EDitorial Comments

A Major Award!

This week I received a nice surprise in the mail: a bulky package containing . . . no, not a lamp shaped like a lady’s stockinged leg. It was this year’s Echoes Award, a handsome plaque bestowed annually upon a member of the pulp-fan community by Tom and Ginger Johnson. They included a certificate stating that publishing Blood ‘n’ Thunder, the Classic Pulp Reprints series, and The Blood ‘n’ Thunder Guide to Pulp Fiction entitled me to this year’s award, which I am greatly honored to accept. For many years the Johnsons published Echoes, a fanzine that featured articles and artwork by the leading lights of pulp fandom, including Robert Sampson, Will Murray, Nick Carr, and many others. It began in 1982 and ceased publication in 2004 after reaching a milestone of 100 issues. During those years Echoes gave voice to many fine writers and researchers and presented the work of a similar number of talented artists.  It was, to many, the heart and soul of our little world of pulp-fiction enthusiasts.

Although Tom Johnson retired some years ago he has remained active in the pulp community and is aligned with Matt Moring’s Altus Press. Continuing to issue the Echoes Award is one way he acknowledges the folks who have made contributions to pulp-fiction history and appreciation. My thanks go to Tom and Ginger, and to all of you who have supported Murania Press. I hope my future efforts will continue to merit your esteem.