Marvel and Fantagraphics Present Stories from the Atlas Comics Library: FCBD 2024 #[nn]
"The Raving Maniac" is a standout tale from the Atlas Comics Library, spotlighting the wild, surreal artistry of Basil Wolverton in a story where a scientist’s experimental projector sends his enemies to a hostile other world. With sharp, exaggerated visuals and a chilling moral dilemma, the narrative ends on a haunting note as a survivor faces an impossible choice—risk unleashing danger to save others, or leave them to perish. The cover, a striking piece by Bill Everett, captures the story’s eerie tone, making this a must-read for fans of classic weird tales.
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A scientist uses a projector that banishes people he dislikes to another world. A light indicates where the beam connects both worlds and one of the men returns. He shoves the scientist through the aperture where he is killed by the natives. Other victims rush forward hoping to escape but the man switches off the device. The story ends with the man uncertain what to do: turn the beam on and rescue the other victims which might allow the attackers to pour through, or shut it off and condemn them to die. He addresses the reader directly, asking "What would you do?"
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).