As well, it occured to me that readers of this blog who share these comix stories with their children might think twice about reading those freaky horror stories I posted yesterday.
I fear they may have a traumatizing effect on young minds. So here are two more stories from that Little Lulu Halloween special. These ought to make far more suitable bedtime-story material. For our older readers, these may leaven the psycho-weirdness of the horror material.
Here, today, are Lulu and Tubby. Lulu's up first, with another fine fractured fairy-tale, "The Witch In The Moon."







This story can't help but pale in comparison with the brilliant "The Twelve Long-Lost Little Sisters," but it still bristles with charm and sharp humor.
Lulu's interactions with the ocean have a poetic quality that is beautifully underplayed. As well, this story offers the most casual look into the everyday (or, should I say, everynight?) life of Witch Hazel. The sight of her in a bikini is... well... different.
Tubby is the protagonist of "Trick or Treat," which pits him against a common later Stanley nemesis--the borderline-psycho disgruntled male neighbor. Here was a real-life bogeyman suburban kid readers could truly understand. Nestled away in all communities is at least one socially alienated loner-type who's chosen to isolate himself from humanity in general.






Tubby is a passive hero in "Trick or Treat." He literally does nothing, yet he provokes Mr. Crank into action. As with "The Bragging Mirror," it's pleasing to see the dueling a-holes Wilbur and Gloria get hoisted on their own petards. That said, the final image of them being chased down a dark street by Mr. Crank is a bit disturbing. It's played for comedy, but a genuine sense of menace creeps up to the surface.
Poor Tub will never collect those "three million kisses" from Gloria--a conclusion we're invited to draw ourselves, and which graces the story's closure with a pinch of sadness.
WARNING: Our next few posts will contain selections from the notorious 1962 Dell Giant Tales From The Tomb. Youhave been warned! Heh, heh, heh, heh...
1 comment:
a witch in a bikini...whew!
i loved "Forget the money, Gloria!"
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