Here's a breakdown of the science fiction stories you can expect to find in "Astounding Stories of Super-Science," April 1931:
The Stories and Previews:
- "Monsters of Mars" by Edmond Hamilton: This complete novelette likely throws a group of Earthlings into a desperate struggle against monstrous inhabitants of Mars.
- "The Exile of Time" (Part 1 of 4) by Ray Cummings: This serialized novel sets the stage for a thrilling adventure with robots, time travel, and a mysterious girl from the future.
- "Hell's Dimension" by Tom Curry: This story delves into a terrifying vibrational dimension, where Professor Lambert risks his life to save his fiancee trapped in its magnetic torture fields.
- "The World Behind the Moon" by Paul Ernst: Two intrepid Earthmen face off against horrific monsters in the jungles of Zeud, a hidden world on the backside of the moon.
- "Four Miles Within" by Anthony Gilmore: This complete novelette takes readers on a claustrophobic journey deep within the Earth. A team descends in a gleaming metal sphere, only to discover they are not alone and face deadly enemies.
- "The Lake of Light" by Jack Williamson: Explorers in the frozen wastes at the bottom of the world stumble upon a strange pool of white fire, leading to an unusual adventure.
- "The Ghost World" by Sewell Peaslee Wright: Commander John Hanson embarks on another thrilling interplanetary adventure with the Special Patrol Service.
Science Fiction Focus: Based on the titles and information available, the April 1931 issue explores classic pulp sci-fi themes:
- Space Exploration and Peril: Stories like "Monsters of Mars" and "The World Behind the Moon" showcase the dangers and challenges of venturing beyond Earth, encountering monstrous lifeforms and hidden worlds.
- Time Travel and its Consequences: "The Exile of Time" introduces a serialized story with time travel, robots, and a mysterious girl from the future, hinting at potential paradoxes and thrilling adventures.
- Interdimensional Travel and Danger: "Hell's Dimension" takes readers on a journey into a terrifying alternate dimension, highlighting the potential dangers of exploring the unknown.
- Subterranean Exploration and Threats: "Four Miles Within" delves deep into the Earth's core, showcasing a claustrophobic journey and encounters with deadly enemies.
- Unexplained Phenomena and Mysteries: "The Lake of Light" introduces a strange pool of white fire found in the frozen wastes, hinting at an unexplained phenomenon waiting to be explored.
- Interplanetary Adventures and the Special Patrol Service: "The Ghost World" features Commander John Hanson on another mission, suggesting a thrilling spacefaring adventure.
Overall Tone
The April 1931 issue promises a thrilling blend of adventure, suspense, and exploration. It reflects the imaginative spirit of early science fiction, showcasing the potential of science to reach beyond our planet, travel through time, and delve into the unknown, while also facing the dangers that may lurk in the vast universe and hidden dimensions.