Friday, January 10, 2025

LOOK, MA -- NO HANDS!


One of the themes explored in TwoMorrows' latest issue of the new CRYPTOLOGY is that of disembodied hands. The idea of a severed limb has forever frightened people, especially if it comes back to life!

Peter Normanton discusses dismembered limbs in his pre-code horror comics excesses article. Like a number of other tropes, this device was used numerous times and in the most outlandish ways. One of the stories he mentions is "Devil Claws" from HORRIFIC #3 (Comic Media, January 1953). Likely out of the Iger Shop, the writer and artist are unknown, so I'll let the story speak -- or scream -- for itself. Ugh!







2 comments:

  1. "The Hands of Orlac" has been adapted to the screen at least half a dozen times. It makes sense the same concept would thrive in comics.

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  2. There's an article on disembodied hands in films in CRYPTOLOGY #2 . . .

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