***This post is not for children or someone with delicate sensibilities. 
Graphic violent and disturbing artwork.  You have been warned.***

Before Seduction of the Innocent was published in 1954, some horror books of the late 40’s and early 50’s were shocking.  Even now, some of them are jarring in the graphic violence, callous treatment of fellow humans, or ability to haunt your nightmares.  Some of these comics make you aware of fears that you didn’t know you had.  Since 2020, the majority of these books have risen dramatically in value.  They are rare, notorious, and highly sought after.  I’ve gone through thousands of covers on Comics Price Guide to show you some of the scariest, most shocking pre-code horror covers.  This is my opinion, so your list of pre-code horror books could be vastly different.  Each one of these comic book covers makes me turn on the lights and check under my bed.

Weird Tales of the Future 7

Weird Tales of the Future 7

Fight Against Crime 19

Fight Against Crime 19

Vault of Horror 12

Vault of Horror 12

Crime SuspenStories 22

Crime Suspenstories 22

Astonishing 8

Drowning Cover

Chamber of Chills 23

Chamber of Chills 23

Web of Evil 5

Web of Evil 5

Crime Does Not Pay 43

Crime Does Not Pay 43

Mister Mystery 12

Mister Mystery 12

Tomb of Terror 15

Tomb of Terror 15

Weird Mysteries 5

Weird Mysteries 5

Law Breakers Suspense Stories 11

Law Breakers Suspense Stories 11

Witches Tales 25

Witches Tales 25

Black Cat Mystery 50

Black Cat Mystery 50

The Thing 7

The Thing 7

Well, now you know the horror of a bird-like creature with eye makeup clawing your eyes out.  Sleep well tonight.  What did I miss?  Leave me a comment.

by
Ron Cloer