Uncanny Tales (1952) 9

What can we say about Thanksgiving that hasn’t already been said?

Maybe a few facts to whet the appetite?

The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 over a three day festival. Those enjoying were 50 pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag Indians. An estimated five women were in attendance. And, turkey wasn’t on the menu. No, supper consisted of venison, duck, goose, oysters, lobster, eel and fish.

Uncanny Tales (1952) 9

President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the day a national holiday Oct. 3, 1963. He was convinced by Sarah Josepha Hale’s 17-year letter writing campaign. Harry S. Truman is credited as being the first president to pardon a turkey, but in reality, he received a complimentary one from the National Wild Turkey Federation and served it for dinner. President John F. Kennedy was the first president to let a turkey go free. Richard Nixon followed suite during his presidency while George H.W. Bush was the first to formalize a pardon.

And, that’s enough literary tryptophan.

Today’s four color offering is pre-Marvel Comic’s Atlas comic book Uncanny Tales issue nine. This pre-code horror title ran 56 issues. Twenty-eight of those were prior to the Comics Code stamp of approval. It began in 1952, but this particular issue is from 1953. It’s the fifth tale, The Executioner, that interests us. Notably, it is penned by Stan Lee and illustrated by Myton Fass.

Rather than spoil the surprise, let’s just leave it at that as a cautionary tale to all turkeys. Maybe hold off reading ’till after dinner.

Happy Thanksgiving.