Interviews: Kristian Hanson, Co-Director / Actor - SLEDGE

SLEDGE is a new indie comic-slasher film with a murderer who believes he's killing as part of a movie or game. "He didn't drown, he wasn't burned, and he doesn't hear voices; he's just a psycho with a SLEDGE", so the promo poster tells us. So what exactly does make the film's psycho killer Adam Lynch tick? HSL had a chat with co-director and on-screen Adam Lynch himself, Kristian Hanson, to try to find out...

- As a fan of horror yourself, how does it feel to have completed a feature film of your own? 

  It is a lot of fun and kind of scary at the same time. I have seen so many horror films that I did my best to pay homage to the classics but to also make it something my own. It is really exciting though and I truly hope the horror community will accept it because I made it with them in mind.

- Initially, did you write SLEDGE to be aimed at horror fans, or was it not really something you thought about at the time?

  Yes, when I made Sledge I intended it to be for horror fans but also for people who may be the casual viewer as well. I love to make people laugh, and that was going to be a big part of the film from the beginning and I believe the humor comes off really well, but the deaths do as well. I have a friend that I showed the death scenes to and she said they were terrifying, but after the kills, Adam Lynch likes to talk crap to them after they are dead, and she said it was funny. She was kind of my Guinea pig to see how the blend went seeing as how she doesn't like scary movies at all.

- What makes Adam Lynch different from other humorous fictional serial killers like Freddy Krueger or Leslie Vernon?    

   Adam Lynch is different because of his overall personality and his type of humor. When I was creating Adam, I did have Freddy in my head because of how humorous he turned out to be in the NOES franchise. However, I didn't want to make him a cheap Freddy ripoff. Adam does not have a reason for why he is the way he is, and I want to keep it that way for now. When it comes to Leslie Vernon, I honestly don't recall how he was because I only saw that film once and do not remember how he was. 

- Was it fun to play a character who's largely based on yourself, but at the same time is also completely insane?

   Yes it was a lot of fun and all of Adam's lines in the film are completely improv'd on the spot with what was happening in the scene. When I wrote the script I had jokes lined up for him to say, but with how the movie turned out, we changed quite a few things and I believed the on the spot humor was needed. When it comes to being completely insane, Adam doesn't believe he is crazy, he truly believes he is living a life inside of a film or video game, so I just tried to have as much fun as possible. When we weren't filming and I was in costume I still had to direct, so I just continued to be myself, but when we would film, the only difference is I put in my fake teeth and we would begin the action.

- Do you indulge in method acting, or is it unnecessary?

  Honestly for me, I just went and had fun. I know great horror actors like Kane Hodder doesn't want to break character and likes to stay away from the actors so he can really scare them. I tried to do that for all of five minutes but I couldn't resist but to talk in my character voice and my makeup. My actors weren't trained actors so I needed them to trust me that I wouldn't hurt them which is another reason I played Adam. I knew I could control my actions and that is why I took on the role, plus I always wanted to play a slasher and who better to come up with one liners for the character than the creator. I used to do stand up comedy with my mom and my goal every time we were on stage together was to make her break and laugh, so that is what I aimed for here. She had to step away on a lot of scenes because I had her rolling. I always say if I can get her to laugh, I can get anyone to laugh.

- Lynch believes he's in a movie or a video game; how is that illustrated on screen?

 When it comes to being illustrated on screen, it really isn't besides when Adam is talking to the characters or walking through the woods by himself. We tried to making sure the audience knows just how insane he is but at the same time enjoy his wit and humorous side with the deaths and what he says after he kills and mutilates one of the characters.

- Were there any parts of the film that were particularly difficult to shoot?

   Honestly there wasn't. This entire experience went better than expected and we finished ahead of schedule, and on a four day shoot, that is saying something. We had the actress Desiree Holmes for one day, and so we had to film everything around what she wasn't in when it came to the film the first three days. When the fourth day started I was kind of worried because it was a big chunk of what we needed. However, everyone knocked out each scene quickly and it has come out great on film and I am really proud of everyone involved.

- Which gore effect in the film was your favourite?

   Honestly probably the first gore scene of the film where I get to smash my wife's face in with the Sledge Hammer. I say that because when we filmed the scene we had to cut a cup and tape it to the back of her head. When we called action she had to flail her head back quickly and spit the fake blood into the air causing it all to come back and hit her in the face. It was a great scene and comes off on camera really well. Than after that shot I got to smash my moms skull, so it was a nice one-two punch on the women in my life.

- What has the reaction to SLEDGE been like so far, from other horror fans?

   So far it has been really accepted. I went to Monsterpalooza in Burbank, CA back in October dressed as Adam Lynch on one day and people were coming up and asking for pictures and wondering what and where he was from. The fact a professional Freddy Krueger impersonator stopped me and asked for a picture said a lot to me and he loved the mask and overall look. I was in character the whole time making jokes and talking to fans and people really enjoyed what I was doing. It really gave me hope that fans will connect with Adam Lynch and the entire Sledge family.

- The art on the SLEDGE posters is very much in the style of comic book covers. Do you have any plans to release SLEDGE as a comic?

   Honestly if I was contacted to do a Sledge comic, I would jump at the chance. Adam has so much personality that I could have a blast with him and the character that I couldn't do on the screen. I am not an artist when it comes to drawing ability and I don't have anyone in my life that could put that much time into making a comic book. I would love to be able to do a script for a comic book series where we could experience more of Adam and who and how he is and how he became what he is. I have an idea in my head of how he grew up, and in all honesty, it isn't anything horrific. I would show a nice family, their kid is just a psycho.

- Why do you think people find serial killers - fictional or real - so fascinating?

   I think the fact these are real life monsters is what interests people. I grew up watching documentaries on Gacy, Bundy, Dahmer etc with my mom, so I have always known about them. Funny enough these people never truly terrified me because I knew they were incarcerated. I remember when I was spending my time in Chicago one summer, there was a serial rapist on the loose and it had the city strung out on when he would strike again. I remember sitting on the steps at my grandparents house looking at the church clock in the distance just wondering where the guy could be and why he would do something like that. I believe in writing horrific stories, but that is all they are, just stories. I could never imagine someone truly being hurt, and I hate hearing true life stories of people being brutally attacked because it is horrific and sad.

- Do you think the slasher subgenre will ever stop being popular?

   I honestly do not believe it will ever fade away because these slashers are scary. They are scary because they could be real. When you watch slashers like MANIAC or Henry:Portrait of a Serial Killer, these are people that could be real and are roughly based on true life individuals. There is a fear that rises in all of us and to be honest, we all like to be scared from time to time. As long as there are teenagers taking girls on dates or a group of friends hanging out on a Friday night, slashers will be a hit because they want to go and jump and scream and have fun.

- Which was the first horror movie that made a lasting impression on you?

   The first film honestly had to be Child's Play directed by Tom Holland. I have talked to Don Mancini (Writer of Child's Play) and Tom Holland in person and told them that I saw this film when I was five years old and it terrified me. I remember watching it with my mom and then having a terrible dream that night where I woke up and saw Chucky dolls all around me. They both have told me they are shocked I saw it when I was five and turned out so normal. My mom still argues with me that I am not normal, and I would agree. Normal people are boring and I try to be anything but boring.

- What are some of your favourite horror movies and games?

   My favorite films of all time are An American Werewolf in London and Jaws. I can seriously sit and watch both of those movies over and over again and not be bored. The same goes for Monster Squad (Wolf mans got nards!) and Wax Work. I love the fact the werewolf is still practical in both of those films and they look amazing. I also grew up watching Project Metal Beast, which is another great and underrated Werewolf film like Bad Moon was. I can seriously talk on and on about my favorite horror films like Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein the first true Horror Comedy. 

As for video games, I still remember playing Resident Evil on the PlayStation and almost crapping myself when I opened the mansion doors and the dogs came through the door to try and attack me. Also, the first Alien Vs. Predator for the PC. I was playing that game late at night with the lights off when I heard a scurrying across the floor. Remind you, I was home alone and I couldn't see where the noise was coming from and all of a sudden I hear this loud SCREECH and the facehugger jumps and covers the screen. I remember jumping and going WTF?! and turning the lights on. The only time a game has freaked me out that bad recently was when playing Dead Space, that is a truly fun and terrifying game.

- You mentioned on your website that you originally wanted to make a zombie movie, but didn't have the budget. Is that still something you'd like to pursue?

   Definitely! I wrote a zombie comedy script where I pay homage to the original zombie films by Romero and the classic zombie films of the 80's. The one thing that annoys me in recent films is nobody seems to acknowledge other zombie stories or movies. They act dumb on how to kill the zombies when everyone knows that you destroy the brain (unless it is Return of the Living Dead than they just never die!). I also have another fun twist on the zombie community and how they become what they are that I think people will enjoy and certain people will be pissed off about. 

- If money were no object and you could cast anyone you wanted, what would be your dream movie?

   That's an awesome question. The person I would want to hire is Rick Baker. When it comes to actors, I respect them and all, but special effects masters are what make me happy. I would want to make my Wolfy book into a film and give Rick Baker the chance to create a bi-ped werewolf and transformation scene without CGI if he didn't want to use it. I have always wanted to see him do another werewolf transformation scene. It annoys me that there hasn't been a quality transformation since 1980 with AWIL and The Howling that wasn't CGI. I believe CGI if used as the complete tool looks cheap and isn't scary to anyone. 

However, if Practical is used and CGI is lightly mixed in as a tool, it can be beneficial. As for actors I would like to work with, probably Kane Hodder because I have met him on many occasions and he is just a super great guy and would be great to play the Werewolf seeing as how he did an amazing job in Project Metal Beast. As for others, I am not sure, I would have to see who is right for the spot. Maybe Emma Stone because she is a true geek girl and always seems to be having fun and that is what is most important when on set, a group of people who will have fun and not cause any drama.

- Apart from werewolves, have any effects particularly stood out as amazing to you?

   I would say Rob Bottin's The Thing! I absolutely love it along with Alien and Aliens by Stan Winston. Hell, the animatronics in Jurassic Park are amazing as well. I am a huge fan of practical effects houses like that of Masters FX! Todd Masters is truly amazing with everything he does.

- Would you like to work on other films in the special effects department, or are you happier directing?

   I am not a special effects person in the least. My mom does an amazing job and did the majority of the work here. The entire crew worked hard to make the blood believable and I will leave that to the pros, I prefer directing because I find it fun to work with the actors.

- Have you submitted SLEDGE to any film festivals?

  Yes we have! I intend to submit to a bunch next weekend and my goal is to get it all over the world. I am positive it will be accepted and people will get to watch it and judge it. I say judge it because that is what everyone does. I am a firm believer people will either love this movie or hate it because of the humor and I think that is how things should be personally.

- Will those of us here in Europe eventually get a chance to see the movie at festivals?

  Yes I plan on sending it to the UK, Australia and anywhere else I can think of. If your readers have festivals they'd like me to submit to please email me at sledgemovie13@gmail.com and I will make it happen!

- Finally, could you give a message to our readers?

   If you have an idea for a script, a book or a movie, sit down and write it. Don't let anyone say you can't do something because you can. Have faith in yourself and see what can happen. Sledge was filmed over four days and I created and wrote Sledge in a total of two days. Adam Lynch was created watching the show Holliston and named after two guys I look up to and who have helped me out a great deal by just giving my pointers and incite when I have asked; Adam Green and Joe Lynch. Just remember, if you don't try, you can't fail. Who knows, you may create something new and become the next Steven Spielberg, but you will never know if you don't take a chance.

Many thanks to Kristian for the interview!

To find out more about SLEDGE, the cast and crew, or to view a trailer, you can check out the sites below:

SLEDGEmovie.com
SLEDGE on Facebook
SLEDGE on IMDB

Interviews: Kei the Monstar Maker

UK-based blogger, crafter, and Monstar maker, Kei (of Unfortunately Oh!) recently let us into her world of monsters and shared a little of her life as a mad scientist seamstress...

What prompted you to start documenting your crafting projects on Unfortunately Oh! ?
When I first started to post photos of my projects online, people asked me how I made them. This ended up with a couple of tutorial posts and after seeing a number of awesome craft blogs, I decided to follow suit. Unfortunately Oh! was set up as a base where I could share crafting tutorials, though it's morphed into a bit more than that!

Were there any blogs in particular that you found inspiring in the beginning?
I started following a whole bunch of blogs at the same time, but I always found (and still find!) cool stuff on blogs like Flamingo Toes, Dollar Store Crafts, and Can't Stop Making Things

Many of the things you make are not as creepy-cute and scary as a monster. Do you enjoy making darker, spookier creations as a variation?
Yes! I do love dark and spooky things, so it's always fun to make things along that vein! I want to make items along that theme more frequently, it's just a case of fitting it in with the other styles and themes I love.

Have you made other types of dolls / toys before?
When I was a child I had one of those toy-making kits and ended up making a toy cat stuffed with old school tights! Then when I was older, I made a couple of ragdolls based off a pattern I found on the internet. I also customised a few old 11" dolls with paint and hand-sewn outfits, which had more of an alternative theme.

So it's been something of a lifelong hobby then?
Kind of. I've always been encouraged to be creative, but I didn't turn my eyes to toys and dolls until I was around ten or eleven.

How did you come up with the idea for Monstars?
I don't completely remember how I came up with the idea for Monstars. There have been monster-themed dolls in shops but they've always been mass produced and often only in a single colour, never unique. I made my first Monstar, named Percy, using scraps left over from old sewing projects. The name 'Monstars' was inspired by the title of the song, 'MOnsTar eAT CanDy & cHocOLaTo' by Japanese band the fool.

The Polka Dot Terror, a Monstar that found its way to HSL back in 2011

When you start making a Monstar, do you have a specific image in your mind, or do they develop as you progress?
I work using a few home-made patterns and decide upon which fabrics to put together, but details such as the eyes and mouth, any ears/hair, and the occasional third leg, happen as I go along.

That must give you a lot of freedom to make almost any kind of monster you wanted then. Even a teddy-eyed octopus monster or a doll-eyed fish yeti?
Why not!

How long does each one take to make?
About one and a half hours each, sometimes longer if I'm putting in extra details or doing fiddly bits like ears!

Each doll seems to have a personality of their own. Do they have individual back stories?
I'm working on it! They definitely seem to come to life as I make them. I feel a bit like Dr Frankenstein!

If you could bring one of your Monstars to life, Victor Frankenstein-style, which one would it be?
Percy, because he was my very first Monstar. I would like to know if he likes his hair and if he wishes I'd given him a scarf instead of a bow tie.

Percy, the original Monstar (far right)

Is Percy your favourite or does that honour go to someone else?
I don't have favourites, that would be unfair on the rest!

If you had the chance to work with another artist/crafter on a fusion between a Monstar and some of their works, who would you work with and what would you create?
It's a garden dream, but I would love to create a Music/Monstar fusion with the singer/pianist, Jill Tracy. Her music is splendidly dark and delicious! The fusion would be a musical Monstar. The Monstar would be designed to compliment her music and contain a voice box so that when its head is pressed, Jill Tracy's music would flow out.

Finally, could you give a message to our readers who enjoy your work?
My Monstars have loving hearts, so please continue to love them back!

Many thanks to Kei for doing the interview!

Pepe Monstar

If you'd like to see more of Kei's crafts, or to get your hands on a Monstar, check out the links below:
Unfortunately Oh!
Etsy Store

Interview: Natalia Hernández González

Piano Song by Natalia Hernández González

Last month we wrote about Natalia Hernández González, an up and coming, spooky Spanish artist, whose mixture of childlike and macabre make her pieces both fascinating to look at and slightly unsettling. This month, HSL has had the opportunity to interview Natalia and find out what inspires her work.

- Firstly, thank you for doing this interview. Please could you introduce yourself for those unfamiliar with your work?

My name is Natalia; I always liked drawing, painting... art in general. I studied Fine Arts, but during the degree I was not sure what I wanted to do. In the last course I discovered the illustration world, and I haven’t been able to escape since then, nor have I wanted to.

When I started painting I realized paintings like a cloth doll hanging from the neck. This doll appears in several other pieces. Obviously, or not so much, almost anyone liked this kind of art.

People ask me very often why I draw these things, and not cute others. Well, I consider that I do esthetically nice characters and scenes, but most of the times the background is dark and sinister. I love this contradiction; this is all, nothing more. I love it.

I created the Spooky Delight blog around two years ago. I update everything I do. I would like to work as an illustrator, and since then I’m drawing daily (more or less) to get it.

And because of people like all of you, I am really pleased to do it.

- When did you first realize you wanted to be an artist?

First of all, thank you for calling me an artist. At the moment I don’t consider myself as an artist, I simply love drawing, and I love my little creatures.

I always known I would like to work in something that I liked, and there is nothing I like more than this.

Also, I like drawing since I have memory.

- Are there any other artists whose work you particularly enjoy?

There are innumerable artist I admire: popular artists and others not so well-known, and from different disciplines, as Tim Burton, Mark Ryden, Roman Dirge, Gus Fink, Ray Caesar, Nicoletta Ceccoli, David Stoupakis, Chet Zar, and a very large etc.

- Have they been influential to your style?

Of course. Always has to be a start.

My beginnings were investigating those artists because I liked their work. My style is a consequence of investigating them but it is not in a deliberate way. I learn something from every one of them, it’s such  subliminal messages in my mind.

- What else inspires you when creating a piece?

My state of mind. I recognize that not always I can draw as I want, because I’m obligated to do more commercial things.

Drawing is my therapy to escape this suffocating world. I know that it’s not the correct way, but usually, when I draw only for me, I don’t think what I’m doing: without a sketch, I grab paper and pencil, or computer and tablet, and it simply appears.

In addition, I have a file with different pictures that I collect. When I’m blank I use to review this file to inspire me.

Balance by  Natalia Hernández González

- Some of your pieces, such as 'Balance' have a specific theme and message. Is it important for your audience to understand the meaning or are you happy if they simply enjoy the aesthetics?

No, it’s not important for me that everybody understands what I want to say. It’s funny when they give me their different points of view. ‘Balance’ is for a contest with a specific theme, but it’s not usually that way, only if it’s for a request or similar.

- If you had to describe your art in five words, which five words would you choose?

Sinister, childhood, cute, tragic, fun.

- A lot of your pieces are simultaneously creepy and cute. Is it difficult to maintain the balance between those elements?

It’s not really difficult; I do it without thinking about it. A trick is including strange or dark elements in an inappropriate scene.

 - Does the "creepy-cute artist" box ever confine what you create, or do you simply paint / draw whatever you're inspired to paint / draw, regardless of the label?

I never think about it. I only draw, I don’t care about labels, but I like to move through these two words: creepy and cute.

- As well as painting from your imagination, you take commissions from clients. Is it difficult to work around someone else's ideas, or is it fun to produce designs in styles that you might not have tried otherwise?

Both parts have enough weight. It’s difficult to work through the eyes of a customer, but it supposes a funny challenge. Sometimes, as you say, I discover or learn something new, and these little things ends in a big learning.

- What's the most interesting commission you've been given so far?

I worked on the illustration of a children's book, and I really liked the illustrations and the story. It wasn't as dark as others, but I’m very pleased with the results, I think they illustrate very well the most important moments and still keep the spooky style.

- Over the years, you've been using digital painting more frequently. Do you prefer it to "traditional" mediums (acrylics, watercolours etc.)?

I like painting with both mediums. Lately I draw with the digital way due to the small space that I have, but sometimes I need to change to watercolor or acrylic, I miss it. Sometimes I also need the fast results of the watercolor, or its organic shapes.

- How else has your style changed since you began professionally?

Modestly, I think that I have been improving over time technically, and the scenes are more subtle than before but more sinister too (especially the more personal work).

Offering by Natalia Hernández González

- What's the best thing about being a professional artist & designer?

The best is looking back and see what you have learned and improved. Those little things you learn while working, really show the difference with older work.

- And the worst?

I think the worst is the hard effort of sending the work, trying to show it to as many people as possible, and being rejected in some places.

- When you're not creating, how do you like to spend your free time?

When I’m not creating I’m sending e-mails with portfolios, with CVs, speaking with potential clients etc. But in my free time I like listening to music, going out with my friends, and taking care to my small pets: a white bunny and a black ferret.

- Lastly, could you give a message to any fans of your art?

I would like to thank everyone who sees and likes my pictures. The work comes really alive when there is other people that talk about it.

Many thanks to Natalia for the interview! 

You can check out more of her work on the websites below:

• Spooky Delight
• Twitter
• Facebook

Interview: Peter H. Brothers, Author of 'Devil Bat Diary'

Recently, HSL had the chance to interview three-time Rondo Classic Horror Award nominee and author of 'Devil Bat Diary: The Journal of Johnny Layton', Peter H. Brothers. Below, he tells us more about 'Devil Bat Diary', his respect and admiration for Bela Lugosi, as well as exclusive details about his upcoming novel, the 'Devil Bat Diary' sequel, 'Terror in Tinseltown'!

- First of all, thank you for taking time out to do this interview. 

How would you describe your writing style, for those unfamiliar with your work?

First of all, it's my pleasure and I am grateful for your interest in my book.

  

My writing style for "DBD" is first-person subjective and what I term "poetic prose," a combination of the gritty, the romantic, the sensitive and the brusque with plenty of alliteration. 

- 'Devil Bat Diary: The Journal of Johnny Layton' - is dedicated to the memory of the late actor Bela Lugosi. Were you a fan of his films before you started writing 'Devil Bat Diary', or is it an appreciation you developed whilst doing research?

I've been a fan of Mr. Lugosi since I saw "Dracula" back in 1973 and that was the beginning.  Since then I have studiously watched his films and read all that I can on him.  Far from the short-tempered and foul-mouth bitter old man as he was portrayed in "Ed Wood" he was a gentleman, the consummate actor, a true professional who loved his craft and was intensely devoted to it.  He was intensely passionate on screen and was a fascinating person.  He is my idol and inspiration.  In summation, I would not be here today if not for his movies and I visit his grave every year around his birthday to pay him my homage and respect.  

- What drew you to creating a story inspired by 'The Devil Bat', rather than some of the other popular horror / science fiction films of the same era?

Well Bela was forced to act in a lot of 'Poverty Row Quickies' during his lifetime but always gave 100% and never played down to the material.  "The Devil Bat" is my favorite film of his and there is a very likeable quality about it.  It was an unusual film for its time and somewhat ahead of its time with its ironic tongue-in-cheek humor. 

The film manages to capture the quintessential Lugosi role: that of a man out for revenge who is in his own way justified, and in a sick sense we as audience members can identify with his frustrations and hopes he gets away with it (hey, who wouldn't want a bevy of Devil Bats at his disposal to dispose those who annoy him or who have done him wrong?).  

- Do you think readers who have seen 'The Devil Bat' will get more out of 'Devil Bat Diary' than those that haven't?

That's a good question.  Some have asked me if they should see the movie before reading the book, and I tell them that the book works both as a companion to the movie and as a stand-alone novel.  Some may expect my book to be a behind-the-scenes disclosure of the making of the movie, and others have expressed disappointment that my novel is not a verbatim retelling of the film and the subsequent liberties I have taken with some of the characters, which I did to make them stand-out more; for example, "One-Shot" McGuire did not talk with a Brooklyn accent in the film, nor was Chief Wilkins gay!

- Was it challenging working with characters that have been introduced in a story line previously?

My whole purpose in writing this book was to see if I could do it, in other words, write a novel.  To be fair I did use a proven template with established characters, but could I set a mood, descbribe personalities, create suspense?  Feeling I had accomplished this has given me the necessary impetus to write the sequel, "Terror In Tinseltown."

- As well as challenging, was it interesting reshaping / expanding upon the personalities and plot from the movie?

It was fun.  It's a little like playing God, you know, playing with these persons and giving them more to do and embellishing their personalities.  We really know very little about their backgrounds (they simply didn't have the time or inclination to worry about stuff like that back then when making these films) and so I had a good time rounding-out their characters.

- Have you included any new characters, or mainly concentrated on developing and deepening the existing ones?

As a matter-of-fact, the character of the coroner did have a part in the original film, but his scene was removed prior to release.  Getting the details on this is now impossible as all the people involved with the production have long-since passed and the records have disappeared.  I only added one-or-two new characters (such as McGinty's secretary, Gladys) but mainly stayed with the folks seen in the film, about eight or nine as I recall.  In contrast there are over two-dozen new characters in the sequel.

- Without giving away too many plot details, what would you say were the main differences between the character of Johnny Layton and his re-imagining in the novel?

Pretty much the same, or at least how I imagined him to be.  It's an interesting concept to show footage of a person reacting to situations, then creating his personae based on mere observation.  There's quite of bit of me in his character as well, as I think he and I have much in common. 

- If a new film based on 'Devil Bat Diary' was made, are there any actors that you think would be well-suited to your characters?

You know, I am amazed no one has remade this movie, it is absolutely in tune with the times, but who would play Lugosi's part?  Perhaps Robert De Niro, who was indeed slated to play Lugosi in a biographical film back in the 1970s (of course, I wouldn't mind playing the part myself as I also act, and guess who inspired me to do that?  Bela of course!).  

- In the description of the book, it's noted that subjects and situations that wouldn't have been acceptable to the 1940's film viewers are included. Was it important to update the story for a modern audience with "malicious murders, sacred sex and revolting revelations"?

I put that in to increase interest in the book and to prep the reader for some rather adult subject matter.  I have already gotten in trouble for it: a kid on a monster movie forum objected to the scene where the naked and stimulated Wilkins is chasing Layton around the office, and a lady reviewer in South Africa objected to the "vulgar" language.  Can't please them all . . . 

- Following 'Devil Bat Diary', you've also started writing 'Terror in Tinseltown'. What can we expect from it?

Well it's the Great American Novel (wink).  "Devil Bat Diary" was approximately 52,000 words long and "Terror In Tinseltown" clocks in at over 88,000.  I put everything I had into it and used all my skill.  It is a totally original work and I carry-over only a few characters from the first book (well most of them were killed-off anyway). 

In this new book - and this is the first time it has been mentioned on the WWW - Layton and McGuire are sent to Hollywood to investigate a series of grisly murders of Hollywood agents.  During their adventures they encounter monsters, mobsters, Hollywood luminaries and Layton is reunited with a lost love, but no names yet please!  I hope the book will be ready by July.

- Do you have any other upcoming projects in the works?

One item that needs to be attended to is a revised edition of my book "Mushroom Clouds and Mushroom Men - The Fantastic Cinema of Ishiro Honda."  That will be the next project and possibly one on the making of the first Godzilla film.

Will there be a third book in the Devil Bat series?  I hope so if sales are good, should be a trilogy you know.  

  

- Lastly, if you had to sum up 'Devil Bat Diary' in 5 words, what would they be?

To write or to read?  Well let's make it: Funny, Frightening, Thought-Provoking, Atmospheric and I hope Entertaining! 

To find out more about 'Devil Bat Diary' or Peter H. Brothers' other projects, you can visit his official website here.

Interviews: Zombie Rust

Horror Shock Lolipop recently had the chance to interview dark artist Zombie Rust about his creations, inspirations and more...

'You're It!' by Zombie Rust

First of all, thank you for doing this interview. Could you introduce yourself for those who are unfamiliar with your work?

Hello, I am Zombie Rust and though this is not actually my real name, I’m still Zombie Rust. I illustrate stuff.

You're a self-taught artist, but what first made you want to start improving and practicing your skills seriously?

I guess I always had that urge to draw. I used to draw cartoons right after I read tons of comic books back when I was very little. That stopped at some point for no particular reason. Later, when Rouble (http://roublerust.blogspot.com/), my life partner, picked up some brushes and started painting, I got back to it too. We’ve been enjoying that healthy artistic relationship ever since.

'Zombie Kill' by Zombie Rust

Do people ever think more/less of your work because you are self-taught, or is it irrelevant?

I never had a comment concerning that. I guess when people stumble upon some art that they like on the internet, don’t necessarily search the artist’s background, so I believe the self-taught artist factor is more of irrelevant.

Are there any other artists that have inspired you?

Inspiration to me comes from many different levels. Comics, movies, music, real life struggle. My list of inspirational people would be endless and much versatile. To name just a few: Robert Crumb, Basil Gogos, Steve Ditko, Rick Veitch, Jack Kirby, Gil Kane, Alex Toth, Frank Miller, Brian Bolland, the recently deceased Gene Colan, Alex Ross, Neil Adams, both John Romitas, David Mazzuchelli, Joe Orlano, Daniel Clowes, Scott McCloud… Those are pretty much the greatest artists of all time in comics, but people like Alice Cooper, Herschell Gordon Lewis, Johnny Cash, Woody Allen, Alfred Hitchcock, Edgar Allan Poe, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Bob Dylan, Stanley Kubrick and their equals also make the list.

Although you do create some pieces that are unrelated to horror, most of your art is pretty spooky. What drew you to this style?

I really don’t want to be strictly associated with horror only. I guess I tend to it more. I have a dark mind.

Your fan art mostly features icons of classic horror. What do you think of modern horror?

I like modern horror, some times as much as the classic stuff. There are some brilliant people out there right now making movies, some of which will be considered as classics too in some years from now. Sure the oldies are unique and incomparable, but times are changing and every era has its own needs. There’s always been great art in every time period.

'Dr. Frankenstein and the Bride of the Monster' by Zombie Rust

What are your favourite horror movies/books/games?

That would be another of my endless lists too. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 1974, Dawn of the Dead 1978 (the re-imagined 2004 version is pretty neat too) and everything in the Romero undead series, the 1930s Frankenstein series (even the later ones), Halloween 1978, almost everything Hammer Horror produced in the 60s, Herschell Gordon Lewis’ gore, Jack Hill’s exploitation flicks, Italian horrors like Bava, Argento and Fulci. I could go on forever.

When it comes to books I’m pretty much predictable. Poe, King, Lovecraft, Matheson, Barker and definitely horror comics like Eerie and Creepy, Steve Niles’ work, stuff like that.

The most recent horror game I have enjoyed is Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare. Zombies in the wild west, how much more awesome than that could it be? Resident Evil and Silent Hill were always among my favourites too.

'Brains! Live Brains!' by Zombie Rust

Would you like to illustrate movie posters or DVD covers if you had the chance?

Definitely! Record covers too. I’m surrounded by thousands of them in my house and I’ll never get tired of watching them. Combining art with text is always a great challenge.

It's a separate type of art, but would you consider painting horror props and haunted house scenery/sets?

Sounds very interesting and it has crossed my mind in the past but never got around to it. I’m especially interested in masks. If I ever manage to make some I’m going to wear them all the time…

What are the main differences between drawing/painting a stand alone artwork and creating a piece for a comic?

Sequential art requires you to be more disciplined and determined to reach your goal. Finishing a comic page gives me greater pleasure. Knowing that I had worked methodically and succeeded to finish can’t compare to any single piece’s creating procedure, no matter how good it is or how hard I have worked on it.

'Towel Dipped in Blood' by Zombie Rust

Why did you choose to write a comic based on the members of the Manson Family?

I’ve always been interested in the case. There have been so many books about it, films, documentaries and I think I’ve seen and read most of them. I find it truly shocking how those incidents unfolded and one thing lead to another, ending up to people losing their lives.

Have you had any negative reactions to that decision?

Yes, but thankfully not much. I’ve been called a Manson fan, which I’m not. I don’t blame people for being upset over that, it’s a very delicate matter and I don’t expect everyone to understand my intentions. Glorifying crime is not one of them.

Excerpt from 'The Boogeyman's Real'
By Zombie Rust

In 'The Boogeyman's Real', the dialogue between the blind man and the pumpkin-headed figure is quite like the scene between the blind man and the Monster in 'The Bride of Frankenstein'. Was that intentional?

Yes it was. It’s a kind of an absurd tribute to one of my most favourite films. There will be more stuff like this in the comic.

'Halloween' by Zombie Rust

The pose in one frame of that scene looks similar to your digital work 'Halloween'. Are the ideas connected? Did you develop one from the other?

Yes and thanks for noticing that! I like the cliché character I created for this comic. Having the hermit in the place I had in the self portrait, caressing the so called Boogeyman, sort of symbolizes how I care about the character and how the story develops.

Will you be posting more of your comics online soon?

Hopefully. I’m kinda taking a short break to clear my mind for a while, but soon there’ll be more from the already in progress ones, as well as some new ideas I have developed and haven’t talked about publicly yet.

'The Black Album' has a very distinctive dark and sketchy look. Did you use this style on purpose, or was it something that developed by accident?

'Untitled' by Zombie Rust

Indian ink is such an amazing medium. Experimenting with it and a couple of certain brushes that I like only seemed like a good idea for the pieces I wanted to create. I like to see this Black Album style as my art stripped down to the core. So, it’s definitely on purpose.

If you weren't an artist, what would be your ideal job?

Tough call. I guess owning my own comic book store, or record store, or movie store or all-these-in-one store would be nice. No bosses, no problem kind of attitude. But in times when the economy sucks and less people care in buying physical products than downloading them illegally from the internet, this idea doesn’t seem so good.

Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to become an artist?

No, I’m not the best of people to do that, I can barely advise myself.

When you're not busy creating, what do you do in your free time?

Reading, watching and listening to stuff, procrastinating, playing video games, quality time with Rouble.

Lastly, could you give a message to fans of your work?

No other than big thank yous to everyone who has supported my art so far in any way. I’m grateful for every single print or tee or whatever I have sold so far and for every little comment I ever had. I intend to get better by the time and feedback is always helpful.

For more information on his work, you can visit Zombie Rust's Website:

http://www.zombierust.com