The Guide - Part 1

The EC Archives: Tales from the Crypt, vol.1 by Albert B. Feldstein, Johnny Craig, and Wallace Wood (2007)– The Crypt keeper leads the reader through this classic anthology of horror stories.  EC was known for its horror and was one of the targets for a congressional investigation into the content of comic books and their effects on youth.  While these stories may be on the tame side by today’s standards, they are still worth reading today.

The EC Archives: The Haunt of Fear, vol.1 edited by Bill Gaines (2011)– One of the books that EC released in its horror line of comics.  Like Tales from the Crypt, it was one of many titles that were attacked during the congressional hearings on comic books.  It is a good piece of comic book history.

Creepy Archives, vol.1 by various authors and artists, Shawna Gore (editor), Russ Jones (editor/contributor), Archie Goodwin (editor/contributor) (2008)– In the same tradition as Tales from the Crypt, Creepy was an anthology book that, thanks to its magazine status, was able to avoid the Comics Code Authority and not be censored as heavily.  The stories within are all takes on classic and modern horror stories.  Where this book really shines is the artwork within.  This is worth a look for any fan of horror.

Eerie Archives, vol.1 by various authors and artists, Shawna Gore (editor) (2009)– This sister publication to Creepy brings more of what one would expect from a horror comic of that time.  As with Creepy, Eerie shines in the amazing amount of work put into the art of each story.  Be prepared for all the macabre glory that is Eerie.

Showcase Presents: The House of Mystery, vol.1 by various authors and artists (2006)– A collection of 22 original issues of a classic horror anthology series.  Cain, the host, leads the reader through stories that lean towards the comic and over-the-top side of horror, but are good for those who want a glimpse into horror comics of that era.  Unfortunately, the comics are copied in black and white, but the amazing art still holds its charms.

Showcase Presents: The House of Secrets, vol.1 by various authors and artists (2008)– A collection of 18 original issues of a classic horror anthology series.  Abel takes the reader through a number of stories featuring everything from comic horror stories to pure horror.  The original comics are reproduced in black and white with all of the artwork still intact.  This volume is notable for having the first appearance of Swamp Thing.

House of Mystery, vol.1: Room and Boredom by Matthew Sturges and Bill Willingham with art by Luc Rossi (2009)– A reimagining of the classic series that takes place within a bar located in the House of Mystery.  The stories are told while the over-arching story is being told.  The art is interesting and appropriate for the genre.

Museum of Terror vol.1 by Junji Ito (2011)– This manga series explores a number of stories written by Japanese horror writer Junji Ito.  The first volume follows the Tomie stories he created.  Tomie is so beautiful that she drives all that are attracted to her into a killing frenzy that ends in her death.  She is then reincarnated and the process starts all over again.  The artwork is appropriately creepy for this genre.