Horror Beyond the Door

Despite the wonderfully striking, and intensely colorful cover designs by L.B. Cole, Star Comics still manages to top my list of least favorite Golden Age horror publications. The interior stories are always a mixed bag of bad art and poor writing (even worse printing), and for the money these days, just an overall dismal, overrated, bargain barrel affair. But a few stories contained within occasionally managed to rise to the, uhh occasion, as with this titanic struggle of unleashed ancient evil, from the July 1953 issue of Spook #25. No artist credit.

The Mummy's Curse

I guess it's been a while since we've had a Mummy Monday around here, so time now for a fun but typically clunky Star Comics attempt at some ancient horror. GCD is as clueless as I am about who the artist of this tale could be, but even if he hadn't signed his name, we'd immediately recognize the unmistakable black light poster-esque mastery of L.B. Cole on the cover. From the May 1953 issue of Spook #24.

A Weird Picture of Murder

A not too totally terrible tale from this usually underwhelming, poorly edited Star Publications horror series, this one being the lead-off cover story from the March 1953 issue of Spook #23. George Peltz artwork is pretty flimsy and uneven, but the story does have a few moments and I actually really do like the two panels at the bottom of page 4. Cool cover art by L. B. Cole.

Ship of the Dead / Phantoms from the Sea

Today we batten down the hatches with a double shot of bizarorror on the high seas, and our first weird tale comes from the January 1954 issue of Spook #27. A very eerie story with typically loose Star Comics artwork, but it's strangely appropriate and works none the less (and you gotta love that bonkers L. B. Cole cover!) Followed by our second soggy spook-o-rama from the Winter 1952 issue of Ghost Comics #5. This one features some really nice and crisp Fiction House art, though I think I spot a swipe or two... or twelve.

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Up Pops the Devil!

December is here, the holiest, most inspirational month of the year. And to honour all things held sacred this holiday season, THOIA has decided to host an entire month devoted to The Devil. Sounds like Hell you say? Perfect. So come with us now as we resurrect Mister Lucifer in his less than flattering, (black)magical debut from the 1946 issue of Spook Comics #1. GCD notes that the John Giunta pencils are possibly inked by Frank Frazetta. What's everyone think?

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Totally NOT what I wanted for xmas this year...
:*(