Saturday, April 27, 2013

GHOST MANOR #2 December 1971

A great Steve Ditko cover adorns this one, nicely designed to incorporate both of his stories in the image without the cut and paste of panel method so often utilized by Charlton.
The first story, "It Will Roam Tonight" is a standout. This appears to have been written by Ditko himself, as it is literally overflowing with his Objectivist/Randian philosophy.
The middle story, by Charles Nicholas and  Vince Alacsia seems out of place in the context of the Ditko bookends. While not a subpar tale, it doesn't hold the higher standards of the other two.
The final story is downright incredible. Ditko's art is mesmerizing, and effectively (and creepily) conveys the musician's spiral into madness.
How these Ditko stories have yet to see a modern day reprint is beyond me, as they are prime examples of him delivering the goods, and then some--exceeding beyond expectations.

































Sunday, April 21, 2013

CREEPY THINGS #5 April 1976

1976, and Charlton is about to cease publication for an entire year, before returning with almost all reprint material. However, there's still some great titles on the stands, and CREEPY THINGS is among their best.
This issue features a beautiful cover by Richard Larson (alas, he doesn't contribute to any interior art), the absence of backgrounds helping to accentuate to the terror in the subjects face.
Interior art by Steve Ditko with yet another Joe Gill story about cats, though this one is a notch above similar themed tales by the duo.Stalwart team of Nicholas and Alascia turn in a tale that's also better than the average mystery/horror trope, and the Recreo Studio illustrate one of Paul Kupperberg's earliest stories.
Of note is the letters pages , in which Charlton expresses their continued appreciation and support of the fanzine community.
A fine issue all around.






























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