Tagged: Dillon

Want DILLON For Your Kindle or Nook?

Starting today and continuing through the holiday season the prices on the first two Dillon adventures available as ebooks have been dropped so that you and your friends can take advantage and get in on the pulse pounding excitement!

First of all, DILLON AND THE LEGEND OF THE GOLDEN BELL is now $1.99!  That’s right, a measly buck ninety-nine!

Second and even more amazing is that the first fantastic Dillon adventure, DILLON AND THE VOICE OF ODIN is now FREE.

Yeah, you read that right.  The ebook of DILLON AND THE VOICE OF ODIN is now FREE. 

Just follow this handy dandy link to get to Smashwords where you can download them both for your Kindle or Nook or whatever.  Read and enjoy!  Now get outta here and let me get back to work.

BEHIND THE VEIL-AN ANALYSIS OF ‘DILLON’ FROM A BLACK PERSPECTIVE!

BEHIND THE VEIL

Dillon and The Legend of the Golden Bell: From a Modern Black Perspective

 As written by Brent Lambert, ALL PULP Staffer


When I first heard the term “post racial” being thrown around I was put off by it.  It seemed like terminology invented for the sole purpose of creating a false reality and to create cultural repression.  Whoever thought the advent of an African-American President somehow spelled a symbolic end to racism was smoking something real good and I still want some of it. 

The other idea proposed by this concept of “post-racial” was a bit sneakier and less obviously wrong because it’s an idea that’s been pushed on those America has considered “other” since its inception.  Assimilation.  That was what I felt was at the real core of this “post-racial” word.  Minorities were being called to lay down their cultural heritage and grievances in the name of this unseen new racial harmony that supposedly miraculously sprung up after November 2008.  Fortunately, most of us weren’t that stupid.

So what does any of this have to do with Derrick Ferguson and his novel, Dillon and The Legend of the Golden Bell?  Well, some might look at the novel, see the character of Dillon and see what might be the world’s first post-racial pulp hero.  Dillon is African-American, but you could see him as any race and he’d be just as enjoyable.  One of his best friends is a white man and the friendship, thankfully, is one that exists without any sort of racial footing.  In fact, one could argue that every character in the novel could be white and you’d enjoy it all the same.  I agree except for the fact that it would be implying Derrick had no racial concerns when constructing this story, which is something I just can’t buy. 

See, I’ve had the unique pleasure of discussing race in general and in terms of writing with Derrick.  So can I assure everyone that he is without a doubt a black man and is smart enough to not buy into the political correctness of the supposed “post-racial”.  The thing with Derrick is that he’s nuanced and I believe he’s so nuanced that some things in this novel could only be picked up on by someone who’s had the black experience.  So race is very much in Dillon and The Legend of the Golden Bell, but it does not have to be shouted from the rooftops.

 Too much of our media with a black focus has to scream “black, black, black” and Derrick avoids that trap.  It’s a tempting trap to fall into because there is such a severe lack of quality black media that aspiring black artists feel the need to take the entire burden on their shoulders.  Derrick contributes even more than I think he realizes because he avoids that pitfall.

Let’s look at Dillon to see the nuance I was talking about.  Derrick gracefully dodges the “Macho Guy” stereotype that plagues African-American male characters from TV to comic books.  Yes, Dillon is tough and he is undoubtedly an ass kicker, but the difference is that the core of his character isn’t centered on those things.  Derrick defies the stereotype of the black man as a mere macho and as a deadbeat father in a one-two punch through the character of Brandon.

Dillon shows a great deal of vulnerable emotions through his interactions with Brandon and becomes the boy’s surrogate father throughout the story.  He takes full responsibility for the young man and seems to really be the only character truly concerned with taking this young man on a dangerous mission.  Without ever having to get preachy, Derrick uses Dillon to spit in the face of the idea that the black man is lacking in paternal instincts.

A term popular amongst urban inclined people my age and younger is “swagger” or “swagga” if you want the hip spelling.  I think the term holds a particular affinity for black men because it harkens back to the 20s and The Harlem Renaissance.  Our vision of that time was everyone was cool whether they were a slick gangster or a skit skatting musician.  There’s a sense that black men in that time period commanded their respect simply by their presence and got it.  It’s something to aspire to and therefore those who seem to command that kind of presence are admired.

Even though the word has seen a bit of a resurgence, the essence of “swagger” is something that permeates the black male consciousness as far back as The Great Migration.  Look at the classic character of Shaft if you want a more modern example that represents this ideal.  He’s nearly unshakeable in his self-confidence and makes everyone around him better as they admire his bravado.  It’s easy to venture into Mary Sue territory with these kind of characters, but thankfully Derrick knows better.  Dillon is a worthy inheritor of this tradition.  He displays soap opera worthy suave with an equal dose of Herculean bravado.  On top of all that there’s a good bit of Imaro’s raw intensity thrown in the mix.

Dillon ultimately is a critique of this idea that to create racial harmony one must let go of culture.  He is a guy entrenched in a very racially focused world, but he elevates himself past it without giving up his identity in the process.  Dillon is capable of loving a white man as a father figure without having to worry about the oft-used label of Uncle Tom.   The fact Derrick is able to work past that sub-conscious complex and get a black audience to genuinely believe in Dillon’s blackness without divulging into the insanely urban is a testament to his skills as a writer.

FOUR BULLETS FOR DILLON Is Live!

A lost city in the Cambodian jungles run by a pint-sized tyrant wearing a gem-encrusted belt buckle. Beautiful women who lure Dillon and his rival, rock musician Sly Gantlet, into a clash of alpha males and a deadly set-up.  A beautiful queen and a backstabbing friend.  A quest for an evil artifact linked to the betrayer of Christ. FOUR BULLETS FOR DILLON includes four hard to find and never before seen stories ripped from the life of global adventurer Dillon!  Ordering information can be found at Amazon.com or Pulpwork Press.

And remember that with proof of purchase of FOUR BULLETS FOR DILLON you’ll also get the 10 page illustrated “Dillon And The Escape From Tosegio”  Details can be found HERE

FOUR BULLETS FOR DILLON Update

I hope you’ve been saving up your milk money for next month because that’s when FOUR BULLETS FOR DILLON will at last be available from Pulpwork Press.  The exact date will be announced soon.  But in the meantime, here’s something for you to look forward to.  A little something to sweeten the deal, so to speak.
First, some history: back in 2005, those of us who were writing for FRONTIER got the bright idea to produce a comic book: FRONTIER PUBLISHING PRESENTS.  And after a lot of hard work and sleepless nights, the first and only issue was published.  And in that comic book were some fine stories produced by;
Trevor Carrington
Shelton Bryant
Mike McGee
Tamas Jakab
Michael Exner III
Gentlemen all!
FRONTIER PUBLISHING PRESENTS #1 also had as the lead story a 10 page story scripted by Russ Anderson, based on a story written by Yours Truly and masterfully illustrated by Alex Kosakowski; “Dillon and The Escape From Tosegio”  The original prose story is included in FOUR BULLETS FOR DILLON.
But I wanted to give folks a chance to read the comic book story as there’s no way to buy a copy now.  I’ve got about a dozen issues of FRONTIER PUBLISHING PRESENTS and quite honestly, I don’t want to part with them.  But occasionally I do get emails from Dillon fans who want to read the story and I don’t blame ‘em.  It’s a good one.  Russ and Alex did a helluva job.
So here’s what I did: I scanned the 10 page story and here’s my offer plain and simple: you buy a copy of FOUR BULLETS FOR DILLON and email me proof of purchase (DerrickFerguson1@aol.com) and in return, I send you the illustrated “Dillon and The Escape From Tosegio.”  Sounds fair to you?
And naturally I expect that you want a look at what you’re going to be getting so here’s a preview: the first two pages of “Dillon and The Escape From Tosegio”

DILLON COVER RELEASED, FOUR BULLETS COMING SOON!

From Derrick Ferguson, creator of Dillon

FOUR BULLETS FOR DILLON Update

At last you get a chance to see the finished cover of the upcoming FOUR BULLETS FOR DILLON. The artwork is courtesy of Anthony Castrillo while the lettering and design work was done by the extraordinarily talented Damon Orrell. You need to bounce on over to his website
http://www.damonorrell.com and check out all his other goodness. And keep watching for further news on the release date of the book and no, it’s not too early to start saving your milk money to get your copy. Trust me when I say that it’ll be worth it.

Reviews from the 86th Floor: Barry Reese looks at Diamondback: It Seemed Like a Good Idea At the Time


DIAMONDBACK: IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA AT THE TIME
Derrick Ferguson
Pulpwork Press
ISBN 978-0-9797-3298-0

Derrick Ferguson is well-known in the pulp community, primarily for his character Dillon. But he’s also the creator of Fortune McCall, Sebastian Red and… Diamondback Vogel. It’s that last character who gets the spotlight here, in a story set in the shared world of Denbrook. No prior knowledge of Denbrook is required, however, as Ferguson capably gives you all the required information.

This is a place full of bad people and evil deeds. Overrun by crime and corruption, Denbrook is thrown for a loop when Diamondback arrives, selling his rapid-fire gunhands and keen skills for the right price. Word has gotten around that Diamonback should already be dead and, indeed, we’re given information from the very first chapter that causes us to doubt if our protagonist is who he says he is. To be honest, it’s this identity crisis that sets the story apart from other “badass” action adventure fests that are so common.

Ferguson’s trademark skills are well represented: well-drawn characters, fun dialogue and the sense that you’re reading a tough-guy novel.

I have to comment on the names the characters sport because I was alternately laughing my ass off and rolling my eyes every time a new one was introduced: the aforementioned Diamondback Vogel, Baby Delroy, Titus Hegemon and (my favorite) Nickleby LaLoosh. I loved this and it helped set the tone considerably.

There’s a sequel promised at the end of this one and given the lingering questions about the main character, it’s a well-deserved one. This is a high-octane thriller. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and that’s a good thing. Will it change your life? No — but it’s not meant to. It’s meant to entertain and make you crack a smile along the way.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

NOTED AUTHOR AND AIRSHIP 27 DEBUT HISTORIC NEW PULP HERO!

From Airship 27 Productions-
DAMBALLA

Making Pulp History!
From the heart of Africa to the streets of Harlem, a new hero is born sworn to support and protect Americans of all races and creeds; he is Damballa and he strikes from the shadows.  When the reigning black heavy weight boxing champion of the world agrees to defend his crown against a German fighter representing Hitler’s Nazis regime, the ring becomes the stage for a greater political contest.  The Nazis’ agenda is to humble the American champion and prove the superiority of their pure-blood Aryan heritage.  To achieve this end, they employ an unscrupulous scientist capable of transforming their warrior into a superhuman killing machine.
Can the mysterious Damballa unravel their insidious plot before it is too late to save a brave and noble man?  Airship 27 Productions and Cornerstone Book Publishers are proud to introduce pulpdom’s first ever 1930s African-American pulp hero as created by the acclaimed author, Charles Saunders.
“Racism and sexism were a few of the ugly aspects of the pulps we’d all like to forget,” Editor Ron Fortier comments.  “Minority groups based on race, sex and religion were ostracized and either ignored completely or denigrated in their outlandish portrayals.  Since its creation, Airship 27 Productions has made it a goal to address these wrongs and help correct them within the context of providing top-notch action fiction to our readers.  DAMBALLA is a major step in that direction and we are truly excited about its release.” 
Praise for DAMBALLA and writer Charles Saunders has already begun.  “Having revolutionized the genre of epic fantasy with the creation of Imaro, a black warrior easily equal to such classic characters as Tarzan and Conan, Charles Saunders has done it again.  This time he has created DAMBALLA, a true hero in every sense of the word. Battling racism and evil in the 1930’s, DAMBALLA is no pale imitation of The Shadow or The Avenger.  In fact, after reading this excellent book, I think that they would be proud to consider him a brother in the ceaseless war against crime and injustice.”   Derrick Ferguson – “Dillon and the Voice of Odin”
DAMBALLA by Charles Saunders features a cover by Charles Fetherolf and interior illustrations by Clayton Hinkle, with book design by award-winning artist Rob Davis.
Airship 27 Productions – Pulp Fiction for a New Generation!
ISBN:  1-613420-12-9
ISBN 13:  978-1-613420-12-6
Produced by Airship 27
Published by Cornerstone Book Publishers
Release date: 06/17/2011
Retail Price: $24.95
On-Line Shop (http://www.gopulp.info/)
$3 Digital copy (http://homepage.mac.com/robmdavis/Airship27Hangar/index.html)


HANCOCK TIPS HIS HAT AND HEARS THE VOICE OF ODIN!

TIPPIN’ HANCOCK’S HAT-Reviews of All Things Pulp by Tommy Hancock

DILLON AND THE VOICE OF ODIN
By Derrick Ferguson
178 Pages
Published by Pulpwork Press

I read a lot, always have.  I read a lot of Pulp, Pulp of all varieties and all stripes and eat it up like a jungle explorer lost in a desert who finished off his last camel three weeks ago.  Most of what I read I like, a fair piece of it I thoroughly enjoy, but very rarely do I find something that I absolutely cannot put down, that sends me into withdrawals when I step away from it, that just completely changes my view on what good stories can be  I’ve reviewed a couple of those types of tales here, but its rare.

Well, here’s another one

Derrick Ferguson’s DILLON AND THE VOICE OF ODIN is one of the best pieces of New Pulp literature I have ever read.   The lead character is draped in all the trappings and traits of classic Pulp icons while having enough of his own wrinkles and scars to make him a thoroughly modern protagonist.   The pacing is relentless, starting off with a seemingly day in the life of scene for Dillon which blossoms into the lead-in to a world spanning, body count multiplying, gadget filling adventure that doesn’t allow a reader, even a seasoned one like me the chance to catch his breath.

The plot is that Dillon, an adventurer who is both sought after positively by those in need of his services and wanted by almost every agency in the world with a badge and letters in its name, does a friend a favor and retrieves a ring.  This ring is the key to an invention that could save or destroy the world.  Odin, the holder of said invention, as well as multiple other interested parties come after Dillon for the ring and madness and murderous mayhem ensues from there.

The best parts of this book concern Ferguson’s characters and his turn of phrase.  He creates such a wide panorama of characters, people who in no way should exist in what we think of the real world, yet he makes them believable, flawed, and likable, even the evil ones.   That combined with his ability to wrap words around a single concept and turn into an explosion of description, narration, and thought provoking exposition, not only once or twice but on almost every page, makes DILLON AND THE VOICE OF ODIN  a pure New Pulp delight to read!

FIVE OUT FIVE TIPS OF HANCOCK’S HAT-The finest kind.

HANCOCK TIPS HIS HAT TO FERGUSON’S DILLON!

TIPPIN’ HANCOCK’S HAT-Reviews of All Things Pulp by Tommy Hancock

‘Dillon and The Judas Chalice’
by Derrick Ferguson
Exclusive Author Released Short Story

In the New Pulp genre, there are a handful of characters that already have some name recognition, a following of fans eager for the next drop of pulpy goodness from this harbinger of action and adventure.  One such character is Dillon, the all around jack of all trades hero type from the wonderful mind and world of Derrick Ferguson.  Every time Ferguson speaks of Dillon on the Book Cave or his blog or wherever, murmurs begin about new Dillon, the next Dillon, untold tales of Dillon, etc. and so forth.   This story is just such an event, one that was written by Ferguson as a birthday gift to all his friends and fans.

And what a gift it is!

This story opens with Dillon on a high speed chase, both chasing something and being chased by probably every law enforcement agency in the world.   After this chase ends and Dillon saves the day in his own balls to the wall fashion, he is whisked away by a notorious millionaire who tells him of a wonderful artifact-the Judas Chalice, a cup made from the silver Judas Iscariot took for betraying Jesus Christ.  This item allegedly will give its bearer whatever it wants as long as the bearer betrays those around them, the millionaire once its bearer, but now a victim of its power.  Dillon, more out of an instant affection for the vile traitorous soul he’d just met than anything else, undertakes the mission to retrieve the Chalice, stolen by the millionaire’s former right hand man and his own traitorous wife.

What ensues at this point is one of the best all around rollicking roller coasters I’ve read in the short story form in a while.  Dillon and his cohorts, including the millionaire’s own daughter, are complete and fully realized, full of facets and levels that are often hard to capture in just a few pages.    The bad guys have all they need to have as well, being driven by their own desires, but even in the end, being basically people overwhelmed by their own urges.   Explosions, gunfights, treachery, destruction, close calls, near misses, it’s all here!  And that even includes hints and rumors about a mysterious group who hold a whole lot of power and sway!

The only drawback I found to this tale was the opening.   It sets a tone for who Dillon is and what a day in his life would be like, but it was also distracting from what the story became.  It set a stage, but it didn’t connect really well to what came later and showed Dillon’s skills, but somehow was more of a ‘oh, well, ok, he can drive fast’ than something that added weight to the blockbuster that followed.  Even with that, though, this story is  CANNOT MISS because the last 2/3 or so blow most full length novels out of the water.

FOUR OUT OF FIVE TIPS OF THE HAT-The beginning might be a little clunky, but overall the story is a fist in your face and an uppercut to your gut!  Awesome stuff!