Vampire Castle

As promised, another handsome, non-costumed hero versus ancient evil horror tale, also from the July 1940 issue of Slam-Bang Comics #5. And similar to the previous post, it's a wildly fun, but somewhat stiffly stilted written / illustrated mix of action meets vampires, with early artwork by Gus Ricca that looks strangely simplistic and empty, though at the same time sort of adds an enjoyably weird surrealness to everything. Also similar to the Mark Swift story is the inclusion of a couple surprisingly eerie moments mixed in with the overall light hearted, colorful look of things vibe. I especially love the castle to graveyard transformation at the end, but less successful are the occasionally cuddly lookin' teddy bear demons. And what's Diamond Jack's deal, you ponder? Well, he seems to possess a vast array of plot convenient powers that all stem from an old magician's ring. If you wanna know more about DJ, just click HERE for the brief lowdown. Enjoy!

The Bat and the Brain

Science goes absolutely flappin' bat balls bonkers in this weird but totally fun "vampire" tale from ACG's Nov - Dec '52 issue of Skeleton Hand #2. GCD lists Gus Ricca as responsible for illustrating one of the coolest skeleton specters I've ever seen in a precode comic. So hold on to your brain cells, my friends, this one might hurt a little...

















***INSTANT REPLAY***

Death Has Many Tongues / Curse of the Satania

Wrapping up Avon’s City of the Living Dead one-shot today with the final tale, and this one is from ACG staple Harry Lazarus. I also included this issue's text story afterwards since a few of you have emailed asking me to post them when I do full issues presentations. (You completists can be so demanding!)

Thanks for sticking with me all this week and weekend, and for all the great comments… it’s important here at THOIA to get feedback and to know what you guys like, and/or don’t like.

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Terror of the Skeleton Men (text story)

TOMORROW: Another full issue begins, but this time it’s one that the Comics Code killed back in the 50’s before it ever even had a chance to be published! It’s Adventures into Darkness #15 (and it's not in 3-D either!)

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Curse of the SataniaDon’t run off screaming just yet, here’s a bonus 3-page quickie from ACG to round out your "Evil White Slave Trader Sunday."
From the Sept '52 issue of Adventures into the Unknown #35