In regards to the horror genre, no medium does justice like comics. Books leave too much to the imagination, while movies give away too much. Comics, however, have the perfect balance.
This is seen best in the classic horror comics of the 70s such as SWAMP THING, CREEPY, and EERIE. EERIE: VOLUME 11 is no exception. The art in these stories is so intricate and detailed that I can only imagine the artists got nightmares thinking about their own work. These horrible images (such as a woman eating human flesh) are vivid and realistic even in back and white.
The collection includes Eerie issues 52 thru 55, all of which have good stories and GREAT stories. From werewolves to mummies (both recurring in each issue) to mutant demons in the future – this book has a little of everything. While all the stories are fun and exciting to read, two stories stand out to me as my absolute favorites. In “The Beheading,” the ghost of a girl who was raped and beheaded (obviously these were written before the Comics Code) haunts a young couple. The young man confronts the ghost about her constantly trying to get his lady’s head. The ghost then tells him her story about getting raped and beheaded because she wouldn’t tell these bad guys where the family treasure was. All the talk of treasure get’s the young man excited and he begins to search for it. SPOILERS AHEAD:
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When they find the treasure, the ghost beheads the young girl and takes her head. After finding the ghosts head he puts it on his decapitated girlfriend and she comes to life only to strangle him!
YEAH! Crazy stuff! There is another story where the Werewolf and the Living Mummy team up in “To Curse This Curse.” Honestly, it’s one of the most bizarre stories I have ever read, filled with mind switching, cursed curses, and a Mummy Wolf! On top of containing so many great stories of horror the book also features letter pages, old comic book ads, and a board game. Though EERIE is not for everyone due to its sexual content, graphic violence, and some nudity, I have to give it an overall score of 4 out of 5 shrieks! It’s a frighteningly good read!
