Atlas Comics Library No. 9 comprises Adventures Into Weird Worlds issues 1 – 10 (56 stories: January – September 1952) and is the first of three volumes that will encompass the entirety of Adventures Into Weird Worlds. Most of the stories are three- to six-pages long while the text stories are two. Once again the volume is completed with an extensive “Creators” section written by Michael Dean. Unfortunately, the names of most of the authors have been lost over the years, but the artists of these works are mostly known and Dean gives as much background information as fits.
Buy Atlas Comics Library No. 9: Adventures Into Weird Worlds, Vol. 1This issue of Atlas Comics begins with yet another comprehensive introduction from Dr. Michael J. Vassallo, who explains, “These books hopefully will serve as definitive representations of both the creators of the 1950s Atlas period of Marvel’s history, as well as, in these introductions, a history of the vast array of titles and genres of the Goodman publishing line,” (ix). And the introduction is definitive: huge amounts of content on the publishing history of horror and suspense mags in the 1950s along with countless examples of vibrant covers from the era.
“The Walking Death” (Issue #1) is a great example of an entry that has stunning artwork and what feels like the bare bones of a story. In it, an archaeologist on a dig in New Mexico finds hundreds of eggs…”from every known species of dinosaur.” On the horizon, there is a nuclear blast and that blast causes all nuclear power plants, nuclear weapons, and nuclear material across the globe to explode, too. This has a two-fold result: the deaths of 99% of the human population, and all the dinosaurs hatch and begin to prowl the desert floor for something good to eat. This would be a fine story if it were not crammed into a mere six pages.
“Nothing Can Stop Me” (Issue #3) is only three pages of silliness. A man tries to kiss a girl and she slaps him because he is “weak.” Luckily, the man is working with the woman’s father on an experimental serum that will give a person ape-like strength. In the end, he just turns into a big, dumb ape.
It is in the text-only stories where we are often allowed a more fleshed-out plot. “The Image” is a fine example from issue #6. Roger Fairmont may only be a lowly clerk for an accounting firm, but he is also extremely handsome. Everybody looks at him with admiration. His future is a crystal-clear path to the top. However, on the same day he decides to become a professional model, a sore appears on his chin, reddens and swells, and then turns into a permanent scar. Mr. Edward Morris of Edward Morris Models Inc. laughs at poor Roger. Another pustule appears. And another and another. Pretty soon, Roger is a loner in his room with all the mirrors covered; however, he can still feel the pustules forming on his face, one on top of another.
Issue #10 brings us a great tale written and drawn by the outstanding Bill Everett, whose work we have seen in several of the Atlas Compendiums. His story is “The Pit of Horror!” It takes place in Hell where Satan is completely sick and tired of his imps lounging around all day instead of causing mayhem and pain. To solve the problem, Old Nick brings an efficiency manager down from Earth to straighten the imps out. The efficiency expert gets everybody in line, and Hell is Hell again. But will Satan allow such a hated efficiency expert to leave the pits of Hell?
There are wonderful examples of advertising that have been kept throughout the issues. Several for Save Your Hair! “Kill these hair-destroying germs with Ward’s formula!” It takes care of scalp itch, falling hair, dandruff, and the ever obnoxious head odors. The Electric Spot Reducer – Don’t Stay FAT – You Can LOSE POUNDS and INCHES SAFELY Without Risking HEALTH – looks and acts suspiciously like a woman’s sex toy.
Fantagraphics makes quality books, and Atlas Comics Library No. 9: Adventures in Weird Worlds, Vol. 1 is a fine place to continue, or start, your collection of these fine, absolutely packed, books.
