Tom's Altus Press Hardbacks

Tom’s Altus Press Hardbacks

It’s time to advertise my hardback books from Altus Press this week. I have two short story collections, and five research books available. I only have a few of the hardback editions, so check with Altus Press on the availability of these, and confirm the prices. What I have listed may be incorrect.

The Pulp Detectives: For the first time, nine all-new stories starring the classic pulp heroes of the 1930s, featuring characters such as The Phantom Detective, The Black Bat, The Lone Eagle, The Masked Detective, Secret Agent X and Nightwind. Paperback $22.46. Written by pulp scholar Tom Johnson, it's nearly 400 pages of excitement! Hardback is $34.95 from Altus Press www.altuspress.com

The Phantom Detective Companion: The longest-running hero of the pulp era! For the first time, the history of the Phantom Detective is bought under one volume, completely updated! Includes an index to nearly 175 stories, 100s of pages of articles, two unused Phantom story plots from the mid-1930s and nearly all of the Phantom's comic book appearances. Paperback is $26.96. It's 400 pages of must-own information for any pulp fan to enjoy. The hardback is $39.95 from Altus Press www.altuspress.com

The Secret Agent X Companion: The classic investigation of SECRET AGENT "X," revised and updated by the original writers, Tom Johnson and Will Murray, including new chapters, images and information! It's the last word on this classic character! Paperback edition is $13.46. I’m not sure if this one is in hardback yet, check with Altus Press www.altuspress.com

G-Man Companion: For nearly 20 years, Dan Fowler and his G-men battled crimedom in the pages of G-Men Detective. Now, author Tom Johnson has indexed each issue, listing everything you need to know about the series. Also included are complete reprints of the two best Dan Fowler stories as chosen by Johnson and pulp historian Will Murray: "Give 'Em Hell" by Norvell W. Page and "Bullet Justice" by Charles Greenberg. And reprinted in its entirety for the first time: "I Cover the Murder Front," the lost, rejected Dan Fowler story. Paperback is 31.46. Featuring additional articles by Johnson and Murray, this is the ultimate history of the series. The hardback is $44.95 from Altus Press www.altuspress.com

Exciting Pulp Tales: The exciting sequel to Tom Johnson's 2010 anthology, PULP DETECTIVES, EXCITING PULP TALES brings you ten more all-new stories featuring classic pulp heroes such as The Angel, The Green Ghost, The Cobra, The Crimson Mask, Gentle Jones, The Purple Scar, Funny Face, Mr. Death, The Jungle Queen, and Ki-Gor. Paperback is $22.46. The hardback is $34.95 from Altus Press www.altuspress.com

Operator #5: The entire history of the The Purple Invasion, the War and Peace of the pulps which ran for over a year in the pages of Operator #5! Loaded with illustrations from the original pulps. Paperback edition is $13.46. The hardback is $24.95. I think the hardback is still available. Check with Altus Press www.altuspress.com

The Black Bat Companion: This one is not in hardback yet, but I wanted to list it anyway. One of the most beloved pulp characters, The Black Bat, is finally celebrated with this 340 page deluxe retrospective. Author Tom Johnson has indexed each issue, listing everything you need to know about the series, along with the following highlights: - A complete reprint of the rejected Black Bat adventure, "The Lady's Out for Blood" - A breakdown of the newly-discovered final Black Bat story, "The Celebrity Murders" - All 800 German Black Bat stories newly identified for the English audience - Nine complete reprints of the Black Bat's golden Age comic book stories - An interview with series creator Norman Daniels as well as his complete payment records... available here for the first time Featuring additional articles by Will Murray, this is the ultimate history of the series. Paperback edition $26.96 from Altus Press www.altuspress.com

The Night Hawk

The Night Hawk

Creator: Will Murray

The Night Hawk

            Gangdom, beware. A ghost protects Quinn City!

            Mobster: “There’s this guy all done up in black leather –“

            A figure encased in what looked to be cracked black leather drew on ebony gloves. His smooth features resembled meat that had been charred dark.

            Mobster: “…wearing a mask and aviator goggles. He drives this streamlined tank of a taxi. It says ‘Night Hawk Cab Co.’, on the doors – except there ain’t no Night Hawk Cab Co., see? It don’t exist”

            The being in black leather extracted a heavy revolver from his hip holster. He inserted the muzzle into a port that resembled an enormous antique keyhole. Triggering the weapon, he fired once. The report was muffled. A slab-like door rolled open. He stepped in.

            Mobster: “Black and blue as a bruise, it was.”

            A lavender spotlight flashed out, then a tall Frankenstein in black leather stepped out. It had no face. Just a mass of black. Blank eyes reflected the light.

            Mobster: “Then he fired. Every bullet passed right through me, just as mine passed through him.”

            A low-slung black-and-blue machine, with a powerful engine, roared into life. Oversized headlights blazed. A long coffin-shaped hood decorated with a striking hawk nose ornament and gleaming supercharger coils surged forward …

            Mobster: “Thought I’d ram it. Instead, I went clean through like it was made of fog.”

            The Night Hawk Cab passed through the iron gate of the cemetery like through a mirage, then disappeared into a tomb. Above the iron door was carved a single word, QUINN, the family tomb of the city’s founder.

            There has only been one story featuring this interesting character that I know of. It’s curious that the family name is Quinn. A possible homage to The Black Bat, maybe. But this pulp hero is truly a ghost, with phantom bullets and automobile. But certainly a lot of fun.

“The Night Hawk” DOUBLE DANGER TALES #50