House of Mystery #264
Published and © by DC, January 1979
Title: “Then Beggars Could Ride!”
Synopsis: A purse snatcher and a security guard plot to take over a carnival, but the carousel still spins.
Writer: Scott Edelman
Artist: Noly Panaligan
Review: DC had a long tradition of trying out new talent on their Bronze Age horror books. But, by the late ’70s, that talent pool was running dry. None of this issue’s stories are particularly strong though this lead story features the nicest art. It’s still more serviceable than scary.
•••
Title: “The Stygian Walk”
Synopsis: A son seeking an early inheritance resorts to murder, then meets his own unexpected end.
Writer: Steve Clement
Artist: Juan Ortiz
Review: Juan Ortiz’s art shows a little Carmine Infantino influence. The odd setting and unexpected twist make for a fun story.
•••
Title: “Through a Glass, Darkly”
Synopsis: A thief-turned-killer’s plan to use a shard from a crystal ball to commit future crimes ends poorly.
Writer: Martin Pasko (as Wyatt Gwyon)
Artists: George Ruppert and John Celardo
Review: There’s a hint of an interesting concept here, but the art is the most amateurish in this issue.
Grade (for the entire issue): C-
Cool factor: Cool is in short supply. This issue is short on scary, too.
Notable: Also includes a frontispiece by Romeo Tanghal and a one-page “Cain’s Game Room” humor strip by Dave Manak. … The “Cain’s Mail Room” letters page includes an LoC from comic-book historian and publisher Robin Snyder.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a Mark Jewelers variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “I’m concerned about future.” – Joey Lateef (same, Joey, same)
Editor’s note: This review was written Oct. 30, 2024.
