“40 Years of SCREAM!” – A Review

The release of “40 Years of SCREAM! – The Archival Collection” from Rebellion Press back in May of 2024 left me giddier than I’ve been in a long time. When this massive tome finally arrived on my doorstep, it was exactly the treasure trove for fans of British horror comics that it promised it would be when it was announced in 2023. But this collection does not only nostalgically thrill those of us who grew up with the original SCREAM! comic in the 1980s. Its beautiful presentation and sheer volume of artistic excellence appeal to horror fans new to this seminal comic as well (at least, as far as I can garner from reviews on Amazon’s UK store from new readers).

I’ve previously written about SCREAM!’s impact on British comic readership in the ’80s here on The Longbox of Darkness. But this new collection has me itching to revisit the topic and share my thoughts on this exciting release. So, grab a cushion to hide behind, and let’s dive into the blood-curdling world of SCREAM!

A Brief History of SCREAM!: The Comic That Refused to Die

Before we crack open this new collection, let’s take a quick look back at the origins of SCREAM! For the uninitiated, SCREAM! was a British horror comic anthology launched by IPC on March 24, 1984. It was the brainchild of the mysteriously ghoulish editor, Ghastly McNasty, who supposedly produced the comic “from the depths” of King’s Reach Tower.

SCREAM! hit the newsstands with a bang, offering a potent mix of horror and dark humor that quickly captivated young readers like myself. I vividly remember the thrill of sneaking issues past my parents, who were less than thrilled about their 10-year-old devouring such macabre material. But for us kids, it was a delicious taste of the forbidden – a comic that dared to scare us and make us laugh in equal measure.

Sadly, SCREAM!’s original run was cut tragically short, lasting only 15 issues before being canceled on June 30, 1984. The reasons for its demise have been debated over the years – some blame a printers’ strike, while others point to concerns over the comic’s content being too extreme for its young audience. Whatever the cause, SCREAM!’s brief existence left an indelible mark on British comics and horror fans alike.

In the years since its cancellation, SCREAM! has achieved an almost mythic status among comic collectors and horror enthusiasts. Its short run and memorable stories have made original issues highly sought after, with prices skyrocketing on the secondary market. It’s no wonder, then, that Rebellion Press has chosen to commemorate the 40th anniversary of this influential comic with such a comprehensive collection.

Unpacking the Collection: A Cornucopia of Classic Horror

Now, let’s dig into the meat of this review – the contents of “40 Years of SCREAM! – The Archival Collection.” Weighing in at a hefty 464 pages, this hardcover edition is a veritable feast for horror comic fans. Here’s what you can expect to find within its blood-spattered pages:

Every Strip from the Original Run

The crown jewel of this collection is, without a doubt, the inclusion of every single strip published in the original 15-issue run of SCREAM! This means we get to revisit classic series like “The Dracula File,” “Monster,” and “The Thirteenth Floor” in their entirety. For those of us who missed out on collecting all the original issues (or whose parents “accidentally” threw them out – I’m still bitter about that, Mom), this is an absolute godsend.

Introductions by the Masterminds

Adding depth to the collection are introductions by editors Ian Rimmer and Barrie Tomlinson. These behind-the-scenes insights promise to shed light on the creation and short-lived history of SCREAM! I’m particularly excited to learn more about the editorial decisions that shaped the comic and the challenges they faced in pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable in children’s comics at the time.

Ghastly Extras

As if the complete run of strips wasn’t enough, Rebellion has included some tantalizing extras. We’re treated to previously unpublished pages – a rare glimpse into what might have been had SCREAM! continued. There’s also a gallery of Ghastly McNasty images, which I’m sure will be equal parts hilarious and horrifying. These additional materials really help to round out the collection and give fans a more complete picture of the SCREAM! universe.

The Stories That Haunted a Generation

While the entire collection is a treasure trove of horror goodness, there are a few standout series that I’m particularly excited to revisit. Let’s take a closer look at some of the iconic stories included in this archival collection:

The Dracula File: Cold War Chills

“The Dracula File” was one of SCREAM!’s flagship stories, and for good reason. Written by Gerry Finley-Day and Simon Furman, with art by the incomparable Eric Bradbury, this series gave us a fresh take on the Dracula mythos by setting it against the backdrop of Cold War tensions.

The story follows Count Dracula as he escapes from behind the Iron Curtain, posing as a Soviet defector to enter Britain. What follows is a cat-and-mouse game between the vampire lord and Colonel Stakis, a KGB officer torn between his duty to the Soviet Union and his personal vendetta against Dracula.

Bradbury’s gritty, atmospheric artwork perfectly captures the mood of paranoia and dread that permeates the story. I remember being particularly struck by the half-page splash panels that opened each episode – they were like windows into a world of gothic horror that I couldn’t resist peering into, no matter how much they terrified me.

Monster: A Tale of Misunderstood Monstrosity

Another standout series was “Monster,” which began life under the pen of none other than Alan Moore before being continued by John Wagner and Alan Grant (writing as Rick Clark). The story follows young Kenny Corman, who discovers a dark family secret in the form of his Uncle Terry – a deformed, developmentally challenged man with violent tendencies who’s been locked away in the attic.

What starts as a straightforward horror premise quickly evolves into a more complex narrative about family secrets, societal prejudices, and the nature of monstrosity. The sympathetic portrayal of Uncle Terry, despite his violent actions, adds a layer of moral ambiguity that was quite sophisticated for a children’s comic of the time.

The artwork, initially by Heinzl (Alberto Giolitti) and later by Jesus Redondo, maintains a dark, atmospheric tone throughout. I distinctly remember being both repulsed and fascinated by the depiction of Uncle Terry – a testament to the artists’ ability to convey complex emotions through their work.

The Thirteenth Floor: A.I. Gone Awry

“The Thirteenth Floor” was perhaps the most enduring legacy of SCREAM!, continuing long after the comic’s cancellation. Written by John Wagner and Alan Grant (under the pseudonym Ian Holland) and beautifully illustrated by José Ortiz, this series centered around Max, an artificial intelligence controlling a high-tech tower block.

Max’s programming to protect the building’s residents takes a dark turn as he creates a hidden thirteenth floor – a virtual reality chamber where he traps and torments those he perceives as threats. The series masterfully blends science fiction concepts with horror, creating a unique and unsettling atmosphere.

Ortiz’s artwork shines particularly bright in this series, seamlessly transitioning between the mundane urban setting of the tower block and the nightmarish scenarios of the thirteenth floor. I recall being both terrified and oddly fascinated by Max – he was a villain, certainly, but one whose motivations were understandable, if misguided.

Tales from the Grave: Anthology Horror at Its Finest

No horror comic would be complete without an anthology series, and “Tales from the Grave” filled that role admirably in SCREAM! Featuring stories by various writers and illustrated by Jim Watson, this series was hosted by “The Leper,” a grotesque gravedigger who introduced each tale.

Set primarily in Victorian London, these stories tapped into a rich vein of gothic horror that appealed to my young imagination. The anthology format allowed for a wide variety of themes and styles, ensuring that each issue brought something new and terrifying to the table.

Library of Death: A Who’s Who of British Comics Talent

Another anthology series, “Library of Death,” stands out for its impressive roster of creators. With writers like Barrie Tomlinson and Angus Allan, and artists including Cam Kennedy, Ron Smith, and Steve Dillon, this series represented a who’s who of British comics talent.

The variety of artistic styles on display in “Library of Death” was particularly striking. From Kennedy’s gritty, detailed work to Brendan McCarthy’s psychedelic nightmares, each story had its own unique visual identity that complemented its horrific tale.

Terror of the Cats: Controversy on the Page

No discussion of SCREAM! would be complete without mentioning “Terror of the Cats.” This controversial strip, initially written by Chris Lowder (as John Agee) and later completed by Simon Furman, with art by Gonzalez and John Richardson, pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable in a children’s comic.

The story of a scientific experiment gone wrong, resulting in a town besieged by psychically empowered, murderous cats, was deemed too extreme by IPC’s management. Its short run and abrupt conclusion serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance SCREAM! tried to strike between horror and acceptability.

The Legacy of SCREAM!: A Comic That Refused to Die

Despite its short run, SCREAM! has embedded itself in the history of the British comics landscape. It pushed boundaries, challenged readers, and paved the way for more mature, horror-themed comics in the UK. The fact that we’re celebrating its 40th anniversary with such a comprehensive collection is a testament to its enduring impact.

For many of us who grew up reading SCREAM!, it was more than just a comic – it was a rite of passage. It introduced us to sophisticated storytelling, complex moral themes, and artwork that didn’t pull its punches. It scared us, yes, but it also made us think, and in doing so, it helped shape a generation of horror fans and critical readers.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Have for Horror Comic Fans

When I received my copy of “40 Years of SCREAM! – The Archival Collection,” I couldn’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and that old excitement I knew so well as a kid when cracking open a new comic. Yes, this collection gave me that feeling, but also represents not just a trip down memory lane, but a chance to revisit these classic stories with adult eyes, appreciating the craft and complexity that might have gone over my head as a child.

For longtime fans of SCREAM!, this collection is an absolute must-have. It’s a chance to relive those spine-tingling moments of our youth and to fill in any gaps in our collections. For newcomers to the world of SCREAM!, it’s an opportunity to discover why this short-lived comic has maintained such a devoted following for four decades.

Rebellion Press has done an admirable job with this collection, from the comprehensive inclusion of all original strips to the tantalizing extras like unpublished pages and Ghastly McNasty galleries. The hardcover format and slipcase edition (for those lucky enough to snag one) ensure that this will be a prized possession on any horror fan’s bookshelf.

As I wrap up this review, I’m left with a sense of gratitude – gratitude to the creators who brought SCREAM! to life, to Rebellion Press for preserving this piece of comics history, and to Ghastly McNasty, wherever he may be lurking, for introducing us to a world of horror that continues to thrill and chill us 40 years on.

---

---