The Casebook of Seekay and Other Prototypes of The Avenger
by Paul Ernst
introduction by Will Murray
It's well known that Walter Gibson and Lester Dent pitched ideas that led to the creation of The Avenger, but what aspects did writer Paul Ernst introduce? This collection explores this relatively-unexplored question. From the pages of Popular Publications from 1936-38, these ten stories examine characters whose weapons, physical traits, unique facial quirks and back story were similar to The Avenger. Included are all five stories of Seekay, a private detective whose disfigured face is hidden behind a plastic mask; The Wraith, a triple-identitied crimefighter who utilized a knife and a gun; Dick Bullitt and his gray features; Old Stone Face, the G-man with the emotionless visage; The Gray Marauder, who used a dual identity to fight crime; and Karlu, the mystic. Includes an introduction by Will Murray.
396 pages, approx. 6"x9"
6 Comments
MBrown
May 23, 2010Great collection. See my review on Amazon.com
Jeff Deischer
June 21, 2010Man, this was a really enjoyable book! Ernst’s style here was much more readable than in the Avenger series. Will Murray should write an all-new collection of Seekay stories!!!
Brian Hochberg
September 28, 2010This was a GREAT Collection of stories by Paul Ernst. I really enjoyed the Seekay stories and would love to see some new stories written about him. I’m sorry the series did not last too long. It deserved a longer run.
Gary Stevenson
March 16, 2011Not only is it a shame there are but 5 Seekay stories, it’s a tragedy! Wow, from page 1 you know you’re into something different here; not only are the cases offbeat, but the hero is kinda spooky. The remaining 5 tales are fast-paced and certainly entertaining, but the Seekay stories are definitely worth the price of the book.
Speaking of spooky, how ’bout a collection of Paul Ernst’s horror stories? I don’t know about you guys, but a title like “‘The Thing in the Box’ and other Terror Tales by Paul Ernst” would have me waiting to waylay the FedEx guy in a heartbeat.
Matt
March 16, 2011Glad you liked it! If you like Ernst horror, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by a book or two coming later this year…
Paul Crowley
January 8, 2012After reading this, and a couple of Ernst stories that I picked up elsewhere, I’m really looking forward to whatever additional reprints of his work Altus has in store.