The Crimson Mask: Volume 1

By: Terrence P. McCauley, Gary Lovisi, C. William Russette, J. Walt Layne

Narrated by: Roberto Scarlato

Length: 7 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's Summary

Veteran Police Sergeant Clarke is gunned down by hoodlums, shot in the back of the head. As he lay dying, a rush of blood to his face formed a macabre mask - a crimson mask. When his son, Doctor Robert "Bob" Clarke, saw that strange stigmata, he interpreted it as a sign, inspiring him to become his father's avenger, the Crimson Mask!

Once again, Airship 27 Productions digs into the dusty vaults of long-forgotten, second-tier pulp heroes to revitalize another great character in brand-new, exciting adventures. Writers J. Walt Layne, Terrence McCauley, C. William Russette, and Gary Lovisi took on the challenge of creating new, bizarre mysteries for the pharmacist turned crime-fighter, and in doing so have put together a terrific collection of fast-paced pulp action echoing the thrills of the original classics.

Aided by retired Police Commissioner Warrick; his former college roommate, David Small; and lovely nurse Sandra Gray, the Crimson Mask must hunt down the villainous distributors of tainted heroin, stop an invisible thief, learn who ignited the latest city gang war, and solve the mystery of a killer targeting his father's allies. Hold on to your fedoras, jump on the running board, and get ready for blazing thrills galore, pulp fans, as the Crimson Mask is back!

©2013 Airship 27 Productions (P)2015 RadioArchives.com

Packed full of Pulpy goodness

The Crimson Mask is a lesser known Pulp hero from the 40's who appeared magazines like High Adventure. He was a rare hero who was not so much of a vigilante, as he worked side by side with the police. This book contains 4 stories basedon tales from that wonderful era.

The stories are all good, some feel more pulpy than others, minor complaint in that one story is a little more "today" than than the others, but not everyone can create a 30' or 40's style atmosphere unless they have immersed themselves in it. One tale is very action packed, and another based more on the Mask's skill as a detective, which provides a good counter balance. I enjoyed each story, and it did feel like I had one of those old pulp magazines in my hand while I listened.

Speaking of Listening, can I just say that Roberto Scarlato does an impressive job here? He moves from one story to the next, and regardless of action or pacing, he has a natural rhythm that keeps pace perfectly with the speed of the story. Action? Wham, he is giving it to you like a punch in the kidney. Sleuthing? He adds an air of mystery like a fog machine full of meth. One story has a particularly full cast of characters, and he plays each of them inidvidually and perfectly on point. He adds so much to the story, and should be commended for his work!

This is a nice way to brinig back the mask, and introduce him to a new generation. Get it now.

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