Weird Science volume 1: The EC Archives (graphic novel review).
As much as I applaud Dark Horse for re-releasing EC Comics output, I am confused by the issue order. For Weird Science Volume 1, we have #12-15 and then #5-6. Surely, for a 22-issue run, it would have made more sense to have them in the right order? There are 35 stories here with at least one text story per issue. It was quite common back then to qualify for a cheap postal rate in America. Given its 1950–53 release, it had some visual influences on ‘The Twilight Zone’ and ‘Outer Limits,’ but not in stories. The three-eyed aliens from “Things” From Outer Space, featured in episode #12, were a significant influence.
I had to keep reminding myself how old these stories are. These stories, now 75 years old, continue to feed off various fears from that time period, from alien invasions to cover-ups. Even Roswell pops up in # 13. Carson Walls’ ‘War Of The Worlds’ also makes an appearance in #15, albeit with a different ending.
One story I’ve seen before is ‘Man And Superman.’. Here we have two brothers. One a scientist and the other a muscleman determined to win the Mr. America contest. This determination intensifies when he utilises his brother’s device to significantly increase his body density. This is a timeless story.
In many respects, the stories can be divided into alien invasions, humans visiting alien planets, the use of atomic bombs, and inventive devices interspersed with human problems— all encapsulated in stories of around 15 pages or less. You have to bear in mind these were produced in the 1950s, where things were a lot simpler.
At the time, EC Comics primarily produced biblical and horror comics, dedicating only a small portion to science fiction. The house advertisements displayed here primarily featured the biblical comics. Oddly, the Wertham trials did not raise this issue, as they aimed to balance different tastes. Commercially, horror titles became their main source of income, while science fiction trailed behind. It was a satisfying chase.
GF Willmetts
January 2025
(pub: Dark Horse Books, 2022. 213 page softcover graphic novel. Price: varies but around £16.00 (UK). ISBN: 678-1-50672-18-7).
check out website: www.darkhorse.com
