The Many Ghosts of Doctor Graves

The Many Ghosts of Doctor Graves was an American Supernatural-anthology comic book published by Charlton Comics and best known as a showcase for the popular writer-artist Steve Ditko, the co-creator of Marvel Comics' Spider-Man and Doctor Strange. The characters of Dr. Graves and Dr. Strange closely resemble each other in appearance, but the comparisons end there, as the magic each practices are very different. The eponymous Dr. M. T. Graves was a fictional character who hosted the stories in each issue of this title, and very occasionally took part in a tale.

The Many Ghosts of Doctor Graves's sister titles, with many of the same creators, particularly Ditko, were the Charlton anthologies Ghost Manor (with host Mr. Bones) and its successor, Ghostly Haunts (with Winnie the Witch); Ghostly Tales (with Mr. Dedd); and Haunted (with Impy and then Baron Weirwulf).

The series won the 1967 Alley Award for Best Fantasy/SF/Supernatural Title.

Publication history
Following his introduction as Dr. M. T. Graves in Charlton Comics' Ghostly Tales #55 (cover-dated May 1966) in the three-page story "The Ghost Fighter" by writer-artist Ernie Bache, the character went on to host his own anthology title, The Many Ghosts of Doctor Graves. The series ran 72 issues (May 1967 - May 1982), generally published bimonthly. Following issue #60 (Jan. 1977), the title went on hiatus for seven months until issue #61 (Aug. 1977) before being canceled with #65 (May 1978). Charlton revived the title three years later with #66 (May 1981) before canceling it once more six issues later (May 1982). Three additional issues consisting solely of reprints, and titled simply Dr. Graves, were published as issues #73-75 (Sept. 1985 - Jan. 1986).

Among the artists whose work appeared were Steve Ditko, following his falling-out with Marvel Comics; newcomer Jim Aparo, later to be one of Batman's signature artists; regular Charlton talents including Vince Alascia, Pat Boyette, Pete Morisi, Rocke Mastroserio, and Charles Nicholas; and such others as Rich Larson, Don Newton and Tom Sutton. The cover of issue #54 (Dec. 1975) marks one of the earliest professional works of future industry star John Byrne. Writers on the title included Ditko, Steve Skeates, Mike Pellowski, and the prolific, generally uncredited staff writer Joe Gill.

Awards
The Many Ghosts of Doctor Graves won the 1967 Alley Award for Best Fantasy/SF/Supernatural Title.