Magnet Detective Library: A Klondike Claim

# Megavore 12 (December 1980)

This fanzine issue examines the pulp magazine The Skipper, featuring an article "The Fighting Fury" by Link Hullar and Will Murray analyzing the short-lived street and Smith title from 1936. The piece traces the magazine's origins as a Doc Savage variant created by circulation director Henry W. Ralston, edited by John L. Nanovic. The Skipper, Captain John Fury (red-haired, arctic-eyed), was intentionally marketed as darker and more violent than Doc Savage—featuring nudity, brutal vengeance, and torture—targeting adult audiences competing against titles like The Spider and Operator 5. Author Laurence Donovan wrote the series under the pseudonym Wallace Brooker. Despite employing Doc's signature tactics (nerve strikes, disguises, gadgets), Cap Fury lacks the noble morality of his inspiration, instead pursuing visceral justice. The series survived twelve issues but remained underdeveloped in character and plot. Peter Doom, an expelled policeman ally, is briefly described as the most developed supporting character. The issue also includes bibliographies of James H. Schmitz and John Varley, reviews, and professional writing tips.