Originally Published In Issue 51
Reprinted In Issue 110
First published back in February of 1973, Issue 51 of the ‘Pocket Chiller Library’ comic series was titled ‘Epitaph To A Madman’. The comic was later reprinted under the alternative title ‘The Fiend’ within Issue 110.
During the 1970s the ‘Pocket Chiller Library’ was a pocket-sized mainstream horror comic which ran for a total of 137 issues between 1971 and 1977. Each month, two issues of the comic were published, amounting to a total of twenty-four issues of the comic published each year.
However, it should be noted that from issue 86 onwards, the publishers started reprinting the earlier stories. Of these reprints, the first 28 reprints (issues 86 – 113) retitled the story. As such, there were only a total of 86 different stories within the series, despite there being more titles.
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 two publications released simultaneously each month, with the original stories running from January 1971. Therefore, the above date of publication is a relatively reasonable assumption.
Additionally, each issue was unfortunately uncredited to either the writer or the comic artist(s).
Johnny and Mia Stern were on their honeymoon, out in a yacht off Cape St. Christopher, when the dangerous currents of the sea met a westerly storm, and all hell broke loose. When the yacht came close to hitting the rocks of the cliff edge, a figure emerged upon the seaweed covered rockface, guiding the boat past the ragged rocks, and into the safe haven of calmer waters beyond.
All that the pair had managed to see of their saviour was a colossal man holding a thick pole. Despite the heroic deed he had just undertaken, the huge figure bore the face of a madman.
Although they were now safe, Mia couldn’t get the actions of this lone figure out of her mind. She had to know he was also safe. She wanted to find him, thank him, see that he had not suffered a terrible fate as a result of his courageous actions.
Knowing Mia wouldn’t be happy until they’d found the man, the pair set off for Cape St. Christopher. However, upon finding the only remaining evidence of the community – a lone isolated old church – the pair are about to leave when they’re dragged into the dark catacombs of the church’s graveyard.
In the darkness, Johnny and Mia are bound with thick rope and confronted by the giant of a man who’d previously saved them. An ogrish being with a simple mind. Their captor, Gregory, speaks of his Master. One who is utterly evil but must be appeased.
The pair’s fate now rests in the hands of this simple brute and the one who commands him. The evil fiend who has a powerful hold over Gregory. The fiend who projects terror so that his despicable ploy may long continue…
This PCL’s an elaborate one. Essentially, we have some newlyweds who get captured by an ogrish brute with a childlike mind. This colossal man proceeds to hold them captive within the tunnels of an ancient crypt by the cliff edges, so that its evil master can decide upon their fate. What ensues is our hero, Johnny, quickly figuring out what’s really going on, in what could only be described as a ‘Scooby Doo’ style plot twist.
Meanwhile, poor Mia just plays the damsel in distress the whole time, constantly pleading and worrying about their fate. That, and offering to rub soothing cream on the back of their captor, Gregory, to help with the wounds he’s suffered at the hands of his master.
As for the Master – a ghastly fiend with a skull head and animal-like canines – well, this wicked being has a cat-o-nine-tails which he whips Gregory and his captives with at almost every opportunity. Hence poor, simple Gregory’s ripped-up back.
For a PCL comic, as you can tell, there’s plenty going on. It’s also highly imaginative, with twists in the narrative you’re probably not anticipating at all, keeping you on your toes as the story progresses down some delightfully outlandish routes.
It’s all wonderfully far-fetched and imaginatively contrived, with a small cast of characters delivering an enjoyably cliched dialogue to amplify the wackiness of the piece. The threat of the Master and indeed his misguided servant, is constant and surprisingly effective. The shadowy gloom of the underground crypt, its many tunnels and secret passageways, further adds to this whole darkened, creepy, almost surreal and altogether nightmarish atmosphere.
The illustrative artwork is more stylised than most PCLs, with a range of styles exhibited in it, from pen and ink to what looks to be charcoals along with water-based brushes. Action is emphasised with pop-art like backdrops, together making for an energetic, instantly engaging and visually effective read.
This is a good one. Utterly enthralling and packed with plenty of unexpected twists and turns throughout. It’s all delightfully imaginative and constantly emersed in proper, creepy 1970s horror.
The comic book runs for a total of 64 pages.
© DLS Reviews
