Death Rattle

Death Rattle Vol. 2 #1 – 18

Comic Books Library
by Comic Books Library August 04, 2025
Death Rattle Vol. 2 #1 – 18


Death Rattle Vol. 2 #1–18: A Journey Through the Underground’s Darkest Corners

🧬 Genre

Horror, Underground Comix, Psychological Thriller, Satire
Death Rattle Vol. 2 is a horror anthology series known for its gritty storytelling, adult themes, and satirical edge. It mixes elements of gothic horror, social commentary, and existential dread—firmly placing it in the tradition of underground and counterculture comics.

đŸ‘„ Main Characters

As an anthology series, each issue introduces a rotating cast of characters. Some of the recurring and standout characters include:

  • Mr. Monster – A satirical, ultra-violent superhero dealing with the supernatural.

  • Doc Horror – A cryptic narrator of some eerie tales.

  • Deadman’s Hand – A gambler with a cursed fate.

  • The Butcher of Bagdhad – A terrifying ghost seeking retribution.

Each story showcases a unique protagonist, often reflecting distorted mirrors of society's darker impulses.

✍️ Writers

The series features a wide range of visionary underground writers, including:

  • Rand Holmes – Known for his edgy and political storytelling.

  • Richard Sala – Master of gothic, psychological horror tales.

  • Tim Vigil – Brought his ultra-violent, detailed writing style into select issues.

  • Dave Cooper – Contributed surreal and darkly comedic scripts.

🎹 Artists

Art played a crucial role in evoking the terror and satire of the series. Contributing artists include:

  • Richard Corben – Renowned for his muscular, eerie character designs.

  • Steve Bissette – Famous for his moody, detailed horror panels.

  • Tim Vigil – His artwork paired perfectly with his horror-driven scripts.

  • Charles Burns – Brought a clean, unsettling aesthetic to psychological stories.

🖋️ Editor Details

Cat Yronwode served as one of the primary editors during the series’ run, overseeing content curation and maintaining the underground tone that defined Death Rattle. Her background in alternative comics gave the anthology a sharp editorial direction.

🏱 Publisher and Brand

  • Publisher: Kitchen Sink Press

  • Brand Line: Independent Underground Horror
    Kitchen Sink Press, known for championing alternative and adult comics, positioned Death Rattle Vol. 2 as a home for edgy and uncensored horror storytelling.

📅 Release Year

1985 – 1988
The second volume of Death Rattle ran for 18 issues over three years, during the peak of the 1980s independent comics boom.

📖 Brief Plot Summary

Unlike conventional series, Death Rattle Vol. 2 is an anthology where each issue contains several standalone short horror stories. The plots range from ghostly hauntings and post-apocalyptic nightmares to grotesque body horror and sociopolitical allegories.

These stories often blur the line between reality and madness, reflecting fears rooted in modern life—corruption, mortality, mental instability, and existential angst. A narrative favorite is the tale of a forgotten town where memories feed the dead—combining folklore with a Lovecraftian tone.

🌒 Notable Arcs or Storylines

While the series is mostly episodic, a few recurring storylines and characters stand out:

  • Mr. Monster's Appearances – His tales balance brutal horror with parody superhero tropes.

  • “Dead Town” Saga – A series of loosely connected tales set in a cursed town that appears across different issues.

  • “The Flesh Collector” – A multi-part body horror story spanning three issues, exploring a serial killer with an artistic obsession.

🌀 Fan Theories or Interpretations

Fans and critics have long speculated on certain metafictional and philosophical layers beneath the horror:

  • Some believe "Dead Town" represents purgatory, with each story acting as a psychological punishment for the characters.

  • Mr. Monster is viewed as a critique of mainstream superhero glorification—mocking the genre's immunity to death and consequence.

  • The collection has also been interpreted as a meditation on Reagan-era fears: nuclear war, moral decay, and societal collapse.

📝 Review Summary

Death Rattle Vol. 2 stands out as one of the most uncompromising horror anthologies in indie comics. The art ranges from grotesquely detailed to disturbingly minimalistic—matching the tone of each tale perfectly. Story quality varies, as expected from any anthology, but the standout pieces leave a lingering chill.

The characters, while often short-lived, are intensely memorable. The writing walks a fine line between intellectual dread and visceral horror. This is a must-read for fans of Creepy, EC Horror, and underground comix. 💀📚🎹

Final Verdict:
Bold, brutal, and unapologetically dark—Death Rattle Vol. 2 is a grotesque gem from the underground scene. Not for the faint of heart, but perfect for horror connoisseurs.



Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)

Death Rattle Vol. 2 #1 – 18
Language : English