Greetings Loyal Airmen, last weekend’s Windy City Pulp & Paper show was the biggest ever! No lie. They broke attendance records.  And fittingly enough Rob and the Air Chief brought along our better halves for the very first time. So we’ve got lots of fun pix to share with you. Hang on to your hats.

As ever, the show takes place at the Westin hotel in Lombard, Il, a suburb of Chicago. The weather proved to cold and rainy, but that didn’t stop our enthusiasm. Left to right above, the Air Chief, Valerie, Theresa Davis and husband Rob. The girls hit it off which was no surprise. They are both fun ladies who have always supported us from day one.

So many of our super talented writing amigos were all around us setting up. From left to right above, we have have Tommy Hancock of Pro-Se Press and his sidekick Aubrey. Then comes Jonathan “Jay” Sweet of Brick Pickle media and lastly writer Matthew Bieniek, always a happy soul.

Left to right above. Writer/publisher Brian K. Morris and Cookie, Martin Gram & Alex and writer pal, Van Allen Plexico.

Writer Fred Adams Jr. and his friend Vivian arrived Sat morning, to our delight. Meanwhile Rob had whipped up a great sale incentive which proved to be a huge success as we sold tons of books. Thanks to all of your wonderful customers.

As is the usual tradition, we gather as many brave souls as possible and go out to a local eatery on the first night (Friday) of the con. This year was no exception. It is a time for good food and conversation before heading back to the con for the annual Pulp Factory Award Presentations hosted my yours truly and Rob.

Above we make our introduction to the audience and then hand out the first prize to Van Plexico.

Then Brian K. Morris accepted three of the five awards for those people unable to attend the show. The last award went to Rob. As ever he was really humble in his little acceptance speech.

Left is a close up of one of the beautiful awards. Thanks to Awards committee member Jay Sweet for procuring them every year. Then the three recipients on hand, Van, Brian & Rob. With a very, very happy Van. This was his second PF award for Best Novel. The first person to every do that.

The winners were. BEST NOVEL – Van Allen Plexico. (White Rocket Books) BEST SHORT STORY – Clyde Hall. (Stormgate Press) BEST PULP COVER – Jeffrey Hayes. (Stormgate Press) BEST INTERIOR ILLUSTRATIONS – Rob Davis. (Airship 27 Production) BEST PULP ANTHOLOGY – Pulp Reality 5 (Stormgate Press. A boisterous congratulations to all the winners.

Finally, we’ll end this Con Report with a tip of the pulp fedora to two special ladies who help make our weekend extra special. Super Airship 27 fan, Mikkie McGrath (above with Air Chief & Rob). And none other than our gal Radio Rita, making a special appearance along with us alongside the Airship 27 travel truck. She looks in great in her flying cap and hots pants. Thanks to model builder Rob. Oh, Yeah. And that was this year’s Windy City. Remember, Loyal Airmen, it is not too soon to start making your plans to join us for next year’s show – April 3rd & 4th, 2024. Let’s make that even better.

BEYOND THE STARS CAMPAIGN

The completed Cover C to BEYOND THE STARS # 2 by Rob Davis. With only 2 days left on the campaign, things are looking rather dismal. Sigh. Hoping all you Loyal Airmen can come to the rescue. (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/silverlinecomics/march23)

Finally a good friend send me a copy of PULP FAN, a new on-going magazine for pulp enthusiast. It’s edited by Jim Main and Robert J Sodaro. Worth your time, Loyal Airmen. Go Google it and pick up a copy. You’ll be glad you did.  And that’s it for this week. Happy to be home and put away our traveling shoes for a few months. Oh yeah.

Ron – Over & Out!