The Recluse + THOIA (a poem)

Some of you might remember last month I had a “Stupidest Killers Weekend” special... and by golly today’s post falls into that ridiculously entertaining category as well. See how much sympathy you can muster up for these two geniuses as they try to take advantage of – The Recluse!

From the May 1954 issue of Out of the Shadows #13

COMING NEXT IN SEPTEMBER:

Strange Mysteries #9 in it’s ENTIRETY!

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As we wrap up the last day of August here at THOIA, we thank everyone again for their continued daily devotion, and in some cases, their continued contributions to the cause. Brian Hirsch for example started out as merely my favorite ebay seller of pre code comics, but over the last few years he’s become a good friend and one of my most popular donators of gruesome Golden Age goodies. Check my archives, some of the best stories I’ve ever posted here have come from him. Who could ever forget I MUST KILL!??!

Below we see Brian in his dank, dark dungeon. It’s a typical Saturday night in his doommain, sacrificing virgins and drinking their blood... and it is here he relaxes, head bowed, in morbid meditation, while casually burning the midnight fires to his Dark Lord, in eternal, evil servitude:

But wait... something is wrong. One mispronounced word in the incantation has altered his nightly ritual, and thus called forth some-thing he had not bargained for! Something black and corrupt, brimming with endless, diabolical terror! It now crosses over into our realm, possessing his angelic son, enveloping the child’s flesh with something from not of this world! It’s… it’s… a THOIA shirt! AIEEEEEE!

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THE HORRORS OF IT ALL (a poem by Brian Hirsch)

The witching hour has finally arrived

What once was dead is now alive

Spirits near and far, heed your Master’s call

And join me at THE HORRORS OF IT ALL

Get yourself ready and take a step inside

It will be painless, just like a swallow of cyanide

We are legion and always looking for a new friend

There’s a cemetery gathering that you just have to attend

Where skeletons can dance without any skin

And sinners are free to revel in their guiltless sin

Lost souls forever trapped between here and there

Are caught in a realm found in your worst nightmare

Inhuman screams come from a mother in unnatural childbirth

As a rotting zombie is spat forth from cursed earth

You might even catch a glimpse of an angel’s fall

Down here at THE HORRORS OF IT ALL

Where wrong is always right and the truth is full of lies

And the insane try to escape from a Hell of their own devise

An unholy place that reeks of charred flesh and brimstone

That will make every demon feel right at home

Blind eyes see all movement from behind the dead wood

You can come alone but I don’t think that you should

Here awaits you all the things that go bump in the night

That suddenly disappear when you turn on a light

Witches, werewolves, vampires and ghouls are just a few

Of the inhabitants looking forward to meeting you

Out of the swamps many hideous creatures crawl

To greet you at THE HORRORS OF IT ALL

(Thanks again, Brian! ---Karswell)

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And just a quick reminder to MAD Magazine fans who live in or around the St Louis MO area, you still have a few more days to see the original MAD artwork exhibit at the St Louis Artists’ Guild & Galleries in Clayton. Admission is totally FREE and hey, you may run into Karswell who will be there today sometime between 1 – 3pm.

For more info click HERE!

The Final Horror

Appropriately enough, today’s story is called The Final Horror, and it marks the final Purple Claw mystery of August. Hope you enjoyed the brain hurting exploits of one of pre-code comic’s earliest ongoing enemies of the supernatural. Next month you can expect another Lance Storm classic, maybe even a chilly appearance by Sergeant Spook, and some more creepy fun from Bob Brant and the Trouble Shooters. Have a great weekend everyone… and wow, Monday is already September!

From the May 1953 issue of The Purple Claw #3

Saunders, Brown, Finlay & Monster Scenes!

Norman Saunders by David Saunders

This spectacular new 288-page hardcover (Previews actually lists the book at 368 pages) monograph documents the extensive career of legendary artist Norman Saunders. From his work as one of the top pulp illustrators, to his paintings for men's adventure magazines, paperbacks, pre-code comics, Mars Attacks, Wacky Packages, and numerous others, this book provides a thorough overview of his life's work. Illustrated in full-color with hundreds of images culled from Saunder's extensive archives. The expected publication date is late-2008. $39.95



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Reynold Brown: A Life in Pictures by David J. Hornung.

A spectacular 200+ page hardcover book on the life and career of one of America's greatest illustrators is currently in production. This fantastic new volume profiles all facets of Brown's work, from his early days with North American Aviation during WWII, to his work as a paperback and magazine illustrator in New York City, to his prolific career as one of Hollywood's finest movie poster artists (The Creature from the Black Lagoon, Attack of the 50 Foot Woman etc...), to his final years as a western fine-arts painter. Illustrated in full-color with hundreds of images reproduced from the original paintings and drawings, this is a landmark volume not to be missed! The expected publication date is late-2008. $39.95

Click HERE for more info on both of these Illustrated Press collections.

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Virgil Finlay Future / Past: Worlds That Never Were edited by Tim Underwood

One of the legendary creators of science fiction and fantasy art finally receives the recognition he so richly deserves. Virgil Finlay Future / Past: Worlds That Never Were gathers all of the illustrator’s classic drawings from the pulps as well as many of his full-color paintings (a first for any Finlay book) to make this a fitting showcase for the influential master. 400 pages! Hardcover $29.95 / Deluxe Slipcase $75.00

Click HERE for more info.

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MONSTER SCENES

Not enough kick ass new release news for you today? How about this: Monster Scenes are back in fall 2008, in styrene! Not since 1971 have horror kit enthusiasts had the opportunity to mix 'em and match 'em at an affordable price. Now, by an exclusive partnership between Dencomm and Moebius models, your favorite kits will be available again. No glue needed! $24.99 each.

Visit the Moebius models website for more information.

Tour of Horror / Rivals unto Death!

TGIF peeps, and what a week! So let's top it all off today with two ACG tales for the price of one. Both of these shock spookers come from the May 1954 issue of Forbidden Worlds #29. Our first atmospheric story, Tour of Horror, is by Al Camy and George Klein, while our shorter, second tale, Rivals unto Death, is a nice bit o' great Bob Forgione filler.

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Warner's "Best Buy" Horrors

Dr. Phibes just dropped us some cool news courtesy of DVD Drive-In… Warner Home Video is releasing a batch of long–awaited 1960’s horror classics on DVD as Best Buy store “exclusives.” October 7th will see the release of Christopher Lee in BRIDES OF FU MANCHU paired with Patrick O’Neal in CHAMBER OF HORRORS. Also, Gig Young, Carol Lynley and Oliver Reed star in THE SHUTTERED ROOM paired with an underrated Karswell golem favorite--- IT! starring Roddy McDowell.

All features will have anamorphic widescreen transfers and retail for $19.98.

Guillotine!

One of my all-time favorite pre-code horror splashes ever, and so nicely summed up on the Atlas site by stating this one simple fact: “Eisnerish art by (Larry) Woromay.” A few panels also remind me a lot of Jack Cole’s top notch brand of violent, dynamically angled visual storytelling too. Enjoy!

From the November 1952 issue of Mystic #14

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Vintage AD

A wonderful kit for do-it-yourself decapitation. Harmless fun. Go on! Lop off a head NOW!

The Beast from the Deep!

In June 1951, The Saturday Evening Post published the short story The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (aka The Fog Horn) written by sci-fi master Ray Bradbury. Two years later in the summer of ‘53 the story became the inspiration for the very loosely based, though none the less fantastic big screen film of the same name, featuring jaw dropping stop-motion FX by master animator Ray Harryhausen. It didn’t take long after the film’s release for Toby Press to jump on the source material the same year, as the October 1953 issue of Tales of Horror #7 hit comic book stands with it’s own excellent, uncredited, though much closer adaptation of Bradbury’s original tale, and drawn by ACG / DC legend John Rosenberger.

(Reprinted / recolored in Seduction of the Innocent #4.)

UPDATE: Mr. Cavin requested a page from the original Toby Press version so here it is, as mentioned I opted for the recolored Eclipse reprint for today's post because as you can see the print job here is practically a quarter inch off target. Other pages look even worse!

The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms (TRAILER)

Who knows what waits for us in Nature's No Man's Land?

The Green Witch

Okay, straight up time… you’re not going to learn anything new from this one. And while it is most definitely a humdinger of a yarn about possession and bitchcraft, if anything, what you should really take away from THOIA today is this: Proper Harpoon Storage = vertical. Not horizontal. Seriously folks. Safety first!

From the July 1953 issue of Journey into Fear #14

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Vintage Ad

Thanks Brian Hirsch for this scan!

Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom

It’s back! Pier Paolo Pasolini’s notorious final film, Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom, has been called nauseating, shocking, depraved, pornographic . . . it s also a masterpiece. The controversial poet, novelist, and filmmaker’s transposition of the Marquis de Sade's 18th-century opus of torture and degradation to 1944 Fascist Italy remains one of the most passionately debated films of all time, a thought-provoking inquiry into the political, social, and sexual dynamics that define the world we live in.

Click HERE to order, if you dare...



SPECIAL EDITION DOUBLE-DISC CRITERION SET FEATURES:

New, restored high-definition digital transfer

The End of Salò, a 40-minute documentary about the film’s final scene

Salò: Yesterday and Today, a 35-minute documentary featuring interviews with Pier Paolo Pasolini, actor-filmmaker Jean-Claude Biette, and Pasolini s friend Nineto Davoli

Fade to Black, a new short documentary about Salò, featuring interviews with filmmakers Bernardo Bertolucci, Catherine Breillat, and John Maybury

New interviews with set designer Dante Ferretti and filmmaker/film scholar Jean-Pierre Gorin

Optional English-dubbed soundtrack

Theatrical trailer

Optional English subtitles

PLUS: A booklet featuring new essays by Neil Bartlett, Roberto Chiesi, Naomi Greene, Gary Indiana, and Sam Rohdie, and excerpts from Gideon Bachman s on-set diary.

Where Mummies Prowl

It’s the final day of Mummy Mondays for August 2008, and today’s madcap museum mystery is simply loads of 50's fun. As you can probably already tell before even reading a single line this one is full of golly gee willicker boys vs. dirty crooks in deadly disguise (no real spoiler there.) So if you’re like me and love the classic, spooky themed antics of stuff from Abbott & Costello, Three Stooges, Bowery Boys, and especially The Little Rascals then you’re going to love this one. (NOTE: Special cameo by Stan Lee as “Daddy Brant.”)

From the September 1953 issue of Man Comics #28

FYI: Bob Brant and the Trouble Shooters appeared in the final three issues of Man Comics, for a grand total of 6 Atlas adventures, all created by Carl Hubbell. If you like this one let me know, and maybe I’ll post another Bob Brant tale next month too.

And for another great mummy tale head on over to Pappy's today by clicking HERE! And don't miss the cool Dick Briefer "Yankee Longago" story he posted yesterday too.

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Vintage SUPER 8mm Horror Comedy Ads

Return from the Grave!

"I'm coming... coming to wreak my revenge... to drink in your marrow for these rotted bones... to triumph in my... RETURN FROM THE GRAVE!

From the November 1952 issue of Tomb of Terror #6







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Vintage Magic Ad

Death Flower

The Purple Claw heads into the swamp for more thrills, chills, and tenta-kills, and into what might amount to his weirdest case yet! Only one more Purple C Saturday story still to go this month too!

From the May 1953 issue of The Purple Claw #3

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And the THOIA Lyric Challenge Contest Winners are:

1st Place: Emby Quinn (Uncle Lancifer’s pick)
Emby gets the Afterschool Special (’76-’77) DVD set, a Kindertrauma shirt, a THOIA shirt, and choice of any photo* from Dania Hurley’s All Eyes And Ears blog.

2nd Place: Tim Tylor (Aunt John’s pick)
Tim gets a THOIA shirt and choice of any photo from Dania Hurley’s All Eyes And Ears blog.

3rd Place: Todd (Karswell’s Pick)
Surprise! I really thought Todd put in a kick ass run of lyrics too so I’m adding one more "honorable mention" THOIA shirt prize to the list.

(*Photo Winners: please contact Dania HERE for your prize details, and everyone visit her blog to check out her truly fantastic photos! And thanks again Dania for donating the great snaps!)

Congratulations again to the winners and another super big set of devil horns to our great guest judges this week, Kindertrauma’s Uncle Lancifer and Aunt John! Be sure to visit Kindertrauma for a repeat scarring of all those lil traumatizing childhood fears you always knew you could never forget.

Winner’s, please email me your mailing address and tee-shirt sizes so I can get your prizes to you pronto: karswell@hotmail.com

Thanks again to everyone that participated, and to those who have already won in the past and keep playing anyway... and of course to anyone who just stopped by anyway as usual and still commented.

There will be another contest next month, (maybe two!) so next time join in the fun!

Chainsaw Maid

Chainsaw Maid is a creepy, extremely gory, and well-made claymation zombie movie.

Big thanks to Jeff Schultz (Jeffos) for sending me the link.

Gateway to Horror

This is it, the final day for the THOIA Lyric Challenge. And what better way to end it than with a bad ass Basil Wolverton sci-fi horror classic? You have until 6pm to get your submissions in before our judges disappear into their secret chambers to decide your fate. Winners will be announced tomorrow morning. Make it good. Make it count. Or just read a great pre-code story from a true legend.

From the December 1951 issue of Marvel Tales #104

"Beginning of the ending has just begun

You can't speak because you know we've won

On your knees now

The Year is One

Hell and Earth are One..."

Earth Dies Screaming - SOBM

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SILLY BONUS: From Tales Calculated to Drive You Bats #2

Patty McCormack / H. P. Lovecraft

Happy Birthday, Patty McCormack, born this day in 1945 in Brooklyn NY. Most famously and fondly remembered for her ultra-chilling child role as Rhoda Penmark in the murderous kid classic The Bad Seed (’56), she has starred in a variety of top notch genre film and television throughout her truly amazing career.

And for shame, yesterday we completely overlooked the birth of H. P. Lovecraft who turned 118. Thanks to the Quasar Dragon for reminding us.

The Fake!

To make things even more interesting let’s add a casting call to today’s Lyrically Challenged terror tale too, shall we? I’m gonna have to beat Fred to the punch with this one and pick Anne Francis as Agnes Carew, and how about Basil Rathbone as Robbie the… uh… I mean, as Robert.

From the March 1954 issue of Menace #10

"...unwitting chaperons,

How come you cannot see

A Hitler wearing heels

A soft Simon Legree

A Hun with honey skin

De Sade who makes good tea

Dont leave me here to be

Dont leave me here to be

Dont leave me alone with her..."

Don't Leave Me Alone With Her - Sparks

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Also, does anyone have this Fay Wray book? The expensive hardcover edition has been out for a few years now, but I just noticed that the paperback edition is finally “coming soon” and available for pre-order at Amazon. In typical McFarlane fashion it’s still expensive ($35.00) but it is Fay Wray after all… mostly curious if it’s worth the price.

For more info click HERE.

Inside is Ty!

Here's one of the more bizarre stories I’ve posted in awhile, and the artwork by Seymour Moskowitz is just as outstanding as it is original. And I suppose if the word “challenge” in “Lyrics Challenge” actually means anything then today is the day for everyone to prove what they got. (I’m officially making a new rule today too: Using an awesome Marc Bolan lyric is just too easy, and if you do you will thusly be disqualified.)

From the June 1954 issue of Adventures into Weird Worlds #30

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Giant rampaging skeletal monsters got you down? What about wanton werewolf destruction in your Spanish villa? Possessed nuns and horny hunchbacks won’t leave you alone? Chupercabras steal your chimichanga? It’s time you called on the one expert who knows how to handle all things monstrously MAD. And that’s The Vicar! Yes, you no longer have to fear the unknown cuz brotha he’s already tackled it, Figure Four Leg Locked it, pulled a couple Sleeper Holds on it and even pinned its evil ass flat to the mat. Check him out here in his new THOIA fight frock, just seconds after stomping something that was once thought “unstompable.”

And now, head your own ass over to MAD MAD MAD MAD MOVIES, before a horde of hopping Chinese vampires sink their fangs into you!

I Saw the Vampire!

THOIA Lyric Challenge Day Two. Who delivered the best chops yesterday? And who will bring it on bigger and badder than ever today? You’ve got a classic vampire tale to work with this time around, from the June '54 issue of Adv into Weird Worlds #30

“The bats have left the bell tower

The victims have been bled

Red velvet lines the black box

Bela Lugosi's dead…”
---Bauhaus

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Vintage Vampire Ads

The Case of the Beckoning Mummy

Mummy Mondays meet THOIA LYRIC CHALLENGE CONTEST #2! And our brave guest judges this time around are ::drum roll:: toddler terror experts Unkle Lancifer and Aunt John from Kindertrauma!

Same rules apply as before, merely find appropriate (or inappropriate) song lyrics that match this week's pre-code horror stories. There will be TWO winners* announced Saturday morning, August 23rd, the contest ends Friday night the 22nd; Unk L will pick the first prize winner, and Auntie J will pick the second place. Prizes include THOIA and Kindertrauma shirts, an Afterschool Special (’76-’77) DVD set, spooky real photos from my fabulously talented friend and photographer Dania Hurley (of All Eyes and Ears fame), and hopefully more goodies still to be determined. It’s gonna be a blast so don’t miss out! *Remember: You must enter at least 3 times this week to be eligible to win. And now, on with the story…

From the February 1951 issue of Web of Mystery #1

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Vintage Model Kit Ad

Postmark: Graveyard

Here’s a lovely little Sunday shocker full of pathetic characters doing pathetic things to one another for pathetic reasons. This is also your last chance to get in a trial practice lyrical run before the start of the next THOIA Lyrics Challenge Contest which kicks off tomorrow, Monday the 18th! Start warming up NOW!

From the March 1954 issue of Strange Mysteries #16

The Giant from the Tomb

Purple Claw Week Three! With his white streaked hair it might’ve been cool if The Purple Claw had teamed up with grey streaked Lance Storm for a colossal pre-code Grecian Formula One crossover clash against some cantankerous creature or killer cult, ya know? But for now let's just watch him going at it solo as usual, and this time battling--- The Giant from the Tomb!

From the May 1953 issue of The Purple LeClaw #3

Next Saturday: The Death Flower!

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Show of hands gang, a real “Barrel of Fun” is:

A.) Joke books about barbers, bartenders, salesmen, the military?
B.) A cute little lady in high heels wearing nothing else but a barrel?

Vote NOW!

Alice Cooper

After the incredible show last night here in St Louis MO, I thought I'd share a bit of vintage Alice Cooper from the 1971 Killer tour, this is a clip from the infamous gallows execution part of the show, which he fabulously recreated last night instead of the usual grand guillotine routine.

Revenge of Professor Zarno!

Back in June we first saw our hero Lance Storm tackle his mad scientist arch nemesis Professor Zarno and the Sons of Satan (HERE!) Well, the evil Prof is back, and this time he’s unleashed his lovely but lethal Suicide Doll Squad! It’s a super fun horror action tale, equal parts T3 meets Bava's Dr. Goldfoot and the Girl Bombs (but without all the extra cheese.)

From the September 1953 issue of Crime Mysteries #9

Wanna see more Lance Storm horror adventures? Let me know!

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Vintage AD

The Black Candle of Life

Despite the usual daily doses of tall, dark 'n gruesome round here, you know I try to keep things a bit more on the “PG / PG-13” side of things. But today’s epic Fawcett tale about a girl possessed by a black “candle” is just way too obvious to play down. Did editor M. Shull really think we wouldn’t notice the true intentions behind this lustful “candle” tale, with panels like those at the top of pages 5, or 6? Look at the shape of that thing for chrissakes! I seriously can’t wait to read the comments today...

From the Nov ’52 issue of Beware Terror Tales #4

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And from the “Congratulations! You’ve Just Murdered Your Own Child” Dept:

Parents! Saddle up junior in this sparkling new cowboy costume and send him out to dally with the boys. So cute…

Monsters Three

Hot on the paws of yesterday’s Sass a’frass O'Squatch-a-Rama comes another round of rampaging beasties, this time with triple the terrible hunger for man and womany flesh. I have to say, the print job on this issue is particularly and typically atrocious, but somehow the grimy quality of it all lends itself nicely to the story and the wonderfully doomed / downbeat ending.

From the July 1953 issue of Mysteries Weird & Strange #2

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Classic "Monster Plants" mail-away ad--- invading a windowsill or ceramic pot near you!

Elizabeth Shepherd

Happy Birthday Elizabeth Shepherd! Born this day in London England in 1936. A fantastic, high caliber actress of the big screen, small screen, and stage. Probably most famous to THOIA readers as Lady Rowena Trevanion (aka The Lady Ligeia) in Roger Corman's awesome horror classic The Tomb of Ligeia ('64), and as poor Joan Hart in Damien: Omen II ('78.)

Return of the Ghoul

Got a bizarro Jay Disbrow creature classic for you today from the Daring Adventures #9 (1963) reprint. This story was originally printed in the October 1952 issue of Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror #115. To make things more confusing than ever need be, this issue of Daring Adventures uses slightly modified artwork from the cover of the 1952 issue of Eerie #6. WTF? Whew!

(This issue also contains a fun Sergeant Spook story I plan on posting later this month. More for the kiddies to read...)

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KARSWELL HISTORY

FACT: At the tender young age of nine I apparently read 40 books during the ‘77 school year. And as proof, check out my awesome MONSTER Reading Achievement Certificate!

So, what books did I read, you ask? No idea. Probably some Three Investigators adventures, Blubber by Judy Blume, etc... and this total of 40 books of course obviously didn’t include the massive amounts of comic books I surely devoured too that year, but still… pretty cool, especially since it’s got a monster and some bats flutterin’ around in a graveyard and stuff on it.

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ALSO FYI: Tomorrow, Wed the 13th on TCM, watch a full day of Peter Lorre classics! Over a dozen of his best films! Check TCM for more info and show times in your area!

Marriage of the Monsters

Mummy Mondays is alive once more for Week Two, rattling it’s ancient bones, and this time exhibiting a love story that stretches far beyond anything the grave could ever hope to hold back. Apparently an equally excellent marriage of monsters consists of Moe Marcus on pencils and Rocco Mastroserio on inks.

From the October 1952 issue of Tomb of Terror #5

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BLACK WEDDING by Brian Hirsch

I born of fire …..she born of man

We do as only two lovers can

Enter the church of hate and see

Us locked together in unholy matrimony

Walk the aisle my dying bride

Be mine forever by my side

Remember all the pain to each other we gave

Remember how we made hate in that grave

From the moment I saw you I knew we’d be wed

Out loud I shout "with this ring I thee dead

"To defile and destroy we so vow

Sealed with a serpents kiss, I kiss you now

Burning in an eternity of pain

All shall suffer under our reign

Now my love, rest in Hell

Alas my bride, I slew her well.

Tut-Tut The Mummy

Since today's main mummy yarn from Harvey was a bit on the short side, how about an extra post-code story… this time some silly "All Ages" fun from the November 1961 issue of Tales Calculated to Drive You Bats #1

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If!

Wicked Women Weekend continues! Yesterday we learned that The Devil is most definitely a dame, and now today maybe we’ll learn something even more sinister about the opposite sex, but only if we live so long…

From the February 1953 issue of Suspense #27

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And speaking of vampires, yesterday Dr. Phibes sent me a spooky news link article about vampire bats spreading death, rabies, and destruction across remote regions of Venezuela.

Click HERE for some REAL horror!

The Devil is a Dame!

If you were left a little ho-hum last week about Purple Claw Saturdays in August, this story should turn you around to the idea, being a much better representation of the wild things to come. Anyone know anything about Ben Brown and/or David Gantz? They’re such a phenomenal pencil / ink team on this series.

Originally presented in the Jan '53 issue of The Purple Claw #1.

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PLUS! An eerie Hand of Fate bonus quickie!

Jack Kamen R.I.P.

Jack Kamen, best known for his work at EC Comics, has died. The cause of death is being reported as cancer.

For more info click HERE.

Thanks to Brian James Riedel for the letting me know.

The House Where Horror Lived

Here’s another spook filled haunted house classic to round out our work week, (and is it just me or does this actually look like the same house as yesterday?!) Whatever the case may be, TGIF--- thank god it's frightening!

From the September 1953 issue of Web of Evil #6.

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And thanks again everyone, especially you regulars, new and old (and welcome back HP!) for your continued daily devotion to THOIA, you guys ‘n ghouls truly make it endlessly fun for us all… and dare I say maybe a little *gasp!* educational, even sexy.

And head’s up: In two weeks (the 18th) we’ll be kicking off another week long THOIA contest. I don’t really know what the contest will be yet but if you have a good suggestion, or have a desire to play guest judge, or even have a great idea for a prize then I wanna hear from you. Drop me a line at karswell@hotmail.com NOW.

Have a grave weekend!

House of the Screaming Fiends

Alice Cooper destroys St Louis tonight, so while I attend the ever awesomest flesh and blood show, I encourage everyone else to spend some terror time in another house of screaming fiends, right here…

From the December 1952 issue of Baffling Mysteries #12

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Scream.

Paint a Picture in Crimson

Before viewing today’s excellent Ace story “Paint a Picture in Crimson” first behold another ferociously stunning portrait in crimson, that of Princess Kitty LeClaw of Killer Kittens From Beyond the Grave:



Purrrfectly fitted in her new THOIA babydoll tee, gaze instead upon the hungry eyes, the bared lips, the fur, the blood... what tantalizing black magick secrets were called upon to conjure and form an exquisite creature such as this? And who will become her next lucky victim of destruction?

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And now (if we must), on with today’s story…

From the December 1952 issue of Baffling Mysteries #12

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"Hairy-type face?" Who the hell wrote this?

Vengeance of the Tiger Queen

Psst! Hey you, shhhh… yeah you, come here. You got a thing for ultra gory decapitated neck holes? Yeah? I knew you did. I could tell by just looking at you. And what’s that? Oh? You’re also into felines? I hear ya brotha… me too. So check this shit out...

From the December 1952 issue of Baffling Mysteries #12.

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THIS JUST IN! Five more hysterical new trailers have been added to The Lost Skeleton Returns Again site, for a total of 10!

Click HERE to check 'em out!

Thanks for the update Larry!

A Safari of Death!

Mummy Mondays begin right now...

From the May 1952 issue of Chamber of Chills #8

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(Love the last line in the description for this one...)

The Malignant Mummy

PLUS: A bonus “True Ghosts of History” mummy tale quickie from the Aug-Sept 1949 issue of Adventures into Unknown Worlds #6

The Shrunken Skull

I just realized it’s been ages since I’ve posted a Harvey story, so here we go with a good and gruesome Bob Powell head shrinkin’/ decapitatin’ chiller.

From the Feb 1952 issue of Chamber of Chills #5.

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The Weird Worlds of Pete Wyma

Here's a couple outrageous Pete Wyma one-pagers from Monster Howls #1 for ya’lls today. Anyone have any decent info on Pete? His stuff is so good, and so completely unlike anyone else.

If you enjoy this type of thing let me know and I'll post more. I know it's not pre-code but it's all still way too fun to ignore!

A Kingdom of the Dead

You saw his origin the other day, now witness The Purple Claw in action in his very first horrific adventure tale ever! Can Purple C stop Dr. Gool from ruling the world with a hideous legion of walking dead? Yeah, prolly…

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

Be here next Saturday for more thrilling adventures of The Purple Claw as he discovers that--- “The Devil is a Dame!”

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The Eerie World of Don Orehek

Don Orehek is one of my all-time favorite cartoonists... anyone know anything about him? There ain't much info online, and any little tid-bit not already provided in the link would be much appreciated. These classic horror gags come from Monster Howls #1.




I'll have some great Pete Wyma gags for you tomorrow as well, (also from Monster Howls #1.) He's another fave o'mine.

The Devil from the Deep

We’re kicking things off in August with an unusual and grisly mermaid tale from the short lived Ziff-Davis Nightmare series. And please, click the GCD issue link below so you can drool over the gorgeously painted cover art by Walter Popp.

From the Fall 1952 issue of Nightmare #2

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Wow! Speaking of mer-people, another THOIA shirt photo was discovered washed ashore today. Pre-code horror fans apparently come in not only all shapes, sizes and sex, but from all depths too!

Say hello to Davey Jones for us, oh kind, creepy mer-person...

And recently I noticed Halloween goodies already on the shelves in various stores around here in STL, seems kind of early but who the heck’s complaining. So to jump the gun like everyone else I’ll be posting classic Halloween mask ads for the first week of August here too, and I’ll even keep them within the theme of that day’s story post, what the heck. I guess three months ain’t that far away, and what’s good for the mer-people is good enough for us surface dwelling air breathers as well.

Journey into Mystery Vol. 1 Masterwork

After releasing the excellent Strange Tales Vol. 1 Masterwork last year, Marvel continues with another stunning, full color, hardcover pre-code collection! Marvel Masterworks: Atlas Era Journey into Mystery Vol. 1 contains issues #1-10 in their entirety. In stores October 29th! Click HERE for all the details!




And on December 10th, Dark Horse Comics forges on with another stunning collection of classic 60’s horror with Creepy Archives Vol. 2! Hardcover, containing issues #6-10 in their entirety!

More info HERE.