House of Mystery #8 is an issue of the series House of Mystery (Volume 1) with a cover date of November, 1952.
Synopsis for "Tattoos of Doom"
A tattooed man named Leroy is working in a local freak show when he notices that a new tattoo has appeared on his body. It depicts a man drowning but Leroy does not recall adding a new tattoo to his skin. In a strange coincidence, a man disappears in the tunnel of love and is presumed drowned. Leroy reveals that this has happened to him once before when a new tattoo appeared on his body. It depicted an explosion and it foretold the destruction of the French dirigible Corsair when it blew up in mid air. Another tattoo soon appears on Leroy. This time it shows a man being shot. The victim resembles the front office cashier named Joe. He is warned that there might be a holdup and sure enough a thug appears that night and attempts to rob the cash receipts. Joe shoots the thief and successfully defends himself thanks to the warning from Leroys tattoo. Leroy becomes very uneasy with what is happening. A new tattoo suddenly appears on his chest. This time it depicts a man falling through the air to his death. The victim is presumed to be Mr Wilson the owner of the freak show. Wilson likes to climb up to the Ferris wheel to be alone with his thoughts. Even though Wilson is warned by circus employee, he remain skeptical about Leroy’s ability to tell the future. He orders a search of Leroy’s living quarters and finds evidence that Leroy planted the tattoos on himself making it appear that they popped up magically. Leroy is hunted down and accused of trying to murder Wilson. Leroy runs away from his pursuers proclaiming his innocence. At one point Leroy climbs up to a roller coaster structure where he falls to his death. His final tattoo proved to be true after all, Leroy himself was the final victim.
Appearing in "Tattoos of Doom"
Featured Characters:
- Mr. Wilson (Single appearance)
Supporting Characters:
- Fatima (Single appearance)
- Dingo (Single appearance)
- Pluto (Single appearance)
Antagonists:
- Leroy (Single appearance; dies)
Other Characters:
- Joe (Single appearance)
- Johnny (Single appearance)
Locations:
- A carnival
Synopsis for "Nemesis from the Grave!"
Appearing in "Nemesis from the Grave!"
Featured Characters:
- Craig Danvers (Single appearance)
Supporting Characters:
- Lloyd Rainier (Single appearance; dies)
- Captain Fowler (Single appearance)
Other Characters:
- Martin (Single appearance)
- John (Single appearance)
- Gladys (Single appearance)
- Peter (Single appearance)
Locations:
- Boston
- Oak Island
Items:
- Oak Island treasure
Synopsis for "Puppet's Revenge"
Appearing in "Puppet's Revenge"
Featured Characters:
- George (Single appearance)
Supporting Characters:
- Paul (Single appearance; dies)
Other Characters:
- Luigicie, show manager (Single appearance)
Locations:
Items:
- Jobo, a puppet
- Lobo, a puppet
Synopsis for "The Grim Jester!"
Appearing in "The Grim Jester!"
Featured Characters:
- Joe Blake (Single appearance)
Supporting Characters:
- Mayor Wilson (Single appearance; dies)
- Sheriff Hall (Single appearance)
Antagonists:
- Mark Hobson, a councilman (Single appearance)
Other Characters:
- Silas (Single appearance)
- Ben Gooden (Single appearance)
- Bob (Single appearance)
Locations:
- An undisclosed city
Notes
- "Tattoo's of Doom!" is reprinted in The Unexpected #133.
- Also appearing in this issue of House of Mystery:
- "Buzzy Says "You Get What You Vote For!"" (PSA), by Jack Schiff, Win Mortimer, and Ira Schnapp.
- "They Deal in Destiny" (text article) by Jack Miller.
- "Tree of the Dead!"
See Also