Photo Credit: Robert Deak Photography http://rdeakphoto.smugmug.com

Since the early days of the Universal Monsters and Hammer Horror to the present day Slasher and Torture-Porn, what is it exactly that endures about the horror genre? There is no doubt a psychological charge when viewing a horror movie or reading a scary story. Indeed, in reality, a person’s sympathetic nervous system would kick in when experiencing a dangerous or terrifying situation. However, movies are movies and fans willingly subject themselves to this rush. The answer could be as simple as being a retreat from the reality around us and knowingly walk out feeling safe and secure. Comic books and Science-Fiction fantasy all share similar details but convey a variety of nerve-wrecking experiences that are unique to their stories.

Over the last twenty years, the idea of a convention has grown to universal proportions. The biggest being the annual San Diego Comic Con and, for a time, the ever popular Fangoria Weekend of Horrors, which satiated the blood-thirsty needs of the horror fan to meet their favorite horror icons. Today, one would be hard pressed to find any comic event that is completely void of any horror incorporation. October 4^th, in Hamilton, Ontario, was the fifth annual Hamilton Comicon where from the ever-gorgeous Catwoman herself Julie Newmar, to the massive popularity of the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (show regulars Austin St. John, Walter E. Jones, Steve Cardenas and Robert Axelrod) sat Horror Alley: a small corner spot on the floor that seemed insignificant to some, but a golden horseshoe to the rest.

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On hand for the event was Chris Alexander, Editor of Fangoria Magazine, who was happy to share his thoughts, “If you look around you and any of the iconography of anything we are looking at, horror has always been a part of comic books. When I was a kid, [reading] was one of my gateways into the genre. Reading Tomb of Dracula and reprints of EC Comics, even Spider-Man had elements of horror in it – I mean the death of Gwen Stacy – when I was a little boy reading that and how devastating that was! The Green Goblin himself was a monster. Monsters, Horror, its DNA is smashed into every element of everything we see around here.”

“The reason horror is here is because it’s a significant element of entertainment.”

Genre veteran R.A. Mihailoff (Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III, Hatchet II) had a similar opinion in that “the reason horror is here is because it’s a significant element of entertainment. Comicon covers everything cultural as far as creative goes. There is an organization based in Los Angeles called The Academy of Science-Fiction, Fantasy AND Horror. Comics encompass all of that fantasy. Its hand-and-glove allied arts. Generally, if you’re a fan of Science-Fiction, you’re a fan of fantasy and horror.”

“I think there’s always going to be a cross-section. I mean horror and Sci-Fi in general, I can find a strong relation between sci-fi and comic books.” exclaims Alex Vincent (known to horror fans a little Andy Barclay from Child’s Play 1, 2 and more recently, a fantastic return in Curse of Chucky), “There’s that cross-over because of the nature of the fans and the fact that horror films and sci-fi have such a following and they continue to because they evoke visceral reactions from people’s fear.”

Chris continues, “as [horror] being a pure entity onto its own, to me, horror is just like the punk rock, nerd sub-genre sort of thing. It’s all part of the same universe. Horror fans are kind of clandestine, almost like a brotherhood, so you’re always going to find its going to be smaller because it has always been a little bit underground and that’s why we love it. It’s like a secret handshake. It’s here. It’s always going to be here, and we like the fact that it’s a smaller component. We’ll intermingle with the 40-year-old man dressed as Aquaman, that’s cool, but we have our own little language we speak of.”

“Let’s face it Halloween is now the second biggest holiday after Christmas. I think it’s a 5 Billion dollar industry.”

The nature of the horror community continues to grow with each generation and while other genres capture imaginations and emotions, the guilty pleasure of immersing yourself into horror creates a bond that cannot be topped, maintaining longevity in this type of cultural aesthetic. “Comedy, Drama, and all that, everybody loves that as well but it doesn’t attract the same type of people. You talk about comedies or dramas and if a movie made you laugh your ass off as a kid, then yes 20 years later, there’s absolutely longevity in it. Just because there aren’t conventions for that doesn’t mean those fans don’t have that to hold onto.” explains Alex, “but I think sci-fi and horror fans are such a community amongst themselves that the longevity we have – for me to be able to do a convention 27 years after the film I was in and people still be interested in meeting me – I think I’m incredibly lucky and fortunate to have been in a horror film.”

Horror has become more mainstream than ever, and yet somehow only in these recent years, does it seem to have broken out of the mold and become a staple to this and future generations. Having seen the progression of the genre, R.A. adds, “I think it’s just been a constant flow you know. I haven’t noticed an increase per se, it just seems it has always been steady. Let’s face it Halloween is now the second biggest holiday after Christmas. I think it’s a 5 Billion dollar industry.”

Whatever the odds that horror fans will be dying for more conventions, it is safe to say that 2014 holds the most conventions so far that integrate Comics, Sci-Fi and Horror. On that note, Chris caps off with, “Dying is the keyword! I think as long as we keep dying and dying violently, there will always be an attraction to horror.”

Not only the cross-over of appeal, but also the safety provided by going to the movies for that 90 minutes of escapism only to return to the normal world is exactly why the genre thrives. Critics can blame horror for encouraging violent acts or corrupting the imaginations of individuals but it often is the exact opposite which keeps fans clamoring for more. In a world that continues to thrive on the true horrors of humanity, it is a blessing that filmmakers, writers, artists, actors and fans can submerge into these fictional worlds and share those experiences all in one place. That is the power of Comicon. R.A. summarizes it best: “Horror is, and always will be, part of popular entertainment.”

Special Thanks to R.A. Mihailoff, Chris Alexander, Alex Vincent, Matthew Miller, Hamilton Comicon, Shaun Wolfe Sandal and Robert Deak Photography.

For more information on Fangoria: www.fangoria.com
For more information on Hamilton Comicon: www.hamiltoncomiccon.com
For more photos of the event, and information on Robert Deak Photography: http://rdeakphoto.smugmug.com

Well it’s that time of year again. That’s right, we got totally wrecked, bent, blitzed, blinded and trashed with all our old (and some new) friends at Horrorhound Weekend Indianapolis! We’ve got the recap in this episode.

Also we are celebrating the sendoff of my co-host, cohort, James Dunn, as he is fulfilling a lifelong dream of making movie monsters. If you listened last episode, we announced that James has been accepted to the Tom Savini Special FX Makeup Program — of course we’re getting drunk in his honor.

We wish James the best, but this doesn’t mean the end of 40oz. Of Horror… oh no! James will just be on remote from Pittsburgh while learning from the master. This can only mean bigger and better for the 40oz. Nation.

So raise your glass, bottle or can because James, we salute you. Drink up!

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Sorry to pepper you with press about Universal Studios, but the news just keeps coming! If you’re always disappointed with local, shitty haunted houses, then look no further.

Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights is bringing an epic terrifying tale to real life. Introducing, from Texas, the Chainsaw Chiller, Blood Spiller, Teenager Killer, Texan Thriller, Deadly Distiller… LEATHER-FUCKING-FACE!

The Saw is the Law (Sang to the tune of Accept’s “Balls to the Wall”)

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – The tragic and demented account of Leatherface™ and his deranged family of cannibals set the stage for this year’s new maze, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Saw is The Law,” based on filmmaker Tobe Hooper’s notoriously unsettling 1974 horror film classic at “Halloween Horror Nights®” at Universal Studios Hollywood, Southern California’s premier Halloween event.

This original American horror film tells the story of five young friends who unsuspectingly fall victim to the ghastly terrors and torment of a depraved and cannibalistic Texas clan. The film, hailed among the most influential horror movies in cinematic history, will now be meticulously recreated into a disturbingly gruesome “Halloween Horror Nights” maze.

“‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ is one of those films that helped define the horror film genre,” said John Murdy, Creative Director at Universal Studios Hollywood. “The story of Leatherface™ and his demented family is as shocking today as when the film was first released. As designers of ‘Halloween Horror Nights,’ the film exemplifies what we need to create a truly terrifying experience. From the iconic characters to the disturbing sets, props and audio design, we’re excited to bring Tobe Hooper’s horrific vision to life for ‘Halloween Horror Nights fans.’”

Those who dare to step into the inner workings of a slaughterhouse maze will be gripped with vivid telltale signs of imminent doom. Gruesome and blood-soaked scenes from the controversial classic will terrorize guests as they experience a labyrinth that will captivate all senses and render them defenseless when met with nightmarish images of mutilated bodies on bloody meat hooks; become paralyzed by putrid odors of decomposed corpses; navigate their way through human bones and animal pelts suspended from the ceiling; and run from the unmistakable roaring sound of a chainsaw revving to life when Leatherface™ lunges from the darkness in search of victims.

This year’s “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood brings together the sickest minds in horror to immerse guests in the living, breathing, three-dimensional world of the most notorious and terrifying creatures. Featuring a slate of unrivaled film production quality mazes, terror-filled Scare Zones and a fully reimagined “Terror Tram” experience, uniquely themed to today’s most definitive horror properties, “Halloween Horror Nights” will taunt, terrorize and torment guests with incomparable spellbinding and spine-chilling haunted attractions.

“Halloween Horror Nights” experiences will include an immersive new maze, “The Walking Dead: Dead Inside,” based on AMC’s critically-acclaimed, Golden Globe^®-nominated and Emmy^® Award-winning TV series; “Welcome to Silent Hill,” based on the popular video games and film franchise; a new maze by legendary shock rocker, “Alice Cooper Goes to Hell 3D,” a reimagined “La Llorona: Cazadora de Niños” maze, based on the terrifying Mexican and Latin American legend that has terrified children for centuries; and “Universal Monsters Remix,” an all-new terrifying experience that recreates the classic horror icons of yesteryear for the 21^st century with pulse-pounding electronica-inspired dance music. An all new “Terror Tram: Invaded by The Walking Dead” attraction, also inspired by the TV series, will invite guests to navigate the haunted environs of the world-famous movie and television studio backlot and come face to face with hordes of flesh-eating, blood-drooling and groaning “walkers.”

I keep singing “The Saw is the Law” to the tune of Accept’s “Balls to the Wall.”

This episode of 40oz. of Horror is brought to you by 2 new Sponsors!  We recount some of the bizarre “Zombie” attacks this year, bring you our personal top ten films of the 80’s, some new Boozin’ Gone Bad stories, and much, much more!

New bad ass cover art from the Shout Factory! blu-ray release of ‘They Live’ available 11/16/2012

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Lionsgate and the filmmakers of THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 3D, the next installment in the long standing franchise, are pleased to announce the cast of the film, which picks up the story where the original 1974 film left off and will deliver a new chapter in the Leatherface saga with the goal of making it as horrifying as the original — in 3D.

The cast includes an all new actor in the iconic villain role of Leatherface, an exciting cast of principle actors, and featured cameos by several cast members of the original 1974 film, famously directed by Tobe Hooper.

About The Cast

GUNNAR HANSEN, the original Leatherface who has never acted in another Texas Chainsaw franchise film, is set to appear in a cameo, with MARILYN BURNS, the original film’s lead actress, playing the role of Verna Carson. Reprising his role as the Grandfather, JOHN DUGAN also makes his first series appearance since the original film.

Beloved character actor BILL MOSELEY, who played the role of Choptop in Tobe Hooper’s 1983 sequel, will play Drayton Sawyer in this film.  Moseley will be standing in for Jim Siedow, who previously played the part before his passing in 2003.   The two actors appeared together in the 1983 film and were quite comfortable together.  Director Luessenhop explains how “Moseley is the perfect choice to capture some of the essence that Siedow had brought to the character.”

Playing Leatherface will be discovery DAN YEAGER.  Director John Lussenhop knew he was perfect for the role immediately, after a chance meeting.  He describes the 6’ 6” actor as having “huge farm boy arms, a brooding brow.  He’s quiet, circumspect, and immediately struck a menacing chord with me.  After five minutes, I could no longer think of anyone else for the role.”

ALEXANDRA DADDARIO (PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTNING THIEF, HALL PASS) has been cast in the lead female role of Heather Miller.  The story centers around Heather, as she makes a trip to small-town Texas to collect her inheritance, unaware that her inheritance includes a live item – her cousin, the notorious serial killer Leatherface.

Rounding out the cast of friends visiting the inherited house are TANIA RAYMONDE (“Lost”) playing the role of Heather’s best friend Nikki, with acclaimed R&B singer TREY SONGZ making his film debut as Heather’s boyfriend Ryan and KERAM MALICKI-SANCHEZ (PUNISHER: WAR ZONE and JOHN Q) as Ryan’s friend.   SHAUN SIPOS (“Melrose Place,” FINAL DESTINATION 2 and the upcoming HICK) plays Darryl in the film, a hitchhiker along for the ride who knows more than he lets on.

An all new cast of law enforcement and government professionals take on Leatherface in this chapter of the saga: THOM BARRY (THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS, INDEPENDENCE DAY, “Cold Case,”) plays the role of Sheriff Hooper, with PAUL RAE (TRUE GRIT) in the role of town mayor Burt Hartman.  SCOTT EASTWOOD (FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS, INVICTUS, GRAN TORINO) will portray Deputy Carl Hartman, a young officer who is battling a powerful attraction to Heather while hunting Leatherface.  Noted character actor RICHARD RIEHLE (OFFICE SPACE) will play Sawyers family attorney Farnsworth.

About The Film

The film is a collaboration between filmmakers Carl Mazzocone and Mark Burg (the “Saw” franchise), Lionsgate, who will handle U.S and U.K. Distribution and Nu Image, who handled International sales and provided production finance.   Mike Paseornek, President of Motion Picture Development and Production, and Jason Constantine, Lionsgate’s President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions are jointly overseeing the project at the studio.

John Luessenhop (TAKERS) is directing the film, which is to be produced by Carl Mazzocone.  Production commences this week at Millennium Studios in Shreveport Louisiana.  Mazzocone, who served as President of Production at Twisted Pictures for four years before returning to independent producing, pursued the underlying rights to the property and ultimately secured an overall deal to make up to six future sequels. Nu Image’s Avi Lerner, Danny Dimbort and Trevor Short are executive producing, along with and Mark Burg of Evolution Entertainment.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is the latest victim of the franchise reboot. Lionsgate has settled a deal with Nu Image to make up to 6 — yes, count ’em — SIX sequels to TCM. We’ve seen this go two ways in the past folks. What do you think?

View the full story over at EW

Get down, Leatherface!