So long Mike Hammer

I was surprised to read this morning that Mickey Spillane (registration may be needed) -- the man who wrote the pulpy, hard-boiled detective series Mike Hammer died recently.

Admittedly, I hadn't thought of Mike Hammer for awhile. What I remember is watching the show, which was on CBS, with my dad when I was a kid. I suppose it was something that no one in their right mind should show a nine-year-old, but it was some fun stuff to watch with dad.

Spillane's life is entwined in my in a funny way. My grandfather on my dad's side used to translate his novels into Chinese, according to my dad. Apparently Spillane even sent my grandfather a letter, but I have no idea what happened to that.

I think that Mike Hammer in a way shaped my world viewpoint, writing and literary tastes. Admittedly, I'm more of a Spenser fan, but Hammer paved the way for the hard-boiled detective with the hot dame and the black-and-white sense of justice.

Maybe that's why I never found Sin City to be that offensive -- it was in the tradition of Mike Hammer, which I always liked.

Towards the end, Spillane kinda faded away, but the more I think about it, the more I realize his legacy will live on -- which may piss off the politically-correct and high-minded, but that's alright with me.