Books

Grady Hendrix’s ‘Paperbacks from Hell’: The Horror News Network Review

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With the unprecedented popularity of Stephen King’s It adaptation, many Hollywood producers are frantically searching for the next horror story that will rake in cash (and potentially save their jobs) after a dismal summer movie season.

If producers turn their attention to the world of horror novels, I hope they all save themselves some time and effort and turn their attention to Grady Hendrix’s examination of the horror paperback boom of the 70’s and 80’s entitled Paperbacks From Hell.

In the introduction to his examination of these wild dime-store paperbacks, Hendrix (a noted horror novelist himself, and best known for the Ikea parody Horrorstor and his recent ode to the 1980’s called My Best Friend’s Exorcism) explains that the excitement and entertainment found within these treasures opens the reader up to “…a weird, wild, wonderful world that feels totally alien today, and not just because of the trainloads of killer clowns.” read more

‘It’ Delivers Record-Breaking Thursday Night Opening

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Expectations for It have been sky high for months, driven primarily by the depressing summer movie receipts (which are some of the worst returns in 25 years).

Well, it looks like the box office totals for It will be more “Penny Wise than pound foolish” this weekend as the Stephen King adaptation earned an estimated $13.5 million on Thursday night.

It is actually the third highest debut Thursday of 2017, behind only Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 ($17 million) and Beauty and the Beast ($16.3 million). The film also established records for the largest Thursday gross for a horror movie, R-rated release, September release, and for a film based on a Stephen King book. read more

Horror Block Parent Company Nerd Block Files for Bankruptcy

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Have you been anxiously waiting by your mailbox for the latest Horror Block to arrive?  Well, it is probably time to go back inside because after months of missed shipments, uncertainty, and delays, Nerd Block (the makers of Horror Block) have filed for bankruptcy.

Kotaku UK is reporting that the subscription box company filed for bankruptcy, stating that “As the company has filed for bankruptcy, and has massive debts to numerous stockists, those with subscriptions will not receive any further items, and should contact their bank about preventing any further charges.” read more

Michael Sheen and David Tennant Cast in Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s ‘Good Omens’

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Variety is reporting that Michael Sheen (Midnight in Paris, Masters of Sex) and David Tennant (Dr. Who, Jessica Jones) have been cast in the Amazon TV adaptation of the Neil Gaiman/Terry Pratchett collaboration Good Omens.  The 2006 book by Gaiman and the late Pratchett is a genre bending tale full of dry humor, wit, and of course, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

According to the report, “The show is set in 2018 on the brink of an apocalypse as humanity prepares for a final judgment. But Aziraphale, a somewhat fussy angel, and Crowley, a demon, (who are also best friends, in spite of the difficult circumstances and sides that they are on) aren’t enthusiastic about the end of the world, and can’t seem to find the Antichrist. Sheen will play the role of Aziraphale, while Tennant will play Crowley. It will consist of six one-hour episodes.” read more

Celebrate National Coloring Book Day with a Page from Life of Agony’s Alan Robert’s Beauty of Horror Two

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In honor of National Coloring Book Day, Life of Agony’s Alan Robert has provided Horror News Network with a free coloring page from his latest horror-themed coloring book The Beauty of Horror Two: Ghouliana’s Creepatorium – Another GOREgeous Coloring Book (which will be released on September 12th).

According to the official press release, Robert’s second volume “…continues the journey of everyone’s favorite undead girl, Ghouliana, as she mischievously attempts to trick budding colorists into unleashing her deadly spell. Ghouliana has secretly sprinkled her haunted ingredients throughout over 80 pages of Robert’s intricate drawings. The Beauty of Horror 2 features a beautifully chilling red-foiled cover and high-quality paper that will ensure the pools of blood you color don’t leak through the pages.” read more

David Cronenberg’s Debut Novel ‘Consumed’ is Being Developed as a TV Series at AMC

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Deadline is reporting today that David Cronenberg’s debut novel Consumed is being developed into a TV series at AMC.

Dave Erickson (Fear the Walking Dead, Sons of Anarchy) will team “…with Lucifer executive producer Sheri Elwood to develop the novel as an hourlong drama series for AMC, where Erickson is under an overall deal.  Erickson and Elwood will executive produce with Cronenberg, who also may direct. Cronenberg’s longtime collaborator Robert Lantos of Serendipity Point, which produced Cronenberg’s Eastern Promises, will also executive produce.” read more

New ‘Dark Tower’ Featurette Released

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A new featurette for Stephen King’s upcoming Dark Tower film has just been released.

The featurette contains some new footage and interview snippets from King, Idris Elba who portrays the Gunslinger, and Matthew McConaughey who plays the sinister Man in Black.

Along with the film, Entertainment Weekly confirmed that the rumored television series based on one of the books in the Dark Tower series will absolutely happen, stating that “MRC and Sony Pictures, which is releasing the film, have committed not just to financing a pilot but a full run of between 10 and 13 episodes, depending on how the scripts and story arcs develop. The Dark Tower show will begin shooting in 2017 with plans to premiere it in 2018, ideally around the time the film becomes available on cable or streaming services.” read more

D. Alexander Ward Talks Beneath Ash & Bone

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The year is 1860, the world is so much simpler, peaceful and vast. This is not the case, however, for Sheriff Sam Lock who is investigating a series of bizarre events surrounding the Crownhill Family and their patriarch. Trapped in a massive snow storm, a mad figure is on the loose killing with a focused evil against the white and endless canvas on the vast estate of Evermore. Thrilling, tense, off-balanced and gothic, Beneath Ash & Bone is the latest from talented author D. Alexander Ward through Necro Publishing. Ward took some time out to discuss with Jay Kay a variety of topics including the authentic feel, racism, dark secrets, gothic horror and more for the Horror News Network. read more

Dark Horse Comics to Release Chuck Palahniuk’s First Coloring Book Novella ‘Legacy’

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Adult coloring books are more popular than ever (I’m not sure if they were ever popular before, but they are now).

Following this trend, with a notable twist, Dark Horse Comics announced today that they will be releasing Fight Club author Chuck Palahniuk’s first coloring book novella entitled Legacy: An Off-Color Novella for You to Color.

According to the author, the combination novella and coloring book is as “…if Joseph Campbell produced a coloring book.” He went on to say that the “Legacy will be one part Art Bell, one part Carl Jung, part George Noory, and right brain from cover to cover.  All cultures have their myths about attaining immortality, but Dark Horse, Mike, Steve and I are the first to slap such high culture anthropology into the low culture world of coloring.” read more

J.P. Willie Talks Blood in the Woods

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As young man growing up in my neighborhood, I remember certain times in my life when I was scared so deeply that is froze me on every level. Stories that echo that fright and a moment frozen in a sensation that immerses you in the dark is Blood in the Woods, written by J.P. Willie. Willie tells the coming of age story of friends, a small town, insidious acts of evil and the events that surrounded them all. Willie took some time out during the promotional tour for Blood in the Woods to talk friendship, the idea of evil, impact as an author and tone of the writing with Jay Kay and the Horror News Network. read more