Continuing the events started in Return To Wonderland the second book in the trilogy, Beyond Wonderland – finds Callie hiding from the world under a new alias Lacy with her boyfriend Brandon and awaiting the birth of her unborn child. Callie would like nothing more than to forget her misadventures in Wonderland and that she manipulated her murderous brother into taking her place in that world. Now she is suffering from nightmares and possible delusions that her brother, now as a version of the Mad Hatter, may have found a way into the real world and may want not only revenge on her but her unborn child as well.
The story of Beyond Wonderland, written by Raven Gregory with artwork by Daniel Leister, is an excellent follow up of the story started in the first series as this story focuses on events in the real world rather than those in Wonderland. Don not fret as familiar faces are everywhere as we become aware that the evil that inhabits Wonderland not only has its sights on the real world and therefore this makes for a great middle story before the final showdown. Fans of the first series have nothing to worry about as there is plenty of nightmarish visions to be had as well as the required violence of the typical Grimm Fairy Tales series.
One of the reasons why I enjoy this series so much is the attention to details in regards not only to story and characters but in the history of the world that has been created (which is expanded even further in the Tales From Wonderland graphic novels and stories). Another asset to this series is that because events take place so long after Return To Wonderland, new readers will have no problem jumping right into this story.
With the shock ending of the second part of the trilogy I’m looking forward to seeing how they wrap things up in the final story Escape From Wonderland.
CITY GARDEN - "The Old Woman & The Park"
On the set of the short film "A Gift"
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Book Review: ZOMBIE HOLOCAUST: HOW THE LIVING DEAD DEVOURED POP CULTURE by David Flint
Let me just say that “I love zombie films.” Always have an always will ever since I was we little one pf the age of about thirteen and I saw Night of the Living Dead (1968) for the very first time. That film warped my fragile little mind (more because black and white films seemed scarier to me as a child than color films). So when I talk about David Flint’s book Zombie Holocaust: How the Living Dead Devoured Pop Culture it’s from the perspective of a zombie fan…first.
In saying this I must also say that this book was made specifically for the zombie film fan as it covers a huge wealth of films (some of which even I’ve never seen). Even people who have even a vague knowledge of the zombie subgenre will enjoy this book. Flint packs in a lot of general knowledge about the zombie genre from its very beginning s with such films as White Zombie (1932) and Revolt of the Zombies (1936) to modern day films such as the Will Smith starring I Am Legend (2007) and American Zombie (2007), among others. It even touches on foreign zombie films and zombie memorabilia all in the hopes of displaying how the zombie has become such a huge part of pop culture.
There is no denying that the zombie has been embedded into our pop culture in a huge way from Night of the Living Dead lunch pails to Shaun of the Dead action figures (not to mention those for Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead, Resident Evil, and even the Living Dead Dolls) to any and all types of memorabilia and collectible. Flint’s book is not only broken up by time period but also other means as well dedicating a chapter to foreign films, gaming, television, and even online content. Although the book does not go into elaborate details, it does give a fascinating overview which will not only enlighten but entertain as well. Flint also problems a wealth of posters, photos, and memorabilia of a wide variety of films throughout the entire book with an added color section in the center as well.
If there is one thing I dislike about the book it is that sometimes it seems like it is just sprouting a bunch of names of films just to squeeze as many as it can in, which can be annoying if you want to know more about the films that are just mentioned in passing. Other than this the book is a very comprehensive book on the zombie genre and culture and a book that no true zombie fan should go without.
In saying this I must also say that this book was made specifically for the zombie film fan as it covers a huge wealth of films (some of which even I’ve never seen). Even people who have even a vague knowledge of the zombie subgenre will enjoy this book. Flint packs in a lot of general knowledge about the zombie genre from its very beginning s with such films as White Zombie (1932) and Revolt of the Zombies (1936) to modern day films such as the Will Smith starring I Am Legend (2007) and American Zombie (2007), among others. It even touches on foreign zombie films and zombie memorabilia all in the hopes of displaying how the zombie has become such a huge part of pop culture.
There is no denying that the zombie has been embedded into our pop culture in a huge way from Night of the Living Dead lunch pails to Shaun of the Dead action figures (not to mention those for Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead, Resident Evil, and even the Living Dead Dolls) to any and all types of memorabilia and collectible. Flint’s book is not only broken up by time period but also other means as well dedicating a chapter to foreign films, gaming, television, and even online content. Although the book does not go into elaborate details, it does give a fascinating overview which will not only enlighten but entertain as well. Flint also problems a wealth of posters, photos, and memorabilia of a wide variety of films throughout the entire book with an added color section in the center as well.
If there is one thing I dislike about the book it is that sometimes it seems like it is just sprouting a bunch of names of films just to squeeze as many as it can in, which can be annoying if you want to know more about the films that are just mentioned in passing. Other than this the book is a very comprehensive book on the zombie genre and culture and a book that no true zombie fan should go without.
Graphic Novel Review: DIE HARD: YEAR ONE Vol. 1
The Die Hard film franchise is nothing short of amazing as it still manages to pack the theaters especially after the most previous one Live Free or Die Hard was a huge hit. Now the infamous John McClane faces a whole new villain – his first year on the job. Boom! Studios latest hit Die Hard: Year One takes us to the very beginning as we see McClane as a rookie cop on the job in New York City during the 1976 Bicentennial celebration. He gets more than he bargained for when he gets mixed up with an innocent woman who accidentally witnesses two cops murder a man in cold blood. These two cooked cops are part of an even bigger conspiracy that threatens the Bicentennial celebration as well as many innocent lives. Now McClane must prove that he’s more than just a rookie cop in order to uncover the conspiracy and save the girl.
Written by Howard Chaykin, with art by Stephen Thompson, and colorist Matthew Wilson Die Hard: Year One is a great addition to the franchise. Both Chaykin and Thompson capture the spirit and humor of the films in this Year One story leaving little hints of things to come in the future. The story is fast paced and yet still tells a very good story. If there’s one complaint it’s that it was too short. At only originally 4 issues long, the series goes by way to fast (and I wanted to read more) but I guess it’s a good thing that this is only the beginning for the character for Boom! Studios.
Another great thing about the graphic novel edition is that they collect all the various covers from the series so you get a glimpse into all the contributing artists which is always an asset in my book. It is also presented as a hard back version rather than the standard soft cover so you know you’re getting more bang for your buck (also included is what has now become a standard for hard back editions is a book mark or page placement). Hopefully, this is a sign of great things to come.
Written by Howard Chaykin, with art by Stephen Thompson, and colorist Matthew Wilson Die Hard: Year One is a great addition to the franchise. Both Chaykin and Thompson capture the spirit and humor of the films in this Year One story leaving little hints of things to come in the future. The story is fast paced and yet still tells a very good story. If there’s one complaint it’s that it was too short. At only originally 4 issues long, the series goes by way to fast (and I wanted to read more) but I guess it’s a good thing that this is only the beginning for the character for Boom! Studios.
Another great thing about the graphic novel edition is that they collect all the various covers from the series so you get a glimpse into all the contributing artists which is always an asset in my book. It is also presented as a hard back version rather than the standard soft cover so you know you’re getting more bang for your buck (also included is what has now become a standard for hard back editions is a book mark or page placement). Hopefully, this is a sign of great things to come.
Graphic Novel Review: TALES FROM WONDERLAND Vol. 1
The first volume of stories contained within Tales From Wonderland Vol. 1 collects a variety of the one-shots based on the hugely popular Zenescope Wonderland series (which includes Return, Beyond, and Escape From Wonderland). In this volume we learn about many of the various characters that inhabit the world of Wonderland. The stories are written by Joe Brusha, Ralph Tedesco, and Raven Gregory with various artists who contribute to the series.
In this volume we get to see origin of the Queen of Hearts (“Queen of Hearts”), the first Mad hatter (“The Story of the Mad Hatter”), Alice’s original journey into Wonderland (“Alice”), and the origin of Wonderland itself (“The Experiment”). As a bonus this volume also contains the preview issue #0 and first issues of the Beyond Wonderland series (which is the second series in the trilogy following Return to Wonderland and ending with Escape from Wonderland). This volume also contains a collection of the various covers for the one-shots so that fans can see all the different contributions from various artists.
For those readers who have not read the actual series of Wonderland books this is a great stepping on point as it introduces readers to some of the main characters of the universe and even the origin of the Wonderland universe itself. For those who have already read the previous series this is a great way to learn about some of your favorite characters. Be warned that for those of you who have never read this series before these stories are very graphic in nature staying closer to the “Grimm” Fairy tale rather than the Disney version of the characters. This is a very violent series.
In this volume we get to see origin of the Queen of Hearts (“Queen of Hearts”), the first Mad hatter (“The Story of the Mad Hatter”), Alice’s original journey into Wonderland (“Alice”), and the origin of Wonderland itself (“The Experiment”). As a bonus this volume also contains the preview issue #0 and first issues of the Beyond Wonderland series (which is the second series in the trilogy following Return to Wonderland and ending with Escape from Wonderland). This volume also contains a collection of the various covers for the one-shots so that fans can see all the different contributions from various artists.
For those readers who have not read the actual series of Wonderland books this is a great stepping on point as it introduces readers to some of the main characters of the universe and even the origin of the Wonderland universe itself. For those who have already read the previous series this is a great way to learn about some of your favorite characters. Be warned that for those of you who have never read this series before these stories are very graphic in nature staying closer to the “Grimm” Fairy tale rather than the Disney version of the characters. This is a very violent series.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Film Review: POPCORN
I would like to think that the film Popcorn is as good as I remember it when I saw it in ’91 when it was first released, but sadly this is a film, that for me, has aged very badly. Popcorn is about a group of students who put together a revival for old school gimmick films (B-movies in the vein of William Castle) and a serial killer who can mimic any one he wants in order to kill everyone at the revival event.
Jill Schoelen leads a cast on up and coming young actors (at the time at least) in a horror comedy with real bite. When I original saw the film I was young and the novelty of the film was not lost on me. I likened the film to the old Castle and Universal monster films. It was never a scary film, just a film that you could laugh at and have a good time.
Now the novelty is gone and the film can’t hold water under real scrutiny. I wish it did. I’m a huge fan of Schoelen from her days in such films as The Stepfather, Cutting Class, The Phantom of The Opera, and When a Stranger Calls Back, to name a few. The film is entertaining for a few laughs but that’s about it.
Jill Schoelen leads a cast on up and coming young actors (at the time at least) in a horror comedy with real bite. When I original saw the film I was young and the novelty of the film was not lost on me. I likened the film to the old Castle and Universal monster films. It was never a scary film, just a film that you could laugh at and have a good time.
Now the novelty is gone and the film can’t hold water under real scrutiny. I wish it did. I’m a huge fan of Schoelen from her days in such films as The Stepfather, Cutting Class, The Phantom of The Opera, and When a Stranger Calls Back, to name a few. The film is entertaining for a few laughs but that’s about it.
Film Review: C.H.U.D. (1984)
‘80s horror films don’t get much better than the decay of humanity on display in this toxic waste film C.H.U.D. otherwise known as “cannibalistic humanoid underground dwellers.” When Captain Bosch’s (Christopher Curry) wife goes missing he decides to take the ravings of The Reverend Shepherd (Daniel Stern) seriously. He’s been trying to get someone to investigate the disappearance of several street people over the last few weeks. As Bosch and Shepherd dig deeper their paths cross with photographer George Cooper (John Heard) who has been documenting the lives of the city’s homeless and destitute.
What the three soon discover is that some of the city’s homeless people have been exposed to toxic waste being illegally dumped under the city. This toxic waste has turned these people into mutated cannibals who survive by eating other people. Now they must expose the truth before they become the next victims of the C.H.U.D.
Although slightly dated C.H.U.D. is nevertheless an entertaining and fun film. The special effects still hold up and despite the plot with several holes it’s a decent film about the harmful effects of illegal toxic waste dumping.
When I was a kid I maybe saw this film a hundred times because instead of being scared I always thought the monsters were really cool looking. I’m a monster geek at heart and this holds a spot in my “guilty pleasure” collection as it should in any self respecting horror fan who grew up with this film.
What the three soon discover is that some of the city’s homeless people have been exposed to toxic waste being illegally dumped under the city. This toxic waste has turned these people into mutated cannibals who survive by eating other people. Now they must expose the truth before they become the next victims of the C.H.U.D.
Although slightly dated C.H.U.D. is nevertheless an entertaining and fun film. The special effects still hold up and despite the plot with several holes it’s a decent film about the harmful effects of illegal toxic waste dumping.
When I was a kid I maybe saw this film a hundred times because instead of being scared I always thought the monsters were really cool looking. I’m a monster geek at heart and this holds a spot in my “guilty pleasure” collection as it should in any self respecting horror fan who grew up with this film.
Film Review: ALLIGATOR (1980)
The ‘80s were a great time for horror films as animals became man’s worst enemy from Cujo and Cat’s Eye to The Fly and Of Unknown Origin and Alligator belongs right up there with them. Lucky for us Alligator is a competently written film about the harmful effects of genetic manipulation (a popular theme of the ‘80s).
In this film Robert Forster plays a detective on the case of several missing limbs that pop up in the city’s water system. When he is attacked in the city sewer system by a large alligator he must convince the mayor that there is an mutated and abnormally large alligator roaming under the city streets killing whomever gets in its way.
One of the great things about this film is actor Forster who always takes the situation seriously and never plays it for laughs (which is how many of the films of this genre do today). There is humor to be had in this film but it is not at the expense of the film itself which is a testament to the great writing from John Sayles (who would go on to write such unforgettable films as Passion Fish, Men With Guns, Limbo, Matewan, and Eight Men Out not to mention the original Piranha and The Howling).
Because there is no CGI in the film the special effects for the alligator also hold up extremely well (and the fact that they used a real alligator in many scenes). Today a CGI alligator would be used and the film would not have nearly the same impact. Alligator may be a film of the ‘80s but it’s certainly better than many films of the ‘00s.
In this film Robert Forster plays a detective on the case of several missing limbs that pop up in the city’s water system. When he is attacked in the city sewer system by a large alligator he must convince the mayor that there is an mutated and abnormally large alligator roaming under the city streets killing whomever gets in its way.
One of the great things about this film is actor Forster who always takes the situation seriously and never plays it for laughs (which is how many of the films of this genre do today). There is humor to be had in this film but it is not at the expense of the film itself which is a testament to the great writing from John Sayles (who would go on to write such unforgettable films as Passion Fish, Men With Guns, Limbo, Matewan, and Eight Men Out not to mention the original Piranha and The Howling).
Because there is no CGI in the film the special effects for the alligator also hold up extremely well (and the fact that they used a real alligator in many scenes). Today a CGI alligator would be used and the film would not have nearly the same impact. Alligator may be a film of the ‘80s but it’s certainly better than many films of the ‘00s.
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