Moonstone Forums

Hi, folks. I'm not sure why this wasn't more widely publicized (or publicized at all) by Moonstone, but the concept of Carl as a former government agent was actually Jeff Rice's idea and was something he'd always planned to reveal about the character. This was (I thought) going to be a big deal and I was flattered when Joe asked me to write the story that revealed this element of Carl's past. However, when it came out there wasn't a bang or even a whimper but a deafening silence. The only allusion to this revelation was an early press release / PR statement that said there would be a new revelation about Carl's past (I'm paraphrasing here) in the CASEBOOK. That was it. So if you're confused, it's because it was never really properly publicized. So my apologies; as it stands now, it appears that I just pulled this concept out of my hindquarters, but that is not the case...if you'll pardon the pun.

Richard,

I wish it had been advertised as well. It definitely puts a different spin on the story and I wish I had known it beforehand. I'll have to read it again. This helps to 'explain' why Carl didn't just disappear after running afoul of various government agencies.

Thank you for posting here!

Kevin Findley aka Ticktock

Hi, Kevin:

My pleasure! I'm just glad I got the opportunity to clarify the issue.

I hope, knowing this, that you and others will enjoy the story a bit more.

I've REALLY enjoyed the Casebook. I still have three or four stories left, but every one so far has been a lot of fun. It's just great reading all these wonderful interpretations of one of my favorite fictional characters. Most of the authors have captured Carl's voice very well - I think the Vincenzo/Kolchak scenes are my favorites! The monsters are secondary, to me anyway, to just seeing how Kolchak reacts to them. He's the Straw that Stirs the Drink, and the stirring is done most excellently in these stories.

I just finished Pirate's Blood last night, and it was another strong, if somewhat familiar, entry. SPOILER!: The only thing missing was I wanted some final words from Captain Shark to Kolchak, acknowledging his help in defeating the bad guys. I expected a "you'd make a fine pirate yerself, Kolchak!" type line, immediately followed by a trademark Carl quip. But that's a minor quibble. It was nice seeing Carl acting so heroic, for a change, too. We know he's got it in him, but it doesn't always show itself!

Thanks for putting out these compilations! I hope you can keep publishing one a year forever!

Persoanlly, I was never thrilled with the concept of Carl as a federal agent, myself. (Not the fact that you used that, RDS, but the fact that that piece of background info existed at all). I never felt it fit into the rest of the timeline as it's been established, and it certainly moves him slightly away from the "regular average guy" grounding I've always seen Kolchak as having. Plus I've always maintained that Kolchak is not Mulder or Scully, and being a former governamt agent makes illustrating that difference a little more diffucult.

I do enjoy revealing pieces of details from his past (I am guilty of that myself back in the Kolchak Chronicles)... that's just one detail I would have been happy to see stay buried! But then, that's probably why Joe and I don't often share editorial duties on a given book. We'd never agree on anything.

It was, however, a well-crafted story regardless. I'm not sure any one detail Rich or I or anyone else could reveal would bring the masses running regardless of what it was... Kolchak fans I think are happy to have some quality new material in any case. And the interested ones tend to show up regardless. (Look at all you fine folks!) RDS revealing Carl was a goverment agent... me revealing clues about his upbringing and early family... these are cool gems we have for the readers to enjoy. But sadly, in and of themselves, they're not the stuff of headlines. But fortunately (and hopefully!) they're the stuff of good stories!

Well, running, crawling, carried in...at least they're reading!

RDS

I'll "amen" that!

I'm back - again. I have fallen so far behind you guys in my required Kolchak reading that I'm a little ashamed to be even attempting a conversation. Casebook, the Frankenstein Agenda, and so much more I've yet to read (divorce is a time consuming and expensive ordeal, kids...avoid it!). Did the Kolchak / Sherlock Holmes project come to life yet? Jeez, I'm behind the times. Good to be back though.


Janos

Janos,

Having been through a divorce, I have the following advice. Find an attorney as ruthless as the actual Skorzeny, sprinkle a little blood in the water, and let him/her go to town! 'Staying friends' is great for Bruce Willis, but wait until after the divorce to bother with it. My two cents anyway.

Dave, Richard, et al,

I haven't forgotten the rest of the Casebook, it's just that other things get in the way. You really published the Spider Chronicles too close to the Casebook's release. How can I write a review when my mind is filled with tough broads, smoking guns and the maniacal laughter of a vigilante that makes Bruce Wayne look like a Girl Scout? Shame on you all for putting Kolchak fans into this position.

Ticktock

OK, I know that I am five different kinds of a b*****d for being this late, but this last year, especially in getting ready to retire from the Air Force has been much more difficult than I ever expected. Partly due to the paperwork, partly due to the ‘Holy crap, my life as I know it is going away!’ feeling. Mea culpa everyone, here we go!

First off, an apology to Richard Dean Starr. I did reread Bones of the Past again with the knowledge that Moonstone should have hinted about before the book was published. Carl’s conversation with the MIBs certainly made a lot more sense and it does provide a better reason than just luck on how he could stay out of jail and/or not find himself the victim of a tragic automobile accident. Thank you for the Night Stalker tale Sir.

Digger – Whistling ‘...like it was his own personal theme song.’ Nice touch right off the bat! When I was a kid watching Night Stalker in the 70s; that tune nearly creeped me out as much as the show itself. The frustration Carl felt with the authorities in every episode really came through here in every conversation with Capt. McClusky. Excellent work by Misters Golden and Hautala.

Blues, Sex and Bad Hot Mojo – Kolchak and the Blues make for a good combination. I definitely got a Memphis feel while reading it. Getting to know Nancy Havers was fun and I laughed out loud at the explanation for having to dress for running and throwing the quick right. I got the feeling I was supposed to know who the brother and sister act were, but all I could come up with was Pietro and Wanda. Oh and Bailwire needs to make a return visit Gary!

Broken Willow – If only Nancy could come back as well. I know that the women in Carl’s life leave or die, but this really hit me, as a reader, very hard. That’s a compliment Mr. Phillips. Thank you also for giving Carl a good night’s rest. It’s appreciated.

More to follow, and it won't take 350 days this time! Keep listening to those whispers and whistles on the wind people!

Ticktock