Skin Deep

Skin Deep is a scary horror comic about a hideously ugly man who is in love with a beautiful woman. It appeared in House of Secrets #107 (1973).

The story begins with an artist named Bardon who is hideously ugly. He is in love with his model, Madelon, but she already has a fiancee – a handsome man named Antoine. When Bardon gets a little too fresh with Madelon, Antoine punches him in the face.

Madelon feels sorry for the ugly wretch and begs Antoine to leave him alone.

Bardon goes to see an old witch named Mme Lafrond who owns a mask shop. He bullies her and threatens her until she gives him a very special mask.

As soon as he puts the mask on, it makes him handsome.

To keep his mask a secret, he beats the old witch to death with his cane. The next evening, Bardon bides his time, following the young lovers around.

Then, when the moment is right, he strikes.

He shoots Antoine in cold blood.

Then, he runs off, leaving Madelon as the only witness.

Ducking down a dark alley, he puts on his mask and returns to the scene of the crime.

In his disguise, Bardon pretends to be an innocent passer-by and even helps Madelon by calling the police.

The police can’t find Bardon. It’s as if he has disappeared into thin air. Meanwhile, in his disguise, Bardon befriends Madelon and even attends Antoine’s funeral.

The pair spend a lot of time together and eventually, Bardon asks Madelon to marry him.

Bardon may have a handsome face, but he still has an ugly heart. Overcome with jealousy, he accuses Madelon of still being in love with Antoine.

Flying into a rage, Bardon rips off his mask and reveals the horrible truth.

But he doesn’t get the reaction he expected.

Madelon has a secret of her own.