"True" Zombies of History: Hugo Ormsbeck / Strange Spirits: Voodoo

Time to put a wrap on our killer King Ward Fest this week with a couple more ACG AdvUnk fillers. And first up, a whoppin' weird 4-page historical account of Hugo Ormsbeck, 13th century oddball alchemist, and magician, who apparently discovered the power of the living dead, --and thusly became a "true" zombie himself! Ward delivers some great panels here, I just wish the coloring was a little more inspired. From the March 1953 issue of Adventures into the Unknown #41, followed by a one page voodoo quickie from the Fall 1948 debut issue of Adventures into the Unknown #1. GCD attributes the art here by Ward as well, but it honestly doesn't look like his work to me... I'm sure you will all let me know your opinions on this matter as well.

The Salem Terror

Our previous Wanted post reminded me of this true story filler entry from the May 1948 issue of Wanted Comics #13, and concerns the late 1600's Salem Witch Trials. I meant to post it around the end of October a few months ago, but as is the case around Karswell Manor, sometimes things get lost in the spooky shuffle. But hey, there's nothing wrong with a little hellish US history lesson in the darkening days of December now either, is there? This one is nicely illustrated by Maurice Del Bourgo, and actually sticks pretty close to the facts too, though if you want to read more about it all you can always hit the 'ol inter-webs and get all the info you could ever possibly hope to find-- or just CLICK HERE after today's post.

The Case of the Giggling Killer

As we've seen on this blog many times over the years, truth can be more terrifying than fiction, and sometimes the human criminal is much more monstrous than any bloody vampire or werewolf. Take for example the brutally inhuman, true case of the "giggling killer" from the May - June 1948 issue of Exposed #2... it certainly doesn't get much more horrific than this, folks. Nice work from Joe Orlando on pencils though.

Corpses - Cash and Carry

It's not all fun 'n games here at THE HORRORS OF IT ALL, and occasionally we take it upon ourselves to educate you fine readers with a little bit of TRUE CRIME history. So if for whatever reason you're not already familiar with the Burke and Hare murders that occurred in Scotland in 1828, (click HERE for more) then you my friend are about to learn the gruesomely true tale of sick supply and diabolical demand. From the March - April 1948 issue of Exposed #1.

The Widow of Death

If you're feeling like THOIA hasn't been particularly vicious enough lately, then feast your eyes on this cat burnin', child killin', multiple meat cleaverin' blows to the head classic from the June - July 1948 issue of Underworld Vol. 1 #3! This story really does prove that 40's-50's crime comics could sometimes be even more horrific than the horror ones, and on top of that-- this tale is based on the TRUE story of Belle Gunness, aka The Lonely Hearts Killer!

(Click HERE after the story to read more about her.)



















*Extra big thanks to our good pal, Tommy "El Diablo" Stanziola for hooking us up with this one!