Friday, March 16, 2018
Adventure of the Murdered Medium
One of our most popular Haunted Horror covers was an insanely cutting edge slashtacular by the ever wonderous, Warren Kremer, originally from the December 1946 issue of Super-Mystery Comics Volume 6 #3. We put that masterpiece of sex and violence on the cover of Haunted Horror #11 in June 2014, but it wasn't until just a few months ago that someone actually wrote to me asking if there was even a story in the original issue that said cover was based upon. And indeed there is-- and boy is it ever a fun --and very funny-- little who-dun-it romp, complete with a wise-crackin', Thin Man-esque married couple (Bert and Sue) who find themselves up to their nosey little amateur dick necks in all sorts of maniacally murderous mayhem while attending a midnight seance at a magic museum. So kick back and enjoy this ode to 1930's / 40's MGM and RKO mysteries-- I'm sure there's a few of you out there who will appreciate the B-film pace and atmosphere, as well as the ominous horror overtones. (And thanks again to Denny for the inquiry!)
I'm amused by Sue's reference (in page 9) to a funny old novelty song first recorded in 1934 by Stanley Holloway (and covered by many since; I have fond memories of Caryl P. Weiss' rendition as a Dr. Demento sow favorite). Listen to Holloway's version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3a0cFYa5Ffw
ReplyDeleteGood one, Nequam! That line actually just popped up in an old movie I watched not too long ago as well, but I'll be damned with me head tucked up me arse if I can remember which one.
ReplyDeleteI don't always go for these "Nick and Nora" type detective couples, but going by this one, I can't help liking Bert and Sue.
ReplyDeleteWas it a long series?
Bert and Sue were just one of many ongoing characters in this comic book series. Here's a (current) GCD listing of all of their appearances:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.comics.org/character/name/bert%20and%20sue/sort/alpha/
That was fun. Care to share more stories of this couple?
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff! Came across to me like an old-timey radio show.
ReplyDeleteThat, by God, is how you do a cover!
ReplyDelete(And the story's pretty good too)
Fun stuff!
ReplyDeleteThings I learned: Remember, women are annoying busy bodies and you should insult them at every moment, blame murders on their jinx, not believe a word in their head, and then the women should always be self defeating!
There's some nice art in this, for it's age. Some interesting panel layout and Sue's a real beauty and Bert is dashing enough.
It's also interesting to see them revealing magician secrets.