A Gravedigger’s Terror

The Groovy Age of Horror blog recently had some interesting posts on nazi horrors, so I thought I’d join in the atrocities with this unevenly illustrated tale of German wartime betrayal and torture. And while we’re at it let’s throw in a vampire and a zombie because apparently the ratzis aren’t monsters enough.

From the December 1952 issue of Mysterious Adventures #11

Tales of Horror (CONTEST)

I’m giving away an extra copy of the August 1954 issue of Tales of Horror #12. This copy isn’t in the greatest shape but it is complete, and it’s 100% FREE. Let’s call it a G – VG. So here’s the deal: below are 6 random screen captures from some 70’s horror films, whoever correctly names / identifies the most films (by the number in the bottom left-hand corner of each) wins, or the first person to name them ALL correctly wins. Enter as many times as you like, you can change your answers, use life-lines, wild guesses, whatever it takes.



FYI: since so many of you post anonymously all entries should include a name and an email address (you don’t want someone else taking credit for your impeccable film knowledge!) You may also email your answers here: karswell@hotmail.com The winner will be announced on February 1st. Good luck!

***CLUES***
#1 is a Spain / Italy production
#2 stars a Frank Zappa look-a-like
#3 the director died in a helicopter crash
#4 stars a famous male actor with a woman’s first name
#5 was made for TV
#6 was originally rated X in the UK

The Pallbearers

Here’s another story from Tales of Horror #12, courtesy of comicbook legend Myron Fass. And don’t forget to check out the contest post today on how you too can actually own the comic book containing this story!

From the August 1954 issue of Tales of Horror #12

Welcome to My School

Today I present the first story in a two-day Tales of Horror fest. And in a first for this blog--- tomorrow I will reveal a special CONTEST where you can actually win yourself a genuine pre-code comic book! The same comic in fact that today and tomorrow's stories are scanned from. But more about that on Wednesday… for now, here’s our first tale, and it’s one that I can totally relate with because ::SPOILER:: the school I went to was also ruled by Satan.
From the August 1954 issue of Tales of Horror #12

Urban Dead (GAME)

For those of you into online gaming here’s one that sounds fun: Urban Dead is a multiplayer zombie-infection web-game from the creator of Zombie Infection Simulation. The synopsis: help evacuate (or loot) a quarantined city--- or join the evil shambling hordes and chow down!

Click HERE for more info, and to start playing!

The Executioner

Here’s a violent little Mister Mystery tale… it’s more on the “crime” side of horror, but still worthy of inclusion here since it contains some brutal SOTI style axe swings to the head.

From the June 1954 issue of Mister Mystery #17

The Man Who Owned a Ghost!

Seems like I do a lot of Bill Everett posts doesn’t it? But you know what? He’s the greatest! Re-reading Mr. Door Tree’s “Zombie!” post the other day only solidifies this fact. And today’s tale with its astonishingly terrifying spectre of evil is further proof of Everett’s genius.

From the March 1952 issue of Astonishing #10

Dial… City Morgue!

Today we have a Strange Tales double header, and leading off with heavy hitter Sol Brodsky (sounds like a baseball player name doesn’t it?) and a spooky story featuring a unique twist on the “haunted phone” scenario that’s so popular these days, especially in modern Japanese horror films (and the crummy redundant American re-makes.)

From the December 1951 issue of Strange Tales #4

It!

It’s John Romita’s turn at bat with one of his earliest Atlas assignments, a weird tale of toddler terror, from the same issue of Strange Tales as our other post today. Enjoy!

From the December 1951 issue of Strange Tales #4

Tales From the Pub: The Death Napkin (VIDEO)

If you're a fan of The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra and can't wait for the sequel, then in the meantime head over to youtube and check out the Tales from the Pub series from Larry Blamire and company. These tremendous film shorts, (a dozen or so in all) are like a Twilight Zone episode gone horribly hilarious. Check them out NOW! Here's one of my favorites, The Death Napkin!

Death’s Highway

Buckle up because today we’re taking a swift and terrifying ride down Death’s Highway! Better pack a sandwich and some clean underwear too, you probably won’t make it back.

From the January 1954 issue of Web of Evil #10

Wings of Wickedness

Today we wrap up our Ace fest with a neat vampire tale, sort of a companion piece to Sharon Tate’s birthday and her amazing performance in The Fearless Vampire Killers. Also, please do not fret, I sincerely promise to post more Ace stories in “the future--- where you and I will spend the rest of our lives.”

From the July 1953 issue of Baffling Mysteries #16