The Thing from the Sea

Bye bye November, we hardly knew ya. This actually turned out to be a cool month… lots of new friends and some really fun comments. Let’s keep it going next month too, and never forget that you guys ‘n ghouls are a huge part of this blog, (as much as the pre-code posts themselves), so tell yer friends, tell yer enemies, tell the thing from the sea… and I’ll see you all in December.

From the October 1952 issue of Adventures into Darkness #6

For another Thing from the Sea (from the archives from last May) click HERE!

AND COMING IN DECEMBER: Monsters! Ghost Stories for Christmas! Epic Sci-Fi Horrors! Another "Stupidest Killers" Weekend! And more! And how about a THOIA Contest where you pre-code experts write a story of your own and the winner gets to see it fully illustrated? Does that sound like fun?

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The Groping Ghost

Finishing out the weekend and month with our Standard Comics theme, here’s a wild one from the great Jack Katz, with some much appreciated “headlight” panels on the final pages. A "groping ghost" indeed...

From the October 1952 issue of Adventures into Darkness #6

TOMORROW: A soggy seaweed Sunday awaits yee...

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HORROR MAZE

Time for some fun 'n games, but don't have too much fun... remember, you are trapped in a land of terror after all.

The Coin of Evil / The Mask of Graffenwehr

Today’s first story from the January 1954 issue of Out of the Shadows #11 pulls no punches in revealing where its inspiration comes from… which is fine by me, because the original W.W. Jacobs terror classic is one of my favorite stories of all time, and any variation is most welcome here at THOIA. Enjoy!

SATURDAY & SUNDAY: Our Standard Comics Fest continues with a pesky ghost and waterlogged zombie! Weird fun from one of the wilder publishers of pre-code...

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Black Friday Sale at the House of Mysterious Secrets!

Today ONLY get 20% off all your online horror bleeds: shirts, posters, toys, comics, mags, books, model kits, statues, music--- you name it they got it!

Click HERE to start chopping!

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The Mask of Graffenwehr

And finally, a 2-page supernatural quickie from Alex Toth and Mike Peppe. It’s not everyday you get a brain splatter panel here at THOIA. Enjoy your post-Thanksgiving Day gizzard stuffing leftovers too!

The Hungry Lodger

Happy Murdered Turkey Day everyone. I do hope that you’ve arrived here hungry today, hungry for HORROR! And if not, then go out and burn some dead leaves or run around the cemetery a few times or something... work yourself up a real good appetite--- and then hurry back!

From the June 1952 issue of The Unseen #5

QUESTION: When is a monkey's paw not really a monkey's paw? Find out tomorrow!

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La Cabellera (aka Return of the Wig)

And for those of you who enjoyed The Wig story that we presented on Monday, here’s a neat peek at a couple of pages from the foreign re-make version courtesy of my friend Carlos Federici way down there in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Carlos explains: “…I found significant coincidences between “The Wig”, which appeared recently in your blog from the Spanish version of “This Magazine Is Haunted” #14, called “La Cabellera”. I think the art belongs to Bud Thompson (who is also known by having illustrated some “Captain Marvel, Jr.” adventures.) The first, second and final pages are attached; sorry about the bad shape of the scans, but it happens when comic-books are bound in thick volumes.”

Thanks again for the scans Carlos... I would certainly love to see more foreign re-make comparisons such as these of any pre-code horror stories... and if you THOIA readers like this sort of thing too please let us know.

Werewolf

“Werewolf Wednesday” has just pounced upon you with this strange lycanthrope tale from the August 1954 issue of Out of the Shadows #14. Does anyone else question the oddball design decision of this creature? I can't figure out if I hate it or totally love the hell out of it. Ahh well, "Ahhhh-ooooooo!"

TOMORROW: Feeding your Thanksgiving hunger--- THOIA style!

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Factual Bonus Quickie:

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And for even more wild werewolf fun today head over to The Prof’s Magic Carpet Burn blog-o-boo for a THOIA submitted hairy heap of humorous horror by Dick Ayers, and from the April 1954 issue of Crazy #5!

Scream in the Night / The Get-Away

Okay, I lied about the attacking false eyelashes... but take away the phony accessories and you still have some spooky eyes today, plus more starkly efficient artwork from the criminally underrated Mike Roy.

PLUS: A Beelzebuddy Bonus, both from the February 1954 issue of The Unseen #13.

TOMORROW: Wednesdays with Werewolves! Grrr-rowr!!

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The Wig / Retribution

For most of this week we’ll be looking at scary selections of Standard Comics, from titles like Adventures into Darkness, Out of the Shadows and The Unseen, plus various other odds ‘n ends… kicking it off with an eerie Mike Roy weirdie today--- so hang onto your hat man, and don’t flip yer wig!

From the January 1954 issue of Out of the Shadows #11

TOMORROW: More Mike Roy.

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PLUS: A 2-page bonus quickie featuring a startlingly brutal pickaxe murder panel.

Devil Claws / Brainstorm

Another gruesomely choice selection from Brian Hirsch rounds out our weekend, this time from the January 1953 issue of Horrific #3. I don’t have many issues from this series but what I do have does not include this style of artwork which closely resembles the Iger Shop output. Anyone know what’s up here? Were they pulling double time with Comic Media and Farrell / Superior?

Thanks again to Brian Hirsch for the great stories this weekend, everyone give him… uh… a… big... hand…

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BRAINSTORM

Want to see your THOIA host Karswell murder a half dozen or so people in the span of a six-page black and white comic book story from 1991? Well then look no further than HERE, as Princess Kitty LeClaw graciously posts this infamous SPLATTER #1 story created by my friend Guy Burwell and starring me and my longtime chum Todd Hignite as two writers “brainstorming” murder ideas for a story. It’s loaded with graphic violence, foul language, long hair, and is definitely not for the kiddies... but please do take a look and let us know what you think.

And another big special thanks to Killer Kittens From Beyond the Grave for posting it!

Séance of Horror!

As some of you know I’m on vacation this weekend. Not really, but it sounds good and gives me (and my scanner) a breather. In the meantime, THOIA’s most popular contributor and longtime chum, Brian Hirsch has submitted some terror treats for you including the long awaited return of fearless criminologist Lance Storm. Okay now, look at and read the splash… anyone else think the title of this story should come AFTER the opening narrative? Ooops.

From the September 1952 issue of Crime Mysteries #3

PS: Has yesterday's cover mystery "monster" indentity been solved? Read the comment from Habakkuk Zylbyrbutz in today's comments and tell us what you think.

Also, GCD currently has no information or even a page for the Crime Mysteries #3 issue… maybe someone out there who works with GCD can use the date info I provided and swipe my cover scan (below) and create a page for it?

UPDATE: Eagle eye reader The Oeconomist spotted the similarities between our Crime Mystery #3 cover and the cover for Spicy Mystery June 1935. Nice work!

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Also, here's a vintage ad about how atrocious a mother’s advice can be... or wait, is this an ad for religion? Whatever it is, and in case you didn’t know, the smartest / fastest way to your new girlfriend’s heart is to take her to church--- not nightclubbing, or fine dining, or hooking up in Clifton Hill. Silly me... I now see the error of my ways.

(Illustrated by an obviously embarrassed Frank Frazetta.)

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PRECINCT 20: DEAD STRANGE

For more terror tinged crime, author A. R.Yngve writes in: “…my "crime horror" short-story collection PRECINCT 20: DEAD STRANGE is available for FREE reading online HERE, and contains many stories where supernatural horror and the macabre clashes with ordinary policemen at a homicide division in an unnamed American city.”

Its cool stuff and note how each story is illustrated with an eerie black and white photo from the Library of Congress archives. Also available is A. R.Yngve's short-story collection THE FACE IN THE DOOR, in paperback from Café Press. Click HERE for more info.

Thanks for writing A.R.!

The Monster and the Model

Today’s post comes from the Sept-Oct 1951 issue of Weird Thrillers #1 and features a cool ‘n creepy, and rare, photo cover of Rondo Hatton (so says Overstreet but it sure doesn’t look like Rondo to me.) If you like stories where a dill weed cop says stuff like “holy mackerel!” in the face of evil, then you’ll find this one to be a fun and mildly spooky cracker jack of a tale, playing out more like a Lance Storm or Dr. 13 horror / crime adventure. Enjoy!

PS: Has today's cover mystery "monster" indentity been solved? Read the comment from Habakkuk Zylbyrbutz in the Saturday Nov 22 comments and tell us what you think.

TOMORROW: Speaking of Lance Storm, Brian Hirsch takes the horror reins this weekend and brings you 2 days of terrorific posts, including Lance Storm in Séance of Horror! Plus, a creepy severed hand tale from an early issue of Horrific. And just cuz Karswell’s taking a mini-vacation doesn’t mean you should miss ‘em!

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See! Two truly awful but totally entertaining sci-fi horror films on TCM Underground tonight, Monster A-Go-Go (’65) and The Giant Spider Invasion ‘75 (followed by AIP’s pretty good Die, Monster Die ‘65 starring Boris Karloff.) Check TCM for more info and show times in your area.

And for more giant spider action, head over to Chuck’s Comic Book Catacombs sometime today for Sandflower of Venus, a THOIA submitted tale featuring some gorgeous artwork and tons o'swashbuckling action and chills! It’s also from the Sept-Oct 1951 issue of Weird Thrillers #1!

Lover, Come Back to Me

Need a hot 'n sleezy dose of not-at-all subtle sexual subtext in your Thursday THOIA post? Here ya go; it’s the last story from the May-June 1954 issue of Black Magic Vol. 4 #6 too. And whew--- is it ever full of lusty swamp steam!

TOMORROW: Monster Friday!

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And here's a few more totally appropriate style ads aimed at young boys in the 1950’s. Ummm, comic books were aimed at young boys, right?

The Devil, You Say?

And I say “Hell yeah, The Devil!” By now we’ve all noticed that most pre-code Satan stories seem to possess the same old inescapable “sold my soul” angle, but this one has some clever twists of its own (and a great ending), and is probably my favorite story from this issue. Although tomorrow’s “Bayou Bitch” tale is pretty outrageous too, as you shall see…

From the May-June 1954 issue of Black Magic Vol. 4 #6

TOMORROW: Swamp Sluts in Heat!

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The world is on fire, and the Lord wants to give me prizes?

Oh I see, I have to work for the prizes... booooo!

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Tomorrow night, Thursday the 20th on TCM, catch two great silent horror classics, both starring the great Lon Chaney: The Phantom of the Opera (’25), and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (’23.)

As usual, check TCM for more info and show times in your area.

Ghost in the House

I know, we just had an Al Eadeh story last Wednesday, but that’s how things work out sometimes. For more Al Eadeh use the handy blog search engine at the top of the page and simply type in his name. And for another gorgeous ghost girl tale, (this time from Vince Colletta), check out Not Dead Enough that I posted last December, located in the THOIA archives.

From the May-June 1954 issue of Black Magic Vol. 4 #6

TOMORROW: Satan!

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This issue of Black Magic is chocked full of great ads too, take a gander at some of these… I’m sure most young boys who read comics back in the 50’s were just absolutely fed up with their fat legs and flabby tummies.

The Head of the Family!

From the May-June 1954 issue of Black Magic Vol. 4 #6 (of which we’ll be looking at in its entirety this week starting NOW) comes the first excellent tale, and it's from Jack Kirby.

I suppose anything else I say after that is just flat-out anti-climatic...

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Death Omen (bonus quickie)

The Magic Word / Innocent Bystander

The last story in our look at the great Atlas Marvel Tales series this week comes from the always awesome Dick “Frankenstein” Briefer. And since Sunday’s are such a downright drag I thought I’d bump up your spirits with a bonus Briefer tale which follows the ad below. I hope everyone had a cool weekend, and thanks to all who stopped by.

From the September 1953 issue of Marvel Tales #118

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Vintage Magic Tricks AD

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Innocent Bystander

And here’s the bonus Briefer story as promised, originally presented in the Feb ‘53 issue of Journey into Mystery #5, though scanned from the reprint version of the March ‘73 issue of Crypt of Shadows #2. It can also be found in the new Journey into Mystery hardback edition of "Marvel Masterworks Atlas Era" which reprints the first fantastic 10 issues (in stores now!) Click HERE for more info.

TOMORROW: Jack Kirby!

Typhoid

Let’s have some fun today and play the Casting Call name game again, shall we? Here are my choices: Laird Cregar and Zasu Pitts as Mr. and Mrs. Simpson, José Mojica Marins as Dr. Mortimer Brown, and Zacherly (the Cool Ghoul) as John. Also, who's the artist on this one?!

From the September 1953 issue of Marvel Tales #118

Learn more about TYPHOID by clicking HERE!

AND TOMORROW: Get ready for some Double Dick action! Uhhh, a Dick Briefer double header that is...

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And as long as we’re preventing typhoid from spreading across the globe, let’s do our part with polio awareness too. Don't get chilled!

The Man with No Face!

Today we have a man with no face; we’ve also got a story with no art credit! Anyone know who this is? And it may be Friday but don’t forget we still have the entire weekend to go in our look at some of the most chilling entries from Atlas Comics’ Marvel Tales series, and trust me, the best is yet to come!

From the June 1953 issue of Marvel Tales #115

TOMORROW: A pre-code Atlas story--- starring Coffin Joe?!

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Suspiria on TCM Tonight!

Need more knife action? Arguably, Dario Argento’s best film ever is Suspiria ('77), and if you haven’t seen it yet then now is your chance, late tonight, UNCUT and only on TCM Underground!

Click HERE for more info, gruesome preview scenes (aka spoilers), and show times in your area.

Buried Alive!

Okay, if I’ve said it once I’ve said it a million times… any pre-code character who buries himself alive as part of some sort of cunning scheme (diabolical or otherwise) has obviously never read a pre-code comic book. Case in point…

From the October 1954 issue of Marvel Tales #127

TOMORROW: Who the Hell is the artist?!

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Another THOIA tee shirt photo surfaces, this time from Sir John Angelo, as he makes the mistake of reading Al Luster’s “They Dive by Night” without first installing flood gates around his perimeter! Whether soaked to the bone in sea water, or drenched head to toe in slaughtered werewolf blood, it’s quite possible that John was merely distracted by the hordes of supernatural evil he battles everyday in Heroscape.

For more about John and his Hex Enduction Hour / Administrative duties, check out his fan site / art thread by clicking HERE. And John, it’s a bit late but your THOIA snorkel is in the mail! Thanks! *glub*glub*

Skrak's Secret!

Today we begin a 5-day look at one of my favorite Atlas series ever--- Marvel Tales! There’s lots of good stuff lined up (you Atlas haters will just have to sit and stew for a few days), and we kick it off with a perfectly predictable, yet none the less totally fun and demented yarn from oddball Al Eadeh. I'd love to know more about this guy, if anyone knows anything please share.

From the October 1954 issue of Marvel Tales #127

More Al Eadeh HERE!

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Weird-Ohs (NEWS)

J. Lloyd International has announced that for the first time in over 30 years the original Weird-Ohs and Weird-Ohs Baseball trading cards will be available again! Faithfully reproduced and packaged in their original style display boxes, this vintage series of the sixty-six card sets hits stores in early 2009. 8 cards per pack / 24 packs per box. (Still available are the Weird-Ohs model kits, and magnetic figures.) Click HERE for more info!

The Garcon / Dream!

Today it’s a 2-for-1 shot of mysterious weirdness from the March 1954 issue of Weird Mysteries #9. And our first obnoxious tale is loaded with unintentional humor (as well as the completely intentional kind too.) I do declare---this is definitely THE zaniest story ever posted here at THOIA. Bon appetit!

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Night Gallery Season 2 DVD Set (NEWS)

And in stores today, Night Gallery Season 2! This 5-disc DVD collector’s set contains 61 stories, with bonus features including: audio commentaries, behind-the-scenes featurettes, a gallery presentation of the paintings from the series and more!

Click HERE for all the info.

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Our other tale today from the March 1954 issue of Weird Mysteries #9 has a truly nightmarish, lo-fi art style reminiscent of modern day indie cartoonists, (or even color quick storyboard roughs), and the plot pretty much goes exactly where you figure it’s going from the opening panel... but it’s still an interesting glimpse into the pre-code realm of sadistic torture and Lovecraftian demon cult horrors.

And starting tomorrow we finish out the week (and weekend too) with select stories from Atlas Comics’ Marvel Tales series, featuring timeless terror classics from Al Eadeh, Dick Briefer, and many more (some we'll need help identifying too!)

Epitaph

For the next few days we’ll be looking at some really different stories from the March 1954 issue of Weird Mysteries #9, not really the whole issue, but more like a "best of." FYI: tomorrow you’ll be reading one of my favorite screwball cannibal classics... but today is a pre-code tale unlike any other, as it’s serious (dead serious) with an unusually heart wrenching, almost poetic climax that plays out in complete contrast to the whacked-out insanity of the other tales from this issue. So grab a shovel, and maybe some Kleenex, it’s time to head to the cemetery for the final chilling word in undying love from beyond the grave.

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Fans of NEATO COOLVILLE and WEIRD HOLLOW might recognize the smiling face in this photo--- it’s Mayor Todd Franklin himself wearing his THOIA tee-shirt at St. Louis MO’s first annual Monstrous Weekend Convention. And to top it all he’s rubbin' elbows with Night of the Living Dead actress/scream queen legend Judith O’Dea--- WOW!

For more neato cool stuff visit Todd’s fab blog HERE, (and for the weirder stuff go HERE.) And fans of Judith O'Dea should check out what she’s up to these days online by clicking HERE as well. Thanks Todd!

Laugh, Clown, Laugh!

More terror under the Big Top for you, this time from the August 1952 issue of Witches Tales #13. Reading this one again just reminds me that someone really needs to release BERSERK! (’67) on DVD one of these days.

Hope you enjoyed our Killer Klown themed weekend (as suggested by Rob Foster), if anyone has any ideas for future themes they’d like to see just drop me a line at karswell@hotmail.com

ALL NEXT WEEK: Zombies, Cannibalism, Torture, and More!

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Berserk! ('67) CLICK FOR TRAILER (full of spoilers though!)

Starring Joan Crawford, Michael Gough, and Diana Dors

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See! Chameleons slaughter one another in this mini-Circus of Terror!

Kill, Clown, Kill!

Ahh, everyone loves a clown, except of course for the people who are freakishly terrified of them. The two stories I have for you this weekend might not feature the scariest clowns of all time (that would be THIS GUY ), but these mean old pre-code cut-ups definitely do some scary things.

And with that, here comes our first Killer Klown Weekend yarn, from the April 1953 issue of Uncanny Tales #7.

And a sweet Bill Everett cover too!

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SAD NEWS: Forrest J. Ackerman, founder of seminal sci-fi/horror fan magazine Famous Monsters of Filmland, has been ailing for the past few days and is not expected to recover.

More info on this as it becomes available.

The Skeleton’s Revenge

We finish out the work week with a wonderfully ridiculous A. C. Hollingsworth skeleton classic from the October 1953 issue of Dark Mysteries #14. So was this a fun week of posts and comments or what? And next week I have lots of good stuff lined up too, in particular a couple mind blowers from a notorious issue of Weird Mysteries.

And stick around this weekend for another 2-day theme--- that is, unless you have a thing about creepy killer clowns...

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Speaking of skulls, I’ve had a few people email me asking about my Halloween mask from the “Cryptic Cadavers” series by PMG Halloween. It was purchased at one of the many local Johnnie Brock’s Dungeon stores here in St Louis MO for $20.00 ...though it is of course available online as well. Click HERE. And yes people, that was NOT my real face. Sorry!

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Lost Skeleton Day in Los Angeles!

Sunday, November 9 - 5:00
THE LOST SKELETON OF CADAVRA. 2004, Sony Repertory, 89 min. Dir. Larry Blamire. If you missed it before or just need a refresher, here's the original cult favorite! A gleefully deadpan recreation of those ultra-cheap '50s sci-fi horror movies, as a host of stereotypes descend upon Bronson Canyon in search of a meteorite containing a mysterious radioactive element. A rare chance to see one of the most quotable movies of recent years on the big screen. Plus Ub Iwerks' 1937 cartoon classic, SKELETON FROLICS.
Writer/Director/Star Larry Blamire will introduce the screening.

Sunday, November 9 - 7:30
Los Angeles Premiere!
THE LOST SKELETON RETURNS AGAIN. 2008, Bantam Street, 91 min. Dir. Larry Blamire. It's two years later, and the action shifts to the Amazon Jungle, as old friends and new enemies schlep into the dreaded Valley of the Monsters in search of yet another rare element. This bigger, better, bonier sequel moves up the budgetary scale from Ed Wood to Sam Katzman, containing some nifty special effects and a dynamic musical score--along with the expected hilarious performances and Blamire's trademark loopy dialogue. But you can still see the wires!
Discussion following with the cast and crew.

Tickets are available in advance at the Egyptian box office or through Fandango. The Egyptian is at 6712 Hollywood Blvd., 2 blocks east of Highland. For more info please visit: http://www.americancinematheque.com/

Thanks To Larry Blamire for the update!

Dead Man’s Pajamas

Our fourth and final story from Voodoo #15 might be a bit tame in comparison to the other three OMG stories already posted this week, but it’s still a neat little yarn, though more of a murder mystery than a tale of terror, (and of course essential here when presenting an issue in it’s entirety.) Gotta love the PJ concept too!

TOMORROW: skeletons, Skeletons, and MORE SKELETONS!!

Hammer of Evil

As I mentioned in the comments yesterday, this is my personal favorite story from Voodoo #15, and without going much into the details of why, you just need to read it, like immediately, and all should be clear anyway. I do have a feeling the doods are going to enjoy this one more than the dames though, or maybe not... a few of you out there continue to surprise the hell out of me.

TOMORROW: Dead Man’s Pajamas! Ooooo!

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When All Eyes & Ears photographer Dania Hurley recently submitted this pleasantly candid cemetery snapshot to us (while wearing her new THOIA tee shirt too!), it was brought to the attention of one of my top Science Sorcerers. He immediately felt “something odd” about the photo as did I, and wasted no time in running it through a rigorous series of “Supernatural Revelation Testing” in our own black magikally enhanced THOIA Photo Lab. What we found may astound and terrify you (as it did to Dania.)

Moral: STAY AWAY FROM THIS HORROR INFESTED CEMETERY!

EPILOGE: Ms. Hurley now rests quietly in an Ohio State Sanitarium. Please forward all cards and well wishes c/o her fabulous AEAE blog and retrOhio flickr photo pages. Get well girl!

Nightmare Island

Here comes the second story from Voodoo #15 this week, and if you thought yesterday’s story was obnoxious as hell, wait until you read the über violent, whacko bat-shit climax of this mind numbing gem--- whoa.

TOMORROW: Hammer Time!

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Bat-Manga! The Secret History of Batman in Japan

Another new book causing me go equally batty is Chip Kidd and Geoff Spear’s tremendous collection of 60’s Batman stories from Japan called Bat-Manga! The Secret History of Batman in Japan. Full of incredibly rare, entertaining, and fully translated stories (created by manga legend Jiro “8 Man” Kuwata), plus gorgeous full-color Japanese toy photos and other various J-Bat odds ‘n ends, this is an essential collection of total awesomeness.

I highly recommend this to fans of Batman and manga style comics, and of special note is the ultra wild, 2-part "Lord Death Man" story featuring one of the absolute coolest skeleton villain characters in comic book history (example below.) Don’t miss it!

Click HERE for more info and to order now!

Doomed

For the next four days we’ll being looking at Ajax; Farrell’s Voodoo #15 in its entirety. At least I think it’s #15, my copy is missing the cover, plus GCD has no real additional info on it, and I am forced to trust the word of the dude who sold it to me. Anyone know for sure? What I do know is this is one totally crazy, over the top issue loaded with page after soaking page of SOTI inspired gruesomeness.

So first let’s bring on the beheadings—SCHLUNK!!

TOMORROW: Nightmare Island!

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A few weeks ago, St Louis MO superstars SHAME CLUB rocked the CMJ Fest in NYC while on tour promoting their ass kickin’ COME ON release (now available through Small Stone Records.) While pummeling the crowd with their big boogie hooks and vicious wall of volume, lead singer / guitarist Jonathan Lumley proudly sported his THOIA tee shirt, which as many of you know makes for excellent Devil Horn Deluxe Rock ‘n Roll stage wear.

Find out more about Shame Club (and tinnitus) by clicking HERE.

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HALLOWEEN '08 COSTUME CONTEST MURDERATHON WINNERS!

John Rozum, creator of Milestone Comics' Xombi, and Vertigo's Midnight, Mass. turned the camera on his own offspring, told them to attack one another, and what happened next was a pop culture collision of the purest, highest order! As John describes from his awesome blog: “Daphne went as the Hawaiian Witch Doctor from the classic "Scooby-Doo" episode with Mano Tiki Tia. Dash went as an ARC Trooper from "Star Wars: The Clone Wars." Both costumes were entirely handmade except for Dash's helmet.”

Kudos to our winners: Daphne, Dash, and John! Your prizes await, please contact me at Karswell@hotmail.com. And as everyone can now see--- Daphne and Dash get to continue the battle on the THOIA banner for the rest of this week too! And please visit JOHNROZUM.COM for more. Applause to all who played, (or tried too.) And thanks again to Mike Howlett for judging as well!

The Haunting of Sleepy Hollow!

Today is Dick Ayers turn to give us the 20 cent tour around Sleepy Hollow, only this time the setting is a bit more contemporary (for the 50’s, I mean) than yesterday's tale. Originally presented in the July 1954 issue of Uncanny Tales #22 under the title “The Horror of Sleepy Hollow”, it was later reprinted / retitled “The Haunting of Sleepy Hollow” for the March 1974 issue of Crypt of Shadows #9.

NEXT: The severed heads continue to fly! Plus: a giant rat attack, a violent prehistoric babe on the loose and, um—killer pajamas?! It’s a complete issue of Ajax/Farrell’s Voodoo in its insane entirety this week! Starts tomorrow, don't miss a day of it!

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And don’t forget about the THOIA Halloween Costume Murderathon Contest going on all this weekend. If you missed the rules check Friday's October 31st post. FYI: Below is an example of how Karswell kills in kostume AND rekreates the THOIA banner, with all apologies to my niece who splendidly played The Victim! (Wouldn’t this have made a great Aurora model kit?)

AIEEEEEEEE! HEE! HEE!

The Headless Horsemen

Despite what my banner says Halloween is technically over for 2008. But that doesn’t mean there are no tales to tell the day after. Hell no! One of the greatest Halloween tales of them all actually finds it blood curdling conclusion on November 1st (Ichabod’s run-in with the Headless Horseman does happen AFTER midnight on Halloween of course!) and it just so happens we’ve got Washington Irving’s timeless classic right here for you today too... all 22 pages (whew!) from the March 1944 issue of Classics Illustrated #12.

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TOMORROW: Sleepy Hollow--- One Century later!