The Night Shocker! Back from their trip to LA, Luke and D.W. talk about the latest happening in the theatre that Luke manages now. They hear a noise in the deserted theatre and Luke starts chasing the intruder. The target slams a door shut but Luke doesn’t stop running and obliterating the door into toothpicks. As the two fight in the darkness Luke realizes that this person is strong and wearing cape. Quote of the book - “Sweet Sister! Is that cat wearin’ a cape?” When Luke is about to punch the person for illegal entry he stares into blood red eyes. Freaked out, Luke loosens his grip enough for the red eyed one to leap out the window and turn into a bat.
When he goes back to his office there is a $100 bill and a message written in blood on his walls, “Stop me before I kill more. - Janos Trevorik”. As Luke starts investigating he finds out from the landlady that Mr. Trevorik owes her money and has an apartment full of bizarre artifacts. While still there a news report comes on detailing the third murder by the “vampire killer”. Based on evidence he found in Trevorik’s apartment Luke goes to the Magic Society. There he meets R. Lambert Martinson who indicates that Trevorik might be a vampire searching for answers.
Later that night Luke is attacked by a vampire who tries to bite him but cannot pierce his unbreakable skin. The vampire flees to the rooftops and Luke cannot keep up.
This is where the story turns, we find out that Martinson was wearing a mask trying to impersonate Trevorik. He and the landlady are teaming up to frame and kill Trevorik in order to get his rare artifacts.
Still playing their game of deception, the landlady calls Luke Cage and says Trevorik is trying to break in. When Luke arrives at the scene he is directed to an abandoned house by the landlady. There Martinson tries to get Luke to kill the drugged Trevorik but Luke figures something is wrong and captures Martinson. The story ends with Trevorik explaining that he is an albino and thus has to avoid sunlight.
This story was inspired by "Kolchak the Night Stalker" television series, which aired in 1974 and 75. Night Shocker met Night Stalker. The show was about a Chicago reporter (Darren McGavin) who solved strange, supernatural mysteries. Think Scooby Doo for adults.
- Ron C.
