Norm Saunders: All Detective Magazine Oct 1933

In keeping with the theme of this here web log here is a great cover by pulp and sometimes comic book artist Norm Saunders, featuring an illusion where all the elements of mad doctor, lab paraphernalia, terrified victim and a toxic cloud combine to create the impression of a skull.

Norm Saunders often employed this technique to eerie effect in his art. Even those not familiar with the pulp era may very well recognize one of his most famous covers, that of a cobra-like villain grasping twin knives while crouching over a sacrifice.