Friday, June 26, 2009

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

I was 12 years old when the mind-blowing video for Thriller was released. It's an understatement to say that this 14 minute horror musical, with it's zombies, werewolves, and Vincent Price narration, did more to popularize the horror genre for folks my age than any single film from that period. Michael Jackson and John Landis created lasting horror-pop with this video that influenced and inspired a generation. Monsterama gives props. At the other end of Michael Jacksons' career, we have the mysterious, long-haired, masked weirdo, who lived in a twisted theme park with a mansion full of the world's oddest curiosities (like the skeletal remains of Joseph Merrick, the 'Elephant Man'). No matter how horrible he became, he retained a legion of fans, many of whom actually enjoyed reading about his latest bizarre exploits. It ought to come as no surprise that the character of Argost from my show The Secret Saturdays is partially inspired by this late-period Jackson. From the Jackson 5 songs of my youth, to the eccentric stranger of recent years, I own Michael Jackson a great debt for the inspiration received.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Doc Talk

Newsarama has posted a wonderful interview with one of my favourite people, Phil 'Doc Saturday' Morris. The talk is primarily about the Brave And The Bold show, but leave it Phil to make sure the Saturdays got some mention! From the link--
NRAMA: ...any favorite cartoons?
PM: Jonny Quest was absolutely huge, which is why I’m so glad to be playing Doc Saturday on the Secret Saturdays. It’s very much like Jonny Quest meets Herculoids...

Monday, June 08, 2009

Strange Tales

Not sure which issue of Strange Tales my four-pager featuring Morbius and The Beast will appear in, but I'm sure glad this stuff is finally seeing print! And check out that cover by my pal Pope on the first issue-- excelsior!!!

Saturdays Hype

Here's a little hype about all the wicked Secret Saturdays merch heading your way this summer. The cryptids are taking over the world! (Saturdays computer screen image by Geno)

Sunday, June 07, 2009

Cute and Really Creepy

Monsterama is all about cute creeps. I'm a big fan of scary stuff aimed at children. But I'm noticing a cultural trend towards exposing kids to the genuinely terrifying that puzzles and interests me. I mean, as a parent, I'm not sure I get the idea of gross-out kiddie cars, or making kids believe they are being attacked by a zombie. Not that I don't find it fascinating to look at. The awesome band MGMT really captures this vibe in their new video for Kids. What's going on, here? I'm interested in your opinions...