SHOCKING MYSTERY CASES

One of the covers used in THE TRUTH ABOUT COMICS shown in the last post is SHOCKING MYSTERY CASES #58 (Star, April 1954). Overall, it's a typical crime comic of the day, promising "True Cases From Crime Files". However, the lead story diverges from the usual crime elements into the "horror-suspense" realm.

"No Harm Done . . . !" is a bizarre story by an unknown scriptwriter and artist that takes a cue from the crime/horror that EC was producing at the time and provides a twist ending -- but the explanation of what happens comes from way out in left field.

Cover art by L.B. Cole.

THE TRUTH ABOUT COMICS

 

This anti-comics screed was published in late 1953/early 1954 by Back to Bible Publishers, Lincoln, Nebraska. Written by Ruth I. Johnson, it's disapproving sentiment regarding comic books is typical of the times, when similar newspaper and magazine articles sprung up like mushrooms across the country.

Ms. Johnson uses quotes from Dr. Fredric Wertham's article, "What Parents Don't Know About Comics" from the November 1953 LADIES' HOME JOURNAL, all infused with religious intonations warning about the dangers of the foul tomes.

Back to the Bible is a still-active international Christian ministry founded in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1939 by Protestant evangelist Theodore H. Epp (January 27, 1907 – October 13, 1985). His "Back to the Bible" syndicated radio show was heard on over 800 radio stations from 1939-1985. It is not known if his radio program discussed comic books or not, but his publishing company was ready to print any number of this 8-page pamphlet to anyone who requested it.

DON'T PANIC, IT'S CHRISTMAS!

EC's MAD became immensely popular with its wide readership, but was chronically misunderstood by critics. Their second humor magazine, PANIC received the same treatment with its parodies of TV shows, movies and poking fun at other institutionalized sacred cows.

PANIC was EC's answer to the multitude of imitators that had swooped in for a piece of the pie. This story in the first issue (February-March 1954) received a backlash from religious and conservative groups for its desecration of our most hallowed holiday. It was literally "banned in Boston" and the rest of Massachusetts as well. A legal hullabaloo ensued.

The strip is a mash-up of author Charles Clement Moore's famous poem (it was later attributed to Henry Livingston, Jr. in 2014). Bill "Will" Elder drew the story with the typical irreverent flair known by the "Mad" folks.

In any event, Merry Christmas and thanks for visiting!

NOTE: E.C. Comics logo and images are Copyright © by William M. Gaines, Agent, Inc., and are used here for historical purposes. 

EERIE NO. 1 COVER RE-CREATION

Nearly a half-century after drawing the cover for Avon's EERIE #1, the first all-original, all-horror comic book in 1947, Bob Fujitani painted a re-creation of his work in 1994.

It is not known if it was a commission or for his own enjoyment, but the result is astounding, especially when one considers the simple line work of the original. The re-creation was painted in oils on a 16" x 20" canvas board. It is currently up for auction. At the time this was written, the current bid, including a buyer's premium, is $408, but is sure to go up from there until the auction closes in mid-January.

[Image Source: Heritage Auctions.]

I wondered how this new image would actually look as the cover for EERIE #1, so I had some fun and took a few minutes to "re-imagine the re-creation".

COMIC MEDIA'S LAST GASP

An clever attempt at getting as close to the word "Terror" without raising the ire of the newly-adopted Comics Code Authority, TERRIFIC was the last of Comic Media's horror comics (WEIRD TERROR #13 preceded it in September).

Comic Media was formed in 1952 under the company, Allen Hardy Associates after Hardy left Harvey Comics. He took with him one of the premiere horror comic artists at the time, Don Heck, who was adept at creating particularly revolting covers along with his interior art. Also jumping ship from Harvey was Pete Morisi (aka PAM). Other imprints under the company were Artful Publications Inc. and Harwell Publications Inc.

During its short, two-year existence, Comic Media published Western, romance, adventure, humor, and war titles along with horror. Created by Pete Morisi, Johnny Dynamite was the most popular character to come out of the line.

Hardy had a call for submissions that appeared in the August 1953 issue of WRITER'S DIGEST, which was known for regularly providing market reports for various comic book publishers. He stated he wanted "the unusual, artists and writers who don't have hackneyed approach to comics[sic]."

Writer's Digest, August 1953

Comic Media ceased publishing in 1954. Most of the titles were sold to Charlton. Farrell continued TERRIFIC for one more issue (a non-horror comic featuring Wonder Boy) in March 1955, then disappeared. Don Heck went on to work for Atlas, which soon became Marvel. Pete Morisi had a successful career with Charlton.

Don Heck later commented on Hardy's death: "Allen was an alcoholic. He was a member of AA but he went off the wagon. While he was in this way, I could not leave him." He added, "I stayed until I cleaned up the stuff for Allen Hardy who, by that time, couldn't do anything. He had to go back for treatment. Not too long after that he died. I heard the story he was smoking a cigarette and it dropped and he burned himself to death. I liked him! He was a good guy as far as I was concerned."

TERRIFIC

Vol. 1 No. 14 (first/last issue)

December 1954

Mystery Publishing Company Inc. (Comic Media)

Editor: Alan Hardy

Cover: Don Heck

Pages: 36

Cover price: 10 cents

CONTENTS

"Dead on Arrival"

Script: ?

Art: Marty Elkin

"Human Cross"

Script: ?

Art: Don Heck

"The Wolf Twins"

Script: ?

Pencils: Ross Andru?

Inks: Steve Kirkel

"Dance of Death"

Script: ?

Art: Rudy Palais