June 9, 2010

Ghostly Tales #80 [1970]

A nice issue, with the 8-page "The Treasure Of The Swamp" by Ditko appearing between two stories by Pat Boyette, whose contributions are usually the second best reason to pick up 1970s Charlton comics.

This story features a geologist sent in to assess the oil-drilling potential of a swamp to decide if it's worth it for his company to drain the area and bring in drilling equipment.  His hired local guide "Witless Willy" takes him deep into the swamp, where they're forced to spend the night in a dilapidated shack.  A night of spectral figures and an alligator attack reveal something about Willy and convince the geologist to submit a negative report on the oil potential of the area and appreciate the natural beauty of the swamp.

There's a topical joke to be made here, but I can't put my finger on it...

A very attractive story, with some great renderings of the flora and fauna of the swamp, some nice moody lighting effects and some nice bits of action in the middle, especially the amusing scene of both man and alligator being thrown back by an unseen force.



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