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★★★★★

4.7

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66 reviews

Description

Paperback Warrior is an American content creator that specializes in critiquing vintage fiction. The creator's flagship is it's eponymous blog that contains over 2,000 comprehensive posts about vintage and contemporary fiction including media such as comic books, graphic novels, pulps, action-adventure magazines, digests, black and white magazines, comic strips, and movie and television tie-in content. Additionally, the brand's owner, Christopher Eric Compton, hosts the Paperback Warrior Podcast, an outreach of the blog featuring reviews, author biographies, publisher histories, bookstore guides, buying tips, interviews, and analytic commentary about the 19th and 20th century publishing industry. The brand's YouTube channel contains over 200 videos that channels the same spirit as the blog and podcast with additional commentary about Eric's national bookstore experiences and a monthly ranking video of the prior month's reads. Paperback Warrior continues to collaborate with publishers such as Stark House Press, Black Gat Books, Brash Books, Cutting Edge Books, Wolfpack Publishing, Rough Edges, and Encyclopocalypse. The brand also incorporates affiliate partnerships with Amazon, Abe Books, and YouTube with Ad Sense. Media and publishers can contact the brand at [email protected]. FOLLOW ME HERE! ▸ Subscribe ▸ X ▸ Donate ▸ Blog ▸ Spreaker Podcasts Videos Everyone Loves: ▸ Ranking the Dean R. Koontz Books ▸ Paperbacks from Hell ▸ Ranking the Stephen King Night Shift Stories ▸ Used Bookstore Blitz! #Action #Adventure #Mystery #Thriller #Suspense #BookReview #Reviews #Novel #Paperback #Vintage #Fiction #Read #Reading #Crime #Crime-Noir #Noir #Whodunit #Sleuth #Detective #Investigate #War #Battle #Combat #Spy #Espionage #Spy-Fiction #Secret Agent #Cold War #Spies #Horror #Scary #Stories #Pulp #Pulp Fiction #Heroes #Comics #Graphic Novels #Terror #Scary Stories #Scary Story #Creepy #Eerie #Fantasy #Science-Fiction #Sci-Fi #Gothic #Sword and Sorcery #Old Comics #Old Books #Old Magazines #WWII #Vietnam War #Book

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Check latest episodes from Paperback Warrior podcast

Conversations - Bad Taste Books & The Book Graveyard

2026/07/26

Paperback Warrior joins forces with Bryan from Bad Taste Books and Nick from The Book Graveyard for a lively discussion of Shark Fighter, Len Levinson's outrageous 1976 cult paperback from Belmont Tower. The trio explores the explosion of shark-themed fiction inspired by the blockbuster success of Jaws, the stunt-driven marketing craze of the 1970s, and why books like Shark Fighter became unforgettable pieces of pop culture. Along the way, the conversation also touches on books by Jim Thompson, Clark Howard, and Dan Streib, making this a fun deep dive into vintage paperbacks, pulp fiction, and the era that produced them.

Conversations - The Book Graveyard

2026/07/05

In this new collaboration with Nick from The Book Graveyard, Paperback Warrior explores Mistress of Orion Hall, a haunting 1970 gothic-suspense paperback published by Fawcett Gold Medal. Along the way, the episode traces the remarkable career of John Messmann, examining his work across westerns, spy fiction, and action novels, as well as the gothic romances he wrote under the pseudonym Claudette Nicole. The discussion also highlights the recent revival of Messmann's fiction through new editions from Brash Books and Cutting Edge, making this an ideal introduction to one of paperback fiction's most versatile and overlooked authors. Listen to the podcast or watch the video HERE.

Conversations - The Book Graveyard

2026/02/23

Welcome to my newest collaboration with Nick at The Book Graveyard. On this episode, we continue our "Guide to Gothics" discussions by reviewing a 1976 paperback by William Ross titled Phantom Wedding. In this analysis, we discuss William Ross's career, his contributions to the vampire-themed Dark Shadows series, and how he stacks up in terms of other gothic paperback writers. You can stream the video version of this episode HERE.

Conversations - The Book Graveyard & Liminal Spaces

2026/01/28

In this episode, I'm talking with Nick from The Book Graveyard and Chris from Liminal Spaces about a 1969 paperback titled To the Dark Tower by Weird Tales author Frank Belknap Long. Is the book an early representative of folk horror? Is it a standard gothic romance paperback? What are the ties to Lovecraft's cosmic horror? We have the answers in this newest episode of the Guide to Gothics series. Stream the podcast here or watch the collaboration on video HERE.

Episode 125: Top Reads of 2025

2025/12/15

In this energetic year-end episode, Eric looks back at a wildly productive 2025 for Paperback Warrior — packed with reviews, interviews, collaborations, and behind-the-scenes adventures. He shares big milestones, surprising personal updates, and a rapid-fire countdown of his Top 10 Reads of the Year (spoiler-free!). Eric also teases exciting projects coming in 2026, including new partnerships, publishing work, and podcast appearances. It’s a fast, fun celebration of a landmark year and a perfect jumping-on point for listeners old and new.

Conversations - The Book Graveyard

2025/11/17

In this month’s installment of Guide to Gothics, Paperback Warrior teams up once again with Nick Anderson of The Book Graveyard to unearth a paperback relic: Dorothy Daniel’s The Tormented, a 1969 gothic suspense novel from Paperback Library. The book was successful enough to warrant two printings, one in 1971 and another in 1974. Since then, this book has lingered for decades in the shadowy corners of vintage gothic collections. But does it earn its place among the genre’s atmospheric greats? Together, we dissect the novel through our Gothic Litmus Test. Stream the audio there, or watch the video discussion on YouTube HERE.

Conversations - John Shirley

2025/11/10

Legendary writer John Shirley blasts into Paperback Warrior to talk crime, cyberpunk, and chaos. From his hard-boiled new novel The Silver Revolver to the upcoming streaming revival of his ’80s action series The Specialist, Shirley pulls no punches. He opens up about writing for Blue Öyster Cult, collaborating with Todd McFarlane on Spawn, penning the darkly brilliant Batman novel Dead White, and crafting post-apocalyptic classics like Traveler and the tech thriller SubOrbital 7. It’s a wild ride through the mind of one of fiction’s boldest visionaries—a must-listen for fans of pulp, punk, and pure storytelling power. Listen to the audio right here, or watch the video discussion on YouTube HERE.

Conversations - The Book Graveyard

2025/10/20

The Brooding Lake – A Gothic Gem Resurrected In this episode of Paperback Warrior: Conversations, our host joins forces with Nick Anderson of YouTube’s Book Graveyard to unearth a haunting treasure from 1953 — The Brooding Lake by Dorothy Eden. Originally published twice by Dell, this classic gothic novel drips with atmosphere, mystery, and psychological tension. Together, they explore what makes The Brooding Lake a true gothic masterpiece — from its stormy setting to its shadowy secrets — and put it to the ultimate test: Does it pass The Guide to Gothics checklist? Along the way, they draw uncanny parallels between Eden’s mid-century suspense and David Lynch’s Twin Peaks, revealing how both works blur the line between beauty and menace. Tune in for literary analysis, dark nostalgia, and a touch of the uncanny — all in one brooding conversation. You can also watch this as a video presentation HERE.

Conversations - David Agranoff

2025/09/22

This in-depth interview explores the work and creative philosophy of author David Agranoff, known for blending horror, science fiction, and political commentary. The discussion covers his literary influences—ranging from heavy metal and punk rock to authors like Alistair MacLean and Philip K. Dick—and how they inform his fast-paced, visceral writing style. 0:00 - Intro 1:28 - Heavy Metal 4:14 - Alistair MacLean Influences 7:05 - GD Killing Machines 8:53 - Last Night to Kill Nazis 17:06 - Childhood 18:07 - Hunting the Moon Tribe 19:40 - Style of Writing 24:58 - The Vegan Revolution...with Zombies 32:26 - Punk Rock Ghost Story 46:24 - Paperback Warrior on Last Night to Kill Nazis 1:01:16 - Great America in Dead World 1:06:19 - Nightmare City 1:07:58 - Bizarro 1:11:43 - Dickheads Podcast 1:14:11 - Conclusion Get the Book: https://amzn.to/4po8Szm David Agranoff Online: https://www.facebook.com/david.agranoff.5

Conversations - Greg F. Gifune

2025/09/16

In this in-depth conversation, acclaimed horror author Greg F. Gifune discusses his literary journey, publishing experiences, writing philosophy, and the psychological themes that define his work. From early magazine publications to film adaptations, this episode offers a comprehensive look into the mind of one of dark fiction’s most nuanced storytellers. Also, an exclusive first look at the cover art for Gifune's newest novel, the anticipated PACK ANIMALS, set for publication by Crossroad Press on December 16th 2025. 00:00 - Intro 01:57 - Early Magazine Appearances 07:19 - Heretics 08:56 - Gifune's Childhood 16:33 - Pre-Writing Career 25:14 - Advice for Young Writers 32:46 - Delirium Publishing 34:40 - Rise and Fall of Dark Fuse Publishing 44:43 - Journal Stone Publishing 46:00 - The Definition of "Writer" 48:40 - Psychological Storytelling 01:02:20 - The Rain Dancers 01:04:15 - Can Anything Scare Us? 01:09:38 - Crossroad Press Deal 01:11:23 - The Standing Dead 01:13:01 - Savages 01:15:59 - Pack Animals 01:23:10 - Long After Dark Movie Adaptation 01:26:54 - Movie Options 01:30:11 - Conclusion Preorder links: Amazon paperback link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1637893434

Conversations - The Book Graveyard

2025/09/01

The Paperback Warrior collides with The Book Graveyard for another "Guide to Gothics" episode. On this show, Eric and Nick discuss a 1972 Dell Gothic paperback titled, "Decoy in Diamonds". The episode includes a review of the book, discussion of the author Natalie Gates, the Cincinnati Reds, the New York Giants, and a showcase of 10 Gothic paperbacks. Also, view the video on YouTube HERE.

Episode 124: William R. Cox

2025/08/25

This podcast episode features William R. Cox, a prolific author of over 1,000 pulp stories known for his crime-fiction, sports, and western novels. It also includes a review of a 1967 vintage suspense-thriller by John Farris. Listen today! Follow all the vintage fiction reviews, articles, and video links on PaperbackWarrior.com

Episode 123: Pulps in Paperback

2025/08/11

In this episode, Eric explores the transition of vintage pulp stories and heroes from magazine format to mass market paperbacks in the 1960s and 1970s. He also celebrates GarbAugust by highlighting three of the worst books he’s ever read. Be sure to follow all of the Paperback Warrior reviews, articles, and links at Paperback Warrior.

Conversations - The Book Graveyard

2025/07/21

Eric collaborates with Nick from The Book Graveyard BookTube channel to review the 1971 gothic paperback The Shadow Guest. They also explore the gothic paperback scene of the 1960s–80s, focusing on its mix of supernatural and mystery elements. The discussion is available as a podcast and as a video on The Book Graveyard channel HERE.

Episode 122: Jack Karney & S.S. Rafferty

2025/07/07

In this double-feature episode, Eric investigates the mysterious life and work of crime-fiction and boxing-story writer Jack Karney, while also spotlighting S.S. Rafferty, a regular contributor to Ellery Queen and Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazines. The episode also includes a segment on a non-fiction book about MGM Studios, a look at this summer's conventions, and fiction's first colonial continental op. Check out thousands of book reviews and articles about vintage fiction and crime-noir at Paperback Warrior. Visit me on X, FaceBook, and YouTube.

Podcast reviews

Read Paperback Warrior podcast reviews

4.7 out of 5

66 reviews

★★★★★

Cire0523 2026/09/24

Great Information for all Paperback Warriors!

When I started collecting old paperbacks most podcaster about books all mentioned Paperback Warrior. So out of curiosity I started listening. After ...

★★★☆☆

Ratchet Strap 2026/08/15

Great info. Bad ads.

Incredible content and book recs but man, they just stick the most annoyingly loud ads right in the middle of a sentence. It’s very annoying.

★★★★★

Magazines and Monsters 2026/02/25

Fun podcast

Eric has a wide range of books he covers on this show, plus very knowledgeable guests as well! It’s a show well worth your time!

★★★★★

TreezyBFO 2025/09/09

I FOUND YOU GUYS

Saw yall on YouTube and had to cross reference you on a podcast great that I found you just what I was looking for. I’m getting into writing pulp and ...

★★★★★

Notre Dan 2022/10/24

Genre Book Lover

As a genre book lover especially mens adventure novels (Mack Bolan, etc.) love this podcast for the great information on authors & stuff to look for I...

★★★★★

criticalrob 2021/10/12

Great resource!

What a great podcast! I’ve been reading spy novels, westerns, and adventure paperbacks from the time I was a kid. I read them and then donated them to...

★★★★★

cdh2k10 2021/03/14

Concise and informative.

Eric and Tom have a lot to offer to the genre paperback fan. Well researched and presented, the hosts don’t bother with needless yackity-schmackity. Y...

★★★★★

RXJ1999 2020/11/23

Fun podcast

Entertaining and a cool dive into the dime novel and pulp world. Nice job!!

★★★★★

Den Shewman 2020/10/27

The only podcast I listen to the day it comes out

Love this podcast for its smart, funny take on men’s adventure fiction and a sprinkling of horror. From James Bond to Mack Bolan and beyond (and below...

★★★★★

Sidney Williams 2020/09/24

Excellent and Informative

This is a very informative show for any interested in vintage paperbacks and their authors. Great biographical details are incorporated with insights ...

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