Most people aren't aware that there was a novelization to the Creature from the Black Lagoon published in 1954. Both hardcover and paperback versions are extremely rare and very, very expensive when they do turn up. I had long since written off ever owning a copy, so I was quite excited when DreamHaven Books reprinted the novelization in 2011, alongside a number of rare photos and an introduction by my pal (and renowned Creature aficionado) David J. Schow.
My treasured copy is not only signed by DJS, but also by the lovely Julie Adams (who portrayed the Creature's swimming partner, Kay Lawrence — which ironically is the name of a good high school friend of mine!), and the swimming Creature actor himself, Ricou Browning. Julie and Ricou are sadly no longer with us, so this is another treasured item in my Creature from the Black Lagoon collection!
Be sure to check back next Friday for more Creature goodness!
