Judas Payne: A Weird Western / Webb's Weird Wild West: Western Tales of Horror (Wildside Double #11)

Name: Judas Payne: A Weird Western / Webb's Weird Wild West: Western Tales of Horror (Wildside Double #11)
Price: 14.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781434411945

✍️ Michael Hemmingson

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$14.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A dual-format collection of weird western horror fiction by Hemmingson and Webb.

The structure allows for two separate reading experiences within one binding. The first narrative focuses on Judas Payne, a half-breed outcast whose life changes after his father mutilates him following an intimate discovery with his sister Evangeline. His journey leads him through a landscape populated by bizarre characters. The second work is a curated anthology of twelve short stories by Don Webb. These tales reimagine western archetypes through a lens of horror and the supernatural. Specific plots involve historical figures like Henry James in vengeful roles, mythological serpent people from Robert E. Howard's lore appearing as contemporary criminals, and Satan commanding airships. The juxtaposition of these two styles highlights different approaches to the weird western genre.

Key Themes

Weird Western horror Supernatural gangsters Satanic Zeppelin

Literary Context

This book follows the tradition of old Ace Doubles, which are two-in-one books where readers flip over to read a second title. It is part of the Wildside Double series, specifically number eleven. The content draws on western folklore and supernatural fiction traditions, presenting tales that mix historical western settings with uncanny elements.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Don Webb · Robert E. Howard · Roger Zelazny · Ace Doubles

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Borgo Press 📅 2010 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781434411945

📝 Description: Judas Payne: A Weird Western / Webb's Weird Wild West: Western Tales of Horror (Wildside Double #11)

This volume presents two distinct works bound in a single physical object, adhering to the classic Ace Doubles format. Readers can flip the book over to access the second title. The first section is Judas Payne: A Weird Western by Michael Hemmingson. It follows Judas Payne, an outcast born of rape with half-white and half-Indian heritage. He lives only for his sister Evangeline until their father discovers them naked in a barn and gouges out one of Judas's eyes. The narrative then tracks his flight into the Weird Wild West where he encounters various strange figures. The reverse side contains Webb's Weird Wild West: Western Tales of Horror by Don Webb. This collection features twelve stories that blend western tropes with supernatural horror elements. The tales include Henry James avenging his brother Jesse, Robert E. Howard's serpent people operating as a modern gang, Satan piloting a Zeppelin, and hobos liberating a zebra from a stolen train. Roger Zelazny notes Webb's ability to write straight tales or venture to the fringe where cutting edges have not yet formed. This book suits readers who enjoy genre-bending fiction that mixes historical western settings with uncanny horror. It may not appeal to those seeking traditional, realistic western adventures without supernatural interference.

💎 Our verdict on Judas Payne: A Weird Western / Webb's Weird Wild West: Western Tales of Horror (Wildside Double #11)

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

This book succeeds by leveraging its physical format to deliver two contrasting horror visions within a single binding. Hemmingson provides a gritty, personal narrative focused on mutilation and exile, while Webb offers a curated anthology that playfully disrupts western tropes with supernatural intrusions like Satan piloting airships. The collection shines in its ability to showcase the flexibility of the weird western subgenre. It suits readers who enjoy historical settings infused with cosmic or psychological dread rather than traditional realistic adventures. The juxtaposition of styles highlights different approaches to horror, making it a valuable addition for enthusiasts of fringe fiction and genre experimentation.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers interested in genre-bending fiction will find this dual-format collection compelling for its structural novelty and thematic depth. The first narrative offers a dark, psychological exploration of outcast identity and familial trauma within a surreal landscape. The second section provides variety through twelve short stories that subvert traditional western archetypes with uncanny elements. This format allows for two distinct reading experiences in one binding, appealing to those who appreciate the juxtaposition of Hemmingson’s intense character study against Webb’s eclectic blend of mythological and historical horror. It is ideal for fans seeking unconventional takes on the frontier.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

This book succeeds by leveraging its physical format to deliver two contrasting horror visions within a single binding. Hemmingson provides a gritty, personal narrative focused on mutilation and exile, while Webb offers a curated anthology that playfully disrupts western tropes with supernatural intrusions like Satan piloting airships. The collection shines in its ability to showcase the flexibility of the weird western subgenre. It suits readers who enjoy historical settings infused with cosmic or psychological dread rather than traditional realistic adventures. The juxtaposition of styles highlights different approaches to horror, making it a valuable addition for enthusiasts of fringe fiction and genre experimentation.