Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Pest Control

We’re almost halfway through our Valentine’s Day Massacre Week and I sincerely hope you’re enjoying these romantic tales of love gone horribly awry. Speaking of, here’s a real charmer from Jack Sparling that could easily find a second home in EC’s CrimeSuspenstories series.

From the February 1954 issue of Black Cat Mystery #48





7 comments:

  1. Anonymous2/12/2008

    Wow! I remember you posting a science fiction Sparling story a few months back and it looked nothing like this. He must have had a bunch of great styles up his sleeve.

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  2. Anonymous2/12/2008

    I LOVE THE BIG PANEL ON PAGE 4, A SUPERB WAY TO DEMONSTRATE HOW SMALL SHE MAKES HIM FEEL. I'M REALLY ENJOYING THESE "LOVE" STORIES THIS WEEK, HA!!!!!!!!

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  3. Anonymous2/12/2008

    Wow! Shades of Harvey Kurtzman, Batman!

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  4. Mrs. Shane: QUEEN OF THE HARPIES! :)

    Some would cry misogyny here, but the gorgeous expressionistic art and the great details (love the "Bless our happy home" sign in the background) make me forget all that and just grin like an idiot.

    Though I'd advise Mr. Shane against hanging that shingle out in the street...

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  5. He should have been wearing the gas mask while he killed her though, like how he was on page one while gassing the squirrels. Ah well, chalk another one up to missed opportunities... maybe next time.

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  6. Anonymous2/12/2008

    Excellent!you're right,with the top notch art and script this is equal to any EC.story.you can also second me as a fan of the big panel on the 2nd to last page.sure am glad she didn't ask him to become a children's show host though...

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  7. Anonymous2/12/2008

    I love the little job/nametag Shane has on his desk. I can imagine the scene when the cops come for him:

    SHANE: What proof do you have I'm a killer for hire?

    COP#1: Well, for one thing it says it right on your desk.

    COP#2: ..and on all these personalized business cards you gave your clients.

    SHANE: &*&^!

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