Journey Into Mystery #1
Published and © by Marvel, October 1972
Title: “Dig Me No Grave!”
Synopsis: Two men tend to the last wishes of a deceased occultist who appears to have made a devilish deal.
Writer (story): Robert E. Howard
Writer (adaptation): Roy Thomas
Penciler: Gil Kane
Inker: Tom Palmer
Review: Without the Robert E. Howard connection, this is a fairly bland take on the timeless sold-your-soul-to-the-devil template. As with many of Roy Thomas’ REH adaptation, the real flavor comes from the art; Gil Kane delivers some good-looking pencils, but this collaboration with Tom Palmer doesn’t reach the next level.
•••
Title: “House!”
Synopsis: A woebegone traveler seeks shelter from a storm in an abandoned Kentucky house – but finds mortal terror instead.
Writer: Steve Englehart
Artist: Ralph Reese
Review: Steve Englehart’s story is elevated by excellent Ralph Reese art, and the final panel delivers a fun tonal shift.
•••
Title: “You Show Me Your Dream – I’ll Show You Mine!!”
Synopsis: Death connects two strangers, whose odd, shared dreams take a dark turn in the waking world.
Writer: Steve Skeates
Penciler: Jim Starlin
Inker: Mike Ploog
Review: A Jim Starlin story about Death? Shocker! Unfortunately, his pencils don’t mesh well with Mike Ploog’s inks.
Grade (for the entire issue): B
Cool factor: Horror comics provided a great proving ground for fresh talent throughout the Bronze Age.
Character quotable: “Voodoo rituals – leopard cults – they are all the dregs of the unknown.” – John Grimlan, old beyond his time
Editor’s note: This review was written May 8, 2024.
