Category: Horror

THE ESSENTIAL HORROR by Joe R. Lansdale is Coming!

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Any time Joe R. Lansdale has a new book out, it is cause to celebrate.  Get the streamers ready!  On October 7, 2025, THE ESSENTIAL HORROR drops.  Here’s the lowdown…

Joe R. Lansdale is known for his gritty mysteries (the Hap and Leonard series) and his eccentric horror (Bubba Ho-tep), for which he has won ten Bram Stoker Awards. He is also cited by many of horror’s most acclaimed writers as a huge influence upon them: Stephen Graham Jones, Josh Malerman, Gabino Iglesias, Brian Keene, and Joe Hill, who contributes an original introduction to this collection.

Lansdale’s horror stories mash up crime, Southern Gothic, fantasy, and science fiction, filtered through a raw, violent world of dark humor and unique characters. He was one of the first horror writers to portray American racism not as abstract or impersonal, but as realistic, intimate, in-your-face, and impossible to ignore.

In Lansdale’s nightmarish visions, discover psychotic demon nuns, a god fueled by hatred, a psychopathic preacher, a weed-eater wielding blind man, cannibals, 80-year-old Elvis, undead strippers, flying ghost fish, elder gods, possessed cars, and the worst evil of all: man.

Preorders are available now.

Extinction: The G.M.O. Chronicles (2011) / Z-View

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Extinction: The G.M.O. Chronicles (2011)

Director: Niki Drozdowski

Screenplay: Ralf Betz, Niki Drozdowski

Stars: Daniel Buder, Luise Bähr.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

When a zombie apocalypse breaks out, Tom makes his way to an abandoned military base.  He holes up there as the world falls apart.  As time passes, Tom brings in other survivors to his safe haven.

It becomes clear the zombies are mutating.  To make matters worse, tensions increase among Tom and the survivors.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I lasted one hour before tapping out.

Extinction: The G.M.O. Chronicles (2011) rates 1 of 5 stars

“The Returned” (2013) / Z-View

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The Returned (2013)

Director: Manuel Carballo

Screenplay: Hatem Khraiche

Stars: Emily Hampshire, Kris Holden-Ried, Shawn Doyle, Claudia Bassols, Barry Flatman, Paul Anthony and Olunike Adeliyi.

Tagline: Neither Zombies Nor Humans

The Plot…

Twenty years ago a zombie virus killed nearly 100 million people around the world.  A cure was discovered that held back the transformation to zombie if administered soon after the infection.  A daily dose of the medicine was required to remain healthy.  If even one dose was missed the person would soon become sick and transform into a zombie.  For a missed dose there was no cure.

The infected people who survived thanks to the cure are called The Returned.  They are required to carry documentation that identifies them as such.

Lately there have been rumors that countries are running short on the medicine required for the cure.  This is creating panic and heightened tensions throughout the world.  There has always been a group of people who think The Returned shouldn’t be allowed to live because of the dangers they present if they miss even a single does of the cure.  These activists are using the rumors to step up their attacks on people identified as a Returned.

Kate (Hampshire) is a doctor who fears the rumor of a shortage of the cure is true.  Kate has been buying vials of the cure from the black market.  It’s not for her.  Kate’s husband, Alex is infected.  If there is a shortage of the cure, they have stockpiled enough for about a month.  But what then?

Then word comes out that the rumors of a cure shortage are true.  Madness and chaos reign.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Returned is NOT your typical zombie flick. There is more psychological fear of what might happen then terror of a zombie trying to eat you.  (Although that is a worry as well.)

There is a nice twist that I didn’t see coming.  There is also a final scene that has a different tone (which I liked) that could have set up a sequel.

The Returned (2013) rates 4 of 5 stars

“The Earth Dies Screaming” (1964) directed by Terence Fisher, starring Willard Parker & Virginia Field / Z-View

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The Earth Dies Screaming (1964)

Director: Terence Fisher

Screenplay: Harry Spalding (as Henry Cross)

Stars: Willard Parker, Virginia Field, Dennis Price, Thorley Walters, Vanda Godsell and Anna Palk.

Tagline: Why Were They Out To Kill Every Living Thing On Earth?

The Plot…

Jeff Nolan (Parker) is an American test pilot working in England.  When Jeff lands after a test run, he finds everyone on the ground is dead.  The airport is littered with bodies.  People seem to have suddenly died where they stood.

Nolan heads to a nearby small village.  Again, the streets are littered with the dead.  Nolan finds a small group of survivors.  Television and radio stations are playing nothing but static.  As Nolan and his group decide their next move they spot two beings in spacesuits moving slowly through the village.  It’s obvious the aliens intend to kill any person still alive.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The two stars of The Earth Dies Screaming, Willard Parker and Virginia Field were married from 1951 until her death in 1992.

The Earth Dies Screaming was Virginia Field’s final film.

The Earth Dies Screaming felt like it could have fit in as an episode of The Twilight Zone.  With a running time of 62 minutes, it was just a bit longer than some of the episodes.

The Earth Dies Screaming (1964) rates 4 of 5 stars

“I Married a Monster from Outer Space” (1958) starring Gloria Talbott and Tom Tryon / Z-View

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I Married a Monster from Outer Space (1958)

Director: Gene Fowler Jr.

Screenplay: Louis Vittes

Stars: Tom Tryon, Gloria Talbott, Peter Baldwin, Robert Ivers, Valerie Allen, Ty Hardin, Ken Lynch, John Eldredge, Alan Dexter, James Anderson, Jean Carson, Steve London and Maxie Rosenbloom.

Tagline: Is it possible? Is it true? Can humans mate with MONSTERS?

The Plot…

Marge Farrell (Talbott), a newlywed bride, begins to suspect that something is strange about her husband, Bill (Tryon).  He’s become distant, cold even.  Tom loved dogs and now any dog that comes near him begins to growl and bark.  Things that Tom should know, he has forgotten.

Then Marge begins to notice changes in other men in Tom’s social circle.  Marge follows Tom one night and discovers an alien has taken Tom’s identity.  Marge realizes that aliens are planning a takeover.  But who will believe her before it is too late?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

John P. Fulton who did the special effects for I Married a Monster from Outer Space was well known and respected for his work.  Over the course of his career, Mr. Fulton was nominated for 8 Academy Awards for Special Effects and won three.

Tom Tryon retired from acting in 1969 and began a writing career.  He is best known for his novel THE OTHER.  Mr. Tryon wrote the screenplay for the feature film adaptation.

I’m surprised I Married a Monster from Outer Space isn’t as popular as other horror pictures of the era.  It is definitely an underrated gem.  Perhaps the title hurts the film from being given a chance.

I Married a Monster from Outer Space and the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers makes a great double feature!

I Married a Monster from Outer Space (1958) rates 4 of 5 stars

“The Human Duplicators” (1964) / Z-View

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The Human Duplicators (1964)

Director: Hugo Grimaldi, Arthur C. Pierce (uncredited)

Screenplay: Arthur C. Pierce

Stars: George Nader, Barbara Nichols, George Macready, Dolores Faith, Hugh Beaumont, Richard Arlen, John Indrisano, Margaret Teele and Richard Kiel.

Tagline: Made to Kill or Love on Command!

The Plot…

 Dr. Kolos (Kiel) is teletransported to Earth to begin plans for an Intergalactic takeover.  The plan is to create human androids to assist in the takeover.  Kolos goes to the mansion of the brilliant scientist, Dr. Vaughan Dornheimer (Macready).  Kolos forces Dr. Dornheimer to work with him to create the androids.  They begin by duplicating the top scientists in the country.

As the android army increases an agent from the NIA (National Intelligence Agency) begins snooping around. He discovers the plan to take over the planet, but it may be too late.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Hugh Beaumont, best known for his role as Beaver’s father on the television classic Leave It To Beaver, appears in his final feature film role.

Richard Kiel plays Dr. Kolos, the alien sent down to lead the takeover of Earth.  His name wasn’t featured on the original movie poster.

I made it through the movie so I’ll give it two stars… barely.

The Human Duplicators (1964) rates 2 of 5 stars

“Hand of Death” (1962) starring John Agar, Paula Raymond and Steve Dunne / Z-View

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Hand of Death (1962)

Director: Gene Nelson

Screenplay: Eugene Ling

Stars: John Agar, Paula Raymond, Stephen Dunne, Roy Gordon, John A. Alonzo, Butch Patrick, Norman Burton, Fred Krone, Jack Donner and Joe Besser.

Tagline: No one dared come too close!

The Plot…

Alex Marsh (Agar) thinks he’s on the verge of a breakthrough.  Marsh has been working on the creation of a nerve gas for the military.  After long hours in the lab, Marsh spills some and infects himself.  Marsh slowly turns into a monster whose very touch kills!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Joe Besser, best known as one of the Three Stooges, has a small role.  Butch Patrick, best known for his role on The Munsters, appears in a small role as well.

Comic Book fans may note the resemblance between the movie’s monster and The Thing’s early appearances in Fantastic Four comics.  Although the movie monster was colored black, on the posters and lobby cards he was orange (same as the Thing).  The monster also disguised itself using a hat and trenchcoat (as did the Thing in comics).  Coincidence?

Hand of Death (1962) rates 2 of 5 stars

JOE LEDGER: SECRET MISSIONS VOLUME ONE by Jonathan Maberry / Z-View

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JOE LEDGER: SECRET MISSIONS VOLUME ONE by Jonathan Maberry

First sentence…

For the record, I don’t believe in this stuff.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Joe Ledger is an ex-Army Ranger and ex-Baltimore police detective.  Ledger was recruited and is now an agent for the United States’ several-levels-above-top-secret Department of Military Sciences.  This organization deals with threats not only to the US, but the world.  Most of their missions involve stopping terrorists using advanced technology to create bio-weapons.  Some of Ledger’s assignments have ventured into the realm of the supernatural… and while Ledger might not believe in that “stuff” — his team has to deal with it.

JOE LEDGER: SECRET MISSIONS VOLUME ONE features six tales.  Five by Maberry and one (Mantis) by Maberry and Marie Whittaker.

  • A Footnote in the Black Budget – In a relatively small area in Antarctica the US, Russia and China have research facilities.  Less than 24 hours ago, the Russian and Chinese operations went dark.  Now communication with the US facility is dead.  Ledger, First Sergeant Bradley “Top” “Sgt. Rock” Sims and Master Sergeant Harvey “Bunny” Rabbit are sent in to investigate.  These are three of our best DMS soldiers.  They may not be enough.
  • A Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight – In a small western Pennsylvania town (if you know, you know) Lucifer 113 was unleashed.  Lucifer 113 was a doomsday bioweapon. Near 100% infection rate, near 100% mortality rate. To be used only as a last resort.  If defeat was inevitable, release Lucifer 113.  And some terrorist has released it.
  • Alive Day – Ledger, Top and Bunny are sent on an off-the-books rescue mission for four members of Rattlesnake team.  Taliban warriors will be the least of their worries.  Haunted caves? Visions? What did happen to Rattlesnake team?
  • Wet Works: A V-Wars Story – Ledger and a doctor are barricaded in a room.  Ledger has used all his ammo.  Dead bodies litter the floor.  With only a knife to protect them, Ledger knows it won’t be enough.  The vampires (no, they don’t turn in to bats, or fly, but they ARE vampires) are waiting for reinforcements.  They will then bust through and kill Ledger and the doc.  Ledger will go down fighting, but he knows there are too many…
  • Mantis: A Rouge Team International / Arklight Adventure – An international child trafficking organization, a well-disguised well-trained vigilante, and Violin, one of Arklight’s most dangerous assassins — with Ledger smack dab in the middle.  What could go wrong?
  • Atoll – “Something has crashed on an island south of Hawaii.”  Ledger’s team is tapped to investigate.  When he asks why a closer squad out of Honolulu isn’t being sent, he’s told, “It was… we’ve lost contact with them.”  UFOs, time travel — more stuff Ledger probably doesn’t believe in.  At least at the start of the mission.

If you’ve never read any of the Joe Ledger novels, this is a good jumping on point.  You’ll get a nice taste of the kind of tales that feature Ledger along with some crossovers from other characters/situations in the Maberry universe.  Regular readers will love visits to the worlds of V-WARS, Pine Deep, Sam Hunter Case Files, Dead of Night, and Rot & Ruin.  Look for characters such Mr. Church, Echo Team, Havoc Team, Malcolm Crow, Mike Sweeney, Violin, Toys and others.

Jonathan Maberry has another winner!  I love the Joe Ledger tales.

Rating:

“War of the Worlds” (1953) starring Gene Barry and Ann Robinson / Z-View

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War of the Worlds (1953)

Director: Byron Haskin

Screenplay: Barré Lyndon; based on THE WAR OF THE WORLDS by H.G. Wells

Stars: Gene Barry, Ann Robinson, Les Tremayne, Robert Cornthwaite, Sandro Giglio, Lewis Martin, Vernon Rich, Henry Brandon, Jack Kruschen, Cedric Hardwicke, Edgar Barrier, Carolyn Jones and Paul Frees.

Tagline: Amazing! terrifying! The most savage spectacle of all time!

The Plot…

When a meteor impacts near a small California town it generates a lot of attention.  The attention turns to fear when the meteor turns out to contain an alien ship. The ship goes airborne and begins destroying everything in it’s path.  Things go from terrible to devastating when it is learned that hundreds of these “meteors” have landed around the world.

Armies across the globe attempt to take down the alien invaders with no success. Cities are being wiped out.  Dr. Clayton Forrester (Barry) and Sylvia Van Buren (Robinson) find themselves on the run searching for safe haven.  As the aliens close in, reports from around the world show that no weapon works against the alien’s technology.

Humankind will be wiped out in weeks…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

War of the Worlds was nominated for three 1954 Academy Awards and won one…

  • Nominee for Best Sound, Recording – Loren L. Ryder (Paramount Sound Department)
  • Nominee for Best Film Editing – Everett Douglas
  • Winner for Best Effects, Special Effects

The alien craft in H.G. Wells novel walk on tripod legs.  Unsure of how to make this work on screen, George Pal opted to give the craft the ability to fly.

H.G. Wells’ estate was so pleased with The War of the Worlds, that George Pal was offered any other H.G. Wells story to adapt.  Pal chose and made The Time Machine.

Paul Frees plays a radio reporter and uses his voice impersonation of Orson Welles as a homage to Welles’ War of the Worlds radio broadcast.

Gene Barry and Ann Robinson, the stars of this version appear as grandparents of Tom Cruise’s character’s children in Steven Spielberg’s 2005 War of the Worlds.

War of the Worlds is a classic.

War of the Worlds (1953) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Hellboy: The Crooked Man” (2024) starring Jack Kesy, Jefferson White, Adeline Rudolph and Martin Bassindale / Z-View

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Hellboy: The Crooked Man (2024)

Director: Brian Taylor

Screenplay: Christopher Golden, Mike Mignola, Brian Taylor

Stars: Jack Kesy, Jefferson White, Adeline Rudolph, Leah McNamara, Joseph Marcell, Anton Trendafilov and Martin Bassindale.

Tagline: From original story by Mike Mignola.

The Plot…

1959.  Hellboy (Kesy) and rookie BRPD (Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense) agent, Bobbie Jo Song, (Rudolph) find themselves stranded deep in the woods of the Appalachian Mountains following a train derailment.  There the meet Tom Ferrell (White).  Ferrell has returned hoping to make things right.  Years ago Ferrell made a deal with The Crooked Man.

The deal will cost Ferrell his soul.  Hellboy has other plans.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Although there have been four Hellboy movies this is the first where Mike Mignola, Hellboy creator, received a co-screenwriter credit.

This is the first Hellboy movie that feels like a horror film.  The music is especially creepy.

The biggest shock for me was the look of Hellboy this time out.  I am so used to Ron Perlman as the big lug.  Hellboy: The Crooked Man is set in 1959. Since Hellboy first appeared on earth in 1944 and the Perlman version appears around 1999, I put it in my mind we were seeing a much younger Hellboy and one day he would grow to look like Perlman’s Hellboy.  That fixed that.

I really liked Hellboy: The Crooked Man.  I’m surprised that it doesn’t have better ratings.  It could be most of these folks only know Hellboy from Guillermo Del Toro and Ron Perlman.  If so, they should give the Mike Mignola stories a look.  Perhaps then they’d appreciate Hellboy: The Crooked Man more.

Hellboy: The Crooked Man (2024) rates 4 of 5 stars.