallville is all but absent here. Instead, the fully function hero is merely a younger version of Superman as he faces off with the adult’s rogues gallery including Metallo and Bizarro. Salkind and Bates teamed up for a pair of stories with Dracula while Bates plucked the Yellow Peri from Action Comics for a tale. O’Neill brought back Mr. Mxyzptlk and as portrayed by Michael J. Pollard, is more slacker than imp.
There’s a loose continuity episode to episode, beginning with season opener as Sherman Howard went bald as Luthor, replacing the previous season’s Scott Wells. His threat hangs over the beginning of the season and comes back later on while Dracula and others add a bit of spine to the stories. A highlight for this season is the appearance of Britt Ekland and George Lazenby, claiming to be Lara and Jor-El, still alive. This two-parter from Bates and Jones is emotionally compelling in ways many of the other episodes are not.
Given the Florida shooting, noteworthy guest performers were few and far between so beyond those two, Keye Luke and Gilbert Gottfried (as the mischievous Nick Knack) are as noteworthy as it gets.
The regulars all look too old for their college setting and Haiduk’s ‘80s hair does not age well but there’s a lot more charm the second time around and it’s well worth a look.
Not since Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park has the an amusement park been made the center of a thriller so perfectly. The return (and re-threatening) of a classic villain, a heck of a guest cast and a script by Neil Gaiman. Seems like a dream, but mix it all together and it’s a…
NIGHTMARE IN SILVER
by Neil Gaiman
Directed by Stephen Woolfenden
After last week’s last-minute extortion, Clara’s charges Angie and Artie are granted a trip on the TARDIS to Hedgewick’s World, the greatest amusement park ever. But hidden beneath it is a dangerous secret – A vast sleeping army of Cybermen, under repair and improvement for a thousand years…and they are ready to return.
GUEST STAR REPORT
Warwick Davis (Porridge) has a list of genre longer than … OK, it’s long. Starting off with Wicket in Return of the Jedi and Willow Ufgood in the film of the same name, he’s been the star of an amazing list of sci-fi and horro films. He’s been featured in the Harry Potter films, and was Marvin in the film adaptation of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Most recently he was the star of Ricky Gervais’ latest project Life’s Too Short, where he played an over the to version of himself.
Jason Watkins (Webley) is a very busy comedic actor in Britain with quite a resume in genre work. He played Herrick on the British version of Being Human and DI Gilks in Dirk Gently. He was featured in Psychoville, the latest production of Sheersmith and Pemberton from The League of Gentlemen, and just worked twice with the delightful Miranda hart on Call the Midwife and her own show Miranda.
Since Neil Gaiman (writer) last wrote a Doctor Who script (last year’s The Doctor’s Wife, he’s written four of five new books (including children’s books [[[Chu’s Day]]] and [[[Fortunately, the Milk]]]), his novel [[[Neverwhere]]] was adapted for BBC Radio, and he’s probably won a few more awards (including the Hugo for the aforementioned Doctor Who script). He’s in the middle of what he calls his last book signing tour, and is still quite happily married with the musician and internet-enrager Amanda Palmer.
THE MONSTER FILES – The Cybermen are certainly The Doctor’s greatest enemy after The Daleks. Originally from the tenth planet in our solar system, Mondas, the planet left the sun’s orbit, and to survive, the denizens of the planet began to replace their body parts with mechanical replacements, eventually becoming more machine than humanoid. They fought The Doctor though many eras, taking many forms as their systems adapted and improved.
In the parallel universe known as “Pete’s world”, the Cybermen were created on Earth, by over-reaching scientist John Lumic as an improvement to the human race. Things went bad quickly, and soon the world faced a global war with the Cybermen, one they believed they won. They eventually crossed over to our world a few times, presumably meeting and allying (alloying?) with their Mondasian counterparts, eventually forming the version we see in this episode.
BACKGROUND BITS AND BOBS – Trivia and production details
This episode owes a debt to several past Cybermen adventures. Neil Gaiman noted that he found the Troughton episode Tomb of the Cybermen to be the most scary of the cyber-adventures, and this story parallels it in many ways. Both are set many years after the Cybermen were believed destroyed forever, and both feature a massive armory of Cybermen in suspension, awaiting awakening.
A chess-playing Cyberman was the center of one of Mark Platt’s Big Finish Audio adventures, The Silver Turk. Both Platt and Gaiman’s reference the original (fake) chess-playing automaton, also known as The Turk, run by a chess master hidden within, as Porridge did here. One of Platt’s plots was used as the base of the first new series adventure, Rise of the Cybermen / The Age of Steel. Russell T. Davies made sure Platt was paid in full as if he’d written the TV script, and he received a “Thanks to” line in the credits. The Turk was also the inspiration for the Clockwork Droids in The Girl in the Fireplace.
“Or don’t you have the processing power?” Even the last trick is a classic Sci-Fi move – give the computer an impossible problem to solve and it applies more and more power to solve it. Spock told the ship’s computer to solve for Pi on Star Trek, and Arthur Dent almost killed everyone on the Heart of Gold when it asked the Nutrimatic machine if it knew why he wanted to drink dried leaves in a cup, boiled. As is true of all literature, it’s not what tools you choose to use, but how well you use them, and Neil uses them expertly.
UPGRADE COMPLETE – More than a few science-fiction fans have drawn parallels between the Cybermen and the Borg from Star Trek: The Next Generation. The similarity was brought into te light in the recent Doctor Who / ST:TNG crossover in IDW comics, where the Borg and the Cybermen formed a brief alliance. Here, we see the Cybermen take a bit more of a page from the Borg playbook, with the rapid adaptation and instantaneous assimilation of human beings.
TAKE MY ARMS, I’LL NEVER USE THEM… – Matt Smith’s portrayal of the battle in his head was dramatic and well-done, but the ever so slightly over the top portrayal of the Cyber-planner made me think of Steve Martin playing half of Lily Tomlin in All of Me. And comic fans will note a parallel evolution in Dan Slott’s current run of Superior Spider-Man, with Peter Parker fighting for control of his mind and body, right down to trying to write messages on nearby pads.
JUST GIVE US ALL YOUR… – Gold has been a steadily growing threat to the Cybermen even since first mention of it as a weakness in the Tom Baker adventure Revenge of the Cybermen. Originally it coated their respiration systems, causing asphyxiation. As time passed, gold seemed to affect them as badly as silver did a werewolf. Here, even in this advanced form, the weakness to gold survived, still in a physical fashion, allowing The Doctor to use it on the exposed circuitry to short out the Cyber-Planner’s control of his mind.
“The Biggest and best Amusement park there will ever be” – Considering the amusement parks that have been mentioned on the series, that’s saying quite a bit. Disneyland Clom featured the Warpspeed Death Ride, as mentioned in The Girl Who Waited. There’s been more than a few mentions of Disneyland in the series – a bunch of alien tourists were trying to go to Disneyland and ended up in Wales in Delta and the Bannermen. The seventh Doctor and Ace visited The Greatest Show in the Galaxy.
“Let me show you my collection” – They raided the prop closet to fill the sets of Hedgewick’s world – there’s a slightly refitted version of the Doctor’s spacesuit from The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe, a ventriloquist dummy from The God Complex, and various aliens from Rings of Akhaten. There’s a few Sarah Jane Adventures and Torchwood alumni as well, including a Shansheeth, a Uvdoni, and a Blowfish.
“Do any of you play Chess?” – The Doctor certainly does. He claims the Time Lords invented Chess; it’s not impossible as one of the traps in The Five Doctors resembled a giant chessboard. He’s played regular games with K-9, and a high-stakes (and voltage) game against Gantok, an agent of The Silence in The Wedding of River Song.
“You are beautiful” – The Doctor has made a bit of a habit of complimenting particularly well-built enemies. He similarly admired the Clockwork Droids in Girl in the Fireplace, and the werewolves in Tooth and Claw.
“See You Next Wednesday” – Fans of John Landis perked up at that line – it’s a running gag from his films. Originally a line from the video call in 2001: A Space Odyssey, it’s been a movie poster, a film shown in Feelaround, dialogue in a horror movie, and more than a few other things in his various films.
“The Cyberiad” – As well as having a lovely Roman sound, mimicking several other terms the Cybermen use like Legion, it’s also a deliberate tip of the hat to the classic Stanislaw Lem novel.
“You’re deleting yourself from history. You realize you can be reconstructed from the holes you left?” – Somewhat verifying the theme that’s been coming up most of the season, following up from The Doctor’s desire to “step back into the shadows”. But it’s important to note that the first place that was done was in the Dalek database, and it was done by…Oswin Oswald.
BIG BAD REPORT /CLEVER THEORY DEPARTMENT –
“I feel like a monster sometimes” – Warwick Davis delivers a solid performance in this episode, referring to the actions of The Emperor in the third person, and really getting across the heaviness of the crown. And once again we get a reference to the term “Monster”, that we’ve heard in several episodes. And once again, his actions could easily parallel the way The Doctor feels about himself.
“She’s not our mother” – I can’t help but notice somewhat of a similarity between Angie and young Mels, as played by Maya Glace-Green in Let’s Kill Hitler. The sass, the overuse of the word “stupid”, but yet the interest in seeing the TARDIS. And when Clara describes her as being “full of surprises” one has to wonder if there’s not one more coming…
“You’re the boss” – And in this episode…she is. She’s given charge of the Imperial platoon, and does a VERY good job of taking charge.
“You’re the impossible girl” – While it’s not the first time she learned about The Doctor’s fascination with her, it’s the first one she remembers, presuming she indeed doesn’t recall the events of Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS. And with the finale only days away, we clearly haven’t got long to wait to learn more.
NEXT TIME ON DOCTOR WHO – The Question is asked. Who will hear the answer? The Name of the Doctor, this weekend.
“Yeah, danger is my assignment. I get sent to a lot of places I can’t even pronounce. They all spell the same thing, though. Trouble.”
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In this opening line heard on various episodes, Steve Mitchell, special agent for an unnamed agency charged with protecting America from foreign threats, describesÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Dangerous AssignmentÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ perfectly. Focused on Mitchell’s adventures around the world,ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Dangerous AssignmentÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ capitalized on the desire of Americans at the time for patriotic, stalwart heroes to stand up for them. Mitchell, as portrayed by Brian Donlevy definitely fits that bill.
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A multitalented actor, Donlevy had a thirst in his own life for adventure and patriotism. At age 14, Donlevy lied about his age and joined the local Army National Guard in Wisconsin as they became a part of the expedition to capture Pancho Villa. Serving as a bugler then, he also later enlisted and fought in World War I in France.
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Although he had some initial success in theater and silent films, Donlevy came to prominence as a player of tough guys and villains. Such roles inÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Barbary Coast, Destry Rides Again,ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ andÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Beau Geste,ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ assured Donlevy a career in Hollywood and led to other fantastic roles, including that of Steve Mitchell inÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Dangerous Assignment.
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Brian Donlevy shines as Steve Mitchell inÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Dangerous Assignment,ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Volume 3. Hard boiled delivery and two fisted intensity make Mitchell a fun hero to follow and fight beside! Restored to sparkling audio quality, the episodes in this collection are a great example of 1950s radio adventure!ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ 10ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ hours $29.98 Audio CDs / $14.99 Download.
It was the largest, most ambitious, and most successfulÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ military operation ever attempted — and radio was there to cover it.
D-Day, the invasion ofÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Normandy. It was the turning point of the war in Europe, the beginning of theÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ end for the Axis as the Allies started their drive towardsÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Germany. It was a momentous event that would change not only the course ofÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ World War II, but the history of the world. Radio Archives is pleased and proud toÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ offer the complete andÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ continuous NBC network coverage of the events of June 6 and 7, 1944.
Noted inspirational author Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, King Haakon VII of Norway, Premier Gerbandy of theÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Netherlands, Premier Pierlot ofÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Belgium, and US Senators Clark, Barkley, White, Hill and Congresswoman Clare Boothe Luce speak, as doesÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ the President of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. GeneralÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Eisenhower speaks from SHAEF headquarters.
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Regular NBC shows were included in the broadcast, ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂThe BobÃÂÃÂÃÂàHope ShowÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ, ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂFibber McGee & MollyÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ, ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂThe Guiding LightÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ, ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂVic & SadeÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ, ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂThe Red Skelton ShowÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ, ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂThe Road of LifeÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ, ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂTodayÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs ChildrenÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ, ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂMa PerkinsÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ, ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂPepper YoungÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs FamilyÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ, ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂMary Noble, Backstage WifeÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ, ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂStella DallasÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ, ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂLorenzo JonesÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ, ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂYoung Widder BrownÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ, ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂWhen A Girl MarriesÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàand ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂFront Page FarrellÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàamong them.
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Hear the events of the day as reported by Ben Grauer, Cesar Saerchinger, Charles F. McCarthy, David Anderson, Don Goddard, Don Hollenbeck, Ed Hocker, Edward R. Murrow, Elmer Peterson, George Wheeler, H. V. Kaltenborn, Herbert M. Clark, James Willard, John W. Vandercook, Louis P. Lockner, Lowell Thomas, Merrill Mueller, Morgan Beatty, Ralph Howard, Richard Harkness, Robert McCormick, Robert St. John, Tommy Traynor, W. W. Chaplin and Wright Bryan. Alex Dreier, in Chicago, recalled his experiences as the last western correspondent in Nazi Germany while Stanley Richardson offered an eyewitness account of the invasion fromÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ the Channel boats, and George Hicks reported from the beach-head itself!
These are recordings that many historians believe to beÃÂÃÂÃÂàamong the most valuable audio documents ever preserved. The NBC broadcasts ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂàcontaining over 38 hours of continuous programming ofÃÂÃÂÃÂànews, music, drama,ÃÂÃÂÃÂàcomedy, and entertainment ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàare history as it happened, in a special collection that is sure to occupy a special place in your radio collection.ÃÂÃÂÃÂà38ÃÂÃÂÃÂàhours.ÃÂÃÂÃÂàNormally priced at $113.98 Audio CDs / $56.99 Download, D-Day isÃÂÃÂÃÂàSpecially priced through the month of June at only $99.98ÃÂÃÂÃÂàAudio CDs / $49.99 Download.
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On June 6, 2004, in remembrance of the 60th anniversary of the Normandy invasion, the ABC Radio programÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ PerspectiveÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ featured a fascinating story detailing radio’s coverage of D-Day as it happened in 1944. Written, edited, and narrated by ABC reporter Chuck Sivertsen, the feature utilized clips from the D-Day collection described above. We think this in-depth and well-presented piece provides an excellent overview of the historic content of this collection.
Read byÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Michael C. Gwynne, Joey D’Auria, Nicholas Camm, and John Doyle. Liner Notes by WillÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Murray
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When we released our firstÃÂÃÂÃÂàTerror TalesÃÂÃÂÃÂàaudiobook last Autumn, we werenÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂt sure ifÃÂÃÂÃÂàRadio Archives customers would be enthralledÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂor repulsed! It turned out you experiencedÃÂÃÂÃÂàbothÃÂÃÂÃÂàreactions. And in that realization, we see the appeal of stories of the supernatural and tales of bone-chilling horror. People are fascinated by the emotions of fear, horror, terror, and the like.
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Hence,ÃÂÃÂÃÂàTerror Tales, created in 1934 and lasting until 1941. Weirder thanÃÂÃÂÃÂàWeird Tales,ÃÂÃÂÃÂàmore mysterious thanÃÂÃÂÃÂàDime Mystery MagazineÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂwhich gave it birthÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂit pushed the boundaries of pulp fiction so far it shattered them. WhenÃÂÃÂÃÂàTerrorÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs editors went too far, the censors shut them down.
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For our secondÃÂÃÂÃÂàTerror TalesÃÂÃÂÃÂàcollection we have again taken the anthology approach. Most of these stories were considered for our first release. They range from the purely supernatural to the horrifically horrible. The authors include Popular PublicationsÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàstar scribes such as Norvell Page, John Knox and Carl Jacobi, sprinkled with stand-out stories penned by lesser lights.
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Here is the lineup:
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Laurence DonovanÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂSwamp MadnessÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàopens this dark carnival of doom. What is the dismal thing that emerged from a cursed swamp? And what does it want? In a tale of lunatic revenge, Norvell W. Page offers ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂBlood on the Moon.ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàJohn Knox chills with ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂThe Ice Maiden,ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàa story of supernatural siege. James Duncan takes us ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂWhere the Black Cats RuledÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàand unmasks the inner tigress hiding within one manÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs lover. William Barrett explains why ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂIt is Dark in My Grave!ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàin a yarn that out-creeps PoeÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂPremature Burial.ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàCarl Jacobi invites us into ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂSatanÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs RoadhouseÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàfor a cold repast of gore and grue. Finally, Raymond Whetstone introduces us to…ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂMistress of the Damned.ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàIs she ghost, succubus, or lamia?
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We have invited back the acclaimed readers of our inauguralÃÂÃÂÃÂàTerror TalesÃÂÃÂÃÂàgorefest, Michael C. Gywnne and Joey DÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂAuria, as well as newcomers Nicholas Camm and John Doyle.ÃÂÃÂÃÂàLet them thrill and chill you with their sepulchral storytelling. And try to get a good nightÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs sleep before you start in. YouÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂll need it for the wide-awake nights that follow….ÃÂÃÂÃÂàÃÂÃÂÃÂà8 hours $31.98 Audio CDs / $15.99 Download.
RadioArchives.comÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ and Will Murray are giving away the downloadable version of the newly releasedÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Strange Detective MysteriesÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ audiobook for FREE.
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If you prefer the Audio CDs to play in your car or home CD player, the coupon code will subtract the $11.99 price of the download version from the Audio CDs. That makes the Audio CDs half price.
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AddÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Strange Detective MysteriesÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ to the shopping cart and use the Coupon Code AUDIOBOOK.
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ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂStrange Detective Mysteries #1 is one of my favorite pulps and I am excited to produceÃÂÃÂÃÂàit as an audiobook with my good friends at Radio Archives. It leads off with Norvell W. PageÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂsÃÂÃÂÃÂàbizarre novelette, ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂWhen the Death-Bat Flies,ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàand includes thrilling stories by Norbert Davis,ÃÂÃÂÃÂàPaul Ernst, Arthur Leo Zagat, Wayne Rogers and others. Popular PublicationsÃÂÃÂÃÂàwent all-out to make this 1937 debut issue a winner. And they succeeded!ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
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Happy listening,
Will Murray
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New Will Murray’s Pulp Classics eBooks
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The best of timeless Pulp now available as cutting edge eBooks!ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Will Murray’s Pulp ClassicsÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ brings the greatest heroes, awesome action, and two fisted thrills to your eReader! Presenting Pulp Icons such as the Spider and Operator #5 as well as wonderfully obscure characters like the Octopus and Captain Satan.ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Will Murray’s Pulp ClassicsÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ brings you the best of yesterday’s Pulp today!
Strange, flaming death had come to New York where screaming mortals died, burned to a charred crisp! Everywhere ran the terrified rumor that an exploring party, returned from Asia, had brought with them a stolen Hindu treasure and the curse of Genghis Khan. It was from this horror that there was born, in Chinatown, a sinister Brotherhood of Murder ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàcomposed of all the Eastern races and sworn to found an evil empire. Before such a tidal wave of terror and plundering, the metropolitan police were powerless. Only Richard Wentworth, as the Spider, dared challenge the rule of this new and fearful crime-master who had blanketed Manhattan in the human ashes of his helpless victims!ÃÂÃÂÃÂàTotal Pulp Experience. These exciting pulp adventures have been beautifully reformatted for easy reading as an eBook and features every story, every editorial, and every column of the original pulp magazine. $2.99.
In 1934 a new type of magazine was born. Known by various names ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàthe shudder pulps, mystery-terror magazines, horror-terror magazines ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàweird menace is the sub-genre term that has survived today.Dime Mystery MagazineÃÂÃÂÃÂàwas one of the most popular. It came from Popular Publications, whose publisher Harry Steeger was inspired by the Grand Guignol theater of Paris. This breed of pulp story survived less than ten years, but in that time, they became infamous, even to this day. This ebook contains a collection of stories from the pages ofÃÂÃÂÃÂàDime Mystery Magazine, all written by Arthur Leo Zagat, reissued for todayÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs readers in electronic format.ÃÂÃÂÃÂà$2.99.
In 1934 a new type of magazine was born. Known by various names ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàthe shudder pulps, mystery-terror magazines, horror-terror magazines ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàweird menace is the sub-genre term that has survived today.ÃÂÃÂÃÂàTerror TalesÃÂÃÂÃÂàmagazine was one of the most popular. It came from Popular Publications, whose publisher Harry Steeger was inspired by the Grand Guignol theater of Paris. This breed of pulp story survived less than ten years, but in that time, they became infamous, even to this day. This ebook contains a collection of stories from the pages ofÃÂÃÂÃÂàTerror TalesÃÂÃÂÃÂàmagazine byÃÂÃÂÃÂàGeorge Alden Edson,ÃÂÃÂÃÂàreissued for todayÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs readers in electronic format. $2.99.
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99 cent eBook Singles
Each 99 cent eBook Single contains a single short story, one of the many amazing tales selected from the pages of Terror Tales and Rangeland Romances. These short stories are not included in any of our other eBooks.
What would you do if you knew the ones you loved were doomed to die horribly in your defense?ÃÂÃÂÃÂàIn 1934 a new type of magazine was born. Known by various names ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàthe shudder pulps, mystery-terror magazines, horror-terror magazines ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàweird menace is the sub-genre term that has survived today. Terror Tales magazine was one of the most popular. It came from Popular Publications, whose publisher Harry Steeger was inspired by the Grand Guignol theater of Paris. This breed of pulp story survived less than ten years, but in that time, they became infamous, even to this day. This ebook contains a classic story from the pages of Terror Tales magazine, reissued for todayÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs readers in electronic format.ÃÂÃÂÃÂà$0.99.
Lester Emery feared that his body remained in the laboratory, while his disembodied spirit was driven forth to murder ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàslave to the grim genius of a madman…ÃÂÃÂÃÂàIn 1934 a new type of magazine was born. Known by various names ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàthe shudder pulps, mystery-terror magazines, horror-terror magazines ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàweird me most popular. It came from Popular Publications, whose publisher Harry Steeger was inspired by the Grand Guignol theater of Paris. This breed of pulp story survived less than ten years, but in that time, they became infamous, even to this day. This ebook contains a classic story from the pages of Terror Tales magazine, reissued for todayÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs readers in electronic format.ÃÂÃÂÃÂà$0.99.
From nowhere came the hand ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàbringing with it a lingering death…ÃÂÃÂÃÂàIn 1934 a new type of magazine was born. Known by various names ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàthe shudder pulps, mystery-terror magazines, horror-terror magazines ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàweird me most popular. It came from Popular Publications, whose publisher Harry Steeger was inspired by the Grand Guignol theater of Paris. This breed of pulp story survived less than ten years, but in that time, they became infamous, even to this day. This ebook contains a classic story from the pages of Terror Tales magazine, reissued for todayÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs readers in electronic format.ÃÂÃÂÃÂà$0.99.
Warm and lovely was Vangie… but coolly wise. For she wanted no part of BartÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs beautiful, empty dreams that might come true ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàsome day.ÃÂÃÂÃÂàOne of the most popular settings for romance stories was the old west, where men were men and women were women. As many a swooning damsel could attest, “There’s something about a cowboy.” The western romance became one of the most popular types of magazines sold during the early and mid-twentieth century.ÃÂÃÂÃÂà$0.99.
Beth didnÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂt mind being an empty-headed flirt ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàif her arms were full of Jimmy. JimmyÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs intoxicatinÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàcaressinÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàhad her dizzy in the head ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàuntil she learned the luscious reason why he was practicinÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàhis technique.ÃÂÃÂÃÂàOne of the most popular settings for romance stories was the old west, where men were men and women were women. As many a swooning damsel could attest, “There’s something about a cowboy.” The western romance became one of the most popular types of magazines sold during the early and mid-twentieth century.ÃÂÃÂÃÂà$0.99.
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All eBooks produced by Radio Archives are available in ePub, Mobi, and PDF formats for the ultimate in compatibility. When you upgrade to a new eReader, you can transfer your eBook to your new device without the need to purchase anything new.
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Find these legendary Pulp tales and more inÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Will Murray’s Pulp Classics, now available at:
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Search forÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ RadioArchives.comÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ in iTunes.
Receive an exciting original Spider adventureÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ FREE!ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Part of theÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Will Murray Pulp ClassicsÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ line, The Spider #11,ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Prince of the Red LootersÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ first saw print in 1934 and features his momentous battle with The Fly and his armies of crazed criminal killers.
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For those who have been unsure about digging into the wonderful world of pulps, this is a perfect chance to give one of these fantastic yarns a real test run. With a full introduction to the Spider written by famed pulp historian and author Will Murray, The Spider #11 was written by one of pulp’s most respected authors, Norvell W. Page. Writing as Grant Stockbridge, Page’s stories included some of the most bizarre and fun takes on heroes and crime fighting in the history of escapist fiction.
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Even today Page’s scenarios and his edge-of-the-seat writing style are still thrilling both new and old fans everywhere. For those who have never read one of these rollercoaster adventures, you are in for a thrill. If you already know how much fun a classic pulp is, make sure you get a copy of this classic.
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See what the Total Pulp Experience is for yourself.ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ These exciting pulp adventures have been beautifully reformatted for easy reading as an eBook and features every story, every editorial, and every column of the original pulp magazine.
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Send an eMail toÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ eBooks@RadioArchives.comÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ and start reading your FREE copy of ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ the Spider #11 within seconds!ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Experience The Best Pulps the Past has to offer in the most modern way possible!
The legendary Master of Men returns in two classic stories first released in 1934 and 1942. First, in “The Corpse Cargo” (1934), modern day pirates are hijacking passenger trains instead of shipa. Lead by the self-proclaimed Captain Kidd, as heartless a murderess as ever rode the seven seas, Kidd and her ruthless gang engage in robbery, murder, and mass destruction – and only The Spider dares defy them! Then, in “Slaves of the Ring” (1942), freedom teeters on the bring of extinction as a dictatorship threatens America. Richard Wentworth gathers together a ragtag assortment of men and women to wage the ultimate battle for life and liberty. With every hand against them, the tiny army risks life and limb to preserve the idea of justice and freedom – but can they alone triumph over tyranny? These two exciting pulp adventures have been beautifully reformatted for easy reading and feature both of the original full color covers as well as interior illustrations that accompany each story.ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ On sale for $12.95, save $2.00
The Dark Avenger wages war on organized super-crime in two classic pulp mysteries by Walter B. Gibson writing as “Maxwell Grant.” First, a city’s financial system is threatened by the murderous machinations ofÃÂÃÂÃÂà“Intimidation, Inc.,”ÃÂÃÂÃÂàuntil The Shadow beats them at their own game! Then, the Knight of Darkness strives to unmask theÃÂÃÂÃÂà“Wizard of Crime,”ÃÂÃÂÃÂàthe hidden financial genius behind Intimidation, Inc., in a rare shadowy sequel. This instant collector’s item showcases the classic color pulp covers by George Rozen and the original interior illustrations by Tom Lovell and Paul Orban, with commentary by popular culture historian Will Murray.$14.95.
The original “Man of Steel” returns in three action-packed pulp thrillers by Paul Ernst and Emile Tepperman writing as “Kenneth Robeson.” First, The Avenger is blamed when massive power outages black out North America. Can Dick Benson locate the mastermind calledÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ NevloÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ in time to prevent a deadly final blackout? Then,ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Death in Slow MotionÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ cripples an American industry, and Justice, Inc. must find an antidote in time to save hundreds from the deadly paralysis plague! Finally, a defeated crook returns to plotÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Vengeance on The AvengerÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ in an exciting novelette by Spider-wordsmith Emile Tepperman. This classic pulp reprint includes both color covers by Graves Gladney, Paul Orban’s dynamic interior illustrations and commentary by pulp historian Will Murray.ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ $14.95.
80th Anniversary Commemorative Special.ÃÂÃÂÃÂàCommemorating the Man of Bronze’s anniversary with two expanded novels, restored from Lester Dent’s original manuscripts with never-before-published text! First, a Wall Street scandal sets the Man of Bronze on the golden trail ofÃÂÃÂÃÂà“The Midas Man,”who plots to control the global financial system. Then, while recovering from a serious head wound, a disoriented Doc Savage battles modern-day pirates and murderous zombies inÃÂÃÂÃÂà“The Derelict of Skull Shoal.”ÃÂÃÂÃÂàPLUS: “80 Years of Doc Savage”: a Pictorial History of the Pulps’ Greatest Superman! This landmark collector’s edition features the original color pulp covers by Walter M. Baumhofer and Modest Stein, Paul Orban’s original interior illustrations and new historical commentary by Will Murray, writer of eleven Doc Savage novels.ÃÂÃÂÃÂà$14.95.
80th Anniversary Commemorative Special. Commemorating the Man of Bronze’s anniversary with two expanded novels, restored from Lester Dent’s original manuscripts with never-before-published text! First, a Wall Street scandal sets the Man of Bronze on the golden trail ofÃÂÃÂÃÂà“The Midas Man,”ÃÂÃÂÃÂàwho plots to control the global financial system. Then, while recovering from a serious head wound, a disoriented Doc Savage battles modern-day pirates and murderous zombies inÃÂÃÂÃÂà“The Derelict of Skull Shoal.”ÃÂÃÂÃÂàPLUS: “80 Years of Doc Savage”: a Pictorial History of the Pulps’ Greatest Superman! This landmark collector’s edition features the original color pulp covers by Walter M. Baumhofer and Modest Stein, Paul Orban’s original interior illustrations and new historical commentary by Will Murray, writer of eleven Doc Savage novels.ÃÂÃÂÃÂà$14.95.
This is an authentic replica of an original pulp magazine published by Girasol Collectables. This edition is designed to give the reader an authentic taste of what a typical pulp magazine was like when it was first issued – but without the frailty or expense of trying to find a decades-old collectable to enjoy. The outer covers, the interior pages, and the advertisements are reprinted just as they appeared in the original magazine, left intact to give the reader the true feel of the original as well as an appreciation for the way in which these publications were first offered to their avid readers.ÃÂÃÂÃÂàTo further enhance the ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂpulp experienceÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ, this edition is printed on off-white bond paper intended to simulate the original look while, at the same time, assuring that this edition will last far longer than the original upon which it is based. The overall construction and appearance of this reprint is designed to be as faithful to the original magazine as is reasonably possible, given the unavoidable changes in production methods and materials. $35.00
Eighty years ago in February, 1933 the Street & Smith company released theÃÂÃÂÃÂàfirst issue ofÃÂÃÂÃÂàDoc Savage Magazine, introducing one of the most popular and influential pulp superheroes ever to hit the American scene. Doc Savage was the greatest adventurer and scientist of his era, and while his magazine ended in 1949, he influenced the creators of Superman, Batman, Star Trek, The Man from UNCLE and the Marvel UniverseÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂto name only a few.
ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
While that first issue ofÃÂÃÂÃÂàDoc SavageÃÂÃÂÃÂàwas fresh on Depression newsstands, RKO Radio Pictures released one of the most important fantasy films of all time. Everyone knows the story of how King Kong was discovered on Skull Island and hauled back to New York in chains, only to perish tragically atop the worldÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs tallest skyscraper, the Empire State Building.
ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
As it happened, that was where Doc Savage had his world headquarters. For decades, fans have wondered: Where was Doc the day Kong fell?
ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
On the eightieth anniversary of these fictional giants, Altus Press is proud to release the first authorized clash between The Man of Bronze and the Eighth Wonder of the WorldÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂDoc Savage: Skull Island. Written by Will Murray in collaboration with Joe DeVito, creator ofÃÂÃÂÃÂàKONG: King of Skull Island,ÃÂÃÂÃÂàDoc Savage: Skull IslandÃÂÃÂÃÂàis a new pulp epic.
ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
The story opens when Doc returns from his secret retreat in the NorthÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Pole to discover the cold corpse of Kong lying on his doorstep.
ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂI know this creature,ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàDoc tells his dumbfounded men.
ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
Tasked to dispose of the remains, the Man of Bronze then relates the untold story of his epic encounter with Kong back in 1920, after Doc returns from service in World War I, long before Kong became known to the civilized world as ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂKingÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàKong.
ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
Doc Savage: Skull IslandÃÂÃÂÃÂàis a multi-generational story in which Doc and his fatherÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂthe man who placed him in the hands of scientists who made him into a supermanÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂsail to the Indian Ocean in search of DocÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs grandfather, the legendary Stormalong Savage, whose famous clipper ship has been discovered floating, deserted, her masts snapped by some incredible force.
ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
The quest for Stormalong Savage leads to the fog-shrouded Indian OceanÃÂÃÂÃÂàandÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂSkull Island! There, Doc Savage faces his first great test as he encounters its prehistoric dangers and tangles with the towering, unstoppable Kong.
ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂWhen Joe DeVito brought this idea to me,ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàsays Will Murray, ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂI knew it had to be written with reverence for both of these immortal characters. So I used the locale of Skull Island to tell a larger story, an untold origin for Doc Savage. It all started back on Skull IslandÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂæ.ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂPulling off the first ever face-off between Doc Savage and King KongÃÂÃÂÃÂàwas both challenging and exhilarating,ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàadds DeVito. ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂWillÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs unique take on the taleÃÂÃÂÃÂàscatters the primordial mists surrounding Skull Island long enough to reveal secrets of both classic characters hidden since their creation.ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
Doc Savage: Skull IslandÃÂÃÂÃÂàhas already been hailed as ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂThe Doc Savage novel that Doc fans have been waiting on for 80 years!ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
Doc Savage: Skull IslandÃÂÃÂÃÂàis the fifth entry in Altus PressÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàpopular Wild Adventures of Doc Savage series. Cover by Joe DeVito.ÃÂÃÂÃÂà$24.95.
“The Red Blot” was originally published in the June 1, 1933 issue of The Shadow Magazine. Crime has struck New York. Strange, unexplainable crime. All orchestrated by the master criminal who leaves behind a red blot. The Shadow must uncover his hidden hoard of mobsters before he can confront the mastermind known as the Red Blot!
ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
The Shadow is on the case. As our story opens, The Shadow is in his sanctum, reviewing the crimes that have left men of wealth in terror. A bank messenger had been shot down in broad daylight. The assailants mysteriously disappeared after a police chase. Upon the sidewalk where the man had been slain was a huge blot of crimson. That was how it all began. But it didn’t stop there.
ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
A gambling club was the next target of the strange band. Police had arrived at the club as the crooks were escaping with a large amount of cash. Again, the perpetrators escaped by some strange unknown method. And on the green felt of the central card table in the club was a huge dab of dulled crimson. The Red Blot had struck again.
ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
Then there was the theft of a painting valued at many thousands. Left behind, a large red blot. Once again the criminals departed with impunity, disappearing before the police could gather them up. And most recently, a big-time fight promoter was strangled in his apartment. His bankroll of a hundred thousand dollars was stolen; on his white starched shirt front was the familiar dread sign of spattered crimson.
ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
The police were baffled. They had not gathered a single clue. As we view The Shadow in his sanctum, he begins piecing together what few meager clues his agents have accumulated. The report sheets and clippings seem to point The Shadow in the right direction: old Timothy Baruch’s pawnshop.
ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
Timothy Baruch is one of the oddest characters on the East Side. He’s been a pawnbroker for years and rumor has it that his safe contains jewels and other wealth of great enough value to tempt the Red Blot. The Shadow decides a visit to the pawnshop is in order. Word from the underworld, via his secret agents, is that the pawnshop will be struck at 11 PM. The Shadow decides to show up early.
ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
With plenty of time to spare, The Shadow appears at Baruch’s pawnshop
Rodger Johnson writes: Just finished listening to “KONG King of Skull Island” You outdid yourself on this one, best audio book I have ever heard…Perfect story.
ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
Christopher Southworth writes: Thank you once again for providing quality downloads of classic pulps. I’m very interested in acquiring eBooks of some of the various “G-man” series, if they are available.
ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
If you’d like to share a comment with us or if you have a question or a suggestion send an email toÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Service@RadioArchives.com. We’d love to hear from you!
ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
The products you’ve read about in this newsletter are just a small fraction of what you’ll find waiting for you atÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ RadioArchives.com. Whether it’s the sparkling audio fidelity of our classic radio collections, the excitement of our new line of audiobooks, or the timeless novels of the pulp heroes, you’ll find hundreds of intriguing items atÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ RadioArchives.com.
ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
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“Yeah, danger is my assignment. I get sent to a lot of places I can’t even pronounce. They all spell the same thing, though. Trouble.”
In this opening line heard on various episodes, Steve Mitchell, special agent for an unnamed agency charged with protecting America from foreign threats, describes Dangerous Assignment perfectly. Focused on Mitchell’s adventures around the world, Dangerous Assignment capitalized on the desire of Americans at the time for patriotic, stalwart heroes to stand up for them. Mitchell, as portrayed by Brian Donlevy definitely fits that bill.
A multitalented actor, Donlevy had a thirst in his own life for adventure and patriotism. At age 14, Donlevy lied about his age and joined the local Army National Guard in Wisconsin as they became a part of the expedition to capture Pancho Villa. Serving as a bugler then, he also later enlisted and fought in World War I in France.
Although he had some initial success in theater and silent films, Donlevy came to prominence as a player of tough guys and villains. Such roles in Barbary Coast, Destry Rides Again, and Beau Geste, assured Donlevy a career in Hollywood and led to other fantastic roles, including that of Steve Mitchell in Dangerous Assignment.
Brian Donlevy shines as Steve Mitchell in Dangerous Assignment, Volume 3. Hard boiled delivery and two fisted intensity make Mitchell a fun hero to follow and fight beside! Restored to sparkling audio quality, the episodes in this collection are a great example of 1950s radio adventure! 10 hours $29.98 Audio CDs / $14.99 Download.
It was the largest, most ambitious, and most successful military operation ever attempted — and radio was there to cover it.
D-Day, the invasion of Normandy. It was the turning point of the war in Europe, the beginning of the end for the Axis as the Allies started their drive towards Germany. It was a momentous event that would change not only the course of World War II, but the history of the world. Radio Archives is pleased and proud to offer the complete and continuous NBC network coverage of the events of June 6 and 7, 1944.
Noted inspirational author Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, King Haakon VII of Norway, Premier Gerbandy of the Netherlands, Premier Pierlot of Belgium, and US Senators Clark, Barkley, White, Hill and Congresswoman Clare Boothe Luce speak, as does the President of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. General Eisenhower speaks from SHAEF headquarters.
Regular NBC shows were included in the broadcast, “The Bob Hope Show”, “Fibber McGee & Molly”, “The Guiding Light”, “Vic & Sade”, “The Red Skelton Show”, “The Road of Life”, “Today’s Children”, “Ma Perkins”, “Pepper Young’s Family”, “Mary Noble, Backstage Wife”, “Stella Dallas”, “Lorenzo Jones”, “Young Widder Brown”, “When A Girl Marries” and “Front Page Farrell” among them.
Hear the events of the day as reported by Ben Grauer, Cesar Saerchinger, Charles F. McCarthy, David Anderson, Don Goddard, Don Hollenbeck, Ed Hocker, Edward R. Murrow, Elmer Peterson, George Wheeler, H. V. Kaltenborn, Herbert M. Clark, James Willard, John W. Vandercook, Louis P. Lockner, Lowell Thomas, Merrill Mueller, Morgan Beatty, Ralph Howard, Richard Harkness, Robert McCormick, Robert St. John, Tommy Traynor, W. W. Chaplin and Wright Bryan. Alex Dreier, in Chicago, recalled his experiences as the last western correspondent in Nazi Germany while Stanley Richardson offered an eyewitness account of the invasion from the Channel boats, and George Hicks reported from the beach-head itself!
These are recordings that many historians believe to be among the most valuable audio documents ever preserved. The NBC broadcasts — containing over 38 hours of continuous programming of news, music, drama, comedy, and entertainment — are history as it happened, in a special collection that is sure to occupy a special place in your radio collection. 38 hours. Normally priced at $113.98 Audio CDs / $56.99 Download, D-Day is Specially priced through the month of June at only $99.98 Audio CDs / $49.99 Download.
On June 6, 2004, in remembrance of the 60th anniversary of the Normandy invasion, the ABC Radio program Perspective featured a fascinating story detailing radio’s coverage of D-Day as it happened in 1944. Written, edited, and narrated by ABC reporter Chuck Sivertsen, the feature utilized clips from the D-Day collection described above. We think this in-depth and well-presented piece provides an excellent overview of the historic content of this collection.
Read by Michael C. Gwynne, Joey D’Auria, Nicholas Camm, and John Doyle. Liner Notes by Will Murray
When we released our first Terror Tales audiobook last Autumn, we weren’t sure if Radio Archives customers would be enthralled––or repulsed! It turned out you experienced both reactions. And in that realization, we see the appeal of stories of the supernatural and tales of bone-chilling horror. People are fascinated by the emotions of fear, horror, terror, and the like.
Hence, Terror Tales, created in 1934 and lasting until 1941. Weirder than Weird Tales, more mysterious than Dime Mystery Magazine––which gave it birth––it pushed the boundaries of pulp fiction so far it shattered them. When Terror’s editors went too far, the censors shut them down.
For our second Terror Tales collection we have again taken the anthology approach. Most of these stories were considered for our first release. They range from the purely supernatural to the horrifically horrible. The authors include Popular Publications’ star scribes such as Norvell Page, John Knox and Carl Jacobi, sprinkled with stand-out stories penned by lesser lights.
Here is the lineup:
Laurence Donovan’s “Swamp Madness” opens this dark carnival of doom. What is the dismal thing that emerged from a cursed swamp? And what does it want? In a tale of lunatic revenge, Norvell W. Page offers “Blood on the Moon.” John Knox chills with “The Ice Maiden,” a story of supernatural siege. James Duncan takes us “Where the Black Cats Ruled” and unmasks the inner tigress hiding within one man’s lover. William Barrett explains why “It is Dark in My Grave!” in a yarn that out-creeps Poe’s “Premature Burial.” Carl Jacobi invites us into “Satan’s Roadhouse” for a cold repast of gore and grue. Finally, Raymond Whetstone introduces us to…”Mistress of the Damned.” Is she ghost, succubus, or lamia?
We have invited back the acclaimed readers of our inaugural Terror Tales gorefest, Michael C. Gywnne and Joey D’Auria, as well as newcomers Nicholas Camm and John Doyle. Let them thrill and chill you with their sepulchral storytelling. And try to get a good night’s sleep before you start in. You’ll need it for the wide-awake nights that follow….8 hours $31.98 Audio CDs / $15.99 Download.
RadioArchives.com and Will Murray are giving away the downloadable version of the newly released Strange Detective Mysteries audiobook for FREE.
If you prefer the Audio CDs to play in your car or home CD player, the coupon code will subtract the $11.99 price of the download version from the Audio CDs. That makes the Audio CDs half price.
Add Strange Detective Mysteries to the shopping cart and use the Coupon Code AUDIOBOOK.
“Strange Detective Mysteries #1 is one of my favorite pulps and I am excited to produce it as an audiobook with my good friends at Radio Archives. It leads off with Norvell W. Page’s bizarre novelette, “When the Death-Bat Flies,” and includes thrilling stories by Norbert Davis, Paul Ernst, Arthur Leo Zagat, Wayne Rogers and others. Popular Publications went all-out to make this 1937 debut issue a winner. And they succeeded!”
Happy listening,
Will Murray
New Will Murray’s Pulp Classics eBooks
The best of timeless Pulp now available as cutting edge eBooks! Will Murray’s Pulp Classics brings the greatest heroes, awesome action, and two fisted thrills to your eReader! Presenting Pulp Icons such as the Spider and Operator #5 as well as wonderfully obscure characters like the Octopus and Captain Satan. Will Murray’s Pulp Classics brings you the best of yesterday’s Pulp today!
Strange, flaming death had come to New York where screaming mortals died, burned to a charred crisp! Everywhere ran the terrified rumor that an exploring party, returned from Asia, had brought with them a stolen Hindu treasure and the curse of Genghis Khan. It was from this horror that there was born, in Chinatown, a sinister Brotherhood of Murder — composed of all the Eastern races and sworn to found an evil empire. Before such a tidal wave of terror and plundering, the metropolitan police were powerless. Only Richard Wentworth, as the Spider, dared challenge the rule of this new and fearful crime-master who had blanketed Manhattan in the human ashes of his helpless victims! Total Pulp Experience. These exciting pulp adventures have been beautifully reformatted for easy reading as an eBook and features every story, every editorial, and every column of the original pulp magazine. $2.99.
In 1934 a new type of magazine was born. Known by various names — the shudder pulps, mystery-terror magazines, horror-terror magazines — weird menace is the sub-genre term that has survived today. Dime Mystery Magazine was one of the most popular. It came from Popular Publications, whose publisher Harry Steeger was inspired by the Grand Guignol theater of Paris. This breed of pulp story survived less than ten years, but in that time, they became infamous, even to this day. This ebook contains a collection of stories from the pages of Dime Mystery Magazine, all written by Arthur Leo Zagat, reissued for today’s readers in electronic format. $2.99.
In 1934 a new type of magazine was born. Known by various names — the shudder pulps, mystery-terror magazines, horror-terror magazines — weird menace is the sub-genre term that has survived today. Terror Tales magazine was one of the most popular. It came from Popular Publications, whose publisher Harry Steeger was inspired by the Grand Guignol theater of Paris. This breed of pulp story survived less than ten years, but in that time, they became infamous, even to this day. This ebook contains a collection of stories from the pages of Terror Tales magazine byGeorge Alden Edson, reissued for today’s readers in electronic format. $2.99.
99 cent eBook Singles
Each 99 cent eBook Single contains a single short story, one of the many amazing tales selected from the pages of Terror Tales and Rangeland Romances. These short stories are not included in any of our other eBooks.
What would you do if you knew the ones you loved were doomed to die horribly in your defense?In 1934 a new type of magazine was born. Known by various names — the shudder pulps, mystery-terror magazines, horror-terror magazines — weird menace is the sub-genre term that has survived today. Terror Tales magazine was one of the most popular. It came from Popular Publications, whose publisher Harry Steeger was inspired by the Grand Guignol theater of Paris. This breed of pulp story survived less than ten years, but in that time, they became infamous, even to this day. This ebook contains a classic story from the pages of Terror Tales magazine, reissued for today’s readers in electronic format. $0.99.
Lester Emery feared that his body remained in the laboratory, while his disembodied spirit was driven forth to murder — slave to the grim genius of a madman…In 1934 a new type of magazine was born. Known by various names — the shudder pulps, mystery-terror magazines, horror-terror magazines — weird me most popular. It came from Popular Publications, whose publisher Harry Steeger was inspired by the Grand Guignol theater of Paris. This breed of pulp story survived less than ten years, but in that time, they became infamous, even to this day. This ebook contains a classic story from the pages of Terror Tales magazine, reissued for today’s readers in electronic format. $0.99.
From nowhere came the hand — bringing with it a lingering death…In 1934 a new type of magazine was born. Known by various names — the shudder pulps, mystery-terror magazines, horror-terror magazines — weird me most popular. It came from Popular Publications, whose publisher Harry Steeger was inspired by the Grand Guignol theater of Paris. This breed of pulp story survived less than ten years, but in that time, they became infamous, even to this day. This ebook contains a classic story from the pages of Terror Tales magazine, reissued for today’s readers in electronic format. $0.99.
Warm and lovely was Vangie… but coolly wise. For she wanted no part of Bart’s beautiful, empty dreams that might come true — some day.One of the most popular settings for romance stories was the old west, where men were men and women were women. As many a swooning damsel could attest, “There’s something about a cowboy.” The western romance became one of the most popular types of magazines sold during the early and mid-twentieth century. $0.99.
Beth didn’t mind being an empty-headed flirt — if her arms were full of Jimmy. Jimmy’s intoxicatin’ caressin’ had her dizzy in the head — until she learned the luscious reason why he was practicin’ his technique.One of the most popular settings for romance stories was the old west, where men were men and women were women. As many a swooning damsel could attest, “There’s something about a cowboy.” The western romance became one of the most popular types of magazines sold during the early and mid-twentieth century. $0.99.
All eBooks produced by Radio Archives are available in ePub, Mobi, and PDF formats for the ultimate in compatibility. When you upgrade to a new eReader, you can transfer your eBook to your new device without the need to purchase anything new.
Find these legendary Pulp tales and more in Will Murray’s Pulp Classics, now available at:
Receive an exciting original Spider adventure FREE! Part of the Will Murray Pulp Classics line, The Spider #11, Prince of the Red Looters first saw print in 1934 and features his momentous battle with The Fly and his armies of crazed criminal killers.
For those who have been unsure about digging into the wonderful world of pulps, this is a perfect chance to give one of these fantastic yarns a real test run. With a full introduction to the Spider written by famed pulp historian and author Will Murray, The Spider #11 was written by one of pulp’s most respected authors, Norvell W. Page. Writing as Grant Stockbridge, Page’s stories included some of the most bizarre and fun takes on heroes and crime fighting in the history of escapist fiction.
Even today Page’s scenarios and his edge-of-the-seat writing style are still thrilling both new and old fans everywhere. For those who have never read one of these rollercoaster adventures, you are in for a thrill. If you already know how much fun a classic pulp is, make sure you get a copy of this classic.
See what the Total Pulp Experience is for yourself. These exciting pulp adventures have been beautifully reformatted for easy reading as an eBook and features every story, every editorial, and every column of the original pulp magazine.
Send an eMail to eBooks@RadioArchives.com and start reading your FREE copy of the Spider #11 within seconds! Experience The Best Pulps the Past has to offer in the most modern way possible!
The legendary Master of Men returns in two classic stories first released in 1934 and 1942. First, in “The Corpse Cargo” (1934), modern day pirates are hijacking passenger trains instead of shipa. Lead by the self-proclaimed Captain Kidd, as heartless a murderess as ever rode the seven seas, Kidd and her ruthless gang engage in robbery, murder, and mass destruction – and only The Spider dares defy them! Then, in “Slaves of the Ring” (1942), freedom teeters on the bring of extinction as a dictatorship threatens America. Richard Wentworth gathers together a ragtag assortment of men and women to wage the ultimate battle for life and liberty. With every hand against them, the tiny army risks life and limb to preserve the idea of justice and freedom – but can they alone triumph over tyranny? These two exciting pulp adventures have been beautifully reformatted for easy reading and feature both of the original full color covers as well as interior illustrations that accompany each story. On sale for $12.95, save $2.00
The Dark Avenger wages war on organized super-crime in two classic pulp mysteries by Walter B. Gibson writing as “Maxwell Grant.” First, a city’s financial system is threatened by the murderous machinations of “Intimidation, Inc.,” until The Shadow beats them at their own game! Then, the Knight of Darkness strives to unmask the “Wizard of Crime,” the hidden financial genius behind Intimidation, Inc., in a rare shadowy sequel. This instant collector’s item showcases the classic color pulp covers by George Rozen and the original interior illustrations by Tom Lovell and Paul Orban, with commentary by popular culture historian Will Murray.$14.95.
The original “Man of Steel” returns in three action-packed pulp thrillers by Paul Ernst and Emile Tepperman writing as “Kenneth Robeson.” First, The Avenger is blamed when massive power outages black out North America. Can Dick Benson locate the mastermind called Nevlo in time to prevent a deadly final blackout? Then, Death in Slow Motion cripples an American industry, and Justice, Inc. must find an antidote in time to save hundreds from the deadly paralysis plague! Finally, a defeated crook returns to plot Vengeance on The Avenger in an exciting novelette by Spider-wordsmith Emile Tepperman. This classic pulp reprint includes both color covers by Graves Gladney, Paul Orban’s dynamic interior illustrations and commentary by pulp historian Will Murray. $14.95.
80th Anniversary Commemorative Special. Commemorating the Man of Bronze’s anniversary with two expanded novels, restored from Lester Dent’s original manuscripts with never-before-published text! First, a Wall Street scandal sets the Man of Bronze on the golden trail of “The Midas Man,” who plots to control the global financial system. Then, while recovering from a serious head wound, a disoriented Doc Savage battles modern-day pirates and murderous zombies in “The Derelict of Skull Shoal.” PLUS: “80 Years of Doc Savage”: a Pictorial History of the Pulps’ Greatest Superman! This landmark collector’s edition features the original color pulp covers by Walter M. Baumhofer and Modest Stein, Paul Orban’s original interior illustrations and new historical commentary by Will Murray, writer of eleven Doc Savage novels. $14.95.
80th Anniversary Commemorative Special. Commemorating the Man of Bronze’s anniversary with two expanded novels, restored from Lester Dent’s original manuscripts with never-before-published text! First, a Wall Street scandal sets the Man of Bronze on the golden trail of “The Midas Man,” who plots to control the global financial system. Then, while recovering from a serious head wound, a disoriented Doc Savage battles modern-day pirates and murderous zombies in “The Derelict of Skull Shoal.” PLUS: “80 Years of Doc Savage”: a Pictorial History of the Pulps’ Greatest Superman! This landmark collector’s edition features the original color pulp covers by Walter M. Baumhofer and Modest Stein, Paul Orban’s original interior illustrations and new historical commentary by Will Murray, writer of eleven Doc Savage novels.$14.95.
This is an authentic replica of an original pulp magazine published by Girasol Collectables. This edition is designed to give the reader an authentic taste of what a typical pulp magazine was like when it was first issued – but without the frailty or expense of trying to find a decades-old collectable to enjoy. The outer covers, the interior pages, and the advertisements are reprinted just as they appeared in the original magazine, left intact to give the reader the true feel of the original as well as an appreciation for the way in which these publications were first offered to their avid readers. To further enhance the “pulp experience”, this edition is printed on off-white bond paper intended to simulate the original look while, at the same time, assuring that this edition will last far longer than the original upon which it is based. The overall construction and appearance of this reprint is designed to be as faithful to the original magazine as is reasonably possible, given the unavoidable changes in production methods and materials. $35.00
Eighty years ago in February, 1933 the Street & Smith company released the first issue of Doc Savage Magazine, introducing one of the most popular and influential pulp superheroes ever to hit the American scene. Doc Savage was the greatest adventurer and scientist of his era, and while his magazine ended in 1949, he influenced the creators of Superman, Batman, Star Trek, The Man from UNCLE and the Marvel Universe—to name only a few.
While that first issue of Doc Savage was fresh on Depression newsstands, RKO Radio Pictures released one of the most important fantasy films of all time. Everyone knows the story of how King Kong was discovered on Skull Island and hauled back to New York in chains, only to perish tragically atop the world’s tallest skyscraper, the Empire State Building.
As it happened, that was where Doc Savage had his world headquarters. For decades, fans have wondered: Where was Doc the day Kong fell?
On the eightieth anniversary of these fictional giants, Altus Press is proud to release the first authorized clash between The Man of Bronze and the Eighth Wonder of the World—Doc Savage: Skull Island. Written by Will Murray in collaboration with Joe DeVito, creator of KONG: King of Skull Island,Doc Savage: Skull Island is a new pulp epic.
The story opens when Doc returns from his secret retreat in the North Pole to discover the cold corpse of Kong lying on his doorstep.
“I know this creature,” Doc tells his dumbfounded men.
Tasked to dispose of the remains, the Man of Bronze then relates the untold story of his epic encounter with Kong back in 1920, after Doc returns from service in World War I, long before Kong became known to the civilized world as “King” Kong.
Doc Savage: Skull Island is a multi-generational story in which Doc and his father—the man who placed him in the hands of scientists who made him into a superman—sail to the Indian Ocean in search of Doc’s grandfather, the legendary Stormalong Savage, whose famous clipper ship has been discovered floating, deserted, her masts snapped by some incredible force.
The quest for Stormalong Savage leads to the fog-shrouded Indian Ocean and—Skull Island! There, Doc Savage faces his first great test as he encounters its prehistoric dangers and tangles with the towering, unstoppable Kong.
“When Joe DeVito brought this idea to me,” says Will Murray, “I knew it had to be written with reverence for both of these immortal characters. So I used the locale of Skull Island to tell a larger story, an untold origin for Doc Savage. It all started back on Skull Island….”
“Pulling off the first ever face-off between Doc Savage and King Kong was both challenging and exhilarating,” adds DeVito. “Will’s unique take on the tale scatters the primordial mists surrounding Skull Island long enough to reveal secrets of both classic characters hidden since their creation.”
Doc Savage: Skull Island has already been hailed as “The Doc Savage novel that Doc fans have been waiting on for 80 years!”
Doc Savage: Skull Island is the fifth entry in Altus Press’ popular Wild Adventures of Doc Savage series. Cover by Joe DeVito. $24.95.
“The Red Blot” was originally published in the June 1, 1933 issue of The Shadow Magazine. Crime has struck New York. Strange, unexplainable crime. All orchestrated by the master criminal who leaves behind a red blot. The Shadow must uncover his hidden hoard of mobsters before he can confront the mastermind known as the Red Blot!
The Shadow is on the case. As our story opens, The Shadow is in his sanctum, reviewing the crimes that have left men of wealth in terror. A bank messenger had been shot down in broad daylight. The assailants mysteriously disappeared after a police chase. Upon the sidewalk where the man had been slain was a huge blot of crimson. That was how it all began. But it didn’t stop there.
A gambling club was the next target of the strange band. Police had arrived at the club as the crooks were escaping with a large amount of cash. Again, the perpetrators escaped by some strange unknown method. And on the green felt of the central card table in the club was a huge dab of dulled crimson. The Red Blot had struck again.
Then there was the theft of a painting valued at many thousands. Left behind, a large red blot. Once again the criminals departed with impunity, disappearing before the police could gather them up. And most recently, a big-time fight promoter was strangled in his apartment. His bankroll of a hundred thousand dollars was stolen; on his white starched shirt front was the familiar dread sign of spattered crimson.
The police were baffled. They had not gathered a single clue. As we view The Shadow in his sanctum, he begins piecing together what few meager clues his agents have accumulated. The report sheets and clippings seem to point The Shadow in the right direction: old Timothy Baruch’s pawnshop.
Timothy Baruch is one of the oddest characters on the East Side. He’s been a pawnbroker for years and rumor has it that his safe contains jewels and other wealth of great enough value to tempt the Red Blot. The Shadow decides a visit to the pawnshop is in order. Word from the underworld, via his secret agents, is that the pawnshop will be struck at 11 PM. The Shadow decides to show up early.
With plenty of time to spare, The Shadow appears at Baruch’s pawnshop
Rodger Johnson writes: Just finished listening to “KONG King of Skull Island” You outdid yourself on this one, best audio book I have ever heard…Perfect story.
Christopher Southworth writes: Thank you once again for providing quality downloads of classic pulps. I’m very interested in acquiring eBooks of some of the various “G-man” series, if they are available.
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How many books and DVDs do you have on your Amazon wish list? How often do you remember to look at it? I always forget to check it, but I took a look at it today, and there are 100 items.
No, I am not soliciting here. My birthday isn’t for another six months, Chanukah and Christmas are too far off to think about, and I’m not your mother, so forget about Mother’s Day, which is this Sunday, btw – although there is Alix, whom I always alert to her mom’s new column. Big Hint, Alix!
I do have to delete some of the books and DVDs; I’ve ordered them without looking at my wish list because, well, I forget to check the damn thing, but there’s still a lot there. The oldest item was added on June 11, 2006; it’s Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Complete Third Season (DVD, not Blu-Ray. I don’t have a Blu-Ray player.) I have no idea why I’ve never ordered this, why it’s languished at the bottom – maybe because I watch BBC America’s repeats of TNG on Saturday late afternoons (which lead in to Doctor Who) – since that season of TNG, as Bob Greenberger so excellently reviewedon ComicMix, was the season where the show really found its legs, airing such classics as Sarak(a Vulcan disease comparable to Alzheimer’s is destroying Sarak’s mind), Yesterday’s Enterprise (in an alternate timeline, the Federation is losing a war with the Klingons and Tasha Yar is still alive), Sins of the Father (Worf accepts disgrace and discommendation to prevent a Klingon civil war – the start of an outstanding seasons-long exploration of Klingon culture that carried over to Deep Space Nine – and save the Empire), and of course the season finale, Best of Both Worlds: Part I (“Mr. Worf….fire!”) Also of note, at least to me, are Who Watches the Watchers, (a pre-warp, pre-industrial civilization discovers they are being watched by Federation anthropologists), The Enemy (Geordi and a Romulan are marooned on a harsh planet and must work together to survive), The Offspring (Data creates an android daughter), and Deja Q (Q becomes mortal and is still a pain in the ass).
Apparently I was busy browsing on June 11, 2006. I also added Fagin the Jew by Will Eisner. I know I picked this one because of my dual love for Eisner and for Charles Dickens’s Oliver Twist. According to Amazon’s description, Eisner first envisioned the book as an introduction to a graphic adaption of Twist, but “as he learned more about the history of Dickens-era Jewish life in London, Eisner uncovered intriguing material that led him to create this new work. In the course of his research, Eisner came to believe that Dickens had not intended to defame Jews in his famous depiction. By referring to Fagin as “the Jew” throughout the book, however, he had perpetuated the common prejudice; his fictional creation imbedded itself in the public’s imagination as the classic profile of a Jew. In his award-winning style, Eisner recasts the notorious villain as a complex and troubled antihero and gives him the opportunity to tell his tale in his own words.”
On that same day I also added Drums Along the Mohawk, starring Henry Fonda and Claudette Colbert (and directed by one of my all-time favorite directors, John Ford), When Worlds Collide, based on the book by Philip Wylie and Edwin Balmer, which I read years ago in my Introduction To Science Fiction class at Quinnipiac back when it was just a college and not a university – and talking about it now makes me want to reread it, so I’m going to add the book to my wish list, and Elizabeth I: The Virgin Queen, a 2005 Masterpiece Theatre mini-series, because of my passion for all things Tudor ( and yes, I already have The Tudors boxed set).
Moving forward, I kept up with my Tudor passion in 2011, adding a shitload of novels and non-fiction about that dynasty, including The King’s Pleasure, a novel about Katherine of Aragon (Henry’s first wife, she whom he dumped for Anne Boleyn) by the late and great British author Norah Lofts, and two histories by another Brit, famed historian and author Allison Weir: The Lady in the Tower: The Fall of Anne Boleyn and Henry VII: The King and His Court. I also listed Confessions of a Prairie Bitch: How I Survived Nellie Oleson and Learned to Love Being Hated by Alison Armgrin, Prairie Tales: A Memoir by Melissa Gilbert, and The Way I See It: A Look Back at My Life on Little House by Melissa Sue Anderson just because I always loved Little House on the Prairie. C’mon, who didn’t?
In November 2011 I added William Shatner’s Up Till Now: The Autobiography. Bill, I love ya!
2012 additions include Among Others, by Jo Walton. The Hugo and Nebula Award winner for that year is a brilliant coming-of-age story that mixes young adult literature, magic, and science fiction into a read for all ages. I also found Redshirts: A Novel with Three Codas, by John Scalzi (which was reviewed by ComicMix’s John Ostrander), a spin on the classic Star Trek’s law that new ensigns, i.e., red shirts, always get killed on away missions.
Being a fan of Mary Doria Russell’s The Sparrow and its sequel Children of God, I also added Doc, Russell’s take on Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, and the events that occurred at the O.K. Corral. And I really must move up to the top of the list Alice Hoffman’s The Dovekeepers, the story of four women who are among the 900 Jews holding out against the superior Roman army at the siege of Masada, the mountaintop fortress in the Judean desert.
Just a few months ago I added Kate Atkinson’s Life After Life, which the New York Times Sunday Book Review just, well, reviewed, and which has garnered much press and praise. It’s the timey-whiney story of Ursula Todd, who is born, dies, and lives again, is born, dies, and lives again, is born, dies, and lives again…each time taking making choices that affect not only Ursula, but her family, friends, and even the world. It’s a story that especially relevant to me these days.
It’s been a tough time for me since last Christmas, when my father first became ill, and watching my mother slowly slipping into elderly dementia. My life has become a cacophony personal and professional turmoil, a symphony of wishes and “if onlies”; I lie in bed at night unable to sleep, with all the different “roads less travelled” in my life teasing me with alternate possibilities, alternate lives. I am adrift at sea, questioning my choices and wondering, no, all too often, fearing the future.
The Grind Pulp Podcast is a new review podcast that has released their first episode. In addition to discussing New Pulp, the podcast also reviews New Pulp stories and movies, including Samaritan by Pulp Ark Award Winning Author, Bobby Nash.
About Grind Pulp Podcast:
Grind Pulp Podcast was created for the discussion of film and speculative fiction selections related to Grind Pulp. What is Grind Pulp? We’re so glad you asked. Imagine you’ve woken up beneath and overpass surrounded by bottles of rotgut with a mirror shard in your hand. Your clothes are soaked in neon green blood, and your pants are down around your ankles. You pull them up and begin to wonder what wild ride brought you here. That wild ride is Grind Pulp.
The Grind Pulp Podcast is hosted by Andrew Crevier, Jeronimo Brown, and James Malone. Listen to episode 1 here.
Superman is a science fiction story. What else can you say about the sole survivor of a doomed planet coming to live on Earth? As a result, some of the best stories about the Man of Steel have been science fiction in nature so it’s a wonder that it has taken this long before one of his confrontations with fellow alien Brainiac was brought to the screen. The feature films keep reusing Lex Luthor and General Zod, ignoring the computer construct from the distant world of Colu, who has captured specimen cities from countless worlds, including one from Krypton.
Thankfully, the folk at Warner Animation have recognized his incredible potential, first by reimagining him as a closer part of the mythos in their Superman: the Animated Series and now in Superman Unbound. The core story is lifted from Action Comics #866-870 by Geoff Johns and Garry Frank and collected under the title Superman: Brainiac. To place this in perspective, the story comes after the Infinite Crisis reboot of the DC Universe continuity, meaning Supergirl is still adjusting to being on Earth and neither has encountered Brainiac before.
Bob Goodman, who did an admirable job turning The Dark Knight Returns into the previous two films, once more, tackles the iconic characters. Here, he has a far more emotional story to deal with and made only a handful of major modifications, notably downplaying Pa Kent’s role and keeping Lois and Clark single folk. He and director James Tucker make for a good team and the story moves fairly seamlessly but the action pieces are where things fall apart. We’re told repeatedly how utterly Brainiac is and yet he continues to send endless constructs after Superman despite it being obvious that they are ineffective. How shall I put this….it doesn’t make any freakin’ sense except to give the animators something fun to do.
There’s tension between Superman and Supergirl over her readiness to be Earth’s protector; there’s tension between Clark and Lois about their relationship being stalled by his overprotectiveness and then there’s the larger problem of Brainiac having stolen Kandor and now attempting to bottle up Metropolis. There are nice resonances established between these three threads and Goodman does a good job making Supergirl and Lois well-defined characters.
Once more Andrea Romano delivers with an excellent vocal cast, bringing verve to Goodman’s script. Castle’s Stana Katic makes for a powerful Lois (and I thought Dana Delany had it nailed) and she’s well paired with her TV costar Molly Quinn, who is a vulnerable teen Kryptonian. Matt Bomer drops his voice to a tone deeper than his usual White Collar character and is almost unrecognizable. On the other hand, Fringe’s John Noble is wonderfully creepy as Brainiac.
Tucker, though, botches the character design. Superman’s square jaw is now a tapered, pointy thing that robs him of power. Lois is way too thin for normal proportions and Pa Kent is a caricature of the influential father he should be. Tucker does better with Brainiac and his ship along with the Kandorians (and kudos for the Ultra the Multi-Alien cameo).
Overall, this is a satisfying adventure with a nice emotional undercurrent.
The 75 minute feature is supplemented on the Blu-ray with two nice thirty minute featurettes: Kandor: History of the Bottle City provides the historic context for how this was introduced and how it altered the mythos. Marv Wolfman, Mike Carlin, Bob Goodman, Geoff Johns and Dan DiDio all chime in on the bottle city and its charms. Heath Corson is also included, a writer with no connection to Superman or DC or context provided so he’s an annoying presence. The second piece, Brainiac: Technology and Terror is less successful since there is tremendous confusion between what is said and what is shown. Despite having Wolfman and Carlin to provide some history, everyone goes from discussing the original Silver Age creation to his reimagining in the latter years then skip ahead to his modern day incarnation. But visually, the goateed Milton Fine is seen from the John Byrne era reboot but never mentioned. Similarly, we’re shown images of Brainiac 5 from early Mike Grell Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes but he is never mentioned so Brainiac’s legacy in the history of the DCU is also absent.
The Blu-ray has, exclusively, the Kandor feature and four episodes of Superman: The Animated Series and a digital excerpt from the Superman: Brainiac collected edition. The combo pack comes with the Blu-ray, DVD (with the Brainiac featurette) and an Ultraviolet digital copy.
As well as her triumphant (and briefly interrupted) run on Batgirl, Gail has introduced a new Superhero…perhaps “team” isn’t the right term. The title describes it best; The Movement. Too easily waved off as a play on the Occupy folks, The Movement is also equal parts urban watchdog group, police oversight committee and street gang, with a bit of Anonymous and Teen Titans thrown in.
It’s set in new fictional DC town Coral City, a town high in crime and police corruption. As a pair of dirty cops offer to let a pair of young people go if the female offers them a free show, they are quickly surrounded by members of The Movement, clad in masks (which had BETTER be getting handed out at cons this summer, thank you very much) and cell phones, recording and disseminating the cops’ indecent proposal.
The part of town known as “The Tweens” is under the protection of The Movement, which seems to have both powered and non-powered members. Incursions by the police, even the precinct’s honest captain, are not welcome, and are met with force. The Movement has the might to
There’s the hint of a theme first touched on by Mark Waid in his last (and sadly underappreciated) take on Legion of Superheroes, in which the Legion was more of a youth movement than simply a superhero team. As here, they represent the idea that since they are not being watched over by anyone, they will watch over themselves. The Movement has organization and the power to make sure their part of town is not threatened from without, and protected from those within.
Freddie Williams’ art has a very loose line, , far better suited for a more character-oriented book like this. The panel layout is very interesting, often a large splash image hiding under numerous smaller panels – the storytelling is dense, and fast-paced. It’s a unique look, very well used in this very unique book.
This is far from standard DC fare, and Gail fills it with very interesting characters, about whom you immediately want to know more. I expect the tale of how these people got their powers, and how they found each other, will all entertain and interest readers for some time. Being a unusual title, I’m hoping it finds an audience, maybe even one outside of the normal clientele of comic shops.
Good Riddance By Cynthia Copeland 224 pages, $17.95, AbramsComicArts For years, Cynthia Copeland has been mining her personal experiences to produce books about families and things families can do together. As a result, she has been recommended by Oprah and others and has carved out a nice little career with her prose and illustrations. She brings a friendly, kind sense of humor to her work making these great to read books. Now, though, she brings her personal experiences to a new work that is intimate and clear-eyed.
Subtitled An Illustrated Memoir of Divorce, Copeland traces her marriage and divorce from TJ while raising a family in New Hampshire. In 2001, Copeland discovered her husband had been having an affair and was in a loveless marriage after eighteen years. Looking back, she realized she thought the younger TJ was exotic and interesting, insecure about her own qualities so latched on to him for fear of never finding the right guy.
TJ, though, is far from ideal. He’s not exactly ambitious and seems to coast through life, perfectly content with a level of thriftiness most of us would call cheap. He’s an attentive father to their three children but avoids the hard issues, including how to discuss the end of the marriage and dissolution of the family. She insists he leaves so he goes to live in his office rather than spring for rent. In time, though, he gets a place of his own and Copeland begins to fret the kids will love it with their devil-may-care dad more than being at home with the “rules”.
The novel follows that first year and is nicely broken into seasonal chapters which include a pause for how the family reacts to the horrors of 9/11. But life goes on and the separation becomes formal and the kids don’t abandon her. Instead, she works on her books, works out and gets into great shape, and relies on her network of female friends for the emotional support not forthcoming from her parents. TJ, meantime, meanders from woman to woman, never exactly growing up but never shirking his responsibilities to the kids, who periodically have to force him to pay attention.
Copeland finally samples the dating pool with the usually expected humorous results and even tries to reconnect with a high school friend only to learn that you really shouldn’t try to go home again. Instead, she eventually finds a second family with Will, and his three sons. The final section of the book all-too-briefly deals with the whirlwind marriage and blending of families that culminates with his insisting they sell her home where he would never feel like he belonged. Instead, they buy land and build a place the new couple can truly call their own.
The book nicely traces the fears, joys, pain, and sorrow that comes with divorce and massive, rapid changes to one’s life. The artwork is clear and simple, conveying emotion with just a few lines. She mixes word balloons and captions well, ensuring each page is clear to read. Copeland produces the work in two color, choosing an appropriate shade of blue to represent the emotional state was she in during this period of her life.
For whatever reason, some of the best graphic material released these days is in the form of memoir as we discover people’s real lives can at times be far more interesting to read about than the hyper-fantasies that have crowded the shelves. Works such as Copeland’s deserve your attention even if you aren’t married or divorced, because the human experience can be entertaining and moving.
The Shadow Fan returns for his 30th episode! This week he talks “Crime Rides the Sea” (January 15, 1939) and The Shadow Year One # 2 from Dynamite Comics!
It’s another fun discussion about pulp’s greatest hero — The Shadow! You can listen to episode 30 here.
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Alexander and Ilya Salkind had sold Superman to the Golan-Globus Group/Cannon but wisely retained the rest of the family including Superboy. Thanks to Star Trek: The Next Generation pioneering first run syndication in 1987, the Salkinds realized the Teen of Steel would be perfect. Looking to produce this on the cheap, they set up shop in Florida, hired science fiction hack Fred Freiberger to produce and hired a slate of newcomers to fill the iconic roles of Clark Kent, Ma and Pa Kent, Lana Lang, Lex Luthor, et. al. The series debuted in 1988 with 25 episodes and was pretty laughable stuff. Freiberger was past his sell-by date and the Salkinds didn’t know how to handle the half-hour drama format.
Featured Girasol Replica:ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Operator #5 #25 April 1936 [Pulp Replica]
Featured Girasol Replica: Operator #5 #25 April 1936 [Pulp Replica]
