Hand

The entire series run of Mister Mystery got off to a great start with this spooky tale of murderous twinsanity--- or is it something else even more sinister? Prepare yourself for 5 fright filled pages of what pre-code horror is all about!

From the September 1951 issue of Mister Mystery #1

The Dead Awaken

From the December 1954 issue of Thrills of Tomorrow #18 (which is actually just a full issue reprint of the ever unobtainable Tomb of Terror #1) comes a ghostly tale of waterlogged love from, quote: "Beyond the depths of where endless agony awaits the evil!”

Is there any other kind?

Vampire, Beware!

As promised, it’s the glorious return of Bill Everett to my blog! And even Sardonic Stan’s somewhat comedic approach to the storytelling here doesn’t dampen Everett’s ability to still deliver the most evil looking blood-suckers ever put into a comic book! ::shiver::

From the October 1952 issue of Suspense #23

The Mummy Lives!

Here’s a cool mummy story with a couple wacky twists, as well as some fabulous art from the ever reliable Tony DiPreta. I’ll quit yappin’ so you can get readin’ now…

From the February 1954 issue of Journey into Unknown Worlds #24

Your Name Is Frankenstein!

Quick! Take a peek at that opening splash panel below. Did your eyeballs just pop right outta your skull? That’s Joe Maneely folks, and he was without a doubt one of Atlas Comics best, (and Stan the Man wrote the words so you know it doesn’t get much better than this!) To finish off the month of July with a big scream, this is the first post in a 3 day, 3-part Atlas Monster Trilogy… just ahead: mummies and vampires too, so be on the look out!

From the September 1953 issue of Menace #7

Witch’s Wicked Words

I’ve been told that the artist of our next story is not Jack Davis… but it’s so much like Jack Davis it’s scary! What I do know is that we have here a really nifty story, a wild blend of hardboiled gangster violence, time travel, and witch craftiness… it’s definitely one of the more entertaining Ace tales, and the noir-ish tough guy talk is totally hysterical. Mostly, I’m just a sucker for any story that ends with a big smokey “BLAM!”

From the December 1954 issue of Hand of Fate #25

The Howling Hunters

From American Comics Group (ACG) comes a really weird story about a ghost wolf man. It’s a bit longer than most typical pre-code horror stories, though everything else about this one is anything but typical. For one thing the deranged design of the werewolves, and I love the odd angles and great use of mood and shadows too. I have a few more stories from King Ward and hope to post them soon as well.

From the October 1951 issue of Adventures into the Unknown #24

The Face of Death

One of Marvel / Atlas Comics biggest advantages over most of the other pre-code horror publishers was simply by having a writer / illustrator like Bill Everett on their team. A truly amazing talent, he easily revivaled anyone working in the EC bullpen, and secured his place in comic book history by creating the ageless anti-hero Prince Namor the Sub-Mariner. Everett's work in the horror genre is equally brilliant and eerie and unlike anyone else, as in this fine example from the spring 1952 issue of Adventures into Weird Worlds #4.

Web of the Spider

Hate spiders? You may want to just skip this story if you do. Featuring a fantastic opening splash panel (and a great finale of a girl giggling with sheer horrified madness) makes Web of the Spider one of the better offerings from Harvey Comics. FYI: This will be the first of a few posts featuring stories about people who transform into some-thing other than “human.” Enjoy! And Happy 13th Posting too, you lucky fiends…

From Witches Tales #12 (July 1952.)