The real Kansas Kid rides into the sunset

To some, The Kansas Kid was gun-slinging Dan Robbins, who rode the Kansas plains in two western novels. But to the editors at Bold Venture Press, the real Kansas Kid was author John R. Rose, who grew up playing, working, and coaching on those very same stomping grounds.

John R. Rose passed away on Friday, March 23rd, 2018, leaving behind several as-yet-to-published novels and short stories. The Hays Daily News carried a short obituary about John, but they didn't mention his authorial pursuits.

John was a key player in assembling Zorro: The Complete Pulp Adventures (also from Bold Venture Press). John lent more than forty rare pulp magazines from his personal collection, allowing us to typeset the stories for the reprint project. He generously lent them with only a promise we would return them. It wasn't easy convincing him he earned his contributor copies.

So, if you're anywhere near United Methodist Church in La Crosse on Friday morning be sure to holler a hearty "Hi-Yo Silver!" on John's behalf ... or hoist a beer and sing "The Ballad of Paladin." The real Kansas Kid has left town forever, but his vivid characters will live on as we continue publishing his works.

• Alias The Kansas Kid
• The Kansas Kid Rides Again
• The Galaxy Queen