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Westerns in Space: Or, Space Operas R Us

It’s been a busy couple of days here at the studio. First, I finished up a fun pulpy commission for a new book release. On Wednesday, in The Rocketeer, I wrote about the connection between Westerns and Space Opera (with picture examples!) Read The Rocketeer: “Westerns in Space”  Today, I received a few more books in the mail for my growing Robert Leslie Bellem reprint story collection. I’ve several new paintings planned, and of course new books on the way. In the midst of tremendous world-wide chaos, life can be fun! Count on it!

Roy V. Hunt: A Retrospective, a review

Roy Hunt: A Retrospective book review

I don’t often review books, mainly because I’m either too soft a touch or, if the book is too bad, I don’t want to talk about it. But here is a case of something well worth a review, not just because the book it’s good, but because it’s historically important. Roy V. Hunt: A Retrospective is a treat, both for pulp fanatics and for artists. You can read my review here. 

Is Anyone Incorruptible?

The Face of Parody/Is Anyone Incorruptible?

Fritz Lang’s visuals for Metropolis (1927) fascinate me. The story is pure socialist creed, but the imagery remains powerful even after nearly 100 years. I remember seeing the re-mastered version with Queen’s soundtrack during college. And I’ve seen the anime remake as well as enjoying Queen’s 1984 video– “Radio Ga-Ga” –immensely. (An interesting year for that video to appear on the scene, in my opinion.) Michael Wm Kaluta created outstanding images for a remake book of Metropolis some time ago. It was his drawings that inspired the title of my…

Two Buck Rogers posts

2 Buck Rogers posts meme

Well Space Explorers, it’s time for a couple of Buck Rogers posts. Why…? Mainly because he’s one of the first space heroes and one we still love today. There’s just something about the guy…I’m sure everyone has their reasons for being a fan. I love the early strips from the late 1920’s. They still have enough “wow” appeal to make them enjoyable reading today, nearly 100 years later! So here you go, two little tidbits of Buck Rogers’ lore. One will be familiar and one will not. Happy daydreams! Read…

New Article: John Gunnison and the Home for Adventure

My newest PulpFest Profile is live today. This time, I’ve interviewed John Gunnison of Adventure House. Adventure House is my first shopping stop at every pulp convention. There’s always something wonderful to see, and even books that I can afford to purchase! His reprints are of special interest to me, I keep a bunch on hand for research purposes. I’m excited to find out more about Adventure House and I’ll bet you are, too! Read the article here.

What Mad Universe: Reality as a Multiple Choice Question

Reality as a Multiple Choice Question, read it over on Substack.

Okay Space Explorers, today I want you to put on your special quartz reflecting ray goggles and join me for a journey into infinity!  What Mad Universe (1948) is a delightful science fantasy story written by Fredric Brown. Keith Winton gets caught in a blast created by an experimental moon rocket crashing back to Earth. The electrical nature of the explosion shoves Winton through the walls of our universe and into another reality—where pulp science fiction stories are real! This is one of my favorite pulp stories. Well, why not? It’s…

Explorations: The Roots of H. B. Piper’s Dhergabar

Read The Rocketeer over on Substack

I’m a huge fan of H. Beam Piper’s works, particularly his Paratime Police stories. The city of Dhergabar is often mentioned in the stories. It is the First Level city where Paratime Police have their headquarters on “Home” timeline. The name has always struck me as funny, linguistically. Today in The Rocketeer I explore what could possibly be the linguistic roots of the word, Dhergabar. Join me over on Substack to read, “Explorations: The Roots of H. B. Piper’s Dhergabar” — https://tinyurl.com/2p83auhy