The second Venus story from the April 1952 issue of Venus #19 (scans also from Brian Hirsch), is a superb "horror on the high seas" tale showcasing Bill Everett's undeniable talent at its uniquely creepy, beastly best... yep, six perfect pages of efficient spook story gold! Also, the third Venus story in this issue "The Box of Doom!" is as amazing as the first two, you can see that one and another great tale over at Pappy's by clicking HERE! Plus! Hairy Green Eyeball has more HERE! I just hooked you up!
Bill Everitt could sell you any story, but this was pretty intense!
ReplyDeleteUtterly nonsensical story. What kind of monster is this? What's his problem again? Feeling underdressed aboard a fancy steamliner?
ReplyDeleteLet's be frank: VENUS is rubbish. But still fun. And Everett surprises me with almost Wolvertonesque undertones.
So I'm not alone in getting a Basil Wolverton vibe off the art either.
ReplyDeleteBeauty can never be rubbish.Beauty needs no justification.
ReplyDeleteThe interesting things about the Venus stories, at least for me, is that I saw them first in Marvel's mid 70s reprint horror comics (or in the extra material included in the Giant Sizes -- now I need a moment to reflect on "Werewolf by Night", the best thing Marvel ever published, and nobody will dissuade me from that :) )
ReplyDeleteWhen I read them I knew nothing about pre-codes, I always assumed it was just a women named Venus, and there was nothing special about it. The previous story, which I saw in a reprint, made little sense as Venus seemed to be a passive observer, and could have been dropped all together! Which usually is the thing that happens when you transition from one genre to another.
Sorry, I'm not getting a "rubbish" vibe at all from Venus, in fact, I think it's one of the most perfect female comic characters ever created. In regards to today's tale, (and if nothing else), now you all know where Phineas T. Freakears originated :)
ReplyDeleteGreat Everett! He was amazing and always entertaining. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBTW, I always have the same reaction when I look into the mirror...
Venus would be grrrr-reat just walking around doing nothing!
ReplyDeleteI love Venus! Turok loves Venus! We want to see the one where she is being walled up a la the cask of Amontillado by skeleton men supervised by the witch.
Well, I'll own up to noticing the fact that the big incorporeal ghost reveal comes at the end of a story that actually starts with Venus' manhandling by the very same character. How much thought does it take to preserve continuity for the three pages in between?
ReplyDeleteOne acceptable answer is, of course, that all the genius brains of this story were baking up the gorgeous artwork. I also sense a Wolverton vibe, but I was planning on putting it another way. Everett's ability to use repetitive detail and pattern shading in such a formal way is nearly sublime. See also Moebius.
I think I understand this but: Just how did the murderer go from pretty goshdarned ugly (*no matter what he thinks!); to "Cavemerman" (or that's what I thought he was at first*? :)
ReplyDeleteSorry; that last one was mine; just forgot to sign it! :(
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I was thinking Freak Brother from Hell myself!
ReplyDeleteSome manic expressions and layouts.
Wonderful.
You got good spook juice Karswell!
Happy Birthday, Karswell! My daughter's 8th was today.
ReplyDeleteI knew of Everett before I knew of your blog, but only through Sub-Mariner. You've opened my eyes to many great Everett stories. Thanks so much! The Venus stories look swell. Can't wait to read them.
Really enjoying this, in part because I've read just about everything else I can get my grubby paws on.
ReplyDeleteThat really is an excellent story by Bill Everitt. Love it! I'm gonna have to find me a copy of that issue.
ReplyDeleteTotally! Bill Everett was fantastic, and unmistakable. Both Creatures, characters and......WOMEN....
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