Review: DOC SAVAGE - THE SINISTER SHADOW

Crossover and team-up books are standard in comics. It makes a certain amount of sense: having brightly colored heroes team up to take on large threats make really good illustrations. Making a similar team-up work in a pulp/prose format...might be trickier.

Doc Savage: The Sinister Shadow (available in softcover and Kindle) combines two of the best-known pulp characters in a really great novel....and which exceeds Dynamite Entertainment's Justice, Inc. comic from a few years back.

Now, if you're looking for the traditional heroes meet/they fight/they realize they have a common enemy plot structure....this isn't the book for you. In fact, it's a mixture of styles: Will Murray structuring a Walter Gibson-style plot using Lester Dent's material for a follow up to The Golden Vulture...and all under the "house name" of Kenneth Robeson for the Wild Adventures of Doc Savage line.

And yet Doc Savage: The Sinister Shadow never feels overstuffed....in fact, one of the book's key strengths is how it layers is multitude of influences.

Despite its Doc Savage moniker, the novel is structured more like one of Gibson's Shadow novels, with a lead-off involving Lamont Cranston meeting Harvard-trained lawyer Ham Brooks for assistance. As the story progresses, we learn about a criminal named the Funeral Director who is blackmailing and murdering key individuals. Suffice it to say, Brooks' sudden disappearance spurs Doc Savage and his two aides, Monk and Long Tom, into action.....

This is where Doc Savage: The Sinister Shadow really shines. Most Doc Savage plots tend to be straightforward, piling on incident after incident (after all, Dent perfected that kind of storytelling structure into an art form). But placing Doc in the midst of a Shadow novel makes it deliciously more complicated. Bringing a more optimistic character into a swampy, almost noir-ish setting (don't believe me? Buy and read any of Gibson's Shadow novels via Sanctum Press), Doc Savage: The Sinister Shadow gives the story a bit more of an edge.

There's also a deft intermixing of concepts and tropes from both Doc Savage and The Shadow, meaning that there are some very clever "Easter eggs" for long-time pulp fans...but that engage casual readers without alienating them. (Good example: the Shadow's interest in Doc Savage's "crime college.") As the story progresses, there are elements taken from past Shadow novels, and for the big reveal....it's a little obvious (based on wordplay), but it also flows in a very satisfying manner.

(If you're a relative newcomer, you're not going to be confused. In fact, Doc Savage: The Sinister Shadow will motivate you to seek reprints/new books with both characters).

When I was a guest on Art Sippo's podcast, we touched upon the fact that I had not read Doc Savage: The Sinister Shadow...and was very enthusiastic about reading it.

Now that I've read it, I thoroughly enjoyed it. So much so that I have a large pile of Sanctum reprints to start working through.

This is a must-read in every sense.

Go. Buy it. Now.

Comics I'm Reading: JUSTICE INC.

One man is the height of human ability, trained from birth to help others; another is a dark avenger, delivering justice from the barrel of a gun; a third is a businessman who finds himself in the midst of intrigue, forged in the crucible of great loss....

Dynamite's Justice Inc. mini-series isn't the first "team-up" of pulp characters published by Street and Smith (namely, Doc Savage, the Shadow, and the Avenger), but it is the first time all three characters have appeared together as part of a new "pulp Justice League." (Which is a much better effort than Dynamite's earlier Masks). Written by Michael Uslan, the story is essentially an origin story of Richard Benson, aka "The Avenger", with all the requisite twists, turns, and allusions that you would expect in a story like this....

If it sounds like I'm damning with faint praise, I'm not - as a rule, I don't like origin stories, especially stories where main characters serve as an "influence" as a new character. (Especially in pulp - a few lines to touch on a character's past is one thing; but I just want to move forward with the action). Uslan does a really good job in placing the characters in context, and there's plenty of great twists and turns (especially the end of issue #3, which has a great conceptual shift as part of the cliffhanger). It's not a bad series....but I do think the notes at the end of each issue are a bit much.

(Spoiler - much of the citations finish with "look it up on Google for more reading").

Although it's a nice gimmick, I'm also not a big fan of the time travel aspect of the story - many pulp stories have a science fiction aspect, but here it reads as totally inappropriate. (Even though it becomes a MacGuffin, it still doesn't ring true). Although the story has plenty of good twists, turns, and action sequences....it makes for a slightly iffy read. It's not bad - all three issues are compelling - but it feels more like a stunt than anything else.

One of the reasons to read this book, however - Giovanni Timpano's art. There's a nice grit and down-to-earth quality about it (reflecting the pulpish tones of the story). He has a really strong sense of layout and storytelling...and it's pleasing enough that it makes the reading experience worthwhile.
I came to Dynamite's Justice Inc with little expectations - mostly, I wanted to see how Uslan was going to use these characters. It's not the world's greatest pulp comic, but it's not at all horrid, either. It's definitely worth checking out in trade.

When Titans Meet: DOC SAVAGE - SKULL ISLAND

(Be sure to check out this week's episode of Zone 4, especially towards the end, where I give this book a brief shout-out.)

It was the best birthday present I purchased for myself, using some of the credit I earned from proofing reprints for Radio Archives. Part of Altus' Press' Wild Adventures of Doc Savage series of novels, their latest release - Doc Savage: Skull Island - is a pulp-filled, fun read, with the first-ever team-up of Doc Savage and King Kong.

Yes, you read that correctly - thankfully, this book written by Will Murray doesn't have even the slightest whiff of fan fiction. It's a great tale that focuses on the early years of Doc Savage, with a brief prologue and analogue happening in 1933, shortly after the events of The Man of Bronze and the end of the classic movie King Kong. (Yes, there's a rationale - both Doc and Kong made their debut in March 1933). Consisting of an extended flashback, the tale focuses on Doc and his father, Clark Sr., as they head out on the schooner Orion to Skull Island to find Stormalong Savage, the patriarch of the clan....and Doc's grandfather.

Combining a variety of genres (only in this book will you find tall tales mixed with references to Shakespeare and Sherlock Holmes), Doc Savage: Skull Island is a great exploration of the early years of Doc Savages that manages to explain much about the character....and yet still allow Doc to remain an air of mystery about him. (Unlike Phillip Jose Farmer's Escape from Loki, there isn't a false note about this). It's a great, rip-roaring adventure that manages to provide both Doc Savage - and Kong - a more strongly developed background, and the final third of the book is a relentless read - you won't be able to put the book down.

Soon, many of you reading this blog will be purchasing books for the beach, or for travel, or just for the sake of reading. In short, Doc Savage: Skull Island is a must-read, not just for fans of pulp literature....but for fans of just plain great reading.

March Birthdays Of Note

First, March is a very momentous month, as 80 years ago marked the first appearance of Doc Savage, perhaps the greatest of all pulp characters. Without him, it's safe to say, much contemporary popular culture would have a much different nature and character.

In other news, today is my birthday. Without me, it's safe to say, many of my friends....would probably less remarkably less interesting lives.

And now, back to following up on a promising job lead; if you would like to help, please visit http://bit.ly/HireMePal.

As always, thanks for your support!

July - Brought to You By Coffee!

Ok, so you're thinking, "Oh, Gordon, you're just going to link to this week's rather impressive Zone 4 episode and your extremely clever, Doc Savage-influenced Job Stalker column this month, aren't you?"

Well, yes, but you'll have plenty of other opportunities in the month to have a close, personal interaction with yours truly, including:

• On Tuesday, July 10th, there will be a very special Net Tuesday meeting. Geared towards newer members, this is going to be one where we're announcing a slight change in direction. You probably want to be there if you want to be part of using tech for the social good.
• On Wednesday, July 11th, come to Third Coast Comics for the Chicago Doctor Who Meetup's screening of Matt Smith's Favorite Doctor Who story. Yes, we're only calling it that to get the newbies, because the Tennant and Smith worship....needs to be tempered a bit.
• July 19th brings the latest edition of the Chicago Geek Breakfast. For those of you who complain that it's too early....well, where's your sense of initiative? Real geeks get more done by 5 am....by huge amounts of caffeine.
• The Lakeview edition of Learnapalooza on Saturday, July 21st will feature two presentations by me at Next Door Cafe - Doctor Who 101 at 11:30 am, and Sherlock Holmes and Social Media at 1:00 pm. You'll need to RSVP on the Learnapalooza web site if you plan on attending - these are going to be popular presentations. After all, they're on the back of the Learnapalooza t-shirt.

That's right - as my freelance work is slowly, but surely, coming together (with interviews for potential full time positions as well), I'm putting together a rather impressive array of activities, and you are more than welcome to attend and have a close, personal interaction with me.

The Man of Bronze in Black & White

Imagine, if you will, me around seven or eight years old - making my way from my grandmother's house near Archer and California to the Brighton Park library to check out some worn Doc Savage Bantam reissues....and then heading to a smoke shop at the corner of Archer and Kedzie to purchase the magazine version to read on the relatively long bus ride back to my Bridgeport home.

In the mid-1970s, Marvel had published a black-and-white comics version of Doc Savage, focusing mainly on original stories. Ironically, much like their color comics, DC (in likely anticipation of a big-screen Doc Savage adventure) has reprinted the black-and-white series as part of their Showcase series. And Showcase Presents: Doc Savage is not just a decent recreation of Doc in comic form....but is a definite must-own for fans of classic pulp fiction, comic storytelling...and just plain good comics.

Most of the stories are written by Doug Moench, and illustrated by Tony DeZuniga with some exceptions, and really reflect a much more "mature" approach than the color comics. This doesn't necessarily mean graphic violence so much as that the writing seems slightly more sophisticated, and the plots are more original. (One plot even indicates a slight familiarity with then-current 70s fads). But DeZuniga's black and white art is, much like Marvel's Essential Moon Knight, Vol. 1, a nearly perfect fit with the black & white Showcase format. (Some will state that using the "phone book" style paper detracts from the quality; I say it actually gives the art a little more oomph. You decide).

Nostalgia can be a tricky thing - what one enjoys in their youth can often seem a waste of time later on (as I found out when revisiting the original Battlestar: Galactica, among other things). But if DC's Showcase Presents: Doc Savage is one of those works that deserves fond attention both then...and now.

Definitely a must-own for pulp fans, comic fans, and/or people who love great adventures. Yes, friends, believe the hype - it's that great.

Pulp Fiction, 21st Century Style

I admit it - I like pulp fiction. My boyhood love of Doc Savage and young adult reading of Raymond Chandler and Jim Thompson has turned into a full-on curiosity and exploration of lively action, adventure, and - let's face it - simply written fiction that demands the reader turn the page. (It also helps that one of my Comic Related pals is very knowledgeable - and extremely active - in pulp circles.)

Since I'm always on the look for expanding my pulp palate, I took advantage of an offer on the Comic Related forum - a one-shot story, "Pulptress: Black Mask, Big City" by Tommy Hancock of Pro Se Productions.

Without spoiling it, it was a piece of good, old fashioned entertainment, and I mean that in the best sense of the word.

We live in a time when much of our popular culture is influenced and driven by much of past. "Black Mask, Big City" is a pretty solid tale - yes, it does read a little anachronistically (it took me a few moments to realize that it took place in the 1940s), but in all honesty, it was a pretty engaging read.

At a time when I've reevaluating my entertainment purchases (Ramen noodles don't buy themselves, you know), I might just want to take a step backward if only to enjoy other entertainment moving forward.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go reread The Spider Vs. The Empire State.....

Surviving SNOWMAGEDDON: Adventures of Doc Savage

(Quick note - this is post # 1501, for those keeping count)

Something I'm not proud of admitting...once, long ago, I downloaded MP3s of this audio via a now-defunct Doc Savage site. I enjoyed it - after all, I am a closet pulp fan (and don't worry - just wait until tomorrow's blog entry for another pulp-flavored jolt), and thought it was enjoyable despite a rather murky sounding drama.

Thankfully, Radio Archives has released an eight disc set of the Doc Savage radio drama, originally presented on NPR in the mid-1980s. Thankfully, with a much better sounding remastered version, this thirteen-chapter show (dramatizing two Doc novels, Fear Cay and The Thousand-Headed Man, is brisk, enjoyable, and quite frankly, one of the best releases of 2010.

One of the things that I really enjoyed about this is that it really evokes the 1930s in tone, dialogue, and even style (much of the dialogue has an exposition-style tone, e.g., "Let me throw these anesthetic globes at them, Doc!"). For those who are weened and familiar with other audio dramas (say, Big Finish), this might come across as rather quaint and old fashioned. However, there's something about the energy throughout the drama that gives it a certain lift, and that makes it very age-appropriate entertainment.

(Given that Doc Savage pretty much defines "pop culture touchstone", this might be a great way to introduce the younger set to a character who has influenced much of what we consider to be our heritage. You may be tempted to download this via bitTorrent - don't. Trust me, this is well worth purchasing, and the sound quality is quite extraordinary. You would swear it was recorded yesterday...and you even get, as part of the package, a documentary called The Sound of Bronze and two other old-time radio shows in a bonus disc. It's a really nicely presented product that really deserves to sit on the shelf of any serious pulp and pop culture fan)

The only weak link that I see in this are some of the vocal talent....more specifically, Daniel Chodos as Doc. His voice sounds a little too high to connote the Man of Bronze's power....but that's a personal opinion, not a fact. In short, the rest of the cast pulls it off, especially the actors playing Monk and Renny. (And quite frankly, having a clean, clear copy makes Ham sound much more human than on my previous dubiously-downloaded files).

During these long winter months, why not give yourself the gift of wild, pulp-filled adventure? I've always been a Doc Savage fan, but now...this audio has me seriously wanting to reread the pulps.

Buy it. Now.

DC Does Doc Savage Right (Kind Of...)

Imagine a Saturday night - hanging out at Third Coast Comics, arguing with other comics fans as part of a Meetup, and then heading into the shop to browse. There, on the lowest rung of a rack....I see a fine treasure: a newly released trade paperback of Doc Savage comics by DC.

There were two things that surprised me about DC's Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze trade paperback. The first...is that this is a compilation of Marvel's initial run back in the early 1970s (minus the black-and-white magazine stories or the Marvel Two-in-One Doc/Ben Grimm crossover)

(Yes, I double checked. Thanks, Wikipedia!)

What's also surprising was that although these comics are not word-for-word recreations of the pulps, there's a really good synergy between Lester Dent's prose and plotting and the "mighty Marvel style". Roy Thomas (for the first two issues), and then Steve Englehart do their best to adapt some classic Doc stories and with Ross Andru's art (with Tom Palmer inking), makes for some crackling good reads. (Although, at some point, I would love to read the black & white material again, just out of my own curiosity).

(Obviously, I prefer the Millennium comics run as the most true to the material - hey, Checker, when are you going to reprint those? Especially since Marvel seems to have handed the material over to DC without much of a fight...)

But given Dent's own special formula for writing, it makes a lot of sense for his prose to mesh with Marvel-style writing, and given only eight issues of material, makes for a pretty decent starter read. For those of you new to Doc, this is a really strong first taste...just be sure to avoid DC's other trade Doc Savage: The Silver Pyramid (in which Denny O'Neill gets Doc so wrong, Conde Nast should sue for defamation of character) and begin ordering the reprints from Adventure House. You will thank me later. Seriously.

It's ironic - I've complained bitterly about the way DC has handled Doc Savage, and now, they get it right...but only by publishing their competitor's efforts.

Draw your own conclusions, but this is one Doc trade you have to read.

Savage Pulp Writing

I always love it when an author surprises me...when I read something that they do that's a little off their beaten path, that reminds me of their style, yet has enough of a difference that it's worth my attention.

Honey in His Mouth  is remarkable for several reasons, not the least of which is that it has the byline of "Lester Dent". Better known as "Kenneth Robeson" who wrote the vast majority of Doc Savage pulps. Dent, who had his own well-known formula for creating remarkable stories (and who, in his own way, revolutionized pulp writing the way Stan Lee's "Marvel method" influenced comic writing). Published under the Hard Case Crime banner, Honey in His Mouth is not only classic Dent, but in itself is a really impressive pulp thriller.

The story seems simple - a small-time hoodlum is picked because he's a near dead-ringer for a South American dictator - but the story is not that simple. There's a real sense of place - more specifically, Missouri, where Dent grew up - that helps ground the novel and gives it a slight sense of realism. The beginning jars a bit, but for me, it was more due to my expecting a Doc Savage novel. There's enough imagination in the writing that gives it an edge over most literature of the time...but if you're expecting a Spillane or a Thompson, you won't get that.

Admittedly, there are some passages that read rather awkwardly, at least in my eyes - however, given that this was written towards the end of Dent's life, it may have been more out of a sense of obligation (wanting to "keep up with the Joneses" stylistically) than out of a sense of storytelling. However, the book is brisk and brief enough that they're easily glossed by.

Written almost 20 years after his debut with Doc Savage, Honey In His Mouth proves that Dent didn't waver in his writing skills...and that we're now lucky enough to be able to read one of his final works.

Buy this. Now.

A Different Glance At A Golden Age

This is, more than likely, going to be one of the tougher posts that I've had to write. Mostly because, as long-time readers of this blog (and by "long time readers" I mean "Chuck and Roger") know, I have an affinity and love for both Doc Savage and the Green Hornet. I'm probably one of the few who enjoy the Golden Age, but have a very slight working knowledge of the history of pulps.

So when First Wave (from DC) and the Kevin Smith written Hornet book (from Dynamite) were announced, I was a little hesitant...scratch that, I had been severely disappointed in most comic adaptations of Doc (bar Milennium Comics in the 90s), and, well, you can insert obligatory Kevin-Smith-late-script joke here.

However, with both books coming out this week, I can say that I was severely impressed with one, and the other left me a little cold.

The book that impressed me was First Wave, mostly because of Brian Azarello's writing. This isn't your grandfather's Doc Savage - in fact, Azarello creates a whole new world (or "Earth-53" as he joked at 2009's Wizard World/Comicon) inhabited by non-powered characters (Batman, the Spirit, the Blackhawks). There's been enough hype about the book, and I am pleased to say that the book lives up to the hype. Actually, it exceeds it.

An unnamed war. A discovery in the jungle. Without spoiling, there's a nice, hefty integration of classic pulp storytelling with some unique 21st century ideas. This Doc "feels" right, the Spirit has another unique feel (which, after recently seeing the Frank Miller film, is a little refreshing), and there's a solid build in storytelling. Rags Morales' art is pretty strong, helping to "sell" the atmosphere. This is one book that I don't mind following on.

However, I admit that I have some mixed feelings about Kevin Smith's Green Hornet book. First, the good points: the book starts with a nice action set piece which, quite frankly, would work as a big screen movie. There's an obvious love of the character and the "mythology" (as the teenagers would say). Jonathan Lau and Phil Hester's art helps drive the story (although at times, it does look a little awkward), and the dialogue tends to work.

However, there are some flaws with the book, with one seemingly sabotaging the storytelling.

First, the last few pages of the book which 'set up' the main storyline...well, they have a sense of "seen it all before". It doesn't quite seem true. The penultimate "domestic" scene really seems quite off, and rereading the book, I think I have the answer.

Smith is integrating the "mythology" of the Green Hornet, mainly through visual references to the 1960s television show. Some of the writing of Britt Reid and Kato in these flashbacks seem off. Way off. In a theatrical movie, these might have been updated/revamped for a modern audience, but by tying this in with the television show, some of the dialogue between Reid and Kato (including one potentially inflammatory remark) seems off...and that penultimate domestic scene? Again, the dialogue and behavior don't seem to fit, and are almost jarring. It's not really a bad book - I think it's just one where a specific creative choice ends up creating cognitive dissonance for the reader.

(To any colleagues who are reading this - yes, that's the second time I've used the term cognitive dissonance this month. I deserve a cookie).

I'm a big fan of Smith's movies, and he even made remarks about the Hornet film  in one of his live speaking appearances. His writing on Hornet seems like an uncomfortable mashup between the Hornet character and...a Kevin Smith movie. It's not bad, but I hope that the tone becomes a little more consistent, and that as the story progresses, it flows a little more naturally than this first issue.

In short, this week saw the debut of one really good pulp revision....and one that can use some room for improvement. Although I'm set on First Wave, I think I'm going to keep Green Hornet on probation for now.

I owe Kevin that much. That and fifty bucks.

On Wings of Bronze

To be honest...I've never really liked Doc Savage in comics.

I'll grant you, the Milennium Comics run hit the right spot, but pulp characters are often hard to translate into comics. Sometimes, you just have to plop them into their own world (much like Tim Truman did with The Spider and give them enough juice to make it through.

Fortunately, Brian Azzarello has taken Doc, mixed him and Batman (one of his "sons", pop culturally speaking), plopped them down in an inspired, non-powered world...and in DC's Batman/Doc Savage special, has given us a nice, pulp-influenced comic tale that really raises the stakes - and builds interest - in DC's First Wave series.

If you're expecting another 100 Bullets-type noir drama, well...Azzarello's writing doesn't go that dark. By balancing some more fantastic aspects (like dirgibles) amongst the more mundane, it has a nice, noir-esque feel. Some might argue that Doc belongs in the 1930s rather than this "timeless" present period...but for me, it works. I think Phil Noto's art helps capture that, giving this a really strong present-day feel but with a nice coloring of vintage era atmosphere. (It helps that at least one character looks as if he's modeled on Lee Marvin...I think Noto must have been watching Point Blank while drawing this book, and that's not a bad thing.

As far as Batman goes...there seems to be a little Chaykin charm in this version of Batman. Young, aggressive, even personable, Azzarello doesn't opt for the moody, Travis Bickle-style Batman from Broken City - if anything, this is a more "likable" Batman than we've seen in awhile.

(Granted, this is a Batman who carries a pair of .45s...but there's something about this version that feels much more accessible than we've seen in awhile).

I'm liking this book - it's not the second coming of Doc Savage, but somehow, for DC's newest "First Line"....it's a pretty awesome start.

And actually reminds me...I have some Nostalgia Venture Doc reprints to read.....

Man of (Slightly Tarnished) Bronze

I'm surprised that this image hasn't gotten a lot more online buzz. (Or maybe it has, but I haven't been paying all that much attention).

This is where I become rather super-nerdy, geekish, and become the kind of person I openly mock - DC has acquired the comic book rights to Doc Savage (which they had twenty years ago), and the character has had...well, an interesting history in comics, to say the least.

Of course, I felt a little cool about it - yes, I love the character, and was always open to having a new interpretation. However, I found myself a little queasy when Dan DiDio explained to Newsarama:

We’re working with a series of characters that fit within that genre, and we’re exploring their...interactions, to be slightly coy about it. We have several projects on the burners right now, and it’s a little early to start discussing them, but the chances to see Doc Savage encountering The Spirit, Blackhawk, and other characters with that same tone and sensibility is being actively pursued.

And that's where my geekishness comes in...as well as my mixed feelings about this series.

On the one hand, there's nothing wrong with a shared universe concept - comics do it all the time. There can be something inherently cool about Doc living at a time when he inspires not only "pulp heroes"...but superheroes as well. (And, of course, there have been several Doc/Shadow crossovers in the past, so it's not like there isn't precedent). It would be slightly hypocritical for me to say "no crossovers whatsoever"

But I wonder if, by crossing Doc over with other characters (especially DC-owned ones like the Blackhawks), DC is removing much of a luster from the hero. One of Savage's greatest characteristics was that he was the first "superhero", for a lack of a better word. He was the font from which most popular culture (in my opinion) sprang, and much of his mystique comes from the fact that he is the first - and only. Placing him square in DC Comics continuity...takes a little bit away from him.

This may be premature, and I'll play the "I'll-keep-an-open-mind-until-issue-1" comes out, but there's something about the approach that just doesn't sit right.

And Doc deserves better.

Happy Birthday, Doc Savage!

Almost forgot, but thankfully, the mighty Johnny Bacardi and Mark Evanier never fail...today is the 75th anniversary of a character from whom all contemporary comics/pop culture derives...the mighty Doc Savage.

My initiation to Doc came with a dog-eared copy of Man of Bronze checked out of my local library at eight years old. I followed him with Marvel (both the color & black and white series), DC (well, kind of - Denny O'Neill's mini-series made me go back to the pulps), and Milennium's as-close-as-you're-gonna-get series.

However, for those who would like to learn more, start here and here.

And also, you, too, can write like Doc's author!

Or, if you want to buy some to sample for yourself, check out Nostalgia Ventures' reprints


Thanks, Doc, for corrupting my youth.