For those who grew up reading the Bantam paperback editions of Kenneth Robeson‘s Doc Savage tales, this is a mash-up hoot.
A while back I had the idea of creating a few mock Doc Savage covers featuring the Man of Bronze in adventures with other iconic horror, fantasy and sci-fi characters. Recently I’ve had a little extra time on my hands, so gathering my copies of the Bantam Doc paperbacks with the wonderful cover art by James Bama, illustrator extraordinaire, (yes, my set is complete, thank you) and other images I lovingly created the pastiches you see below.
The resulting covers are a mixed bag, some brilliant, some “just” a good chuckle (many are shown at the bottom of the page, others only show up when you click on the virtual bookshelf). As much fun, though, are the back cover blurbs (flawlessly Photoshopped onto the classic Bantam backs) which breathlessly summarize the plot of the novel that never was.
WHO IS “THE DOCTOR”? WHO was this bizarre character with no name, WHO claims he can travel through all Time and Space? WHO will show the Man of Bronze the secrets of history past as well as a glimpse of a terrifying future? WHOI is this strange man of mystery WHO needs the help of Doc Savage and his Iron Crew to defeat a villain WHO would be Time’s Master?
Fun.
That’s awesome in many ways, but it’s a *perfect* example of the tone and scope for SotC character creation novels. Great find! Thanks.
I’d not thought of a tie to “Spirit of the Century,” but you’re right — any of those blurbs could be used as a setup for an adventure or a background.