The Occult Files of Dr. Spektor #1
Published and © by Gold Key (Western), April 1973
Title: “Cult of the Vampire”
Synopsis: Dr. Spektor and his secretary, Lakota Rainflower, head to Transylvania to investigate rumors about a vampire known as Baron Tibor.
Writer: Don Glut
Artist: Jesse Santos
Review: This debut issue of Dr. Spektor is a pleasant surprise. A precursor to better-known media properties like “Kolchak: The Night Stalker” and “The X-Files,” this series offers a story setup that will allow for seemingly limitless supernatural adventures. Both doctor and secretary Lakota Rainflower are likable, and the duo sports good chemistry. But it’s the antagonistic forces that really shine this issue: A vampire who seeks redemption is being bullied by the followers who revived him. Plus, there’s the threat of mob violence from the villagers. Throw in some stylish Jesse Santos art and Dr. Spektor is thick with potential.
Grade: B
Cool factor: Agent Mulder would dig this comic.
Notable: First appearance of Lakota Rainflower.
Character quotable: “I am Dr. Spektor … and the weird and the supernatural are my life.” – Dr. Adam Spektor, occult investigator
A word from the writer/co-creator: “Spektor was my favorite of all the Gold Key stories. Maybe my all-time favorite of all my comics work. … I think it’s better written, with more layers of subtext and depth, then a lot of superhero books of the time.” – Don Glut, in Alter Ego #143, November 2016
Editor’s note: This review was written May 16, 2024.
