The Inquisition: No Kings Day Edition

Lately the world seems to be overflowing with miserable cultists creating nonstop, needless chaos. Their lies and actions inflicting pain, suffering, and yes, even death is totally unacceptable. Fueled by outdated, and very unwanted beliefs and agendas, this way of thinking has no place in modern society, and we at THOIA aim our middle fingers high, equally condemning all wannabe tyrants and so-called kings and rulers who pointlessly crave the ruination of our lives, as well as the lives of our brothers and sisters. With that said, let's take a look at a similar form of historic, though no less Hellish hypocrisy-- The Inquisition, from the February 1974 issue of Skywald's Nightmare #17. And yes, this is also yet another gruesome glimpse / expose into how certain untrustworthy news media outlets spin and spew their garbage narratives completely out of control. (The more things seem to change, the more they stay the same, no?) And if you're one who still doesn't believe that things are in fact, very out of control today, then you my friend are simply not paying attention. 

(Last scan below: "The Inquisition" oil painting on canvas by Victor Schivert, 1900.)

The Night in the Horror-Hotel

Our month long lurid love-In concludes with a Skywald freak-fest from the February 1974 issue of Nightmare #17. It's a rockin' little number that will hopefully serenade a few of you less-than-pleased commenters into a better "horror-mood" around here. Fantastic cover painting by bad ass Boada too! And lots more coming in March-- so stay tombed!

Phantom of the Rock Era

We're celebrating 150 years of Brian Barnes today with a birthday boy salute about a creepy old rocker. Ummm, nuff said? Brian had initially requested a few other Skywald terror tales but I'll be damned if I can remember what they were, --so if this one doesn't make the 'ol amplifiers squeal, then I guess I'll try again in another 150 years! Yes, it's truly amazing how close that cover art not only predicted Brian's current physical appearance and fashion sense, but also his "no-strap" guitar playing style. Happy birthday, we're all looking forward to the feedback! From the June 1971 issue of Nightmare #4.

Satan's Cellar

Everyone was so smitten by the uplifting spirt and happy ending of the previous post, I've gone way way out of my way to find another tale that was just as positively sweet and full of family friendly fun. So, tell me if I've chosen wisely, dearest THOIA followers, for your pleasure is my one great desire. From the December 1972 issue of Skywald's Nightmare #10.

The Fatal Note!

Another dreadfully drenched tale of death and drama (and sweat beads) on the high seas, from the Ziff-Davis summer 1952 issue of Nightmare #1. Real nice art by Syd Shores, with a possible sweat bead assist from Rudy Palais (just joking.) Sweat beads-- the beads of sweat!

The Tunnel of Horror

I'm always surprised that there aren't more precode horror stories about haunted dark rides or tunnels of love type spook house terror attractions. There are a few, of course, but still the subject matter alone seems like the perfect no-brainer setting for many a comic book tale or movie. Anyway, here's a somewhat short but sinisterly sweet one from the Summer 1952 debut issue of Nightmare #1.

HAUNTED HORROR #23 / SNAKE TALES

The IDW / Yoe Books horror continues this week, as we see the release of two terrors in stores on 8/17-- HAUNTED HORROR #23, as well as Mike Howlett's sssssensational new entry in the Chilling Archives of Horror Comics, SNAKES TALES (click HERE for more info.) Seriously, what could possibly go better with tales of monsters and the supernatural, than a hardcover collection of precode coiled creeps?!! And as always, THOIA has a double doozy dose of FULL STORY preview action for you from each: "Help Us to Die!" originally appeared in the October 1953 issue of Eerie #13, while the Bernie Krigstein classic, "The Fangs of Death" first appeared in the February 1954 issue of Nightmare #11. Slither on over to your favorite comic shop tomorrow and get a stranglehold on both releases, you surely won't want to miss out-- so strike fast!!!