February is the month associated with pitchin' woo and hugs 'n kisses and all that lovey dovey junk --thanks as always to the voracious appetites of Valentines Day! So in usual / unusual THOIA fashion, all this month we'll be taking a lurid look at all romantically doomed things gone oh so horribly wrong. And we'll start it all off with a phone call from beyond the grave, via the July '44 issue of Terrific Comics #4.
If you're like me and a fan of Nina Albright's arresting artistic style, you'll find a lot to like about "The Formula of Fate" from the January 1944 issue of Terrific Comics #1. But this is also one heckuva crime horror / mad scientist hoot, with a tragically hilarious final reveal that actually made me LOL.
In the comments of our last post of 2024 (HERE!), it sounded to me like Brian was maybe revealing to us his love for devil villains in underpants. So, enter The Deacon and Mickey, an action packed horror crime back-up tale from the December 1943 issue of Cat-Man Comics #22. Yes, I do believe these "Demons of Death" will surely satisfy Brian's fever for the flavor of more rockin' red, hot-pants fashion. For those unaware, Dean Denton, aka "The Deacon" was a former bad guy turned faux holy man crime fighter, making up for his pitiful past by dressing the part, as well as teaming up with sidekick Mickey to battle the denizens of the underworld. There are 32 appearances in all, occasionally dealing with spookier subject matter, thus qualifying The Deac for inclusion here at THOIA. Also, if that pulp perfect splash page doesn't immediately make it worthy, then nothing will. And again-- Happy 2025 to everyone who helps keep this blog chuggin' along with comments and suggestions-- you guys are the best!
Another fun reading of the will sleep-over in a haunted castle mystery from the August 1944 issue of Suspense Comics #5. Folks from this era just couldn't get enough of this sort of set-up in film, books, comics, radio plays, etc, --and this time combined with a cool "don't turn the final page until you figure out the murderer" gimmick as well! Costumed killer. Vase to the face. Some tales just have it all. And yes, if two must die in our previous post HERE, --then three shall die today! (Should we go for four in our next post?)
Couldn't resist giving you another sweet taste of Nina Albright art (see previous post), and this time from the Winter 1945 issue of Suspense #10. And while not exactly a full-fledged "horror tale", the shadowy murder sequence on the staircase, and creepy crypt robbin' atmosphere panels certainly make it feel like one, even if our leading lady here qualifies as one of THOIA's "Stupidest Killers" (check the archive!) We also have a GA host making his THOIA debut, and calling himself "Mr. Nobody." He certainly seems to have been the long-coated, hat-headed inspiration for many comic book hosts to come, ie: The Mysterious Traveler, The Phantom Stranger, etc...
Over the years, we've taken many a journey into the depths of the afterworld here at THOIA, but possibly none quite as hot as this! From the August 1945 issue of Suspense Comics #9, with awesome Nina Albright illustrating Summer's end to highlight just one of our absolute most favorite, and memorably scenic "Fall" moments of 2024-- with plenty more just ahead for all eternity. Stay tombed...
