Review of "Web Of Mystery: Volume One February 1951-December 1951, Issues 1-6," originally published by Ace Magazines

 Review of

Web Of Mystery: Volume One February 1951-December 1951, Issues 1-6, originally published by Ace Magazines ISBN 9781786361387

Five out of five stars

Pre-code classic horror stories in comic form

 To the modern reader, these classic stories seem simplistic in both textual and visual expression. They deal with ghosts, vampires, werewolves, and other forms of the occult. In other words, pretty much the entire gamut of the modern horror genre.

 Not all of the “monsters” are evil, some are simply trying to pass along information regarding their demise to the people that miss them or did them harm. The stories are a look back at what was considered cutting edge and after the rise of Wertham, a form of literature that was damaging the youth of America.

 To the modern reader experienced in the content of many of the comics labeled for “Mature audiences,” these stories are extremely tame. Little, if any, blood is visible, even when fangs are being used on humans. An amusing characteristic is that there are few instances of scantily clad women and their chests are universally of normal size.

 This is an interesting book to read if you are interested in the history of comics as literature. As is the case in almost all forms of art and literature, what was once considered extremely inappropriate is now quaint.