In a gripping 1955 episode of Confidential File, Horror Comic books were scrutinised for their alleged impact on children.
It wasn’t until the comic book ‘Eerie’ came under the spotlight years later that things took a decidedly creepy turn.
It turns out that 'normal' kids were donning some rather dubious joke glasses that came free with copies of 'Eerie'. Initially, these seemed harmless enough, but they quickly took a sinister twist. Kids who sported them reported seeing bizarre figures lurking just outside their peripheral vision — dark, shadowy entities that appeared to dwell in another dimension. These figures, ominously dubbed 'The Shadow People', were unsettling, their forms constantly shifting and amorphous. The children claimed 'The Shadow People' began whispering to them, issuing chilling commands and goading them towards unspeakable acts.
Parents and teachers were understandably freaked out as once-cooperative children morphed into unrecognisable versions of themselves, committing inexplicable acts of violence. These were kids with no prior record of bad behaviour, yet the only common thread linking them was their possession of the Super-Specs.
The comic, along with others, was investigated, but it was revealed to be the sole culprit harbouring nefarious subliminal messaging that was infiltrating the minds of America's youth. These particular issues were banned and dismissed as mere entertainment, but there are still those who suspect something far darker was at play.
To this day, old copies of 'Eerie' are rarer than hen's teeth and fiercely sought after by collectors, not for their price tag, but for the hair-raising history they embody. In the dusty corners of attics and forgotten basements, a few pairs of Super-Specs might still linger, waiting to unveil the shadowy secrets of yesteryear. Was it merely an urban legend, or was the truth buried deep? Perhaps if you stumble upon a copy and have a few brave souls on hand, you might just want to conduct your own little investigation...
Strange Stage is chuffed to present 'Eerie'.
A multi-phased, entirely modular book test packed with spine-tingling revelations.
Subliminals
For a taste of the routine — hand the comic to a participant, ask them to flip to any page and pick a word that intrigues them. When you ask if it’s something that could be drawn, they’ll say yes. Now, a second participant, using the powers of the Super-Specs, apparently reads the first participant’s mind and draws what they’re thinking! Just to clarify, the comic is handed to the first participant, who can choose any story, and you’ll be able to duplicate their drawing or simply name what they’re thinking — all without asking a single question. This clever method, inspired by 'T.A. Waters Mind, Myth and Magick', allows for repeat performances with different outcomes.
Another presentation involves ‘painting it red’, almost literally! The comic book features reveals for various variations, showing how it was used to influence young minds back in the '50s!
John Morton's Baby Book Test
With the kind permission of John, the advert pages in the comic can be employed to perform a variation of his ‘Baby Book Test’. Using classic monsters, you can tell a participant which monster they’re thinking of, from eight pages of ads, many boasting multiple ads on each page! Anyone familiar with John’s work will know this method has fooled Penn and Teller, and the key I’ve implemented here is ludicrously easy to learn.
As an example for anyone not in the know — a participant chooses any advert from within the comic, let’s say they pick some horror masks, of which there are six available. The previous owner of the comic has circled their desired mask, perhaps waiting for their pocket money to come through. The participant can call out these options in any order while mentally focusing on the circled mask. And just like that, you know exactly which one they're thinking of! Is it body language giving them away, direct mind reading, or some other supernatural force at play? You decide!
Long Words
It wouldn’t be a ‘book/comic test’ without the long word principle. All the lengthy words in the comic are delightfully macabre. No need for memory work here; the crib is hidden right in plain sight.
It’s neatly tucked away, in alphabetical order on the back cover, which you’ll use to jot down their word, effectively ‘Sneak Thief-ing’ the information! Speaking of sneak thieves, I also explain a nifty Larry Becker principle in the video instructions on how to snag the first letter without a hitch. I’ve thrown in a few subtleties for those wanting to secure a ‘hit’ right off the bat, and I’ve ensured the long words won’t be confused with the ‘subliminal’ words.
Crossword Force
I’m rather proud of this one! The participant takes the comic and flips to the crossword page, where they’re invited to peruse the clues. While they might know the answers to several, they choose a monster and once again, you’re able to read their mind and reveal which one they’re thinking of. This, like the subliminals, can yield varying outcomes, making it repeatable if you fancy! You’ll likely master this in under a minute!
The Comics
In partnership with Haresign Press, we’ve dedicated countless hours to ensure the right stock is used, delivering the best feel and handling for the comic book.
Performers Edition
This edition is printed on a thicker, more modern ‘silk’ stock that, with a touch of ageing, will look like a reprint from the '90s! The video instructions will guide you on how to age your comic, but it’s all down to personal preference. The comic operates exactly the same as the Collectors Edition and comes with white card glasses only. This version is tailored for the gigging magician, easily rolled up and stashed in your back pocket for that authentic weathered look!
