From the Jan 1952 issue of Adventures into the Unknown #27
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Dolls of Doom
Today’s ACG post is a bit reminiscent of the great M. R. James short story classic Casting the Runes, only this time it’s not a parchment curse gone to blazes, but instead a voodoo doll that uniquely unleashes the demonic force of death and destruction. For obvious reasons this tale gets Karswell’s highest “Seal of Approval”, and to those of you who don’t know why, your time allowed is 2 weeks…
From the Jan 1952 issue of Adventures into the Unknown #27
From the Jan 1952 issue of Adventures into the Unknown #27
That last panel just slays me. "Well, lookee here. Goodbye police station, hello fortune." I realize it's an afterthought for anyone thinking, wow, two dead parents isn't exactly a happy ending. But it seems very much like someone called just shotgun on the up-for-grabs plantation.
ReplyDeletePS, I love the way the funny monster just sort of chucks people to their deaths nonchalantly.
i love this comics!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe little girl doesn't like her uncle because he didn't bring her any presents? What a brat. Who can blame him for trying to kill her?
ReplyDeleteStill, awesome story!
I TOO SEE THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THIS AND CASTING THE RUNES, OR CURSE OF THE DEMON AS SOME PEOPLE MAY KNOW FROM THE FILM VERSION. FUN TALE, CREEPY ART! IT'S RARE WHEN YOU GET A VOODOO TALE THAT ALSO HAS A GIANT MONSTER IN IT.
ReplyDelete>your time allowed is 2 weeks…
ReplyDeleteHa ha!!!!!!!
Great story,the Corben-esque shading gave a real weight and texture to the art.i also agree the 2 "heroes" sure don't come off as likeable,he'll force himself on her as legal guardian(if this was a Tennessee Williams story he'd marry her.)and she's suspicious of her uncle with no proof that he's evil yet just because she wants a present!,the only truly likeable character is the scheming villain!just like in CURSE OF THE DEMON!(okay i did like Joanna).
ReplyDeleteSure the little girl seems like a spoiled conniving brat, but also note that the title of this story can be deciphered two ways.
ReplyDeleteI hope Karswell isn't taking any train journeys in the meantime.
ReplyDeleteI just love that when he barges in on the great Voodoo Witch, she's obviously right in the middle of cursing the LIVING HELL out of somebody! Pins, a knife, fire...she's not messing around!
ReplyDeleteI don't fully understand the uncle's life story, though--he was frightened of the legendary voodoo witch as a child, left the profitable family plantation to search Africa for magic powers to make him rich and powerful, learned that the only true master was the voodoo witch he had been scared of as a child, came back to discover that the riches and power he'd wanted would have been his if he'd just STAYED PUT, and then finds the voodoo witch all Africa is talking about to help him in his quest...
Oh, okay. When it's written out like that, it makes total sense. :)
Fantastic panels... this blog is the best place for my artwork inspiration. Thanks Karswell!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat in the world is that old crone going to do with 100k? She lives in a hut in the middle of the swamp?
ReplyDelete