The Complete Web Of Horror edited by Dana Marie Andra (book review).
It was Twomorrows magazine Alter-Ego # 81, which I read last month, that got me interested in looking into the availability of ‘Web of Horror’ and its nascently talented contributors, including Berni Wrighton, Jeff Jones, Mike Kaluta, Frank Brunner, and Bruce Jones. I learned that Fantagraphics had assembled this hardback, titled ‘The Complete Web of Horror,’ which showcases its three previous issues and builds upon its upcoming fourth issue and newly discovered content.
Why did it have such a limited run? Its editor, Terry Bisson, abruptly left with his wife to join a commune, leaving everyone in the lurch. Robert C. Sproul, the publisher, also took a sudden leave, moving to a different department in a different state without informing anyone. This left the fourth issue unfinished, but Frank Brunner managed to salvage many of the original story pages during a visit to the offices before it was lost.
There is an important section dealing with not only ‘Web of Horror’s beginnings, but also what happened with the unused material later.
When I finally opened the first issue, I noticed that there were credits at the bottom of the first story, but not for the second. It took me a moment to look at the front of the book to confirm my identification with Bernie Wrighton. It’s hard to say whether the credits were this way in the original edition, especially since the opening credits only showed the story titles. This happened from time to time over the issues, implying that it happened originally. Not all story credits were listed at the front of the book; ‘Exhibit Six’ comes to mind because it is a clever story, yet it lacks credits.
What I can say about the stories, both from writers and artists, is material on par with Warren’s horror titles. In contrast, there was less dark cross-thatching, and this book is on high-quality paper. Although it may appear less gothic, the horror aspect remains intact. It was also interesting to see the full work of Syd Shores, who was only familiar to me as an inker at Marvel.
I should also point out that several of the stories have a science fiction or fantasy aspect. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, given their status as gray brothers. Jeff Jones and Berni Wrightson did some fabulous covers, so I was hardly surprised that with the original comics, the back covers showed them without a copy covering the details.
It would be difficult to pick out favorites from so many stories. Obviously, there is a heavy morale aspect. One should not deceive other individuals or creatures, as they will ultimately receive their due.
The final credits reveal a startling realization: only a handful of these creators remain alive. To see some of their early work and realize that they were good then and got even better is a testament to their talent.
GF Willmetts
September 2024
(pub: Fantagraphics, 2024. 259 page illustrated large hardback. Price: varies. ISBN: 978-1-68396-937-2)
check out website: www.fantagraphics.com/products/the-complete-web-of-horror
