Unexpected #126

Unexpected #126 (On Sale: June 24, 1971), has a cover by Nick Cardy.

We begin this issue with our cover story, "You Are Cordially Invited... to Die" by George Kashdan, Dick Dillin, and Vince Colletta. While on his deathbed, Hiram makes a deal with a mysterious figure for one more hour of life. He ends up having to become the Devil's go-between for others wishing to make the same bargain.

Next up is "Cat Tale" by Murray Boltinoff and Rich Buckler. Mrs. McDougal, an old cat lady, has a disagreement with your landlord.

Next, we have "The Doomsday Drum" by Dave Wood, Joe Maneely, and Joe Sinnott and reprinted from House of Secrets #9 (1958). 

Joe Maneely was mainly thought of as an Atlas (Marvel) artist, but the year before his death in 1958, he started working for DC as well, where he penciled 10 stories in all, half for the House of Mystery. Modern comic fans know little to nothing regarding Joe, who was a master of all genres of comic art and best known as the co-creator of the Black Knight, the Ringo Kid, the Yellow Claw, and Jimmy Woo. Had he not died in a commuter-train accident at 32, Maneely would have been one of the greats at Marvel. Stan Lee said, "Joe Maneely to me would have been the next Jack Kirby. He also could draw anything, make anything look exciting, and I actually think he was even faster than Jack."

Our next story is "Please Let Me Die" by Dave Wood and Bruno Premiani. Charlie Kimble hears the voices of his dead cellmates.

Bruno Premiani started his career at Prize Comics with Young Love #4 in 1949 and his first work for DC was that same year in World Finest Comics #42. By 1950, Bruno was working almost exclusively for DC, starting out as a western artist with Tomahawk #1. He stayed with that book for 36 issues. Bruno's real claim to fame came along in 1963 in My Greatest Adventure #80 where he and Arnold Drake created the Doom Patrol. He would stay with the Doom Patrol till the original series ended in 1968. After that series ended Bruno would only draw two more stories, this being his final comic work. All told, Bruno Premiani drew 175 stories for DC.

This story is followed by "The Town That Buried Me Alive" drawn by Alex Toth and reprinted from House of Mystery #149 (1965). A twin is having memory problems, uncertain which one he is.

We end this issue with "Seek Your Own Grave" by George Kashdan and Jerry Grandenetti. Three criminals kill an old prospector hoping to find his cache of gold.

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.