Monster Hunters #1
Published and © by Charlton, August 1975
Title: “Introduction”
Synopsis: Series host Colonel Whiteshroud explains the Monster Hunters Club to the visiting Countess Von Bludd.
Writer: Nicola Cuti
Artist: Joe Staton
Review: Much like the debut issue of sister series Scary Tales (see review), Monster Hunters #1 begins with a striking cover then heads downhill. This introduction is a bit better because of the hosts’ flirty interaction and the series’ potentially fun monster-hunting concept – but it still lacks any real spark.
•••
Title: “The Boar’s Head Beast”
Synopsis: A series of wells and tunnels gives a satanic chimera free reign to terrorize the tiny town of Boar’s Head.
Writer: Nicola Cuti
Artist: Wayne Howard
Review: This story is serviceable, as is Wayne Howard’s cartoony art – with the notable exception of his extremely goofy monster design.
•••
Title: “The Long Sleep”
Synopsis: A tired old man, unwanted and unloved, finds escape from his nightmares in the comfort of death.
Writer: Uncredited
Penciler: Uncredited
Inker: Uncredited
Review: This one-pager is just depressing, not scary. But the uncredited art is rather nice.
•••
Title: “The Sea – Its Givings … and Takings!”
Synopsis: A greedy man looks to profit off a beached mermaid’s suffering – and ends up on the receiving end of sorrow.
Writer: Joe Molloy
Artist: Peter Morisi (as PAM)
Review: This script offers little more than a saw-it-coming twist, but the art, by Peter “PAM” Morisi, is simple yet striking.
•••
Title: “Hoax”
Synopsis: Following a career chasing down false leads, a monster hunter comes face to face with “Nessie.”
Writer: Nicola Cuti
Artist: Paul Kirchner
Review: As with the previous story, this one offers little more than an obvious twist, but the art isn’t as strong.
Grade (for the entire issue): C+
Cool factor: The painted cover … the “All New” tag … the production quality of toilet paper … for whatever reason, Charlton horror comics are almost always cooler than they are good.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a Modern reprint of this issue from 1977.
Character quotable: “It was slightly bigger than a man with a boar’s head and a lion’s body. Tentacles grew from its sides and its eyes were like two glowing beacons.” – Inspector Clive, describing one silly-looking monster
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on Oct. 29, 2012.
