Pulp Apocalypse

by Justin Marriott (Editor)

100-page guide to paperbacks and comics set in the post-apocalyptic landscape. With a focus on the men's adventure genres of the 1980s and 1990s. Interviews with David 'Endworld' Robbins and David 'Phoenix' Alexander. Articles on series such as Traveler, Deathlands, Swampmaster, Outrider, Last Ranger, Mutants Amok and The Doomsday Warrior. Comprehensive review sections including comics and paperbacks.

100 pages, Paperback

First published July 22, 2020

Reviews

[Benjamin Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, the Justin Marriott team has produced an in-depth look at a specific sub-genre of men’s adventure fiction, this time with an edition devoted entirely to post-apocalyptic fiction. There is a wonderful mix of topics in here, covering the full gamut and will serve as a must-have companion volume for those readers who dig this stuff.

Features include articles covering entire series such as Traveler, Roadmaster, Endworld, Deathlands, Wasteworld, Phoenix, Swampmaster and many more. There are in depth interviews with leading authors such as Laurence James (the original James Axler who launched Deathlands), Jan Stacy (author behind The Last Ranger series and co-author of The Doomsday Warrior series), David Robbins (author of the Endworld series and Blade series not to mention the lengthy Wilderness western series). I could go on and on. Rounding things out are a look at the Prepper movement, several apocalyptic comics, and a number of single novel reviews.

Fans will want to snatch this up but I think one of the major benefits of these kind of publications are the way they can entice those readers who are unfamiliar with the sub-genre or perhaps have been flirting with diving in but are not sure where to start. There are plenty of opinions offered within these pages by knowledgeable readers and authors, and of course opinions may differ. But just to read through them provides a nice education in the subject matter.

Full disclosure: I have a few reviews included in this volume but a tiny percentage of the overall content.

Highly Recommended.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has read all 27+2 Survivalist novels and thoroughly enjoyed them, I suspect that's quite enough testosterone-fuelled, post-apocalypse action for one lifetime. Luckily, this proves I am entirely correct about that and have not missed much. Would have liked a little more in-depth analysis: a book about the global and sexual politics of these series would be, well, it would actually be quite short I guess. PA is more of an overall survey with added interviews with the authors who churned this stuff out on a professional level over many years at the height of its popularity. Nevertheless, this is a fun read with just the right amount of distanced tongue-in-cheek to work.
And might I add: twin stainless-steel Detonics.
Because they always deserve a mention. Often. Regularly. Over and over and over...

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justin Marriott is justly known as ‘King of the Fanzines’ for the many cool “zines” he edits and publishes: THE PAPERBACK FANATIC, MEN OF VIOLENCE, PULP HORROR, SLEAZY READER, MONSTER MANIACS and HOT LEAD. In the latest issue of HOT LEAD, Justin created what is essentially a comprehensive readers’ guide to Western novels, from the early classics, to adult and ultra-violent Westerns, to some of the best of the latest books in the Western genre. PULP APOCALYPSE pulls off a similar feat. It provides a comprehensive guide to novels that are set in what’s left of the earth in the wake of some nuclear or environmental disaster or pandemic and which generally feature violent, often bizarre human (and mutant) societies. Many of these novels are similar to movies like ROAD WARRIOR and ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK, or to the many Grade B (and Grade Z) post-apocalypse flicks they spawned. If you’re a fan of such movies but haven’t delved into the realm of post-apocalyptic novels, PULP APOCALYPSE is an excellent starting point that will help you figure out which are most likely to be your cup of reading tea. If you’re already a fan of post-apocalyptic novels, you’ll probably be amazed at how thoroughly and honestly PULP APOCALYPSE covers almost all of the various series and subgenres, and probably end up adding many new books to your reading list. The overviews and reviews are written by folks who really know their stuff when it comes to pulpy action/adventure novels, such as Marriott himself, Christopher Eric Compton, co-creator of the popular Paperback Warrior site, and Joe Kenney, author of the long-running Glorious Trash blog. Until now, I’ve been more a fan of post-apocalypse movies than novels. The knowledgeable, often witty reviews in PULP APOCALYPSE made me realize that there are some series in the genre I need to read — and warned me about those that aren’t worth the time or money. However, PULP APOCALYPSE is more than just a great reference. It’s fun reading in itself, nicely illustrated, and features a cool cover by the founder of Pulp 2.0 Press, Bill Cunningham. I give it 5 stars.

[Josh Hitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all of Marriott's fanzines, this was a great read and a valuable reference book. It details loads of post apocalyptic novels from mostly the 80s and 90s and gives informative reviews.

A highly recommended look at these tales and added to my wishlist for more books to look for.

[John Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great collection of reviews of some of the best Post-Apocalypse book series ever written.

[Luke John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fanzine exploring the world of pulp post apocalyptic writing from the 89s/90s. A fun read, even if the writing on offer is very much a mixed bag.