The Haunt of Horror #4

The Haunt of Horror #4 was released in August 1974 as part of Marvel Comics' mid-1970s push into the black-and-white horror magazine market. Published under their Curtis Magazines imprint, the series was designed to compete with the successful gore-and-suspense titles of the era, such as those from Warren Publishing. By utilizing a magazine format rather than the standard comic book, Marvel was able to bypass the Comics Code Authority, allowing for more mature themes and more detailed, atmospheric artwork.

The issue is particularly noted for its curated blend of classic literary adaptations and original short fiction, a hallmark of the magazine's editorial direction under Gerry Conway. The visual identity of the issue relied on the stark, high-contrast work of various illustrators who embraced the freedom of the black-and-white medium. While the series did not sustain a long run, it is remembered by collectors as a distinct effort by Marvel to pivot toward a more sophisticated, anthology-style horror aesthetic that mirrored the pulp traditions of the early twentieth century.