The Unexpected #197 is an issue of the series The Unexpected (Volume 1) with a cover date of April, 1980.
Synopsis for "Last Laugh of a Corpse"
The greedy relatives of famed inventor, George Hoskins have gathered at his estate for the reading of his will. The will indicates that there is a treasure located on his property that is worth a million dollars and it will go to the first person that locates it. Hoskins also left behind a device which will help them search for the treasure. The device is called a directional finder and it contains a dial with the name of each of the 4 relatives. Ernie is the first to use the device but it leads him on a futile search. Brad is the next to use it and he actually locates a box in the ground but he is then murdered by his cousin Lina who grabs the box for herself. Upon opening the box she is bitterly disappointed that it only contains one dollar. Brad comes along and announces that Lina will be arrested for murder. The final relative Harold then examines the search device and reveals that the real treasure was the search device itself. It was designed to locate minerals such as gold or diamonds and it also contained a patent letter. The letter gives Harold exclusive rights that are worth millions once he signs it.
Appearing in "Last Laugh of a Corpse"
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Synopsis for "A Pound of Flesh...and Blood"
A young orphan named Larry earns extra money by euthanizing stray cats. He works for a supervisor by the name of Mr Grigg and they receive money from the city for each dead stray. The boy hates his job but it allows him to earn an income to alleviate his poverty. One day the boy is approached by a witch named Miss Mildred who gives him a black cat. He brings the cat home but predictably, the greedy Mr Grigg attempts to euthanize the cat for his own gain. He scoops up the cat but he is then immediately attacked by a group of strays that jump out at him and tear his body to pieces. His torn body is found the next morning by authorities. Larry stands next to his deceased supervisor as he notices the black cat neatly in his cage. It is then revealed that Grigg should have known better than to fool with a witch's cat.
Appearing in "A Pound of Flesh...and Blood"
- Appearances not yet listed
Synopsis for "My Ghost Writer the Vampire"
A struggling fiction writer named Prentice Vaughn is approached by a vampire that wants to assist him with the authenticity of his stories. In exchange for his assistance, the vampire asks that he be allowed to stay in Vaughn's home each night to rest. A deal is struck and the Vampire's coffin is delivered to Vaughn's place of residence. The vampire then proceeds to reveal fascinating secrets about the life of a real vampire each night. He particularly lets it be known that there are several ways to kill a vampire but that few of the methods are permanent. Vampires can be revived by either scattered blood or from the remorseful tears of a woman. Vaughn takes it all in incorporating the information into his writing. It isn't long before his book becomes a big hit and Vaughn begins to receive accolades from the public. One night, Vaughn asks the vampire to leave due to an upcoming party that he is hosting. The vampire refuses and reminds Vaughn that they have a deal. Tempers flare and Vaughn stabs the vampire with a dagger containing a silver blade. The silver turns the vampire to ashes and Vaughn places the ashes in a small cup. The party guests soon arrive and one particularly clumsy guest cuts his finger on a broken glass. His blood falls upon the cup containing the vampire ashes and the vampire is brought back to life ready to take revenge on the party attendants.
Appearing in "My Ghost Writer the Vampire"
- Appearances not yet listed
See Also