Pre-Code Classics: Mysteries Weird and Strange HC (2019 PS Artbooks) comic books

Volume 1 - 1st printing. "May 1953 to January 1954!" Collects Mysteries (1953-1955) #1-5.

This one's a wacky entry and no denying, with Canadian publisher Superior Comics coming into the four-color horror ring all gloved up and swinging fit to punch the lights out of anybody who stands in their way. They kicked off with Journey Into Fear, Strange Mysteries (as opposed to pretty straightforward and perhaps even slightly boring mysteries), and the one-word extravaganza that was Mysteries, the latter calling itself variously Mysteries (its legal title) and, on the cover, Mysteries Weird and Strange.

The earlier tales were bizarre and quirky and it's pretty clear that inspiration was in short supply that day. Good stuff though, Clancy, with pens, pencils and plots coming from, among others, Jay Disbrow and the Igor Shop: clear a space on the shelf pronto.

Hardcover, 184 pages, full color.

Cover price $45.99.

Volume 2 - 1st printing. "March 1954 to January 1955!" Collects Mysteries (1953-1955) #6-11.

This one's a wacky entry and no denying, with Canadian publisher Superior Comics coming into the four-color horror ring all gloved up and swinging fit to punch the lights out of anybody who stood in their way. The tales were bizarre and quirky, with pens, pencils and plots coming from, among others, Jay Disbrow and the Igor Shop.

Writer and illustrator Jay E. Disbrow worked as a comic book artist during the 1950s and he is especially remembered for his pre-Code horror comics, and has become (certainly around the PS offices) a cult favorite for his stories filled with demons, ghostly apparitions and other monsters.

b>Featuring Work by Jay E. Disbrow and Iger Shop.

Hardcover, 216 pages, full color.

Cover price $51.99.