{"id":9,"date":"2012-01-24T13:49:04","date_gmt":"2012-01-24T12:49:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/aces-of-ace.de\/?page_id=9"},"modified":"2015-06-24T11:39:30","modified_gmt":"2015-06-24T09:39:30","slug":"beyond","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/aces-of-ace.de\/?page_id=9","title":{"rendered":"Beyond"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chronological listing of all issues \u2013 with comments and annotations. <\/span>We mention date of publication, cover motive and cover artist (if identified). <\/span>The number in brackets links cover motive to story inside. <\/span>Especially for ACE HORROR every issue has been indexed at the Grand Comics Database \u2013 the link will show you all available data, including cover shots and story descriptions. <\/span><\/p>\n

Just click the underlined<\/span> issue labeling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0A miniature splash page indicates that you can find this entire story in our „Stories“ section. Just click to read it.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Ace\u2019s first horror comic book is CHALLENGE OF THE UNKNOWN #6 (formerly LOVE EXPERIENCES). Because the second issue of CHALLENGE OF THE UNKNOWN was renamed BEYOND #1, we treat CHALLENGE OF THE UNKNOWN #6 like a BEYOND #0.<\/p>\n

CHALLENGE OF THE UNKNOWN \/ 1\u00a0 issue, formerly LOVE EXPERIENCES<\/h2>\n

CHALLENGE OF THE UNKNOWN #6<\/a><\/strong>
\n September 1950<\/strong>
\nCover: Dungeon-scene: Reporter finds human head in a box, zombies closing in, girl screaming (0) – Warren Kremer + Al Avison
\n\u201eHigh Priestess Of The Snake People\u201c (\u201eAce Baker\u201c) \u2013 reprinted in HAND OF FATE #19
\n\u201cThe Ghost In The Portrait\u201d (Ken Rice) \u2013 reprinted in BAFFLING MYSTERIES #18
\n\u201cVilla Of The Vampire\u201d (Lin Streeter, signed: \u201cLin\u201d) \u2013 reprinted in WEB OF MYSTERY #19
\n\u201cNo Grave To Hold Him\u201d (Mike Sekowsky + Vince Alascia ?) \u2013 reprinted in WEB OF MYSTERY #21<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Did it all start with this?!<\/p><\/div>\n

Completely handlettered.Two footnotes concerning CHALLENGE OF THE UNKNOWN:
\nThe second issue (#7) is to be published as BEYOND # 1, Ace\u2019s next try at horror magazines. A conflict with the similarly named series ADVENTURES INTO THE UNKNOWN (published since the autumn of 1948 by the American Comics Group also known as ACG) is likely to be the reason for the name switch.<\/p>\n

Second, it is interesting that in 1947 Ace put out a book<\/strong> (not a comic book!) titled CHALLENGE OF THE UNKNOWN<\/strong>. In it, author Louis K. Anspacher embarks on a search for the „psychic world“. Publisher Wyn may have chosen this title out of nostalgic reasons (or he may have liked the mystic sound of it). He still had much to learn about horror comics …<\/p>\n

\u201cVilla Of The Vampire<\/a>\u201d is posted on Pappy\u2019s delightful \u201cGolden Age Comics\u201c blog – to read click on underlined title.<\/p>\n

THE BEYOND \/ 30\u00a0 issues<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a>BEYOND #1<\/a><\/strong>
\n November 1950<\/strong>
\nCover: The Werewolf strikes (1)\u00a0 –\u00a0 Warren Kremer ?
\n\u201cThe Werewolf Strikes!\u201d (\u201eAce Baker\u201c) – reprinted in BAFFLING MYSTERIES #19
\n\u201cThe Reluctant Ghost\u201d (Ken Rice) \u2013 reprinted in BEYOND #30
\n\u201cThe Phantom Puppet\u201d (Lin Streeter) – reprinted in WEB OF MYSTERY #20
\n\u201cMaster Of The Undead\u201d (Al Hartley) \u2013 reprinted in BAFFLING MYSTERIES #17<\/p>\n

Completely handlettered. The cover motif sends a strong message: the werewolf strikes! In your face. Quite a blast for 1950! Ace\u2019s first horror covers remain their most striking<\/strong>. From then on it goes downhill\u2026<\/p>\n

Three of the four stories can be assigned safely (because their titles are mentioned on the cover). The missing fourth could be \u201cThe Reluctant Ghost\u201d. In BEYOND #30 (the last issue of this series) there\u2019s a unidentified reprint (noticeable because of its handlettering) of an early Ken Rice ghost tale (more discussion under BEY30). Speculative, but probable.
\nPostcript December 2012<\/strong>: It is! We got the book now and can confirm our observation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Werewolf Strikes!\u201d bears the marginal note \u201cChallenge Of The Unknown\u201c, meaning this should have been #2 of the series. That is, #7. Confused? You won\u2019t be \u2013 once you realize that this is standard procedure among golden age comic books\u2026 Last minute they renamed the book into THE BEYOND.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaster Of The Undead<\/a>\u201d is posted on Karswell\u2019s fantastic blog \u201cThe Horrors Of It All\u201c – to read click on underlined title.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BEYOND #2<\/strong><\/a>
\n Januar 1951<\/strong>
\nCover: (Vampire rises from casket) (1) – Warren Kremer
\n\u201cThe Mystery Of Lunablanca\u201d (Maurice Gutwirth)\"\"<\/a>
\n\u201cThe Ghost Who Stole A Body\u201d (Ken Rice) \u2013 reprinted in WEB OF MYSTERY #26
\n\u201cValley Of The Scaly Monsters\u201d (\u201eAce Baker\u201c) \u2013 reprinted in WEB OF MYSTERY #27
\n\u201cThe Shrieking Terror\u201d (Mike Sekowsky + Vince Alascia)<\/p>\n

Completely handlettered. The first covers for Ace\u2019s horror comic books were executed by the delightful Warren Kremer (who never did a single horror story for Ace!).
\nHe did the odd crime story and used to be an Ace regular in the late forties.
\nUnusual about this issue (and only occurrence): BEY2 gets by without the two traditional one-page \u201cfillers\u201d<\/strong>.
\nTwo of its stories run over 8 pages (instead of the standardized 7 pages).<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BEYOND #3<\/strong><\/a>
\n March 1951<\/strong>
\nCover: Bargain with death (3) – Warren Kremer
\n\u201cThe Amulet Of Terror\u201d (Mike Sekowsky + ?)
\n\u201cBehind The Locked Door\u201d (Jerry Grandenetti) \u2013 reprinted in WEB OF MYSTERY #26
\n\u201cThe Keeper Of The Flames\u201d (\u201eAce Baker\u201c) \u2013 reprinted in WEB OF MYSTERY #25
\n\u201cLegend Of The Long 3rd Finger\u201d (Louis Zansky + ?)<\/p>\n

Completely handlettered.
\nFirst Ace horror story from the formidable Louis Zansky!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Amulet Of Terror<\/a>\u201d is posted on Karswell\u2019s fantastic blog \u201cThe Horrors Of It All\u201c – to read click on underlined title.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BEYOND #4<\/strong><\/a>
\nMay 1951<\/strong>
\nCover: Hands are mine (2) – Warren Kremer
\n\u201cTrial By Ghost Light\u201d (Ken Rice) \u2013 reprinted in HAND OF FATE #25a
\n\u201cThe Spell Of The Hypnotic Chord\u201d (Louis Zansky) \u2013 reprinted in BEYOND #30
\n\u201cCult Of The Undead\u201d (Jim McLaughlin)
\n\u201cIt Happened On Valentine\u2019s Eve\u201d (John Belfi ?) \u2013 reprinted in BAFFLING MYSTERIES #23<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Jim Vadeboncoeur, Jr. index card<\/p><\/div>\n

Completely handlettered. First appearance of Jim McLaughlin for Ace horror <\/strong>with \u201cCult Of The Undead<\/a>\u201d.
\nHe’ll be their most used artist, contributing a record 22 stories for BEYOND alone.<\/p>\n

Click on underlined story title to see it posted on Karswell’s blog (the man has a soft spot for ACE HORROR, thankfully!).<\/p>\n

Unidentified mystery artwork on \u201cIt Happened On Valentine\u2019s Eve\u201d. As you can see on the card, Jim suggests a possible collaboration of Charles Nicholas and John Belfi – we can’t be sure, though. <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cTrial By Ghost Light<\/a>\u201d\u00a0 and \u201cThe Spell Of The Hypnotic Chord<\/a>\u201d are posted on Pappy\u2019s delightful \u201cGolden Age Comics\u201c blog – to read click on underlined title.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt Happened On Valentine\u2019s Eve<\/a>\u201d is posted on Karswell\u2019s fantastic blog \u201cThe Horrors Of It All\u201c – to read click on underlined title.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BEYOND #5<\/strong><\/a>
\n July 1951<\/strong>
\nCover: Keeper of time (0) – ???
\n\u201cBig Top Nightmare\u201d (Lin Streeter) \u2013 reprinted in HAND OF FATE #25a
\n\u201cThe Frenzy Of Sheila Lord\u201d (Maurice Gutwirth) \u2013 reprinted in BAFFLING MYSTERIES #23
\n\u201cEnigma Of The Unscheduled Passenger\u201d (Richard Case) \u2013 reprinted in WEB OF MYSTERY #27
\n\u201cDemons Of Walpurgis Mountain\u201d (Sekowsky + ?)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Completely handlettered. Doubtful whether this is still Warren Kremer doing the covers.<\/p>\n

\u201cDemons Of Walpurgis Mountain<\/a>\u201d is posted on Karswell\u2019s fantastic blog \u201cThe Horrors Of It All\u201c – to read click on underlined title.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BEYOND #6<\/strong><\/a>
\n September 1951<\/strong>
\nCover: Prepare the shrinking potion (0) – Jim McLaughlin
\n\u201cScourge Of The Scorpion Cult\u201d (\u201eAce Baker\u201c) \u2013 reprinted in BAFFLING MYSTERIES Nr. 24
\n\u201cRiddle Of Pete Dunn\u2019s Last Fight\u201d (Jim McLaughlin) \u2013 reprinted in BAFFLING MYSTERIES #25
\n\u201cBlack Wings Of The Demon Gondolier\u201d (Maurice Gutwirth)
\n\u201cReturn From The Great Abyss\u201d (Gene Colan)<\/p>\n

Completely handlettered \u2013 except for the third story. Like a month before in WEB4 a first Leroy-lettered story creeps in. Beginning with this issue it even spreads to the covers!
\nAce is working hard to style their title pages as unattractive as possible.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cover artist is Jim McLaughlin who establishes himself to be the work horse for Ace horror.<\/p>\n

Fate<\/strong>, the hooded figure of destiny, has a cameo<\/strong> in \u201cReturn From The Great Abyss\u201d. Three months later he will be featuring his own comic book at Ace: HAND OF FATE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BEYOND #7<\/strong><\/a>
\n November 1951<\/strong>
\nCover: [Shadow on stairs, black cat] (0) – ???
\n\u201cThe Doorway To Yesterday\u201d (Mike Sekowsky + Vince Alascia) \u2013 reprinted in WEB OF MYSTERY #29
\n\u201cThe Dead Guard The Gold\u201d (Jim McLaughlin)
\n\u201cGallows In The Sky\u201d (???)
\n\u201cCreatures Of Fantasy\u201d (Richard Case)<\/p>\n

The cover is really shameful.<\/strong> That\u2019s supposed to be horror?!\u00a0 Compare that to the above posted cover of #1, please. And recoil from loathing.<\/p>\n

Only one story Leroy-lettered in this issue. It should be noted that the simultaneously published first issue of BAFFLING MYSTERIES (# 5) shows the exact reverse ratio: Only one story therein is handlettered.<\/p>\n

Unidentified mystery artwork on \u201cGallows In The Sky\u201d. The story doesn\u2019t feel like an Ace horror story up to that point. Could this be work from outside to fill the book? Yet both the fillers and \u201cGallows\u201d as well have a definite touch of Sy Grudko. I think he\u2019s involved in all three jobs, but I\u2019m not sure\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BEYOND #8<\/strong><\/a>
\n January 1952<\/strong>
\nCover: The castle in that horrible nightmare I had! (0) – Ken Rice
\n\u201cDaughters Of Doom\u201d (Louis Zansky)
\n\u201cThe Winged Spectres Of Dismal Swamp\u201d (???)
\n\u201cValley Of The Macabre\u201d (Chic Stone)
\n\u201cAncient Curse Of The Medusa\u201d (Jim McLaughlin)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Depressed butterflies<\/p><\/div>\n

It\u2019s Ken Rice\u2019s turn on covers now. Leroy lettering is still on the lookout. One story and both fillers now.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Winged Spectres Of Dismal Swamp\u201d is a genuine oddity. In the first place, someone credited it to Lou Cameron (which I refuse to believe). I imagine it could be Paul Parker on pencils. Secondly it\u2019s told in first-person narrative. This happened rarely. There\u2019s only a handful of these in the Ace horror oeuvre. And third of all, it\u2019s about butterflies!<\/p>\n

The first person narrative and the possible artwork by Parker leads me to believe that this could very well be a reprint. From one of the \u201cdetective\u201d features out of FOUR FAVORITES or SUPER-MYSTERY COMICS. Didn\u2019t find it yet. Anyone out there can help?<\/p>\n

Postscript October 2012<\/strong>: I correct myself. The suspected Parker reprint is nonsense<\/strong>.
\n„Dismal Swamp“ is an original story. And it maaaay be early and bad Cameron on pencils. Brutally bludgeoned by someone’s inks (Mario Rizzi springs to mind) – see annotations for next issue.<\/p>\n

\u201cValley Of The Macabre\u201d is Chic Stone\u2019s first assignment. He will play an artful second fiddle in the next years. His style blends perfectly in with the rest of the staff; he will remain faithful to the horror titles, and illustrate some striking stories.<\/p>\n

\u201cDaughters Of Doom<\/a>\u201d is posted on Karswell\u2019s fantastic blog \u201cThe Horrors Of It All\u201c – to read click on underlined title.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>BEYOND #9<\/strong><\/a>
\n March 1952<\/strong>
\nCover: That\u2019s a frightening costume! (0\/1) – Ken Rice
\n\u201cHorror Blown In Glass\u201d (Ken Rice + ?)
\n\u201cOn The Other Side Of Death\u2019s Door\u201d (Jim McLaughlin + ?)
\n\u201cThe Vampire Of The Opera\u201d (Lou Cameron + Rocco Mastroserio)
\n\u201cThe Face In The Mirror\u201d (Mario Rizzi)<\/p>\n

The cover depicts a scene which would have been suited to the first story. But doesn\u2019t.
\nIt\u2019s one of Ace\u2019s better covers, yet put to death by the dispensable balloon (\u201cAre you enjoying the party?\u201d) \u2013 Tchcch\u2026<\/p>\n

Leroy lettering on the rise: Only two stories are still lettered by hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn The Other Side Of Death\u2019s Door\u201d again is one of those rare first-person narratives.<\/p>\n

A popular filler plot is already chewed for the umpteenth time<\/strong> in this issue. A person makes a promise, but dies before the promise can be redeemed. What happens? The person\u2019s ghost returns to meet the promise… \u2013 \u201cBoooring!\u201d (H. Simpson)
\nThis pattern provides the story plot not only for miscellaneous one-pagers, but for the „long“ story „The Haunted Horse“ (August 1951) as well. And this is really a low point in Ace horror: A kid, a horse, an accident…
\n(Sorry, nodded off there for a moment)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Mystery artist Mario Rizzi<\/p><\/div>\n

First credit for Mario Rizzi.<\/strong> This guy appeared to be just a phantom for a long while. The Who\u2019s Who Of American Comic Books<\/a> locates Rizzi as an Ace staffer from 1952 to 1954. There is no proof. Apart from Lou Cameron’s verbal statement that he saw him work at Ace.<\/p>\n

At our \u201espotting meets\u201c with Jim Vadeboncoeur, Jr. he conceded that he often thought early work by McLaughlin to BE Mario Rizzi’s. Meaning that McLaughlin\u2019s early work has been confused for the artist Mario Rizzi. Welcome to the pains of art spotting.<\/p>\n

Postscript September 2012<\/strong>: Luckily Jim Vadeboncoeur, Jr. dug out a signed Rizzi story (his only one) from a 1954 romance book; and we believe this is how Rizzi looked in 1952.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BEYOND #10<\/strong><\/a>
\n April\u00a0 1952<\/strong>
\nCover: Why must you drag us forth? (2) – Ken Rice
\n\u201cLeopard Girl\u2019s Dread Domain\u201d (Chic Stone + ?)
\n\u201cRelease From Satan\u2019s Scourge\u201d (Lou Cameron + Rocco Mastroserio)
\n\u201cPrisoners In A Lost World\u201d (???) \u2013 reprinted in BAFFLING MYSTERIES #26
\n\u201cThe Spell Of The Hanging Tree\u201d (Bill Molno + Vince Alascia ?)<\/p>\n

Cover is based loosely on the second story, only the scenery is different. Letterer\u2019s score is Leroy : Hand = fifty-fifty.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

An Ace text story – half of it, anyway<\/p><\/div>\n

The fantasy crudity \u201cPrisoners In A Lost World\u201d looks (because of its unrefined artwork) like a reprint from the late 1940s, but is Leroy-lettered. Which means it is up to date. Another 1950s mystery! For further discussion see reprint entry for BAFFLING MYSTERIES #26.<\/p>\n

Enter Bill Molno<\/strong> with \u201cThe Spell Of The Hanging Tree\u201d, heavily inked on his first horror job (probably Vince Alascia). He will contribute from now on as a regular. I find it hard to acquire a taste for Molno. However, his long faces with the blank expressions are easy to identify.<\/p>\n

This issue\u2019s text story (\u201eLand Of Dolls\u201c), by the way, is about an editor who experiences difficulties filling his magazine. He wrecks his brain, he has a smoke and as he steps into the elevator, he is transported into the realm of dolls, who seek their master\u2026 Awwww, come on!<\/p>\n

\u201cRelease From Satan\u2019s Scourge<\/a>\u201d is posted on Karswell\u2019s fantastic blog \u201cThe Horrors Of It All\u201c – to read click on underlined title.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BEYOND #11<\/strong><\/a>
\n May\u00a0 1952<\/strong>
\nCover: Cult of the Moon God (1) – Jim McLaughlin ?
\n\u201cMoon God\u2019s Death-Dealing Idol\u201d (Jim McLaughlin)
\n\u201cThe Other Side Of The Macabre Mirror\u201d (Lou Cameron + Rocco Mastroserio)
\n\u201cRecruits For The Legion Of The Undead\u201d (Mike Sekowsky ?)
\n\u201cIn The Time-Trolls\u2019 Sinister Clutches\u201d (Mike Sekowsky \/ Bill Walton ?)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Letterer\u2019s score remains at Leroy : Hand = fifty-fifty. The cover is not that easy to spot. I spontaneously attributed it to Ken Rice. Jim Vadeboncoeur, Jr. thinks it\u2019s Lou Cameron, but taking another look, I see Jim McLaughlin (the red-headed woman!). Hmmmpfh.<\/p>\n

First BEYOND issue to include two stories by the same artist. That doesn\u2019t happen too often.
\nMike Sekowsky is twice involved here.<\/p>\n

\u201cMoon God\u2019s Death-Dealing Idol<\/a>\u201d is posted on Pappy\u2019s delightful \u201cGolden Age Comics\u201c blog – to read click on underlined title.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Other Side Of The Macabre Mirror<\/a>\u201d is posted on Pappy\u2019s delightful \u201cGolden Age Comics\u201c blog – to read click on underlined title.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn The Time-Trolls\u2019 Sinister Clutches<\/a>\u201d is posted on Pappy\u2019s delightful \u201cGolden Age Comics\u201c blog – to read click on underlined title.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BEYOND #12<\/strong><\/a>
\n June\u00a0 1952<\/strong>
\nCover: Living hands coming out of the earth (0) – Ken Rice
\n\u201cThe Witching Well\u201d (Lou Cameron + Rocco Mastroserio)
\n\u201cVictims Of The Twin Scourges\u201d (Lou Cameron + Rocco Mastroserio)
\n\u201cTrail Of The Phantom Gypsy<\/a>\u201d (Jim McLaughlin)
\n\u201cThe Bedeviled Battaillon\u201d (Richard Case)<\/p>\n

Oddity in this issue:\"\"<\/a> just the two \u201efillers\u201c are handlettered, everything else is done in Leroy.<\/p>\n

Like in BAFFLING MYSTERIES #8 (published simultaneously), we live to see a double feature by the team Lou Cameron & Rocco Mastroserio. Cameron’s style is changing noticeably. The following month will bring forth Cameron’s first solo horror story („Mad Matador’s Fiendish Frenzy“, in BAFF9).<\/p>\n

„The Witching Well<\/a>“ is quite embarrassing: confused, implausible, banal and absolutely pointless. The Ace writers are either swamped by extra work and deliver sloppy stuff – or scripts purchased\u00a0 from the outside are affecting the quality in general. From spring 1952 to the beginning of 1953 Ace is putting out more books then ever before.<\/strong><\/p>\n

„Victims Of The Twin Scourges<\/a>“ is yet another sorry excuse for a horror story. But proves very entertaining in its imbecility.<\/p>\n

Addendum:<\/strong> Blogger Karswell is posting the complete issue in February 2014.
\nFollow underlined links to „enjoy“ those wacky stories! \u201cThe Bedeviled Battaillon\u201d is to be seen in our „Stories“ section. Click miniature splash above to read…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BEYOND #13<\/strong><\/a>
\n July\u00a0 1952<\/strong>
\nCover: Crazy coachman\u2026 taking us to the cemetery (0) – Ken Rice ?
\n\u201cLure Of The Sea Hag\u201d (Gene Colan + ?)
\n\u201cWhen The Wolf-Man Prowls\u201d (Mario Rizzi)
\n\u201cBlack Prophecy Of The Crystal Ball\u201d (Bill Molno)
\n\u201cGame For A Mad Huntress\u201d (Jim McLaughlin)<\/p>\n

Land gain for handlettering: both fillers AND Colan\u2019s lead story are done by hand (again) \u2013 but for the last time, I might add.<\/p>\n

\u201cGame For A Mad Huntress\u201d warms up again a popular plot of its time: A person ends up on an isolated private island and is coerced to embark on a manhunt for his own life \u2013 staged by the maniacal ruler of the island.
\nThe 1924 short story was called \u201eThe Most Dangerous Game\u201c (filmed in 1932 starring Joel McCrea). Shot on the same locaction as \u201cKing Kong\u201d, by the way\u2026
\nThere is (at least) one other comic book adaptation – Harvey Kurtzman\u2019s \u201eIsland Of Death\u201c (VAULT OF HORROR #13, June 1950). Kurtzman borrows massively from the original; the Ace writers invent a female antagonist and throw in Scottish myths as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cLure Of The Sea Hag<\/a>\u201d and \u201cGame For A Mad Huntress<\/a>\u201d are posted on Karswell\u2019s fantastic blog \u201cThe Horrors Of It All\u201c – to read click on underlined title.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BEYOND #14<\/strong><\/a>
\n August\u00a0 1952<\/strong>
\nCover: No one cheats death (0) – Ken Rice ?
\n\u201cFanged Nemesis Of The North\u201d (Mike Sekowsky \/ Bill Walton + ?)
\n\u201cThe Gong Of Singh Chlam\u201d (Mario Rizzi)
\n\u201cWedded To A Witch\u201d (Bill Molno)
\n\u201cSatana\u2019s Fatal Beauty\u201d (Mario Rizzi)<\/p>\n

This issue marks the fall of man: it is completely Leroy lettered from start to finish.<\/strong>
\nThe other magazines can resist this trend for only a few weeks.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Super Rizzi mystery issue. Jim Vadeboncoeur, Jr. saw in \u201cSatana\u2019s Fatal Beauty\u201d the pencil work of Robert S. Pious. I revoke this verdict and believe that it\u2019s the same artist who did \u201cThe Gong Of Singh Chlam\u201d. So we have a double-phantom-feature starring mysterious Mario Rizzi.<\/p>\n

\u201cFanged Nemesis Of The North<\/a>\u201d is posted on the \u201cM.O.D.M.\u201c blog – to read click on underlined title.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Gong Of Singh Chlam<\/a>\u201d is posted on the \u201cM.O.D.M.\u201c blog – to read click on underlined title.<\/p>\n

\u201cSatana\u2019s Fatal Beauty<\/a>\u201d is posted on the \u201cM.O.D.M.\u201c blog – to read click on underlined title.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BEYOND #15<\/strong><\/a>
\n September\u00a0 1952<\/strong>
\nCover: See your future (2) – Ken Rice
\n\u201cNoose For A Magician\u201d (Lou Cameron + Rocco Mastroserio ?)
\n\u201cDon\u2019t Wake The Dead!\u201d (Jim McLaughlin)
\n\u201cThe Gold Monster Of Hell\u2019s Canyon\u201d (Bill Molno)
\n\u201cThe Harpy Of Central Park\u201d (Chic Stone)<\/p>\n

One story lettered by hand again in this issue. A last exception for BEYOND.
\nAnother ultra-lame cover. Leave it on the rack! For christ\u2019s sakes, get that umpteenth Atlas clone, looks way cooler\u2026
\nInside one of the funniest Ace stories ever<\/strong> (\u201cThe Gold Monster Of Hell\u2019s Canyon\u201d) and one of the weirdest<\/strong> (\u201cThe Harpy Of Central Park\u201d). You can find both in full scan on our \u201cStories\u201d section. Just click the splash pages.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>BEYOND #16<\/strong>
\n October\u00a0 1952<\/strong>
\nCover: Chessboard of humanity (0) – John Chilly
\n\u201cThe Ghost On Television\u201d (\u201eAce Baker\u201c)
\n\u201cVault Of The Winged Spectres\u201d (Lin Streeter)
\n\u201cCurse Of The Midnight Piper\u201d (Lou Cameron)
\n\u201cThey Burned A Witch\u201d (Dick Beck + ?)<\/p>\n

The second Ace horror comic book to be completely lettered with Leroy.
\nGrand Comics Database credits a certain John Chilly with the cover. Another phantom artist of comics history. Allegedly someone saw the original art to this cover, signed with \u201cChilly\u201d.
\nI never heard of this guy, but maybe we can hang those gruesome four (worst ever!) title pages of the autumn of 1952 on him: BEY16 \/ WEB12 \/ BAFF10 \/ HAND12.
\nHe may be even responsible for the \u201cPhoenix\u201d-cover of BEY18, which has been credited wrongly to Gene Colan (see discussion there).
\nPostscript June 2013:<\/strong> Ha! WEB12 has just been credited to John Chilly (got the info from an Ebay auction.<\/p>\n

Another artist rumored to have been with Ace in 1952 is Doug Wildey. I did not come across him looking through the stories, but he could be involved in these off-beat covers.
\nGood reference for Wildey is: Youthful\u2019s BUFFALO BILL #9<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Ghost On Television\u201d is one of the few horror stories of the early 50s that make TV viewing a topic.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey Burned A Witch<\/a>\u201d is posted on Karswell\u2019s fantastic blog \u201cThe Horrors Of It All\u201c – to read click on underlined title.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BEYOND #17<\/strong><\/a>
\n November\u00a0 1952<\/strong>
\nCover: Lyre of doom (3) – Jim McLaughlin
\n\u201cThe Terror Of Dread Isle\u201d (Louis Zansky)
\n\u201cI Walked At Midnight\u201d (Al Eadeh)
\n\u201cThe Lyre Of Doom\u201d (Sy Grudko)
\n\u201cTreasure Of The Dead\u201d (Gene Colan)<\/p>\n

The third Ace horror comic book to be completely lettered with Leroy.
\nUnknown to me or anyone up to that point was the artist of \u201cThe Lyre Of Doom\u201d.
\nOn my second tour through these books I could spot him as Sy Grudko<\/strong>. So this is his first \u201clong\u201d story (apart from all those \u201cfillers\u201d he did) \u2013 published at the same time as his \u201eMeet Me At The Cemetery\u201c in HAND14.
\nHe\u2019s finally allowed to contribute \u201creal\u201d stories, the poor devil.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Terror Of Dread Isle<\/a>\u201d and \u201cI Walked At Midnight<\/a>\u201d are posted on Karswell\u2019s fantastic blog \u201cThe Horrors Of It All\u201c – to read click on underlined title.<\/p>\n

Reminder: Miniature splash pages<\/strong> on this site indicate a complete post of that story<\/strong> in our „Stories“ section. Just click them to get there!
\nThat goes for „Curse of the Fire-Bird“ (above) the same as for „The Scourge of the Undead“ (below)…<\/em><\/h4>\n

BEYOND #18<\/strong><\/a>
\n January\u00a0 1953<\/strong>
\nCover: Phoenix (1) – Gene Colan ?\"\"<\/a>
\n\u201cCurse Of The Fire-Bird\u201d (Lin Streeter)
\n\u201cWanted: Ghost Writer\u201d (Sy Grudko, signed)
\n\u201cThe Hand Of The Ancient Evil!\u201d (???)
\n\u201cThe Scourge Of The Undead\u201d (Jim McLaughlin)<\/p>\n

A rule by now: issue completely lettered with Leroy. The other horror books have now embarked on this course, too.
\nThe trade publication ALTER EGO #97 reproduces this cover, signed by Gene Colan <\/strong>(see it by clicking on issue number)<\/em>. Comics historian Jim Vadeboncoeur, Jr. swears to all that\u2019s holy and to his reputation as \u201eart identifier\u201c that this is never Colan\u2019s work.
\nIt is unusual indeed. It is conceivable that Colan has been presented with this drawing \u2013 and signed it on the fly.<\/p>\n

The hidden signature (on the newspaper) in the splash page of \u201cWanted: Ghost Writer\u201d reveals Sy Grudko as another Ace regular. He worked for the crime books as well. We see in him the man who contributed almost all one-page \u201cfillers\u201d for all the horror titles.<\/p>\n

\u201cWanted: Ghost Writer\u201d is a variation of a story from HAND13. In \u201eFate\u2019s Final Scoop\u201c newspaper reporter Palmer causes calamities to write about.<\/p>\n

And \u201cThe Hand Of The Ancient Evil!<\/a>\u201d is an illustrated version of the text story from HAND10. It’s posted on Karswell\u2019s fantastic blog \u201cThe Horrors Of It All\u201c – to read click on underlined title. The story is marked as „mystery artwork“, but meanwhile I believe it to be Myron Fass. Fass has been credited with Ace horror, so this may just be the job earning him that entry into the Who’s Who of American Comic Books…<\/p>\n

Postscript January 2013<\/strong>: And I revoke! It’s not Fass, it’s another Grudko! On pencils, probably, and inked by someone. The same guy who did that mysterious cover drawing of the phoenix. I thought of Frank Giusto (alias „Ace Baker“), but he only did solo jobs and sent in his drawings. So the mystery remains!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>BEYOND #19<\/strong><\/a>
\n March 1953<\/strong>
\nCover: Grave robber (3) \u2013 Jim McLaughlin ?
\n\u201cThe Haunted Recording\u201d (Jim McLaughlin)
\n\u201cBlooded Altar On Frykon Tower\u201d (Bill Walton ?)
\n\u201cThe Vampire Of Montmartre\u201d (Jim McLaughlin)
\n\u201cBlack Coffin Of The Voodoo Jinx\u201d (Charles Nicholas + ?)<\/p>\n

Completely in Leroy. Both fillers are mislabeled<\/strong>.
\nBEYOND hosts the series „True Tales of the Supernatural“, but the one-pagers in this issue are labeled „True Tales of Unexplained Mystery“. That is the label of the fillers in the sister magazine WEB OF MYSTERY. The numbering however is consistent. In WEB19, therefore, we see two more one-pagers named „True Tales of Mystery Unexplained\u201d\u00a0 #37 + #38. These are no reprints from BEY19.<\/p>\n

Jim McLaughlin double feature. His first (of two) in BEYOND\u2019s run. Ace\u2019s most employed horror artist did 4 double features in total. The others are WEB26 and BAFF24 (here one of the two stories is a reprint).<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BEYOND #20<\/strong><\/a>
\n May 1953<\/strong>
\nCover: [Monster hand rings bell] (0) – Lou Cameron, signed\"\"<\/a>
\n\u201cProphecy Of The Black Dream\u201d (Ken Rice)
\n\u201cHorde Of The Faceless\u201d (Mike Sekowsky\/ Bill Walton ? + Mario Rizzi ?)
\n\u201cLair Of The Spidery Fiend\u201d (Dick Beck + George Klein ?)
\n\u201cCalling All Ghouls\u201d (Chic Stone)<\/p>\n

Completely Leroy lettered.
\nBEYOND\u2019s most beautiful cover, one of very few by Cameron \u2013 and the only one he signed.
\nNo artwork by Cameron inside, though<\/strong>.
\nFirst BEYOND job by Ken Rice since March 1952. Chic Stone returns, too, after a four-month absence from Ace horror.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BEYOND #21<\/strong><\/a>
\n July\u00a0 1953<\/strong>
\nCover: I, Serena, choose you to be my consort (0) – ???
\n\u201cRed Shadow Of Abaddon\u201d (Sy Grudko)
\n\u201cWerewolf Blood On My Hands\u201d (Dick Beck ?)
\n\u201cGraveyard Of Ghost Ships\u201d (Lou Cameron, signed)
\n\u201cIf Flesh Could Crawl\u2026\u201d (Jim McLaughlin)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Completely Leroy lettered. Now a shoddy cover page again. Not a bad motif, but crudely drawn (might even be a Cameron sketch).<\/p>\n

From the summer of 1953 on Lou Cameron is on a roll<\/strong>.
\nHe found his style, he\u2019s signing his work now, his artistic ego has developed. He\u2019ll be the outstanding artist in all of Ace\u2019s titles, inspiring his colleagues.
\nCameron\u2019s layouts and illustrations hit an all time high and are true gems of pre-code horror.<\/p>\n

\u201cWerewolf Blood On My Hands<\/a>\u201d (one of the best and funniest werewolf tales ever!) is posted on Karswell\u2019s fantastic blog \u201cThe Horrors Of It All\u201c – to read click on underlined title.<\/p>\n

\u201cGraveyard Of Ghost Ships<\/a>\u201d is posted on Karswell\u2019s fantastic blog \u201cThe Horrors Of It All\u201c – to read click on underlined title.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BEYOND #22<\/strong><\/a>
\n September 1953<\/strong>
\nCover: Run, or you\u2019ll become a cat too (0) – Jim McLaughlin ?
\n\u201cSwirling Mist Of Doom\u201d (Dick Beck + ?)
\n\u201cPrey For The Vampire Horde\u201d (Lou Cameron, signed)
\n\u201cArise, O Undead Druids!\u201d (Lin Streeter)
\n\u201cSorcerer\u2019s Flaming Ring\u201d (Jim McLaughlin)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Typical Cameron signature<\/p><\/div>\n

Completely Leroy lettered.
\nYour routine, run-of-the-mill Ace horror book. Just mildly, very mildly shocking stories executed with just-above-the-average artwork. But don\u2019t miss this one (hilariously funny vampire story!):<\/p>\n

\u201cPrey For The Vampire Horde<\/a>\u201d is posted on Karswell\u2019s fantastic blog \u201cThe Horrors Of It All\u201c – to read click on underlined title.<\/p>\n

\u201cArise, O Undead Druids!<\/a>\u201d is posted on Karswell\u2019s fantastic blog \u201cThe Horrors Of It All\u201c – to read click on underlined title.<\/p>\n

Here’s my story synopsis for „Prey For The Vampire Horde“ on Grand Comics Database:<\/p>\n

\n

Eric Barnes, an audio engineer, is captured by sinister count Pramevi (anagram for ‚vampire‘). He is to build a recording machine to preserve the count’s voice for all eternity. But Barnes constructs a supersonic weapon that disturbs the vampire’s flight. Pramevi crashes to the ground.<\/em><\/h3>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The exact same story ending (vampires being defeated by „supersonic oscillator“) can be found three years earlier in „The Vampire Swoops“ in ACG’s ADVENTURES INTO THE UNKNOWN #13.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"CameronSkull\"<\/a>

Grisly skull by Cameron in „The Unsleeping Dead“<\/p><\/div>\n

BEYOND #23<\/strong><\/a>
\n November 1953<\/strong>
\nCover: You have stolen from the grave (0\/2) – Jim McLaughlin ?
\n\u201cIn The Coils Of The Python Queen\u201d (Jim McLaughlin)
\n\u201cThe Unsleeping Dead\u201d (Lou Cameron, signed)
\n\u201cTalisman Of The Evil Brood\u201d (Sy Grudko ?)
\n\u201cMinion Of The Bloody Horsemen\u201d (??? – Myron Fass)<\/p>\n

Completely Leroy lettered.
\nThe cover bears slight reference to the second story, wherein graves are at least filmed.
\nIt may be the artwork, the coloring or even the scan, but this issue deems me unusually dark for an Ace comic book<\/strong>. Also, all of the stories are dismal, hopeless, and end on a fatal note.
\nUnidentified mystery artwork in the last one. I’d like to think there’s Myron Fass involved here.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Unsleeping Dead<\/a>\u201d and \u201cTalisman Of The Evil Brood<\/a>\u201d are posted on Karswell\u2019s fantastic blog \u201cThe Horrors Of It All\u201c – to read click on underlined title.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>BEYOND #24<\/strong><\/a>
\n January 1954<\/strong>
\nCover: Go, my gargoyles! (0\/2) – Jim McLaughlin ?
\n\u201cStep Into My Empty Shroud\u201d (Lou Cameron, signed)
\n\u201cThese, My Hands Of Doom\u201d (Ken Rice)
\n\u201cLair Of The Black Widow\u201d (Sy Grudko)
\n\u201cThe Talking Skull\u201d (Jim McLaughlin)<\/p>\n

Completely Leroy lettered.
\nThe cover could be connected to the second story which is once again an amalgam of various Ace topics: A gifted, but misshapen sculptor, a pact with the devil, a love ending in tragedy.<\/p>\n

McLaughlin’s style keeps blurring.<\/strong> He looks almost like a blend of Ken Rice and Sy Grudko. Nicely to observe in this issue, because all three are in it.
\nAnd again that dismal feeling all over. Cameron working with shadows like never before. Rice moving his characters through dark interiors. Grudko can not help it, and McLaughlin remains in his dark place.
\nThe coloring relies on earth tones, darkest blue, mossy greens and a faded yellow. Is this supposed to be BEYOND’s new trademark?<\/p>\n

\u201cLair Of The Black Widow<\/a>\u201d and \u201cStep Into My Empty Shroud<\/a>\u201d are posted on Karswell\u2019s fantastic blog \u201cThe Horrors Of It All\u201c – to read click on underlined title.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BEYOND #25\u00a0\u00a0<\/a> \u00a0<\/strong>
\nMarch 1954\u00a0<\/strong>
\nCover: Yes, stewardess! We\u2019ll weather the storm! (0) – ???
\n\u201cFrom The Graves They Crept\u201d (Jim McLaughlin + ?)
\n\u201cVengeance Of The Possessed\u201d (Louis Zansky)
\n\u201cThe Long Journey Outward\u201d (Jim McLaughlin)
\n\u201cTotem Justice\u201d (Lou Cameron, signed)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Ace writers‘ role models<\/p><\/div>\n

Completely Leroy lettered.
\nBig surprise of the issue: the cover is gorgeous! Even the balloon does not interfere, but enhances the atmosphere with an ironical touch. Very well done. I just can\u2019t decide if it\u2019s Rice or McLaughlin who did it\u2026
\nIt\u2019s hard with single pictures, especially when there are no faces!<\/p>\n

The second BEYOND McLaughlin double feature. He\u2019s keeping the tune dark and dismal.
\nTwo flimsy stories are followed by an Ace typical third, drafted from ancient Greek mythology<\/strong>. The saga about Orpeus and Eurydice godfathers a story about a husband retrieving his wife from the realm of the dead.
\nNumber four is your typical revenge from the beyond plot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BEYOND #26<\/strong><\/a>
\n April 1954<\/strong>
\nCover: See, what his wild experiments did to us (0\/1) – Ken Rice ?
\n\u201cWhen Icy Fingers Clutch\u201d (Ken Rice + ?)
\n\u201cDeath Writes The Horoscope\u201d (Louis Zansky)
\n\u201cThe Secret Fear Of Thurman Renaud\u201d (Lou Cameron, signed)
\n\u201cMe \u2013 Beast!\u201d (Jim McLaughlin ? + Sy Grudko ?)\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Completely Leroy lettered.
\nCover motif is loosely based on the first story. The third time in Ace horror history that an issue is divised by the \u201cBig Four\u201d \u2013 Cameron, Rice, Zansky and McLaughlin. Happens simultaneously with BAFF20.
\nRice as well as McLaughlin look a bit \u201chalf-baked\u201d in here. Therefore the question marks. There\u2019s possible a \u201cthird man\u201d involved.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe \u2013 Beast!\u201d astonishes, because it seems to be a collaboration between McLaughlin and Grudko.\u00a0 I thought he had been demoted to drawing \u201cfillers\u201d again, but he\u2019ll be back (see entry for BAFF21).
\nLooking at the splash there you will see a construction worker wearing a helmet marked \u201eACE Co.\u201c.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BEYOND #27<\/strong><\/a>
\n July 1954<\/strong>
\nCover: Oh, Bill! You found the \u201ctreasure of death\u201d (0) – ???
\n\u201cHaunt Of The Howling Head\u201d (Ken Rice)
\n\u201cFangs Of The Fiend\u201d (Lou Cameron, signed)
\n\u201cCatastrophe, Inc.\u201d (Jim McLaughlin)
\n\u201cStrange Potion Of Dr. Lorch\u201d (Mike Sekowsky + Vince Alascia ?) \u2013 reprint from WEB OF MYSTERY #3<\/p>\n

Completely Leroy lettered, except for the 1951 reprint, which is hand lettered of course.
\nThis cover and the one from HAND23 is by someone I can\u2019t put my finger on\u2026<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Book of Doom!<\/p><\/div>\n

<\/strong>\u201cFangs Of The Fiend<\/a>\u201d is a superbly absurd dentist story!
\nA cuckolded dentist pulls out all his rival\u2019s teeth and replaces them with dog\u2019s teeth. This procedure turns the rival into a werewolf. He is caught and his dog\u2019s teeth are pulled out again.
\nThe dentist, however, gets bitten during the process and changes himself into a werewolf. Now it\u2019s the dentist\u2019s turn to get his teeth pulled out. Pre-code horror hogwash at it\u2019s finest!<\/p>\n

\u201cCatastrophe, Inc.\u201d is the third Ace horror story \u2013 if I remember right \u2013 dealing with a newspaper reporter able to foresee the future.<\/p>\n

Dr. Wertham<\/strong> allegedly mentions BEYOND #27 as an „orgy of brutality“<\/strong> in his „Seduction Of The Innocent“ (SOTI): „His body was torn to shreds, his face unrecognizable mass of bloody and clawed of flesh“<\/em>. I checked and double checked again, but could not find that phrase. There are indeed a few people torn to pieces in this issue, that’s true, but it is not worded this way.<\/p>\n

Postscript April 2014:<\/strong> I just got mail from SOTI expert Steve O’Day<\/strong> who informs me that this passage does not come from BEYOND #27, but rather from an as-yet-unidentified comic book. However, Mister O’Day explains, there is a passage on page 111 in the Wertham book, reading as follows:<\/p>\n

In many comics stories there is nothing but violence. It is violence for violence’s sake. The plot: killing. The motive: to kill. The characterization: killer. The end: killed. In one comic book the scientist („mad,“ of course), Dr. Simon Lorch, after experimenting on himself with an elixir, has the instinct to „kill and kill again.“ He „flails“ to death two young men whom he sees changing a tire on the road. He murders two boys he finds out camping. And so on for a week. Finally he is killed himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, obviously,\u00a0\u201cStrange Potion Of Dr. Lorch\u201d is the story in BEYOND #27 to which Dr. Wertham was referring. The story itself is not posted on any horror blog on the internet, but you can view or download my scan of the complete isse by accessing THIS <\/a>site of the Digital Comic Museum.<\/p>\n

Well, thank you very much for shedding that much light upon this dire matter. I strongly recommend a visit to Steve’s wonderful website<\/a> about all things worthy of censorship!\u00a0\u00a0 : – )<\/p>\n

\"LostSoti\"<\/a>

Screenshot from above mentioned web site, click to go there!<\/p><\/div>\n

BEYOND #28<\/strong><\/a>
\n September 1954<\/strong>
\nCover: (Zombie rises from casket) (1\/3) – Jim McLaughlin ?
\n\u201cNightmare Carnival\u201d (Ken Rice)
\n\u201cInvitation From A Ghost\u201d (Louis Zansky)
\n\u201cWaves Of The Creeping Death\u201d (Jim McLaughlin)
\n\u201cThe Persevering Mummy\u201d (\u201eAce Baker\u201c) \u2013 reprint from WEB OF MYSTERY #3<\/p>\n

Completely Leroy lettered, except again for the 1951 reprint, which is hand lettered of course. The cover could hint to either one of two stories, in which the undead rise from their coffins.
\nAfter seven issues in a row the first one without a contribution by Lou Cameron.
\nHe\u2019ll be back for the last issue, BEY30.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BEYOND #29<\/strong><\/a>\"\"<\/a>
\n November 1954<\/strong>
\nCover: The Master summons the undead (3) – ???
\n\u201cDoomsmoke\u201d (Ken Rice)
\n\u201cLegend Of The Long 3rd Finger\u201d (Louis Zansky) \u2013 reprint from BEYOND #3
\n\u201cCandles For The Undead\u201d (Jim McLaughlin)
\n\u201cThe Face In The Fog\u201d (Martin \u201cMarty\u201d Rose, signed) \u2013 reprint from WEB OF MYSTERY #3<\/p>\n

Two reprints and two originals in this issue.
\n\u201cDoomsmoke\u201d being the last by Ken Rice for BEYOND – and his second to last for Ace Horror in general.<\/p>\n

Typically Ace: In \u201cCandles For The Undead\u201d the underlying nastiness of the plot<\/strong> (corpses being molten down into fat and then fabricated into candles) is annulled by a noble 18th century setting<\/strong>. Ponytailed men in shirts with quillings and a lady in a long robe lend aristocratic flair to a basically cruel ghost story.<\/p>\n

\u201cCandles For The Undead<\/a>\u201d is posted on Karswell\u2019s fantastic blog \u201cThe Horrors Of It All\u201c – to read click on underlined title.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BEYOND #30<\/strong><\/a>
\n January 1955<\/strong>
\nCover: (High priest appears out of smoke in mummy\u2019s tomb)\u00a0 (0) – ???
\n\u201cCode Of The Shadowmaster\u201d (Lou Cameron, signed)
\n\u201cThe Reluctant Ghost\u201d (Ken Rice) \u2013 reprint from BEYOND #1
\n\u201cSlaves Of The Undead Brain\u201d (Louis Zansky)
\n\u201cThe Spell Of The Hypnotic Chord\u201d (Louis Zansky) \u2013 reprint from BEYOND #4<\/p>\n

\"Beyond#30\"<\/a>

BEYOND’s last issue even refrains from a speech balloon<\/p><\/div>\n

Last issue of Ace\u2019s horror flagship title, and it\u2019s a good one. Out with a bang, not with a whimper<\/strong>.
\nInteresting cover art, to start with. That\u2019s not Ken Rice or Jim McLaughlin, as so often. There\u2019s a Warren Kremer touch to it (who did the very first Ace horror covers, ironically).<\/p>\n

Cameron\u2019s \u201cShadowmaster\u201d is an addleheaded story about a magic sackcloth and cutting silhouettes, but fun and again most inventive (the absurdly tilted castle on page 2 looks like it\u2019s made out of rubber!). On page 3 Cameron uses open scissors for panel borders!<\/p>\n

The commendable Mr. Karswell finally uploaded „Code of the Shadowmaster<\/a>“ in August 2014.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Reluctant Ghost\u201d is clearly a reprint, but where from?
\nCould this be the missing story from BEYOND #1? Everything points that way. Rice was in the books from the very beginning, it\u2019s an early horror work by him, so it may very well be a last-minute reprint in this last issue.
\nPostcript December 2012<\/strong>: It is! We got the book now and can confirm our observation.
\nAnd so BEYOND returns to its beginnings \u2013 and ends.<\/p>\n

Closing shop with a Zansky-double feature<\/strong>. Nice to compare a 1951 to a late 1954 Zansky.
\n\u201cSlaves Of The Undead Brain\u201d is a wonderfully zany Zansky story packed with wild ideas. There\u2019a a touch of \u201cWestworld\u201d and even James-Bond-gadgetry. Shape of things to come.<\/p>\n

\u201cSlaves Of The Undead Brain<\/a>\u201d is posted on Karswell\u2019s fantastic blog \u201cThe Horrors Of It All\u201c – to read click on underlined title.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For the record: BEYOND\u00a0 \u2013 Top Spotted Artists (number of stories in brackets)<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Jim McLaughlin<\/td>\n(22)<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lou Cameron<\/td>\n(15)<\/td>\n6 with Rocco Mastroserio<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ken Rice<\/td>\n(11)<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mike Sekowsky<\/td>\n(9)<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Louis Zansky<\/td>\n(8)<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
„Ace Baker“<\/td>\n(6)<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sy Grudko<\/td>\n(6)<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lin Streeter<\/td>\n(6)<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bill Molno<\/td>\n(4)<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dick Beck<\/td>\n(4)<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chic Stone<\/td>\n(4)<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Richard Case<\/td>\n(3)<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Maurice Gutwirth<\/td>\n(3)<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gene Colan<\/td>\n(3)<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mario Rizzi<\/td>\n(4)<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Each 1: Charles Nicholas, Bill Walton, Al Hartley, Jerry Grandenetti, Al Eadeh and possibly John Belfi.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Chronological listing of all issues \u2013 with comments and annotations. We mention date of publication, cover motive and cover artist (if identified). The number in brackets links cover motive to story inside. Especially for ACE HORROR every issue has been indexed at the Grand Comics Database \u2013 the link will show you all available data, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1185,"parent":0,"menu_order":20,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/full-width.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/aces-of-ace.de\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/aces-of-ace.de\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/aces-of-ace.de\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/aces-of-ace.de\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/aces-of-ace.de\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=9"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"http:\/\/aces-of-ace.de\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1392,"href":"http:\/\/aces-of-ace.de\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9\/revisions\/1392"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/aces-of-ace.de\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1185"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/aces-of-ace.de\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=9"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}