Phobia Phun

Afraid of dark, enclosed places? Dead bodies, rodents? How about bugs?

Someone has been entering your subconscious, recording your fears. Check out these phobic tales from the American underground comix of the early '70s.

DEATH RATTLE #3, 1973, published by Kitchen Sink. "Graveyard Rats" Copyright © 1973 Mike Roberts.

INSECT FEAR, undated, but c. 1970, published by Print Mint. "Feeding Time" Copyright © Spain Rodriguez.

Bad girls are so good...

Six of twelve great sleaze paperback covers done up as heavy, deluxe magnetic postcards. You can order this book, BAD GIRLS IN THE BIG CITY, from the publisher for $12.95, from Running Press, by following the link.

Copyright © 2001 Running Press Book Publishers
Images © 1995-1999 Jeffrey Luthor/PC Design

Most Dangerous Game

Because of its theme and suspense, Richard Connell's story, "The Most Dangerous Game," is one of the most famous English language stories. Even if you don't know the original you know the many knock-offs that came from the idea of the hunter being hunted. It was made as a motion picture in 1932, starring Fay Wray and Joel McCrea, and filmed on the same set as KING KONG.

This printing of the 1924 story is from THE GOLDEN BOOK, October 1930.

Crypt of Shadows

Whoever edited this first issue of CRYPT OF SHADOWS, did a good job of collecting artists of different styles. Gil Kane did the eye-catching cover. Mort Lawrence opens with his tale of a witch, then we find the great Basil Wolverton. Jay Scott Pike was usually more at home with the love comics, but Russ Heath could draw about anything, and this is a funny strip using the Charles Atlas ads for inspiration.

CRYPT OF SHADOWS #1, January 1974, Copyright © 1974 Marvel Comics.