The beginning of the 1950's saw a major change in the appearance of pulp fiction magazines when most titles were converted from the standard, 7 x 10 size that had been used since the 1920's to the smaller, digest-size (5.5 x 8.25). One holdout was Joseph Meyers, publisher of Avon Books, who tried a new combination science-fiction pulp/comic book after a suggestion by his printer, J.W. Clements. The editor was noted science-fiction writer/anthologist Donald A. Wollheim, who was not apparently thrilled with the idea.
Hampered by generally uninspired stories, the title only lasted for two issues due to weak sales (July, 1950/December 1950). The first issue is noteworthy, however, for its cover by James Bama. The comic portions were inserts of Avon's EERIE COMICS and the recently-published OUT OF THIS WORLD. Both contained the John Giunta-drawn Conan swipe, "Crom the Barbarian".
Sol Cohen began working for Avon in 1947 and edited their comics division from then until 1956. Coincidentally, Cohen was the circulation and business manager for EC Comics from 1947 until 1949. After a few years at Avon, he was promoted to vice-president. In addition, Cohen was an associate of ex-girlie magazine publisher Harry Donenfeld, now best known as the head of of National Periodical Publications/DC Comics. The two assisted in forming attorney Bill Friedman and his wife Sophie's Youthful Publications in 1949. Youthful published two Pre-Code horror titles, BEWARE and CHILLING TALES. While not credited, Cohen might have been the editor of the first all-original, all-horror comic book, EERIE COMICS in 1947.
There was no tip-toeing with these stories as some publishers did with their first try at horror comics for reasons of either caution in producing anything too violent or terrifying or they hadn't gotten the hang of it yet! EERIE, on the other hand, went full-tilt; the only thing missing was actual bloodletting and gore. Otherwise there is a full complement of werewolves, zombies, and other unsavory characters. The book is also peppered with sadism, bondage and provocatively-posed and transparently-dressed females, making it for a splendid read for those so inclined.
NOTE; Ads have been removed from this scan.
EERIE
Vol. 1 No. 1
May-June 1951
On-sale date: February 16, 1951
Avon Periodicals Inc.
Publisher: Joseph Meyers
Editor: Sol Cohen
Cover: Unknown artist illustrating "King of the Living Dead"
Pages: 36
Cover price: 10 cents
CONTENTS
"The Werewolf of Warsham Manor"
Script: ?
Art: Moe Marcus; Rocco "Rocke" Mastroserio
"King of the Living Dead"
Script: ?
Art: Martin Thall
"The Subway Horror!" (originally titled, "The Strange Case of Henpecked Harry" from Eerie Comics #1)
Script: ?
Art: Fred Kida; Bob Fujitani?
"The Monster from the Pit"
Script: ?
Art: ?