Ghostbusters Annual 2015

This annual, like so many others, has a main story along with tons of shorter stories for your entertainment. Only difference? It's a GREAT story that is meant as a launch pad to future Ghostbusters stories as well as tying up the two previous crossovers that we saw in 2015. As well, the mini stories are FUNNY AS HELL and enjoyable instead of feeling like they are meant to take up room in the book as an excuse to charge more. The annual is set up like a mini tpb and you get a huge bang for your buck! The art and writing is great, you will laugh, you will cry and there is plenty of shout outs to the original film that will have long time fans smiling. So get this or get slimed because, who you gonna

call?

Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. 1953

Alright people, here we have another one off story of Hellboy in England with Trevor where his anger finds him battling a an army of dead Romans while a dead witch hangs from a tree in the first story. In the second story, a quick suggestion rids the world of 2 ghosts. This is all leading up to another story line as we follow Hellboy through the years leading up to his debut and I like the stories that they have released so far. This is what Mike originally intended for Big Red when he introduced the character but, we all know how well he worked alone with some of the craziest cases that the B.P.R.D. had come through the doors. It has a classic feel of those early stories with good mythology to go along with it. What more is there to like?

Trick 'R Treat: Days of the Dead

With a new movie on the horizon and Krampus in theaters soon, Michael Dougherty is a busy man. In the mean time, to hold us until Trick 'R Treat 2, we have Days of the Dead which features 4 stories that interconnect with each other about Halloween through the years. Yes, Sam makes an appearance just like the movie and the book is just as good as you can imagine. You may not feel the third story initially but, you will at the end as it is a familiar story that ties everything together nicely and gladly changes your opinion. The stories overall are something you can relate to as a monster kid. This could easily be the second movie or even an animated movie of this would be awesome! Yes, it is that good and, it makes me happy. This franchise is guarded by Michael who only releases gold. He guards Sam and does not over saturate the market with tons of Trick 'R Treat stories or Sam stories. Instead, he releases very well written work and, if this is a jumping stone to the next movie, I am good. Oh! And what can I say about that cover? Should be made into posters and sold in stores! I'd be good with that. If you are a fan of the movie and Sam, get on this. You'll be over the moon that you did.

Lugosi's Morphine - Gloom, Doom, And Destruction

So, a couple of years ago, I remember seeing a music video for "Don't Think" and an interview where new music is mentioned and....NOTHING! Just as quickly as the band returned from the grave it was gone! So, yesterday I am on Facebook and what do my eyes see? Are they deceiving me? Is that new Lugosi's Morphine? YES IT IS! Recorded 2 years ago, we are finally getting to hear the music that this legendary band recorded and I am all smiles for it. Some may wonder if the music can still hold up after being holed up for 2 years and, I am here to tell you that, it does well. I wonder what the circumstances that led to this taking so long to see the light of day but, then again, I am just happy to have this album meeting my ears finally. This is Horror Punk goodness from the first note to the end as, if you are like me and heard "Don't Think" before, that is only the beginning of what this album has to deliver! Standouts include "I'm Happy", "Eat, Drink, and be Scary", "Headless", "Sickness and in Hell", "House of Hell", "Don't Think", "Dark Half", "No Difference" and "Suicide Note". I hope that they release their previous albums as well as they are hard to find as this takes me back and I enjoy this band. If this is the last of this legendary band then what a way to go out in a blaze of glory but, if there is more to come I cannot wait! If you seriously don't know why these guys are awesome, give this a listen...you'll thank me later.

HELP MISTER MONSTER RECORD THE NEW ALBUM!

THAT'S RIGHT FOLKS! TO PARAPHRASE KISS, YOU WANTED IT, YOU GOT IT! Our prayers and sacrifices have been answered and MISTER MONSTER IS RECORDING A NEW ALBUM! FIRST ONE IN OVER A DECADE! Help them fund it at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/life-at-the-end-of-october-new-mister-monster#/ Time to put your money where your mouth is and nut up or shut up!

In Memoriam: Michael C. Gross

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love the Ghostbusters franchise. Now, a man who was a major part of the original films and cartoons has passed. Michael Gross was a producer on bother films and the cartoons along with others 80s comedies like Twins, Beethoven and Kindergarten Cop along with Heavy Metal. He was also a major part in the National Lampoon magazine in the 70s. However, he will always be best known for creating the most iconic logo in the world. That's right folks, he is the man behind the logo that can be found all over my childhood and the great memories that go along with those movies and cartoons he produced. He is the man who created the famous "No Ghost" logo. That in itself is huge and if you bother asking why you live under a rock. No logo in the Horror community is as recognized, loved and adored as that one. When you see it, it brings you back to a time, a simpler one, a better one and a much more fun one than the one you are currently in. R.I.P. Michael Gross, may you and Harold bust some ghosts together again.

Evil Dead 2: Tales of the Ex-Mortis - Certicifed Groovy Special Edition (#1)

Don't bother unless you are a completest! This is a reprinting of the first issue of Evil Dead 2: Tales of the Ex-Mortis series with a new cover and some art pages in the back. If you missed out on the original printing, grab it or, if you like collecting everything Evil Dead then grab it as well. However, if you do care about having the same of something then stay away. It's a cool package and a great cover that also comes with a cool announcement...Evil Dead is going monthly. Now that is truly groovy.

Dark Horse Presents (#16)

Like past issues of this great anthology series, I will only be looking at the Hellboy story as that is the only reason I got it and have not followed the other stories or characters as much. Hell, if you flip the book over it goes right to the story and features a Mike Mignola cover! So, in this story, Hellboy is told a story of greed and wanting too much by a hanging man from a tree. The story is simple and the message is effective in that fairy tale sort of way. Also, the art is great and it doesn't miss a beat. It is a folktale from Hell that is meant to entertain you. Does it focus on Hellboy? Nope! Is it good? Yes it is. It's short, sweet and to the point. Get it as it is a great short story to add to the others in the Hellboy world. As well, you never know if this theme or character may pass by again in the future. With Hellboy in the mix, that is a possibility for sure.

Big Trouble in Little China (#18)

Well the writing, art and the story have picked up some of the slack that was holding it back with the post-Carpenter/Powell issues and have gained some steam with some laughs and action abound! So, Jack Burton has gotten into more trouble then he should have and is in a game for his soul and the souls of others. Throw in a hilarious explanation of poker and THE RETURN OF EGG and you have the makings for a pretty good issue that will have you grinning and laughing. I wonder where all of this is headed as Jack works his way up the chain to fight the power and win...guess we'll see.

Blade - Undead by Daylight

This is not a new Blade story but, a reprinting of classic Blade stories from the Tomb of Dracula and the first issue of Blade from the 90s I believe. For people unfamiliar with the character, this is a good starting point to check out from his debut to something a little more recent. For long time fans who do not have copies of these essential stories or cannot afford them, they are here in a nice little package that is way more affordable. Maybe having an origin story would have been asking for a little too much but, meh. Get this collection for yourself and enjoy this vampire slayer in all of his glory.

Escape from New York (#12)

Well Snake has a plan to get out of New York once and for all but he needs the help of others and a flying car to do it. I am not crazy about the art over the last few issues but the story itself is awesome! One give over another I guess. Snake makes it out and they promise the adventures to continue so, if the writing stays as good as it has been this whole series I may just put up with the crappy art a little bit more. Get this story and see how Snake is still alive and kicking.

HELP SHADOW WINDHAWK AND THE MORTICIANS!

Help make the new album and music video possible by supporting the new crowd funding project! See the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I52DENTP2Eo and support here: http://igg.me/at/shadowwindhawk

Constantine: The Hellblazer (#6)

There is no place like home and after a tough bit of business  (that included the loss of his lost friends who haunt him) John doesn't want to be left alone with his thoughts. That leads to him to a day on the town working! That's right folks, this issue that is a day in the life kind of thing and it is a nice breather. One intense story has ended and this issue is a chance to take stock in what has happened while setting up the next storyline. There are plenty of laughs and the story and art are great! This is a massive improvement over the previous New 52 series that ran for 23 issues. Get on this, you'll be happy you did.

John Carpenter's Tales for a Halloweenight Volume 1

Okay so, I was reading Previews and came across a collection of stories featuring John Carpenter's name that was to come out on Halloween. Need I say more? It's a short graphic novel that is a quick read and features some great short stories and amazing art to go along with it. It's a great addition to your Halloween night reading material as the tricks, treats and gore are plentiful between the covers. John Carpenter, Steve Neils and others team up to produce such a great read! However, I only have one complaint. That complaint would be the segments featuring the Gatekeeper. Do I have a problem with the character himself? NOPE! The old style art? NOPE! The fact that he reminds me of the Cryptkeeper? NOPE! LOVE IT! I don't like how the page looks. Instead of showing us what is going on it reads more like a script telling us what is going on or how, we should see it. Yes, using your imagination is a good thing but, in a comic book, drawing it out would have been better. I would love to see the different graveyards he visits or maybe his reaction as he is about to tell us another gruesome tale of some unfortunate soul. I think this could work as a movie and the fact that this is a first volume means the possibility of more is great but, I would fix the character and how he is portrayed before moving on. Instead of having the same splash page featuring the same art of him standing there for all 6 stories with different text in his speech bubble. A great read for Carpenter fans or fans of the Cryptkeeper in general. Fix that little problem and, I think, you have gold.

In Memoriam: Gunnar Hansen

Today, we lost a original. Someone who helped to create the slasher genre as we know it today. Today, we have lost Gunnar Hansen, the original Leatherface from Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Sure, there is a debate that Peeping Tom and Psycho were the originals but, you can not discount the influence that TCM has had on slasher films since its debut. One reason that the film has been so influential and continues to this day is the performance of Gunnar as Leatherface. The sounds he makes, the way he moves and the way he wields that chainsaw is masterful. Sure, he has done other movies including the last TCM 3D where he plays a role but, he will always be Leatherface. Maybe the best one to ever put the mask on. He created what we know of him from that performance while everyone else has been following in his footsteps. R.I.P Gunnar, you will be missed.

A Conversation with Peter DeRaven

Hello and thank you for doing this again. For those who don’t know a thing, can you please introduce yourself? 

Peter DeRaven Lead vocals and song writer for the Rhode Island  based band VAGORA. 

So, first and foremost, How is Lust of Lilly Chapter 3 coming along? What sort of things should we, the fans, expect? Any tidbits? 

It's a fitting end. I have said in other interviews that  the 3 parts of this series of EPs were to sort of cope with loss. Anger, retaliation and moving forward. This final disk is a forward step. Its heavy it features all members writing. 4 of us have lead vocals on this EP which is a sign of this being a band, a unit, all parts functioning as one. 

Lets talk about the upcoming Live in Studio Acoustic album you guys are doing. How does an idea like this and the Live in Studio idea come about? How important is it for you to have the fans involved? 

Well after the live in the studio CD we did we have been getting asked for a part 2 which we did a similar idea of letting the fans pick the songs. The fans input is great because with well over 70 songs its nice to know which songs people are digging and may effect our live future sets. We wanted to do an acoustic version of our debut album Agoraphobic for the 5th anniversary but couldn't get some of the previous members involved on the same page. The acoustic idea stuck we just decided to let it be the fans choice of songs.

 

Any surprising choices?  

Yes. Jesse our guitarist had his work cut out for him on a few tracks. I know "Time In Reverse" was a cool choice. 

Now, anyone who listens to Vagora wouldn’t call you a straight up a Horror Rock band like most others as you MAY have a song like “Ginger’s Gone” on the album but, a more personal set of songs right after. However, you are such a part of the genre and loved by fans of it. Why do you think that is? 

It's a simple answer I think. We have always respected the horror scene and the fans. It's were we got our start . We never wanted to be in a genre but would never turn away from a scene that enjoyed what we do. The fans of the Horror scene aren't all one style loving idiots. They enjoy all sorts of music. We write real music. It strikes a chord with the horror fans and other fans. Respecting where we got our start is why I think the fans have stuck it out with us even through our sounds change. 

You are the main singer in Vagora. However, you have always surrounded yourself with others who can carry a tune. With that said, what is your favorite Vagora song that you don’t sing? The one you love to rest your pipes to? 

Very true I'll be the first one to say I'm not the most talented singer in VAGORA. Jesse Nameless has really shown what an excellent vocalist he is. "Gallow On The Door" is just amazing. I'll always be a Kylie Discord fan. The song "My last Impression" and her backing vocals on 'it's not you that its happening to' are just haunting and beautiful at the same time. Robby Bloodshed, Jesse Nameless and Jonny Whitehurse all have a lead vocal track with this new EP and I think its some of the best stuff I've heard from all of them. 

With that said, with Vagora you have an extended list of songs from so many releases. Is there one song that you think should always be in the set list no matter what? 

You know that's the hardest part of being in the band for this long. We try to mix our set up as much as possible with older and new stuff. I'd say "Agoraphobic" and "Some/ Most" are staples at this point. "Rolling Skulls" and "Emeralds" too. 

From DVDs to albums, shirts and everything in between, you guys always have tons of merch for the fans to choose from. Where do you come up with all of these ideas? 

We watch what works and what doesn't. What products sell for other bands. The DVDs are cool as we have access to video equipment due to our bassist being a video student. So that makes a nice product. Shirts and art designs are mostly myself , Jesse , and Robby. Robby has worked for us with art and layout stuff even before he was in the band. Honestly for me I just get the ideas in my head from wherever they come from. I don't question it. I'll get a mental picture and run with it. 

Speaking of two of them, how is the book of lyrics and the potential documentary coming along? What stumbling blocks do you face putting a project like these together? 

The book is still being worked on it's something I'm really taking my time to make right. I have permission to make it a complete book so I think once I have some more down time I will send that to the editor . The documentary is on hold at the moment a lot of film has been shot. We have ran into a snag with a few former members participation. That would be the biggest issue. I only want to do this if all influential members were involved. Hopefully we can get back in to talks or use what we have for some other project. 

I remember a couple of years ago that Vagora was parting ways and you started up DeRaven. Not long after that band started, you revived Vagora. What went into that decision? 

Good question. When we decided to put the band to bed a few things had happened at once which made that decision. TB wanted to go which was fine we could have just kept going which was ultimately what we did. Kylie leaving was hard on myself and Jesse I think as we didn't get a lot  of notice and really had no ill will she just decided to go to college 12 hours away. It was a sad/happy thing. Marc our drummer and I had made a decision that we would try to keep the band going but it was just me and him. I really wasn't sure if a new line up would still be "VAGORA" sound wise. So I opted to audition people with the idea of learn the songs and if it dosen't sound like the band we call it something else. Jesse came back into the fold to teach the new guys the songs. He felt like it was time to stick it out and we brought in our former bassist Jonny. All of a sudden it was clear this was still VAGORA.  

Are there any songs from DeRaven that have or haven’t seen the light of day or have had a Vagora makeover yet? 

No songs were ever written for DeRaven as a band. We did a few shows just to work out the kinks but it really was just a way to test out the new line up. I will use the name for a solo release eventually though.

As a musician, you have played with some amazing musicians as well as toured or played with some great bands. In this 2 part question; first, is there anyone that you have played with in the past that you would like to work with either in Vagora or, in another project? As well, is there anyone living or dead, that you would like to work with that you haven’t? 

Kylie Discord I always felt we had more to do writing and performance wise. I'd like to work wth Goolsby I'm hoping that will happen. 

As an artist, what inspires you (movies, music, comics, books, etc.)? What got you into this? 

You know a little of everything inspires me. I started writing songs very young. I always felt it was a gift. A lot of what I write about is stuff that is in my head. Not sure if its things remembered from a past life of God or what again I don't question it I just do what I can with what i was given.

In the past, I’ve asked people their current assessment of the scene. Instead of that, are there any new artists or bands in the Horror Rock/Punk genre that you think people should know? Someone who is exciting you with the music they make? 

I just grabbed up The new 52 Ways CD, awesome band from Georgia. Also The band Blood Shift from Ohio.  We got a great band called  Damnation out of Mass thats a killer Horror band definatly check them out. 

Is there any new releases that you are looking forward to (movies, music, etc.)? 

Defiantly the new Argyle Goolsby CD.  Movies these days are all Princess based as I have 3 daughters so I'm usually waiting to get whatever they want to see. 

Thank you once again for taking the time to do this! Is there any parting words you have for the readers?  

Don't forget who made you. This purple blood leaves stains. K.R.Y.

Forty Coffins

This one and done book deals with Dracula's passage from Romania to England as mentioned in the original Bram Stoker novel. Wow is all I can say after reading it! Such a great read and the art is fantastic! If you have read the novel you know what happens....or the jest of it at least but, everything is played out for the eyes of the reader to feast on...and what a feast it is! I originally was debating it when I saw it in Previews but I am glad I grabbed it so, you should get on it too as you will not be disappointed by this. If you are a fan of Dracula, you will have no problem sinking your fangs into this.

Joe Golem: Occult Detective (#1)

Hailing from the Drowning City, we have Joe Golem in a pre-novel story that shows you the man beyond the clay and dirt. In here we have disappearing children and there is only one person brave enough to enter the waters of the Drowning City to find out what is happening to them. Great art and story thus far as the action is nicely paced and the art is great. Can't wait to see what mysteries unfold in the coming two issues of this miniseries.

Evil Dead 2: Tales of the Ex-Mortis (#2)

With this issue, we find out more about what the book of the dead does in his spare time terrorizing students, pretty ladies and whole towns. That's right folks! The book of the dead shares his stories of dread as he continues two while presenting a new short story. It seems that the next issue will be the conclusion that we all will be looking for as it wraps up all loose ends. I feel that this is more fun then the previous Evil Dead 2 story as there is so much more going on and it's spread out instead of cramming it all into one place.

Evil Dead 2: Beyond Dead by Dawn (#3)

So, here we have the conclusion of the current Evil Dead 2 story line with Ash's clone and Annie in Hell! While looking for a way out, Ash becomes possessed but is stabbed and is sent to battle with demons while Annie is looking for a way out of this hellhole (see what I did there?). There is a lot going on but, I feel this issue has lost some of the steam of previous issues. Almost like an anticlimax from what it was building up thus far. There is a promise of more stories and I look forward to it but, this issue feels rushed. Maybe a fourth issue would of allowed more stuff to happen instead of cramming it all in one issue. 

Zombina and the Skeletones - In Sinistereo (Part Two)

So, with my 100th music review, I get to delve in the second part of the 4 part release by Zombina and the Skeletones. With a longer release than Part One, we get another 4 songs that give you another side of this legendary band from Liverpool, England. "Phantom with the X-Ray Mind" starts things off nicely while "Witch Mountain" upstages that fun song with one that, for some reason, takes me back to the 60s for some reason....I don't know why but I like that. This is continued with "The Crawling Eye" that brings to mind a more country tone with its twangy guitar bits. It all ends with the explosive "You Swallow Spiders in Your Sleep". These releases have shown what Zombina and company can do and, that answer is that, this legendary band can do a lot.

Zombina and the Skeletones - In Sinistereo (Part One)

In the mood for a female fronted Horror band? Then check out the legendary Zombina and the Skeletones! In the first part of a 4 part release, we get an album that hits hard and fast that will have you moving, shaking and singing along in no time. I mean, the first song "(All I Wanna do is) Decompose (With You)" is worth the price of admission alone! That sax fade out is just magical to me. "Beware: Cosmic Plague", the synth filled "The Changeling" and "I Hate Humans" keep the momentum going with the awesomeness that we come to expect from Zombina and company. This release is focused as every song is one that will have you moving and singing along from beginning to end. I know I may say that a lot but it's true! Zombina and crew have done it again.

Dr. Murder - Sangue

So, one band that has really caught my attention this year is Dr. Murder from Brazil. With this new release, called Sangue, there are 4 songs all in Portuguese (their native tongue for those that don't know a thing). So, remember what I said in a previous review about songs being in a different language from what I know? Trust me when I say that it does not make it any less enjoyable! The songs hit hard and fast as they are just enjoyable! It gives the music a certain quality that may get lost in English. As for standouts, it is a short release and I am enjoying all the songs at the moment! You'll be singing along to the riffs and whaos in no time! So grab this release from the land of Coffin Joe as the good doctor is back with a vengeance to lay waste to all in sight as there is no let up from this band!

 

The Mutant Members Only Club - Ding Dong Doo-Wop!

With my 400th post (DAMN! THAT'S A LOT!) I check out the new album by The Mutant Members Only Club. Again, another album for you to wind down your Halloween with.This acoustic album is filled with both catchy songs and lots of laughs as, you really can't take it seriously thus, you'll enjoy it more because of that. It is hard to pick standouts as they are all catchy and all of them have me laughing. If you are fans of the movies, you'll just laugh at them while singing along in no time with the songs themselves. So take this acoustic journey to songs filled with Doo-Wop signatures as the Mutant Members Only Club show you that the only thing dead in Horror music is the people or killers that we sing about as there is so much that can be done still as this recording is Franken-fine!

Horror Story - The Devil May Care (Unplugged)

So, after Halloween and the intense night it can be, you may need something to wind down with. Enter the new acoustic album by Horror Story entitled The Devil May Care. Take one part Danzig and one part Johnny Cash and you will find plenty to love with this recording of songs that are stripped down to their bare bones and let the story take center stage. Yes, that is important sometimes as we can get lost with all the excess and forget what a good song lyrically it actually is. Personally, I am a fan of these recordings for that very reason. Standouts include "Forever Night", "Dellamort Dellamor", "Dead for Days", the Johnny Cash inspired "Watch 'Em Die", "All Tied Up", "Cemetery Girl", "Voodoo Doll", "Blood Drinking 101", "13 Moons", the song that will really remind you of Danzig "Triformiss Goddess" and "Full Moon at Midnight". After 15 years, these guys are showing no signs of slowing down as they go full throttle even acoustically. Take this as a greatest hits package if you like but, I can't wait for the next chapter in Horror Story.