A must-read for all Vincent Price fans

With Halloween soon upon us, comic companies have made sure that there are plenty of monsters, vampires, werewolves, zombies, witches and other dark creatures on the shelves to scare a reader late at night.

Possibly the best book to embody the spirit of a holiday that the general public seems to view as either extremely scary or extremely silly is the latest installment of a series featuring an actor best known for masterfully balancing those two extremes.

"Vincent Price Presents" captures the essence of a man best known for his distinctive voice and serio-comic attitude in a series of horror films made in the latter part of his career.

For those who remember Price, (who continued to act up until his death in 1993 at age 82) only for the work done in the twilight of his career - which included a guest role on family-friendly fare like "The Brady Bunch," appearances on game shows like "The Hollywood Squares" and quirky movies like "Edward Scissorhands" - the comic is a nice reminder that at his peak, Price's name was synonymous with horror.

There is a reason why Michael Jackson chose Price to add his vocals to "Thriller" and its famed video - and that's because Price gave it instant creepiness and legitimacy with the horror crowd.

The comic series is like a macabre version of the "Twilight Zone," and distinguishes itself by focusing on psychological chills instead of gory, blood-spattered thrills.

In issue No. 12, readers are transported to a very different place that still has rotary phones and phone booths and in which $6,000 is more than three years' pay.

The plot centers on a private investigator named Frank Wood - who resembles Price in both manner and appearance - being hired by a Mr. Leonard, who claims that a woman has been breaking into his house at night and that the police have been no help.

Wood finds that there have been no signs of forced entry, which leads him to ponder several possibilities: Are these "appearances" the result of Mr. Leonard's mental state? Are they hallucinations brought on by his medications? Is he the victim of a very careful enemy? Or is something more horrific at work here?

Wood puts the pieces together quickly and the result is a heart-stopping conclusion.

Writer Nick Lyons tells a taut, thrilling tale and R.H. Stewart complements it with some appropriately moody, almost abstract, art. The only drawback is that at times Stewart goes to such an extreme, it is hard to identify who is doing what.

That quibble aside, Comics Guy thinks that it would be wise for discerning horror lovers to treat themselves to a copy of "Vincent Price Presents" No. 12 this Halloween season.

Bluewater Publisher Darren G. Davis said that he decided to do a horror series starring Vincent Price - though younger readers would likely not be too familiar with the late legend - for a very simple, personal reason.

"When I was a kid, I was scared of this man," he said. "He always freaked me out, so when we were thinking of doing a horror anthology, I came up with things from my childhood that scared me. Clowns would not have worked as a main character - yes, I am still afraid of clowns - so I contacted his daughter and we came up with this new series. They have been great to work with."

"I sometimes feel that I'm impersonating the dark unconscious of the whole human race. I know this sounds sick, but I love it."

- Vincent Price

to have a Phillie flavor

Adam West was among the dozens of stars in an impressive lineup for Wizard's initial Big Apple New York Con.

Why should anyone in Philadelphia care?

Because after years of mismanagement, dwindling attendance and interest, and even contraction of its con schedule, Wizard's con arm has been restructured and re-energized. It will spend money to bring in big stars to all their cons - and that bodes well for Wizard World Philly.

"Wizard World Philly is not going anywhere," said Wizard's Stephen Shamus. "It's a great show. And we are scheduling them far enough apart and the demographics are so different, we are confident both the New York and Philly shows will be able to thrive."

Shamus also addressed the peculiar scheduling of Wizard World Philly the last few years, which saw it go head to head, on the same weekend, with Heroes Con, in Charlotte. This resulted in divided talent, exhibitors, stars and fan bases, and hurt both shows.

"That was stupid," he said. "The people that did that are gone and I can guarantee Wizard Philly will never again be going head to head with Heroes Con. Ever!"

Shamus confirmed that New York Con headliner William Shatner will attend Wizard Philly for the first time next year. Phillie legends Pete Rose and Mike Schmidt are also coming to sign autographs and answer questions from fans.

Shamus said that they likely will be joined by a third famous Phillie - Comics Guy can't tell you yet - and that there should be several other exciting announcements in the months to come. Comics Guy will keep you posted.

E-mail comicsguy@phillynews.com.