Comic Title: Showcase Presents:The House of Mystery Vol. 1 TPB
Publisher: DC
Cover Date: 2006
On Sale Date: February 8, 2006 Direct Market Date February 8, 2006
Source: Previews, Vol. 15 #12 (#204)

Direct Market Date February 8, 2006
Source: ComicList, New Comic Book Releases List for Wednesday, February 8, 2006

Cover Price: $16.99
Page Count: 552
Editor: Scott Nybakken

See Also: The Guide to Graphic Novels and Collected Editions

Title: "The House of Gargoyles"
Pages: 12

Writer: Bob Haney
Artist: Jack Sparling

Reprinted From:
House of Mystery #175 (1968)

Feature Character(s)

• Cain (caretaker of the House of Mystery; first appearance; next appearance in DC Special #4)

Supporting Character(s)

• Gregory (Cain's gargoyle; name revealed in House of Mystery #182; next appearance in Super DC Giant S-20)
• Oskar (Cain's cat; name revealed in House of Mystery #179; only appears on the frontispiece; next appearance in Super DC Giant S-20)

Villain(s)

• Two gargoyles (no further appearances)

Other Character(s)

• A french sculptor (no further appearances)
• Francois (the sculptor's rival; dies in flashback; no further appearances)
• The sculptor's former girl friend (in flashback; no further appearances)
• Jimmy and his two friends (children; no further appearances)
• Several townspeople (Samuel named; no further appearances)

Comments:
This story introduces the House of Mystery and Cain, it's caretaker. Cain and the House of Mystery also appear on the frontispiece for this issue, drawn by Joe Orlando.

Cain serves as host and storyteller for various tales told in this series. Although, he does play a small role in this story, he often appears only at the beginning and/or end to introduce or wrap-up the various stories. He also appears in filler and gag pieces throughout the series, including Cain's Game Room which debuts in this issue. When Cain serves only an introductory role, his appearance will be noted as a cameo only. If Cain plays a role in the story, he will be noted as a featured character.

Synopsis:
After his girl friend leaves him for his rival Francois, a French sculptor tries to design a new cathedral for a contest. When his designs do not work out, he kills Francois and steals his plans. Francois curses the sculptor with his dying breath. The sculptor builds the cathedral including two stone gargoyles which come to life and chase him.

The sculptor flees and eventually finds his way to the House of Mystery. He takes up residence in a guest room which he never leaves. The gargoyles follow and perch silently on the roof.

The townspeople are aghast. Some believe the gargoyles are haunts, others believe they are merely ugly stone carvings. Jimmy, a young boy, is fascinated by them. He visits the House and meets Cain, who sends him up to talk to the sculptor. The man is horrified that the gargoyles have found him.

Jimmy returns later with two friends. They climb to the roof and play a prank on the sculptor. Jimmy yells out that the gargoyles are gone. The sculptor opens the shudders to his window and looks outside. The gargoyles then come to life, grab the man, and carry him away. The gargoyles and the sculptor are not seen again.