This week, it’s a mixed bag of material, all from authors I’ve covered before. We have the return of the lawyer who can do no wrong; a Gold Medal writer trying out his new set of spurs; and finally, an early adventure from a character whose series is slowly drawing to a close. Also, for those who come here for the covers, that first one is a personal favorite. I mean, hotsie-totsie!
PERRY MASON SOLVES THE CASE OF THE DARING DIVORCEE by Erle Stanley Gardner — Sometimes I wish I could go back into time to the 1970s and pick up every mystery paperback, because I just love the photo covers from that time. Perry Mason books are a mixed bag; they are so plentiful that to come across a dud is no surprise. This 1964 one is not stellar Mason by any stretch, since it’s one of those books that not only shows its age, but falters because of it.
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It’s another collection of some of my favorite brainless reading. If there were ever books I knew going in that not only would deliver in mindless fun, but also be read in no time, it’s definitely the three paperbacks below. Let that soak in before the super-duper spy surprise at the end. Here’s a hint: Sam Jackson is a much better choice than David Hasselhoff.
THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. #7: THE RADIOACTIVE CAMEL AFFAIR by Peter Leslie — I think this might be the last MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. book I own, since my source for these closed a few years ago. That’s kinda sad, because these tie-ins come off as bigger-budget versions of the TV series.
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Four-color fun is what this column is all about, with one artist taking center stage: the late, great Jack Kirby. Now, I’m not one to shell out big money for hardcover collections, but Kirby is a good reason to part with some greenbacks, and these four books from DC Comics show the master at work in various types. (The chances of me buying a FANTASTIC FOUR OMNIBUS is still a long way away.)
JACK KIRBY’S FOURTH WORLD OMNIBUS VOLUME ONE and VOLUME TWO — Back in the day when I was still hitting my local comic shop on a weekly basis, DC had the bright idea of reissuing some of these titles in paperback. The problem — and, boy, was it a major disappointment — was that all the art was in grayscale. I like black-and-white comics, and the DC SHOWCASE line has been a godsend — but these titles were meant to be seen in glorious color, which these 2007 hardcovers not only nail, but do so on old-school comic-book paper.
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As my dear readers know by now, I try to come up with a theme each week. Wow, did this column take some time and effort. My first two ideas were tossed out the window after starting what would have been the second book for one idea and the third book for the other. You will see why once you read my take on the second book I did cover. Bottom line: This week’s column is a mishmash, for lack of better words.
THE PRISONER OF ZENDA and RUPERT OF HENTZAU by Anthony Hope — These stories are the definition of old-school adventure with enough political intrigue to go around. I had a problem or two reading them, mainly because they are both more than 100 years old, with ZENDA dating back to 1894, so getting used to Hope’s writing is a bit of a challenge at first. Be forewarned: You might have to reread certain sentences a few times.
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