As we approach the end of 2019, I was expecting to see the Dillon Annual Collection 2019. Until then, we have Dillon: The Odd Jobs, which is a collection of four Dillon stories not by creator Derrick Ferguson.
Ferguson’s Dillon is in interesting character. He has unique skills and abilities, and a mysterious past, which we have only learned some of it. And he’s black, which adds to the diversity that exists in New Pulp, in no small part due to authors like Ferguson.
Ferguson seems to have created a whole history or timeline for Dillon, dropping hints of other adventures that may or may not be written. At times I’d like to see this timeline included in his works, similar to what Barry Reese did in his various series.
As noted, we get four stories here by other authors, some of whom are new to New Pulp. The stories are of various lengths as well.
Erik Fromme gives us the longest story in the collection. Dillon is visiting friends in Mexico when sinister events forces him to take action to help them.
A different tale is from Russ Anderson Jr. Dillon isn’t in this story; it stars a supporting character who is involved with matters at a private French school, as well as another. It’s pretty interesting, and I would like to see more with these two.
The shortest piece is from Joel Jenkins, who probably has the most experience with Dillon, as he’s written other stories with Dillon meeting his own characters. This one is set on the island nation of Xonira just after the affair of the Golden Bell (hence why I’d like to see a timeline for the character). Here Dillon is out to stop yet another menace to the whole world.
Finally, we get a longer story by Mark Bousquet. Like other Dillon stories, we start with him wrapping up the action from one job and jumping into another involving the son of his old mentor.
A great collection of stories. I felt all the authors did a good job of being true to the characters, but I am sure Derrick won’t have run them if they hadn’t. I look forward to the 2019 Annual, as there will be stories I haven’t read yet. Should be coming soon. If you like your larger-than-life adventurers, check out Dillon.
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