Nightmare #2 – Key Highlights
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Publisher: Ziff-Davis
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Publication Date: September 1952
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Cover Artist: Walter Popp (painted cover)
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Interior Artists: Everett Raymond Kinstler, Edward Goldfarb, Bob Baer, and others
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Writer: Edgar Allan Poe (original story)
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Genre: Pre-Code Horror / Suspense
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Pages: 32
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Original Cover Price: $0.10
🔥 Key Significance
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A pre-Code horror and suspense anthology from Ziff-Davis, featuring the publisher's distinctive painted-cover approach.
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The painted cover by Walter Popp is a standout feature, depicting a monster with a memorable, almost comical appearance.
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Includes an adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's classic “The Pit and the Pendulum!”, illustrated by Everett Raymond Kinstler.
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Features a variety of supernatural and psychological horror themes, including murderous dolls, living statues, poltergeists, and psychological torture.
📖 Story Highlights
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“The Death Dolls” – A man investigates a series of crimes seemingly committed by dolls, only to find himself transformed into a doll.
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“The Devil from the Deep” – A horror story featuring a sinister living statue that reflects the desires of the men around her.
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“Ghosts With a Sense of Humor!” – A supernatural feature exploring the lighter side of poltergeist activity.
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“An Eye for an Eye” – A tale of torture that drives a man to the brink of madness.
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“Dream Girl” – A horror feature; further story details were not supplied.
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“The Pit and the Pendulum!” – Edgar Allan Poe's classic tale of psychological and physical torture, illustrated by Everett Raymond Kinstler.
📌 Additional Details
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The issue includes a feature presenting fun facts about poltergeists.
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Interior creators listed include Everett Raymond Kinstler, Edward Goldfarb, and Bob Baer. Individual story assignments are not specified beyond Kinstler's artwork on “The Pit and the Pendulum!”
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The issue's painted cover is credited to Walter Popp.
A terrific example of Ziff-Davis pre-Code horror, combining atmospheric painted cover art with classic literary horror and imaginative supernatural tales.
