The Black Bat – The Politics of Murder

If things proceed according to schedule, we might get ourselves a double dose of Bat goodness come the early fall.

The following is an excerpt from an interview that Pro See Productions did with writer Gordon Dymowski recently.

I’m really excited about what’s coming out from Pro Se later this year – in fact, I’m proud to announce that my novel, The Black Bat – The Politics of Murder will be released in late September. Think of it as “two-gun avenger has a Leverage-style backup team” and you have a great idea of what to expect. 

Yes, it’s the classic character done in modern times. Yes, it stays true to the spirit of the original pulps. But its plot – focusing on how a racial incident leads to the revelation of political corruption – has its roots in the 21st century. I’m proud to take the lead on such a character, and yes, we will see Tony Quinn and his aides take on more adventures!

Dymowski might be the only writer to work with this characters in both prose and comic book format. He recently contributed a Black Bat story to the Always Punch Nazis anthology book and a few years ago his story "The Magnificent Anderson" was included in the third volume of Airship 27's Black Bat Mysteries series. He described the inspiration for that story on his own blog here.

The Black Bat Part of Pro Se's LEGACY Imprint

Pro Se Productions sent out the press release below earlier today. It wasn't Black Bat specific, I was just stoked to The Black Bat mentioned as one of the "taken" characters.

But first, let's look back at an earlier (and abbreviated) release. It's from April 21st, to be specific.

Known for breathing new life into classic characters from Pulp Fiction, both licensed and in the public domain, Pro Se takes a step into an exciting new avenue for stories, utilizing Pulp characters in the Public Domain in ways to bring them into the modern era, telling tales using the archetypes from yesterday so many know to tell relevant stories set today. Using, at least initially, only Pulp characters in the Public Domain, Pro Se’s LEGACY imprint will be telling these tales. 

... 

The characters utilized in LEGACY works can be written in two ways-either as updates of the original character and his/her supporting cast OR as a character inheriting a legacy left to him or her by the original character. For this, research will be required. If writers cannot acquire the original works, various resources with information exist on the internet and/or a request can be made of Pro Se Productions at submissions@prose-press.com to provide links. 

... 

The first LEGACY volume set for release in late 2017 will be THE PHANTOM DETECTIVE: IGNITION by B. Chris Bell.

And more specific to our masked nemesis of crime...

PRO SE'S NEWLY ANNOUNCED 'LEGACY' IMPRINT HAS ONLY TWO OPENINGS LEFT FOR FIRST YEAR! 

...LEGACY is an imprint that will feature only digest novels (30 thousand words) or full length novels. The lead characters in these works MUST have originated in Pulp Magazines, circa 1896-1954 and MUST currently be in the Public Domain... 

Pro Se Productions opened the LEGACY imprint with the intent to fill 12 slots, enough to produce a book a month beginning in July 2017. When these slots are filled, new proposals will not be take in this imprint until at least January 2018 to fill the second year. As of this announcement, only two of the original twelve slots remain. 

Once an author makes a submission and that submission is accepted, then the character featured in that submission 'belongs' to that author, at least through the publication of the accepted work, if not longer. The update versions of the following characters are now a part of the LEGACY imprint and are off limits for further submissions at this time- 

Dan Fowler, G-Man
The Thunderbolt
Major Lacy and Amusement, Inc.
Secret Agent X
Domino Lady
The Black Bat
The Griffon
Ravenwood, Stepson of Mystery
The Phantom Detective
Dr. Satan

So I guess this means we get new Black Bat material from Pro Se some time between August 2017 and...May 2018! I'm sure the time will just fly by. ;-)

This isn't Pro Se's first go at the character. He was also included in the second of their two-part Sons of Thor story.

Sons of Thor!

Pro Se Productions seemed like a sure bet for Black Bat material when I first became aware of their existence a couple of years ago. A longer look failed to reveal any such but a post on the Pulp Super Fan blog from earlier this week showed me I was wrong to believe that at the time.

PSF was reviewing the publisher's first compilation of "Pro Se Presents", a monthly series of pulp stories. In doing so, the writer mentioned the following issues:

#9, April 2012 and #10, May 2012 comprise a two-part series called “The Sons of Thor.” This story teams up several pulp heroes, including the Phantom Detective and the Black Bat in fighting a menace to the United States during WWII.

Ah! Pro Se seems more focused towards new pulp-style characters but evidently they do, on occasion, turn to the classics as well.

Each part's "pitch" is copied below. The cover displayed is that of the first book.

PRO SE PRESENTS, Puttin' The Monthly Back Into Pulp, brings you the first part of a TWO ISSUE EVENT! They believed that they were the chosen of the old Norse Gods. They believed they would rule first all of Europe, then the entire world. Many believed the sect gone forever. They were wrong. The Sons of Thor Live! Heaven Help the Foolish Few Who Dare to Challenge Them! THE SONS OF THOR written by Erwin K. Roberts is a fast paced New Pulp Adventure featuring nearly indomitable foes up against some of the best Pulp Heroes in the Public Domain today! Two fisted thrills, faster than lightning intrigue, and more heroes than you can shake a hammer at! Available now in its first part in PRO SE PRESENTS NUMBER NINE! From Pro Se Productions! 

Freedom Fights! The Sons of Thor Move Toward Destiny! As nations focus on the growing conflict with Nazi Germany, a devastating mission begins that threatens to unleash a horror that could lay waste to the world. As the Sons of Thor begin their final gambit, is there anyone who can stand against them in the face of certain doom? Find out in the Thrilling Conclusion to THE SONS OF THOR by Erwin K. Roberts featured in Pro Se Presents 10!

So...Not even the merest mention of The Phantom Detective or The Black Bat? It would seem that drawing attention to their presence might have been a logical way to promote the books.

For that reason, I admit that even if The Black Bat was mentioned in the Pulp Super Fan review, I was unsure about picking up the books. I wanted to avoid buying a story for a mere cameo appearance.

Then I saw the back cover of the second book on Pro Se's website...

All right, well...Perhaps The Black Bat plays a significant role after all! That cover is evidence enough to roll the dice. And so even though I believe The Black Bat only appears in the second part, I've downloaded the first book and will begin reading it this weekend to set up what I hope is a good addition to the collection.