Category Archives: horror
Constantine, Responsibility, War And Sin – BBP! Speaks With Acclaimed Writer Ray Fawkes (Part 1)
After making the game-changer move of ending all of their monthly series in August 2011 and, calling it the “New 52”, re-starting them with brand new first issues, DC Comics continues to evolve. This year, the publishing company has definitely been shining a light on the darker corners of its universe. The mature, sophisticated publishing arm of Vertigo Comics is still undergoing changes as well, with flagship title Hellblazer recently ending it 300-issue run. The main protagonist of that series, the beloved chain-smoking English occultist, John Constantine, has been folded up into the DC universe proper, continuing his supernatural adventures in a new ongoing monthly series called, appropriately enough, Constantine.
Ray Fawkes has worked for both DC Comics and Vertigo Comics along with a host of other publishers including Oni Press, Image Comics, Top Shelf Comics and Marvel Comics. The Eisner, Harvey and Shuster Award nominee is now writing some of his most high-profile work to date at DC Comics, namely Justice League Dark and Constantine as well as having a hand in DC’s upcoming Trinity War summer blockbuster storyline.
JP Fallavollita met with the Toronto-based writer and artist at the 2013 edition of the Toronto Comics Arts Festival (TCAF) and had a chance to speak with him over the phone about his recent writing responsibilities. In the first part of this interview, Fawkes talks about his experiences with fan-favourite character, John Constantine, the history and responsibility of writing him in both a solo series and a group series, and his story plans for the near future.
Bates Motel, Season Finale, Episode 10: Midnight
Don’t order the muffins with your continental breakfast at the Bates Motel. The chef has included a special ingredient; just ask little Emma. While Norman is planning something nasty for Bradley, Dylan may have risked his life in helping her find closure over her father’s death. Mr. Abernathy wants his money and he wants it now! Sounds like a JG Wentworth commercial to me. Norma doesn’t have it. Who does? Find out after the jump.
Read the rest of this entry
Dream Thief Dreams Of Being A Superhero On The Wednesday Run–May 15, 2013
Who doesn’t like a good “possession” story?
Yep, those sorts of ghost/demon/entity tales wherein a strange force takes over the body of a living host are where it’s at. I mean, The Exorcist, written by William Peter Blatty and directed by William Friedkin, is one of my favourite films. “Wolf in the Fold”, written by acclaimed horror author, Robert Bloch, is one of my favourite episodes of the original 1960’s Star Trek series. At their essence, those types of stories remind us that we’re not always in control of our actions; that human beings can still revert to their base, most wild forms.
But what happens when the ghost/demon/entity takes over the human host and turns him into a superhero…that kills villains?
That’s the intriguing question that today’s release of Dream Thief asks.
Bates Motel, Episode 9: Underwater
Holy Hippies in a Van! When you have sons, you never know what the hell they’re going to drag home. Norma has lots of surprises with her boys. Norman has a new hobby, and although, I guess it’s a step up from a pet rock; it’s still gross. Dylan brings home some new friends who will be staying at the motel. An angry, former renter has left Norma a little thank you gift, but Norma prefers her lovers; alive and breathing. What possibly could go wrong this week? In the town of White Pine Bay; your guess is as good as mine. Meet me after the jump. Read the rest of this entry
Fun at a Zombie Autopsy
For the last three years during the month of April, Philadelphia comes alive for ten days with science fun for the whole family. The Philadelphia Science Festival incorporates the scientific community to involve the general public with lectures, debates, hands on activities and special exhibitions.
One of these special science activities was held at the Laurel Hill Cemetery with the presentation of “The Morgue the Merrier.” With the many programs offered by Laurel Hill, you no longer have to be dead to join in on the fun. What kind of find? Find out more after the jump.
Bates Motel, Episode 8: A Boy and His Dog
Norman has a mean streak; the man in room 9, a freak; Norma’s paddling up a creek. What am I talking about? Last week’s episode was revealing, especially how Norman handles disappointments; don’t let him dog sit for you. The townsfolk know everything that happened at the motel and are shunning Norma big time. I’ve heard of small town gossip, but how did the residents of White Pine Bay learn about Norma’s secrets? Mr. Abernathy is a strange duck, kind of slimy. Will he bring more trouble to the Bates? Let’s find out together after the jump. Read the rest of this entry
Bates Motel, Episode 7: The Man in Number 9
Last week’s episode, The Truth, had non-stop action and lots of web building. No, I’m not talking Spider-Man; I’m talking Norma Louise, predator extraordinaire. Because of her conniving ways and her many lies, she put her whole family in jeopardy. She let big brother Dylan in on a secret about Norman, but was it the truth or just another thread to add to her spider’s web? Maybe we’ll find out together after the jump.
The Grind: Starkers Digs Deep for CineCoup
For over two months, I’ve been buried alive.
As it turns out, being buried alive is actually pretty exciting. All-consuming for sure. Back in February, when director Paul Thompson pitched me the idea for a porn-star-mom stalked by a psychotic fan, and said, “let’s make a trailer for it and try to win a million bucks”, I thought, why not? Let’s go for it! I’ve done dumber things for much less motivation.
And so we plunged into the CineCoup Film Accelerator, competing with 91 teams across Canada to earn a million dollars in funding for our feature film ideas. Making the trailer itself was an exhausting rolling disaster, with locations pulling out upon learning the subject matter, a constantly changing crew, and only Paul and producer Rick Jang’s drive to finish holding our fragile enterprise together. With only two days to go before the competition entry deadline, they finished shooting our trailer for a thriller that doesn’t exist. Paul then madly edited it together, the first of what would turn out to be many marathon sessions with Final Cut Pro and a case of Coca-Cola.
Since then we’ve made countless videos, one a week, for two months. We’ve pitched our team. We’ve talked about the importance of soundtrack, post-sound and colour correction, relatively cheap tricks that give your film so much character. We’ve made posters for people to vote on (and a ridiculous ad-man noir vid as a very silly companion piece). We’ve made a silent(ish) sequence, with no dialogue, delving into our characters in a short but moving vignette. And it doesn’t stop there.
Read the rest of this entry
