Well, the Heath story I originally wanted to post today didn't quite work out, (no amount of clean-up attempt in the world was gonna make that one presentable here-- sorry!) So instead, let's take a look at another sizzlin' Joe Maneely quickie from the October 1951 issue of Journey into Unknown Worlds #7. I kind of felt like Satan was getting a little ignored during our Atlas Festivities lately anyways...
Like our previous post, today's fateful story is also from the October 1952 issue of The Hand of Fate #12, and it's nicely illustrated by Chic Stone who always seems to totally crush it here at THOIA. So what do you all think? Could you deliver on what 'ol Fate has offered to this poor, doomed idiot? I've also rounded out the post with a graverobbin' one-pager-- a Sy Grudko "True Tales of the Supernatural" quickie from the July 1954 issue of The Beyond #27. One more post to go for the month of July, and FYI: I plan to correct a rather foolish bit of Atlas oversight on my part... I do hope you can forgive me!
We're spending the first week of July 2025 going through the awesome evil archives of Scotland Yard's greatest horror hit maker, the ever brave Bentley, --and here's another hot lil number from the January 1943 issue of Pep Comics #35! And no, he isn't taking on 80's heavy metal, or the PMRC, but *gasp!* blazin' 'ol Beelzebub himself in his unholy, bloody birthday suit-- or is it!? Can you solve the mystery in time, or will you Barnes it up in utter failure, and die trying?!! Go!
I think we'll stick with these golden age Toby stories for a few more posts, and this time it's another one from good 'ol Myron Fass again, and from the June 1952 debut issue of Tales of Horror #1. This entry also contains an unnamed, high-collared horror host (resembling Ditko's "Mysterious Traveler" just a bit) who is possibly making his debut here at THOIA, --does anyone know for sure? So okay, with rats inheriting the Earth in our previous post (HERE!), it's now time to find out what happens when demons blow us! Wait, that's not right...
Another full month of macabre May-hem continues with an eerie, satanic classic from the January - February 1954 issue of Eerie #14, with art by the terrifically top-notch terror team-up of Nodel and Alascia. Roll those blood-soaked bones!
Today's story would've been a good one to save for a witchcrafty "Halfway to Halloween" presentation post. Unfortunately, we're still shivering in the first week of a very wintery March-- brrr! Ahh well, just imagine that it's actually Walpurgisnacht, or even Halloween itself, get into costume (don't forget the devil's bane!) and head on over for a party to end all parties properly-- with a black magic powered seance! And slow down a second now, or you'll forget to bring the catnip too! From the Dec. 1954 issue of Dark Mysteries #21.
One final Marvel Tale for you today, and then we'll get back to the usual mix of other publishers (hope everyone enjoyed this brief journey into early Atlas horrorland) --and this is a really good entry about a hypnotically evil mirror portal straight to Hell. Thirty-eight years after this story from the August 1949 issue of Marvel Tales #93 was published, John Carpenter would direct his brilliant film, Prince of Darkness (1987) which also contains the same [SPOILER ALERT] axe shattering mirror thus trapping loved one for all eternity in other world limbo climax. Hope you enjoy another THOIA unhappy ending!
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!
