Which brings us to the first issue of Vault of Horror...
This first issue contained 4 illustrated stories as well as 2 text stories. The host for this Issue is none other than the Vault Keeper and he kicks it off with an introduction to story #1...
Portrait In Wax! The first story is heavily inspired by the 1933 Film Mystery of the Wax Museum, which in turn was inspired by "The Wax Works" by Charles Spencer Belden (1904).
The story begin with two struggling artists, Robert and Henry. Robert is an artistic genius who creates etchings which are masterpieces that give him a sense of satisfaction and pride. Henry is a jealous slouch who decides he can sell the etchings and make a large profit from his roommates work. Once Robert finds out he is furious and demands that Henry retrieve the etchings at once, well Henry decides he would rather throw acid in Robert's face and kill him in a tub filled with the viscous fluid. Years later Henry is running short on funds and needs a new angle. After receiving a suspicious letter in the mail he finds a new ponzi who has been creating the most life like wax sculptures and stands to make a huge profit from going into business together.
Spoiler ahead...As it turns out the master wax sculpture is Robert who has created a mask for himself and plotted his revenge to sully Henry's name and reputation by creating his wax figures out of dead bodies. Robert's final plan is to add Henry to the collection.
My overall opinion is that this is an interesting tale of betrayal and revenge. Being familiar with the film I half expected the outcome but I still enjoyed the story. The artwork is simple yet well done. Not a bad way to start the series.
The Werewolf Legend Inspired by the 1941 Universal film The Wolf Man (1941) this is a tale of a cursed man named Walter. After discovering the horrible truth an ancient family curse of lycanthropyWalter is determined to end it all by any means necessary. Every full moon the blood lust seems to overcome Walter and he is forced to kill relentlessly.Walter decides he must go to the police and have them patrol his manor with instructions to shoot the beast on sight.
Spoiler ahead...Walter's cousin turns out to be a master hypnotist who has been setting up poor Walter, and tricking him into believing he was a wolf. The police arrest Gregory and explain everything to Walter who can now rest easily.
My thoughts, well to start it is a werewolf story so of course I love it. To be fair this story throws a twist into the mix that I didn't even consider. I had heard that the 1941 Wolf Man considered going this route making Lon Chaney's realize that everything was in his head and that he was not a werewolf. I was pleasantly surprised by this story and the illustrations were excellent, for all werewolf fans you should definitely get this comic.
The first text story which tells the tale of a greedy murderer who is attempting to steal his victims gold chain when he is discovered by a car. Waiting for the right time the murderous thief enters the tomb of his victim to retrieve the precious necklace. While removing the gold from the cold dead hands of the victim he accidentally gets too close and the vice like hand of the victim grasps the theifs neck to seal his doom!
Overall, not a bad tale but not for me. I am not a huge fan of text stories. Another tale of someone getting what they deserve in a supernatural sense.
The story begins with a man, Tom, who has had a terrifying nightmare of murder. He swears that it could have been real and delves into the details. Basically a man and woman "Mr and Mrs Smith" seem to be on the run when it is discovered the wife is crazed with murder after the death of their infant child at the hands of a cat. Filled with rage the wife attacks her husband who is forced to shoot her dead.
Spoiler ahead... As it turns out the next day the couple arrives and it seems his dream was indeed a prophecy.
I was torn with this story as I felt it was strong in illustration yet weak in story telling. I liked particular moments but on the whole it was average. This story inspired the episode Horror in the Night from the Tales from the Crypt, HBO Series.
Tooth and Fang!The second text story which begins with a murder in a circus tent as a man is attempting to rob the tent master. While looking for cash in the tent he is interrupted by a couple of kids, so to hide he finds a cage at the far end of the tent. Once inside with the bars shut he waits, until he hears the snarl behind him. As it turns out this dumbass has locked himself in a panther cage...I will let you guess how it turns out.
Once again a story of murderous greed that ends in the demise of the criminal. A weak entry in this comic.
The final story and a great illustration to start with. The story revolves around a woman who is convinced that her husband is attempting to kill her. He seems to be motivated by greed as he has just taken out a $16,000 life insurance policy for the couple. The wife fleas the city on a train but is paranoid that her husband is following, convinced she sees his face at every corner. Finally she falls asleep only to awake to a train car full of dead passengers, she jumps off the train once it breaks and runs to a nearby house. Once inside she is confronted by her husband who is has dug a grave and has a coffin waiting.
Spoiler ahead...The story returns to her as she awakens from her sleep on the train with her husband and some orderlies escorting her back to the mental institution and closes with her telling the story in a padded room confined to a straight jacket.
Overall this was another solid entry, with a compelling twist at the end. I know that there are films or televisions shows that have used this concept but it alludes me, so if you know of a similar story comment below.
I want to close out this inaugural post with my Personal Favorite Panel from each Story:
Portrait in Wax !
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| BAM! Face full of Acid!! |
The Werewolf Legend
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| Stalking his Prey, like a true Werewolf |
Horror in the Night
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| Snapped the shit out of that cats neck |
Terror Train
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| He's not even trying to be sneaky |
Final thoughts
This is a good start to the series, it has plenty of supernatural elements, suspenseful story arcs and the occasional twist. The majority of the stories seemed to focus on greed and supernatural retribution, which I hope they expand into other motifs/sins. All in all I enjoyed this comic and look forward to continuing forward with Vault of Horror #13.
Credits
Cover Artist: Johnny Craig
Story Artists: Johnny Craig (Portrait in Wax), Wally Wood & Harry Harrison (The Werewolf Legend), Horror in the Night (Harvey Kurtzman), Terror Train (Al Feldstein)
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