Originally Published In Issue 49
Reprinted In Issue 108
First published back in January of 1975, Issue 49 of the ‘Pocket Chiller Library’ comic series was titled ‘The Finger’. The comic was later reprinted under the alternative title ‘Never Again’ within Issue 108.
During the 1970s the ‘Pocket Chiller Library’ was a pocket-sized mainstream horror comic which ran for 137 issues between 1971 and 1977. From issue 86 onwards the publishers simply started reprinting the earlier stories, the first 28 of these reprints retitling the story. As such, there were only a total of 86 different stories within the series.
Unfortunately, each issue was undated, making it difficult to be sure of the date for first publication of each issue. However, it is widely understood the comics were monthly publications, with the original stories running between 1971 and 1977, therefore the above date of publication is a reasonable assumption. Additionally, each issue was uncredited to either the writer or the comic artist(s).
Eagan’s devious plan relied on his aging Aunt Maria Minton taking her usual late-night walk through the large grounds of the great house that night. It was a daily routine which his aunt had stuck to without fail for many years. Although that night Eagan planned to make it her last.
He’d hidden in the shadows, a ghastly mask covering his face, ready to pounce. Of course, Eagan was very aware of his aunt’s weak heart. His hope was the sudden shock would due the old girl in once and for all. And his plan worked perfectly.
Eagan was also very aware that being his aunt’s favourite nephew, he stood to inherit everything. However, the following day, Eagan learns from his late aunt’s aging butler that the old girl was penniless. After the house and possessions were all sold off, and her many debts were finally cleared, there would be nothing left for Eagan.
That was, all except for the near-priceless emerald ring which his Aunt had been given by the Indian Maharajah. A ring which in her last will and testament, Minton stated she wished to be buried with within.
With Eagan facing his own debts, he needed that ring, or more precisely, the money he’d receive from selling the ring. There was only one option left for him. Eagan had to dig up the grave and take the ring for himself.
However, as Eagan would soon find out, the will of the dead can be a very powerful one. Especially when a life is cut short through greed and betrayal…
Here we have a relatively standard PCL plot. Essentially, its one involving the murder of an aging relative so that the perpetrator can inherit their wealth. But in doing so, the deceased comes back to take their revenge. It’s a plot which has been used a few times already within the PCL comics – most notably with ‘Issue 44: The Unquiet Grave’ (1974) and ‘Issue 46: The Mummies’ (1974).
Now, I have to admit that the cover art of this particular PCL comic had well and truly whet my appetite for the story. Of course, they say you should never judge a book by its cover. That’s often very true with these PCL comics. In fact, I’ve found it’s often the more bland or vague covers which end up containing the better stories! This one, unfortunately, stays true to this pattern.
That’s not to say it’s a bad or boring tale. It’s entertaining and relatively well paced. However, there’s really nothing that’s very inspired about it. The plot feels pretty much like a carbon copy of previous issues, especially considering the aforementioned two examples were published just a few months prior to this one.
There’s also far less of a ‘horror’ element to the tale. Less supernatural torment, or any other chilling visits from the recently deceased. Instead, we get to see a lot of Eagan plotting and conspiring, then getting increasingly concerned about getting caught, with only very brief occurrences from poor old Aunt Minton coming back to haunt him.
The aging butler, Travers, is also a bit of a disappointment. Rather than being more cynical about Eagan and his actions, the butler instead just bumbles about closing curtains and serving up hot drinks. When compared with the secondary characters from similar PCL comics, the character of Travers just feels like a bit of a wasted opportunity.
The ending, however, is classic PCL stuff. A sudden ramping up of the ghastly supernatural horror to finish the story off with. It’s a solid ending (as so often they are in these comics), serving up a swift dose of properly grisly comeuppance.
The accompanying illustrative artwork is good, as again is so often the case with these comics. The illustrations purposely focus on the characters expressive features, exaggerating their anger, frustration, shock and fear in a wonderfully over-the-top way. This certainly helps keep the reader somewhat gripped by the story, although ultimately, the comic is still one of the weaker PCL offerings.
The comic book runs for a total of 64 pages.
© DLS Reviews
