Kenneth Robeson

The fourth book in the Man of Bronze series - by publication, at least - The Polar Treasure has a stronger narrative structure than the previous novels. Where the previous novels felt like episodic radio serials strung together to form a larger work, Polar Treasure feels more intentionally structured.

The adventure that Doc and his crew go on this round is also more based in reality; while their exploits are still on a grand scale, they are a far cry from ancient Mayan civilizations and modern-day dinosaurs. In short, Doc rescues a blind violinist from being kidnapped by treasure-hunters seeking the map to a lost ocean liner fill of gold and decides to beat them to the treasure out of spite, resulting in a global race involving submarines, biplanes, pirates, Eskimos. Spoiler: Doc kills and eats a polar bear with his bare hands.

Another big change is the body count. There are still plenty of fatalities, but we are now at a point where they are not being delivered by Doc himself, as he is now in the habit of subduing his enemies instead of killing them and shipping them to his secret facility where they are brainwashed into productive members of society. This, somehow, is supposed to be less creepy than Doc just pulling his attackers apart like fresh bread.

Long story short (too late), The Polar Treasure is so far my favorite Doc Savage adventure, most likely because it is - so far - the most translatable for my modern sensibilities. Just remember: "It depends on the bear."… (more)