THE MENACE

 

 

 

THE MENACE

By Mickey Spillane & Max Allan Collins

Rough Edge Press

189 pgs

 

This book is a gem in that it actually contains three different works by the indisputable master of private-eye fiction, Mickey Spillane. The first is a novella based on a television script and adapted by Collins. The second is a long lost short story and the last a non-fiction true crime essay based on an actual murder case. All three are memorable in their own way and combined, offer up a small glimpse of the unbounded talent and imagination Spillane possessed.

“The Menace” itself is a thriller regarding a grotesque serial killer targeting doctors in small southern county. Sheriff Cutter, a veteran of the NYPD, puts the pieces together and discovers the killer’s next victim is a likeable pediatrician and his young son. Yet despite surrounding the doctor and his family with a cadre of officers, Cutter soon learns his monstrous foe is not going to let anything deter him from his savage goal.

“The Duke Alexander” is a hilarious tale of mistaken identity. A garage owner is on vacation when he is crosses paths with an exact look-alike who happens to be a foreign gigolo in this country to marry a wealthy debutante. Honestly, Spillane’s comedy is worthy of a Marx Brothers feature. It is that funny.

Finally, Collins wraps it all up republishing a short true-crime essay wherein a young woman’s body, left at the bottom of freezing cold lake, eventually rises to the surface and kicks off an investigation, which via the science of the day, eventually tracks down the killer.  

Three for the price of one sums up “The Menace.” A satisfying fun read you don’t want to miss.

 

CAULDRON OF THE HOLLYWOOD HEADHUNTERS

 

 

 

CAULDRON OF THE HOLLYWOOD HEAD HUNTERS

Man of the Mist # 3

By Darryle Purcell

Digital Parchment Press

165 pgs

 

Darryle Purcell returns with a third Man in the Mist adventure which is his homage series to the classic pulp avengers. Industrialist Ralph Thorne learned mystic abilities while on his trips to the world’s exotic locales. Now, using his power to cloud men’s minds, he battles an assortment of bizarre master villains. Reading these fun adventures, one is immediately reminded of classic heroes ala the Shadow and the Spider.

In this particular adventure, Thorne, and his lovely blonde assistant, Moxie Malone, take on a secret facist cabal insinuating itself into the Hollywood entertainment community. From the movies to music, led by the mysterious Phoenix, the group threatens their way to power in order to subvert the public. From sadistic torturers, zombies and a crazed werewolf, the cult becomes one of the greatest challenges ever faced by the steely avenger. “Cauldron of the Hollywood Head Hunters” is a page turning hoot. If you love old pulps, this one was made for you.

 

POLLEN IN PRINT 1955-1959

 

POLLEN IN PRINT 1955-1959

Edited by Robert Deis & Wyatt Doyle

Men’s Adventure Library

# new texture

159 pgs

 

With this book, Men’s Adventure Magazines historians Robert Deis and Wyatt Doyle once again shine a light on the amazing, and prolific work of artist Samson Pollen. In the two previous volumes, “Pollen’s Action” and “Pollen’s Women,” the authors focused on those particular themes that were the hallmark of the artist’ majority of published work. In this, their third collection, they turn their critical eyes to Pollen’s smaller black and white illustrations that appeared in those periodicals.

This is no easy task, as many of the wonderful illustrations they reproduced were from tiny originals no more then three or four inches in length and width. What generally happens when attempting to reproduce such small pieces is the disintegration of the line work when enlarged. Yet, somehow, they have deftly manipulated the digital scanning progress to prevent such from happening and the end result is clear, beautiful copies detailing the mastery of Pollen’s composition and shading skills.  

Another noteworthy element in this volume is that unlike all their previous titles, this one was crowd-funded on-line. I.e. it was produced by the generous donations of art and MAMS lovers around the world. This in itself is a testimony to both Pollen’s work and the legion of fans the authors have increased by their tireless efforts in preserving these artistic treasures for future generations. We heartily applaud them both and encourage all of you to pick up this gorgeous book.