Creepy #14 - Warren

Another cover by Gray Morrow, pretty unusual subject matter for both Gray and Warren; this looks like something Heavy Metal might have run in its early days.

This issue's "Creepy's Loathsome Lore" is by John Severin, who does a great job(of course) discussing all kinds of creepy magicians.

The first story is "Where Sorcery Lives!" by Archie Goodwin and Steve Ditko, which feels like John Carter Warlord of Mars meets Dr.Strange. Goodwin and Ditko were always a solid combo at Warren.

Next is "Art of Horror" by Goodwin and Jerry Grandinetti, about three skeptics who spend a night in a haunted house. Another nice job by Grandinetti(I think I say that every time).

Third is "Snakes Alive!" by Clark Dimond, John Benson, and Hector Castellon. This to me is the first story of the upcoming fallow period for Warren--the story is silly, concerning a rock band getting involved with voodoo, and the art is amateurish in the extreme:

...especially compared to the other artists in this book(John Severin, Reed Crandall, Dan Adkins, Neal Adams), this story sticks out like a sore thumb.

Next is "The Beckoning Beyond!" by Goodwin and Dan Adkins, a really fun tale of a guy who creates a machine that can send someone into another dimension. This could've been the plot of a classic Twilight Zone or something, and Adkins EC-esque style only reinforces that.

"Piece by Piece" is by Goodwin and Joe Orlando, and is a goofy, gory take on the classic Frankenstein story. Next is "Castle Carrion!" by Goodwin and Reed Crandall, about a knight who seeks shelter in a spooky castle. Its what you'd get if you had left William M.Gaines write a Prince Valiant sunday strip.

Last but certainly not least is "Curse of the Vampire!" by Goodwin with a tour de force art job by Neal Adams, about a vampire curse that affects several generations. Powerful illustrations, gripping layouts, and beautiful wash work makes this one of Neal's best jobs for Warren, and that's saying something.

A solid issue, with all good material except for "Snakes". I think I would've preferred more early Captain Company ads...