The Demon #6 | First Appearance of the Howler

The Demon #6 is a classic February 1973 issue from the creative run of Jack Kirby. The story introduces the frightening Howler and sends Jason Blood into another supernatural mystery. Jack Kirby writes and pencils the issue, while Mike Royer provides the finished inks. Their work gives the comic the powerful visual energy collectors expect from this era.

The story begins with strange events in Transylvania. Local villagers are terrified by the sounds of a mysterious creature moving through the night. Jason Blood refuses to ignore the danger. His investigation soon places him directly in the path of the monster.

The creature attacks with incredible strength. Jason quickly realizes that ordinary methods will not be enough. He calls upon Etrigan, his demonic counterpart, to face the threat.

Etrigan discovers that the Howler is far more dangerous than a simple beast. The creature possesses tremendous physical power and supernatural origins. Even Etrigan must take the threat seriously.

The mystery eventually leads to Eric Shiller. He has become connected to an ancient supernatural force known as the Primal Entity. The creature uses him as a host, transforming him into the terrifying Howler.

Jason believes he may be able to free Shiller from the curse. That attempt brings the supernatural danger back to Gotham City. Jason begins a ritual that could separate the man from the entity.

Glenda Mark arrives during the procedure and interrupts the process. The timing proves disastrous. The Howler emerges again and attacks Jason inside his apartment.

Jason transforms into Etrigan and fights back with demonic power. Their battle delivers the kind of huge supernatural action that makes early Demon issues so memorable. Etrigan eventually sends the creature crashing from the building.

Eric Shiller returns to human form, but the victory comes with a tragic cost. Shiller dies after the confrontation. The Primal Entity is not destroyed with him.

Instead, the supernatural force finds another human host. The final moments reveal that the nightmare can continue. Another howl rises through Gotham, leaving readers with an ominous ending.

For collectors, the first appearance of the Howler gives The Demon #6 additional significance. It also comes from the early 1970s period when Jack Kirby was producing some of his most imaginative supernatural material.

The cover is another major attraction. A massive creature dominates the scene while Etrigan rides toward the danger. The bold colors and exaggerated movement immediately reflect Kirby’s unmistakable style.

The original twenty cent cover price adds strong Bronze Age appeal. Early issues of The Demon are especially interesting for collectors who enjoy Jack Kirby creations, supernatural comics, and Etrigan appearances.

The Demon #6 delivers monster action, occult mystery, and classic Kirby storytelling in one issue. It remains an appealing addition to a collection focused on Bronze Age horror and supernatural heroes.