"Feast for Vampires" & "Dead Man's Train"

Let’s sample two treats from Weird Vol. 4 No. 5 October 1970. But first, let’s bask in this cover – so typical of Eeire Pub. with its penchant for mutant, amalgamated cover monsters. I love this flying gargoyle/chicken dragon/vampire. Whatever the species and genus, the beast deserves a tip of the hat! He popped the clasp on the young lady’s bra with his foot-claw – while airborne - a feat I used to struggle with mightily under the most comfortable of circumstances.

This first story has art by Larry Woromay, who achieves an appropriate Norman Rockwell feel with his setting and characters, albeit seen through a glass darkly. Table of Contents says: “A slimy saga calculated to keep your stomachs churning with a horror that will crack your back.”

This next tale is about a midnight train that is definitely not bound for Georgia (with apologies to Gladys and her Pips). I love the cold, chilly nightmare Walter Casadei is able to compose in these panels with his moody pencils and inks. Table of Contents says: ”An innocent man boards a Midnight Special only to find ‘death’ as the weird train moves to an unknown destination.”

Well, another post has finally given up the ghost! Until next time, sleep tight. Don’t let the bed bugs bite.

"The Open Grave" & "Terror On Station One"

This post will blast the silver bullet deep into the heart of Tales From The Tomb Vol. 5 No. 2, March 1973. But while the body still twitches, let’s savor the last dregs of these two, final tales.

The Open Grave features the artwork of Argentinean, Domingo Mandrafina. I love the fleshy hysteria Mandrafina often gives his characters as they reluctantly face doom. Table of Contents doesn't softsoak it: "The grisly and macabre tale of a hunter and an open grave that trapped him into an eternal sleep."

Terror From Station One has some pretty cool monster/aliens drawn by Cirilo Munoz. Table of Contents says: An unusual and scarifying tale of future space travel as other civilizations form other galaxies attack the space lances.

Well, until next time, dear reader, bolt all the doors and shutters up tight. Parting is such sweet sorrow, so the bard tells us. Does that mean pain is pleasure?

Next up: Feast for Vampires and Dead Man’s Train.

"The Devil's Machine" & "Satan's Stone"

Let’s slice of a couple more strips from Tales From The Tomb Vol. 5 No. 2, March 1973. Let’s begin with a main course: The Devil’s Machine, with artwork by Walter Casadei.

One quick question, do scientists in movies and stories ever have competent, loyal lab assistants? Ever since Dr. Frankenstein’s flunky mixed up the brains, it’s been pretty slim pickings. About Devil’s Machine, Table of Contents tells us: ”Journey into worlds of terror locked in a frame of blood, flesh and bone.” I like that. It says it. I will ad only some simple sound effects: gag snarflechoke. Agagag!

Ever notice how everyone, when gazing at a newlywed’s diamond engagement ring, Ooohs and Aaaahs like they know quality when they see it? As if they really know a choice diamond when they see one? “Oh, that’s beeauuutiful!” Yeah, right. And said girl will nearly always hold her hand out, fingers splayed, and wiggle her fat, little digits to show it off? Shit. That’s one of life’s cherished little moments that I could really do without, thank you very goddamn much. I mean, it could be a piece of dried snot for all anyone knows. “Oh, how many carats?” we say, as if we were the carat expert now; when in fact we wouldn’t know a carat if one jumped off the floor and bit us in our rosy ass. I mean, what the . . . wait. Where was I going with this? Well, anyway, here comes a story about a diamond with art by Alberto Macagno.

Sorry about that last outburst. Really, that hardly ever happens anymore. Honest. Next time, we’ll wrap up this lovely issue of TFTT with “The Open Grave” and “Terror on Station One.”

"Deadman's Dance" & The Blood-Sucker"

Let’s split open the skull of Tales From The Tomb Vol. 5 No. 2, March 1872. But before brain matter is spilled; let’s let the rich, beautiful colors of this cover drench or souls in glory. Lord, Eerie Pub. covers be the flame, and I be the moth!

First on the docket for today is Deadman’s Dance with typically awesome art by A. Reynoso. Someday, this artist of the black mood will get his due. There is something decadent about his work that howls for adoration.

About Deadman’s Dance, Table of Contents warns us: ”The stench of the moldy grave enveloped the nightclub owner as the figure of death ordered him to dance. A shocker!”

The Blood-Sucker might be the artwork of Cirilo Munoz. Table of Contents says: ”An eccentric professor discovered the secret of life only to have his body drained dry by the blood-hungry thing.” Bummer.

Don’t wander far from the source. Next up: ”Satan’s Stone” & ”The Devil’s Machine”.