A complete, restored issue of Pulp Fiction from 1893 — all 16 pages of painted-cover fiction magazines that launched science fiction, horror, and hardboiled crime, free to page through at ComicBooks.com.

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A complete issue · 16 pages · 1893

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 857

1893 · Free to read

Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 857 — page 2 of 16 — 2 / 16

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About this issue

This Beadle and Adams dime novel by William G. Patten follows young street vendor "Spotter Bob," a sixteen-year-old fakir selling collar buttons and cuff supporters near a New York Elevated station. Recognizing the criminal Budge Farrel among the crowds, Bob shadows him to discover Farrel is meeting a pale, silent stranger from the West seeking someone named "Black Dirk" or "Walt Dirk," a gambler. Following the two men through a saloon and restaurant, Bob boards the same elevated train car. When Farrel attempts to murder the stranger by hurling him over the platform gate, Bob intervenes with a punch, knocking the ruffian down. Bob helps the silent man back to safety; the stranger produces a revolver but restrains himself. Farrel flees before police arrive. The grateful stranger shakes Bob's hand warmly, acknowledging the boy's courage.

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Each page has its own page — the cartoon, who’s in it, and what the satire means.