THE ADVENTURES OF DOC SAVAGE

This is a fine production—as long as you know what to expect. The stories were written in 1934 and were adapted for National Public Radio in 1985. This is Depression-era pulp fiction. It paved the way for comic books, inspiring “Superman” and many others. “Fear Cay” and the “Thousand-Headed Man” are interesting, though the production is rather heavy-handed. Only Daniel Chodos, who plays Savage, is credited, but there are almost a dozen other actors playing Savage's crew and various villains and victims. The production borders on parody, at times sounding like a Guy Noir sketch. The plots are as thin as they are predictable—but if you're looking for nostalgia, check out Doc and his friends. M.S. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2011]