The Ice Genius

When William Harper Littlejohn unearths a shadowy figure transfixed in ice, the renowned archeologist understands that he has made the most momentous discovery of his brilliant career. For inscribed over the frozen form is this chilling warning: “IF I STILL LIVED, MANKIND WOULD TREMBLE!” Who is this monster? Why does his name strike terror into the hearts of brave men? Can even Doc Savage control him once he breaks free of his icy tomb? From the Gobi Desert to war-torn Free China, the Man of Bronze and his fighting crew battle a threat so terrifying that it could change the course of human history….

The Ice Genius (Doc Savage)

By Kenneth Robeson (Lester Dent & Will Murray)

Altus Press www.altuspress.com

ISBN #978-1618271723

Price $24.95

446 Pages

Rating 5-Stars

William Harper Littlejohn is in Mongolia digging for fossils when he discovers an ice cave, and inside the body of a man entombed within the ice. An inscription frightens him, and he immediately sends a message to Doc Savage in New York. The message will bring Doc and his aides – along with Cadwiller Olden - on a perilous adventure that sets the world on fire. The resurrection of the man in the ice starts a wave of killing by a Mongol horde that takes Johnny to the brink of madness. Will Doc Savage be able to stop the terror that Johnny Littlejohn has released upon China?

This is another great adventure of the Man of Bronze in an epic tale that’s almost too big even for Doc Savage and his five aides. Before it’s done thousands will be slaughtered, and the world immersed in a World War. Will Murray’s creative writing continues to bring exciting adventures of Doc Savage into a new generation of readers, and another great cover by Joe DeVito graces the cover of “The Ice Genius”. Highly recommended.

Tom Johnson

Echoes Magazine

The Bronze Gazette #68

The Bronze Gazette #68

The latest issue of this great fanzine is filled with goodies, as usual. Courtney Rogers presents an article about Bob Larkin’s life, with photos and illustrations, then Howard Wright reviews Will Murray’s Skull Island, complimented by illustration from master artist Ron Wilber. Ron also does a ten-page comic book featuring scenes from Skull Island. As if that isn’t enough, the front cover is penciled by Bob Larkin, and painted by Tim Faurote. And if THAT isn’t enough, we have art by Joe DeVito and Bobb Cotter! The back cover is designed by Keith “Kez” Wilson. Whew.  I apologize for my eyesight, I am almost blind (legally blind) and cannot see the address and price rates. Check out Bill Thom’s COMING ATTRACTIONS this Friday for ordering information.

The Miracle Menace

Coming soon from Altus Press www.altuspress.com, Will Murray’s latest Wild Adventures of Doc Savage, The Miracle Menace. Great cover by Joe DeVito.

Doc Savage: Skull Island

Doc Savage: Skull Island (Action/Adventure)

By Will Murray

ISBN #978-1618271136

Altus Press www.altuspress.com

410 Pages

Price $24.95

Rating 5-Stars

In Skull Island, the new adventure of Doc Savage by Will Murray, the story opens as Doc returns from his Fortress of Solitude to find King Kong dead at the base of the Empire State Building. His aides are excited about the big ape, but Doc says, “I know this creature.” And after his team removes the huge body at the request of the mayor, Doc begins telling them the story that took him to Skull Island.

Beginning right after Doc and his friends are released from the Army following WWI, young Clark Savage is contacted by his father, Clark, Senior, and they embark on an emergency mission to find the abandoned ship floating without crew that belonged to Doc’s grandfather, Stormalong Savage. Whether intentional or not, the story is written in the formula of the 1920’s action novels, reminding me of the great old H. Rider Haggard African romance novels of the period, in which the reader is treated to a long journey of discovery and adventure. The huge tome is actually in three parts: book one The Orion, tells of their travel by sea, and numerous encounters with danger. Book two Skull Mountain Island, finds them on the jungle island of a land that time forgot where they find Doc’s marooned grandfather, Stormalong Savage, with prehistoric beasts and more danger. Book three Kong, brings in the mighty lord of the island. Throughout the narrative, Doc, Clark Senior, and even old Stormalong, have been constantly harassed by Dyak pirates who are seeking heads as trophies. They are on the island for the greatest of all trophies, the head of King Kong.

This is the story long awaited by fans of Doc Savage. We meet Doc’s father, his grandfather, and even read about his uncle, the father of Pat Savage. A lot of detail goes into Doc’s childhood, revealing much of the mystery surrounding his mother and adventurous family, and possible reasons for his early training to become a superman. To be honest, I don’t think anyone but Will Murray could have told this story; at least I’m glad he’s the one who penned the huge volume. There will undoubtedly be naysayers, and years of debate whether or not Skull Island is a masterpiece in pulp fiction, but for me this novel stands along side the best of the long series of Doc Savage adventures. And let’s not forget the addition of Kong, lord of Skull Island!