Recently Read: The Digest Enthusiast, Book Sixteen

 

The Digest Enthusiast continues to be an essential resource for readers and collectors interested in 20th century digest magazines and culture, and Book Sixteen is a good example. The volume is bookended by two deep dives into obscure but fascinating publishing history. First, Steve Carper delves into the publisher/editor Jim Quinn's Handi-Book series, a paperback/digest hybrid that was successful for far longer than one would have expected. Second, Digest Enthusiast publisher Richard Krauss digs deep into the various magazines (of many genres) edited by Robert A.W. Lowndes (RAWL) for Health Knowledge. These articles were all new to me and a great resource.

The cover article covering a bibliography of model/actress Jeanne Carmen is a fun, profusely illustrated read. Filling out the volume are articles on DC's digest comics, synopsizes of Howard Browne's 1953 Fantastic publication and Manhunt; two fiction stories by Robert Snashall and John Kuharik (I illustrated one of them) and more - all printed on colorful, clean, matter paper. Recommended!

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Recently Read: The Digest Enthusiast, Volume 11

The first color issue of The Digest Enthusiast makes quite the difference. Photos of old magazine covers in full color make the pages pop and help readers know what to look for when magazine hunting at conventions and used book stores. In addition to the usual news column (glad to learn about Analog's throwback logo design), TDE 11 features interviews with mystery novelist Janice Law, novelist Paul D. Marks, and Jeff Vorzimmer, editor of The Best of Manhunt (magazine). Particularly interesting to me were Vince Nowell, Sr.'s article on the bizarre 1967 sci-fi one-shot, Beyond Infinity, and TDE publisher Richard Krauss' very in-depth article "Leo Margulies: Giant of the Digests" (I had no idea there were The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and The Girl From U.N.C.L.E. digest series published).

There's much more, of course: fiction (disclaimer: I illustrated one of the short stories, "Zymurgy for Aliens", by the late Joe Wehrle, Jr.), an article about an infamous magazine misprint, cartoons, short story reviews, a look at the latest issue of Paperback Parade and other goodies too numerous to mention here. If you love to read or collect digest magazines, you owe yourself a copy of this.

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Recently Read: Through a Basement Window: The Collected Comix of Clark A. Dissmeyer, 1984-1986

A unique artifact of rare material, Through a Basement Window is a collection of cartoonist Clark A Dissmeyer's work from 1984-1986, compiled and introduced by fellow cartoonist Marc Myers, the collection nicely designed by publisher Richard Krauss. The stories were originally printed in very low print run minicomics and small press anthologies.

As the front cover art and the title of the book promises, this is dark work, both literally and figuratively, a noir world of isolation and fear. Emotional thoughts are extrapolated into stories of murder and mystery. The stark black and white art, thick with shadows and silhouettes, conveys a consistent and visionary feeling of paranoia and depression. Sadness and loneliness pervade.

At nearly 160 pages, Through a Basement Window's mood may require sporadic reading sessions. As a snapshot of a creative person's time, place and mood, though, it's a valuable document.

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Indie and Small Press Comics & Fanzines I've Read Recently, August 27, 2018

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Recently Read: The Digest Enthusiast, Book Five

Besides the privilege of illustrating one of the fiction short stories inside ("Feed the Beast", by Lesann Berry), I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Digest Enthusiast Book Five, anyway!

I was glad to see The Pulpster and Nostalgia Digest covered, two other publications I enjoy every issue of. I was surprised to discover, in reporting by publisher Richard Krauss, how few copies of nationally distributed digest magazines are being printed. Support digest magazines while you can. They may not always be here.

The publication is packed with articles on The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction, an interview with mystery author Bill Crider,research on Worlds of Fantasy #4, the Ellery Queen Selects series, Marvel Science Stories, the Magazine of Horror and more.
If you're interested in the history of old magazines, The Digest Enthusiast is a must-buy.

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Recently Read: The Digest Enthusiast, Vol. 4

Larque Press continues their digest about digests with an excellent fourth volume, starting with a striking cover by Richard Krauss. There are almost too many items packed within to mention: a report on the H.G. Wells Society Newsletter (I hadn't known one existed), an overview of digital digest magazines, an overview and history of the OTR-related Suspense Magazine, and one on the Galaxy Science Fiction novels.

As always, the new TDE also includes short fiction, cartoons and illustrations (I drew some - don't hold it against me!). Especially interesting was a short piece on Bulldog Drummond and an interview with crime fiction writer Art Taylor. Recommended. You can order your own copy here: http://larquepress.com/

 

 

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Read Recently: The Digest Enthusiast, Book III

Full disclosure: as with the first two volumes of The Digest Enthusiast, I illustrated a short story for this collection. But - don't let that stop you. If you collect, read or enjoy digest magazines, this is the series for you. Vol. III features a review of the Dope Fiends trading cards, a review of a Walter B. Gibson (The Shadow) novel, an overview of the Super-Science Fiction magazine line, a very detailed history of Mercury Books' Dashiell Hammett digests and, particularly fascinating, a look at the Italian Diabolik series. Plus, fiction, cartoons, many more reviews, an interview and the proverbial more, all edited by publisher Richard Krauss. Recommended and, at only $8.99, a steal! Vol. Four is also scheduled for release soon: http://larquepress.com/digests.htm

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The Digest Enthusiast #1

I just received copies of the debut of The Digest Enthusiast, Richard Krauss and D. Blake Werts' new series covering the world of digest magazines. The book looks great, with interviews, a review by Rob Imes, and a crime story by Krauss I illustrated. I'm looking forward to reading the issue this week. You can order copies from Larque Press here: http://larquepress.com/

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