The best stories are driven by conflict, and comic books are no exception.
Good vs. Evil, life and death, the fate of our civilization, the world, the universe, all reasons why readers keep coming back year after year.
And yet one of the most horrific acts of violence, one that has stayed with this reader all these years, centered on the flipping of an urn.
It remains distressing to this very day.
Continue reading “‘Tomb of Dracula’: The Lord of Vampires is the Worst Houseguest Ever”
In 1973, just a few months at the helm, Marv Wolfman was already shaking things up at Marvel Comics’ “Tomb of Dracula.” He had introduced Blade, arguably one of the most important characters in the Marvel Universe, in TOD No. 10. Of course, we only know that in hindsight.
But Wolfman wanted readers to know the horror title would live up to its grim potential. This wasn’t going to be the typical Marvel book in which the characters get pummeled one issue and are fine the next. Violence would have consequences.
Some bad things were going to happen. And no one was safe.
Continue reading “‘Tomb of Dracula’: When the Terror Got Real”
Marv Wolfman had only been writing Marvel Comics’ “Tomb of Dracula” for a few months when he created the most dynamic, dangerous character in the horror comic’s supporting cast – one who would help launch Marvel from the printed page to box-office success.
Welcome Blade – the vampire-slayer!
Or the vampire killer.
Your call. The comic flips between both.
One thing is obvious: Blade is nothing like the other hunters chasing Dracula.
Continue reading “Introducing Blade – and the Marvel Universe Would Never Be the Same”
Has there ever been a less anticipated – and more ground-breaking comic – ever released by Marvel Comics?
With the opening of “The Tomb of Dracula” in 1972, the company proved there was a mainstream audience for darker, more mature comics – with stories about a supernaturally cursed mass murderer who needed to feed on the blood of the living.
And what was the purpose of the Comics Code Authority again?
Continue reading “Dracula Rises – and the Marvel Age of Horror Begins!”
Mark Perigard 