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Zarkon - Lord of the Unknown #5
Horror Wears Blue
Prince Zarkon, superhero and lord of the unknown, embarks on a new adventure
174 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 1987
1 person is currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Lin Carter
419 books171 followersLin Carter was an American author, editor, and critic best known for his influential role in fantasy literature during the mid-20th century. Born in St. Petersburg, Florida, he developed an early passion for myth, adventure stories, and imaginative fiction, drawing inspiration from authors such as Edgar Rice Burroughs, Robert E. Howard, H. P. Lovecraft, and J. R. R. Tolkien. After serving in the U.S. Army, Carter attended Columbia University, where he honed his literary skills and deepened his knowledge of classical and medieval literature, myth, and folklore — elements that would become central to his work.
Carter authored numerous novels, short stories, and critical studies, often working within the sword-and-sorcery and high fantasy traditions. His own creations, such as the “Thongor of Lemuria” series, paid homage to pulp-era adventure fiction while adding his distinctive voice and world-building style. His nonfiction book Tolkien: A Look Behind The Lord of the Rings was one of the first major studies of Tolkien’s work and its mythological roots, and it helped establish Carter as a knowledgeable commentator on fantasy literature.
Beyond his own writing, Carter was a central figure in bringing classic and forgotten works of fantasy back into print. As editor of the Ballantine Adult Fantasy series from 1969 to 1974, he curated and introduced dozens of volumes, reintroducing readers to authors such as William Morris, Lord Dunsany, E. R. Eddison, and James Branch Cabell. His introductions not only contextualized these works historically and literarily but also encouraged a new generation to explore the breadth of the fantasy tradition.
Carter was also active in the shared literary universe of the “Cthulhu Mythos,” expanding upon the creations of H. P. Lovecraft and other members of the “Lovecraft Circle.” His collaborations and solo contributions in this genre further cemented his reputation as both a creative writer and a literary preservationist.
In addition to fiction and criticism, Carter was an active member of several science fiction and fantasy organizations, including the Science Fiction Writers of America. He frequently appeared at conventions, where he was known for his enthusiasm, deep knowledge of the genre, and willingness to mentor aspiring writers.
Though sometimes critiqued for the derivative nature of some of his work, Carter’s influence on the fantasy revival of the late 20th century remains significant. His combination of creative output, editorial vision, and scholarly enthusiasm helped bridge the gap between the pulp traditions of the early 1900s and the expansive fantasy publishing boom that followed.
Lin Carter’s legacy endures through his own imaginative tales, his critical studies, and the many classic works he rescued from obscurity, ensuring their place in the canon of fantasy literature for generations to come.
Carter authored numerous novels, short stories, and critical studies, often working within the sword-and-sorcery and high fantasy traditions. His own creations, such as the “Thongor of Lemuria” series, paid homage to pulp-era adventure fiction while adding his distinctive voice and world-building style. His nonfiction book Tolkien: A Look Behind The Lord of the Rings was one of the first major studies of Tolkien’s work and its mythological roots, and it helped establish Carter as a knowledgeable commentator on fantasy literature.
Beyond his own writing, Carter was a central figure in bringing classic and forgotten works of fantasy back into print. As editor of the Ballantine Adult Fantasy series from 1969 to 1974, he curated and introduced dozens of volumes, reintroducing readers to authors such as William Morris, Lord Dunsany, E. R. Eddison, and James Branch Cabell. His introductions not only contextualized these works historically and literarily but also encouraged a new generation to explore the breadth of the fantasy tradition.
Carter was also active in the shared literary universe of the “Cthulhu Mythos,” expanding upon the creations of H. P. Lovecraft and other members of the “Lovecraft Circle.” His collaborations and solo contributions in this genre further cemented his reputation as both a creative writer and a literary preservationist.
In addition to fiction and criticism, Carter was an active member of several science fiction and fantasy organizations, including the Science Fiction Writers of America. He frequently appeared at conventions, where he was known for his enthusiasm, deep knowledge of the genre, and willingness to mentor aspiring writers.
Though sometimes critiqued for the derivative nature of some of his work, Carter’s influence on the fantasy revival of the late 20th century remains significant. His combination of creative output, editorial vision, and scholarly enthusiasm helped bridge the gap between the pulp traditions of the early 1900s and the expansive fantasy publishing boom that followed.
Lin Carter’s legacy endures through his own imaginative tales, his critical studies, and the many classic works he rescued from obscurity, ensuring their place in the canon of fantasy literature for generations to come.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 18, 2016
Nice last volume in this modern Pulp style action series. If you enjoyed the adventures of Doc Savage, The Avenger or The Shadow then you will enjoy this entertaining read. You will even see many of your favorite Pulp character make guest appearances in the story. Recommended
November 17, 2013
The last of Lin Carter's five Zarkon books, his take on the pulps of the 30s and 40s. The lead character, Prince Zarkon, is primarily a riff on Doc Savage. Like Doc Savage he fights fantastic crime with his five companions, complete with Scorchy and Nick (Monk and Ham analogues) who fight all the time but would die for each other.
Carter likes to drop names of various other fictional characters in this book. Making cameo appearances in the early parts of Horror wears Blue are James Bond, Sir Denis Nayland Smith, Bulldog Drummond, Monk Mayfair, Simon Templar, and probably others I didn't recognize.
While poking about the internet I discovered that Prince Zarkon has been incorporated into Philip José Farmer's Wold Newton Universe; this shouldn't have surprised me since it seems like just about every fictional hero and villain of the 20th century has been.
Lin Carter was a favorite of mine when I was in college and I read almost every novel of his I could get my hands on. I had mostly quit reading him by the time this was published (1987) and I didn't even know it existed until about 10 years ago. On a whim I ordered a used copy last week and I'm glad I did.
Horror wears Blue was a fun quick read, but the ending was rather anti-climatic. The last page promises another adventure, The Moon Menace, which as far as I know was never published.
Carter likes to drop names of various other fictional characters in this book. Making cameo appearances in the early parts of Horror wears Blue are James Bond, Sir Denis Nayland Smith, Bulldog Drummond, Monk Mayfair, Simon Templar, and probably others I didn't recognize.
While poking about the internet I discovered that Prince Zarkon has been incorporated into Philip José Farmer's Wold Newton Universe; this shouldn't have surprised me since it seems like just about every fictional hero and villain of the 20th century has been.
Lin Carter was a favorite of mine when I was in college and I read almost every novel of his I could get my hands on. I had mostly quit reading him by the time this was published (1987) and I didn't even know it existed until about 10 years ago. On a whim I ordered a used copy last week and I'm glad I did.
Horror wears Blue was a fun quick read, but the ending was rather anti-climatic. The last page promises another adventure, The Moon Menace, which as far as I know was never published.
February 25, 2014
Hate to be done with this series. It was clearly a Doc Savage pastiche, but it was so much more. I loved the characters of Zarkon and his Omega Men. I loved the plotting by Lin Carter. I loved his tongue-in-cheek writing style. I loved the crossovers with pulp and other literary figures of the past. This story was another great addition to the Zarkon series, which Carter sadly did not continue. Recommended for any hero pulp fan.
April 21, 2014
Doc Savage pastiche pits the man from the future against The Vulture, an electronics genius.
Overall, the story is entertaining, but could have used some more derring do, and more participation from the title character.
The promised next entry, The Moon Menace never appeared, too bad.
Overall, the story is entertaining, but could have used some more derring do, and more participation from the title character.
The promised next entry, The Moon Menace never appeared, too bad.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews