Secret History of EL Comics 1
Here we present again the long-lost underground comics of the 1970s and early 1980s that were published under the umbrella designation of “EL Comics.” What “EL” stood for is not known, but it has been speculated that “Ever Lovin’” or “Evil Lemur” were two possibilities. “Everyday Luddite” has also been suggested.
We begin by looking at the Herby and Alfred series, which is an obvious play on Abbot and Costello, with the characters Herby and Alfred standing in for the legendary comedy team — only much funnier. There is much humor to be had from the set-up of a tall, skinny man and a short fat man, as well as the laughs at the expense of the ’40s horror conventions. It is not so much derivative as it is satirical, and it manages to inject a suspense that is lacking in its lesser screen predecessors, including Martin and Lewis ventures and the actual Frankenstein franchise.
Of particular note is the fact that the comic begins in the middle of a conversation — we, the reader, are not privy to what Herby and Alfred were speaking of, but we do note that it results in a visit to Frankenstein’s Castle and all that implies. Terror, thy name is a Herby and Alfred comic.
This is just one several early EL ventures prior to their pursuit of the superhero genre, albeit a pursuit of parody in regard to the putrid mainstream output of lesser operations.
In the meantime, enjoy the EL creators perfecting their comic book chops.
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Tags: Abbott and Costello, Frankenstein, Herby and Alfred, Martin and Lewis
