“The Kiss of Death” by Bill Everett from Venus no.19, 1952 published by pre-Marvel Atlas. This is really quite a creepy story, probably one of the creepiest I’ve seen from Everett, right up there with “The Man Who Owned a Ghost” or “Zombie”. With surprisingly modern flair, Everett pulls us right into the action as… Read More “The Kiss of Death”, Venus 19, 1952

Marvel Two-in-One no.83, Jan 1982 from Marvel. Cover by Ron Wilson and Chic Stone.  I remember reading the first introduction of Sasquatch in Uncanny X-men 120 by John Byrne and Chris Claremont. A shaggy and shadowed figure grabs a jumbo jet and throws it. Byrne drew this new Marvel strongman with massive arms. Hulk-like. What… Read More Marvel Two-in-One 83

Tower of Shadows no.4, March 1970 from Marvel. Cover by Marie Severin and Herb Trimpe. The cover copy says “Tales to Blow Your Mind!” And “Within the Witching Circle!”  Each story is introduced by one of the creators, as a nod to EC’s twisted narrators. The first tale is introduced by artist Don Heck. “Evil… Read More Tower of Shadows no.4, 1970

Haunted Horror no.5, June 2013 by Yoe Books. Original cover from Mister Mystery 8, Nov 1952. Cover by Tony Mortellaro and Bernard Bailey. Zombies flying through portholes! What kind of cruise ship is this? Sign me up! Special sports edition, reprinting classic pre-code horror comics.  Field of Dreams has nothing on “The Man Who Lost… Read More Haunted Horror

The Mighty Thor no.157, October 1968 by Marvel. Cover art by Jack Kirby and Vince Colletta.  I’ve seen reference that this cover might have been colored by Marie Severin. That’s possible; she did many cover layouts and was the colorist at EC. To me, the colors here look like the classic muted tones of Stan… Read More Thor 157

The Mighty Thor 156, September 1968 by Marvel. Cover by Jack Kirby and Vince Colletta.  Thor starts this issue in the iron vise grip of Mangog’s armored claws. The Warriors Three come to Thor’s aid but none of them prove a match for the awesome power of Mangog. Thor unleashes his full array of powers… Read More Thor 156, 1968

The Mighty Thor no.155, August 1968 by Marvel (indicia says Atlas Magazines). Cover by Jack Kirby and Vince Colletta. The epic continues.  I can’t imagine being lucky enough to take this off the rack when it was first published. The twisted and grotesque Mangog looms over Thor with only his enchanted hammer between the universe… Read More Thor 155, 1968 

The Mighty Thor no.154, July 1968 from Marvel (indicia indicates Atlas Magazines Inc). Jack Kirby and Stan Lee serve up one of the greatest Thor epics of all time. Hela pays a visit to Sif’s hospital room while she hangs in the balance from Loki’s onslaught.  Meanwhile, Ulik the Troll seeks revenge against the Asgardians.… Read More Thor 154, 1968 “To Wake the Mangog”