Matt Moring of Steeger Books posted on Facebook this morning that Will Murray died Aug. 25, 2026. Will was 73.
For the past 35 years, Will had been writing authorized continuations of Doc Savage, The Shadow, Tarzan, and other pulp characters, in addition to his articles on the pulps and their characters. He had also served as literary agent for Lester Dent’s estate since 1979. He had recently written an El Borak story for a collection inspired by Robert E. Howard’s characters.
He wrote articles on Ghost Stories magazine and his search for an obscure pulp story in this year’s issue of The Pulpster. And, we’d chatted at PulpFest earlier this month about what he’d like to write about for next year’s issue.
His obituary is available on the Keohane Funeral & Cremation website.
I’m shocked and saddened. What a loss to the pulp community.
Absolutely devastating. I was with The Shadowed Circle this year at PulpFest, and we were right next to Will’s table. We had a friendly conversation about his Secret Agent X Vs. Doctor Death book (he stated he was considering doing a sequel for it), and he spoke approvingly of my primer videos for that book I did on my BookTube channel. He even gave me some of his Wild Adventures of Cthulhu books to review, as he wanted some more eyes on it for the upcoming autumn season. Despite only meeting Will in person twice, he left quite an impression. He will be sorely missed.
This is devastating news on a personal and professional front.
I’m truly sorry to hear the news. More than anyone that I’m aware of, he carried Lester Dent’s legacy into the twenty-first century, and kept Doc’s story going.
He will be missed.
Shocked. Will was a titan of the pulp world.
Very saddened. I loved his work since The Destroyer. I would not be doing today what I have always imagined I could do. Writing and filmmaking. If not for Will there would be no Doc Savage beyond Bantam or the ’70s comic. This one hurts.
Sherlock Holmes, The Shadow, Doc Savage, The Destroyer…all brilliant work! What a sad day.
The Shadow on the lunar eclipse was his path to his next journey. The world is certainly dimmer today without him. William literally saved my life with his compassion, kindness and care many years ago. His card readings were maticulous. His writing was glorious. His friendship; unforgettable. I know he is thrilled to be reunited with his parents. Especially Mary, his mother, who was a joy and rather legendary herself. I will miss she and her son very much. May his memory be a blessing. Love to his sister Mary and all who loved him. Legends never die and I’m grateful Will’s words are available for generations to come.
– Kimberly Cole
I’m one of the Lester Dent heirs and as stated in the story Will had represented the estate since around 1979! He was great to work with and will be truly missed! RIP Will!🙏🙏🙏
He also co-created the Marvel character Squirrel Girl. RIP.
I’m so sorry to hear this. Will was brilliant and creative and dedicated to his craft, and great to deal with.
Very sad to hear this. We’ve lost a great pulp historian as well as one of the few writers who could truly emulate the pulp style.