Yet Another Comic Geek Update

iZOMBIE's 8th issue continues with the great retro-looking artwork from Michael Allred, and among the many goings-on, Gwen has finally satisfied her hunger and is able to go on that date with one of the vampire hunters...although she begins to have flashbacks as soon as they depart. An all-around great issue with some laughs courtesy of "Gramps" the ape.

Dark Horse Comics begins a new CONAN series with CONAN: ROAD OF KINGS. This first issue is basically an alternate conclusion to the last issue of CONAN THE CIMMERIAN. While the story here seems promising, I wasn't too crazy about Mike Hawthorne's artwork, which compared to Dark Horse's previous series, pales. Much of Conan's close-ups look like artwork you'd see on a kid's Happy Meal box. Here's hoping artist Tomas Giorello will get back on board.

The 2nd issue of Dark Horse's DETHKLOK series is simply fantastic. A hysterical plot (a sequel of sorts to one of the METALOCALYPSE TV episodes) and some great dialogue has quickly made this a must-read for me. Seriously...I LMAO through the entire issue!

As usual, DC's main BRIGHTEST DAY saga keeps the goods coming. Issue 15 features another great (and brutal) tale of the Martian Manhunter, and Issue 16 deals with Aqualad accepting his calling. Also, the Atom and the rest of the Justice League are trying to help Firestorm get his power under control when he and Jason have an argument that leads to a powersurge...and possibly the end of the universe! Although this is a bi-weekly series, the issues can't come fast enough.

New Press offers Short & Sweet chapbooks

WHAT THEY HEAR IN THE DARK by Gary McMahon (to be released January, 2011 by Spectral Press / 24 pp. / cb)

The first release from this new small press is an emotional look at a couple coping with the death of their son. During the renovation of their home, they discover a hidden room where there's no sound...although Rob can sense a disturbing presence within, Becky seems to be a bit comforted by being in it, believing their son is close...

Being a short chapbook, that's all I can reveal, but suffice it to say McMahon's tale has a similar tone to some of Gary Braunbeck's stories, i.e. simultaneously chilling and depressing. This is short and sweet "quiet horror" done right.

(Book collectors take note: Spectral Press will be releasing 3-4 titles per year, each one limited to only 100 copies. Visit http://spectralpress.wordpress.com/ for the latest news).

a 2010- Anti-Top Ten Film List...

While I went on a huge retro-kick this past year (saw many midnight classics AT midnight in NYC, such as PINK FLAMINGOS, A CLOCKWORK ORANGE, THE WARRIORS, ERASERHEAD, THE HOLY MOUNTAIN), I only managed to see 11 new films in the theater, and 2 new ones on DVD. So, instead of a typical Top Ten list (being I can't do one!), here's the eleven films I caught this past year at my local cinema...with a quick review (full reviews can be seen on the monthly archives).

-THE CRAZIES remake was a lot better than I expected. While it didn't capture the tone of George Romero's 1973 original, it was quite an entertaining film.

-I was lucky enough to see an advanced screening of SLIME CITY MASSACRE, the long-awaited sequel to Greg Lamberson's 1989 SLIME CITY. If you like gooey, trashy films ALA Troma, make sure to catch this one on DVD or if it hits your town.

-The Brooklyn Academy of Music was the scene for a screening of SURVIVAL OF THE DEAD, the 6th Romero zombie outing. While I enjoyed it better than DIARY OF THE DEAD, the film suffers from ridiculous dialogue. I'm hoping George is done with the undead now (although at a Q&A after the film he said they might be doing 2 more zombie films based on characters from DIARY. I'm not too thrilled).

-CROSPEY is a very well done documentary about a true crime case on Staten Island, NY that took place in the late 70s / early 80s. The film includes disturbing footage of a former mental institution (taken from an old Geraldo Rivera special report) and some in-depth interviews with those who knew the alleged kidnapper/killer in focus.

-Sage Stallone's Grindhouse Releasing has been getting some great films into theaters over the past several years, but this time they delivered a real treat: a never-before-released sequel to a little gem titled MASSACRE MAFIA STYLE, titled GONE WITH THE POPE. While I think 4 people in the packed theater even saw the first one, POPE is a stand alone gangster epic with an absurd plot: the mob kidnaps the Pope and holds him ransom until every Catholic in the world sends them 50 cents! (Or a dollar---I forgot). Make sure to check the DVD when it's released. Gangster fans will laugh till it hurts.

-ALL ABOUT EVIL was the directorial debut of drag queen Peaches Christ. It's a fun little horror/gore comedy about a female theater owner who becomes a snuff film director on accident. Natasha Leonne is amazing as psycho director Deborah Tennis, and John Waters reulgar Mink Stole makes an appearance along with a nice, psychotronic cast. Some of us got to see this with an opening stage show that was like the bastard child of Rocky Horror. Easily the funnest time I had in the theater all year.

-I was thrilled to see a real film version of MACHETE (a fake trailer for it was part of the GRINDHOUSE double feature in 2007). There's a lot of great gore scenes and Danny Trejo is to die-for as the title character, but the ending fight between him and Steven Seagal was just SO ridiculous I felt like the director went out of his way to insult the audience. It's fun with that one major flaw.

-Suprisingly intense for a PG-13 rated film, THE LAST EXORCISM is a must-see for fans of exorcism films. This time everything's seen from the point of view of a Protestant minister who openly admits he's not a genuine exorcist...but when he confronts a girl who might actually be possessed, he begins to take his life-long, traditional faith seriously. A refreshing Christian character and some well-done spook-outs made this one of my favorites of the year.

-PIRANHA 3-D is gory, silly, and has more boobs per square inch than a wet t-shirt contest in a closet. It's all goofy fun, but I think it would've been just as fun in 2-D (the film had a couple of 3-D effects added AFTER the film was completed). Richard Dreyfus has a cameo that'll make JAWS fans squeek in geek glory, and Ving Rhames is a small town cop who puts an outboard motor to good, bloody use. At least it's better than your standard SyFy channel killer animal flick...

-The I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE remake features some truly brutal revenge/kill sequences, but the tone that made the 1978 original so hard to watch is nowhere to be found. Star Sarah Butler does a fine job in Camille Keaton's iconic role, but the audience is expected to accept a little TOO much here. Bottom line: ENOUGH with the remakes!

-Love it or hate it, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 delivered everything the original did, and this time the ending was perfect. I can't understand why so many horror fans hate these 2 films...they play on your imagination and if you allow yourself to go with it, there's no reason you shouldn't have a blast (and even get a little creeped-out, too). GREAT job here.

-I'm very happy I rented Dario Argento's latest film, GIALLO, on pay per view as the film was pulled after its star Adrien Brody decided to sue the producers! (Google the story for more info. I'm sure it'll eventually be re-released on DVD). This is no masterpiece, but if you take it as a spoof of the whole giallo thing (which apparently Argento himself did), you might enjoy yourself. I did.

-THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE earned this year's reputation as the "sickest" film to see, and while it is quite grim (especially the ultra-dark ending), there's plenty worse out there. It's a decent take on the mad scientist thing, and I'm looking forward to the sequel (which last I heard had a 12-person 'pede!).

ANTIBACTERIAL POPE---the FANZINE!

As some of you may know, I published fanzines from 1981-1991, before picking it up again in 2003. By 2008, I went the way of the e-zine with THE HORROR FICTION REVIEW (see link on sidebar of this blog page), but I continue to get requests for a print zine (you people are crazy). I attempted to do one last year but it never materialized (but I DID use the name of it for this wonderful blog). I have about 75% of the first issue completed.

Anyway, I'm going to try to have the first issue of ANTIBACTERIAL POPE out sometime in Spring, 2011, featuring plenty of material not seen on this blog or over at THE HORROR FICTION REVIEW. It will be a 70s-80s styled fanzine, Xeroxed, old-school, mainly dealing with film but with some book and music reviews thrown in. What think ye of the above cover?

More news to follow . . .

GODZILLA's First American Comic 1977-1979

For 2 GLORIOUS years in the late 70s, Marvel Comics had a brief deal with TOHO to do a Godzilla comic book. For 24 months I was in awe as my favorite movie monster battled my favorite comic characters . . . and the covers were always great (see below). Marvel released a trade paperback archive edition, but I'm waiting for one in full color. For whatever reason I couldn't find a decent scan of issue no. 14's cover...don't sue me.

Gross . . . but where's the Filling?

SNAKE JAW by Andrew Gallacher (2010 LegumeMan Books / 84 pp. / tp)

Gallacher's debut novelette is basically a cross between the 1973 mutant snake film, 'Ssssss' and 'the Human Centipede.' Some low life dishwasher sells a drug-addicted co-worker to a couple of demented doctors who are bent on creating a race of women who could satisfy all their sexual needs. While this is a disgusting, extreme take on the mad doctor theme, seasoned horror fans have seen this all before.

Gallacher manages to add some humor in-between the gross-outs, but unless you like your horror ultra-dark you'll probably walk away depressed and feeling like you need a shower.

One Spooky-Ass Creature . . .

THE SAMHANACH by Lisa Morton (2010 Bad Moon Books / 98 pp. /tp)

Here's a nifty little Halloween story (and part of Bad Moon Books' Halloween novella series) that features a seldom-heard of, legendary creature.

300 years ago, Merran McCafferty's ancestors became the victims of an ancient curse. Now, a shape-shifting demon known as the Samhanach has returned to claim Merran's young daughter on Halloween night. Morton does a fine job of keeping the standard plot interesting, and relies on her knowledge of Halloween traditions to bring forth one spooky-ass monster (Morton has won a Bram Stoker award for one of her non-fiction Halloween books). But what makes this one memorable is the final act, where Merran has to enter another realm to rescue her daughter: the novella goes into dark fantasy territory, but never lets up its horror-edge.

With jack-o-lanterns that are actually menacing, great atmosphere, and the aforementioned title creature, THE SAMHANACH is a quick, re-readable tale to take out on your favorite holiday.

The King Returns...

KING'S JUSTICE: THE KNIGHTS OF BRETON COURT VOL. 2 by Maurice Broaddus (to be released Feb, 2011 by Angry Robot Books / 416 pp. / mmp)

Broaddus' second KNIGHTS installment takes a deeper look at King James White: he's still trying to find his true calling, this time believing he's the one to try and unite all the gangs and crews in their poverty-stricken Indianapolis neighborhood. A parlay is called and the results are mixed: King's still trying to find out who is for their survival and who's out for themselves, although one hood makes it abundantly clear he's happier to be on his own.

Said hood, Colvin, is this episode's main villain, who's also one of the chosen few to harvest supernatural abilities (his own private, summoned army of cannibalistic dwarves provide a couple of great battle scenes).

As with KING MAKER, KING'S JUSTICE does a fine job of telling a gritty, realistic urban tale, with just enough well-done fantasy to keep the whole thing serious. A love triangle between King, his pregnant girl Lady G., and King's fellow Knight, Lott, provides a heart-breaking finale as well as plenty of fuel for the next novel; there's some great new characters (such as newbie gangsta Naptown Red) and many returning favorites (old Merle is just TOO cool). After introducing police captain Octavia Burke in MAKER, I was hoping to learn more about her this time out, but here she takes a backseat to detectives Lee and Cantrell (a great pair of anti-partners who, in one great interrogation scene, work well together). But with most of the cast in this second chapter, Broaddus is still getting the reader warmed up for what I'm hoping will be a killer third (and maybe fourth) book.

KING'S JUSTICE is a satisfying, fast-moving trip back to Breton Court.

My Top Ten Reads of 2010

As of this writing (12/20) I've read 72 books in 2010 (an all-time high for me), and if I finish the 2 I'm currently reading and one goes beyond my expectations, I'll update this list.

It was easy for me to pick my top 5, but a bit of decision-making had to go into the other 5 (actually 6 as I ended up with a tie). I read (and liked) a lot of books not mentioned here (several in the bizarro genre), so if you don't see your title, no offense is intended. I tried to stick with 10 books that hit me deeply in one way or another, kept me engrossed throughout the entire reading time, and those that stuck with me for a while after finishing.

There were two novels I was a bit disappointed with in 2010, one being Kaaron Warren's debut, SLIGHTS, a heavily-praised supernatural chiller that--while very well written and original--would have worked better as a novella, and Bentley Little's THE DISAPPEARANCE, which saw my favorite horror author attempt a more mainstream thriller than the macabre horror his fans have come to expect. Here's hoping for a more gruesome 2011 for Little and a faster-moving 2nd time out for Warren...

Now onto my personal favorites, complete with links back to my original reviews.

1) A DARK MATTER by Peter Straub was easily his best novel since 1999's Stoker-winning epic, MR. X. Invest yourself in Straub's amazing cast and you'll be rewarded with scares, contemplation, and salty discharge escaping your eyes. Horror fiction rarely goes this deep.

http://nickcato.blogspot.com/2010/03/sit-with-guru.html

2) PRETTY LITTLE DEAD THINGS by Gary McMahon is one of those horror novels where every page brings dread and gloom; the atmosphere and tone is to die for and there's plenty of surprises along the way. I couldn't get enough. http://nickcato.blogspot.com/2010/10/one-of-best-of-2010.html

3) DIMITER by William Peter Blatty was one of the most engaging novels of 2010, with several chapters requiring re-reads to make sure you've got it all. While more of a mystery than a horror novel, William EXORCIST Blatty kept me turning the pages at complete attention. http://nickcato.blogspot.com/2010/04/dimiter-by-william-peter-blatty-2010.html

4) NEW WORLD MONKEYS by Nancy Mauro. I usually don't include books not released in the year I'm looking at, but Mauro's debut novel (released hardcover in 2009 and trade paperback in 2010) is a near-perfect "chick lit" novel that's anything but chick lit. This intense (and wonderfully weird) look at a struggling married couple of five years was a pleasure to read from every angle. I re-read the richly symbolic ending several times before closing the covers. http://nickcato.blogspot.com/2010/10/smart-funny-and-weird.html

5) ELEVEN TWENTY-THREE by Jason R. Hornsby. After impressing me with his uber-original debut zombie novel, EVERY SIGH, THE END, Hornsby's sophomore effort gave as much as a unique spin on conspiracy theories as his first did to the undead. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next. http://nickcato.blogspot.com/2010/12/unread-history-of-world.html

6) Out of the many novellas to cross my path in 2010, Brian James Freeman's THIS PAINTED DARKNESS was simply the best. This powerful study of one man dealing with his imagination is a must read. http://nickcato.blogspot.com/2010/09/i-paint-against-darkness.html

7) Maurice Broaddus' KING MAKER: THE KNIGHTS OF BRETON COURT I is a wonderful, gritty, fantasy-take on 'hood life. His ability to "keep things real" when the fantasy elements come into play is quite impressive, and as of this writing I'm halfway through the second installment, KING'S JUSTICE, which (so far) is every bit as good. http://nickcato.blogspot.com/2010/11/dragons-invade-hood.html

8) BUTTERFLY by Simon Clark, like his classic zombie novel, BLOOD CRAZY, deals with evolution, yet comes from a different angle. While I try to avoid adding pricey, limited edition books to my annual list, this is one that's well worth seeking out. It contains (arguably) two of the best characters Clark has created. http://nickcato.blogspot.com/2010/08/clark-evolves-again.html

9) I LOVE when follow-up novels outshine the original. Such is the case with Lucy Snyder's SHOTGUN SORCERESS, the action-packed second installment to her Jessie Shimmer saga. While this may be bubble-gum pop fantasy, it was also one of the FUNNEST times I've had between the pages this year (rare for a book that ends on a wicked cliff hanger). Monster fans, take note. http://nickcato.blogspot.com/2010/11/jessies-back-and-better-than-before_3314.html

10) And we have a TIE! While it's yet to say if werewolves will ever replace zombies or vampires as the new "it" monster, there's been some good werewolf novels the past few years. 2010 saw Gregory Lamberson's THE FRENZY WAY, which combines clashing hairy beasts with some police procedural and an ancient religious order in a nearly non-stop romp of violence and thrills, while Jeff Strand's WOLF HUNT features mobsters, a nasty, sarcastic werewolf, and plenty of the author's trademark dark humor, masterfully done as to not interrupt the gruesome scenes of carnage. After letting it sit with me a while, WOLF HUNT has become one of my favorites from Strand's ever-growing catalog.

THE FRENZY WAY:

http://nickcato.blogspot.com/2010/04/breaking-news-werewolves-wage-war-on.html

WOLF HUNT:

http://nickcato.blogspot.com/2010/10/hunt-you-dont-want-to-miss.html

So there ya go. There were some GREAT bizarro titles released this year, as well as some interesting non-fiction titles (John Water's latest trip down memory lane was quite good), and if nothing else, 2010 proved that as far as horror fiction goes, the small press is still alive and well (and perhaps producing better material than ever).

R.I.P. JEAN ROLLIN (1938-2010)

JEAN ROLLIN (1938-2010)

Jean Rollin was an actor, novelist. and French film director responsible for some of the more unique (and erotic) vampire films ever made. His horror films all had an art house quality, and always had a gothic look and feel (primarily due to his locations, which were usually beautiful castles and vast outside shots of the French countryside). He also helped the gorgeous actress Brigitte Lahaie find a legion of fans, and created the first French zombie film, THE GRAPES OF DEATH. Rollin also directed dramas and porn, but was best known for his horror films which continue to reach new generations of fans, primarily thanks to REDEMPTION video's deluxe DVDs of his work.

Here's a quick look at my 3 favorite Rollin films, each one worthy of any horror fan's time.

REQUIEM FOR A VAMPIRE (1971). First seen on American shores in the early 80s on Harry Novack's "Frightful Flicks" VHS series under the silly (and heavily edited) title, CAGED VIRGINS, this tale of two female fugitives seeking shelter at a castle that happens to be the home of a vampire cult features some great-looking scenes, including dungeons that could give anyone the creeps, amazing dusk-shot footage, and one disturbing shot of a vampire bat feeding on a captive's menstrual blood. Ground breaking and unforgettable.

REQUIEM's obscure opening chase sequence.

One of the countless, eye-catching scenes from REQUIEM FOR A VAMPIRE.

~ ~ ~

1978's THE GRAPES OF DEATH (a.k.a. LE RAISINS DE LA MORT) features zombies spawned by pesticides used to protect a wine-making community. This is not an apocalyptic film, although the zombie outbreak does infect a small farming village somewhere in the French country side. There's plenty of Rollin's trademark gore scenes (one lady's decapitation while nailed to a door is still quite effective) and a tense sequence aboard a train makes this one of the director's more memorable films. And of course the lovely Brigette Lahaie is on hand to flash her bod to the undead!

Rollin was a master of combining horror and beauty...Lahaie (in white dress) observes the coming zombie assault in THE GRAPES OF DEATH.

~ ~ ~

While ALIEN and DAWN OF THE DEAD assaulted audiences across America (and much of Europe), Jean Rollin's 1979 erotic lesbian vampire epic FASCINATION was released in France. Like REQUIEM, FASCINATION doubles as an art house film, with endless sequences that combine horror, eroticism, and wonderfully-filmed sequences on some of the best (and creepiest) looking sets Rollin ever used. Brigette Lahaie and Franca Mai were two of the prettiest vampires ever to grace the screen, and make this one a total joy to watch. One scene of Lahaie (in nothing but a black cape and a scythe) killing a potential convert must've looked incredible on the big screen, but until a revival comes to your town you'll have to settle for the DVD.

You DON'T mess with Lahaie and Mai!

Brigitte Lahaie in one of Rollin's most iconic sequences (from FASCINATION)

She slays me (sorry---had to say it).

~ ~ ~

THE HORROR FILMS OF JEAN ROLLIN:

THE RAPE OF THE VAMPIRE (1968)

THE SHIVER OF THE VAMPIRES (1970)

REQUIEM FOR A VAMPIRE (1971)

BACCHANALES SEXUELLES (1973)

THE DEMONIACS (1974)

LIPS OF BLOOD (1975)

THE GRAPES OF DEATH (1978)

FASCINATION 1979)

THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTED (1980)

THE LIVING DEAD GIRL (1982)

THE SIDEWALKS OF BANGCOCK (1984)

TWO ORPHAN VAMPIRES (1997)

FIANCEE' OF DRACULA (2002)

Jean Rollin departed this world on December 15, 2010

Check out my latest column at CINEMA KNIFE FIGHT:

http://cinemaknifefight.com/2010/12/16/suburban-grindhouse-memories-humongous/

The Unread History of the World...

ELEVEN TWENTY-THREE by Jason R. Hornsby (2010 Permuted Press / 298 pp. / tp)

A stranger sneaks a briefcase into Layne Prescott's luggage at an airport in Shanghai. Layne's heading back to his small home town of Lilly's End, Florida, to attend his father's funeral (he currently resides in China as an English teacher). When he gets home, not only does his past begin to haunt him, but a bizarre occurence goes down at his father's funeral service: during his message at the gravesite, the pastor starts to freak out and stabs the nearest mourner with a pocket knife. Others in attendance begin to attack each other. When there's no one left to attack the enraged begin to kill themselves. Layne and his girlfriend Tara barely make it out alive.

Events start to snowball, and after another similar attack 12 hours later, we discover that the residents of Lilly's End are now going into homicidal rages twice a day, each time the clock strikes 11:23. Layne's conspiracy-buff friend, Hajime, swears it's the work of our own government, that this is the result of chemtrails released from low flying planes. Other residents believe it's international terrorism. When Layne goes looking for help and answers, he discovers the town has been placed under a strict military quarantine and all forms of communication with the outside world have been shut off.

Despite images that bring George Romero's THE CRAZIES to mind, ELEVEN TWENTY-THREE is a fresh take on the killer "virus" subgenre (and without spoiling things, this might not even be classified as a killer virus novel), full of non-stop suspense, gruesome violence, and plenty of social and political commentary. Layne Prescott's background is slowly revealed over the course of the novel, causing us to like him and at times, loathe him. He's an intricate character and one you won't soon forget.

Hornsby (author of the excellent, original zombie novel, EVERY SIGH, THE END) strikes again with another novel that could have easily fell in to typical territory: yet he succeeds in keeping the reader guessing and also glued to the pages. This was one of the scariest and all around best horror novels I've read this year. Jason R. Hornsby is now a STRONG two for two...

Pabst Poo Ribbon!

HOW TO EAT FRIED FURRIES by Nicole Cushing (2010 Eraserhead Press (NBAS) / 96 pp. / tp)

What do you get when you combine humanoid ferrets, squirrels, Pabst Blue Ribbon, an apocalyptic poo storm, and a would-be lepus hitman? Pure bizarro magic.

Cushing's book is like a 70s variety show from another dimension, beginning with a FERRET FORCE FIVE tale that takes place in 1979 and serves as an extension to a short lived TV series: our heroes are sent into space to investigate a smelly situation: feces is raining down on the earth in epic portions, and our furry super team must not only locate the source of the poo, but confront a race of intergalactic squirrels bent on their destruction; then the "fiction" takes some brief detours as we're treated to some fine ferret farming techniques, some seldom-heard history lessons, and some obscure recipes.

SQUIRRELMAGGEDON: 2012 brings us back to the FFF world, this time focusing on a group of humans who discover the apocalypse is not quite like those Jack Chick gospel tracts had proclaimed. (The Fried Squirrel with Gravy recipe which follows sounds quite tempting).

Cushing's section on Wilhem Salvage, former star of the original 1979 FERRET FORCE FIVE TV series, is so well written you'll swear it's not fiction . . . or is it?

Words can't describe how hard I laughed at THE WHACKING OF FATHER CHRISTMAS, where the Easter Bunny's son, Sonny, is hired by Lepus Brasi (!) to take down Santa Claus. I've read many holiday-themed bizarro/horror stories, and this one's easily one of the best.

Packed with plenty of wit and clever dialogue, HOW TO EAT FRIED FURRIES is a blast and a half; hysterical one second and thought-provoking the next. Here's hoping this New Bizarro Author has a lot more to offer. Don't miss this.

SMOKE--short, sweet, and surreal

Russian director and screenwriter Grzegorz Cisiecki delivers SMOKE, a 7-minute short that shows off some fancy camera work, effective use of music, and without any dialogue paints a surreal, eerie picture of a man who is possibly losing his mind. Check out the full film below and keep your eye on this up and coming film maker.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHyUwbBbrag

My latest column now LIVE

While decent, how on earth could a film about decapitations be so ... mundane? Find out as I take a look at the 1981 slasher epic, NIGHT SCHOOL, only at CINEMA KNIFE FIGHT!:

http://cinemaknifefight.com/2010/12/02/suburban-grindhouse-memories-night-school-1981/