The Mummy Ray

We've traded in our whooshing death ray for a b-z-z-z-ing mummy ray (bandages not included!) in this week's deja vu loaded installment of Mummy Monday, via the Fall 1941 issue of Wow Comics #3! We've also swapped out crazy Captain Battle for the ever hilarious Mr. Scarlet, a shameless, mustachio'd masked hero who is not above the use of an innocent victim's corpse as a distraction device against his fiendishly foolish foes! And okay, since these "mummies" aren't the usual type of actual Karloffy mummy we've all come to love around here, I've also included a special one page tutorial on "How To Make A Mummy" from the November 1973 issue of Skywald's Psycho #15. Also of note: the more observant of you may notice a rather striking similarity in the overall writing vibe and art of Mr. Scarlet, and that's because it's by Otto and Jack Binder, the same dynamic brother duo who delivered all the great Captain Battle horror hero action last week. Enjoy!

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 Fueled by outdated, and very unwanted beliefs and agendas, this way of thinking has no place in modern society, and we at THOIA aim our middle fingers high, equally condemning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 House of Demons!

Let's take a look at one more shivery 70's Skywald tale before we head back into the freaky 50's for the usual / unusual fare around here... today's story also comes from the nerve wracking, November 1973 issue of Psycho #15 (see our previous post too), and where as the last "horror-mood" classic relied primarily upon gruesome gore and shocking violence to achieve its mood, The House of Demons is more about shadowy atmosphere and lurking, gloomy evil. Nice, slick art from Amador Garcia too, full of heavy blacks and wonderful Poe-esque detail.

The 13 Dead Things

More gruesome horror from Skywald's psychotic 70's black and white magazine series, specifically, the November 1973 issue of Psycho #15. This one is extremely brutal-- so hold on to your heads!