Vampire Moon

Ever see the superb old Twilight Zone episode called "The Grave" starring Lee Marvin and Strother Martin? Those of you familiar with that wonderfully atmospheric horror western themed ep (no spoilers please) may immediately recognize the similarity in the twist of today's Transylvanian set post. Originally presented in the February 1944 issue of Suspense Comics #2, with early art from John Guinta --and for yet another filmed variation of Leo Rosten's short story, "The Path Through the Cemetery", and one that's a bit modernized and more in tune with THOIA's mid century mausoleum vibe, check out the ultra low budget, fraternity prank gone wrong fright flick from 1962 called Ring of Terror.

The Fangs of the Swamp Beast

Something this blog has unfortunately lacked in the decade or so that I've been doing this are the perilous adventure tales of the ever alluring, scantily clad jungle girl. So with that in mind, I bring you a stimulating dose of dynamite wrapped in the sultry, red haired form of Taanda, the White Princess of the Jungle --vs a rampaging giant swamp monster! This is a fun one and also very well drawn, but sadly uncredited --though it's assumed by someone at GCD that it could be Everett Raymond Kinstler. From the August 1952 issue of White Princess of the Jungle #4.

The Black Closet / Breakout!

Let's do one more looney Lawbreakers post and then get back to mixing things up again this month, shall we? And here's a really weird tale that barely makes any sense-- but that definitely doesn't stop it from being insanely fun! The Art Capello illustrations are reminiscent of Ditko at times, and John Belfi returns yet again (3 posts in a row!) with another one page quickie, --PLUS!! more badly drawn bugs! From the May '53 issue of Lawbreakers Suspense Stories #12.

Sharp Idea / Hot Seat / Deep Freeze

THOIA returns after a brief computer malfunction that fried out my graphic board, but we are back on track-- and since everyone seemed to like that last Lawbreakers post so much here's a Sharp Idea-- plus a hot and cold one too! Yep, another triple header of dumb ass criminals getting EXACTLY what they deserve. From the jolting July 1953 issue of Lawbreakers Suspense Stories #13.

Acid Test / Grounds For Murder!

WARNING: If you've just eaten, you may want to wait awhile before reading any of these stories-- because dear god *choke* *gag* --the theme for this post is: "Flesh Removal!" And all selections come from the insanely horrific November 1953 issue of the rather not so horrifically titled, Lawbreakers Suspense Stories #15, (this series was apparently Charlton's response to EC's Crime Suspenstories), and to say that these seemingly harmless good guy / bad guy tales of burning acid and insatiable insects are gruelingly mean spirited, ugly, and just downright revoltingly repulsive, is putting it ever so mildly. Yes friends, you can almost hear Dick Giordano and John Befli cackling maniacally as they crank-up the ick factor 10-fold here-- so hold on to your noses and as well as any other dangling exposed bits, because seriously, some of you may not survive this triple header of twisted terror...

Adventure of the Murdered Medium

One of our most popular Haunted Horror covers was an insanely cutting edge slashtacular by the ever wonderous, Warren Kremer, originally from the December 1946 issue of Super-Mystery Comics Volume 6 #3. We put that masterpiece of sex and violence on the cover of Haunted Horror #11 in June 2014, but it wasn't until just a few months ago that someone actually wrote to me asking if there was even a story in the original issue that said cover was based upon. And indeed there is-- and boy is it ever a fun --and very funny-- little who-dun-it romp, complete with a wise-crackin', Thin Man-esque married couple (Bert and Sue) who find themselves up to their nosey little amateur dick necks in all sorts of maniacally murderous mayhem while attending a midnight seance at a magic museum. So kick back and enjoy this ode to 1930's / 40's MGM and RKO mysteries-- I'm sure there's a few of you out there who will appreciate the B-film pace and atmosphere, as well as the ominous horror overtones. (And thanks again to Denny for the inquiry!)