Who was the master of the bizarre/macabre in the GA/PCH eras? Let's go for a walk on the dark side ... 2 2

[fifties]

I'm not sure that I could ascribe but one "master" of the bizarre/macabre genre in PCH.  A number of them excelled as talented artists in that field, plus some who did occasional horror covers.  Here's a few from my meager collection;

[kent allard]

On 10/15/2024 at 7:22 PM, C. Spaulding said:

Bailey had a unique style when drawing faces that really stood out (at least to me). The eyes, the blank stares… Even on a romance cover he couldn’t keep the creepiness from sneaking in.

 

 

Actually, I had also noticed that about his off-axis stares.  What is this guy focusing on?  Also somewhat evident in the WM below, but more understandable because this guy is clearly in his own world.

For the benefit of those that didn't follow the links in the initial post, here's what started this all (props to @Jayman who provided the creepy juxtaposition)

[kent allard]

On 10/15/2024 at 7:34 PM, fifties said:

I'm not sure that I could ascribe but one "master" of the bizarre/macabre genre in PCH.  A number of them excelled as talented artists in that field, plus some who did occasional horror covers.  Here's a few from my meager collection;

Fair point.  No disrespect to many artists who may not have frequented the genre, but given the sheer number of examples Bailey and Wolverton left, I think them to be the front-runners, with an edge to Bailey in my opinion.

I'm a bit surprised that Disbrow, Fleishman or Hollinsgsworth have not yet been mentioned, but I personally don't see them as being of the same caliber as Bailey and Wolverton.

[Jayman]

On 10/15/2024 at 10:50 PM, kent allard said:

I’m also surprised no one mentioned the weird coincidence of the caption on the RL cover “My love was dying”! 

[kent allard]

On 10/15/2024 at 8:43 PM, Jayman said:

I’m also surprised no one mentioned the weird coincidence of the caption on the RL cover “My love was dying”! 

Good one!  Missed that

[Jayman]

On 10/15/2024 at 11:12 PM, kent allard said:

Hollinsgsworth

 

Edited Wednesday at 03:50 AM by Jayman

[kent allard]

On 10/15/2024 at 8:49 PM, Jayman said:

 

 

 

I've seen this cover dozens of times but only just noticed the zombie (?) is actually tied up.  I always thought *it* was threatening the girl.  Now it seems like *she* was whipping it!

Now that's cool.  Need to check this one out

[Jayman]

On 10/16/2024 at 12:40 AM, kent allard said:

I've seen this cover dozens of times but only just noticed the zombie (?) is actually tied up.  I always thought *it* was threatening the girl.  Now it seems like *she* was whipping it!

Now that's cool.  Need to check this one out

 

[kent allard]

On 10/15/2024 at 9:40 PM, kent allard said:

I've seen this cover dozens of times but only just noticed the zombie (?) is actually tied up.  I always thought *it* was threatening the girl.  Now it seems like *she* was whipping it!

Now that's cool.  Need to check this one out

Not too bad, but the cover is a mash up of the first story and the text story so they don't really relate.

[kent allard]

On 10/15/2024 at 10:19 PM, Jayman said:

 

We are Devo!

[fifties]

On 10/15/2024 at 8:12 PM, kent allard said:

given the sheer number of examples Bailey and Wolverton left, I think them to be the front-runners, with an edge to Bailey in my opinion.

 

If we are talking just covers, neither of them did all that many, and in fact AFA stories, not that many either.  It's just that what they DID do, was certainly superior.

[kent allard]

On 10/15/2024 at 11:11 PM, fifties said:

If we are talking just covers, neither of them did all that many, and in fact AFA stories, not that many either.  It's just that what they DID do, was certainly superior.

I did NOT want to limit this to covers!  In particular, Bailey's More Fun Spectre stories were already mentioned by @Robot Man, though no example panels were provided ()

It's relatively easy to scan through a bunch of covers, but I'm hoping that by tapping the collective knowledge of the experts here, hidden goodness bizarreness that would otherwise be very difficult for an individual to ferret out on their own will be revealed.

[comicjack]

On 10/15/2024 at 9:52 PM, C. Spaulding said:

Did Biro do an ironing cover as well or were you thinking of this one by Dan Barry? Either way it gave me a reason to post this 

Has it been pressed 

Edited Wednesday at 11:03 PM by comicjack

[comicjack]

Gus Ricca had some crazy covers but looking at this one who comes up with a melting man with devil eyes 

 

[comicjack]

Hollingsworth stew pot 

[C. Spaulding]

On 10/16/2024 at 8:05 AM, comicjack said:

Has is been pressed 

Multiple times

[Jayman]

This was one of Hollingsworth’s more bizarre covers. Partially swiped from a pulp I believe.

[zzutak]

Neither bizarre nor macabre, but a very attractive Russ Heath classic! 

[MrBedrock]

On 10/16/2024 at 10:48 AM, zzutak said:

Neither bizarre nor macabre, but a very attractive Russ Heath classic! 

It is pretty bizarre that you haven't offered that book to me. Macabre even.

[*paull*]

 

I love Baily's horror covers. Weird Mysteries 2, 4 and 5 are favorites... along with this one, WM 6, which is rarely seen on the Boards. I think this is a very underrated cover. Baily had a perverse sense of humor, but avoided being cartoonish like many of the Harvey artists, for example.