Universal Monster Army

With all the editions of the classic horror novels comes different but unique cover art.  Below are a few of my favorites.  The Dracula is a special favorite done by the great poster illustrator, Paul Davis - see:  http://okdavis.com/ (http://okdavis.com/)   Davis did many Broadway posters and magazine covers in the 70's and 80's.  If you have a favorite paperback cover, please share. 

(http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq70/visible/Picture1605.jpg)

(http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq70/visible/Picture1610.jpg)

(http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq70/visible/Picture1608.jpg)

(http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq70/visible/Picture1607.jpg)

Wow!  I used to own that Dracula!! I've owned several versions of Dracula over the years. The first one I owned was the Airmont Classics version. I bought it in grade school from the school book store, carried it around all the time but never read it! In fact, I never actually read Dracula or Frankenstein until I was in my 40's!!

That Frankenstein you posted has one of my favorite James Bama paintings.

Love the Bama Frankenstein! He did a great J&H paperback, too.

I have the Davis Dracula as well.  It was the first paperback book that I bought on my own.  I remember buying it in the 8th grade at Readmore in Paducah, KY.  I couldn't understand why he painted Dracula with the white hair and moustache until I read the book.  What a surprise! I only knew Lugosi and Lee's Dracula at that time.

Great memories with the Dracula book.

Quote from: RICKH on September 19, 2010, 12:12:54 AM
I have the Davis Dracula as well.  It was the first paperback book that I bought on my own.  I remember buying it in the 8th grade at Readmore in Paducah, KY.  I couldn't understand why he painted Dracula with the white hair and moustache until I read the book.  What a surprise! I only knew Lugosi and Lee's Dracula at that time.

Right, same here.  I only knew Dracula from film.  Once you read Stoker, your concept of the Count changes.  After reading the novel,  I came to appreciate the creepy, menacing quality Davis captured.  I wish this was produced as a poster.  I guess I could scan the cover at a higher resolution and have something printed at Kinkos.  John

We've discussed the Bamas before hereabouts; there's this, too -

(http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/81a3525acddbc5b0c133b05822b5df3904c2aea.jpg)

- which if not Bama, is someone "doing Bama."

It's not Bama, but someone who studied with him. His name escapes me right now, but he also did a Frankenstein cover as well. I'm sure someone on this board remembers his name.

Here's the Bama J&H book with 2 color variations:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5004846772_b40e3c27cf_b.jpg)

Here's a Frankenstein offshoot book and The Phantom of the Opera.  Is this the Bama-esque Frank?

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5004846438_8be8a4097b_b.jpg)

and finally a not-quite-Bela Dracula

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5004846988_98d55dbcec_b.jpg)

Rob

Quote from: Wich2 on September 19, 2010, 08:09:45 AM
We've discussed the Bamas before hereabouts; there's this, too -

(http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/81a3525acddbc5b0c133b05822b5df3904c2aea.jpg)

- which if not Bama, is someone "doing Bama."

It was Peter Caras. I just remembered his name. Here's an article about him:

http://hub.gmnews.com/news/2002-05-31/front_page/036.html (http://hub.gmnews.com/news/2002-05-31/front_page/036.html)

And no, that's not his Frankenstein.

Sorry this pic is so bad, but it's the only one I could fine of the Peter Caras Frankenstein cover:

(http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc311/illoman/Caras.jpg)

Evidently he did several covers for the Magnum Easy Eye series. He is credited with 1700 published illustrations!! He studied with James Bama and Norman Rockwell. He did the first few Avenger covers for Bantam.

Mike, I knew I recognized the name from somewhere in the past.  I loved those Avenger covers.  My favorite is still the first one, Justice Inc.

Quote from: RICKH on September 19, 2010, 01:30:54 PM
Mike, I knew I recognized the name from somewhere in the past.  I loved those Avenger covers.  My favorite is still the first one, Justice Inc.

Yeah, you can tell he apprenticed with James Bama on those covers: the monochromatic color scheme, attention to detail, etc... I think they're great!

Very cool.

Quote from: monsterphile on September 19, 2010, 10:51:03 AM

and finally a not-quite-Bela Dracula

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5004846988_98d55dbcec_b.jpg)

Rob

That was my first Dracula book. I love that cover, brings back great memories.

Thanks for the deets, Mike.
(Leave it to an artist!)

-Craig

Quote from: BaronLatos35 on September 28, 2010, 09:35:42 AM
That was my first Dracula book. I love that cover, brings back great memories.

Looks like someone caught Dracula taking a leak behind the pillar!

Quote from: Jethro on October 01, 2010, 08:11:06 AM
Looks like someone caught Dracula taking a leak behind the pillar!

"I never take...a piss!"

Here's one of my all time favorite paperback book covers, with a wonderful illustration by artist Freeman Elliot. I was finally able to secure a copy of this after a long search for one in my price range.

(http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc311/illoman/ToF.jpg)

...based of course, on radio shorts which I'd bet you also have!

Quote from: Wich2 on October 06, 2010, 08:06:03 PM
...based of course, on radio shorts which I'd bet you also have!

Actually based on two lp records. And yes, you know me too well!!   ;D

Quote from: Wich2 on September 19, 2010, 08:09:45 AM
We've discussed the Bamas before hereabouts; there's this, too -

(http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/81a3525acddbc5b0c133b05822b5df3904c2aea.jpg)

- which if not Bama, is someone "doing Bama."

My 1st Dracula paperback in Jr High.i want it back again.

"Actually based on two lp records. And yes, you know me too well!!"

Fun Fact, fellow fan: they were produced for radio syndication, but unsold - so went to vinyl.

Quote from: Wich2 on October 06, 2010, 11:04:00 PM
"Actually based on two lp records. And yes, you know me too well!!"

Fun Fact, fellow fan: they were produced for radio syndication, but unsold - so went to vinyl.

Learn something new every day. Glad I got this out of the way early today.  ;D

(http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd344/bigbud3/monsterstuff033.jpg)
Picked this paperback up from a local sale not long ago. Not in great condition, but a cool cover......check out the blood flooding out of the opening door...Bud

I just got this at the flea market for one dollar, it's from 1972.I'm sure some of you have seen it before, but for those who haven't...

(http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab97/monolith_06/IMG_2603.jpg)

I posted these books in an earlier thread back in June.  I'm not sure of the artist but the Bama Dr.J & MrHyde pose and the Wolf Man pose are very similar.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4666722101_af58d51bd2_b.jpg)(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4666722093_d5535e2345_b.jpg)

Spideydroogy, do those books say who the cover artist is? Both are very well done!! Especially the Chris Lee. Thanks for posting these!

Quote from: Monolith on October 16, 2010, 01:34:55 AM
I just got this at the flea market for one dollar, it's from 1972.I'm sure some of you have seen it before, but for those who haven't...

(http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab97/monolith_06/IMG_2603.jpg)

Here's a pic of the original painting.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3078/2685773655_a0e7c65053_b.jpg)

Quote from: Illoman on October 21, 2010, 03:46:14 PM
Spideydroogy, do those books say who the cover artist is? Both are very well done!! Especially the Chris Lee. Thanks for posting these!

No, I could not find a cover painter credit.

Sixshooter--- That original Hitchcock painting is really great! Do you own it?

Thanks for posting it.

Quote from: Monolith on November 06, 2010, 02:03:15 PM
Sixshooter--- That original Hitchcock painting is really great! Do you own it?

Thanks for posting it.
[/quote

The painting belongs to my brother, he's the artist, he did between 20 -30 book jackets for the Alfred Hitchcock Presents paperbacks back in the 1970's.

Sixshooter---That's awesome! There were a lot of really great covers on those.
I remember one with Hitchcock and Dracula laying down sharing blood from an IV. Did he do that one ,too?

Quote from: Monolith on November 09, 2010, 02:45:27 AM
Sixshooter---That's awesome! There were a lot of really great covers on those.
I remember one with Hitchcock and Dracula laying down sharing blood from an IV. Did he do that one ,too?

Monolith, Yes he did that one two, he did several that featured monsters, I posted some pics in here under "for all the art lovers" some time ago.
here's a link to my flickr pics. http://www.flickr.com/photos/33064587(*at*)N02/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/33064587(*at*)N02/)

Here's one for Hammer fans from Pan Books of England.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/JimBertges/Miscellaneous/scan0005-2.jpg)

I used to have a horror movie book website which is morphing to a Facebook location.  It is still under construction but wanted to post a link to my paperbacks while this topic is still somewhat fresh.  The paperback covers are mixed into my "Juvenile" section. These are the ones I remember as a kid.   Loved looking at the pics here!
This is public album so you do not have to  be on Facebook to view.
A few other albums are done but all of my regular domestic hardbacks are still to  be cataloged and photographed.  Bookmark and check back often.
Thanks!
Dustin


http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=44849&id=172213476141693&l=53379eea48 (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=44849&id=172213476141693&l=53379eea48)

I'd like to have that book (great cover art!), but I wish it was a DVD set, too!

Quote from: Jim Bertges on November 11, 2010, 02:02:30 PM
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/JimBertges/Miscellaneous/scan0005-2.jpg)

Quote from: RICKH on September 19, 2010, 12:12:54 AM
I have the Davis Dracula as well.  It was the first paperback book that I bought on my own.  I remember buying it in the 8th grade at Readmore in Paducah, KY.

I grew up about 30 miles N of Paducah, and bought the Bama cover Frank at a used bookstore back around '85 or so. Nice town, Paducah.

Quote from: Illoman on September 19, 2010, 11:46:32 AM
Sorry this pic is so bad, but it's the only one I could fine of the Peter Caras Frankenstein cover:

(http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc311/illoman/Caras.jpg)

Every time I've seen this edition, the cover art has always been so faded/washed out that I wonder if it was just printed badly. I've never seen one with the bright, solidly colored artwork that the original looks like it had. Pity, because it's nice work.

Not to be gross but doesn't he look like he's relieving himself behind that stone column? I mean, really?
(http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad213/Cinemacabre/draculapaperback.jpg)

The photo of the Karloff "Tales of the Frightened" book reminded me that I have these:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/5120563789_9694045aa3_b.jpg)

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1219/5121167248_2acab11b15_b.jpg)

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1208/5121167194_d8c97b2c6a_b.jpg)

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1091/5121167304_454e1b3470_b.jpg)

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1264/5120563713_5fd8d4e208_b.jpg)

Holdingcoat--- Those are great paperback covers!

The Rathbone one is signed "Elliott"; given its layout, its probably the same Freeman Elliott who painted the Karloff "Tales of the Frightened" cover (which I also have). The cartoony Chris Lee is obviously Mort Drucker. Anyone know who the other artists might be?

Thank goodness for Scholastic Books. From about 1968-1972, most of my monster books came via my school! Who'd a thunk it??
Corrupting my youthful, but monster-obsessed mind.

This first one is my favorite of all, my very first intro to the literary version of Frankenstein. WHAT A COVER!!

November 1969:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6123/5971865318_69e06cbea6_z.jpg)

Invisible Man, 1968:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6131/5971866262_29cd74b3df_z.jpg)

Dracula, 1970 (as so many others have already posted)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6128/5971307721_ec8f241e6c_z.jpg)

Ghosts, Ghouls, and Other Horrors (February 1971) (THIS IS STILL "SCHOLASTIC" books provided by the school)
I have vivid memories of reading this one on the school bus on the way home on the day I got it.  I've thrown in the back cover as well. Look at those story titles!!

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6021/5971865724_c89267d54e_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/5971308783_8b846a1b07_z.jpg)

Strangely Enough! (April 1971)  (still strangely enough provided by my school!)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6147/5971866596_bd2c47f260_z.jpg)

I remember having Strangely Enough! The Frankenstein cover reminds me of one of my favorite paperback cover artists, Richard M. Powers. Here are some of his horror paperback covers:

(http://members.cox.net/sjrohde2/images/books_b/beck_franken_balf680.jpg)

(http://members.cox.net/sjrohde2/images/books_b/burnett_claws_bal466k.jpg)

(http://members.cox.net/sjrohde3/images/books_c/cantor_ghosts_berkf666.jpg)

(http://members.cox.net/sjrohde3/images/books_c/congdon_tales_bal522k.jpg)

(http://members.cox.net/sjrohde6/images/books_z/zacherly_snacks_bal370k.jpg)

(http://members.cox.net/sjrohde6/images/books_z/zacherley_vulturestew_bal41.jpg)

(http://members.cox.net/sjrohde4/images/books_k/kersh_bones_pbl52127.jpg)

(http://members.cox.net/sjrohde4/images/books_l/lovecraft_horror_avont284.gif)

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Xd9ACXHwL.jpg)

(http://members.cox.net/sjrohde3/images/books_c/conklin_brrr_avont289.jpg)

(http://members.cox.net/sjrohde3/images/books_c/conklin_grave_bal257.jpg)

(http://members.cox.net/sjrohde3/images/books_d/davenport_deals_bal326k.gif)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y218/haloofflies/000a1talestold.jpg)

The majority of these came from The Richard M. Powers Compendium http://members.cox.net/sjrohde/index.html (http://members.cox.net/sjrohde/index.html). Check it out!

Powers may be most well known for his sci-fi covers (which are terrific), but these horror covers are AMAZING!

TERRIFIC paperback covers, Inkfink! Takes me back to the ads in Famous Monsters where they first appeared...GREAT to finally see what they look like in color. I have the Zach books, but none of the rest. Thanks for posting!

Great covers. Man I remember reading a lot of these in Jr High and High school.

Seriously, Creepy, great, great stuff!!

Quote from: CreepysFan on July 28, 2011, 03:21:53 AM

   

A few paperbacks  from the back of the Warren magazines ads. The CREEPY I had to re-buy a few years ago to replace the one Mom sold.

   

(http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo156/CreepysFan/ppb1.jpg)

(http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo156/CreepysFan/ppb2.jpg)

(http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo156/CreepysFan/ppb3.jpg)

You KNOW when I finally get out there to visit you I'm going to make you pull ALL your books and mags out for me!!

We only got a little bit of water in our basement after Hurricane Irene, but unfortunately, I had a couple of books already pulled out to share in this thread and they ended up falling in the water.  The books were shot, but I held onto the covers and dried them out so that I could still share them. 

I never got around to reading this book, but the cover shows a very non-generic werewolf. 
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6078/6125691817_8930dd34f1.jpg)

This second one features a very Karloff-y Dr. Moreau.
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6187/6126238348_387f32b501_b.jpg)

Rob

Wow, I've never seen that Wolfman cover before.

David Case has two other novels of interest to horror fans: "Fengriffen" was adapted into 1973's "And Now the Screaming Starts!", and "The Hunter" was the basis for the Dan Curtis telefilm "Scream of the Wolf" (1974).

Crap, sorry you lost those books Rob..............but those covers are great!!

Dry here in Kansas.........send paperback books........call it a preservation thing.......Buddy

Quote from: bigbud on September 09, 2011, 10:29:18 PM
Dry here in Kansas.........send paperback books........call it a preservation thing.......Buddy

Oh, don't worry.  It's dry enough here now.  It was a freak thing that these books fell into the water.  All my other books are just fine.  Besides, if I sent them to Kansas, they might land in Oz.   :D

Rob

Quote from: sixshooter on October 25, 2010, 09:32:15 PM

Here's a pic of the original painting.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3078/2685773655_a0e7c65053_b.jpg)

I see Dracula is trying a Vulcan vintage.

Anybody remember this one from the mid 60s?
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/JimBertges/Miscellaneous/9-15-2011104504PM.jpg)

No, but that's a *great* cover!!

It's an odd little book filled with quick one page horror tales with twist endings. Many of the stories would have made good horror comics or TV episodes. And there are numerous black and white interior illustrations like these--
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/JimBertges/Miscellaneous/9-16-201133301PM.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/JimBertges/Miscellaneous/9-16-201133313PM.jpg)
The artist's name is Irv Doktor

They look like they were either done with scratchboard, or drawn in ink and photographed in reverse. Nice work.

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(http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz224/hippocketsleaze/HipPocketSleaze-web-600.jpg)

GREAT covers, CF! Wish they made wallpaper featuring that Macabre Reader cover!

Agreed that Macabre Reader cover art is classic, pure horror pulp! That book is definately going on my want list. Thanks for sharing....

That Macabre Reader cover is wonderful. Any artist credit?

A familiar name. Thanks.