With the recent relaunch of The Destroyer line, the fine folks at Forge also have released THE BEST OF THE DESTROYER, an omnibus collection of what many consider three of the best in the early run of Warren Murphy and Richard Sapir’s series starring Remo Williams. These were all picked by Murphy, who contributes a new introduction. Also included are the original ’80s introductions for the first two novels, with a counterpoint from a certain Korean.

Up first is CHINESE PUZZLE; although the third in the series, it’s considered by many to be the true start, since it was the first to really get things right, from the banter between Remo and mentor Chiun to the nonstop action we’ve all come to expect.

PUZZLE’s basic plot is that a Chinese general has been kidnapped on his trip to the United States. It’s up to the men from CURE to find out who is behind it and why. Along for the ride is the general’s wife, who doesn’t seem to be playing fair.

I can’t stress how much fun this story is. Sapir and Murphy were firing on all cylinders in this tale, especially in the relationship of Remo and Chiun for this early in the game. There is a sense that Remo might not work out in his super-spy position, but of course, we all know better.

The second story is SLAVE SAFARI, set in the mythical nation of Busati, a country that resembles that hotbed Uganda. This time out, Remo and Chiun are sent there to investigate the government to – as hard as this is to believe – keep the leader in power. But once they arrive, Chiun has other ideas of repaying an old debt.

This only scratches the surface of the story, which also includes a militant former football player and a white slavery ring that is part of a chamber of horrors. There are some great moments to be enjoyed, especially early on when Remo is approached about being hired by a man who does not like to ever hear “no.” Throw in some more of that great bickering between Chiun and Remo, and you have yourself another great Destroyer adventure.

Closing out this top-notch collection is ASSASSINS’ PLAYOFF, with the discovery of a Folcroft employee dead from exposure. But the body also has four hits to it that separate his arms and legs. This puts Remo’s boss in a bit of panic, hoping Remo and Chiun can figure out who is responsible and what connection there is to a card game where men are brutally beaten to death.

This novel just kicks all sorts of major ass for Remo fans, and you easily can see why it’s included, from the team splitting off for a bit as Chiun needs to go back to his hometown, to Remo dealing with kamikaze-type assassins. It all comes to a head in Korea with the discovery of man named Mr, Winch and his connection to Chiun. Remo’s arrival in Sinanju and his first words about the village are priceless.

Now that Remo and Chiun are with a new publisher, let’s hope for more reissues of the old stuff as well. These are the best of the best, but there is so much more in the Remo canon that I’d love to see back in print. So let’s all thank Forge for putting out such a great collection of a character who has his bad days now behind him. –Bruce Grossman

Buy it at Amazon.

OTHER BOOKGASM REVIEWS OF THESE AUTHORS:
• THE DESTROYER #14: JUDGMENT DAY by Richard Sapir and Warren Murphy
• THE DESTROYER #22: BRAIN DRAIN by Richard Sapir and Warren Murphy
• THE DESTROYER #48: PROFIT MOTIVE by Richard Sapir and Warren Murphy
• THE DESTROYER #49: SKIN DEEP by Warren Murphy
• THE DESTROYER #78: BLUE SMOKE AND MIRRORS by Will Murray
• THE DESTROYER #104: ANGRY WHITE MAILMEN by Will Murray
• THE DESTROYER #145: DRAGON BONES by Tim Somheil
• GRANDMASTER by Warren Murphy
• THE NEW DESTROYER: GUARDIAN ANGEL by Warren Murphy and James Mullaney
• TRACE: GETTING UP WITH FLEAS by Warren Murphy