Review by Jim Vanhollebeke, Canovanograms 2004
IN THE BEGINNING…
Producer Chip Selby, having written and created a special program for AMC Television, has accomplished a monumental mission. He has documented a story that until now has been glaringly absent from the general media despite it’s historic significance. He has also fulfilled a personal dream of paying ground breaking homage to a group of comic books that enriched his youth and placed him among a select group of fans as loyal as Elvis’ legions. His dream was one shared by myself and countless others. A dream that is now, thanks to Selby, fully realized.
At first glance,“Tales From the Crypt: from Comic Books to Television” would appear to be a glowing tribute to that wildly successful HBO TV series some years ago. And to a degree, I guess it is. But more than that, this highly engaging video record is an appreciation of the foresight, talent and pain of William M. Gaines… the man who made it all possible so many generations ago. And to the comic books he produced. Known to the fans as “EC COMICS”, they included many early 50’s titles such as ”Tales from the Crypt”, “Haunt of Fear”, “Vault of Horror”, “Weird Science” and the fledgling “Mad” magazine! “EC” was a catch word for anything by Mr.Gaines’ Entertaining Comics Group.
And entertaining they were.
This documentary is, therefore, a tribute to those comics. Again it’s more than that. Perhaps the main feature here, in addition to all the history, is the tremendous appreciation it affords to the people …artists , writers, publishers, producers ….and most of all FANS. The devoted readers who literally forced what would have been a “dead horse” into a never-ending cultural resurrection. A 50 year HAPPENING… as it were.
Yes. That is what this show is about. Tales from the Crypt… the whole story.
In all its color (and rotting) glory... heh heh heh.
Highly acclaimed comic illustrator Berni Wrightson probably says it best right at the beginning calling EC comics, “…the stuff I knew I shouldn’t be looking at but couldn’t give it up!”
EC Comics was actually the first wave of (and the inspiration for) what we now call “underground comics”. Fiercely independent, artistic and full of youthful rebellion. EC was at times innovational, educational, socially aware …and irresponsible. But these comics were entertaining and in fact addictive to those who read them. Because ECs often included sex, violence and other ‘no-no’ subjects, they were also hidden from adults (and younger siblings). So bad …and yet so good!
A paradox. Absolutely. But legends are built on such cross-forces.
I watched Mr. Selby’s story in it’s new DVD form (which expands the original one hour into four with additional material). Early on in the show, I was subjected to a literal flood of nostalgicly horrific art from those old comic books filling the screen in waves of graphic terror-ific genius. Almost 3-D, the original EC artwork is displayed in a modified “multi-plane” animation technique simulating cinematic camera pans in a virtual reality of comic book fantasy. Layers of depth from original layouts glide among each other in a pleasing feel of motion and dimensional illusion. Actor voice-overs recreate the scenes being conveyed and … Good Lord! Perfection in 50’s styled enhancement. Adding to all this, the mood setting music interspersed throughout the exposition…geez, it’s a bit spooky… like the first time I watched Psycho!
The visual effects are both stunning and, to my knowledge, unprecedented.
Then there’s the story … neatly divided into twelve chapters, it proceeds in a fascinating and easy to follow manner. As the narration begins, we are led with the accompaniment of personal family photos, through EC publisher Bill Gaines’ youth. We see the somewhat uncomfortable relationship with his father, Max C. Gaines who founded the original EC Comics in the early forties. In those days they were known as Educational Comics.
INVASION OF THE WITCHES
Gaines’ father had very strict moral definitions for his books. His tragic death in the late 40’s forced the totally inexperienced son Bill to take over the business. With a combination of youth, free spirit, some budding artists and writers, the then failing EC comic titles began disappearing as new ones appeared. Educational Comics changed into Entertaining Comics. As Bill later admitted, every single one of his father’s strict rules governing comics was broken. The prime “evil influence” for this illegitimate transformation was Al Feldstein, a very young and ambitious artist with a ton of talent & new ideas. Bill and Al became a team and eventually forged a revolution in American comics. A brash insurgency whose impact no one could predict. When Bill & Al’s first horror title “Crypt of Terror” (1950) appeared, a minor dissatisfaction soon caused it’s title to be changed to “Tales from the Crypt” and a star was born. EC’s short ride to brief fame, fortune & glory had begun. But the ride was self destructive, especially in those conservative( if not repressive) 50’s. Yet for such “a short ride”…all things considered ~ maybe not so short. Before the crash, EC had become the leading trend setter. The comic market was deluged with countless EC imitations. Competition and one-ups-man-ship within this flood of horror led to an escalation of the questionable violence and taste. EC and the copycats went for broke in a bloody gore-fest competition of ghouls, monsters and severed body parts. They were shocking. They were sensational and they went too far. Worst of all, they caused a new threat to America. Juvenile delinquency. That was the charge.
A GATHERING OF TORCHES
One self appointed expert Dr. Fred Werthem (a medical doctor) wrote a book, Seduction of the Innocent, which condemned comic books as the potential destruction of the moral fiber of American youth. It received big press and ultimately influenced the formation of a United States Senate Sub-Committee to Investigate Juvenile Delinquency (may, 1954). It was modeled after the famous McCarthy witch hunts and targeted EC and others. Thus developed the untimely demise of these notorious but beloved EC comics. One of the examples of EC’s excesses cited at the Senate hearings was an EC horror story, “Foul Play”, illustrated by Jack Davis, in which a person is hacked into chunks and pieces which are horribly utilized in an incredibly macabre baseball game!
When EC was bad it was real bad. But many of the stories had good sense and morality lessons. And there was somewhat of a political tone and conscience within. Something that hinted at social protest. Many stories ( later called “preachies”) criticized such cultural ills as war and racism. Stories that actually made the reader think… perhaps an awakening and birth of the “protest movement” of the 1960’s!
And humor! EC was loaded with it. Feldstein had invented three story telling witches for the horror books. Labeled “Ghoulunatics”, they consisted of The Cryptkeeper, The Vault Keeper and The Old Witch. All 3 were wise guy punsters who made readers not only laugh out loud but realize that this outrageous “horror” stuff was just for fun and entertainment.
Ultimately Bill Gaines was condemned and publicly humiliated. EC Comics suffered an untimely but swift death, crucified and burned at the stake. The witches were dead and future witches were forbidden by a new Comics Code among surviving publishers.
That was it. Everyone accepted it.
But the fans, “EC fan-atics” as they referred to themselves …would not forget.
And they grew up. And when they entered the corporate world, something strange happened (cue the wolf howl….)
WITCHES’ REVENGE
EC comics began to emerge from the grave!
The resurrection began slowly and subliminally.
EC’s imaginative influence had begun to take hold of television during the late 1950’s and early 60’s with shows like, “Shock Theater”, “Twilight Zone”, “Outer Limits”, “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”, et al.
Then the movies. By the 70’s the EC aura became more obvious when Britain’s Amicus Films got with Gaines to make a feature length movie, “Tales from the Crypt”, a horror anthology with five old EC stories recreated by actors. Then in the early 80’s Stephen King and George Romero did a great deference to EC Comics with their wildly popular Hollywood film, “Creep Show”.
More significant then all this, the comic books themselves returned with a vengeance.
Russ Cochran and many other publishers began reprinting all of the EC comics in several different formats during the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s. They sold like hot cakes. New generations of EC fan-atics emerged (and they were fruitful and did multiply again). The irrepressible Ghoulunatics were back from the grave, jivin’ with the kiddies again!
The ruthless Dr. Fredric Wertham died and did NOT emerge from the grave!
EC comics were back …but the best was yet to come.
VINDICATION!
EC had returned but as before, superstardom still evaded its reach. The Crypt Keeper had not yet taken over the planet.
It all changed when EC’s reincarnation climaxed with Home Box Office Television’s smash hit series, “Tales from the Crypt” by producer Joel Silver with the cooperation of Bill Gaines. Because of this hilarious series, Gaines’ “Tales” became an accepted and fully recognized American icon. The Cryptkeeper became as big a “star” as Mickey Mouse. He was touted by the new Tales from the Crypt Productions as “the worlds undisputed icon of ghoul-horror and spook-tacular fun!”
And William M. Gaines was vindicated at last.
With Gaines’ input, the tv show was quite successful in recreating the true spirit and irreverence of the original comics whose stories it retold faithfully each week. This despite the fact that the revived Crypt Keeper had disintegrated into a rotting corpse/zombie (played by a puppet animatron!) Yet he was as funny as ever… punning-patter intact. The show’s added profanity and nudity was not such a good idea (but I guess the original comics had faults too!). Eventually the series went into syndication where it successfully remains to this day.
Chip Selby takes us through all of this and much more with his thorough and charming documentary. His writing and direction reveal a good natured humor and a loving respect for the subject.
EVERYBODY’S TALKIN’
Any documentary worth it’s salt will have pertinent guest commentaries and this one has a near endless line up:
The well researched narration is liberally laced with commentaries starting with EC’s own Al Feldstein and followed by fans who have gone on to become torch bearers for the legacy. These include fantasy & horror authors such as Stephen King (Carrie) and R.L. Stine (Goosebumps).
Contributions by movie producers John Carpenter and George Romero (Creepshow) add to the mix while noted comic book historians and authors, Digby Diel, Grant Geissman, and Mark Evanier and EC reprint-superstar/publisher Russ Cochran lend their thoughts and valuable perspectives.
Did I mention bonus material?
Hoh Boy! That’s how this became a 2 disc, 4 hour deluxe set! Disc #2 is the interviews disc. This is where we separate fan-addicts from the humans. My guess is that anyone who views Disc 1 will be a fan-addict by the end of the program, whether or not he was before …so the concept is moot. No separation required! Yes. Interviews …candid and captivating. Human interest stuff with questions that we’d all love to ask. Artists Jack Davis, Al Williamson, Jack Kamen and (colorist) Marie Severin talking at length about their years at the EC factory. Did you know that a guilt ridden Jack Davis burned his ECs after the ‘witch hunts’?? Or that a young and inexperienced Al Williamson needed help doing his art assignments for EC?? Fascinating stuff!
The interview with publisher Russ Cochran is particularly interesting for several reasons. He was a fan first, who later became a good friend to William M. Gaines. More significantly, it was Cochran who was the main impetus in the EC revival and who did the most to resurrect the comic books. He is far and above EC’s greatest champion. Also interviewed are horror movie director George Romero, Robert Overstreet (author Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide) and EC historian Roger Hill. Sorely missing from this interview disc is Al Feldstein the true genius behind the whole story ( busy saving it all for his own book, no doubt). Bless you, Al!
Also included in various settings, are stories about deceased EC artists such as “Ghastly”Graham Ingels, Johnny Craig, and Harvey Kurtzman. I wish there could have been mention of others. Perhaps Wally Wood, George Evans, or the irascible Will Elder. But a program of this nature must appeal to the main public with calibrated brevity (rather than cater to us who want everything and anything to do with the story of EC).
So once again, a tip of the hat to producer Selby for his control and focus.
Another of the bonuses on this two disc package is a 2003 meeting between legendary Science fiction writer Ray Bradbury and Mr. Feldstein. The old friends reminisce at length about their collaboration for the interpretations of the many Bradbury stories EC Comics did in their books. The discussion is moderated by EC super fan and comic book historian, Jerry Weist. Al is obviously a big devotee of Mr. Bradbury and they enjoy a great reunion. Good vibrations. Good stuff!
The entire production is honest and respectful. Criticisms are offered though not with malcontent. Feldstein for example, who has not been treated well at all by the Gaines faction, is very gracious in his remarks and sincere in his evaluation of the positive aspects of his and Gaines’ relationship.
MADE TO ORDER
Chip Selby who was commissioned by AMC to make this film had expected it would be aired by that network. It was instead aired as a one hour special on AMC’s newer subsidiary, “the Monster Network” during the 2004 Halloween season. One would hope AMC, itself will offer it for the additional (and well deserved) exposure.
The new and improved DVD version has 3 ( count ‘em, boys n’ ghouls…three! ) additional hours of bonus material and… is all dressed up in a collectible style package that will make any EC collector drool with ghoulish anticipation. The snap-open CD box is made to look like an old issue of Tales from the Crypt while each of the 2 special discs is colorfully decorated with original EC cover art. Clipped inside the box is yet another bonus, a“Vault of Horror” mini-poster that folds out to display extensive liner notes, more photos and a Scene Selection Chapter-list!
As an EC fan-atic, I am fanatically (and frenetically) fascinated by this treasury.
After viewing it three times, STILL trying to absorb it all! The film is pure “eye candy” and done with a human angle that will appeal to most everyone, regardless of taste or sentimentality. So I give it three cheers and three thumbs up …well, two thumbs.
Three stars. No. Five stars!
At any rate, without doubt a historic document … a story that waited a long time to be told. And an important work of art befitting the work of art that was EC.
Don’t you wait. See it. Soon!