Doc Savage: The Ice Genius

All-New Wild Adventures of Doc Savage #12

by Kenneth Robeson, Will Murray, Lester Dent

When William Harper Littlejohn unearths a shadowy figure transfixed in ice, the renowned archeologist understands that he has made the most momentous discovery of his brilliant career. For inscribed over the frozen form is this chilling warning:

“IF I STILL LIVED, MANKIND WOULD TREMBLE!”

Who is this monster? Why does his name strike terror into the hearts of brave men? Can even Doc Savage control him once he breaks free from his icy tomb?

From the Gobi Desert to war-torn Free China, the Man of Bronze and his fighting crew
battle a threat so terrifying that it could change the course of human history....

460 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2014

About the author

Kenneth Robeson was the house name used by Street and Smith Publications as the author of their popular character Doc Savage and later The Avenger. Though most Doc Savage stories were written by the author Lester Dent, there were many others who contributed to the series, including:

William G. Bogart
Evelyn Coulson
Harold A. Davis
Lawrence Donovan
Alan Hathway
W. Ryerson Johnson

Lester Dent is usually considered to be the creator of Doc Savage. In the 1990s Philip José Farmer wrote a new Doc Savage adventure, but it was published under his own name and not by Robeson. Will Murray has since taken up the pseudonym and continued writing Doc Savage books as Robeson.

All 24 of the original stories featuring The Avenger were written by Paul Ernst, using the Robeson house name. In order to encourage sales Kenneth Robeson was credited on the cover of The Avenger magazine as "the creator of Doc Savage" even though Lester Dent had nothing to do with The Avenger series. In the 1970s, when the series was extended with 12 additional novels, Ron Goulart was hired to become Robeson.

Reviews

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing in these new adventures that stands out in stark contrast to the original adventures is the characterizations of Doc's five companions. In these new adventures written by Will Murray, they seem to actually be experts in their fields and have personalities that often clash with one another (instead of just the endless feud between Monk & Ham). This one puts Johnny front and center of both the narrative conflict and a personal conflict. While a true resolution to the latter was not offered, the ending does signify a big change in Johnny's sense of priorities. This adventure, without spoiling anything, goes a long way to explain why Doc and his crew were not more active during WWII than the original adventures depict. This tale is imaginative and provocative, while holding true to historical events (more or less) and dropping some pretty outlandish and horrifying twists along the way. Some old faces even show up in some unexpected ways. Another thrilling chapter in the Wild Adventures of Doc Savage. 

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn't a bad Doc adventure, but not one of Murray's best. The main problem is that it's too darn long; the classic Doc stories can be read in a day, if not a single sitting, but this one is a 400+ page slog. There just wasn't enough action integral to the plot to sustain the pace; there are a couple of sub-plots that don't really go anywhere, and Murray revisits some of his former characters to no great effect. On the other hand, all five of the core group are on hand and their interplay is interesting. Johnny, my favorite of the quintet, is the main support character, and his development in the book is well done. Pat is around only for a cameo at the end, and Habeas is along for the whole ride. It was neat to see where the crew was on December 7th of 1941; it was a rarity to have the time nailed down specifically in the Doc stories. I enjoyed the read for the most part, but my mind wandered in frustration from time to time.

[Mike Christiansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being a life-long fan of Doc Savage, I'm thrilled that new material is now out there. The Ice Genius is a fitting tribute to the original pulp novels, capturing the essence of the full cast as well as the spirit of the classic Doc Savage adventures. Crossing the globe, Savage and crew face new (and old) enemies in exotic locales during the cusp of a World War. Not quite as colorful as some of Doc's past adversaries, Tamerlane nonetheless proves to be a formidable foe. A surprising look inside Doc's mysterious "school" for rehabilitation adds an old opponent to the mix. The five aides struggle at times with Doc's no-kill philosophy, but Will Murray (as Kenneth Robeson) satisfyingly stays true to the Man of Bronze's noble take on justice. Of Doc's crew, only Long Tom seemed slightly out of character, proving to be somewhat surlier than the original (and less memorable) characterization in the original novels. If I had any complaint at all, it is that the book felt a little too long with an overly extended last act. Still a wonderful read and a great "fix" for any Doc Savage junkie!

[Doug Roberts · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh. I wanted this to be good but unfortunately either the Doc Savage mythos doesn't hold up or this particular story din't manage it. The book weighs in at 458 pages when the original books were probably half that, and you can really feel the padding here. The tone and language of the book was dead on but the action consisted of fly here, shoot some stuff, fly there shoot some more -- lather, rinse, repeat. I gave up on this one about 65% through.

[Keith Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a fun romp. Good late night escapism.

[Ronald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shades of "The Thing" as title figure literally thaws out. Also a little reminiscent of "Resurrection Day". Takes place in 1941. Many twists and turns written in a not so typical Robeson manner.