Werewolf by Night #3

Werewolf by Night number three was published by Marvel Comics in early 1973, emerging during a period when the Comics Code Authority relaxed its restrictions on supernatural entities like vampires and werewolves. This shift allowed Marvel to lean into the horror-fantasy boom of the era, building upon the popularity of titles like The Tomb of Dracula. The series centered on Jack Russell, a man cursed with lycanthropy, as he navigated the dark underbelly of the Marvel Universe while searching for the secrets of his own ancestry.

The issue features artwork by Mike Ploog, whose moody, atmospheric illustrative style became synonymous with the series' aesthetic. Ploog’s ability to render the visceral, animalistic transformation of the protagonist helped establish the title as a cornerstone of Marvel's 1970s horror line. While the character was initially a cult favorite, the visual storytelling showcased in these early issues is often credited by historians for defining the gritty, gothic tone that differentiated Marvel's supernatural ventures from its traditional superhero catalog.