by Stephin Sennitt

Published by Critical Vision - £13.95

Some of the finest non-fiction, genre related, class act books being published in the UK right now are coming from two small independent but forward looking outfits. These being Harvey Fenton’s ‘Fab Press’ and David Kerekes ‘Critical Vision’, an imprint of ‘Headpress’. Both equally impressive and both oozing sheer quality!

This latest addition to the (ever expanding) critical vision catalogue has got to be in the running for some kind of ‘non-fiction book of the year award’. A large format paperback running to over 220 pages, clear text, excellent illustrations and very high production values only add to the book’s exclusive feel. Rik Rawling’s cookin’ cover art sets the tone with a crackin "Hook" Illo!

The author (a man after me own heart) Steve Sennitt, has been reading and collecting horror comics since the early 70’s. a self-taught expert and mad keen enthusiast he knows his subject, he lives and loves the life. Honor comics are his passion and his muse. He himself states that this book is not intended as a definite history of the horror comics, more an enthused appreciation and detailed overlook.

Its obvious from the very beginning that an incredible amount of delving, tracing and research has gone into Steve’s script. He also writes in a pleasant easy going manner which holds the reader’s concentration with a wealth of interesting and entertaining facts, observations, histories and various developments.

The book is broken down into three major sections. These being the precode honors 1946-1959. Followed by the Black ‘N’ White honors 1964-1975. Finishing with new wave horrors 1960-present. Each section is split into subsequent relative chapter. Steve rounds off his opus with a series of important appendix headings. One being the printing of the 1954 American comics code in full. Speaking of which, a very similar tragedy happened right here over 30 years later. ‘Video Recordings Act’. Ring any bells? Many and varied are the artists, writers and comics which come under Steve’s spotlight. Probably the most famous being E.C’s Tales from the Crypt. Other names from my mis-spent youth that tweaked my heart strings include Creepy, Eerie, Psycho and Nightmare. Plus a multitude of others too numerous to mention! The artists and writers who kick started their "careers" jobbing for the honor comics reads like a roll-call of past (and present) comic gods. Jack Kirby, Stan Lee, Richard Corben, Berni Wrightson, Mary Wolfman (wot a name!) Boris Vallejo and the one and only Mr Frank Frazetta.

A highly recommended excursion into a beautiful world (now gone). This one rocks!

John Carter

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