They Burned a Witch

The last story of March 2009, and the last THOIA post for awhile as I take a much needed vacation… this one is illustrated by a typically unnamed ultra-talent from the ACE bullpen. Maybe Lou Cameron, maybe not…

From the October 1952 issue of The Beyond #16

Need more Black (cat) Magic today? The one and only supreme feline Princess of Evil awaits, ready to pounce on you from the darkest shadows of KKFBTG with a cataclysmic Jack Kirby classic guaranteed to slash your flesh apart!

Claw HERE for---

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ACE Bonus Quickie

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So fear not Pre-Code Fans, while this is certianly no April Fools Eve joke, this is also most certainly NOT the last posted tale from THOIA. I apologize for the rather cryptic hints this week (you know how we are around here about crypts and stuff anyway), I just have a coffin load of priority issues in my life right now and unfortunately blogging is not one of them. Think of THOIA as merely taking a breather, and we will be back, definitely not daily for the next few months anymore, but we’ll be here… I promise, so please do keep us bookmarked.

In the meantime peruse the archives, and of course if anyone would like to help out I am always taking story scan submissions. I thank you all for the daily devotions and comments, and please remember this is not goodbye. Yet.

(Sorry, I just had to be cryptic one more time.)

S. R. Bissette

I remember sometime in the late 70’s there was a magazine called Weird Worlds that I used to order through my grade school Book Club. Not to be confused with all the other “Weird Worlds” comics and mags, this was more like a collection of all things strange with articles on fantasy films and music, short stories; Ripley’s Believe it or Not type odd facts, and monsters monster monsters!! But for me the real highlight of these issues was always the terrifyingly fun, pre-code horror-esque comic stories illustrated by S. R. Bissette. I was 10 years old and this guy’s art just blew me away.

THOIA is proud to present 4 Bissette stories for our “Flash Forward Day,” all of which originally appeared in various issues of Weird Worlds, but scanned here for you today (and in color) from the April 1986 issue of Fear Book #1 (which also collects some of his fabulous work for Bananas, another childhood fave.) And for more about the great S. R. Bissette be sure to visit his official site HERE!

Return of the Swamp Beast!
From the October 1979 issue of Weird Worlds #3

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Egyptian Graffiti

From the March 1979 issue of Weird Worlds #2

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(cover)

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A Dead Ringer

From the September 1980 issue of Weird Worlds #6

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Business as Usual

From the September 1981 issue of Weird Worlds #8

TOMORROW: The last THOIA post?!!

The Moulder of Doom

Time for the wrap up to our WoE theme this week, and this one is from the February 1954 issue of Web of Evil #11 (art by Reed Crandall maybe?) I hope everyone enjoyed this look at a much underrated pre-code horror series.

Wow, two days left in March… man, where did this month go??!

TOMORROW: A Flash Forward QUADRUPLE Header!

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Vintage AD

Creature of Doom

The last story from the November 1953 issue of Web of Evil #8… let’s see if we can avoid the obvious Marvel "origins" comparison here and come up with something a little more unique. Call it a contest if you like…

TOMORROW: More doom!

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Vintage AD

Flaming Vengeance

A non-Jack Cole tale today from the November 1953 issue of Web of Evil #8, this one would have gone great with the Flame Thrower tale I posted earlier this month.

Have a hot weekend everyone!

TOMORROW: The final tale from Web of Evil #8

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Death Prowls the Streets

While our Web of Evil Week lasts until Sunday the 29th, our Jack Cole Tribute ends today (wah!) And today’s tale, like yesterday’s tale is also from the November 1953 issue of Web of Evil #8. And FYI: the next two posts are also from this issue, so for you completists, yeppers--- it’s another full issue presentation! Enjoy!

TOMORROW: THOIA turns up the heat!

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Vintage Ads

I've always wondered what a mega-talent like Jack Cole might have thought of "instant artistry" ads like this, being a man who not only spent his life seriously perfecting his craft, but was obviously “born with it.”

Valley of Horror

Web of Evil Week: Day 3 (check.)
Jack Cole Tribute: Day 3 (check.)
Deadly Purple Robed Skeletons: Day 1 (oh Hell yes, check.)

From the November 1953 issue of Web of Evil #8

TOMORROW: The constant, ominous plodding of a thing gone mad…

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Killer From Beyond

Web of Evil Week continues, as does our look at the horrifically amazing pre-code terror tales by the late great Jack Cole. This one is also from the December 1953 issue of Web of Evil #9 (see yesterday’s post) and here Cole really pushes the action over the top with machine gunnin’, axe slingin’, and some hilarious tough guy talk (especially from the femme fatale!) It’s one of the more clever “murder for money”, double crossin’, crime / ghost stories that I’ve posted in awhile--- enjoy!

And a very big CONGRATULATIONS to Tim Lucas and Video Watchdog for winning the "Best Blog" catagory in the 7th Annual Rondos. Congrats to all the winners and losers. And I want to thank everyone again who bothered to nominate and vote for THOIA this year too. TOMORROW: Jack Cole - Day Three

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A Pact With the Devil

Web of Evil Week begins with four days of Jack Cole posts... our pedal fully to the metal with this satanic beauty from the December 1953 issue of Web of Evil #9. Some of you may have seen this tale posted elsewhere last year, but for those that missed it, here it is scanned from my own collection and now forever archived at THOIA.

TOMORROW: More Jack Cole!

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Also, if you haven’t already--- DO NOT miss all the fantastic monster kid fun over at Magic Carpet Burn this month: Munsters, Astro Boy, Mexican Masked Wrestlers, Little Monsters, Mr. and Mrs. J. Evil Scientist, etc… MCB is a blast!

Click HERE!

When Worlds Meet

All Request Weekend continues, this time with a great Joe Sinnott S/F classic from the June 1954 issue of Adventures into Weird Worlds #30, (the very LAST issue of AIWW in fact) as suggested by THOIA reader Robert Susor. Also, Robert is looking for another Atlas tale but cannot remember the name of it. Does anyone have any clues? Here’s what he does know: “Two thieves, one a dwarf, have a robot (looks like Gort). The dwarf gets inside it and goes on a robbery spree. It may have been in Marvel Tales…”

TOMORROW: Web of Evil Week Begins!

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The Witches' Brew

Another tale from the March 1952 issue of Adventures into the Unknown #29, this time filling a witch story request for THOIA reader Emby Quinn. And after the story check out the DAZ renders Emby created (in the persona she has inhabited online now for over a decade.)

Awesome job Emby, and enjoy the story... this one's for you!

And don't forget you have until midnight tonight to vote for THOIA in the SEVENTH Annual Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards: Catagory #15: The Horrors of it All for "Best Horror Blog."

Click HERE for all the details and cast your vote now--and thanks again for everyone's support!

TOMORROW: Scary Sci-Fi Sunday!

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DAZ Renders by Emby Quinn

Invasion of the Ghost Monsters

Ken Bald finishes up our week as well as our two-day theme of storybook characters brought back to screaming evil life (see yesterday’s post.) Today’s tale is from the March 1952 issue of Adventures into the Unknown #29 and adds a neat little twist on the theme by actually giving the baddies some real competition.

Everyone have a great weekend!

COMING UP: An all request weekend! Tomorrow it’s going to get witchy around here, and on the 22nd we head into outer space for another scary Sci-Fi Sunday. Don’t miss!

Demons of the Night

From the June 1952 issue of Chamber of Chills #9 comes this typically goofball Harvey story about a dude bringing fictional characters to life right from the pages of a children’s storybook (to serve his evil purpose of course.) This clichéd story concept is always so ridiculously entertaining to me that I thought I’d give you another one tomorrow from ACG that is pretty much just like it.

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DVD Drive-In has reported some excellent new DVD releases / upgrades coming soon. Click HERE for the scoop on Nightmare Castle and Legend of Blood Castle, as well as some other very interesting horror / exploitation titles.

Thanks to Eyeball for the initial heads up!

The Potty’s Over

Anony John submits the second tale in our two-day Flash Forward look at the great Bernie Wrightson. From the August 1984 issue of Epic Illustrated #25, this is a very mature themed tale with lots of nudity and gruesome violence… so sorry kiddies, —ADULTS ONLY!!

(Thanks again to John for the scans!)

TOMORROW: Back to the 50’s!

And there's more Bernie Wrightson in the THOIA Archives, I posted the Father's Day story from the Creepshow ('82) movie comic back in June 2008...

The Gourmet

Do I really need to give Bernie Wrightson an introduction here today for our over due Flash Forward? Needless to say, BW’s influence on modern horror comics is as essential as anything the pre-code masters delivered unto us… and throughout the Silver Age boom there were but a handful of contemporaries who maybe came close to his level in terms of moody, unique styles and grotesqueries. Who will ever forget the first time they saw the instantly classic Swamp Thing or his brilliant take on Frankenstein?

Today’s tale from the September-October 1973 issue of Plop #1 was always one of my pre-code-esque favorites, weirdly over the top and loads of fun with a clever double twist for good measure, courtesy of writer Steve Skeates.

TOMORROW: More Wrightson…

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Some of you may know Patrick Kendall from his occasional hauntings here at THOIA, he’s a fabulous horror artist in his own right and I’m sure I’m not taking a froggy leap here, but undoubtedly a fan of Bernie Wrightson. He sends in a pic of himself (sporting his best burial wear) to remind those of you that have not yet ordered a THOIA tee shirt that they are still available in all shapes ‘n sizes, and only $15.00 each with FREE shipping for US citizens.

"Hey Karswell... I finally found a suitable place to have my picture taken while wearing my THOIA shirt. If you're gonna die, rather than die with your boots on, die with your THOIA on. This was taken last weekend at the Transworld Hallowen, Costume & Partyshow. This was a motion simulated ride called "The Last Ride". Gives you an idea of what your last ride will be like in a hearse from hell!

Talk to you soon... "

---Patrick Kendall

Dummy!

You experienced a terrifying weekend theme of evil dolls and killer puppets (or was the theme really Fiery Finales?) whatever, today’s post wraps it all up with another type of living doll tale, from the October 1954 issue of Uncanny Tales #25.

TOMORROW: An Overdue "Flash Forward" Day

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Vintage AD

(featuring great examples of 50’s lettering styles and clip art)

The Phantom Puppet

More knife wielding Tiny Terrors for you today (on the 72nd anniversary of H. P. Lovecraft’s death no less), the THOIA theme slightly shifting from Evil Dolls to Evil Puppets now… and here’s a typically well-illustrated tale from the September 1953 issue of Web of Mystery #20.

(Note to GCD: This is the missing story entry.)

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Vintage AD

TOMORROW: Not so tiny terrors...

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+One-panel, wind-up gag from the great Priscilla

The Last Word

Also from the same June 1952 issue of Beware #10 (as yesterday's Doll of Death post), comes another tale of Tiny Terror. Kind of strange that one issue would contain two stories about Evil Dolls, but I'm not complaining of course! This THOIA theme has also been extended until Monday, so I hope everyone is enjoying themselves.









Need more Evil Doll stories? Check the THOIA Archives!

Devilish Dolls of Death
They Strangle by Night
A Playmate for Susan
Dolls of Doom
My Dolly is the Devil!
Voodoo Dolls

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The Doll / Doll of Death

Happy Friday the 13th (again) everyone, and to celebrate this unluckiest of days, we’re featuring an Evil Doll Double Header, a theme chosen by my long time friend in horror, Miss Lulu Voodoo, who finally got her own tiny hands on a THOIA tee shirt recently (still available) check her out during the intermission! And stay tuned for more Tiny Terrors all weekend with possessed puppets, macabre mannequins, and diabolical dummies. Thanks Lulu!

From the April 1953 issue of Forbidden Worlds #16

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Doll of Death
From the June 1952 issue of Beware #10

Shrink

Tiny Terrors are invading THOIA for the rest of the week (and weekend), and this Rudy Palais tale is just the start of it (as part of a request you’ll find out more about tomorrow.) And if for some reason you’re still confused about the theme after reading today’s post then maybe the ad that follows will fill in the blanks a bit.

From the September 1953 issue of Horrific #7

ANOTHER HEADS UP: I know some of you are excited about the Bernie Wrightson / Flash Forward Day I had planned this week, but due to a schedule / time conflict I’ve moved it to next week now. It will be early in the week though, I promise!

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Vintage AD (zat thing creepy or what?)

Jury of the Undead

From the July 1953 issue of Journey into Fear #14 comes another goofball Iger Shop classic full of sketchy art and giggling death. Today is kind of a double post day as after the story you can follow the bonus link to a spoof of this story (details follow the scans below) along with more info about Michael Price’s upcoming Iger Shop book.

A HEADS UP: As you have undoubtably noticed, the daily posting times here this week have been a bit unpredictable. I'm extemely busy on a variety of work and band related projects at the moment so this may be the norm for most of the month, and possibly next month. Just letting you all know...

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Something else to check out today at the Jan Alan Henderson website, Michael “Forgotten Horrors” Price gives us a sneak peek of his upcoming book about the Iger Shop, featuring info about Jerry Iger, artist Robert Hayward “Bob” Webb, as well as an example of one of their revamped “alteration-effort” comic book stories (a spoof on today’s story in fact), and more.

http://www.janalanhenderson.com/

Flame Thrower!

Yesterday’s fiery finale not hot enough for you? Well, here’s a scorcher from the June 1953 issue of Mysterious Adventures #15 (or is it The Haunt of Horror?!), illustrated by Jon D’Agostino... and yet another mean spirited example that defines The Code.

TOMORROW: I have no clue… I’m soooo unprepared this month.

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Vintage AD for an easier way to “burn” off that weight, (and your arms...)

Money Hungry

Sorry for the late post today gang, I had a very busy weekend and today I just couldn't get my act together. This story was originally on the THOIA schedule for yesterday (to celebrate my Mom’s b-day) but it was bumped in favor of Twisted Tales Weekend. Sorry ma! Anyway, you guys were commenting about the depressingly grim nature of the last few days’ posts so here’s something a bit more upbeat and cheery. And you know I’m totally lying.

From the June 1953 issue of Mysterious Adventures #15

TOMORROW: Hot Horror from the Crematorium!

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Banjo Lessons / Terminated

Twisted Tales Weekend concludes with two tales from the startlingly controversial October 1983 issue of Twisted Tales #5. Both stories were written by Bruce Jones of course, with art on the first story by Rand Holmes, while the second story features the wonderfully chunky art of Richard Corban (who also provided the cover art for this issue.) Jones daringly entered EC Shock SuspenStories territory with the first tale here today, but I’ll leave it to Pacific Comics’ editor April Campbell to set this one up for you with her Special Editorial:

TOMORROW: Back to the 50's!

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Terminated

by Bruce Jones and Richard Corben

Shut-In

Ah, what the Hell… after Friday’s great response to Holly’s Hobby let’s just make it a Twisted Tales Weekend. So from the same March 1984 issue of Twisted Tales #7, also written by Bruce Jones but this time illustrated by Liberatore, it’s a disturbing, look into the mundane existence of a helpless, disabled old man. This one comes with a THOIA “ADULTS ONLY” warning, and contains very graphic violence, some mature and immature situations, and sexy bare boobs.

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If you want to see a movie that is very similar to this tale, check out Crispin Glover's It Is Fine! Everthing Is Fine (2007.) It's a semi-autobiographical, psycho-sexual tale about a man with severe cerebral palsy and a fetish for girls with long hair. Part horror film, part exploitation picture and part documentary of a man who cannot express his sexuality in the way he desires.

Holly’s Hobby

“Flash Forward Time Machine Days” will be a little different than before, as one day each week this month we’ll be looking at the influence pre-code comics had on more modern comics and creators. And today we'll start it off with a look at one of my favorite stories from the wild March 1984 issue of Twisted Tales #7, written by Bruce Jones and illustrated by John Bolton.

Other artists to look for this month: Mike Ploog, Bernie Wrightson and more!

TOMORROW: Horror Leaps From the Pages!

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Last month I plugged Craig Yoe’s upcoming book "Secret Identity: The Fetish Art of Superman's Co-Creator Joe Shuster" (available in April) and last night Craig himself emailed in with more info. Craig says:

“I recently discovered incredible, previously unknown, fetish art by the creator of Superman, Joe Shuster. The artist and his writing partner, Jerry Siegel, had sold Superman for 130 dollars. When they sued to get the rights back they lost and got drummed out of the comic book industry and Shuster fell on hard times. It was unknown that to get by and/or because of a personal interest in the subject, Shuster then did S&M porn for under-the-counter booklets called "Nights of Horror," sold in Times Square in the early fifties.

The back story I uncovered involves the Mob, showgirls, neo-Nazi Jewish juvenile delinquents, inspired by Shuster's art, known as the Brooklyn Thrill Killers, the famed anti-comic book crusader Dr. Frederic Wertham, Senate investigations, cops on payola, the books being banned by the Supreme Court, teenage girls being horse-whipped in the park, two murders...and dare I say MORE?

I have a full color coffee table art book I wrote and designed coming out April 1 (no fooling!) about all this, "Secret Identity: The Fetish Art of Superman's Co-Creator Joe Shuster". The publisher is the number one leading art book publisher in the world, the prestigious Abrams. I'm blogging about the book and revealing lots of rare art and info that didn't fit in "between the covers": http://secret-identity.net“

Thanks for the update Craig!
---Karswell

Who Am I?

It's the last story from the Feb '53 issue of Mystic #17… and if you haven’t already this week, click the issue link that takes you over to the Atlas Tales site for the cover image, as well as an interesting opinion on who (or what) is behind the art for today’s tale.

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TOMORROW: Something Twisted This Way Comes...

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He is Legend

A spectacular new anthology celebrating the great Richard Matheson, featuring original, never-before published stories by today's best writers, like Stephen King, F. Paul Wilson, Joe R. Lansdale etc., with an introduction by Ramsey Campbell… stories set in Richard Matheson's own fictional universes, and published with Mr. Matheson's complete cooperation!

Click HERE for more details and read about all the amazing bonuses which include the original full-length screenplay of Fritz Leiber's "Conjure Wife" penned by Richard Matheson himself, in collaboration with the late Charles Beaumont and filmed as "Burn, Witch Burn." **One of Karswell’s Favorite Films!**

The Silent Stranger

Today we have the last of the trio of vampire tales from the February 1953 issue of Mystic #17, tomorrow will be the final story. And FYI: Friday is a Flash Forward Time Machine Day again, but this month we’ll be doing things a little differently than the last couple months. You’ll just have to wait and see what I mean… but I think you’ll enjoy what’s in store.

TOMORROW: Who?

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Vintage AD (perfectly sensible advertising in a comic book geared towards pre-teen boys!)

Behind Locked Doors

Story #3 this week from the February 1953 issue of Mystic #17, featuring typically terrific art from Vic Carrabotta. And FYI: I received another update from Pappy yesterday and it sounds like he’s finally recovering slowly but surely after his surgery a few weeks ago. Our sincerest get well wishes from everyone at THOIA to The Man who originated QUALITY Golden Age comic book scan blogging! I dedicate this week of Mystic tales to you, Paps!

TOMORROW: DiPreta!

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Vintage Ad (have I posted this before?)

The Vampire

Story #2 this week from the February 1953 issue of Mystic #17, written by Stan Lee, with fun art from Ed Winiarski. Atlas pre-code issues from any one of their great 50's series usually contained a varied group of stories with multiple themes… the curious thing about this week’s featured issue of Mystic is that this one contains THREE great vampire tales, as you shall see tomorrow and on Wednesday too.

TOMORROW: Blood Drinkin’!

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Hate!

Kicking off March 2009 with my favorite comic book artist of all time-- Bill Everett, this quick little sucker punch tale comes from the February 1953 issue of Mystic #17, and FYI: all week you’ll be seeing this ENTIRE classic Atlas issue, overflowing with vampires, kinder trauma, and one particularly atrocious facial surgery disaster yarn. Don’t miss a day of it!

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