Pulp Cover Friday Takes A Last Ride On The Dime Train

One last look at DIME MYSTERY this week. In fact, we go to the end of the line, where the zine actually costs .25 and its title has been changed to 15 MYSTERY STORIES

The covers — and story titles — lose some of their zest, though, oddly, Egyptian elements still figure prominently. Someone in that office really must have liked Egyptian iconography. Do look closely at the story titles to catch the one name whose presence that surprised me.

NEXT WEEK: Sure, everyone here has heard of Doc Savage — but how about the Blond Adder? Stay tuned.

In Memoriam: Allow me a few words to say goodbye to Gary Carter, or, as he was known to 19 years worth of teammates, Kid. He passed away yesterday at the age of 57 after a tough battle with brain cancer. I knew he was ill, but I hoped that he’d be able to beat it, because he was one tough mofo, but it was not meant to be. He was one of the ten greatest catchers to ever play the game, somewhere around 7-8, actually. By the time he got to the Mets he was past his peak, but he still hit fourth on a team that featured a young Darryl Strawbery. He may not have been the greatest of the 1986 Mets, but he was the toughest and the most admirable and probably the nicest. My fondest hope is that you’re suited up today all ready to go, and the knees no longer ache and you’ll get to find out what it’s like to catch Walter Johnson. Adios, Kid.