..and who wishes they could forget them?
WARNING!
It seems appropriate for me to let all you nice folks know that there are some icky images on this page and some even ickier ones on the pages I've linked to. Still, I've decided to list this lens as being "G-rated" since the magazines described and displayed herein were sold to kids when they were new(whether their parents knew about it or not). 
Monsters and horror movies were a big deal in the sixties.The classics were shown frequently on TV all over North America, England's Hammer Studios were producing their own brand of gothic horror, Japan had its giant creatures, while stateside, American International Pictures had Vincent Price busily starring in his Poe shockers.
The television networks jumped in with THE MUNSTERS, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, THE OUTER LIMITS and many others so that even kids who weren't allowed to stay up late or go to the cinema could still get their fill.
Naturally, popularity on this scale spilled into other areas of mass culture. Monsters were turning up as toys, trading cards, model kits, masks, and everything else that could be marketed to kids - except one.
Although comic books seemed like a natural for the horror business, they were for the most part left out in the cold.
In the 1950s, The Comics Code Authority had been formed as a way for the industry to regulate itself and keep the censors at bay. Horror comics were thought to be the worst offenders, so they were virtually forced out of existence despite their high sales.Then, in 1964 Warren Publishing, which had been successfully riding the monster wave since 1958 with FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND magazine, published the first issue of CREEPY.
It's larger format meant that CREEPY was displayed on magazine racks instead of comic stands, freeing it from the Code's authority and the distribution problems that came from disobeying it.
Despite the lurid subject matter, the early issues of CREEPY were top notch. Its editor Archie Goodwin gathered together some of the best comic artists around at the time and produced an excellent magazine.
Which brings us to the subject of this lens: just like in everything else, success in the comics field leads to imitators.In Warren's case, those imitators came primarily in the form of Myron Fass' Countrywide Publications. After the way had been paved by the popularity(and lack of persecution)of CREEPY, Fass launched his EERIE PUBLICATIONS line of horror comic magazines.
Filled primarily with reprints of pre-code horror comics(sometimes with extra blood added) and sporting titles like TERROR TALES, WEIRD and TALES OF VOODOO, quality was not the main objective in the Fass line.
The target audience(if the company even thought in those terms)seemed to be undiscerning readers looking for cheap, gruesome thrills. Stories were reused again and again, indicating that the publishers weren't looking for longtime readers.
There were no editorials or letters pages - nothing was done to connect with the readers. This was truly disposable entertainment.
What these comics were most famous for, though, was their covers. "Nauseating" is the word one author used to describe them. Nowadays, they might seem garish, crude and somewhat silly, but they were really shocking at the time.The first time I spotted one of them as a kid is a moment I'll always remember. It was one of the only times in my life when I truly couldn't believe my eyes.
When I got a bit older and had developed enough nerve to actually check out the contents, I realized that it was the sizzle being sold here and not the steak.
Like the movie that had a sensational trailer and an eye-popping poster but turned out to be a turkey, once you got past the cover of one of the EERIE PUBLICATIONS you had already seen the main attraction.
It was a formula that seemed to work. The EERIE PUBLICATIONS line lasted until the late 'seventies. By that time there were a lot of other places to find the kind of nasty thrills that the Fass magazines promised but didn't quite deliver.
And now a burning question...
Has finding out about EERIE PUBLICATIONS enriched your life?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byHeck yes! My future will be filled with joy and contentment as a result of seeing this lens!
batman71 says:
I love looking at the horror comic covers some of the art is just fantastic great lens.
Posted June 19, 2008
says:
I love this lens.
The old comics were great!
Posted June 01, 2008
spazmo says:
Yes, it's enriched my life by jogging my awful memory.
(I've been searching for these suckers for years!)
I had a bunch of Eerie books (some pictured above) as a kid, and treasured them in a way that I imagine serial killers fondly refrigerate their victim's body parts.
My mom never bothered to inspect them. I guess she just assumed they were some sort of large-format comics. I'm sure her parental negligence spared me a trip to the child psychologist's office.
Posted May 08, 2008
moanalisa23331 says:
I wouldn't go quite as far as saying it enriches my life, but enlightens it a bit in some weird way.
As a kid I was petrified of monsters.
After all, they'd carry you off once you fell asleep.
Maybe that's the reason I've been a lifelong insomniac.
See? You've answered one of my "Why" questions. Thank you.
Posted May 07, 2008
GAAAAAAAK!!! says:
2 images from one of these publications were burned into my 1960s prepubescent mind. One involved grave-robbing ghouls cutting off the fingers of corpses to collect the rings. The other was a wonderfully gruesome panel featuring a man having his throat slashed wide open by what must have been a dull blade because of the ripped flesh and blood trailing the arc swing made by the knife wielding perpetrator. The word balloon text from the victim seemed appropriate... "GAAAAAAAK!!!"
Posted April 02, 2008
ElizabethJeanAllen says:
My husband loves horror and ghost stories. I'm always looking for something new to read for birthdays and holidays.
Posted April 02, 2008
RufusQuail says:
It certainly has. I'm going to celebrate by wearing a flower pot on my head.
Posted March 31, 2008
Are you kidding? How can I get back the precious moments of my life that you've stolen from me?
Spook says:
not really as I'm not a comic reader but it's a great lens and I like yout sense of humour.Keep it up and best of luck.
Posted May 23, 2008
Some more EERIE info.
If you've made it this far, you're beyond help.
I just thought I should mention a few more things on this subject.First, please don't confuse the EERIE PUBLICATIONS line of comics with Warren Publishing's EERIE magazine.
When Warren's CREEPY(mentioned above) proved to be a hit they followed it with a companion comic called EERIE.
Legend has it that James Warren was planning the first issue of his EERIE magazine at the same time that Myron Fass was starting out in the horror comic game. Fass also intended to publish a magazine called EERIE, but Warren got his to the newsstands first.
So, EERIE magazine and EERIE PUBLICATIONS are two different things. EERIE magazine was vastly superior to EERIE PUBLICATIONS(especially in its earliest issues). Which brings me to my next point:
I've seen a few posts in forums by people who have recently "discovered" EERIE PUBLICATIONS and are frustrated by the rarity of them these days.The most common theory for the cause of this "problem" was poor newsstand distribution when these comics were new, but the real reason is the fact that at the time they were coming out, EERIE PUBLICATIONS were regarded as utter TRASH by comic collectors.
When I tried to trade some of my copies in at a comic store during the '70s, I was laughed at by the staff for having been stupid enough to buy them in the first place.
EERIE PUBLICATIONS were meant to be read once (if even that many times) and thrown away. Saving them in bags would be considered a waste of time, space, and plastic.
EERIE PUBLICATIONS LINKS
- THE EMPIRE OF THE CLAW
- The good folks at this site have put together some good information about Eerie Publications, as well as a gallery of covers.
- MONSTERMAGS
- Lots of cover scans assembled by a true monster lover. Still under "Kongstruction."
- COMIC-COVERS.COM
- Even more EERIE PUBLICATIONS cover scans! Don't these people have anything better to do?
- IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
- Anybody who just can't get enough of this stuff can find more in the form of "extras" on some of the DVDs in their SOMETHING WEIRD series.
- BAD MAGS
- Some interesting information about Myron Fass, publisher of the EERIE PUBLICATIONS and a cornucopia of other crazy magazines. WARNING: this particular link contains some R-rated images!
- Flashfink's Favorites
- NEW! Like I mentioned above, I regret that the EERIE PUBLICATIONS links on this page are so small. Fortunately I've started a new site and one of the first things I've posted on it show some bigger images for your "enjoyment." Check out some of the other keen stuff while you're there!
THEY WON'T STAY DEAD!!!
A few years ago a series of DVDs were issued featuring double features of obscure, mostly foreign, horror movies.There's nothing unusual about that, of course. All kinds of crud gets put out all the time. What makes these particular discs stand out is the artwork on their cases: reproductions of old EERIE PUBLICATIONS covers!
The few I've watched are pleasant time wasters but they suffer in the same way that the comic stories in the old magazines did: once you've looked at the hideous gaudy cover art, the actual contents can't help but be anti-climactic.I'll add some more information about these discs as I dig it up.
...AND HERE ARE SOME OF THEM NOW!!!
Just click on any of the thumbnails that interest you and you'll be magically transported to Amazon.com, where they'll be glad to help you out.
JUST SO YOU KNOW: None of the YouTube clips on this page are included on these DVDs!
SOMEBODY'S ACTUALLY SELLING THIS STUFF!
WILL YOU ACTUALLY BUY IT?
Believe it or not. there are people who didn't throw all of their old EERIE PUBLICATIONS away! Please do them a favor and take them off their hands! Once in a while copies of EERIE MAGAZINE which are different from EERIE PUBLICATIONS. Trust me, you're usually better off with EERIE MAGAZINE than EERIE PUBLICATIONS.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Do You Like Monster Movies?
Then please take a look at my blog!
- CAPTURED MONSTERS!
- Screen captures from great and not-so-great creature features! New images added almost every day!
Films made in the EERIE PUBLICATIONS mood
I like schlocky horror in all of its forms!
Besides, since Squidoo is letting me put these in for free, I really should take advantage of it!
This will also give you all an idea of what some of my future lenses will be like. I'll be replacing these videos from time to time.
There's nothing too gory here, so jump right in.
But once again, none of these clips are on any of the DVDs listed above!
STOP THE PRESSES!
There's a new EERIE PUBLICATIONS book!
It seems that last year(2007) a company called Idea Men Productions put together a collection of EERIE PUBLICATIONS reprints in one soft cover volume! Yes, those old stories that Myron Fass and friends recycled again and again are back to confound a new generation! I still maintain that the covers of these comics were the real "attraction." Maybe somebody with money to throw away will publish a collection of EERIE PUBLICATIONS cover paintings! YOU CAN GET IT RIGHT HERE!
FOLLOW ME IN TWITTER!
See what I'm doing now!
- Flashfink
- aka Flashfink
- 20 followers
- 39 following
-
- I just updated my Squidoo page: A COOL IDEA FOR A PERSONALIZED GIFT BUSINESS - BABY NEWSPAPERS / http://tinyurl.com/5hyedg
-
- Getting out of here and heading home!
-
- I just updated my Squidoo page: A COOL IDEA FOR A PERSONALIZED GIFT BUSINESS - BABY NEWSPAPERS / http://tinyurl.com/5hyedg
-
- Sweating like a pig!
-
- Just denied a porn site that wanted to be my MySpace friend.
Update April 11, 2008
I'm embarrassed to finally admit that I put this lens together without actually having even read an EERIE PUBLICATIONS mag since some time in the 1980s. That's part of the reason the focus has been so much on the covers, with so little space dedicated to what could be found by those brave souls willing to look inside.But this situation will be changing very soon! I just ordered a copy of THE ZOMBIE FACTORYso that this lens can be taken to the next level.
Stay tuned to this lens for further blockbusting updates!
Here are some links to my other Squidoo lenses:
- UGLY STICKERS (and Rubber Uglies)!
- Monster cards from a distant decade!
- THE FLASHFINK PHENOMENON
- Somebody stop this guy!
The Flashfinkification of the internet continues!
Just in case you don't think I've wasted enough of your time
- FLASHFINK'S MYSPACE PAGE
- If this collection of weirdness appeals to you, I invite you to take a look at my MySpace page.
- FLASHFINK'S FAVORITES
- I'm just starting this site out, but it will become HUGE in the coming months. Stay tuned!
Tell me what you think!
BigGirlBlue wrote...
I think this type of reading/viewing is even more popular now than when it first appeared.
Posted September 10, 2008
funcoolcollectibles wrote...
Excellent lens! 5 stars! They were great to read!
Posted September 04, 2008
Oosquid wrote...
I'm not sure that we got Eerie publications here in the UK but I'm sure I recognize some of the covers so maybe they were on sale under another name. Very interesting lens.
Fake Security Cameras
Posted August 03, 2008
Timewarp wrote...
Great lens, I love these comics, remember the movie Creepshow that was sort of based on these?!
For more creepy videos visit Hollow Vision Paranormal Videos!
Posted July 16, 2008
alwintraffics wrote...
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Posted June 16, 2008
GrowWear wrote...
Five Stars! I'm more into Archie comics, but I love your presentation.
Posted June 04, 2008
hearthealth wrote...
Definitely NSFL hehe~ but you really spotted the niche here, so 5*! Hope to see you in my lenses on car and home electronics!
Posted May 25, 2008
Spook wrote...
Never been a comic reader,but I was entertained and amused.Keep it up a great lens.Best of luck.Cheers Spook
Posted May 23, 2008
NooNoo wrote...
Great lens, very informative, thank you.
John
Email Marketing Elite
Posted April 20, 2008
TonyPer wrote...
Thanks for such an entertaining and informative (5*) Lens. I love comics (I still have quite a few dating back to mainly the 70's, but I must admit I did not know much about Eerie Publications! Also thanks for checking out my first lens, and putting yourself down as a fan!
Posted April 09, 2008
Flashfink wrote...
Hey, Frankenstein.
I have a friend whose parents freaked out in a similar way after the Kennedy assassinations(even though he lives in Canada). They forbade him from watching horror movies until the 70s, when he was almost an adult!
My own folks seemed content with letting the local retailers and TV programmers decide what was OK for me to be exposed to, although they would occasionally grumble about the time and money I was "wasting."
Posted April 03, 2008
Frankenstein wrote
I wasn't allowed to read comics because they helped kill the Kennedys. After Robert Kennedy was assassinated, my mother had had it with 1960s turmoil and threw out all my comics. Even as an impressionable 10 year old, the inference that Spider-Man, Batman & Superman were somehow accessories after the fact stretched credulity. Since my mother forbade comic books, of course I managed to obtain many including these Eerie mags... all while enjoying my other 1960s purchases - Pixy Sticks, Ton 'O' Gum, Nestlé's Keen, Giant SweeTarts, Ugly stickers, 10 cent bottles of pop, Fruit Stripe Gum, Funny Face drink mix, Batman bubble gum cards and wax thumbs with a delicious but toxic liquid center.
Posted April 02, 2008
ElizabethJeanAllen wrote...
Geat lens. I'm not into the freaky but my husband is. I'll forward the url to his computer.
Liz
Posted April 02, 2008
Lightstruck wrote...
I've also never heard of Eerie, but nonetheless, an entertaining lens.
Posted April 02, 2008
iqbal615 wrote...
This great topic.I never heard About EerieThanks for your info.Good job.5*
Posted April 01, 2008
Recession-Proof wrote...
That's some weird stuff. . . cool lens. It's nice to see the roots of B horror films.
Posted March 30, 2008
Hi Spudboy , Great Lens. I have also created a lens in same niche . Hope u like itJ Here's a brief intro:
click here
Posted March 28, 2008
Flashfink wrote...
Thank you all for your kind feedback! Behind this green toothless kisser is a grateful soul weeping sweet tears of joy!
Posted March 28, 2008
riff999 wrote...
Nice lens. Read lots of comics as a kid but I do not recall this one. I will definitely check then out.
~Jane
Posted March 27, 2008
Marti wrote
Very Cool....keep up the good work!
Posted March 26, 2008
Rose wrote
hey~~~! awesome page!
Posted March 26, 2008
RickBasset wrote...
This lens is so terrifying, I screamed myself into a state of shock!! Like your lens. Great work!
Posted March 22, 2008
mulberry wrote...
I don't recall Eerie specifically, but I certainly remember a lot of low budget monster and horror movies from when I was a kid. Gave me bad dreams back then! Great lens!
Posted March 19, 2008
by Flashfink
My Squidoo name used to be "Spudboy",which was a reference to DEVO, one of my favorite bands. However, I figur... (more)
