Sinister House of Secret Love #4

I've been on a run every weekend reviewing the DC Comics' title The Sinister House of Secret Love. After reading, and enjoying, the first three issues, I'm saddened to tackle the fourth and last installment of the title, the May 1972 issue. Of course, the title would continue for a couple more years, but it transformed with issue five to Secrets of Sinister House with an enjoyable, yet campy traditional horror flavoring. The gothic tropes are mostly removed from the series going forward.

“Kiss of the Serpent” is the lead story for this fourth issue and the artwork is by Tony De Zuniga, the artist that also contributed to the title's second issue. The plot was created by Tony's wife Mary, and the story written by Mike Fleisher, a creator that worked on Spider-Woman, Ghost Rider, and properties for Fleetwood Publications.

In the story's beginning, Michelle Harlinson is experiencing a rough patch in her life. Her parents are both killed in a car accident, and weeks after the funeral she accepts a job opportunity in India presented to her by uncle. Weeks into the new job, her position is eliminated. Thankfully, she receives an invitation to meet a wealthy man named Rabin Singh. He offers her the job of governess for his two children. She accepts the position, and the lodging offered to stay in Rabin's enormous house. But, as these things go, the Kool-Aid is never stirred quite right. 

There's a central mystery on Rabin's brother being fatally bitten by a viper, and another of Rabin's brothers hints that Rabin himself is the murderer. Michelle falls in love with Rabin, but does voice concerns that he may have sinister motives. There's also a weird element where Rabin's mother believes that her dead son is living in a viper that she keeps in a basket. Like any good gothic fling, Michelle is nearly killed in “accidents” and eventually suspects Rabin's brother may be trying to kill her.

As a finale to The Sinister House of Secret Love run, I felt this issue is the weakest of the four. Atmosphere is key to these stories and the bright sun, intense heat, and desert setting just made the story feel misplaced. I'm a sucker for stormy nights and shore-front castles nestled in cliffs. This also seemed very modern with some frames of airplanes, corporate settings, and cars. I liked the idea of the story taking place in India, compared to Maine, France, or England, but with that comes a different look and feel for a gothic. The only other gothic tale that I know of with an India location is the paperback 1975 novel The Song of India, written by Mozelle Richardson. The other obvious issue is that the story just lacked any real depth. There's emotional highs and lows experienced through the protagonist, but it just didn't have much of an impact. 

Overall, all four of these issues are worth pursuing if you love gothic suspense. Recommended.