Strange Case of Henpecked Harry

While ACG is credited in creating the very first horror comic book series with Adventures into the Unknown in 1948, Avon actually beat them by one year with the first full horror comic issue one-shot with Eerie Comics #1 (1947.) Some top-notch artists joined in for the creation of this landmark title, like legendary Joe Kubert, the great George Roussos, as well as Bob Fujitani (who also illustrated that superb cover, see below!) We're actually going to take a look at the frighteningly funny Fred Kida tale today though, where his unique, organic style, and cinematic staging / character posing was really beginning to take sensational shape. And to anyone who doesn't think that you can be titillated by a woman falling on some train tracks, well, I present one seriously gorgeous splash page, as well as a couple of panels on page 6 that will absolutely convince you otherwise! "OH-HHH!"

Skin-Deep

A very funny Atlas terror tale from the August 1952 issue of Uncanny Tales #2, with Fred Kida's atmospheric art complimenting Hank Chapman's sardonic script. Yes, to be a mad scientist while your better half only wants to help out and make things... umm, "better." Haha, this is the kind of precode story that inspired me to start this blog over 17 years ago, with humor and horror perfectly balanced into one.

The Spider Waits!

Time now to step into THOIA's parlor for another gruesome Golden Age tale of terror-- one from the February 1952 issue of Marvel Tales #105 to be exact! Fred Kida turns over a few stones to reveal the creepy-crawly underbelly of eight-legged evil, while Russ Heath traps you, and wraps you up tight with another terrifyingly brilliant Atlas cover image. 

Honeymoon of Horror! / Clinging Vine

If you can remember that far back, February around here usually meant a month of rancid, rotten romance tales. We even had a term for it-- THOIA Valentine's Massacres! So let's keep that 'ol tremblin' tradition alive and kickin'... and screamin' and clawin'... and gaspin', etc., with a creepy cruel two-fer from the July 1952 issue of Amazing Detective Cases #13! Fred Kida really knocks it out of the park with his vicious vine story, highlighted by a great use of lightening washing the color right out of panels and creating a truly dynamic masterpiece of mood. But first up, let's take a little honeymoon into the realm of the sick 'n twisted supernatural with one of Atlas Comics most notoriously mean-spirited tales of all time! So okay now, if you're happy that THOIA has returned from the dead, be sure to tell your friends, families, and even your enemies, cuz to be honest-- we're happy to be back too! Stay tombed for lots more!

A Vampire is Born

THOIA's Stan Lee Tribute Fest continues with another weird one penned by The Man, this time from the June 1953 issue of Menace #4, and highlighted with really outstanding, atmospheric art by Fred Kida. Younger readers may find the ending to indeed be maddening, that is, if you are part of the historically challenged generation... so when you do get to the final panel, just insert your own current *CHOKE!* candidate's face for the modern day, *UGH!* updated version. *GAG!*













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JMR means it! Haha... thanks, Lenny!

Back from the Grave + Creepshow

The undead continue their insatiable attack upon THOIA this month with a weird one from Stan Lee and Fred Kida, from the November 1952 issue of Astonishing #19. And as a bonus, we have the first half of a lengthy, 20 page Creepshow article from the Fall 1982 issue of Cinefantastique Vol. 15 #1. It's a fascinating piece on the best pre-code horror inspired film ever-- enjoy!

(to be continued...)