Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Kitley's Krypt MYSTERY PHOTO #19

Another week, another MYSTERY PHOTO!

Jon Kitley, pillar of the Chicago Horror Community and head honcho over at KITLEY'S KRYPT , wants to challenge your horror knowledge. Week in, week out, he posts a Mystery Photo - sometimes from an obscure horror title, sometimes just an unusual shot from a well-known classic. We figured our faithful Claw readers would enjoy the challenge!

Last week's photo was from Paul Naschy's 1975 film EXORCISM (aka Exorcismo). Naschy, best known for his werewolf character Waldemar Daninsky and the ensuing series of films featuring the oft-hairy brute, jumped on the wave of possession flicks spawned in the wake of The Exorcist's success. But it's less of a blatant rip-off than many, and Naschy's commitment to his role is, as always, 100%. Worth giving a look-see.



Let's see how well you fare with this week's offering:


Send your guesses to: jon@kitleyskrypt.com

If you provide the correct answer, your name will be announced next week on the Kitley's Krypt website (http://www.kitleyskrypt.com), along with a new photo. Even if you don't know the answer, we welcome any sorta-kinda educated guess! So, send in your emails today and good luck!

Chicagoist Deathscribe Interview

I had a real nice conversation with Karl over at the Chicagoist, for their podcast.

Chicagoist Podcast

Check it out.

ZOMBIELAND Zombie hordes...



WildClaw's very own Paul Foster and Brian Amidei (the bald guy, and the one in the hat), monitoring the Zombie hordes in front of the AMC. Just another day at the office.

Monday, September 28, 2009

And now for a little music...

Just wanted to take a moment to make a blatant plug.

Our friend, Scott Tallarida, will be playing lead guitar at Martyr's on Lincoln Avenue tonight, with the BMC. Our loyal WildClaw followers will recognize Scott as one of our foley artists from last years DEATHSCRIBE, a role he will be reprising this year.

So, if you are in the neighborhood and looking for some "funky, beat-droppin, improv stylin, horn wailing, low-end bumpin', power throatin, tribal groovin, never knowin what's coming out next" type of music featuring an all star lineup of musicians from all over the Chicago and national music scene (having played with Destiny's Child, Boz Scaggs, Mike Manson, Poi Dog Pondering, Mr. Ali, Mr Egg Germ, Peking Turtle, Joss Stone, Rapheal Sadiq, Brian Culbertson, EXO, Tributosaurus, Jazz Mata, Cassuis Clay, 911 Mambo Orchestra, Fareed Haque Group), come on by Martyr's tonight, Monday, and check them out.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

"Authors shocked as new horror anthology fails to include any female writers"


From the Guardian...."Accusations of sexism have been levelled at the horror fiction industry after a new collection of interviews with 16 horror writers failed to include a single woman"


Click here to read the article.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Clive Barker Introduces New Dimension of Horror to Comic Books


IDW Publishing | The home of 30 Days of Night, Star Trek, Terminator, Transformers, G.I. Joe...

Clive Barker Introduces New Dimension of Horror to Comic Books
Tuesday, Aug 18th, 2009
Famed horror writer's all-new Seduth comic presented in 3-D Clive Barker's Seduth cover
Coming this October



Acclaimed novelist/filmmaker/painter Clive Barker is teaming up with IDW to make his return to comic books in October with Clive Barker's Seduth. This especially horrific comic is presented with vivid 3-D effects, as Barker is joined by the Eisner-nominated art team of Gabriel Rodriguez and Jay Fotos (Locke & Key), along with co-writer Chris Monfette and 3-D art expert Ray Zone.

In Seduth, Barker tells the tale of celebrated architect Harold Engle, who first glimpses the small cloud of darkness inside a glittering, priceless diamond, without any knowledge of the terrible plague contained within. Seduth follows Engle on a surreal journey through murder and madness to the very heart of existence and a terrible, impossible choice-to unravel the very fabric of the world, or to save it?


Seduth marks Barker's long-awaited return to comics and is the first all-new comic book created by Barker in two decades. IDW has previously presented adaptations of Barker's novels The Thief of Always and The Great and Secret Show.

"In working with Clive Barker over the past five years and in adapting one of his books myself, the thing that constantly struck me is how wildly inventive he is, and I've always been eager for him to create something new" said IDW Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Chris Ryall. "With Seduth, where 3-D artwork is essential to the story and presents a complete merging of story and art in a unique way, we finally have that."

The visual collaborators on Seduth are Rodriguez, who not only reached new heights with his work on The Great and Secret Show adaptation, and Zone, who has pioneered 3-D effects in print. Seduth takes as one of its influences the collaged journals of Peter Beard, leading to a style never-before-seen in comics. Seduth comes complete with 3-D glasses, as well as back-up material that includes Barker's original notes and sketches for the story.

"I have always felt that comics as a medium are still in a relatively early stage in their development-there are so many roads still to be taken," said Barker. "It is a medium which can afford to take risks, and we're taking them." Barker then added "This is, in more than one sense, a dream project. It is my first chance to co-produce with my best friend Robb Humphreys on a story that really touches our shared interests in the power of hallucinations and visions. It also brought me together with Chris Monfette, who will certainly be a part of my creative life for many years to come if I have any say in the matter. Add the art of Gabriel, the color of Jay and the amazingly mind-blowing talents of Ray Zone, this fulfills my dream of Seduth completely."

About collaborating with Barker, the project's co-writer, Monfette said "Clive came to me, quite literally, with nothing... which is to say that he wanted to create a piece about the essence of nihilism. Foolishly, I had expected a story-manageable, straightforward, perhaps a bit messy-and what I received was a five-dimensional jigsaw, the likes of which could only ever come from the mind of Clive Barker, my friend, whose head and heart, I believe, are one and the same."
Clive Barker's Seduth, a 32-page ad-free comic with 3-D glasses, will be in stores in October. Diamond order code AUG09 0924.

Horror Comics & Fall TV


So, it's that special time of year everyone...new fall television. Not a huge amount of horror offerings sadly. Supernatural has already started and it's been extremely kick ass so far. I have watched one episode of Vampire Diaries...meh, but there is one extremely hot dude on the show which might keep me coming back a few more times. I watched Eastwick on wednesday and it also gets a meh...actually less than a meh. Neither spooky, nor sexy, nor very funny. I do love the actor playing the Jack Nicholson role, Paul Gross. He was awesome on Due South and Slings and Arrows! In the sci-fi market, Fringe has hit the ground running and Joss Whedon's Dollhouse starts tonight! I am a fan of both shows.

I am also a big fan of the floppy pages. Yes horror friends, when television leaves you wanting for more, please consider the comic book for your entertainment pleasure. There are TONS of horror comics out there and many of them are damn good. I called over to our wonderful Deathscribe sponsor, Comix Revolution, to find out what was popular in their store.

Walking Dead! -Folks living through a Zombie apocalypse. 'Nuff said!

30 Days of Night- You saw the movie...the comic is WAY better...and there are tons of these.

Zombies vs Robots! I have this book. It's awesome. The art by Ashley Wood is STUNNING. Highly recommended.

DC: Blackest Night- if you like your superheroes...and you love your zombies...then have I got the Green Lantern event for you. I have heard nothing but good things about this series.

Clive Barker Comics Galore! Mr. Barker totally delivers a great comic experience. He has a new book called Seduth from IDW.

Twisted Princesses

Thank you to Comics Alliance for posting this artwork by illustrator Jeffrey Thomas. What a lovely way to start the weekend.

Mr. Thomas posted these designs to his blog back in February (pre Disney-Marvel buyout), but it's fun to think that this is what might have happened to Disney's beloved Princesses, had Marvel acquired Disney and not the other way around. Here are some of my favorites among the disturbing damsels, though please click over to Comics Alliance or Mr. Thomas' blog to check out all eleven macabre heroines. We like this guy.





Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Episode #013 DEATHSCRIBE Directors Katie McLean and Nic Dimond

In this episode, we talk horror and theatre with DEATHSCRIBE 2009 Directors Katie McLean, of the Lifeline Theatre, and Nic Dimond, of Strawdog Theatre.

Click to listen...

ZOMBIES needed for red carpet walk.


We have been contacted by the publicists for ZOMBIELAND. They have asked us for at least 50 zombies to walk the red carpet with Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenburg for the Chicago Screening of ZOMBIELAND.

Once again, we need at least 50 Zombies, in full-make up to walk the red carpet WITH Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg, then attend the screening. This screening takes place in downtown Chicago on Monday, September 28th.

All Zombies must be able to meet, in makeup, at 5:15pm on Monday, September 28th. There will be makeup artists on site, but if you want to use them, you must be downtown by 4pm at the latest.

If you are interested, please send an email with ZOMBIELAND in the title to info@wildclawtheatre.com, and we will confirm your attendance, then send out all of the pertinent info.

This is a limited time offer. We must know who and how many by the end of the workday tomorrow, Thursday.

Come on Chicago, 50 Zombies is child's play.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Kitley's Krypt MYSTERY PHOTO #18

Another week, another MYSTERY PHOTO!

Jon Kitley, pillar of the Chicago Horror Community and head honcho over at KITLEY'S KRYPT, wants to challenge your horror knowledge. Week in, week out, he posts a Mystery Photo - sometimes from an obscure horror title, sometimes just an unusual shot from a well-known classic. We figured our faithful Claw readers would enjoy the challenge!

Last week's photo was another tough one, and thanks to everyone for sending in their guesses! The shot is from the 1958 Japanese movie THE H-MAN, directed by Ishirô Honda who directed the original Godzilla film, as well as many of the sequels. H-MAN (recently released for the first time on DVD) features some pretty cool melting effects, especially for that time period,and is obviously a statement about the lasting effects of radiation, which has created a new type of monster. Worth checking out.


Let's see how well you fare with this week's offering:


Send your guesses to: jon@kitleyskrypt.com

If you provide the correct answer, your name will be announced next week on the Kitley's Krypt website (http://www.kitleyskrypt.com), along with a new photo. Even if you don't know the answer, we welcome any sorta-kinda educated guess! So, send in your emails today and good luck!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Zombie Bowling II: Dawn of the Dude

Some early pics from a fantastic evening. Thanks to everyone who was able to come out and support WildClaw.


Bob, owner of Timber Lanes, checks out the entrance of The Dude


Timber Lanes rocks!


Getting made up as a zombie


The zombie makeup room


ZOMBIE BABY!


WildClawians Charley Sherman and Anne Adams


Maniacal Laugh Winner of the Dark Sky Films prize package

Friday, September 18, 2009

Zombie Bowling Prizes...


Just some of the prizes we will be giving away at Zombie Bowling II, Dawn of the Dude.

-Passes to an advanced screening of ZOMBIELAND, plus posters and t-shirts.
-Passes to an advanced screening of PANDORUM.
-An heirloom edition of Quirk Publishing's smash hit PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES.
-An edition of the new highly anticipated Quirk follow up, SENSE AND SENSIBILITIES AND SEA MONSTERS
-ZOMBIE FLUX card game.
-ZOMBIES!!! board game.
-THE LAST NIGHT ON EARTH, The Zombie Game (which I have been assured is the best Zombie game ever)
-Action Figures
-Movie Posters
-DVD's

And much much more.

Red Band Trailer for the It's Alive remake



This remake of the 1974 Larry Cohen flick stars Bijou Phillips and was released in 2008 overseas. An unrated version comes to the U.S. on DVD October 6 (that's the day after Deathscribe, in case you were wondering).

Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters Reading

Check out this slide show from author, Ben Winters, reading of Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Episode #012 Zombie Bowling II, Deathscribe & Chicago's Don Hall


After taking the summer off, WildClaw Theatre's Blood Radio is back on this air, with episode #12.

In this episode, we talk about the upcoming Zombie Bowling II, Dawn of the Dude, as well as DEATHSCRIBE 2009. We interview Don Hall, founder of WNEP and DEATHSCRIBE Director. We talk about the Music Box Massacre, some random birthdays, and introduce our new sponsors. Check it out!

Click to Listen...

Frightful Friday Double Feature at the Portage!

Two big flicks, one low price!

















Friday, September 18th

JAWS (1975) 7:30pm

and

KING KONG (2005) 9:50pm

Admission: $10

Collectibles and cool monster stuff for sale in the lobby!
Come early and browse - doors open at 6pm!

PORTAGE THEATER
4050 N. Milwaukee Ave
Chicago
http://wwww.portagetheater.org


FOR MORE INFORMATION

CALL (773) 875-7582 OR EMAIL TIMETOYS@RCN.COM

DEATHSCRIBE 2009 Sponsors

DEATHSCRIBE 09 is coming October 5th to the Music Box Theatre at 8PM. this unique evening of horror entertainment is made possible by the generous support of our fans and our sponsors. Please take a look at who is helping keep horror alive in Chicago and support them:

The Devil's Candy Store is a virtual design studio dedicated to bringing you "Exotic contraband from impossible worlds." Home to some of the finest illustrators and writers on Earth, The Devil's Candy Store has created a limited edition concept art book with award-winning art for L. A. Banks Vampire Huntress Legend novels.

Quirk Publishing, is home to "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies". This Philadelphia publishing house will soon be bringing you, "Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters". Check out their website at irreference.com for cool books on all topics, like Gig Posters Vol. 1, Stuff Every Man Should Know, and The Complete Worst Case Scenario Handbook.

Comix Revolution in Evanston has been described in the Chicago Reader as "pretentious in all the right ways," which hits close to the truth. Heavily emphasizing graphic novels and trade paperbacks, Evanston also brings in independent literary novels and radical books. When most comic shops bring in novels, they usually come at it thru superhero comics, Evanston Comix Revolution explores the written word thru alternative and independent comics. WildClaw company member and graphic designer, Charlie Athanas, shops here regularly and highly recommends it.

Please welcome our latest sponsor to the fold:

THE FOUR MOON TAVERN
Home to multiple WildClaw benefits and the birthplace of Scaryoake.
"With gleaming pine-paneled walls and ceiling, a steer skull staked to the wall and whirling overhead fans, this neighborhood tavern is reminiscent of a friendly Wisconsin bar. On the menu: better-than-average bar food. Standouts include the crispy onion rings and the spinach salad. Dine in the bar area, or head to the rear of the space, past the pool table, for a more sedate sit-down experience. Weekend brunch options include "crab stacks," (homemade crab cakes on english muffins topped with poached eggs and roasted red pepper sauce) and biscuits and gravy made with specialty sage sausage." - Metromix 4.5 stars out of 5

27th Brussels International Fantasy Film Festival REVEALED!!


While we oftentimes tend to focus on goings-on in our own Windy City backyard (and trust me, there's plenty enough to keep us busy - it's a blessing and a curse, lemme tellya), this being the WORLDWIDE web, and being that WildClaw fans are everywhere, we are occasionally granted the proverbial-fly-on-the-proverbial-wall vantage point for an event or happening that we might never seen firsthand.

At times like these, we are truly thankful for such friends as Gert Verbeeck of Cult Reviews, who brings us a "YOU ARE THERE" perspective from the recently concluded 27th Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (located in Belgium, for the geographically-challenged).

"Just mailing you with a little heads up. I just completed our overview of this year's BIFFF on Cult Reviews, loaded with reviews & pics. Thought you might be interested in giving it a peak. Together, Coventry & I tackled 47 movies!

Here's the festival's main overview page on CR. Everything (reviews & pics) can be found (and accessed via links) on this page:

http://www.cultreviews.com/festivals/bifff-2009/

Here's a 'little' note I wrote about it (including direct links to mini-reviews):

http://www.cultreviews.com/reviews/bifff-overview/

Hope you'll have fun with all the stuff in this overview. I know there's some films you've already seen (I recall you liking DEADGIRL too), but I'm sure you'll find some additional interesting films on there."


Thank you for sharing, Gert! Everyone, enjoy!

Kitley's Krypt MYSTERY PHOTO #17

Another week, another MYSTERY PHOTO!

Jon Kitley, pillar of the Chicago Horror Community and head honcho over at KITLEY'S KRYPT, wants to challenge your horror knowledge. Week in, week out, he posts a Mystery Photo - sometimes from an obscure horror title, sometimes just an unusual shot from a well-known classic. We figured our faithful Claw readers would enjoy the challenge!

Last week's photo was a tough one, though it might have rung a bell for viewers of a certain age who spent their childhood staring at the television seeking their thrills and chills. It was from Dan Curtis' THE NIGHT STRANGLER (1973), the follow-up to his enormously popular THE NIGHT STALKER and the precursor to the beloved cult television series. Great cast which included Simon Oakland, Margaret Hamilton, Al Lewis, John Carradine, Wally Cox, and the inimitable Darren McGavin as Carl Kolchak.


Let's see how well you fare with this week's offering:


Send your guesses to: jon@kitleyskrypt.com

If you provide the correct answer, your name will be announced next week on the Kitley's Krypt website (http://www.kitleyskrypt.com), along with a new photo. Even if you don't know the answer, we welcome any sorta-kinda educated guess! So, send in your emails today and good luck!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Tentacular Page-Turner

Following up on their gang-busters, run-away hit, "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies", our good friends (and DEATHSCRIBE 2009 sponsors) at Quirk Publishing are releasing "Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters" today.

Here's a nifty piece by the author, Ben H. Winters, over at Slate, one of my favorite online magazines.

Come out this Saturday for Zombie Bowling II -- if I'm not mistaken, Quirk has sent us some prize-basket goodies. Be the first on your block to read what's sure to be the next big thing.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Auditions for THE MAMMALS Sept 27th


Our good pals and blood brothers in the macabre The Mammals are holding general auditions for their next two full productions!

Where:
Zoo Studios
4001 N. Ravenswood Ave Suite B-1 (Ravenswood and Irving Park - East Side of the Metra Tracks)

When: Sunday Sept 27th 12pm-5pm

To schedule a time call the Mammals at 866-593-4614 or email us at
themammals@gmail.com

From the official Mammals audition notice:

"What you'll need to bring -

Resume
Headshot
2 Prepared Contrasting Monologues/original piece

Regarding your original created piece: The Mammals are excited about working with passionate individuals who consider themselves creative artists. We want to see what you like to create. This can be anything from a monologue you have written to design portfolio/ puppetry/ mask/ sculpture/ music /dance/ movement. We only ask that it be something you have worked on before arriving at the rehearsal. Feel free to share with us pieces you've created at improvisational workshops previously, but we prefer you not attempt to improvise an entirely new piece in front of us."



For more information, visit: http://devilvet.blogspot.com/2009/09/auditions-sept-27th.html

Sunday, September 13, 2009

HOUSE OF THE WOLF MAN

For those who think the new Universal WOLFMAN trailer looks too slick and CGI-heavy, check out this brand new, old-school offering...featuring none other than Lon Chaney, Jr.'s son Ron!



Looks like it could be fun...

Killer Reviews.com


Wanted to pass along a little horror backslap to our pals Gregg, Gavin and the other cool cats at Killer Reviews (and not just because they recently profiled HORROR 101: THE A-LIST OF HORROR FILMS AND MONSTER MOVIES as their "Product of the Month")

They've got a rockin' variety of features, interviews, podcasts, editorials and, of course, reviews, reviews, reviews of horror flicks old and new. Here's a glimpse of what they've been up to:



TOP 10 ASS-KICKING ALIENS

MOST MEMORABLE HORROR SUICIDES

BEST HORROR MOVIE ENDINGS EVER

DEFENDING THE HORROR REMAKE

TOP 10 CHILLING CHILDREN

TOP TEN VAMPIRE MOVIES EVER

As with anything, I don't agree entirely with everything they lay down, but the fact is that differing opinions are what make the world go 'round. These guys are fans first, and I think you'll find plenty to enjoy and discuss over at KR. Tell 'em Dr. AC sent ya!

Friday, September 11, 2009

The Devil's Candy Store and DEATHSCRIBE '09

The Devil's Candy Store is one of DEATHSCRIBE 2009's premiere sponsors and their support, along with our other sponsors will allow WildClaw to put on a kick-ass show Oct. 5th at the Music Box Theatre.


Dave Dorman's cover for the L. A. Banks' concept art book, Vampire Huntress Legend

WildClaw's graphic designer, Charlie Athanas is the co-owner of TDCS along with Denise Dorman. It is a virtual design studio that has a roster containing some of the most recognized names in illustration and concept art, along with writers like Kevin J. Anderson of the Dune sequels. Their mission is to bring you "exotic contraband from impossible worlds" and they have some big plans up their sleeve. Big plans. Stayed tuned.


Craig Elliott's painting won the Gold Medal for Editorial in the upcoming Spectrum 16 Annual of Fantastic Art


Charlie Athanas has created the posters for WildClaw Theatre's productions

ROGER CORMAN TO RECEIVE HONORARY OSCAR!!!!


Honestly, I don't think there's a blog entry that I've been happier to write.

For years, I've been saying that Roger Corman, who gave career starts to so many talented people that would later go on to become Hollywood powerhouses (Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Jonathan Demme, Joe Dante, Jack Nicholson, Robert Towne, the list goes on), as well as creating an incredible body of work as a producer and director in his own right, deserved an honorary Oscar. I shouted this in vain at many a horror convention late-night rap session, to the tune of many nodding heads around me. It seemed like such a no-brainer, but because horror is the bastard stepchild of the film world, we assumed this would never happen. Or worse, that it would happen after the great man had passed on.

Guess what, folks? Oscar sometimes gets it right.

Last night, The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voted to present Honorary Awards to Corman, actress Lauren Bacall, and cinematographer Gordon Willis, with the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award to be given to producer-executive John Calley.

All four awards will be presented at the Academy’s inaugural Governors Awards event on Saturday, November 14, at the Grand Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center.

It's about freaking time. But it's a time that has come at last, and we at WildClaw would like to thank the Academy.

ALIEN (1979) and ALIENS (1986) screening at the Music Box!



This week at the Music Box, two of the greatest sci-fi/horror flicks of all time!

ALIEN (1979) - THE DIRECTOR'S CUT

New 35mm Print! DTS Sound!

Director Ridley Scott’s breakthough film, an immensely successful blend of horror and science fiction, is a classic in both genres and spawned a host of sequels and imitators. Starring Sigourney Weaver as warrant officer Ellen Ripley, ALIEN focuses on the crew of the space cargo ship Nostromo, which lands on a moribund planet in response to a faint SOS. Inside a crashed ship, the crew members come upon strange pods, one of which spews forth a repellently fleshy insectile creature that locks on to the face of the unlucky Kane (John Hurt).

Critical Reaction:

“STILL THE BEST SCI-FI ACTION-HORROR FILM EVER MADE! Alien was that rare moment in Hollywood history when artistry and jump-out-of-your-seat thrills collided.” — Flavorpill

“4 STARS! Still vibrates with a dark and frightening intensity.” — Roger Ebert

“Never lost its ability to terrify… DON’T MISS THE CHANCE TO SEE IT ON THE BIG SCREEN!” — New York Magazine

Running Time 116 min

Showtimes:
Friday, September 11 5:00pm · 7:20pm · 9:40pm ·
Saturday, September 12 2:30pm · 5:00pm · 7:20pm · 9:40pm ·
Sunday, September 13 2:30pm · 5:00pm · 7:20pm · 9:40pm ·
Monday, September 14 5:00pm · 7:20pm · 9:40pm ·
Tuesday, September 15 5:00pm · 7:20pm · 9:40pm ·
Wednesday, September 16 5:00pm · 7:20pm · 9:40pm ·
Thursday, September 17 5:00pm · 7:20pm · 9:40pm ·

PLUS

see ALIENS (1986) at midnight on Friday and Saturday, September 11 & 12!!!

New Horror Trivia App - Test Your Horror Knowledge!


From our good friend Jason Coffman comes this exciting news!

Hello everyone!

Chicago game software developer Babaroga has come up with a new game out today in the App Store called Horror Master Trivia! It's pretty much exactly what it sounds like, a 10-level horror trivia game with 1300+ questions. It also features OpenFeint support so you can share your high scores and Achievements with your friends!

AND, it's only 99 cents, so if you're a horror fan who would like to help support local Chicago developers, please give it a shot!

http://appshopper.com/games/horror-master-trivia

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Vampire Babes in Playboy

Vampire fans look to the newsstands this Friday for the Halloween issue of Playboy Magazine. They will feature vampires, they will be women and I suspect some of them will be scantily clothed. Not for the faint of heart.


Playboy's sexy, naked vampires ready for Halloween

Quirk Publishing Supports WildClaw

DEATHSCRIBE 2009 is made possible through the support of companies like Quirk Publishing.



Quirk Publishing is home to "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies". This Philadelphia publishing house will soon be bringing you, "Senses and Sensibility and Sea Monsters". Check out their website at irreference.com for cool books on all topics, like Gig Posters Vol. 1, Stuff Every Man Should Know, and How To Survive A Horror Movie.

Deleece Restaurant loves Deathscribe










So YOU should love Deleece. WildClaw is proud to announce that Deleece Restaurant is sponsoring Deathscribe 2009, and they have a great offer for you. Yes, you.

Now in its 14th year, Deleece Restaurant is conveniently located near the Music Box Theatre, at 4004 N. Southport (just north of Irving Park Rd). Deleece’s menu offers untraditional combinations of global ingredients and techniques in a warm, welcoming, stylishly informal atmosphere.

Dine at Deleece between now and October 5 (that would be the date of Deathscribe) and mention that you're a Friend of WildClaw to receive 20% off your bill. That's right, 20%. Tell your friends, take your friends, do whatever you want with your friends, just get your Cthulhu worshipping butts in there for some great grub this month.

This generous offer from our friends at Deleece is not valid with any other offer/discount. Check out their website for their menu, or call (773) 325-1710 for more info.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Kitley's Krypt MYSTERY PHOTO #16

Another week, another MYSTERY PHOTO!

Jon Kitley, pillar of the Chicago Horror Community and head honcho over at KITLEY'S KRYPT, wants to challenge your horror knowledge. Week in, week out, he posts a Mystery Photo - sometimes from an obscure horror title, sometimes just an unusual shot from a well-known classic. We figured our faithful Claw readers would enjoy the challenge!

Last week's photo was from the infamous 1981 Italian zombie movie Nights of Terror, also known as Burial Ground, or Zombi 3: Nights of Terror, and countless other names. This scene shows just how smart these particular zombies were. When the woman reaches out to close the 2nd story window, one of the zombies throws a spike and nails her hand to the window. And, as she is trapped there, they s-l-o-w-l-y lift up a sickle and s-l-o-w-l-y cut her head off. Of course, there is also the famous scene with the woman breast-feeding her bizarre-looking child. Classic stuff, all thanks to director Andrea Bianchi!



Let's see how well you fare with this week's offering:



Send your guesses to: jon@kitleyskrypt.com

If you provide the correct answer, your name will be announced next week on the Kitley's Krypt website (http://www.kitleyskrypt.com), along with a new photo. Even if you don't know the answer, we welcome any sorta-kinda educated guess! So, send in your emails today and good luck!

Friday, September 4, 2009

My Little Nyarlathotep!


Sideshow Collectibles is proud to present the Nyarlathotep Statue - Putrid Version by SOTA Toys. This dynamic figure is an outstanding interpretation of the 'Crawling Chaos' Nyarlathotep creature, cast in high-quality resin and finished in a yellow-green putrid hue, available exclusively from Sideshow.

Price: US $249.99

Supernatural Returns! Prepare for Badassery!


Yes that is a word. Shut up.

So one of my favorite spooky shows returns on September 10th on the CW, Supernatural. Pretty boys with sawed off shotguns, a bad ass car, hot demon chicks, even hotter angels, and a plot line involving the rise of Lucifer! How can you resist? Seriously though, this show delivers legit scares with great special effects and all kinds of wink winks to the hard core horror fans out there. Unlike the usual CW tripe, Supernatural has a solid cast, well-written stories, and an occasional eye gouge. Check it out and let us know what you think!

Oh and I am totally going to watch Vampire Diaries as well knowing it's going to be wretched but I am hoping for a guilty pleasure fix. I need something to replace the hole in my life left after Harper's Island was cancelled.

Episode 1: Sympathy for the Devil

Synopsis:
Picking up where the finale left off, Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Sam (Jared Padalecki) watch as the Devil (guest star Mark Pellegrino, "Lost") emerges from Hell.

The brothers and Bobby (Jim Beaver) deal with the aftermath of Lucifer rising and the stunning news from Chuck the Prophet (guest star Rob Benedict) that Castiel (Misha Collins) was blown to bits by the archangels.

Robert Singer directed the episode written by Eric Kripke.

WildClaw Interviewed by Innsmouth Free Press, part V

Click here to read Innsmouth Free Press' interview with Charley Sherman, the brains behind the brains, the guts behind the blood, WildClaw's own fearless, fearsome, and fearful Artistic Director.

Copious thanks to everyone at Innsmouth Free Press for devoting such a generous amount of time and space to our musings on horror theatre.

(Part 5 of 5)



Other Innsmouth Interviews in this series:

Part I: Aaron Christensen
Part II: Aly Renee Greaves
Part III: Scott T. Barsotti
Part IV: Brian Amidei

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

WildClaw Interviewed by Innsmouth Free Press, part IV

Click here to read Innsmouth Free Press' interview with Brian Amidei, WildClaw champion, Managing Director, mad priest, zombie, interrogator. You name, Brian's on it.

Check back Friday for Innsmouth's final interview of this series, with WildClaw's Artistic Director and Lovecraft fanatic Charley Sherman.

(Part 4 of 5)

Flashback with Freddy - Recently Announced

Anchor Bay Entertainment presents
Flashback Weekend Chicago Horror Convention

---October 23-25, 2009---

Wyndham O’Hare
6810 N. Mannheim Road, 60018
Rosemont, Illinois

Robert Englund will be a guest at Flashback Weekend 2009!

Meet Robert Englund, the award-winning actor best known for his role as Freddy Krueger -- the legendary horror icon featured on the American Film Institute's "100 Greatest Heroes and Villains" roster. Now, for the first time, the man behind the latex mask tells his story in the captivating new memoir “HOLLYWOOD MONSTER - A WALK DOWN ELM STREET WITH THE MAN OF YOUR DREAMS”, published to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the first Nightmare on Elm Street film.

Saturday Oct. 24 – Robert Englund will host the Flashback Weekend Halloween party

Visit www.flashbackweekend.com for ticket sale information.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

More Manic Movie Mutterings

Mr. Morlock is notoriously behind the curve when it comes to movie watching; rarely will he tell you anything you don't already know. But here's an incoherent bit about a fine film that you all know. One that has aged quite gracefully and should be given a seat of honor at the head of the dinner table, but is more often than not (in the words of a friend) banished to the basement barco-lounger to doze and drool until dessert is served. Cuz it's sometimes accused as the progenitor of modern, much-maligned torture porn. Wrongly. And even if rightly, meh. What's wrong with a little hackety stabbity?

But first, a quick shout-out to my local franchise of "Half-Price Books." Normally, one should ignore franchises for the sake of mom-and-pop stores, but in this case ain't no giant corporate entity skimming money from nobody. Ain't no money in reselling dead media. And by dead media, I mean books. LP records. VHS and DVD movies.

I understand kids nowadays download their entertainment and have it imprinted directly into their cerebral cortex. One click and they can speak proprietarily and dismissively about work they have never actually owned, touched, or seen.

Whatever. I like "Half-Price Books" because I can stagger in there some evening after work and come away with three movies and two albums for fifteen dollars. That's right, baby. Vinyl. And magnetic tape. It's cheap, but it's still art.

So what movie is it that's got Mr. Morlock all hot and long-windedly bothered?

Se7en.


All right, before y'all purists tune out, I know Se7en, (or 7, as to which I will now refer to it, because I'm lazy) is NOT a horror film. Whatever that is. What exactly is a horror film, Mr and Ms Smartypants? Lay out your theory and let us all take a turn at mocking it and THEN TELL ME what is or IS NOT A HORROR FILM. Why am I shouting?

It's a film noir piece. I'll give you that. It's built to make Morgan Freeman look like the archtypical, Raymond Chandler, Micky Spillane, avatar of flawed, reluctant morality, facing down the dirty dirty cosmos against unassailable odds.

Well let me tell you. Mr. Morlock is of a certain age and actually grew up with Morgan Freeman as the voice of Easy Reader on "The Electric Company", so he didn't need "Shawshank Redemption" (BTW, kudos to Tom Hanks for looking shame-faced for taking MF's Oscar for what, "Forrest Gump"? Remind me to post a riff based on the "going full retard" thing in "Tropic Thunder", possibly the funniest movie of the millenium) to convince him that Morgan Freeman is a freaking super hero.

Good heavens. Sorry, "hells". What was I talking about? Oh right. 7. Great movie.

You say a horror movie needs groovy latex critters and gratuitous boo scares? How bout the scene when they discover "Sloth." Gothic themes of good, evil, sin and redemption? Check. You want a scary monster? Kevin Spacey is purty damn scary, because what with the recent wave of increased recognition of how pervasive are Asperger's and autism-spectrum symptoms, I can easily picture a hundred shaven-headed nutbags out there with just a half-stripped screw holding them hinged.

Yours truly excepted, of course.

So what have we learned, my dear readers who've actually followed me to the bottom of this rant? Blow the dust out of your slot. Did that sound dirty? I meant out of your VHS machine, of course. Or pick one up at a garage sale. So it goes bad after running a dozen movies through it? So you're out ten, fifteen bucks.
But for a buck a movie and a visit with the past? Worth it.