Saturday, January 24, 2009

The Devil’s Clock

For the rest of the month let's just ditch the full issue presentation theme, I think we kicked off January AND 2009 big enough at this point, don’t you? But this weekend there is still a theme, and that theme is--- clocks! Evil clocks. Haunted clocks. Clocks of Doom! If you keep saying the word “clocks” enough it totally sounds like the least scary thing on the planet. That is of course unless it’s --- The Devil’s Clock! AIEEEE!!
From the November 1952 issue of Tales of Horror #3










And for more pre-code terror from Brown & Gantz, check out the expertly illustrated, but superbly stupid Purple Claw adventures located in the THOIA Archives HERE!

TOMORROW: The ULTIMATE Clock in Horror!

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If somehow a clock is not terrifying enough for you, then how about Junior's Television? Apparently it works just fine without being plugged in (look closely.) And dear lard, please tell me that's not supposed to be a projection of Popeye?!!


Even scarier is an ad promising you "popularity" by simply sticking a harmonica into your pie hole for 15 minutes. I suppose if that actually worked you really would have to be marvelous...

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

One of the best stories you've posted in a(short)while, great concept, reminds me of Lovecraft's SHADOW OUT OF TIME for some reason.
Harmonica's are actually a fun instrument for a kid if you have a place to play 'em, otherwise everyone complains.

Tim Tylor said...

Life lesson, kiddies - never buy anything with a sort of odd fascination about it.

For fellow-lovers of eldritch timepieces, may I recommend an hour or two perusing the House Of Clocks?

Anonymous said...

AMAZING SPLASH!!!!!!! Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Notice that Popeye—or any other cartoon character—is not mentioned in the "Junior's Television" ad. Kids might've thought a real crappy artist was trying to draw Popeye in the ad... and when they actually got the toy, they'd see some awful generic knockoff of Popeye, just like in the ad! (So the company wouldn't have to pay fees for use of Popeye.)

sfdoomed said...

A rare horror tale ending where they live happily ever after (the "ancient mystery" or "everlasting love"...ain't it sweet?).

The coloring once again sets the atmosphere in the first couple of pages. In comparison, I can hardly stand any modern comic with glossy coloring (and horrible, cartoonish artwork).

And Karswell's introduction was hilarious!

Anonymous said...

I WAS LAUGHING AT THAT INTRO TOO, AND THE STUFF ON THE ADS. GREAT STORY TODAY, AND AWESOME ART. WHO KNEW CLOCKS COULD BE SO HORRIFIC?

Dave Tackett said...

A solid story and the cursed/magic clock was rather interesting by itself. A very good start to your evil clock theme.

The Vicar of VHS said...

Great off-beat story today, K, with a great splash as well! Time-traveling Satan-worshiping cavemen! Why wasn't THAT picked up by Hammer at some point? I could totally see Pete Cushing as the Ancient Dark One...

Great "knife in neck" panel provides the grossness here, and the moral of the story is one we should all live buy: Never Buy Old Crap. You never know where it's been.

Can't wait for more GIANT HOT CLOCKS.

Prof. Grewbeard said...

an excellent illustration of the power of love...

"junior's television", hmmph!

yesterday's and today's posts are my favorites so far this year, i think.

Anonymous said...

crazy story. it almost feels like something from the 60s

Mr. Karswell said...

This story does come off with quite a bit of originality, the same can possibly not be said for Sunday's clock tale, but it's still a spooky load o'fun.

Does anyone know anything about Brown and Gantz? They make quite a team.