While the three previous volumes of Korero Press’ Sex and Horror series have focused on one artist each, this fourth edition takes a broader approach, with the sordid adult Italian comic books known as ‘sexy fumetti’. As with the previous editions, the prudish reader should not enter herein…
These small format books would become increasingly popular during the seventies, and the covers would showcase an array of graphic, sleazy, and horrific situations. They were painting with accomplished panache, however. Each of these mini-masterpieces were lovingly detailed and worthy of celebration on their own. Which is where this book comes in. It’s a shame, as is pointed out in the foreword, that when they were published there was no note made of the artist, so the reproductions included in this beautiful collection often go uncredited. There are some artists who we do know, for example, Alessandro Biffignandi and Emanuele Taglietti (who were subjects of earlier titles in this series). The title and issue number, and often the title of the story are included, however.
The gloriously over the top sexploitation images maybe a little too much for modern tastes, but one has to appreciate the craftsmanship involved. It’s interesting to recognise the influences for some of the models, too. The cover for Jacula #61, for example, includes images derived from Mario Bava’s Black Sabbath, Imgmar Bergman’s The Seventh Seal, F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu, and Terrance Fisher’s Dracula and still feels original. Horror isn’t the only genre the books and artwork covered; there are historical titles that depict toga-wearing men brandishing swords above naked women amongst much more. Subtle they are not. It’s not all oppressive, though. Issue 176 of Messalina, for example, shows a topless goddess beheading an attacking soldier.
You have to remember that these paintings come from an age before political correctness, but even accounting for that, it’s startling to see the cover of Oltrtomba #155, which shows a naked (naturally) woman fellating a musketeer while his companions do battle with a large dog-beast. It’s hard to believe that these would be on public display on an Italian newsstand. It’s easy to see why they sold so well and have become collector’s items, though.
It’s not all softcore porn and titillation, however. There are a number of pieces that are pure horror, and these are equally as impressive. No matter what your opinion of the subject matter, there’s no denying the quality of the artwork.
The presentation of the images is first class. The book is a beauty to behold, right down to the matt cover with embossed lettering. Sex and Horror Volume Four is an outstanding celebration of artwork that does what the cover of any magazine or book should do: exploit its contents. Fantasy art has never looked so lurid and beautiful.
