Trapped in the"Tomb of Dracula" with a "Werewolf By Night" (The 1st Series')

"Tomb of Dracula"#1 crept onto the comic book scene in 1972. Based on Bram Stoker's original character; Dracula was re-vamped for the modern age by Stan Lee,Roy Thomas (writers) and Gene Colan (artist).Gerry Conway took over as writer with issue #2.The series had a 70 issue run and lasted until 1979.Marvel then followed with a 6 issue run of a Black & White magazine called "Dracula Lives", which also featured Gene Colan, Neal Adams, and a host of others providing the artistic talent. Although some of the early plots somewhat followed Universal and Hammer Films "Dracula" plot ideas, this series quickly developed its own style. Dracula wasn't made to resemble Bela Lugosi or Christopher Lee from the movie versions. It is rumored that he was styled after actor Jack Palance, who had never played Dracula before (strangely enough, Jack did star as the famous vampire in the following year, in a TV movie).

The sweeping artistry of Gene Colan immersed the reader into a dark world of mustyness and decay, laced with malevolent evil and a striking sense of menace. Dracula was portrayed as a savage, soulless undead creature with no redeeming qualities. He existed to satiate his endless thirst for blood and the desire to make others into vampires like himself.(Note to young ladies, who romanticize vampires: Imagine trying to cozy up to this evil monster).

Those who sought to destroy Dracula initially were: Quincy Harker,( son of Jonathan & Mina Harker ), who was killed while battling Dracula: Rachel Van Helsing (granddaughter of Abraham Van Helsing), who was eventually made into a vampire herself and put out her misery by the superhero, Wolverine; and Frank Drake (a human descendant of Dracula, himself).

Two of the best character comic book cross-overs were with the Werewolf (from "Werewolf By Night") in T. of D #18 and W. By N. #15;  and a battle between Dracula and Doctor Strange (The Master of Mystic Arts) in T. of D. #44 & Dr. S. #14.

Dracula's origin and background were revealed in "Dracula Lives"#1.

In 1972, the same year that "Tomb of Dracula" was introduced, another savage monster ripped his way onto the scene. "Werewolf By Night" began  in "Marvel Spotlight"#2 & 3 from an idea from writer Roy Thomas.

Jack Russell (originally Jacob Russoff) had inherited a family lycanthropic (werewolf) curse, which began back in 1795. Jack's ancestor Grigori Russoff destroyed Dracula, after the vampire had killed his beloved wife. A lady (with the werewolf curse) named Lydia, whom Dracula had imprisoned, was freed and inflicted the curse on Grigori. This curse carried on through the generations to Jack's father, Gregor, who had married a lady named Laura. They had two children, Jacob (Jack) and Lissa. After this, Gregor escaped from the family castle as a werewolf, and was destroyed by the local villagers.
Jack was nearly 18 years of age, when his mother was in a terrible auto accident, which left her dying. As Laura lay on her deathbed, she tried to tell her son of the curse that he would receive on his 18th birthday (that very night). She died as her son was becoming a werewolf for the very first time. As a werewolf, Jack gained heightened strength,speed, stamina,durability,agility and reflexes; he also had enhanced hearing,smell,taste and sight. His claws and fangs were extremely sharp. The rest is history!

"Werewolf By Night"#1 was launched soon after the 2 issues of "Marvel Spotlight".Roy Thomas penned the initial story. Gerry Conway took over writing duties after that. Mike Ploog did the excellent artwork, which was filled with a dark, very eerie atmosphere. The original series ran for 43 issues. During that time, the Moon Knight (a superhero) was introduced in issue #32. The Werewolf was also teamed with Iron Man in a 2 issue arc, where they faced  the Masked Marauder and his Tri-Animan.


Both the Dracula and the Werewolf have been through several series runs since that time, but it's hard to top the 70's originals. Marvel definitely knows how to do monsters!!!!!