Here are a trio of exceedingly compelling covers by the great L.B. Cole for Essankay's series Law Against Crime which took it upon itself at the height of the crime boom of the post-war years to offer up "true" stories of mayhem, murder, and punishment.
The first issue showcases the execution of Raymond Hamilton of the notorious Bonnie and Clyde Gang. The second offers up the strangling murder of an unfortunate woman. The third issue tells the notorious tale of William Heirens the infamous Lipstick Slayer from Cleveland.
Crime as entertainment is nothing new, but it is curious to see Cole's craftsmanship bring a lurid elegance to the depravity. Something unnerving about that.
Rip Off
No comments:
Post a Comment