by
Decapitated Dan
Issue: Bela Lugosi’s Tales from the Grave #2
Creators: Rick Baker, Kerry Gammill, Mike Hoffman, Sam F. Park, Jack Herman, Mike Dubisch, Joe Freire, Michael Leal, Kamil Kochanski, Neil Vokes, James Groman, Tom Smith, Nik Poliwko, Mark Owen, Linda Miller
Publisher: Monsterverse Entertainment
Release Date: May 2012
Price: $4.99
“A strange, pop-eyed sailor is released from a sunken ship after over 70 years; all who look into the eye have their souls sucked out! A masked Mexican wrestler battles a chupacabra to rescue a lady in distress. Film experts discover the horrible secret of a lost werewolf film. Dr. Vornoff builds a mechanical man to help him conquer the world. And a busboy learns of bizarre tastes working in a obscure Chinese restaurant serving dishes that are out of this world.“
Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Anthologies, the life blood of the horror comics industry. The foundation to which the genre was built off of, still has such a solid base when you know that Bela Lugosi’s Tales from the Grave is part of that great tradition. I can’t lie to you review reader, it is very difficult to review anthologies, when you figure that you are getting 3+ stories that all have a different story telling and artistic style. So not everything will appeal to everyone. Issue #2 of BLTFTG has to have been written just for me, because I enjoyed every second of every single story. The artwork in this issue starts off at such a high level thanks to the cover by Academy Award winner Rick Baker, but each story and pin-up does nothing to lower the bar. I thought that “Strange to the Finish”, “Lugosi’s Legends & Lore” and “Order In/Take Out Chaos” were the best of the bunch. Onto the stories, of those horror stories that just blew the doors off of one another. Hell I even liked the one about wrestlers! This is a great mix of monsters, that all compliment one another. Personally I have to tip my head to “Order In/Take Out Chaos” and ” Claws of the Werewolf”. Everything about this issue screams old school horror meets new school approach. With the inclusion of an interview and the pin-ups this is a steal for only 5. I am beyond ecstatic that this issue is in my collection and I can not wait for more. There is a reason that Monsterverse Entertainment won a Ghastly Award and had so many nominees, they do horror right!
Artwork: 4.5 out of 5 • Story: 4.5 out of 5
Please note MV books are available in the UK via Hemlock Books. http://www.hemlockbooks.co.uk/
Comics from the MONSTERVERSE are NOW AVAILABLE at finer comic shops in the US and Canada and on Amazon.com! http://www.amazon.com/shops/monsterverse
MV books are also available in the US on Facebook via our Monsterverse Store at SHOP NOW. https://www.facebook.com/Monsterverse/app_135607783795
You can also download our books at iVerse, Amusedom and GRAPHICLY. Monsterverse on GRAPHICLY presents the best in modern horror stories told in the classic horror comics tradition. Publications include BELA LUGOSI’S TALES FROM THE GRAVE and the graphic novel series THE BLACK FOREST and THE FACELESS. Download now on your computer or mobile apps. http://graphicly.com/monsterverse
by
Decapitated Dan
Issue: Rebel Blood #2
Writer: Alex Link, Riley Rossmo
Artist: Riley Rossmo
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: April 2012
Pages: 28
Price: $3.50
“A mysterious infection is sweeping the land turning animals and people into blood-crazed killers! The food supply is dwindling…and you’re on the menu! How bad can things get? You’re about to find out!”
Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Rats, the issue ended! Rats, are eating away at his flesh! Rat’s I need more of this series now! Riley and Alex are back with issue #2 or this Zombie-rific story and it just blows the doors off the horror comic book world. It is no surprise to me that Riley won the Ghastly Award for best artist of 2011. He shows off his skills in this issue so perfectly because even the rats creep me out. The nail in the coffin to getting a perfect score though is the way he depicts certain action scenes. Seeing a car on one page travel down a road, but being drawn 5 times and all highlighted makes this an animation sequence. Even the scene where the truck flips, just GORE-Geous. The story in this issue takes a little turn from how it was told in the first issue. With issue #1, there was a good amount of jumping back and forth to tell some back story on top of the “live” events. In this issue it’s almost all centered on current happenings, and only takes a look back once, for a nice change of pace. The dialogue is great from page to page, but it doesn’t live up to the same level as the art in this issue. I don’t want this series to end. I think that there is so much to explore within this world and it ALL needs to be presented, even if it is just to me. This book is a balls to the wall horror mystery, a serious must read!
Artwork: 5.0 out of 5 • Story: 4.0 out of 5
If you would like to buy or know more about Rebel Blood you can find it at http://www.imagecomics.com
by
Ghastly McNasty
Tales of Voodoo ran for 36 issues, between 1968-1974, and was a part of Eerie Publications. Tales of Voodoo produced some wonderful covers from the likes of Bill Alexander, Oscar Novelle, Carl Burgos and Chic Stone. Take a look at the gallery below.
by
Decapitated Dan
Issue: Mongrel: Son of a Bitch #1
Writer: Edward Dunphy
Artist: Andrew Mitchell Kudlka
Publisher: Velvet Leaf Publishing
Price: $4.99
“Mongrel: Son of a Bitch is a 3-part gritty urban horror comic mini-series created by writer Ed Dunphy and artist Andrew M. Kudelka. It’s about Eric, a vicious werewolf that’s Hell-bent on destroying an established supernatural wolfpack in Chicago, and Will, the tough-as-nails homicide detective who is trying to solve the gruesome string of murders on his turf. The 1st full-color issue debuted at DanCon 2012 and will see a second limited release at C2E2 in Chicago in April. After a planned April Kickstarter campaign, the book will be available for order online at www.VelvetLeafPublishing.com and in select comic shops. The second issue will be ready in early summer, followed by the finale in late summer. Those wishing updates should contact the creators at: VLPcomics@hotmail.com.”
Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Someone call PETA there is a werewolf massacre taking place! From GORE-Geous artwork to a very engaging story Mongrel #1 has it all. The art by Kudelka is spot on from panel to panel. He draws an amazing looking werewolf and has a great grasp on the human form as well. Now personally I know that this book came out in black and white, and while I like it with the color, I do think it worked better in the B&W style, personal preference though. The story by Dunphy is gripping and action packed. For a first issue it does a great job of setting up for the series as well as grabbing my mind and making it want more. The dialogue is perfect and I really got a sense of being there, almost as if I was watching a movie. With more issues on the horizon I can not wait to see how this plays out. With the werewolf resurgence in full effect right now it is awesome to get Mongrel out there for the masses. This is a series not to be missed.
Artwork: 4.5 out of 5 • Story: 4.5 out of 5
If you would like to buy or know more about Mongrel #1 you can find it athttps://www.facebook.com/mongrelcomic
by
Decapitated Dan
Issue: Dear Creature OGN
Writer: Jonathan Case
Artist: Jonathan Case
Publisher: Tor Books
Release Date: October 2011
Price: $15.99
“Deep beneath the waves, a creature named Grue broods. He no longer wants to eat lusty beachgoers, no matter how their hormones call to him. A chorus of crabs urges him to reconsider. After all, people are delicious! But this monster has changed. Grue found Shakespeare’s plays in cola bottles and, through them, a new heart. Now he yearns to join the world above.
Rising from a brine of drive-in pulp and gentle poetry, Jonathan Case’s debut graphic novel Dear Creature is the love story you never imagined!”
Dying Breath: 5.0 out of 5
How in the world did I miss this book when it came out? Inside of the covers of this book, lies a story that blew me away and artwork that melted my eyes out of their sockets. The visuals were so GORE-Geous, and they were only presented in black and white. The real kicker though was the way that Case was able to show expression through facial features and body movements. Every panel had a real life feel to it and it just hit home with me, as it got me invested in the cast on a more personal level, like something you would get from watching a movie. The story itself nailed so many different levels; Horror ✓, Humor ✓, Romance ✓, Mystery ✓. Every single one of those concepts is covered and played out so well. The jokes from the crabs had me rolling on the floor. The horror elements were classic, which is what I expected with a “Monster” being the main character. The huge surprise was the dialogue. The sheer amount of time that Jonathan had to put into this writing to get it right would be mind-blowing to find out. It did take some getting used to, but once I got it down it was just poetry on the page. If you know me, you know I don’t give out 5 out of 5’s often, and this book is more than deserving of the highest score. It is so solid on every single level that I am sad to think it is over now. Do yourself a favor and make sure to check this one out. I missed out when it came out and I regret that I had to wait for it to be nominated for a Ghastly Award to finally have a chance to check it out.
Artwork: 5.0 out of 5 • Story: 5.0 out of 5
If you would like to buy or know more about Dear Creature you can find it at http://www.dearcreature.com/
by
Ghastly McNasty
Back from the Depths and The Theatre of Terror are delighted to announce a new member of the team for 2012.
Starting this week, Decapitated Dan, aka Dan Royer, the horror comic journalist, blogger, podcaster, and THE head of horror heads, will be providing horror comic reviews and news here on this site!
Dan is a horror comic journalist living in Illinois. He has been covering horror comics since 2009. He hosts two podcasts; Discussions with Decapitated Dan and Tales From the Water Cooler. Dan is also the founder of Dan Con, a local comic book convention in Chicago, IL. He is also the founder of the Ghastly Awards, awards that honor excellence in horror comics.
We’d like to welcome Dan to the team and we hope you’ll enjoy his horror comic reviews as much as we do.
by
Decapitated Dan
Issue: Grim Leaper #1
Writer: Kurtis Wiebe
Artist: Aluisio Santos
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: May 2012
Price: $3.50
“A brand new series from the mind of critically acclaimed writer KURTIS J. WIEBE (GREEN WAKE, PETER PANZERFAUST), GRIM LEAPER is a gory romantic comedy. Lou Collins is caught in a cyclical curse of violent, gruesome deaths and new beginnings in the bodies of strangers. With no clue why, Lou desperately searches for a way to break the curse and cross over peacefully to the other side. Then equally doomed Ella comes along. It’s a love story to die for.”
Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
WHOA! Did you see that decapitation! In a series that I expect to be filled with tons of GORE-Geous images, Grim Leaper #1 does not disappoint. The artwork by Santos is jaw dropping from panel to panel. I absolutely love the way he uses perspective in such unique ways. The curves of roads play into the odd setting that the story takes place, and gruesome deaths can be found throughout. Story wise, Wiebe has delivered yet again. Mixing in elements of horror and romance sprinkled with some great humor, this story has it all. I love the concept and how it is playing out. I won’t spoil anything, but find that I can not wait to see if this will work out for the main characters. Beauty is really in one’s personality and this series is out to prove it. A fantastic first issue that only makes me crave more and more.
Artwork: 4.5 out of 5 • Story: 4.5 out of 5
If you would like to buy or know more about Grim Leaper you can find it at http://www.imagecomics.com
by
Decapitated Dan
Issue: Alabaster: Wolves #1
Writer: Caitlín R. Kiernan
Artist: Steve Lieber
Publisher: Dark Horse
Release Date: April 2012
Price: $3.50
“For nearly as long as she can remember, Dancy Flammarion has fought monsters, cutting a bloody swath through the demons and dark things of the world, aimed like a weapon by forces beyond her control or questioning.”
Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Phew! I have to admit that I originally feared this would be a book along the lines of Twilight, due to the popularity of such franchises being turned into comics. It is not though. What is presented within these pages is a story that is visually breathtaking, mentally stimulating and when combined they create one hell of a first issue. The artwork in this book did take me a little bit to adjust to, but after 5 pages I was on board. The character designs are great, and the consistency is seen from panel to panel. The most GORE-Geous thing in this book though, was the werewolf transformation. Easily the visual highlight of the issue for me. The story itself was something I expect from a #1. It grabs you with what it presents, yet leaves enough mystery to have you come back for more. The dialogue was fun, sadly I was not able to solve any of the riddles (I stink, I know). I love the concept so far and really can not wait to see how it plays out. This issue was more than I expected and now I expect so much more from this series. Check this one out!
Artwork: 4.5 out of 5 • Story: 4.5 out of 5
If you would like to buy or know more about Alabaster: Wolves #1 you can find it at http://www.darkhorse.com
by
Decapitated Dan
Issue: Pandemonium OGN
Writer: Christophe Bec
Artist: Stefano Raffaele
Publisher: Humanoids
Pages: 160
Price: $19.95
“In 1951, a mother and her young daughter entered one of America’s most prestigious institutions for the treatment of Tuberculosis, The Waverly Hills Sanatorium. The events that befell them shortly thereafter, both of a supernatural and criminal nature, were some of the most sordid of the times. Based on real events. A true tale of horror, literally!”
Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5.0
It’s always funny to me how things happen in 3’s. Take this book for example, at the time I read this, I had also just seen a movie involving an asylum and I am in the middle of reading a horror novel about one too. I think that those outside factors easily played into why this book was so great . The artwork was something to behold, as it visually depicted this great horror tale. The characters were so consistent and detailed throughout every panel. However it was the horror elements that stole the show. Raffaele had a GORE-Geous way of being able to capture the scenes where it was needed most. I still can not remove the image of a crazy doctor from my mind. The angles chosen in these scenes was just so perfect, but they were few and far between for most of the story. Bec deserves a standing ovation what transpired in these pages. From the very start there was always this eerie vibe that could be picked up on, and while I thought that the horror elements were on the lighter side, when they did come up they packed a punch. The dialogue was sharp, and translated nicely into English. The pacing was fantastic throughout and the ending pulled at my heart-strings A HUGE highlight to this book was getting to the backup material only to find out that Waverly Hills Sanatorium is real, and now I want to know so much more. Overall this is a book that should be sitting in your horror collection. It was an amazing read from start to finish and always had me on the edge of my seat. I really hope that other stories from this particular location can come to life on the comic page, because there seems to be so much more to tell. BUY THIS BOOK, you will not regret it.
Art: 4.5 out of 5.0 • Story: 5.0 out of 5.0
If you would like to buy or know more about Pandemonium OGN you can find it at http://www.humanoids.com/
by
Ghastly McNasty
A few months ago I received Damaged Goods in the post. Normally I’d complain to the Post Office (hahahaha) but on this occasion it was a rather sinister looking graphic novel, and the pages within were anything but normal!
Writer, Richard McAuliffe, and artist, Mark Chilcott have crafted 128 pages of disturbing and morally questionable, extreme horror stories that will burrow in to your brain and mess around with the sanity settings in your head. The creative team seems to be in sync, both a little deranged but on the same wave length, and it shows, as the stories and art compliment each other well.
McAuliffe leaves no stones unturned and no boundaries uncrossed in his writing, delivering disgusting scenes of murder and mutilation and then following up with a psychological scare that often requires an instant re-read just to make sure your eyes weren’t deceiving you the first time. It’s interesting stuff and manages to keep you entertained all the way through.
Chilcott is also on top form. Horror stories can lose a lot of their punch if the art fails to deliver an horrific image that disturbs the reader. Not the case with this book. When called upon, Mark delivers the creepy in abundance, drawing some great expressions on the faces of both victims and psycho murderers alike. There’s also a variation in style that keeps the whole thing fresh.
Standout moments of this GN happen when the line between reader and participant is broken. On several occasions you’re dragged unwillingly in to the stories, made to feel more like a dirty voyeur, than just a comic book fan. It’s a powerful way of bringing the audience closer to the creators. It also means you can’t complain about the filthy crimes within the book, or tut at the authors for their twisted minds. You’re a part of this debauchery for wanting to read it in the first place.
You can purchase Damaged Goods via the Markosia website.
Find out more by visting the Damaged Goods website.
by
Ghastly McNasty
Fantastic mash-up here from artist Murray Groat, with his reimagining of Herge’s Tintin, as he takes on the many unspeakable horrors of H.P. Lovecraft. Would love to read these beauties for real but unfortunately they’re just covers. Damn fine cover all the same.
Check out the gallery below.
You can see more of his stuff here. You can’t buy copies of the pics, so don’t even ask.
by
Ghastly McNasty
Not the after affect of a heavy night on the pop, the Bloody Mary Illusion is an old urban legend and fun-time party game played at sleepovers around the world. There are many variations of the story but the general gist involves staring in to a mirror and repeating the name “Bloody Mary” somewhere between 3 and 14 times. (Think of it as an old school version of The Candy Man.) Other methods include chanting more than three times, chanting at midnight, spinning around, rubbing one’s eyes, running the water, or chanting her name thirteen times with a lit candle. In some versions of the legend, the summoner must say, “Bloody Mary, I killed your baby.”
It is said that if Bloody Mary is summoned, she would proceed to kill the summoner in an extremely violent way, such as ripping the face off, scratching the eyes out, cutting the head off, driving them insane, dragging them into the mirror with her or causing serious injury or death. Alternatively, if she doesn’t kill the one who summoned her then she will haunt them for the rest of their life.
While this urban myth is just a bit of fun, and ideal for proving how brave you are in front of college girls wearing nothing but tight t-shirts and knickers, there lurks a small element of truth in the story! Stare in to a mirror, and after a short time, you will begin to see an unfamilar face staring back. Go on try it. I dare you!
A recent report from the Department of Psychology at the University of Urbino has just published a paper on this optical illusion. Giovanni B Caputo’s Strange-face-in-the-mirror illusion study asked 50 unsuspecting volunteers to stare in to a mirror for 10 minutes. When questioned after many of the test subjects reported seeing…
huge deformations of one’s own face (reported by 66% of the fifty participants); a parent’s face with traits changed (18%), of whom 8% were still alive and 10% were deceased; an unknown person (28%); an archetypal face, such as that of an old woman, a child, or a portrait of an ancestor (28%); an animal face such as that of a cat, pig, or lion (18%); fantastical and monstrous beings (48%).
However, the paper also found:
…the frequent apparition of fantastical and monstrous beings, and of animal faces cannot, in our opinion, be explained by any actual theory of face processing. Neither constructive approaches nor top down accounts seem to provide adequate explanations.
it continues…
The participants reported that apparition of new faces in the mirror caused sensations of otherness when the new face appeared to be that of another, unknown person or strange `other’ looking at him/her from within or beyond the mirror. All fifty participants experienced some form of this dissociative identity effect.
Spooky, huh?
Did you try it yourself? If you did, you will likely have experienced one of the strange visions listed above. This, sadly, has nothing to do with the supernatural. Caputo attributes these visions as a variation on something known as the Troxler Effect. Discovered by Ignaz Paul Vital Troxler, back in 1804, it is part of the general principle in sensory systems that an unvarying stimulus soon disappears from our awareness. In otherwords, if you stare at something for long enough, your brain gets bored and begins to fill in the information for you. Have a look at the image below or visit Moillusions for more optical illusions.
Regardless of the cause, these illusions can be pretty creepy. If you want to give yourself a scare this Halloween, you can try it out and see for yourself. The best method is to use a 25 watt incandescent light, placed behind you so that you can’t see the light directly or it’s reflection, and five to ten minutes of staring at yourself in the mirror (from about 1.5 – 2 feet away). The low-level lighting that makes colour perception difficult and should increase the likelyhood of a trippy visual.
Bloody Mary Recipe
A quick recipe to mix one up and try it for yourself. Add dashes of Worcestershire Sauce, Tabasco, salt and pepper into highball glass, then pour all ingredients into highball with ice cubes. Stir gently. Garnish with celery stalk and lemon wedge (optional). Served On the rocks; poured over ice.
Ingredients:
- 45ml (3 parts) Vodka
- 90ml (6 parts) Tomato juice
- 15ml (1 part) Lemon juice
Drink 13 of these and we guarantee you’ll be seeing all sorts of weird!
Latest Posts
Previous Posts
