Fangoria Returns to Forbidden Planet NY!

On January 17, 2019, the second issue of the reborn Fangoria  was being signed at New York City's Forbidden Planet by a variety of people who worked on the issue, much like had been done for the premiere issue back in October of last year. And, like last time, I was on-hand to pick up the issue and get it autographed. I should mention that the cover is super fucking cool and features one of my heroes, Joe Bob Briggs on it!

On hand this time around to sign the issue were:
Phil Nobile Jr.- Editor in Chief
Michael Gingold- Former EIC
Tony Timpone- Former EIC
Ben Kissel- Last Podcast on the Left
Marcus Parks- Last Podcast on the Left
Rich Russell- Cover Effects Artist, Gotham FX
Meredith Graves- MTV, Lead Signer of Punk Band Perfect Pussy
Roman Chimienti- Director of Scream, Queen: My Nightmare on Elm Street
Tyler Jensen- Director of Scream, Queen: My Nightmare on Elm Street
Daniel Robbins- Director of Pledge
Zack Weiner- Screenwriter/ Actor, Pledge
Zachery Byrd- Actor Pledge

I was really happy to see just how long the line was, as many horror fans showed up to support Fango. It was also great to catch up with people I already knew and introduce myself to others. I hope Forbidden Planet keep doing this for every issue of Fango, cause I will keep coming out for all of them! I should also mention that this issue maybe even better than the first one, which is saying a lot!

Below you can see my autographed issue:

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Fangoria- Witness the Rebirth: Signing at Forbidden Planet NYC

It was a sad day in the horror world when in 2017, Fangoria ceased to be in print. It seemed all is lost until the magazine was announced to be returning to print, earlier this year. This would be with new leadership, that of editor-in-chief Phil Nobile Jr. Last Thurday on Jan., Oct. 4, 2018, there was a relaunch party and signing at the best damn comic-book shop in the world, Forbidden Planet NYC, and of course. I was there to partake in it!

It took a while for the guests to all get there, but once they did it was on! There were lots of fans on hand waiting on the line, excited to meet everyone and to get our hands on the new issue of Fangoria, which is officially numbered Vol. 2 #1 (though on the film strip it also says #349).

On hand were many horror and Fangoria luminaries, including:
Phil Nobile Jr.- Editor in Chief
Michael J. Seidlinger- Author of "Fangoria" Presents novel "My Per Serial Killer"
Michael Gingold- former EIC "Fangoria"
Tony Timpone- former EIC "Fangoria"
Norm Jacobs- Co-Creator "Fangoria"
Tom Weaver- Writer and Reviewer, AKA Dr. Cyclops from "Fangoria"
Brian O'Halloran- Actor
And, many more!

I got to talk a little to some of them, saying hi to those I already know like Timpone and Gingold, while introducing myself, to the new faces like Nobile (while, of course, mentioning that I had written for Fango in the past). I even got to tell Weaver, AKA Dr. Cyclops (below), that he was a big influence on me. He was like, "Oh no!" and laughed it off.

This was such an exciting and grandiose moment in horror history. I was happy to attend and get my issued sign. I had a blast, all while doing this, making it one of the true highlights on my entire year!

The magazine, itself, looks gorgeous. Perhaps the best it has looked since it's golden era, if not ever. It is now published seasonally (AKA four times a year). I am loving pouring through the issue and already cannot wait for the next issue (out in Jan). Long live Fangoria!

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Deep Red Magazine Launch Party at Forbidden Planet NYC

On July, Friday the 13th, 2018, Forbidden Planet NYC celebrated the relaunch of the classic horror magazine, Deep Red! This classic horror magazine was the creation of one Chas. Balun, a legend in the horror community. One of the most beloved writers to ever deal with the genre, Balun knew and loved horror and splatter very deeply. The man knew his gore films and was never afraid to speak his mind, even if the movie he was referring to sucked ass. He was my hero, my biggest influence, both in my love for horror, especially of the extreme variety, and my writing. Without his influence my life, and career, quite frankly would be very different. As such, this relaunch was one of the most exciting things I knew were happening the entire summer! I had to be there and attend.

There was a big list of those that worked on the magazine that were present. They signed copies of the magazine and talked to fans. They were all so so gracious and awesome! After all, they are fans like all of us are and live for and love the same bloody and scary things that we do. 

Those present were: 
Tom Skulan (Publisher)
John Szpunar (Editor-in-chief)
Raz Sanchez (Managing editor and copy writer)
Contributing Writers: Chris Poggiali, Dennis Daniel, Nick Casto, Mike Hunchback, and Art Ettinger
Contributing Artists: Matt Putrid Carr and Eric Rott
Some of them worked on the original Deep Red, others were new blood to the mag. All were cool as fuck!

I got to talk to them about my love and the influence of Chas. I learned that many were influenced by the man, themselves (how can you be a writer into bloody horror movies and not be?!), and of course, some knew the man and had been friends with him. The fact that they liked my Friday the 13th Victims and Survivors tee from Fright-Rags, that I was wearing on that day, was so humbling!

I got the issue signed by all. Simply looking at the glorious cover (which has images inspired by Slugs, Videodrome, and Tenebrae, as well Chas., himself) was enough to make me go all fanboy! The inside is great and having started reading it, I can tell you that it is awesome. It definitely keeps the legend and spirit of Chas. Balun alive!

There is also a glorious hardcover version, that they had on their table and were preparing signed copies of!

This was without a doubt the highlight of my summer, so far. If you are a fan of gory horror, you need to buy and read Deep Red! Here is to its return and the memory of Chas. Balun. And, I am keeping crossing my fingers and hoping that one day, I may have the honor of writing for them.

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MODEL HUNGER Signing at Forbidden Planet NYC 7/13/16

Yesterday, July 13, 2016, there was a signing for the DVD of the just released indie-horror flick Model Hunger at Forbidden Planet in NYC. The movie marks the directorial debut of scream queen legend, the lovely Debbie Rochon.

Among those present for the signing were: Aurelio Voltaire, Carmine Capobianco, Adam Torkel, James Morgart (the movie's writer and producer), Suzi Lorraine, Kaylee Williams, and, of course, Debbie, herself.  

 

It had been a while since I last saw Debbie, which coincidentally was at a signing in the same store (the one for the Fangoria book) a little over a year ago. But, it had been much longer since I last saw Suzi. That was way back at Saturday Nightmares in 2011 (!), where I actually got to do a little interview with her and Debbie, actually.

 

Anyway, I had a blast at the signing and look forward to seeing the movie, finally. I been meaning to do just that ever since I first heard about it. The movie also stars other legendary horror actresses in the form of Lynn Lowry and Tiffany Shepis. I'll review/ share my thoughts on it when I do. Below you will see my signed copy of it, as well as a signed copy of Delirium magazine (bought said mag online,via Full Moon's website, by the way). The issue features on article on this very movie, and Debbie signed it for me. This is an EXCELLENT mag, bought to you by Charles Band and has guys from Fango like Chris Alexander and Michael Gingold working on it.

 

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Garbage Pail Kids Mystery Vinyl Unboxing- Hot Scott & Forbidden Planet NYC Shopping

 

The series of firsts for my site continues! This time I do my first ever on video unboxing. This being of the first Garbage Pail Kids mystery vinyl figure by Funko, which ends up being Hot Scott.

I also show the other stuff that I picked up at Forbidden Planet NYC, yesterday. They include the latest issues of Godzilla in Hell and He-Man and the Eternity War, as well as Rue Morgue's Horrorwood North. That is their latest book and it is all about Canadian horror flicks.

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FANGORIA COVER TO COVER Signing at Forbidden Planet 4/2/15

Fangoria is one of the most important magazines in my entire life. Not only did it fuel and influence my love of horror, but it was the first place that I would eventually end up getting published in. As such, the concept of a hardcover book featuring the covers from the mag was one that really appealed to me. And, as such I was excited for the new Fangoria Cover to Cover, which is just that. I was even more excited to see that my favorite comic-book shop, Forbidden Planet, was gonna have a signing with many from the magazine's past and present contributors and horror luminaries, including my friend Debbie Rochon.

I got there about a half hour before it started and waited in line. It started a little late as the legendary Dick (Gremlins 1 & 2, The Terminator) Miller wasn't feeling well and had to leave. Thank God, I met him years ago at one of the old Fangoria Weekend of Horrors conventions! As always, it was great to talk to my fellow horror fans on the line, as we waited. Also, the Quick Bunny, randomly holding Thor's hammer Mjolnir showed up and entertained us.

Tom Savini didn't show up, while I was there but did after I left. Oh, well, doesn't matter. I've met him many times, before. The people that were there were: Tony Timpone (who was the editor of Fango for the longest run, so far and edited this book), Anthony Ferrante (who has toiled in the magazine and directed Sharknado among other movies), Michael Gingold, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (who wrote Afterlife with Archie), legendary horror/ cult director Frank Henenlotter, horror director Larry Fessenden, scream queen Debbie Rochon, legendary artist Basil Gogos, director Jeff (Squirm) Leiberman, among many others.

One of my personal favorite directors, Frank Henelotter has made the Basket Case Trilogy, Frankenhooker (which he signed my blu-ray copy of!), Brain Damage (my absolute favorite of his, which I made sure to tell him), Bad Biology, and other great films. I was so happy to finally meet him!

Fango's two Tonys! My fellow Italians: Anthony Ferrante and Tony Timpone.

I was so happy to see Debbie, once again. It had been a long time since I has last seen her at the last Saturday Nightmares that had been held. I was so happy to see and talk to her for a bit. She asked how the writing was going for me and was happy for my success. Debbie is so sweet and awesome. I am proud to call her a friend. She also signed my blu-ray copy of Return to Nuke Em High Vol. 1. 

 

 

 

I was quite honored to meet the one of my favorite artists: Basil Gogos. His work has graced the covers of the classic monster magazine Famous Monsters of Filmland. That magazine was so important in the creation of Fango, itself. He has been in the pages of Fango, too, of course.

 

I had such a blast at this event! I love horror and will love it forever. Glad I got this book and expect a review coming soon!

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