PULP ARK DAY TWO-AWARDS AND AUCTION!

Saturday, May 14th, 2011
After the final panel ended for the day, most of the stalwart band of PULP ARKers, guests and fans alike, went out for a nice, large dinner at Colton's Steak House.  The table filled with over thirty guests went from one wall of their largest room to the other.  As had quickly become the norm, great fun and camaraderie was had by all. 

Following that, PULP ARK continued with the presentation of the first annual PULP ARK Awards!  These awards covered ten categories and had been voted on after nominations were taken late last year.  Nine of the awards were voted on by anyone who made a nomination in just one of the nine categories.  The Lifetime Achievement Award was chosen by a hand selected committee of ten, who each made three initial nominations, then the top three of those were voted on to determine the winner. 



Rob Davis and Ron Fortier accepting BEST PULP COMIC
The Pulptress in the background

 Several awards were accepted by their winners, others by proxies.

 The First Annual PULP ARK Awards went to-

BEST BOOK-Gregg Taylor for TALES OF THE RED PANDA: THE ANDROID ASSASSINS

BEST COVER-Anthony Perkins for TALES OF THE RED PANDA: THE ANDROID ASSASSINS

BEST SHORT STORY-Phil Bledsoe for THE MOUNTAIN GOATS OF MADNESS

Tommy Hancock accepting BEST PULP MAGAZINE

BEST INTERIOR ART-ANTHONY CASTRILLO for THE ROOK, VOLUME 5

BEST PULP COMIC-Ron Fortier and Redbud Studios for BOSTON BOMBERS

BEST PULP MAGAZINE-Fuller Bumpers and Tommy Hancock and Pro Se Productions for MASKED GUN MYSTERY

BEST PULP REVIVAL-Adam Lance Garcia for GREEN LAMA UNBOUND

BEST AUTHOR-Barry Reese

BEST NEW WRITER-Tommy Hancock

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD-Tom and Ginger Johnson

Art Sippo Accepting Lifetime Achievement Award for
Tom and Ginger Johnson

Following the award, the first annual PULP ARK Art Auction was held.  Three artists contributed pieces-Rob Davis of Airship 27 and Pete Cooper and Dalton Carpenter of Pro Se Productions.  Although the bidding was quick, there were a few heated wars amongst fans for some of the available pieces, but everyone enjoyed themselves and it must be noted 80% of the proceeds went back to the artist!  This will be an event that will continue at PULP ARK!

Barry Reese Accepting BEST AUTHOR Award

A major announcement, or actuall revelation was made during the Awards and Auction.   The mysterious masked lady that had been seen frequently since Pulp Ark started, at one point in her standard striped shirt, suspenders, skirt, and fedora and at another in a rather stylish cowgirl outfit, was on hand to give out the awards.  Her identity was revealed by Tommy Hancock to be that of THE PULPTRESS!  Hancock explained that this Pulp Heroine for the 21st Century would be promoting Pro Se Productions but equally as important would be the spokesmodel for the New Pulp Movement as well.  The applause and pictures being snapped around the room signalled that this announcement was a positive one.  The Pulptress, still shrouded in mystery, was very pleased to be a part of all the activity and vowed to promote New Pulp along with her never ending battle against Evil. You can now join The Pulptress's page on Facebook!  Just search for The Pulptress and she'll be there!




Tommy Hancock accepting BEST NEW WRITER Award


 After the Convention wrapped up for the evening, most of the participants once more gathered in the Comfort Suites conference room for an impromptu New Pulp meeting.  The results of this conversation are still being developed and will be announced soon!

PULP ARK 2011-CASE OF THE BLOODY PULP, PART TWO

Saturday, May 14th, 2011

While there were three scheduled acts of THE CASE OF THE BLOODY PULP throughout the weekend, there was also a rousing impromptu fight scene amongst the principals on Saturday.  Following that, new characters joined old and the story continued....

THE CASE OF THE BLOODY PULP, ACT TWO

CAST-
Merlin Montgomery-Tommy Hancock
Benita Isadore Magready (Bim)-Shannon O'Cain
Newt the Newsboy-Alex Hancock
Simon Sanders, The Rogue-Brian Coltharp
Nikola Deveraux-Tanya McClure
August-Bo Elrod
Captain Mordechai Maelstrom-David Jones
Buster-Lucas Smith
Penny Preston-Megan Smith
Little Sister-Mackenzie Haugh

ACT TWO

(Scene opens with Capt’n Mordechai, Buster, Penny Preston, and Little Sister entering the area.)



LITTLE SISTER, NIKOLA DEVERAUX, PENNY PRESTON
CAPT'N MORDECHAI, BUSTER
BLOODY PULP, ACT TWO



PENNY-Now, really Captain.   It’s not necessary to come all this way with us.  You’ve done a fine job in helping me, but surely you have other things to do.

CAPT’N-Miss Preston, I told ya once, I told ya twenty.  Ya hired me and my mate Buster here out of a bar in the South Pacific-

BUSTER-Nope, Capt’n Mordechai, you were in the bar, I was workin’ on the plane engine.  I’m always workin’ on the plane engine.

CAPT’N-Easy, Buster…Ya hired us to help ya get that scrap of sack ya got there…

PENNY-Parchment, Captain.  A piece of ancient parchment.  The last piece I needed to wrap up this story for my newspaper.

LITTLE SISTER-Parch…parchme….I thought it was paper, Penny!

PENNY- Quiet, little sister.  It is paper.  Old paper.

LITTLE SISTER-That old people wrote on!

BUSTER-Not old people.  Ancient people, people who lived a long time ago..

LITTLE SISTER-Don’t know about that…but its old people, old like you!

BUSTER-Why you- I’m not all old, I’m barely sixteen- I’m

CAPT’N-WINGFLAPS AND TAILWINDS, WILL YOU BE QUIET?!? (Calms down) As I was sayin’, Miss Preston, you hired us and Capt’n Mordechai Maelstrom sees out any job he takes to the very tip top end.  From the time my Gone Gander leaves the ground till the last time it lands.

LITTLE SISTER, PENNY PRESTON, BUSTER, ROGUE
CAPT'N MORDECHAI
BLOODY PULP, ACT TWO

PENNY-Yes, I see.  Well that would have been the return trip to New York so I could secure this parchment with the Museum, then finished my feature article.  But when we got that phone call, mysterious as it was, telling us the JC Givens ‘Bloody Pulp’ was on display at this convention, we just had to come here.  This could be the end of the greatest mystery of the 20^th Century.

CAPT’N-Aye. Or the end of somethin’ else.

PENNY-Such as….

BUSTER-He gets like this every time something disrupts a flight plan.  He means our lives.

CAPT’N- Goin’ off course never means good for nobody.  ‘Specially when yer dealin’ with….things that go bump in the night.

LITTLE SISTER-Monsters?  We’re dealin’ with monsters??

PENNY-No, no Little Sister, Capt’n Mordechai’s just being melodramatic.  It happens when people get ‘ancient’.

CAPT’N-Say what ya will, lady.    It’s been said before and worse.   But I’ve seen scrawl like that on that there scrap you have.  And it’s never meant nothin’ but agony and despair.

PENNY-I don’t rightly know that it means anything more than some long dead person’s shopping list, Captain.   We might find out more if we knew who’d called us to come here.

FIGHT SCENE BETWEEN CAPT'N AND ROGUE
BLOODY PULP, ACT TWO

ROGUE-(He must walk up behind Mordechai) That, my dear intrepid lady reporter, would be me.

PENNY-You?  And who might you be?

ROGUE- I am Si-

(Mordechai turns and sees the ROGUE and interrupts)

CAPT’N-Why I’ll tell ya who ya have here, Miss Preston.  The triple crossingest, back stabbin, no good for nothing wastrel the world has ever produced….

ROGUE-Now Mordechai-

CAPT’N-Been a long time, Rogue.

ROGUE-Yes…indeed.  What, three years?

CAPT’N-Four.  See, I kept real good count because I spent a year of that lost in the Himalayas eatin’ what friends I made brung me.  And you said it would be in and out, save the world you said.

ROGUE-Why yes, I probably did say that.  You know me, though, Mordechai, I am my whole world. So save the world, line my pockets, you say tomato and I say-

CAPT’N-Your prayers.   (fight between them that stops when-)

PENNY-STOP!  We do not have time for this! I have a deadline to meet!

NIKOLA-(Appears suddenly) She is right.  There is no time for this!  And my deadline, that set by my dearly departed parents, is long past!

BUSTER-Well I’ll be gassed and gone!  Who is THAT?

NIKOLA-I am the reason you are here, handsome boy.

NIKOLA THREATENS LITTLE SISTER
BLOODY PULP, ACT TWO

PENNY- But I thought that this man here-

CAPT’N-Another lie from the lips of The Rogue.  ‘Magine that.

ROGUE-Again, Capt’n, what you call a lie, I saw as an opportunity.

NIKOLA-A missed one, Simon Sanders.  One that, were I not so distracted with other things, would cost you your life.

ROGUE-Thank goodness for your short attention span then.

PENNY-All right, I really don’t understand any of this.  All I know is I was told the Bloody Pulp would be here and I would get to look at it to add to my story.

NIKOLA-Oh, indeed you shall see it, Miss Preston.   And if you’re foolish like others here, it may be the last thing you see…or you could live in the new world…one that will be born from ashes and fire when I am done!  That will be a story to tell!

ROGUE-Too bad that little news hawk of a kid snatched it and ran off.  You and your trained retriever have looked a whole day for him.  And still no bloody pulp.

NIKOLA-Yes, a whole day we looked! And in the last few minutes, Mr. Sanders, we FOUND! August, come!

(August comes in, dragging Newt by the arm, the pulp in one hand along with Newt’s newspaper bag)

AUGUST-Yes, Madam! I am here and so is this worthless criminal!

NEWT-LEGGO A’ ME…..LEGGO!

AUGUST-(throws him to the floor) Gladly!  He hid from me, Madam and even when I found him, he fought.  He hit me with this bag, but it was not filled with papers, but with BRICKS! But it was not enough! I still caught him!



NIKOLA THREATENS PENNY PRESTON
BLOODY PULP, ACT TWO



NIKOLA-Yes, August, you did.  Of course hitting you with bricks in the head would not harm you.  There is nothing there to harm!  But now, (she takes the pulp) I have one half of the two piece puzzle.  And you, Miss Preston…you have the other half.   And you will give it to me.

CAPT’N-Heck and high water she will!  You just hold onto that scrap, Miss!  Keep it close!

ROGUE-As much as I hate to, I have to agree.  I know a bit of what Nikola thinks that parchment you have will do when put with that pulp magazine!  And none of it’s good.

NIKOLA-Silence!  What do either of you fools know?  Nothing!   No one knows what is good for this world but me!  My parents, the genius Dr. Nikolai and the beautiful adventuress Lady Devereaux, they knew that the world needs to be bathed in flame and death so it can live as it truly should be!  And they taught me this, showed me, did things to me to make me the only person able to lead this new world!

BUSTER-Capt’n, I hear the airways callin’ us….

PENNY-I really don’t understand any of this, but it smells enough to tell me that there’s no way you’re getting this parchment!

NIKOLA-Oh, but there is one way….

(NIKOLA snatches LITTLE SISTER and holds one of her sharpened nails, knife, etc to her neck)

LITTLE SISTER-Help! Let me go! Penny, help!

NIKOLA-Yes, darling Penny.  Help her, won’t you?  If you don’t….I will.

CAPT’N-Miss Preston, don’t!

ROGUE-Back up, Mordechai (gun drawn)



NIKOLA GAINS UPPER HAND
BLOODY PULP, ACT TWO



CAPT’N-You lily livered-

ROGUE-Again, perception….I’m just tying up with the winning side.

NIKOLA-Ilk of your sort always drifts to the top.

ROGUE-We’ll discuss how high later.

BUSTER-Whatta we do?

PENNY-I…I don’t have any choice.  She’s…got my sister.  Here.  (hands her the parchment)

NIKOLA-Yes! (As she takes the parchment in one hand and the pulp in the other, Capt’n and Buster both get ready to charge, but Rogue and August step forward, guns ready. Nikola shoves LITTLE SISTER away and grabs Penny and holds her hostage).  Now I have everything I need!

CAPTN-What in the flyin-  Let go of ‘er, you got that bit of rag you wanted.

NIKOLA:  Many believe that the parchment is a key, something to use to translate the words in the stanza…but it’s more than that! (She opens the pulp and lays the parchment on the page)  It is a lens, a mystical window that when laid on the stanza, on the incantation makes it clear as day to read! Yes, even now the lines and symbols are twisting into words! I can read it!

(Merlin and Bim bust in)

BIM-We’re too late, Merlin!

MERLIN-Nikola, stop!  You can’t know the whole story!  If you did, you wouldn’t-

NIKOLA-Oh but I do know, Merlin!  And I will!   I will release the greatest evil known to the universe and lead it around like a whimpering hound on a leash!  (Turns gun on Penny) Read it, girl! 

PENNY-No!  Please, no!

NIKOLA-Read it! You will enjoy it so much more than dying!

PENNY: “Death and hatred,  take you life!

Murder and sin, become flesh and bone!

Walk this earth and spread your strife!

‘less you are laid low by man crafted stone!

(Lots of hubbub, smoke, whatever can be managed) Penny collapses and rises up again as SHEVARA

LIL SISTER-PENNY!!



PENNY PRESTON, POSSESSED
BLOODY PULP, ACT TWO



SHEVARA-WHO TEARS AWAY THE MYSTICAL CHAINS THAT BOUND SHE WHOM ALL FEAR?  WHO DARES RISK THE ENTIRE WORLD TO SUMMON SHEVARA?

NIKOLA-That will be I, Nikola Devereaux…new Mistress of this World and your Keeper!

SHEVARA- (laughs evilly)  SHE WHOM ALL FEAR KNOWS NO KEEPER! AND THIS WORLD WILL BE NOTHING BUT A MORSEL AND YOU ALL CRUMBS!

NIKOLA-What?  No, I command you to-

SHEVARA-YOU COMMAND NO ONE! (Waves her hand and the whole cast freezes)  THIS IS MY STAGE NOW! (she wavers) BUT…YEARS DETAINED…HAVE WEAKENED ME….AND THERE IS NOT ENOUGH HATRED AND HORROR HERE…I MUST GO FEED….BUT SHALL RETURN TO CLAIM ALL THAT IS MINE..STARTING HERE! (Puff of smoke and she’s gone)

BUSTER-What just happened??

NIKOLA-(drops to her knees) I…Mother…Father… I have failed…

MERLIN-I think humanity just all ended up on the same side.

BUSTER-This could be...the end of the world.

BIM-Don’t worry, we’ve been there before.

END OF ACT TWO

PULP ARK DAY TWO-PANELS AND CLASSROOMS-OH MY!

Saturday, May 14, 2011


PULP ARK BREAKFAST!

 Everyone, after breakfast together at the hotel, arrived at the only full day of PULP ARK programming ready to learn and listen in the PULP ARK classrooms and panels.   The information shared, the tips given, and the chance for fans and creators to talk to some of the leading New Pulp publishers and writers made the second day of PULP ARK one well worth remembering.







Covering the Panels and Classrooms in order-



Wayne Skiver and his son Victor!

 9-10 AM-CLASSROOM-Wayne Skiver's ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT DOC SAVAGE!
This classroom's title speaks for itself.  AGE OF ADVENTURE Publisher and Doc Savage historian Wayne Skiver discussed many things Doc with several PULP ARK attendees and fans.  Using visual aids of all sorts, Wayne delved into Doc's history, impact and influence!







10-11 AM-PANEL-Meet Pro Se Productions!


PANELISTS
Barry Reese
Lee Houston, Jr.
Nancy Hansen
Erwin K. Roberts
Ken Janssens
Pete Cooper
Kicked off with a quick introduction by Tommy Hancock, the Pro Se Family of creators shared their histories, their concepts, and their creations with fans and other creators.  Each discussed the properties they have with Pro Se, current plans, and future possibilities!

1-2:00 PM-CLASSROOM-ROB DAVIS-How to Pick a Pulp Scene to Illustrate



Rob Davis teaching Class!

 A crucial part of the Pulp Experience, for Classic and New Pulp alike, is the involvement of an artist.  Airship 27 Partner and Artist Extraordinaire Rob Davis gave pointers on how to determine which scene of a story to illustrate for the greatest impact and best compliment to the tale being told!








2-3:00 PM-AIRSHIP 27 PANEL-Writing New Classic Pulp Adventures Moderator – Ron Fortier

Airship Panel!
From Left, Ron Fortier, Van Plexico, Bob Kennedy, Art Sippo,
Barry Reese, Bobby Nash

PANELISTS
Van Plexico
Art Sippo
Robert Kennedy
Barry Reese
Bobby Nash

Moderated by one of the first publishers and authors to break into New Pulp, this Panel focused on the ins and outs of creating, writing, and promoting New Pulp Adventures, stories that would appeal to all types, young and old, collector and fan, avid reader or curious passer-by!  The minds and voices of this Panel are major forces in the movement that is known as New Pulp!

3-4:00 PM- CLASSROOM- TOMMY HANCOCK-History AND Pulp-Bringing Reality and Fiction Together


BOOK CAVE's Ric Croxton(left) and Tommy Hancock

 New Pulp Author and Publisher and Masters Level Historian Tommy Hancock discussed and explained the truth behind the adage 'Reality is Stranger than Fiction' and pointed out various points in World and US History that were more pulpy than any author could write.  Hancock also illustrated how to best utilize History in Pulp and ways it would improve stories and increase interest.






4-5:00 PM-PANEL-SUPER HERO PULP-Moderator-Van Plexico

From Left-
BOOK CAVE'S Ric Croxton, Bobby Nash,
Van Plexico, Wayne Reinagel

PANELISTS
Wayne Reinagel
Bobby Nash

Led by Van Plexico, the man who almost single-handedly pioneered Cosmic super hero tales in the New Pulp Movement, these three epic authors discussed very concepts of Super Heroes, what makes these stories Pulps, how to develop characters and ways to make Super Hero Pulp tales exciting, fast paced, and more engaging than comic books!

PULP ARK - DAY ONE DINNER

Friday, May 13th, 2011, later....
 

Left to Right-Tommy Hancock, Wayne Reinagel, Van Plexico

Ron Fortier (left) and Rob Davis

          Although everyone did not get a chance to attend, many of the guests and vendors went to eat at the end of a very awesome first day.  The Pulp adventurers gathered for fine Mexican food at El Tres Amigos in Batesville and a good time was had by all.  Tommy Hancock sat down at the table, strictly ordering that no conversation take place that would cause him to have ideas...the dinner ended with him having two!  






          But the conversation and discussion that provided both inspirations...more on those later in the PULP ARK coverage...was fantastic and welcomed!  Following dinner, most of the guests reconvened at the Comfort Suites in the conference room for another hour or so of fellowship!

PULP ARK DAY ONE-RADIO LIVES AGAIN!

Friday, May 13th, 2011, 6 PM

Tommy Hancock getting RADIO LIVES AGAIN started!

As a part of the first day of activities at PULP ARK, Coordinator Tommy Hancock invited several writers to adapt excerpts from their stories for a live audio old time radio style recording.  One writer adapted a script himself and Hancock had time to adapt two other scripts.  What then ensued was tremendous fun and lots of bravery and performing by volunteers.  Each excerpt was performed unrehearsed live and with sound effects. 

The first, an excerpt from Van Plexico's GIDEON CAIN, stars Ron Fortier as a demon, Plexico as Cain, and Tommy Hancock as Cain's Arab Companion.  LANCE STAR, SKY RANGER, written by Bobby Nash, followed, with Fuller Bumpers as Lance, Rob Davis as Ice, Art Sippo as Andrew, Alex Hancock as Bar Guy and Tommy Hancock as Announcer.  The final scene is from Wayne Reinagel's KHAN DYNASTY with Patrick Cranford as Kong, Rob Davis as Bart, and Tommy Hancock as Chang Lee!  Follow the link below to download the whole event AND all the con chatter that went on inbetween scenes!

http://www.filedropper.com/pulpark

PULP ARK DAY ONE-ALL PULP PANEL!

Friday, May 13th, 5-6:00 PM

The first panel of the first ever Pulp Ark was hosted and manned by six of the seven men behind the first full blown news site dedicated to Pulp.  Six of the Spectacled Seven (You were missed, Sarge Portera!) made up this panel and shared news from various New Pulp publishers, a lot of which they were involved in in some way or another.....Taking one at a time, we'll start with...

Barry Reese-

 Barry Reese (on right) with Ron Fortier  Has stories in The Green Hornet Casefiles and The Avenger Justice Inc. Files from Moonstone. Rook Volume Six is coming out in late May- Early June, 2011 from Pro Se Productions The Family Grace Collection, focusing on the adventuring family that is the backbone of the Rook Universe, is coming out later this year from Pro Se Productions. Lazarus Gray vol. 1, a collection of Reese's Sovereign City Project stories, will be out in September, 2011 and his first full length Lazarus Gray novel, DIE GLOCKE, is in progress. Bobby Nash-  Bobby Nash (on right) with Wayne Reinagel  Bobby has a few anthologies and comic books coming out featuring stories in the next several months. Theose include The Green Hornet Casefiles (Moonstone), Tales From The Zero Hour Vol. 4: Weird Tales (Blinding Force Productions), Lance Star: Sky Ranger Vol. 3 (Airship 27), Secret Agent X Vol. 4 (Airship 27), The Danger People (New Babel Books), Aym Geronimo and the Post Modern Pioneers: Tall Tales, The Ruby Files (Airship 27), Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar (Moonstone), The Wraith (Airship 27), The Avenger (Moonstone), Domino Lady Vs. The Mummy (Moonstone), untitled Abyss Walker Universe anthology, Frontier (BEN Books), and more. Van Plexico-  Van Plexico (on right) with Bobby Nash   Van's new Sentinels novel, STELLARAX, from White Rocket Books, will be in stores by mid-June.  It is the seventh volume in the series overall, and completes the big, cosmic "Rivals" trilogy. A story ("Thunder Over China") in LANCE STAR: SKY RANGER, Vol. 3, coming soon from Airship 27. Van is involved in Bobby Nash's and Sean Taylor's upcoming SF action anthology. Van's 45,000-word novella is featured in the second MARS McCOY: SPACE RANGER anthology from Airship 27, coming possibly later this year. Van created and is editing an SF action-adventure anthology for White Rocket Books:  BLACKTHORN: THUNDER ON MARS.  It's a sort of John Carter - meets - Thundarr deal.  Look for that one toward the end of the year. Derrick Ferguson-  Derrick Ferguson (on right) with Art Sippo  A Fortune McCall collection, part of the Sovereign City Project, later this year (October) from Pro Se Productions A special project with Joshua Reynolds forAirship 27 Productions. A collection of Dillon stories later this year from Pulpwork Press. Ron Fortier- KALUTA  BOARDS AIRSHIP 27 Ron Fortier (on left) with Barry Reese World famous graphic artist, Michael Kaluta has signed on to provide both cover art and interior illustrations for Airship 27 Productions forthcoming title, CHALLENGER STORM, Isle of Blood; the first in a new pulp series by writer Don Gates. Kaluta’s comics work began in the 1970s working on such titles as “House of Secrets” and “Web of Horror.”  It was during this time he created fortune teller Madam Xanadu for Editor Joe Orlando.  His work on DC’s Shadow comics is considered the best graphic portrayal of that classic pulp hero ever produced.  He also illustrated Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Carson of Venus for that same company.  From 1975 to 1979, he was a member of “The Studio” along with Barry Windsor-Smith, Bernie Wrightson and Jeff Jones.  He’s an award winning painter and illustrator who had contributed to role playing games and illustrated numerous music album covers.  In 2003 he was named a Spectrum Grand Master in recognition of his vast and influential body of work. “We, at Airship 27 Productions are extremely thrilled and honored to be working with a true living legend of American art,” said Ron Fortier, Managing Editor.  Airship 27 Productions is one of the leading producers of new pulp fiction novels and anthologies, their titles being published by Cornerstone Book Publishers of New Orleans.  Challenger Storm is a rollicking, old fashion pulp adventure in the grand tradition of Doc Savage and Captain Hazzard and is Gates’ first book in a planned series.  “We hope to have the book out by the end of the year,” Fortier went on to add.  “Mr. Kaluta is always much in demand and we are not about to rush such beautiful artwork.”  Kaluta’s latest foray into pulp prose will soon be seen on the cover of Moonstone’s Green Hornet Casefiles due out in few weeks. PHANTOM  SCRIBE  TACKLES  S & S  NOVEL Airship 27 Table at PULP ARK! Airship 27 Productions is pleased to announce that well known Phantom comic writer, Mike Bullock, has agreed to write a new sword & sorcery novel for the company titled THE RUNEMASTER. Bullock is an award winning fiction writer, poet and former professional musician. Born in Washington DC, Bullock grew up reading comic books, comic strips and pulp fiction. He’s translated this love of fast-paced imaginative story-telling into a successful career as a comic book and prose author. Having worked on enduring characters from Black Bat and Captain Future to Sonic the Hedgehog and Zorro, Bullock cemented his place in the annals of speculative fiction by authoring more Phantom stories than any other American author aside from Lee Falk. His original works include Lions, Tigers and Bears, The Gimoles, Death Angel and more. Bullock’s Lions, Tigers and Bears was optioned by Paramount Pictures in 2010 as a feature film. The Runemaster marks Bullock’s first foray into novel writing and tells the story of  Skarl Kirwall, a man born during the Last Great War and destined to lead his clan as the next Runemaster. When he is betrayed by a friend, Skarl is banished from his village and later learns of its destruction at the hands of their bitter enemies, the Ysling clan. While mourning the loss of his family and clan, Skarl discovers the woman he loves has been dragged off to be sacrificed to Ysfang, the World Serpent. Armed with only his mighty sword and cunning, Skarl sets off across the frozen wastes to rescue her and somehow regain his rightful role as the Runemaster.  Forged in the fires of Conan, Beowulf and Braveheart, steeped in Norse legendry and baptized in the blood of those who would oppose him comes the Runemaster. Tommy Hancock -  From Moonstone Entertainment- Moonstone at PULP ARK!  RETURN OF THE MONSTERS! Moonstone Announces Halloween Pulps Coming this October from Moonstone Books - Four pulp horror books sure to frighten and delight you. In ANGELS AND THE UNDEAD writer Mike Bullock and artist  Eric Johns tell a tale of spine-chilling fear as Death Angel and Black Bat team up to face none other than the Lord of Vampires: Dracula in the haunted halls of the historic Phaidor Hotel. THE WEREWOLF WAR MASSACRES written by Martin Powell and illustrated by Jay Piscopo asks the question "Has the Master of Men finally met his Monstrous Match?" From the mind of Aaron Shaps comes the third book, PHANTOM DETECTIVE: THE BLOOD OF FRANKENSTEIN the monster enjoys a new lease on life, illustrated by Kalman Andrasofszky and Jim McKern. The fourth Halloween horror from Moonstone was announced at PULP ARK by author Bobby Nash.  Bobby recently completed and submitted to Tombstone a script titled THE PERFECT MATE pitting The Domino Lady against The Mummy! The art is by Rock Baker and Jeff Austin. Covers for at least three of these pulp terror tales brought to you by Dan Brereton. Look for these and more in October, only from Moonstone Books. Decoder Ring Theater  Tommy Hancock  Tommy is penning a new six episode series for Decoder Ring Theater.  Known for its audio drama podcasts starring fan favorites The Red Panda and Black Jack Justice, DRT, headed up by Gregg Taylor, is the home for great modern pulp audio.  Hancock's new series, THE WEIRD WEST ADVENTURES OF HUNT AND PECK, is based on characters created by Taylor for a recent episode of DRT's RED PANDA where The Panda and his sidekick The Flying Squirrel go back in time to the Old West.  Hancock's six episodes will pick up where THE WILD WEST episode leaves off. Pro Se Productions  Nancy Hansen and Ken Janssens with Pro Se at PULP ARK  Pro Se is moving into audio!! Tommy Hancock announced that in partnership with Broken Sea Audio, Pro Se would be releasing audio book versions of some of its product this year, including issues of its three magazine titles, Hancock's own novel, YESTERYEAR, and Barry Reese's THE ROOK, VOLUME SIX. Tommy reviewed upcoming publications from Pro Se Productions, including works by Nancy Hansen, Lee Houston, Jr., Ken Janssens and others. BULLOCK BRINGS TOTEM TO PRO SE!  Pro Se Productions was also proud to reveal that Mike Bullock, noted author of Moonstone's THE PHANTOM, writer of comics such as SAVAGE BEAUTY, and an upcoming BLACK BAT Original Graphic Novel as well as his own original work, including LIONS, TIGERS, AND BEARS, will be joining the ranks of Pro Se for his first every prose short story collection! Bullock brings an original character like none other to Pro Se's stellar cast of characters.  Bullock's TOTEM, VOLUME ONE will feature four stories focused on the title character, one rich in both history and tied to the supernatural!  Expect TOTEM VOLUME ONE by Mike Bullock to be out early next year from Pro Se Productions and stay tuned to http://www.pulpmachine.blogspot.com/ for more information on this fantastic creation by one of today's best New Pulp writers as it becomes available!

The Pro Se Panel at Pulp Ark 2010

PULP ARK-CASE OF THE BLOODY PULP ACT ONE!

4:30 PM, Friday, May 13th, 2011 PULP ARK

PULP ARK settled into a groove pretty quickly, everyone eager to meet fans, but visiting with each other and hammering out ideas and making suggestions as well. Then a newsboy walked in hollering 'EXTRA! EXTRA! followed by two people who set up a magazine on a stand, and began going on about mystical happenings, disappeared authors, and things that go bump in the night.  A few minutes later, a black suave stranger with a gun strolls in followed soon by a black clad progeny of the Nazi party and her pet boy...Yup, you guessed it, the first act of Pulp Ark's original Pulp Play THE CASE OF THE BLOODY PULP had begun!

THE CASE OF THE BLOODY PULP, written and directed by Tommy Hancock is a Pulp Play that went on throughout the entire convention in the midst of the regular flow of the event.  Although pictures were taken, none have surfaced at this time and will be posted when they do.  In lieu of that, however, I will be posting the acts of the play in the order they were performed right here!  So without further ado...

CAST-
Newt the Newsboy-Alex Hancock
Merlin Montgomery-Tommy Hancock
Benita Isadore Magready (Bim)-Shannon O'Cain
Simon Sanders, The Rogue-Brian Coltharp
J.C. Givens-David Jones
Nikola Deveraux-Tanya McClure
August-Bo Elrod

THE CASE OF THE BLOODY PULP

SCENE ONE

(Scene opens with Newt the Newsboy walking around room, holding up papers, shouting)

NEWT:  Extra! Extra! Read All About It.  Famous Rare Pulp Magazine on Display at Pulp Ark today!  Explorer Merlin Montgomery does it again!  Bloody Pulp supposed to be cursed, here at Pulp Ark!  Extra! Extra!

(Scene shifts to focus on Merlin Montgomery, famed explorer and Benita Isadore Magredy, Bim to almost everyone standing near b getting ready for the display.)

MONTGOMERY-There, everyone should be able to get a good look at it as they walk by, but not touch or snatch it.   We’ve given the bloody pulp a nice bit of attention.

BIM-Too much attention if you were to ask me.  More than that bit of ink and paper deserves.

MERLIN (laughs) I understand, Bim, but this yellowing print and fading words is a piece of history.  Not only is it the only existing piece of the work of JC Givens left, there’s all the stories surrounding ir.

BIM-That’s for sure and certain what I mean! I’ve tagged along with you long enough to know that anything that is hexed, vexed, damned, or cursed should be destroyed, shredded, shot, and buried!  Like that little ugly statue we found in Georgia, you know, Merlin, in that abandoned sani-

MERLIN-BIM!  That’ll be enough.  I’m sure this won’t turn out to be that kind of fiasco. 

MERLIN-You don’t know how this will be!  I mean you might know more than most since you are an expert in most forgotten languages, but that would mean you’d have to be able read it. Can  you?

MERLIN-Yes and I see where you’re going.  The stanza at the beginning of Given’s story.  The one that has the header-IF YOU CAN READ THESE FOUR LINES, THEN SHE WHOM ALL FEAR WILL ALLOW YOU THE REST OF THE STORY’.   And to answer your question, no, I can’t read them.

BIM-Well, who could for Queen’s sake?  Just a lot of gobbledy gook thrown together.

AND THE PULP ARK DOORS OPENED!!

NOTE-All PULP ARK reports during the next two-three days, unless otherwise noted, are written by Tommy Hancock, ALL PULP Editor in Chief and PULP ARK Organizer and Creator)

Friday, May 13th, 2011


Tommy Hancock, PULP ARK Founder and Coordinator
in front of the con location!

 Even though the first ever PULP ARK Creators Conference/Fan Convention didn't officially open its doors until 12 Noon Friday, a few stalwart individuals made their appearance in the humble little burg of Batesville the night prior.  Bobby Nash, writer and Conventioneer extraordinaire was the first to appear at 151 West Main Street, formerly the Batesville Grand Opera House, currently the Cinnamon Stick Restaurant and Coffee Shoppe.  Not long after Bobby came Dr. Art Sippo, one half of the Book Cave Podcast duo and author of SUN KOH: HEIR OF ATLANTIS.  Art actually stayed until the set up and rehearsal for...well, that'll come in a bit...



Pro Se writers Ken Janssens and Lee Houston Jr at PULP ARK!

 Following set up on Thursday night and meeting up with Joe Gentile from Moonstone and Nancy Hansen, Ken Janssens, and Lee Houston Jr. from Pro Se Productions, all grew quiet until the following morning.  Other faces showed up at the Comfort Suites for breakfast on Friday, including Rob Davis and Ron Fortier with Airship 27 Productions and veteran author Barry Reese and his fantastic family.  Good conversation was had by all, basically the how-are-yous and get-to-knows...then it was off to the venue!



Wayne Skiver of Age of Adventure getting ready for business!

 For those who did not come, even pictures won't do much justice to how awesomely cool the building we held PULP ARK in was.  Originally built in the 1880s, much of the original woodwork and such is still there, but its not a pristine glowing artifice.  It's a cool, old building with an awesome below ground room.  Lovingly called 'the dungeon' by PULP ARKers this weekend, this room was originally the dressing rooms and props area for the Opera House and the walls are the exposed original stone.  Also, the lighting is low and the air is just slightly musty, so it gave a great 'cavern' feel to the room, easily everyone's favorite part of the venue.

Wayne Reinagel's epic table for his epic tales!

Once set up was done that morning, we'd added Scott and Patrick Cranford, Scott being a writer with Age of Adventure, and Ric Croxton, the other half of the Book Cave, and unlocked and opened at 12 Noon.  Although business was slow from a 'fan' standpoint, some selling took place between those of us that made up the 'Pulp crowd' as well as people curious as to just what a 'Pulp Ark' was.  The biggest plus of the day...and of the entire weekend actually...was the opportunity to meet people most of us had never physically met before and the resulting fellowship.  Not to mention the ideas...ohhh, the ideas that blossomed.



Dr. Art Sippo (left) and Derrick Ferguson at PULP ARK

 Most of our other guests and such ventured in in the late evening, including Derrick Ferguson with Pulpwork Press, Carol Fuller Samelson, Bob Kennedy, Van Plexico with White Rocket Books, Wayne Reinagel with Knightraven Studios, writer Terry Alexander, artist Pete Cooper, Pulp Dealer David White, Springfield Comics' Ron Hamilton, and Megan Smith, writer for Pro Se Productions.



OK, so Domino Lady on the right...
But who is that masked adventuress with her? hmmmm...

 Also, PULP ARK had a couple of visitors on this first day, visitors of the female AND masked variety.  One was very familiar to most Pulp fans in her black DOMINO mask and her LADY like dress and cape.  The other, however, was a mystery for much of the convention....one that revealed its bubbly, actiony adventury self later...

The official programming began at 4:30 PM with...well, that'll wait until the next report, now won't it?  Not long, kiddoes, not long!