The Unexpected #136

Published by DC Comics in 1972, The Unexpected #136 is a quintessential example of the Bronze Age of comic books. At this time, DC was leaning heavily into gothic horror and suspense anthologies, moving away from the strict restrictions of the Comics Code Authority that had dominated the previous decade. The series served as a showcase for short, self-contained tales that blended supernatural elements with psychological thrills, a format intended to capture the interest of readers looking for atmospheric storytelling rather than traditional superhero narratives.

The issue features artwork and storytelling that reflect the industry's shift toward more experimental, moody visuals. During this era, editors like Joe Orlando oversaw a house style that encouraged artists to explore darker shading and more complex panel layouts to heighten the sense of dread. The title was well-regarded among collectors of horror comics for its reliable delivery of 'weird' fiction, effectively bridging the gap between the pulpy thrillers of the mid-century and the more modern, character-driven horror comics that would follow in the late 1970s and 80s.