WAR CRIMINALS
Vol. 2 No. 1
June 1962
Normandy Associates, Inc.
Editor: Theodore S. Hecht
Associate Editor: Michael Jameson
Art Director: Donald Axelroad
Pages: 68
Cover price: 35 cents
Less than two decades after World War II, we were reminded again of the horrors of war when the magazine, WAR CRIMINALS appeared on newsstands. Basically another "men's adventure magazine", it contained articles with titles like, "The Torturing Tart of Stalag 9", "Sea Devil of the Reich", and "Sex-Crazed Killer of the China Reds", illustrated in the titillating style of sex and violence common in this type of 'zine. Included is a feature entitled, "Illustrated Torture Manual", excerpts from the purported official Nazi handbook for concentration camp commanders! The article shows several techniques to be used by said commandant accompanied by what appear to be a series of illustrations recycled from men's magazine covers. All-in-all, a rehash of the brutality and suffering that was widespread during the war. There must have been some interest, as WAR CRIMINALS lasted for at least 18 quarterly issues. Back issues of this title are currently being sold in the $50-$60+ range on eBay and other online retailers.
[WAR CRIMINALS concludes tomorrow.]
Thanks, John. You've hit on another interesting connection between the realm of horror and men's adventure magazines.
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed. "Human" monsters can be just as "monstrous" as the supernatural kind.
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