40 Years of Scream!: The Archival Collection

Scream! is a horror anthology comic book celebrating its 40th anniversary, featuring fake vampire fangs and new strips from talented creators.

Format: Hardback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 23 May 2024
Publisher: Rebellion Publishing Ltd.

Celebrating 40 years since IPC launched the UK's most iconic horror anthology, this single volume collects all of the strips included in the 15-issue run of Scream! Produced from the depths of King's Reach Tower by the mysterious undead editor Ghastly McNasty, the first issue of Scream! was unleashed on 24th March 1984. More tongue-in-cheek than horrific, the comic was an immediate hit with younger fans as it included a pair of fake vampire fangs attached to the cover and a number of fantastic new strips from such talents as Alan Moore, John Wagner, Jose Ortiz, Cam Kennedy, Tom Tully, Alan Grant, and Eric Bradbury.

The comic was a unique blend of horror, humor, and satire, featuring a range of characters and stories that were both terrifying and hilarious. It quickly gained a loyal following and became a staple of the UK horror scene.

One of the key features of Scream! was its innovative approach to storytelling. Each issue featured a different theme, and the strips were written and illustrated by a variety of artists. This allowed for a wide range of styles and perspectives, and the comic was able to tackle a wide range of topics, from supernatural horror to political satire.

One of the most memorable strips in Scream! was "The Creeper," written by Alan Moore and illustrated by John Wagner. The strip followed the adventures of a mysterious creature who was able to transform into any shape or form, and who was bent on terrorizing the residents of a small town. The strip was dark, twisted, and incredibly suspenseful, and it quickly became a fan favorite.

Another notable strip was "The House of Horror," written by Jose Ortiz and illustrated by Cam Kennedy. The strip followed the adventures of a group of teenagers who were trapped in a haunted house and were forced to face their fears. The strip was filled with jump scares, gore, and suspense, and it was a perfect example of the horror genre at its best.

Scream! also featured a number of other talented artists, including Alan Grant, Tom Tully, and Eric Bradbury. Grant's strip "The Walking Dead" was a groundbreaking work of horror, and it helped to establish the zombie genre in the UK. Tully's strip "The Punisher" was a gritty and violent crime thriller, and it was a popular choice for fans of action and adventure. Bradbury's strip "The Sandman" was a fantasy epic that featured a wide range of characters and storylines, and it was a critical success.

Despite its success, Scream! faced a number of challenges over the years. The comic was criticized for its violence and gore, and some parents and politicians argued that it was inappropriate for children. IPC responded by introducing a number of new strips that were more family-friendly, but these strips were not as popular as the original series.

In recent years, Scream! has been re-released in a number of formats, including digital and print. The digital versions have been particularly popular, as they allow fans to access the comic from anywhere in the world. The print versions have also been updated with new artwork and color, and they have been praised for their high quality.

Despite its challenges, Scream! remains a beloved and iconic horror anthology. Its innovative approach to storytelling, its talented artists, and its dark and suspenseful stories have made it a staple of the UK horror scene for over 40 years. Whether you are a fan of horror or just looking for a good read, Scream! is a comic that you should not miss.

In conclusion, Scream! is a classic horror anthology that has been celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Produced from the depths of King's Reach Tower by the mysterious undead editor Ghastly McNasty, the comic was an immediate hit with younger fans and became a staple of the UK horror scene. Its innovative approach to storytelling, its talented artists, and its dark and suspenseful stories have made it a beloved and iconic comic that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come. Whether you are a fan of horror or just looking for a good read, Scream! is a comic that you should not miss.

Weight: 1820g
Dimension: 282 x 219 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781837861071