Originally Published In Issue 56
Reprinted In Issue 115
First published back in August of 1975, Issue 56 of the ‘Pocket Chiller Library’ comic series was titled ‘The Rope’. The comic was later reprinted under the same title within Issue 115.
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).
It was a funny place to visit for a honeymoon, the gloomy old Castle of Pirelli, but Roy had said that as long as they were in this part of Italy, they had to see it. It would be fair to say, none of the tour was to Lisa’s liking. But Roy seemed fascinated. Something about the dark side of things seemed to attract him.
Which was why the piece of rope which had been used by Count Pirelli’s official strangler, back in the thirteenth century, instantly captured Roy’s attention. The moment the guide’s back was turned, Roy had snatched up the strangler’s rope. For Roy, the rope was more than just a fascinating piece of history. Within its twines there was a legacy of power. The lives it had ended. The death this single piece of rope had delivered.
However, before long the rope’s influence had a hold on Roy. After so many centuries of waiting, it was time for the rope to finally take up its work again. Through Roy, the rope would restart the murder of bygone years.
Lisa was the first to die. There was no choice in the matter. Roy had once loved her dearly, but that was no longer important. The rope needed to carry on its work. It needed to kill.
The next day, Roy checked out of their hotel alone. The world was his. He had an entire week in front of him. Plenty of time to find more work for the rope. A trip to the seafront would be the first place to go.
He was following his instinct now. Following a drive. Following the unspoken commands of the rope…
DLS Review:
It’s a timeless classic horror story set-up. A possessed inanimate object which drives whoever possess it to kill…kill…KILL! Yeah, it’s a plot we’ve admittedly all seen utilised countless times before. Here with a length of rope, which holds a dark legacy of cruel murder within its twine.
Of course, the evil behind the rope is exhibited through the one who possess it, which in this story is Roy, a quirky young man, with an unruly flock of hair but something about him which seems to attract the attention of the fairer sex. So once Lisa is knocked off (which happens almost as soon as we meet her), Roy is now in prime position to take up a murder spree.
With this base plot established early on, the location of the tale moves to a luxury yacht, which is owned by the father of a happy-go-lucky and somewhat spoilt young woman called Bettina Reilly, who Roy just happens to bump into during his travels. The two hit it off instantly and so before long, Roy’s at a three-day-long party on the yacht, with a bunch of wealthy young partygoers. The host of this private soiree is Charles Reilly – Bettina Reilly’s father – who just happens to be a world-renowned expert on occult matters!
Charles isn’t the only one upon the boat who knows a thing or two about the occult. He has his trusty assistant with him, Jay Thomas, who early on announces that he believes Roy has psychotic tendencies and might be possessed by a spirit.
Despite Charles’ carefree daughter being on board, and her having taken an immediate fancy to Roy, Charles nevertheless decides to simply keep an eye on Roy, so him and his assistant can observe how a possessed psycho behaves. Yeah, it’s one of those ‘just-go-along-with-it’ kinda stories!
Honestly, half the joy in the story is the monstrously ludicrous decisions made by those in the company of Roy. And when a fellow partygoer suddenly disappears, they of course think nothing of it. Suspicions are raised a tad when Bettina’s cat winds up strangled, but of course, this isn’t enough to have them part ways with their psychotic new pal.
Accompanying the story, you have the artwork itself. This is provided by none other than Ian Gibson of 2000AD fame. The artwork is sketchy, but character driven, with the focus on the drawings being the characters and their reactions, rather than the locale or anything else. This works perfectly with the story type, lending Roy a certain rugged, dark and menacing feel throughout the comic.
Like with so many of these comics, the charm and entertainment within the piece is with the suspension of disbelief. The storyline follows the most route which would provide the most drama, rather than being embedded in any form of believability. This will have you chuckling along with the course of the tale, which races along at a consistent pace.
Another solid addition to this wonderfully 1970s comic series.
The comic book runs for a total of 64 pages.
© DLS Reviews
