www.WarrenMurphy.com

[Ogami]

Hi Warren,

I am reading Dragon Bones here in the middle of a warzone. I understand that this may be the last Destroyer book from Gold Eagle, with a new novel forthcoming mid-2007 from a new publisher. I look forward to it!

My first contact with the Destroyer was the movie, oddly enough. I liked the movie very much (certainly more than Master Chuin), but forgot about the Destroyer universe for a few years. That is until I saw the oversized black and white comics, then I was hooked. I bought every new issue as they came out, and was delighted at the humor interjected in each adventure. I was very disappointed when the series folded, and bought the color one-shot and 4-issue miniseries. But I still needed more. That's when I turned to the used book store.

The first Destroyer novel I read was #61, Lords of the Earth. Wow, this was pretty darn close to the writing style I had enjoyed from the comics, so I began collecting more. The second book I bought was the expanded paperback of "The Assassin's Way", whatever it was called. A few years ago, I had all but 5 of the first 100 novels, and was a steady buyer of the new Gold Eagle adventures.

Back in October I fulfilled my dream of owning all Destroyers, thanks to Amazon's independent book seller feature. I read them in short order, as I deployed to Afghanistan in November last year. Funny enough I should find Destroyer # 145 here at the PX, of all places. That means an Air Force cargo plan had to fly this book in from the United States, pretty cool!

I remember fondly the "Burger Triumph" comic book, was that 15 years ago? Time flies. So it was easy to get into the plot of Dragon Bones. ("I even remember the hilarious lines from the comic: "Have it your way", "This is for Clara Peller, slow one". And who could forget "Eaters of beef and potatoes, face your doom!"

I hope the numbering scheme holds up, so that we can be treated to Destroyer #150 in years to come. The Destroyer has been part of my life for many years now, thanks for all the years you've put into it.

-Ogami

[FunkyIke66]

[quote="Ogami"] I am reading Dragon Bones here in the middle of a warzone. [/quote]

What are you doing in Afghanistan, Ogami? Are you one of our boys (or girls) in uniform? If so, God luv ya! Just wanted to say you guys have our love, respect, and support.

I'm a jazz-rock artist who has personally donnated a fair amount of my CDs to our boys in uniform in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Make sure to be safe over there.

And again . . . GOD BLESS!
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The floater stroke . . . still the coolest Sinanju technique.

[timmer]

Yes, fight the good fight over there. It seems USA and Canada are doing much of the heavy lifting in Afghan.

[Ogami]

Yep Funky, that's me, a U.S. soldier. I've gone Rambo-ing, just like that Destroyer novel where Remo goes back to Vietnam and loses his memory.

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Hi Timmer. Are you from Canada? We do get a lot of support from Canadians here, their combat expertise is absolutely valuable.

[FunkyIke66]

Yeah, I'm living for the day, when I can take a weekend flight to Bagdad, stay at the local Hilton, grab a cup of joe at the local Starbucks, and enjoy book shoping at the local Barns & Noble. (And my chick with me doesn't have to wear a vail.)

Probably most of the good local people in Bagdad are living for that day. (If that makes me an "ignorant American" . . . I never doubted it for one second. I yam what I yam.)

Again, one big respectful salute headed your way, soldier! Be safe.
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The floater stroke . . . still the coolest Sinanju technique.

[Ogami]

Thanks! Years ago, I read the books where Remo as Shiva went to Baghdad and battled Kali's avatar using Saddam's victory swords. And he had to separate a Baathist soldier and a goat. Those were the days!

[timmer]

I think those days are coming back. Yep I am from Canada. The Afghan mission gets a lot of attention here. The usual suspects are yelping that it's "suddenly" become a combat mission rather than a "peacekeeping" mission, however the majority of the pop is very supportive of the mission and the government has dramatically increased military spending. About time.

[mohrorless]

[quote="Ogami"]Yep Funky, that's me, a U.S. soldier. I've gone Rambo-ing, just like that Destroyer novel where Remo goes back to Vietnam and loses his memory.[/quote]

God Bless You Ogami! Be safe! Tell everyone over (on our side any way) THANKS!!! We really DO appreciate what you guys (and gals!) are doing over there.
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Reserve mercy for those with coin to pay; punish the rest. - The Grest Wang

[FreeLiveFree]

Hey Ogami does your nickname come from Ogami Itto from Lone Wolf and Cub?

[Ogami]

Sorry for the late responses everyone... I am in a warzone!

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Hi Timmer.

Yes, being here in Afghanistan, I am profoundly aware of the efforts and sacrifices that Canadian soldiers are making for the freedom of the people of Afghanistan. I know that this war is unpopular in Canada, but to soldiers like me the Canadians serving here are heros fighting for the noblest of causes. (No, not for President Bush, but for the people of Afghanistan who are being helped on a daily basis.)
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mohrorless, thank you for thinking of us!

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Hi FreeLiveFree.

You got it exactly, I was a fan of the original Dark Horse comics (1989-1992) translating Lone Wolf and Cub. Then I got the new manga-sized translations and was finally able to read the whole story. A real treat!

http://www.darkhorse.com/profile/profile.php?sku=40-092

-Ogami

[FreeLiveFree]

Ah Lone Wolf and Cub, Ogami Itto is one of the few assassins to get close to the boys from Sinanju. I still wonder what would happen if the Yagu had just hired the current master. No wait then the series would've ended with Ogami dead.

[Ogami]

Retsudo Yagyu's pride would never permit him to hire outsiders (especially a Korean like Chuin) to finish Ogami off.

Plus, Master Chiun (or equivalent) would have laughed at the Yagyu's pathetic Ninja techniques and probably slain them all as a lesson against imcompentence.

-Ogami