It's been 100 years since Edgar Rice Burroughs penned his two enduring classics, A PRINCESS OF MARS and TARZAN OF THE APES. He followed them with dozens of tales of adventure that have never stopped thrilling readers. Lots of his books are available even today. I defy anyone to come up empty handed after visiting any well-stocked new or used bookstore.Many of his stories featured not only heroic figures such as John Carter and David Innes, but also a generous serving of beasts and monsters, as well. In yesterday's Burroughs' Centennial segment, I posted an article from CASTLE OF FRANKENSTEIN #5 that listed numerous creatures that Burroughs created to add thrills and chills to his (mostly) excellently-written stories. With exotic names like Banth, Thark, Gantor and Brocol, we are treated to an almost never ending lineup of alien beings, not to mention the earth-bound monsters from prehistory -- and lest we forget -- the giant apes found in the Tarzan novels.
Burroughs also briefly flirted with the Frankenstein legacy in his book, THE MONSTER MEN. Set on a remote island in the Pacific, it tells the tale of Professor Maxon, who creates 13 artificial humans in his scientific quest. The last one, Number 13, is selected to -- in true Frankensteinia form -- wed his daughter!
In today's post I have included two articles featuring the works and creations of Edgar Rice Burroughs in the short-lived run of Larry Ivie's MONSTERS AND HEROES. One of the first "fan" magazines to ever reach newsstand distribution, M&H included sections on monster movies, comic strips such as his Altron-Boy, pulp adventure, and even characters from the radio serials.
It's not many writers -- especially genre writers -- who have a city named after them. Tucked away off busy Ventura Blvd. in California's San Fernando Valley is the quiet little town of Tarzana, where Burroughs spent many years creating his classic adventure yarns. And, on any given day, if you listen close enough, you can almost hear Tarzan calling to Tantor or little Nikima through the Eucalyptus trees.
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| Each issue of MONSTERS & HEROES featured a book cover from a selected titled covered in one of the articles. |
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| An early edition of THE MONSTER MEN with cover art by J. Allen St. John. |
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| This edition featured a cover and interior illistrations by Mahlon Blaine. |
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| An entry in the Pellucidar series. The Hollow Earth was home to many 'a prehistoric beast. |
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| A beatuiful rendition of John Carter and Dejah Thoris by the incomparable Frank Frazetta. |
