Many Ghosts of Dr. Graves #36

Published by Charlton Comics in 1973, The Many Ghosts of Dr. Graves was a staple of the company's horror anthology line. Created by writer Joe Gill and artist Pat Boyette, the series centered on the titular parapsychologist who served as a narrator and investigator of supernatural phenomena. This era of Charlton comics was defined by a specific, budget-conscious production style that allowed creators a great deal of independence, resulting in a distinct visual identity that favored atmospheric storytelling over the more polished superhero styles seen at major competitors like Marvel or DC.

The 36th issue represents the twilight period of the series, which ran for 72 issues before concluding in 1982. The horror anthologies of the 1970s often utilized stories that played on classic tropes of haunted houses and spectral encounters, adhering to the self-imposed guidelines of the Comics Code Authority while pushing the boundaries of what was considered spooky for young readers. Today, the issue is valued by collectors for its representative status of the Charlton horror aesthetic and the contributions of long-time series illustrator Pat Boyette, whose clean, stark lines became synonymous with the haunting tales of Dr. Graves.