House of Secrets #93
Published and © by DC, August-September 1971
Title: “Lonely in Death!”
Synopsis: It’s family drama as a young woman fears her mother’s ghost is trying to kill her.
Writer: Steve Skeates
Penciler: Jim Aparo
Review: DC’s Bronze Age horror titles largely featured serviceable stories. What elevated individual issues was the mix of top-shelf art jobs sprinkled throughout the line. This issue kicks off with an A+ cover by Bernie Wrightson, then offers up this lead feature with solid Jim Aparo art. That’s a good start!
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Title: “The Curse of the Cat’s Cradle”
Synopsis: A replacement plantation boss stumbles across a plot to steal treasure and a submerged giant who communicates with vines.
Writer: Uncredited
Artist: Alex Toth
Review: This reprint from 1964’s My Greatest Adventure #85 makes little story sense, but Alex Toth always delivers nice art.
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Title: “Nightmare”
Synopsis: A falling man finds himself trapped in the dark with something horrible – then wakes to go through it again!
Writer: Uncredited
Artist: Jack Abel
Review: This three-page sequence is simple, but packed with tension and pathos. The Jack Abel art is solid.
•••
Title: “The Beast From the Box”
Synopsis: A botanist must figure out how to stop an alien creature that keeps growing and evolving.
Writer: Uncredited
Artist: Nick Cardy
Review: This Silver Age sci-fi story from 1959’s House of Secrets #24 gets a slight boost from Nick Cardy’s art.
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Title: “Never Kill a Witch’s Son!”
Synopsis: It’s family drama as a young woman fears her uncle’s ghost is trying to kill her.
Writer: John Albano
Artist: Tony DeZuniga
Review: This issue’s final tale shares too much story DNA with the lead feature, and inferior art to boot.
Grade (for the entire issue): B
Cool factor: Ooooh, that Bernie Wrightson cover!
Notable: Also includes two pages of “Abel’s Fables” gag cartoons by Sergio Aragonés.
Character quotable: “She’s trying to kill me – because she’s lonely! She wants me to join her in death!” – Cynthia Compton, with some family issues
Editor’s note: This review was written Oct. 26, 2023.
