Mad House #96
Published and © by Red Circle (Archie), November 1974
Title: “Never Bother a Deadman”
Synopsis: When a local youth gang invades a funeral home, will the dead rise to the defense of the kindly undertaker?
Writer: Marv Channing
Penciler: Jesse Santos
Review: While the stories in Red Circle’s mid-’70s output was mostly fair to middling, the Archie imprint’s roster of artists included some impressive talent. This lead story doesn’t break the EC mold, but features solid art from Gold Key mainstay Jesse Santos. This issue is off to a good start.
•••
Title: “Demon Kiss”
Synopsis: A wannabe starlet makes a deal with a demon and ends up dating an obsessive nerd with deadly results.
Writer: Bruce Jones
Artist: Jones
Review: This short story features some stunning art from Bruce Jones, whose work here is reminiscent of early Michael W. Kaluta.
•••
Title: “The Devil’s Matchmaker”
Synopsis: A witch chooses her dead lover over the desires of her coven, but everyone ultimately gets what they want.
Writer: John Jacobson
Artist: Sal Amendola
Review: Another adequate story elevated by interesting art, this time featuring the illustrative, thick line by Sal Amendola.
•••
Title: “The Gentlest Dog on the Block!”
Synopsis: A friendly dog barks at the wrong gypsy fortune-teller’s cat; a pair of cursed murders ensues.
Writer: Marv Channing
Artist: Doug Wildey
Review: This tale is the weakest of this issue’s offerings, though both story and art are serviceable.
Grade (for the entire issue): B+
Second opinion: “Some very nice stories here, especially ‘Demon Kiss.’ ” – Steve Whitaker, FantaCo’s Chronicles Series Annual #1, 1983
Cool factor: That Bruce Jones’ story is pretty!
Notable: Also includes a one-pager titled “Essays Into the Supernatural” by Marv Channing and Sal Amendola.
Character quotable: “Na-shaga mur …. nig yama shaga … mur yup sagoth … yig nama nu …” – Valarie Lewton (umm … yeah, what she said!)
Editor’s note: This review was written Oct. 28, 2024.
