Vampire at the Window

Yeah, I know, another vampire post. But word came down the pike recently that the 2024 remake of Stephen King's Salem's Lot now has a release date (after sitting in limbo for like 2 years since its completion), where it will finally be streaming on MAX this October. I've been looking forward to it for a while, and since the original 1979 TV two-parter is one of my all-time favorite films, I thought I'd show you this funny little Atlas quickie from the October 1952 issue of Astonishing #18, where the vampire has a very similar Nosferatu design that is also very much like the Mr. Barlow character from the 70's version. Plus, we get some "outside the window" action, which, if you've ever seen Salem's Lot, you know EXACTLY what I'm talkin' about. CLICK HERE to learn more about the upcoming film (hope it's good!), and I've also included a related photo, not from the film, but from my attic instead!

Demon Lover

Girls! Do you have what it takes to reform the greatest sinner of all time? If you think you do-- think again! Of all the cockamamie love stories I've ever posted here at THOIA, this is surely one of the cockamamiest! From the Sept '54 issue of Horrific #13, art by Max Elkin and cover by Don Heck.

This Bite is Sweet!

From the oddball werewolf of our last post, to an equally weird (looking) vampire in today's entry, (and don't get me started on that cape), this story comes a'flappin' forth from the September 1954 issue of Strange Suspense Stories #21. Featuring legendary, Peter North, who some of you might already know went on to a very lucrative career in the 80's adult entertainment industry...

My Fanged and Fiendish Darling

Werewolf Wednesday delivers a hot 'n heavy level of wild weirdness this week when a bored housewife's masturbatory murder monster fantasies take literal form. Wertham would've had a field day with this one, likely diagnosing it as just being "all in her head" while being left alone too long with her own fetishistic horror devices, --but we know differently, don't we? Or do we? From the October - November 1954 issue of Forbidden Worlds #34.

The Fiendish Spectre

This story was one of my first encounters with a Gold Key comic that truly frightened me. I mean, I was just a dopey little kid, but that evil Jack Sparling spirit with those claws and teeth --that nobody but the victim could see-- really did me good for a few sleepless nights. It also kind of reminded me of the Haunting record fiend in the old ads. From the December 1970 issue of Ripley's Believe it or Not #23.

Beasts and Banshees!

Thirsty Thursdays are here again, with a couple of sex-crazed supernatural thingies out lookin' for some flingies. I believe most people view these Ripley's stories as being a bit G-rated and tame, but how often do you see a comic book tale from Gold Key where a helpless lady in a nightgown is grabbed by her hair, and flung onto a bed where a half-human creature can then "follow his bestial instincts?!" "The Monster of Croglin Grange" is from the June 1969 issue of RBION #14, followed by a screaming second sizzler, "Prey of the Banshee!" from the October 1971 issue of RBION #29, --this one's highlighted with a beautiful John Celardo illustrated lead female looking like she stepped right out of John Buscema's pretty girl playbook.

Bride of the Brujo!

Brian's rockin' birthday salute in our previous post temporarily interrupted my planned Ripley-O-Rama, so here's the next installment for "Brujday Tuesday the 13th", comin' atcha from the October 1970 issue of Ripley's Believe it or Not #22. Featuring some cool transformation panels from Golden Age great, John Celardo, plus: burning at the stake, holy water in the face, a disintegrating body, tragic madness, and more! Yep, this story has a little bit of everything, including another gaspingly gruesome George Wilson cover painting to totally knock your fuzzy slippers off! A few more choice "believe it or whatevs" on the way too, so stay bruj'd...

Phantom of the Rock Era

We're celebrating 150 years of Brian Barnes today with a birthday boy salute about a creepy old rocker. Ummm, nuff said? Brian had initially requested a few other Skywald terror tales but I'll be damned if I can remember what they were, --so if this one doesn't make the 'ol amplifiers squeal, then I guess I'll try again in another 150 years! Yes, it's truly amazing how close that cover art not only predicted Brian's current physical appearance and fashion sense, but also his "no-strap" guitar playing style. Happy birthday, we're all looking forward to the feedback! From the June 1971 issue of Nightmare #4.