The Golden Age of Retro Horror Comics: A Review of Some of the Most Iconic Horror Comics of the 1950s and 1960s

Long before horror movies dominated the genre, horror comics were one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the 1950s and 1960s. These retro horror comics offered readers a thrilling and sometimes terrifying experience with their graphic storytelling and eerie visuals. In this blog post, we'll take a look back at the Golden Age of retro horror comics and review some of the most iconic titles, such as Tales from the Crypt and The Vault of Horror.

Tales from the Crypt (1950-1955)
Tales from the Crypt is one of the most well-known and beloved horror comics of all time. The series, created by William Gaines and Al Feldstein, featured a collection of horror stories with a twist ending, often involving supernatural elements or gruesome murder. The comics were notorious for their graphic violence and sexuality, which led to the creation of the Comics Code Authority in 1954. Despite its controversial content, Tales from the Crypt has become a classic and has inspired several adaptations, including a popular TV series in the 1990s.

The Vault of Horror (1950-1955)
Another popular title from the creators of Tales from the Crypt was The Vault of Horror. This series featured similarly twisted tales of horror and suspense, often with a darkly humorous edge. The comic's distinctive artwork, which often depicted gory and grotesque scenes, was a major draw for horror fans. The Vault of Horror has since become a cult classic, inspiring several adaptations, including a 1973 horror anthology film.

The Witching Hour (1969-1978)
The Witching Hour was a horror anthology comic that ran throughout the late 1960s and 1970s. The series was notable for its strong female characters and its exploration of themes such as witchcraft, the occult, and supernatural horror. The Witching Hour also featured some of the most talented artists in the industry, including Neal Adams and Bernie Wrightson. The series has become a fan favorite and remains highly regarded among horror comic enthusiasts.

Creepy (1964-1983)
Creepy was a horror anthology comic that was published by Warren Publishing throughout the 1960s and 1970s. The series featured a mix of horror and science fiction stories, often with a dark and disturbing edge. Creepy was known for its high-quality artwork, featuring work from some of the most talented artists in the industry, including Frank Frazetta and Alex Toth. The series has since become a cult classic, inspiring several adaptations, including a 1987 horror anthology film.

In conclusion, the Golden Age of retro horror comics was a thrilling and terrifying era that has left a lasting impact on the genre. These comics pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable at the time, often exploring themes of violence, sexuality, and the supernatural. The above examples are just a few of the many iconic horror comics that have earned their place in comic book history. If you're a fan of horror, it's worth exploring these classic titles and experiencing the terror for yourself.