Fear is in the Eye of the Beholder

Hiya Ghouls and welcome to Staying Scared. My what a diverse posting we have for you. However, that doesn't mean you can lie back in that coffin and rest easy. Oh No No No! Staying Scared will never abandon horror and this simply means that while some things posted may not be what you would refer to as traditional horror, they still can send shivers and might very well find a home here. Nonetheless, fear is always in the eye of the beholder and therefore, we prefer to let you be the judge, jury and axe wielding executioner.

Regardless, this time Staying Scared is taking a look at episode 1 of Hillbilly Horror Show, the Halloween Extravaganza Issue 10 of Shroud Magazine, the picture book Too Much Horror Business - The Kirk Hammett Collection, The Governor's zombie daughter action figure from The Walking Dead, a Living Dead Doll and as usual, a few tasty tidbits tossed in between.

So, my gruesome pals, grab your moist and red fleshy snacks and settle your bones because it's going to be a fright filled ride... 

With a loss of most late night character hosted fearfests, Hillbilly Horror Show might just fill the open niche with it's combination of humor and horror shorts by up and coming filmmakers. Although none of the hosts take on a horror persona, instead choosing to be stereotypical backwoods hicks complete with country boy language and innuendos, HHS, to be blunt, is downright laugh out loud funny and a refreshing change from the rather boring hosts of yesteryear. But, don't let this fool you, from the confines of their trailer and sitting on a mismatched blanket covered couch surrounded by empty beer cans, Kissin Cousin Lulu (Model Rachel Faulkner - Tathaastu, pRIZE, Sessions, Virginia Bride & Vogue Italia), Bo Keister (Remember the Titans, The Cabining, host of the Sportsman channel's Gallery of Guns TV), Cephus (Scott Geiter,The Voice of Horror on the Gruesome Hertzogg radio show) and director Sharif Salama take you on a fright filled screening journey of modern short films from names you've never heard of...yet!

This inaugural episode features four shorts:

Franky and the Ant, produced, written & directed by Billy Hayes, explores one way to deal with infidelity.

Doppleganger, a film by Theo Stefanski, is an animators visual dream and will awe while detailing an age old reuniting.

Amused, directed by Cuyle Carvin, is a foot race of terror through a winter farmland's isolation complete with maternal instincts and a sledgehammer.

And...the longest and arguably the the best of the lot, The Hive, directed by Tim Zwica, will expose you to honeybees that have no need for pollen.

Not for kiddies nor the faint of heart, Hillbilly Horror Show is a superbly crafted and well thought out fast paced one hour of fearful entertainment clashing together the gore of Tales From the Crypt and the thought provocation of Twilight Zone and is well worth the price, which coincidentally is less than a typical ebook. 

Watch it HERE

Get Shroud Magazine Here

Anything dealing with Halloween always catches my eye and Issue 10 of Shroud Magazine was no different. From tales to interviews to editorials to reviews and to even a wordplay game similar to Mad libs, this quarterly journal of dark fiction and art is absolutely loaded with creepy goodies and certainly right up any horror fan's alley.

This specific issue featured tales surrounding Halloween and one, Robert Ford's Georgie, was particularly disturbing. Regardless, from ghosts to zombies, this magazine covers it well and will have you seeking the next issue even before closing the last page.

 Prior to the Too Much Horror Business - The Kirk Hammett Collection book going public, only the most diehard of fans knew that the well-known guitarist of Metallica was into horror. But, only his closest friends knew of his voracious appetite and even less were aware of his extensive collection. With this book, he let's fans in on his long held little secret; his substantial assemblage of horror memorabilia worthy of making any museum green with envy. It is a virtual treasure trove, years in the making (and coincidentally still being added to) of everything from posters to props, from toys, models and masks to comics and magazines and original artworks, most of which are one-of-a-kinds or at the very least quite rare. Interviewed by Steffan Chirazi, this horror connoisseur offers deeply personal insights and memories held sacred perfectly served to enhance.

Any browsing horror fan is certain to experience memory recall. 

Distinct, his toys are immaculate.

.Too Much Horror Business - The Kirk Hammett Collection is a fantastic picture loaded catalog showcasing an assembly most only will ever dream of and is a wonderful addition to any coffee table,

Speaking of collections, while nowhere near extensive, yours truly has one of his own and is constantly being added to.

Most recent are

Penny Blake (McFarlane Toys) is the zombie daughter of the Walking Dead's Governor. Her action figure includes plenty of gruesome body parts, an aquarium tank and bucket for holding them, and even a few heads.

Beginning in 1998, Mezco Toyz introduced a new line called the Living Dead Dolls, each distinct and coming with their very own coffin style box. This one is Death, from the Four Horsemen collection. 

It won't be long now! Click it to find out more.

Since 2011, Spooky Empire's May-hem has evolved, becoming Orlando's most intimate horror weekend.

Two upcoming movies Staying Scared is looking forward to...

Wanna see something really scary?

While it may not be horror related, it is frightening nonetheless and don't be surprised if your palms begin to sweat and that feeling of apprehension seems to start strangling. This is not for the fainthearted and therefore, you have been warned.

And so, until next time my fearful fiends, keep hoping that the night time creak coming from the other room is only the house settling and the howl that whispered by the window was just the wind.

Or is it?

Stay Scared,

Thomas