Where Monsters Dwell was a horror anthology series from Marvel Comics. The series, which ran from 1970-75, is a fan favorite among collectors of Bronze Age Marvel Comics as well as devotees to horror and sci-fi. With exception of the covers, the material in all of the issues were comprised of reprint material. Silver Age stories from Tales of Suspense and Tales to Astonish were the primary sources where the stories were culled.
In this issue, there are 4 classic horror stories ranging from ancient terrors to physiological thriller to B-movie sci-fi involving aliens from another world
In Steve Ditko's 'Behind My Door Awaits... Medusa' (Tales of Suspense #10) a seller of curios and antiques may also be the owner of the legendary Medusa of Greek myth. Do you dare open the door to his side room to find out for sure?
Then a sailor finds a message in a bottle from a castaway (Tales of Suspense #12). Knowing that the island where the S.O.S. came from is nowhere near any active shipping lanes, the seaman investigates only to find a hideous beast blocking him at every move.
Also from Tales of Suspense #10, an adventurer learns the deadly secret to why no man returns from Nightmare Valley.
Finally, in the cover story, 'The Monster in my Cellar' (TOS #12), a pulp writer dreams up the perfect horror thriller only for the monster to become a reality!
Where Monsters Dwell was one of several anthology series Marvel released in response to loosening restrictions of the Comics Code in terms of horror and sci-fi. However, due to cost cutting measures, Marvel decided to use reprints for their new books. Where DC was utilizing new, edgier material with amazing talent like Bernie Wrightson, Len Wein and William Michael Kaluta that pushed the new CCA rules to the limit, Marvel relied on tried and true tales that were previously published under the barriers of the Code.
By not embracing the future of horror, many of Marvel's new anthology titles failed to catch an audience. Sister titled Monsters on the Prowl eked out 30 issues. The all-horror reprint tale Crypt of Shadows was sealed shut after only 21 editions. Where Monsters Dwell was the most successful of the reprint anthologies producing an impressive 38 issues.
The popularity of Where Monsters Dwell continued to live on among fans both old and new. In 2005, a one-shot special was released as part of Marvel's Marvel Monsters tribute. In 2017, Where Monsters Dwell became one of Doctor Doom's Secret Wars Battleworlds in a 6-issue tie-in miniseries by Garth Ennis, Russell Braun and Frank Cho.
Worth Consuming!
Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.
Completing this review completes Task #18 (A Horror Comic) of the 2023 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.
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