The Talking Skull + The Purple Claw Origin

Last day of the month, as well as the last story from the January 1954 issue of The Beyond #24. And this one goes out to my pal Fred over at Sweet Skulls, you know cuzza the whole sweet talking skull thing here today… but everyone is encouraged to enjoy it too. And I hope everyone had a great July, (to be honest I’ll be glad when fall finally gets here cuz STL is freakin’ miserable right now.)

Anyway, see ya'lls in August, more news follows today’s story…

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Coming in August--- Mummy Mondays! Every Monday we’ll get all wrapped up in some mad mummy mayhem, so call your local embalmer now if you need any extra prep work.

PLUS: The Purple Claw! Yes, this August you’ll thrill to the horrifically weird nightmare adventures of The Purple Claw. He’s not a superhero mind you, just a non-average guy graced with unimaginable supernatural powers (via LeClaw!) and his uncanny will to fight all that reeks of pure stinkin’ evil.

And to get us started here's Purple C’s 2-page teaser origin… full adventures unfold right here at THOIA EVERY SATURDAY in August (on the 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and the 30th.)

Originally presented in the Jan 1953 issue of The Purple Claw #1.

(to be continued...)

Lair of the Black Widow

If you’ve somehow survived the inescapable whirlwind of Batman hoopla permeating nearly every portion of popular culture right now, then I’d like to take this moment to show you instead the super origin of someone else “special”, one who is rarely, if ever even talked about--- The Spider Man. And no, not THAT Spider Man, I mean Lucas Vilmar, the late great goateed Spidertologist at Trask U’s East River Laboratory. Never heard of him? Well then, pull up a web and let me tell you all about it now…

From the January 1954 issue of The Beyond #24

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And from the lair of another black widow it's--- Tenebrous Kate from Love Train for the Tenebrous Empire! Barely escaping some indescribeable, unseen rapey beastie thing (just out of photo frame), TK discovers that by luckily procuring the horrific terrific new THOIA babydoll-tee (which doubles as a protective shield) she has thus won herself yet another day of movies, art, and other assorted lurid weirdness. Ahhh, precious life. Fantastique!

But then suddenly... AIEEEEEEEE!!!

These, My Hands of Doom

Ah, the lengths some people will go for the sake of art, especially their own. It’s Day Two of our look inside the chilling pages of the January 1954 issue of The Beyond #24 (plus a bonus quickie from the same.) For art's sake... enjoy!

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BONUS QUICKIE!

Classic British Thrillers (DVD NEWS)

In stores today, three rarely seen classic British thrillers in one great set: The Phantom Light (’35), Red Ensign (’35), and The Upturned Glass (’47.) Featuring two early directorial efforts from the great Michael “Black Narcissus” Powell, and starring James Mason, Gordon Harker, Binnie Hale, David Barr, and more!

Click HERE for more info!

Step into My Empty Shroud

Step into my blog for story number one from the January 1954 issue of The Beyond #24. We’ll be looking at this Ace issue in its entirety starting today and up until Thursday, and if my most excellent math wizardry has not failed me that means 4 big stories total. And we kick it off with one of the most visually stunning Lou Cameron zombie classics of all time. Seriously, it’s amazing this guy has been so overlooked all these years; someone really needs to think about a nice hardback Cameron Collection for us pre-code freaks.

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I'd also like to give a big thanks to the great Batton Lash for plugging THOIA in the latest issue of Supernatural Law (#45.) I've been a huge fan of his work for many moons and this is truly an honor.

To find out more please visit Exhibit A Press now!

Eveready Horror!

“They recover power, and bounce back for extra life!” Sounds like someone describing zombies. But in fact this is a famous tagline used in many Golden Era ads for Eveready Batteries (that’s the one with the other cute ‘lil kitty on ‘em.) Over at Ger’s Fab 50’s blog he’s recently posted a brilliant sampling of these compact and amazingly illustrated ads featuring thrilling horror themes and true “brush with death” storylines. Stunning artwork too, highly recommended viewing!

Ger’s blog is a treasure trove of superb comic art of all types for all ages, don't miss a single post!

The Graveyard Wanderer

“Stupidest Killers Weekend” Day Two! So you think yesterday’s brainiac was stupid, wait’ll you get a load of the two geniuses in today’s ACG sidesplitter. Practically every page of this story is a scream as our two ridiculous bumblers overdose on the bumbles to the point of extreme hilarity. Even the cops in this one (who prefer to shoot first and ask questions later) are complete and utter imbeciles. I’ve read this story a few times now and continue to wonder if it was actually meant as a comedy, though it’s definitely funnier if it wasn’t.

From the March 1951 issue of Adventures into the Unknown #17

FYI: I'm going to search the long boxes soon and see if I can claw up some more numbskullery for another, longer version of this theme... too much fun for just a weekend. And if anyone has any suggestions (good, or preferably bad) let me know.

And starting tomorrow--- the January 1954 issue of The Beyond #24 in it's entirety! Lou Cameron zombies, hunchbacks, killer spiders, and talking skulls, it's gonna be great... you just wait!

Graveyard Guffaws

As promised (though no one really asked) I have more cutesy, spooky fun from Vic Martin for you today as well as a couple of Weird Mazes.

Print ‘em out for your friends! Have an a-MAZE-zing goddamn time!

Wings of Death!

Here we go with "Stupidiest Killers Weekend", terror tales featuring some of the most careless, lunkheaded pre-code horror criminal characters this side of a Darwin Award. For the next two days you will witness people so deserving of a gruesome fate that when they do eventually meet their dumb ass death you’ll swear it was still too good for them.

From the Dec ‘54 issue of Amazing Ghost Stories #15

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And the Lyric Challenge Contest Winners are:

Mr. Cavin (Kitty’s Pick)

Silvano (Patrick’s Pick)

Congratulations to the winners and another big thanks to our great guest judges this week: Kitty LeClaw and Patrick Kendall. Be sure to click all their names and visit all their blogs for more fascinating glimpses into the world of horror film, art and music. Winner’s please email me your mailing address and tee-shirt sizes so I can get your THOIA prizes to you pronto. I will forward your info to Patrick and he will do likewise with his book Question Authority.

Thanks to everyone who entered, there’s lots more fun stuff coming up, so don’t get “Killed by Death.”
---Motorhead

Spirit Spasms

Three funny little gag comics from the great Vic Martin, (oh how I love that sad ghost shooting himself!), plus some assorted spooky puzzles.

I’ll have more Vic Martin and other fun supernatural filler stuff for you tomorrow too.

The Pit of Horror!

Thank God it’s Satan: Revisited! Yep, Demon Days are here again and today I deliver unto you a Diabolic Devil Double Header of Bill Everett classics! This is the final day of stories from Adventures into Weird Worlds #10 (hope you enjoyed it) and it's also the last day for the Lyric Challenge. Slide your submissions into the comment box before 8pm Central time tonight so the judges have ample time of their own to go over everything thoroughly. If you missed a day or two it’s not too late to go back and enter the earlier posts this week too.

Come on! Win some neat prizes, or be cast forever into...







Too easy today... from the Misfits it's Earth A.D.

"...on Earth as it is in hell,
We'll see you get to like it in A.D., A.D.,
People gonna talk about A.D., A.D.,
Bloody hell and sacrifice.
You, your heads on a big display,
Oh, your really gonna like it here A.D., A.D.,
The people gonna talk about A.D., A.D.,
Living hell is not so bad..."

Satan Is Waitin’

BONUS: Everett delivers a super silly Satano slap… from the March 1954 issue of Wild #2

And for a Silver Age Everett classic head over to Chuck’s Comic Book Catacombs today as he continues to kindly play host to more THOIA goodies.

But wait-- what's this? Why it's Pappy from Pappy's Golden Age Comics Blog! Lookin' extra swanky in his brand new THOIA t-shirt too. Now that's some class right there folks!

Also, head over to Pappy's blog today too for some bra-bustin' Bill Ward cheesecake, as well as a great Ace horror post from earlier this week called Spell of the Devil Dancers! Click HERE!

Down in the Cellar

No doubt today’s tale is by Paul Cooper, there’s his signature right in the splash. But the Atlas Tales page lists Matt Fox with a question mark so can someone explain this (Ger?) Maybe Cooper penciled and Fox inked? There is a definite Fox vibe here in places, most notably the creepy shrunken head and other random detail. Okay whatever, time to read a classic tale of terror, and for those still in the game its Lyric Challenge, Day Four! Begin!

From the Sept 1952 issue of Adventures into Weird Worlds #10

Too Old to Live

This is definitely not the best tale of the week, or from this issue, but as promised I’m giving you the entire Adventures into Weird Worlds #10. Stories like today's entry are sort of typical Atlas filler, but even Atlas at its most filler-iffic was still miles better than some of the other publishers of the time. This one is short and sweet, with a good crutch whackin' panel, though a slightly predictable, yet satisfying twist ending.

And don't forget to enter the Lyric Challenge!

“...there is nothing more for you and I,

I'm 93, you're sixteen,

And I think I'm goin' blind…”

Goin’ Blind by KISS

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FYI: TCM is having a 50's Sci-Fi Fest tomorrow morning, including The Man From Planet X ('51), Riders to the Stars (54), Plan 9 From Outer Space ('59), and It Came From Beneath the Sea ('55.)

For more info and show times in your area click HERE!

The Killers!

Day Two of Adventures into Weird Worlds #10 and also our Lyric Challenge contest! Today we have a great Bernie Krigstein creature classic… it’s one of my favorite tales by him, and one that undoubtably helped spawn the countless imitation stories that used this same plot in the Silver Age monster-fests yet to come. Awwwesome.

“Many miles away, something crawls to the surface,

Of a dark Scottish lake…” (Synchronicity 2 by The Police)

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CONTEST DETAILS UPDATE!!

To shake things up a bit around here with the lyric contest I’ve asked two fellow, horror lovin’ bloggers to judge this week’s submissions, and on Friday night, July 25th, each judge will choose their favorite of the week and deliver their choice to me via email, where I will then post the winning names sometime on the following Saturday right here at THOIA. And please note again that this contest is not just for heavy metal lyrics, all forms / genres of music are most welcome. The more obscure and strange the better.

Let’s meet the judges: First up, from the wilds of Planet Kanada, she’s half feline, half Karnal Kountess, kalling to us from a klosed kaption kat-sket in her krypt--- Kitty LeClaw of Killer Kittens From Beyond the Grave! She’s looking for the purrrrfect lyric people, so don’t disappoint--- or feel the claw!

And Judge #2, the man with the plan, the one who actually devised this colossal cranium crushing contest, author / artist extraordinaire, metal madman--- Sir XXL Patrick “Mordacious” Kendall! And as an ADDED PRIZE BONUS: Winners! Along with the brand-spankin’ new THOIA t-shirt, Patrick will include a copy of his latest book “Question Authority: Over 1,000 Abrasive Music Trivia Questions to Grind Your Mind!”

So good luck to all, and play to win!

The Ghoul!

For this entire week’s presentation of the September 1952 issue of Adventures into Weird Worlds #10 we’ll be holding another THOIA contest, this time called Lyric Challenge (as suggested by Patrick Kendall.) Simply put, you read the post, make your usual insightful comments, but then also include lyrics from any song that fits the overall theme or mood of the story itself. It could be a metal masterpiece, a pop jangler, a country ditty, a rap catastrophe,…you name it, and we’ll rate it. Plus! You might just win yourself a THOIA t-shirt in the process.

A winner will be announced next weekend by a "special guest judge" (or two), and runs EVERYDAY this week. You must participate in at least 3 of the challenges to be eligible to win. Is this getting too complicated? Read my entry example for today’s ghoulish tale after the story below. Begin!

The Graveyard by King Diamond

“Where am I? What am I doing here,

In this God forsaken graveyard?

Yeah... that's what I'm doing...
I remember now,

This is my new home

And they will never find me here.”

Vampyr: Criterion Collection

Tomorrow on DVD comes Carl Theodor Dreyer's hauntingly brilliant horror classic Vampyr (‘32) in a special Criterion Collection edition. Loaded with awesome bonus features, I’ll leave it to Criterion themselves to spill all the bloody goodies all over you.

Click HERE!

"The Man-Eater"

More gruesome sci-fi horror for you today, (see the space ships on the first page? Yeah, that means “sci-fi” here at THOIA.) And as you can also see, pages 4 and 5 have a small corner chunk of artwork missing (thanks corner-eater!) Annoying, but doesn’t affect the story at all.

From the January 1952 issue of Astonishing #8

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The Finger

This is our first creepy sci-fi tale of the weekend, and like I said, if you thought you were going to see something out of Buck Rogers today then you don’t know your THOIA. And what’d I tell ya? I told ya I’d be giving you The Finger today, didn’t I? I wish I could say I was giving you The Devil Horns, but those are reserved for Patrick and Kitty. Bang. Your. Heads.

From the January 1952 issue of Astonishing #8

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Even the Dubble Bubble Gang got in on the horror action back in the day. Actually, when The Finger from another dimension wasn’t chewing up the scenery (and cast) in the tale above, it was moonlighting on the side and starring as bubblegum in ads from the 50’s like this one. What an actor!

The Weird Works of Robert E. Howard

Volumes six and seven of The Weird Works of Robert E. Howard continue reprinting Howard's horror fantasy classics from Weird Tales and Strange Tales in order of their original publication, and all texts have been meticulously restored by Wildside Press to their original pulp appearances.

Click HERE for more information about The Garden of Fear Vol. 6 and Beyond the Black River Vol. 7, and order now.

You Are the Murderer!

This one treads deep into EC territory but comes up in the end with some nice surprises of its own... add to that a spooky splash and typically gorgeous Art Gates art. I always love stories with a screaming title that shifts the blame onto the reader for its doomed finale. YOU DID IT!

From the September 1953 issue of Crime Mysteries #9

For another fun, though much less dark crime tale, head over to Chuck’s Comic Book Catacombs today by clicking HERE! And get ready, because tomorrow I’m totally going to give you all the finger!

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Dave Tackett vs. Deadite!
"Just got my THOIA T-shirt and it's already saved me. Just after opening the package, a strange, swirly time-vortex opened and a hideous Deadite jumped through. It was about to strike me down when it noticed the t-shirt. Suitably impressed, it immediately began replacing its outdated medieval tunic with the latest in terror fashion. This bought me some time. Thinking quickly, I opened THOIA on my computer which has completely captivated the Deadite. I am now safe for a long time because, fortunately, Deadites are slow readers who like to linger over the art in each panel."

Thanks, Dave

Great pic Dave, and whew--- that was indeed a close call! I’m glad you were able to hold off a sinister soul swallower. And how very convenient that it wears the same size shirt as you!

FYI: Dave is the Star Commander of Quasar Dragon, one of the best blog sources around for finding a variety of instant links to FREE sci-fi, horror, and fantasy comics, movies, zines, short stories etc… check him out by clicking HERE, and prepare to be overwhelmed!

Nightmare Castle

DVD Drive-In is reporting that Severin Films will present the first official DVD release version the 1965 Barbara Steele chiller NIGHTMARE CASTLE. The original negative of Amanti d’oltretomba has recently been discovered in a Rome storage vault and apparently in good condition. Severin will be creating a new uncut HD transfer in its original aspect ratio, plus a new 75 minute interview with director Mario Caiano. More news on the release date as it becomes available. Bye-bye grainy old PD versions!

The 5 Teaser Trailers of the Lost Skeleton Returns Again!

Your day just got better! Larry Blamire delivers 5 great teasers for The Lost Skeleton Returns Again! Click HERE to watch them all, and stayed tuned for more on the way...



Thanks again to Larry for the update!

Broom for a Witch

This is it, the last story from Fantastic Fears #9. And what the heck, since this one reminds me a bit of when Aunt Ada came to stay, let’s play the Casting Call game again too: Hazel Court as Alicia, Kenneth Tobey as Dan, Nigel Bruce as Dr. Sykes, and Margaret Hamilton as Tabitha (of course!)

Hope you enjoyed this entire Ajax issue, a full issue presentation from Atlas starts on Monday the 21st!

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Plus! Hairy Green Eyeball has a super-fun Munsters comic book story on display today, check it out HERE!

Cobra Woman vs. Weird Woman

Tomorrow night, July 18th at 10 pm at The Silent Movie Theatre in Los Angeles, the Cinefamily presents another wicked double feature in their ongoing summer “Camp” Series curated by George Kuchar. First up, Robert Siodmak’s slithery snake worship classic Cobra Woman (‘44) starring Maria Montez and Sabu. Then it’s time for some chilling voodoo with Weird Woman (‘44) starring Lon Chaney Jr. (in one of his finest Inner Sanctum roles), and scream queen cuties Anne Gwynne and Evelyn Ankers.


And don’t forget that late Saturday nights in July are Holyfuckingshit: Gore Comedies! And coming Saturday nights in August its “When Animals Attack!”

Click HERE for all Cinefamily info!

Deadly Wish

Moving along with our third tale from the Sept/Oct 1954 issue of Fantastic Fears #9, it’s a funny little “be careful what you wish for” type tale possessing a strange sense of humor with Satan targeting a lonely, innocent victim instead of a typically evil person. Hey, nobody ever said that ‘Old Scratch played fair!

Can’t Stop Creepin’

St Louis artist Jason Robards writes in: “Next Saturday (July 19th) from 7:00pm until 3:00am at Rue 13 in downtown STL there's a gallery show called Can't Stop Creepin'. The work is inspired by old horror movies, comics, skateboard art, etc. and the show will include work by several local (including myself) and national artists.” Also onhand: Tom Huck, Josh Rowan, Brad Fink, Anchovy, Josh Chapman, Sean Baltzell, Jeff Wright, Chris Quidgeon, Peat Wolager, and more!



Thanks again to Jason for the notice... I’m planning to attend for sure so if you’re in or around the STL area stop by and join me in supporting our local art scene.

Click HERE for additional information at the Rue 13 myspace page.

Vampira (NEWS)

I just received this astounding bit of news from the webmaster of Vampira's Attic, he writes: ”One of Maila’s original costumes has recently been discovered in a storage unit she had rented. It's a complete original costume with the wig, corset and shoes. The costume and some of her other items will be on permanent display at the Hollywood History Museum (located in the historic Max Factor building) later this year or early next year."

I’ll have more details as they become available. In the meantime please visit www.VampirasAttic.com or www.myspace.com/officialmailanurmi for any other updates.

If a Body Kill a Body…

I may have jumped the gun a bit by mentioning “necrophilia” yesterday. I mean, is it still “necrophilia” when BOTH people engaged in the act are from beyond the grave? What’s the rule here?

From the Sept/Oct 1954 issue of Fantastic Fears #9

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Strange and Stranger: The World of Steve Ditko
This week I'm featuring stories from Ajax’s Fantastic Fears series, a pre-code title where comic book legend Steve Ditko actually got his professional career start (in issue #5.) So it’s only appropriate that this week a new art book tracing Ditko's life and career should arrive in stores, showcasing his unparalleled stylistic innovations from the thousands of pages of comics he's drawn over the last 55 years.

For more info and/or to order click HERE!

Secret Coffin

To celebrate the One Year Anniversary of THOIA (which just occured on the 12th of this month last Saturday) I’m presenting a variety of comics in their entirety throughout July. We’ve already had one full issue on display at the beginning of the month, and now here’s the second, the Sept/Oct 1954 issue of Fantastic Fears #9. Chocked full of stories concerning iron maiden torture, rotting ghouls, necrophilia, witches, and satanic shenanigans, you’re going to absolutely adore every single page of this one... I know I do!

Trapped Ashes

I noticed that Trapped Ashes (2006) is finally making its way to DVD this week. Has anyone actually seen it yet, or recommend it? I’ve heard it called everything from a “throwback to the anthology films of the 60’s and 70’s”, to a “tribute to pre-code horror comics” but mostly what I’ve read make it sound like a low budget Skinemax T&A fest. I do like the directors but the same can be said for the consistently awful Masters of Horror series. Anyway… synopsis:

"Trapped in a house of horror, seven people discover that the only way they'll get out alive is to tell their scariest stories about sexy succubi, possessed breast implants, nightmarish dream hauntings and more."

Five tales of terror from directors Ken Russell, Sean S. Cunningham, Joe Dante, Monte Hellman and John Gaeta. For more info click HERE.

Vengeance of the Ouanga!

Got another weird witchcraft tale for you today from the March-April 1952 issue of Witchcraft #1. It’s a nifty story that I’d probably find much more scary if subconsciously I didn’t keep adding the word “tang” to the end of the word “Ouanga.”

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Here’s Eric Eyeball sporting his new THOIA shirt! Order yours today by emailing me at karswell@hotmail.com for all the info!

Black Magic

Tonight on TCM, Orson Welles stars as Count Cagliostro, an 18th century gypsy who masters hypnotism to avenge his parent’s murder. Black Magic (1949) is an incredible mystery classic (and still not available on DVD) so check it out, but it’s on super late late so set your recorder.

Click HERE for more info and show times in your area.

Interested in a really far-out adventure of The Count? Check out the Jan-Feb 1950 issue of Superman #62, where Orson Welles himself teams up with Supes to help stop an evil Martian invasion of Earth! And while this was actually just a clever cross-over promotion for the Black Magic movie, it also marked the first time that Superman ever visited Mars!

PLUS! The Hairy Green Eyeball has 2 Bill Everett VENUS classics on display today, check them out HERE!

Heritage of Horror

Here's a spooky early shocker from comic book legend Joe Kubert to kick off our “Weird Witchcraft Weekend.” I’ll have another story from this issue tomorrow too.

From the March-April 1952 issue of Witchcraft #1

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Casting Call Winner/s
I mulled it over all night and I just couldn’t make up my mind on a casting call winner, so I did the next best thing annnnnnd--- made my wife choose for me. And even then she couldn’t make up her mind easily either, so it turns out to be a 3-way tie between Wolfkahn, Patrick Kendall, and Kitty LeClaw. Winners please email your mailing addresses and shirt sizes to me at karswell@hotmail.com pronto. Losers don’t blame me, blame my wife!

We’ll be having another contest before the end of the month so don’t fret… just keep it tuned right here to THOIA, next time you might get lucky. And thanks again to everyone who participated.

And, HAPPY ONE YEAR BIRTHDAY TO THE HORRORS OF IT ALL!

The Lucky Stiff!

Last day for the undead! And last day for the casting call game too, I hope everyone had a good time. Reminder: As I mentioned on Day One of this, your casting call choices do not have to look EXACTLY like the people in the comic, just “type cast” them as you see fit… if they look like the illustration that’s fine too but it’s not essential. (This is to avoid people nit picking over hair color or whatever else in the comments.) My choices today: Ray Milland as Burt Logan, Jean Brooks as Lisa Humphreys, Ernest Thesiger as Jasper Humphreys, Michael Ripper as Otto the Coroner, and Sid James as Dave the Flatfoot.

From the July 1953 issue of Mystery Tales #13

Make your final casting call today a good one, tomorrow I’ll announce a winner (or winners) of a spiffy new THOIA t-shirt! Good luck!

Eiji Tsuburaya

Happy Birthday Eiji Tsuburaya! The man behind some of the greatest monsters and heroes in modern Japanese movie and television history (do I really need to name names?), born this day in Sugasawa City, Fukushima, Japan in 1901 (IMDb says his birthday is actually July 7th but I’ll take August Ragone’s word for it.)

I was a Zombie

Starring John Agar as Alden Blake, Wanda Hendrix as Francine, and Laird Cregar as Dr. Raoul Perdu. Directed by Jacques Tourneur and Al Fago.

From the August 1952 issue of The Thing #4

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Check out Rick from Montreal, he’s turning himself into a zombie the hard way--- with tattoos! Click HERE for more.

The Plague of the Zombies (TRAILER)

Hammer’s vastly overlooked, underrated, yet brilliant zombie classic, made two years before Night of the Living Dead. (TRAILER MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!)

When Walks the Zombie

Starring David Selby as Walter, Diana Dors as Doris, and Lux Interior as The Zombie (so do the dead...)

From the June 1954 issue of Uncanny #21

"There's nothing on the radio when you're dead...

There's nothing at the movie show when you're dead...

There's nowhere left for you to go when you're dead...

Do the dead, yeah do the dead..."

---The Cramps

Italian Grindhouse

If you live in or around Los Angeles and love violent Italian films then this is your month to celebrate! Starting this Friday, July 11th and running through the 24th, the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood is premiering an exclusive celluloid assault of classic grindhouse hits and rarities from the likes of Dario Argento, Tinto Brass, Umberto Lenzi, Sergio Corbucci, and more… this fest covers the full spectrum of genre thrillers with gothic horror, giallo, crime, and spaghetti westerns.

Click HERE for the full film schedule and all the info!

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And speaking of Dario Argento (for those of you in the St Louis MO vicinity), the finale entry in his Three Mothers trilogy, Mother of Tears starring Asia Argento opens at the Tivoli Theatre in the U City Loop this Friday and runs for one week only. Haven’t read many good reviews of it yet unfortunately, but his films are of course always worth a look.

Click HERE for more info and show times.

Tune of the Zombie Queen

I’m going way beyond the norm on the type casting today for the two leads, but imagine how great it would be to see Annette and Frankie in juicy horror roles such as this instead of Beach Blanket Boobfest? Starring Annette Funicello as Doris, Frankie Avalon as Ferdie, Billie Hayes as Ezilie, and Geoffrey Holder as Pedro the Zombie… (with the title theme song sung to the tune of April Wine’s 1981 hit “Sign of the Gypsy Queen.”)

From the April 1954 issue of Baffling #20

FYI: Pappy's has a wild west werewolf tale by Dick Ayers today too, go check it out pronto but don't forget your silver bullets! Click HERE!

Fox Horror Classics Vol. 2

Dr. Phibes reports that September 9th we’ll see another great collection of Fox Horror Classics in stores, featuring three eerie thriller classics that all come highly recommended: Chandu the Magician (’32) starring Bela Lugosi, Dragonwyck (’46) starring Vincent Price and Gene Tierney, and Dr. Renault’s Secret (’42) starring George Zucco! $14.99

Click HERE for more info and pre-order yours now!

Revenge of the Corpse

Here we go with a week of living dead tales! And to make it more fun lets play the “Casting Call” game, shall we? Just tell us in the comments section what famous name or face you’d like to see in the roles of the main characters in this week’s stories. We do it here occasionally anyway from time to time so let’s just make it official.

EXAMPLE: Revenge of the Corpse: Starring Beverly Garland as Lizzie, Mark Damon as Rufe, and Elisha Cook Jr as crazy Old Abner Baines.

Actors can be from any era but lets try to keep them all within their own acting career time frame per story, (for example don’t mix Drew Barrymore with John Barrymore.) Also, your cast does not have to look EXACTLY like the characters in the story, just as long as they are type cast properly.

So have fun, be creative, and enter as many times as you want. The best, most unique and inspired casting call of the week will win a THOIA shirt or something. Start casting NOW!

From the January 1954 issue of Journey into Fear #17

Think of a good cast? Let’s hear it!

The Vandals! / The Joke

A Super Sunday, Holiday Weekend, Double Header! It’s Joe Sinnott and Jay Scott Pike’s turn today to show you what they think of dirty pranksters and vandals. Take that, you!

From the March 1953 issue of Adventures into Terror #17

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And from the May 1952 issue of Suspense #18

FYI: Pappy had a great Jay Scott Pike double feature last week, a romance tale and an Atlas horror classic… so go check ‘em out if you haven’t already by clicking HERE.

Pranks & Magic

So you think you’re the ultimate prankster, eh? And how many tricks do you really have up your sleeve again? You may not be as tricky as you think if you don’t own Kirk Demarais’ book “Life of the Party: A Visual History of S.S. Adams, Makers of Pranks & Magic for over 100 Years.” 200 full-color, large format pages packed with tons of rare and gorgeous artwork from those comic book ads we all love so much. PLUS an introduction by Chris Ware. A truly fantastic collection!

Click HERE for more info and to order your copy now!

The Smiling Woman

This weekend we’ll be paying tribute to those fun lovin’ jokesters who make horror movies and pre-code comics so much torturous fun--- the prankster! After all, without them and their ill-fated "fast ones" we’d sometimes hardly have a story even worth getting all revengie over in the first place. Hey, while we’re at it, did you ever play a practical joke on someone that went a little too far or maybe even backfired? If so, let’s hear about it, and quickly--- before the supernatural swoops in and pulls the ultimate prank on YOU!

From the December 1952 issue of Weird Horrors #5

Plus, don’t miss more rare pre-code horror story posts this holiday weekend with another Jack Cole terror classic from Web of Evil called "A Pact with the Devil" over at Ger’s blog HERE, as well as another great Ace classic "Recruits for the Legion of the Undead" over at Pappy’s blog HERE! And if that ain't enough Mr. Doortree has a handful of Sid Check gold including a great story from Beware #10 called "Guest of the Ghouls", as well as a wild Atlas sci-fi adventure called "Machine Age" from Journey into Mystery #17. Click HERE!

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And of course no comic book would be complete without ads like these... if you have a ripped-off story about any of this mail-order crap let's hear about that as well.

Lost Metropolis Footage Found

Lost footage from the silent sci-fi classic Metropolis has been discovered in Argentina. The director's cut of Fritz Lang's 1927 film, featuring an extra 30 minutes, was believed to have vanished forever after it was cut by Paramount bosses because of bad reviews. However, the curator of the Buenos Aires Film Museum discovered a copy of the movie in his archives - and a projectionist noticed it was longer than all other versions of the iconic film.



Film restorer Martin Koerber, who is one of the few people to see the lost footage, says, "No matter how bad the condition of the material may be, the original intention of the film, including all of its sub-plots, is now once again tangible for the normal viewer. The rhythm of the film has been restored."

Thanks to Dr. Phibes for sending THOIA this astounding news!

The Horrors of it All: The Shirt!

Are you 100% Pre-Code? Yeah? Well prove it! White/red on 100% black cotton shirt, hand printed, comes in all sizes for boys and girls… this will likely be a very limited run so please contact me at karswell@hotmail.com to secure yours NOW! The printing begins Saturday and shirts should be ready to ship within the following week. $20 each includes shipping, (foreign orders add $7.00)

Please email me BEFORE using pay pal or sending money to request shirt sizes.

Click to ENLARGE of course... and thanks again!

Castle of Terror!

What begins today as a nifty scientific premise to find the origins of death quickly spirals into a Lovecraftian nightmare of no return! “GNNNNGGG!” and “AAAAAHHH!” are just a few of the delights that await you inside. This is the final tale in our first full comic book issue presentation for the month of July. The next issue (in its entirety) starts on Monday the 14th!

From the Dec-Jan ‘52/’53 issue of Eerie #10

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PS: Happy 4th of July everyone! Have a safe and happy holiday (don't blow your hands or head off!) and whatever you do don’t miss the excellent pre-code Jack Cole horror classic that Ger posted yesterday over at his blog--- it’s a killer diller from Web of Evil #9.

Click HERE!

Ken Russell

Happy Birthday Ken Russell, director of some of the most influential horror films of the 70’s and 80’s, most notably the sex crazed demon possessed nun classic The Devils (’71) which launched a whole new wave of countless nunsploitation… also Altered States (’80), Gothic (’86), The Lair of the White Worm (’86), and of course the popular rock musical Tommy (’75.) Born this day in Southampton, Hampshire, England in 1927.

Phantom of the Wax Works

This might be the first Harry Lazarus story I’ve ever posted that wasn’t from his pre-code days at ACG. And I don’t know about you but I love wax museum tales, even though they all sort of have that same-ish scenario of, “…so life-like, what an uncanny resemblance too--- wait--- there’s a body inside the wax?! AIEEEEE!” Clichés aside, there’s hardly a creepier place than a wax museum, and I’m not talking about just the Chamber of Horrors section either.

From the Dec-Jan ‘52/’53 issue of Eerie #10

Terror in the Wax Museum (TRAILER)

So much terror! Rated PG.

Green Grows the Grass

As you read today’s tale try not to focus on, or think too much about Stephen King’s “The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill” segment from Creepshow. I mean, sure there are differences, but there are also major similarities that for some might be just a little too, uh, similar. In fact I probably could have just not even mentioned anything here, but one of you would have surely mentioned it yourself anyway and... awww, meteor shit!

From the Dec-Jan ‘52/’53 issue of Eerie #10

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"I'm growin'..."

G-Fest XV

Hear that ominous rumbling in the distance? No, it’s not thunder, and it’s definitely not fireworks. It’s G-Fest XV and it’s hitting Chicago, July 3rd through July 6th!

And the big news this year is that very special guest Haruo Nakajima will be on hand to talk about his many roles as Godzilla in nearly every one of THE legendary classic screen performances, from the original Godzilla in ’54 to Godzilla vs. Gigan in ’72! FYI: Haruo also played Rodan, Kong (in King Kong Escapes), Gaira (in The War of the Gargantuas), Baragon (in Frankenstein Conquers the World), Magma the Giant Walrus (in Gorath), various Kaiju from Ultra Q, and more!

Also on hand will be August Ragone signing copies of his fantastic book “Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters” which chronicles the life and career of the special effects master. And as usual the con will include a plethora of rare screenings including Matango, Destroy all Monsters etc, as well as dealer rooms, costume contests, video gaming, kids activities, Kaiju cartoons, model making, and more!

For more information about G-Fest XV click HERE!

Karen Black

Happy Birthday Karen Black, star of some of the most fondly remembered horror classics of the 70’s like Trilogy of Terror, Burnt Offerings, The Strange Possession of Mrs. Oliver, and more, also blazing in Easy Rider, Day of the Locust, 5 Easy Pieces, The Great Gatsby, Family Plot etc… still very busy in film today, modern horror fans know her as Mother Firefly in House of 1000 Corpses.

Born this day in Park Ridge IL in 1939.

Only the Dead Live Here!

Goodbye to June, hello July! If you got the THOIA memo yesterday then you know a little something about what to expect for this glorious new month of the macabre. Seriously, we've got tons’a great stuff lined up... but be warned, there are a few additional surprises in store as well.

And what better way to kick it all off than with a super spooky Everett Raymond Kinstler classic from the Dec-Jan ‘52/’53 issue of Eerie #10

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What more Kinstler? Click HERE and try this book on for size!

Santo Double Feature

Another Santo Double Feature hits stores today containing two classics: Santo en el Museo de Cera (aka Santo in the Wax Museum) and Santo y Blue Demon en el Mundo de Los Muertos (aka Santo and Blue Demon in the Land of the Dead.) Wax Museum has been available for many years in translated versions, Land of the Dead I have not seen on DVD yet, at least not here in the US. This new release from Nuestro Cine Clasico is typically presented in Spanish only, but as many of you know, these films really need no English to be fully enjoyed as they’re all pretty much endless action… and you can’t beat the price for two films with this much lucha fun and monster mayhem!

Click HERE for more info!