‘Haunted Horror #7’ Review

Written by: Erin D. Dailey

The seven graphic comics contained in this archive of horror comics are helped by Madam Clizia’s witty introduction.  She is, no doubt, a familiar figure to aficionados of this genre.  These comics from 1951, 1953, and 1954 have terrific artwork by a variety of artists; this includes the black and white Break-Up.  As regards storylines, the opening comic, Wings of Death, and the two that follow are the best of the bunch.  The others are interesting in that they reflect what was looked for in horror comics of their time period.  What elevates Wings of Death, The Graveyard Keeper’s Tale, and Almost Human is that they are still scary. Themes of greed and power pervade most of the seven.  Jealousy runs rampant in Flame Thrower.  

Wings of Death, a murderous tale, is made better because readers have to use their own imaginations to fill in what happens between the last two panels.  The lead character, known as The Bone Man, in The Grave-Yard Keeper’s Tale, proves himself someone to be reckoned with.  Almost Human captures what happens when human greed and a thirst for power combine.  Jealousy flares its ugly head in Flame Thrower.  Except that what once was considered a great deal of money isn’t by today’s standards, Break-Up! has a current storyline and relevant details.  The final comic, The Nameless Terror of Twin Dunes, somewhat unevenly combines vampirism and a ghost tale.

Though the comics are not of equal strength, this volume provides a glimpse of what was popular in the early 1950s.

Order it right here.

Rating: 3.5/5