NO MANGE ON THIS (VIDEO) WATCHDOG

I'm convinced. The folks at VIDEO WATCHDOG are hopelessly possessed. Possessed, that is, of the most talented stable -- or should I say "kennel" -- of reviewers in any horror film magazine currently going. Regular readers will know that VW is famous for its attention to video/DVD/Blu-ray minutiae and for picking the fly poop out of the pepper on such essential topics as frame rates and color stock. Trust me, if there's a wobble somewhere in that tape to DVD re-issue, the Dawgs will find it -- and let you know all about it in exhaustive, but very readable detail.

And, get this, they can even take one of the most controversial sicko flicks of all time, A SERBIAN FILM, and write about it as if it were an artistic achievement. Even low-brow films are transformed by the pens dipped in their wizard's ink and turned into high-art. Don't let the style fool you, though. Every reveiwer is perfectly honest in their evaluation and they will call any film doo doo if it is at all deserving of the label.

As usual, Issue #167 is packed to the margins with material by folks with a fetish for film. Some of the top names in the biz are represented here: Douglas E. Winter, Ramsay Campbell, Kim Newman, and editor Tim Lucas, who just picked up another Rondo Award for "Best Writer".

It is Lucas who opens the issue with a respectful obit to the late siren of many a Jess Franco film, Lina Romay. The meat of the issue is taken up with long articles on Tim Burton's ALICE IN WONDERLAND and the Joseph Middleton-directed adults only sex-fantasy, THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS. There's also coverage on many, many more DVD releases such as COBRA WOMAN, FRANKENHOOKER, VAMPIRE CIRCUS, and DESTROY ALL MONSTERS. The issue is filled out with regular departments like Douglas E. Winter's soundtracks and audio column, Ramsay Campbell's latest odd and obscure movie review, and book reports by an able lot of reviewers, including editor Lucas.

VW is a digest-sized magazine, so I would shave off a few miniscule points for a lot of pics I'd like to see larger. Otherwise, all the photos, whether in color or black and white are very professionally reproduced with the kind of detail that the writers give whole-heartedly with their craft. And that's what gives VW its howl -- the expert writing and journalism. It's alway erudite without being arrogant, and when they wax academic to the reader it is rarely down their nose.

If you are looking for a genre film review magazine that is stimulating to read with lots and lots of videophile detail right down to the sprocket hole, I enthusiastically give all four paws up in the endorsement of  VIDEO WATCHDOG.

Read More → NO MANGE ON THIS (VIDEO) WATCHDOG

FAMOUS MONSTERS ANNIVERSARY STINKER

Even the most die-hard fans of the legendary FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND  would agree that the magazine wasn't perfect by a long shot, and once in a while (some of us say more often than that) there was even a downright gawd-awful issue. For instance, some were nothing more than what amounted to a giant reprint, cobbled together from previous issues with the exception of a new cover and maybe a "Things to Come" film news feature and a department or two.

Flash forward about 30 years and, despite the claim of being a "retro" issue, I'm getting this negative deja vu all over again. I'm talking of course about the latest attempt at publisher Phil "Kim Kong" to entice a few extra bucks out of us baby-boomers with another "special issue", this time a "25th Anniversary Collector's Edition".

Now, regular readers of MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD know that my reviews of monster mags -- both old and new -- are generally even-tempered. That is to say that I give credit where credit is due and even effuse a bit to the extreme when I get particularly excited about a certain title. I will, however, go so far as to say it when something is so wince-inducing that it would defy any journalistic integrity left in me if I neglected to pronounce fair warning. I'm sorry to say, but this "special collector's edition" is one of 'em.

The issue is numbered as FAMOUS MONSTERS (the "of FILMLAND" part of the logo is mysteriously absent) #192 and the premise is as if Forrest J Ackerman had edited the magazine back in 1983.

The "Speaking of Monsters" intro, intended to read like it was written by FJA himself goes on and on into alliterative oblivion. By the time Dr. Ackula has signed off with "Beast Wishes", I was tearing my fur out. Next comes a "Fang Mail" section that has just enough content to pass for a letters section.

And, I guess that's the overall impression I got when reading this magazine -- there's just enough to allow it to pass for a retro issue. Despite my misgivings, there is a little to give the faded gem a little lustre. For instance, I enjoyed Joe Moe's coverage of Larry Cohen's Q THE WINGED SERPENT, and Max Cheney's overview of Sci-Fi monster movies was nicely done.

Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of the issue with the not-so-retro price of $8.99 was the horrible printing. Whether by design or not, the levels and contrast of most of the photos was so dark that a lot of them were just too murky to see properly. Heck, I know I've got original issues of FM with better repro quality than that.

I do need to say that the cover image, a painting of the intergalactic cantina scene from STAR WARS by the talented Bill Selby, was superbly repro'd on nice, glossy stock.

That's about all the time I want to devote to -- what I am calling for now -- an anomaly from the folks at FM. I won't go so far as to say I was ripped off, but I do have to conclude that I was severly disappointed at this, by and large, lame effort. If there had been some spunk to the layouts even, I could have maybe mustered up an "okay". Ultimately, the magazine just doesn't seem to have any . . . enthusiasm to it. I look at the masthead and I see a litany of great talent. I think they should stick to producing the current incarnation of FAMOUS MONSTERS. Now, that's a a magazine that I give a howl about and believe, by the way, has fast-improved into one of the premiere monster 'zines on the rack.

Better luck next time, guys. There is better fare out there. Tomorrow, I'll share one with you.

Read More → FAMOUS MONSTERS ANNIVERSARY STINKER

FANGORIA NO. 311

If you're on the lookout for a mega-meal of monster magazine goodness, look no further than FANGORIA. Filled to the brim and stuffed with high-calorie horror, this 'zine has got "super-value monster meal" written all over it. And I guarantee you, by the time you're done reading it from cover to cover, you will be drooling for another helping.

Take the latest issue, fer instance. Barely eleven issues in from their landmark 300th issue (that's right, 300th) and they still put out regular copy, like clockwork, 10 times a year to be exact. Issue #311 has a visually striking cover -- striking, that is, in it's noticeable lack of color. But wait -- isn't that kinda weird for a magazine that obviously prides itself on the fangiest, goriest covers this side of the Saw-mill (or at least The Centipede Factory)? What better way to showcase the Roger Corman special found within than offering up a silvertone retro-ish cover, I say!

Once you get past the first couple of pages of mind-bending ads with new stuff that you just can't live without is First Rites, the lead-off editorial by the mag's maestro, Chris Alexander. I always read this first off, as Mr. Alexander's insightful commentary sets the tone for the rest of the issue. After that, you're in monster country, pal!

I prefer jumping around the issue, and there's plenty to read. No worries about monster-lite here. While you may find the occasional one-pager (not counting reviews), most articles are pretty meaty . . . the red kind of course. The aforementioned Corman tribute runs a hefty 9 pages, and there's non-stop action with articles on such films as RABIES, ABSENTIA, THE DEVIL'S ROCK, and SILENT HOUSE, and lest I forget, the second and concluding part of the interview with kookster-genius actor Nicolas Cage. All-in-all, there's more than enough multi-page madness to keep anyone off the streets at least for a couple or three hours.

Art Director and Warren Pubs alumnus W.R. Mohalley keeps the page layouts exciting and within a thematic framework that has been a hallmark of the magazine for years. Drenched in vivid color and typeface just big enough from causing eyestrain, FANGO is indeed, a feast for any fear fan.

And, finally, just in case you're wondering what the heck is up with the FANGO-fest of promo here, I'm officially kicking off a new series of MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD spotlight features, where a 'zine that I feel is deserving gets a break and is put in front of the centipede conga-line. Besides, if I were to choose but one Desert Island Monster 'Zine, FANGORIA would be near the top of my list . . . maybe even higher.

Want flies with that monster burger?

Read More → FANGORIA NO. 311

DOUG'S HALL OF FLAME SHEDS LIGHT ON FAMOUS MONSTERS NO. 259

2011 was an excellent year for monster magazines, both in quantity and quality. My favorite issue of the year was one of the last to hit the stands: FAMOUS MONSTERS 259. The newsstand edition features a fantastic WOLFMAN painting by Rick Baker, one of the best cover depictions of a werewolf I’ve ever seen. The magazine contains two main themes, werewolves and THE TWILIGHT ZONE. I like “themed” issues, as they allow the editor and writers to develop topics more fully and provide more perspectives than normal. It does take some intestinal fortitude on the part of the editor, however, as an unpopular theme could lead to a poor selling issue. That said, I love the two topics in FM 259.

Mark Miller kicks off the were-creature section with an article surveying werewolves in cinema. From the silent movie era to the upcoming sequel to Del Toro’s WOLFMAN, Miller mentions them all. Quite a feat! I was a bit humbled when I realized how many of the films I hadn’t seen. More entries on the DVD wish list, I suppose.

Richard Schellbach provides a personal reminiscence of discovering and watching werewolf movies growing up. His story of studying the TV Guide each week for monster movie listings and then getting up (or staying up) to watch them at 4:00 a.m. brought back memories of own experiences crawling out of bed before dawn to watch WRESTLING WOMEN VS. THE AZTEC MUMMY and other such cinematic gems. A true monster kid experience!

The highlights of the werewolf section are the first-person article by make-up genius Rick Baker and the fantastic “Monster Master Class” make-up demonstration by Dave Elsey. Twenty years from now, the make-up artists on “WOLFMAN 2032” will say they were inspired by Elsey’s detailed “how to” instructions in FM 259.

Fans of THE TWILIGHT ZONE will enjoy the interviews with Carol Serling, Richard Matheson, Earl Hamner Jr., and George Clayton Johnson. Their comments and memories of working with Rod Serling add new life and warmth to the show and its creator. Mrs. Serling relates some details of her husband’s pre-television life, which may be new to many readers. Peter Martin contributes an excellent article about the late Charles Beaumont, a fantastic writer who died way too young. Justin Beahm discusses the making of TWILIGHT ZONE: THE MOVIE’s “It’s A Good Life” with director Joe Dante. The entire set of TZ articles is outstanding and a great tribute to a great show.

I am enjoying Kevin Burns’ comic art adaptation of BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN, part three of which appears in this issue.

The depth and quality of writing and illustration in this issue make FAMOUS MONSTERS 259 one of the best monster magazines of 2011.

Read More → DOUG'S HALL OF FLAME SHEDS LIGHT ON FAMOUS MONSTERS NO. 259

SHADOWLAND NO. 1 & 2

While it has become much easier to self publish a magazine within the last five to ten years, the distribution opportunities for these same magazines has diminished much as of late. The advent of short print run and print-on-demand services has lessened the need to invest a lot of money up front, but one still needs a market that will spend their hard-earned money on their product.

When it comes to monster ‘zines, all the logic described above seems to go out the window. In true “publish or perish” fashion, the self-made monster magazine makers defy all odds and continue to create their vision and unleash it on the world. I’m not a market analyst, but it sure seems to me that genre publications are enjoying a comparatively healthy existence at the moment. Check out the Entertainment section of any Barnes & Noble magazine rack these days and you will see that horror, science fiction, and fantasy are all well-represented.

One new title that you won’t see on the stands, but is worth checking into nevertheless, is Andrew Paretti’s SHADOWLAND MAGAZINE. Now in its second issue, SHADOWLAND is a nicely done small press ‘zine that is subtitled, “Covering the Best in Horror, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Entertainment”. As a result, it is not pigeonholed into one subject, which might garner a wider readership. On the other hand, readers who want more on a specific topic may pass over something like this. I’m omnivorous in my magazine reading preference, so I don’t mind either approach, so long as there’s some monsters for my meat! A good example of this is CINEMA RETRO magazine. They don’t specialize in covering monster movies, but they will usually pepper a portion of each issue with a few tidbits – enough interesting material to buy the copy. VIDEO WATCHDOG can be like this, as well. While they focus on the horror/sci-fi/fantasy genres, they will add cult, crime, mystery and other subject matter in any given issue.

SHADOWLAND MAGAZINE #1 starts off with a knockout of a cover by artist Dwayne Pinkney, depicting his interpretation of Erik, The Phantom of the Opera. The work is reminiscent of Gogos in its hi-def color palette, but it falls short in detail.

There is plenty of material within its 54 black and white pages. There is a discussion of the Spielberg film, NIGHT SKIES, which ended up becoming E.T. THE EXTRATERRESTRIAL, a look at the CAPTAIN AMERICA films both past and present, coverage on GODZILLA comics from Marvel, a retrospective of the ROBOCOP movies, and my favorite, a 13-page piece on THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. The article includes a discussion of the film and its making, then goes on to cover the series of later films, as well as the franchise that the character has become.

SHADOWLAND #2 follows close on the editorial heels of its inaugural issue. Another eye-catching cover is by Pinkney again, who may end up turning into SHADOWLAND’s regular cover artist by the looks of it. They have a winner on their hands here, as Pinkney uses bright color contrasts that, as I mentioned before, are from the Gogos school of illustration.

The focus this issue is on the Japanese cyborg superhero, THE GUYVER. Other material covers Bigfoot movies, THE AMITYVILLE HORROR, and the TOMBS OF THE BLIND DEAD series. My favorite of this issue is Brett Taylor’s lengthy piece on the William Castle TV series, GHOST STORY.

Editor and Publisher Andrew Paretti is taking the formula that has been successfully used by commercial publications such as RUE MORGUE and HORRORHOUND and infused it with a fan’s enthusiasm. And that’s what makes up the soul of SHADOWLAND, a fan’s desire for creating a publication that reflects his passion. The print and photo quality are not spectacular as with, say, MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT or UNDYING MONSERS, but it is nevertheless quite professional looking.

These types of magazines have a tendency to wink out after a couple of issues, but, after 2 issues being released fairly quickly for a fan magazine, I suspect SHADOWLAND will have something to offer readers of imagi-movie magazines for some time to come.

Read More → SHADOWLAND NO. 1 & 2

RIGOR MORTIS -- READ IT BEFORE THEY COME FOR YOU

It would be hard to say that there is a more vigorous genre fan base than that for vampires. Zombie fans would disagree. The popularity of the walking dead has grown to nearly apocalyptic proportions.

The downside of any pop culture phenomenon is that burnout is inevitable. We’ve seen it before and we’ll see it again, I’m sure. What usually happens in these cases is that a core fan base continues to keep the home fires burning – or in this case, the body bags filled.

After taking a look at the first few issues of RIGOR MORTIS, it is quite evident that this talented group of creators will be raising the zombie freak flag for some time to come.

What immediately struck me when I first looked at the mags was their resemblance to the underground comix of the 1960’s. Mind you, that was only in appearance – the content is wholly contemporary, albeit with just a hint of nostalgia for the good ol’ zombie days.

The first issue of RIGOR MORTIS carries – of all things – a mission statement, which reads: “When we weren’t having panic attacks (and even when we were) we thought about zombies a lot. This is the result.” And so, the self-proclaimed team of “necromancers”, writers Dread Sockett, Deadvida, Grim Pickens, and artist Bojan, launch into their unrepentant zombie love-fest. The results are totally enjoyable.

I was also struck by the quality of writing. I may be wrong, but I sense a touch of journalism school showing here. If not, then writing must be a natural gift for the contributors. For such a (Heh! Heh!) dead subject, the writing is always lively, with humor that stops short of parody. In other words, these guys are having fun doing what they’re doing on a subject that they take very seriously.

The magazines are dirt cheap, so I suggest you lay the few bucks down and enjoy an hour or two of articles, book, movie, and graphic novels reviews, and more mayhem within the first issue’s 54 pages.

I have told you before that I’m not a huge fan of zombies. The enthusiastic staff at RIGOR MORTIS magazine are helping to make me a believer.

Read More → RIGOR MORTIS -- READ IT BEFORE THEY COME FOR YOU