NYCC 2011: Day 1

Make no bones about it, New York Comic Con (NYCC) is THE biggest convention on the Eastcoast. And, after years of not going, I, the Master, returned with a vengeance. Extended to four days, instead of the regular three and with a ton of guests, panels, and exclusive toys, this promised to be THE biggest one yet.

The very first day was on Oct. 13, 2011, a Thursday. This day was open only to pros, press, and those who bought a four day ticket. So, it was nice an quiet and a great day to walk around the Jacob Javits Center (where the con is held). It started at 4PM, and I, along with my friend Alan, got there about that time.

First and foremost, as soon as you walk you in are reminded just how big this convention is. There are so many rooms and three floors that are used, so it is very easy to get lost. We certainly did. We even lost certain tables. It's insanity!

The first booth I visited was Hasbro. They had an amazing display of some of their Marvel comics figures. It was really an amazing looking set-up.
Here a quikee vid I shot of it.


I also took the chance to pick up the exclusive Compound Hulk figure. He appeared in issue #30, when they were both joined as one. I admit I ain't read a Hulk comic in ages, but even if this whole thing is silly I loved the figure. I had to own it, moreso at a mere 11 bucks. Here it is with some other figures (including an exclusive Deadpool Mini-Mates) I got over the course of the next fews days.

I also had the chance to become an official Avengers action figure! Well, OK not really, but I think this pic, taken by Alan, aka NegativePop, is pretty cool. What do you think my assecories would be, if I was a real action figure?

Also, at Hasbro was a cutie who worked for them cosplaying as Jem. For those who may not know Jem was a cartoon based on a girl's doll about a pop singer named Jem and her band the Holograms. I admit to watching that show. You know you did, too! Don't deny it!

Next up was a visit to Mattel, where I there were awesome displays for WWE, DC, and Master of the Universe action figures.

Evil-Lyn has long been one of my fav MOTU characters.

Shadow Weaver finally gets a figure!!!

The Alberto Del Rio figure kicks ass! Gotta love the chihuahua!

There are beauties all over the show. Some of them are working at booths, like this stunning lady. She worked at the Vixens of Virtue, Vixens of Vice booth. She didn't reveal on which side her character will be, but one cool thing she told me is that she is a fellow writer. I actually got a bunch of pics of her, so look for future installments, of this series of posts, for more of her!

I did a little wondering here and there and saw more cool things. Due to the relaxed feeling this was easily my second favorite day of the whole event. But the REAL craziness was yet, to come...
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Now playing: Bruce Dickinson - Tears Of The Dragon
via FoxyTunes

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Experiment in Torture

Director: Sean MacArthur
Writers: Sara Angressan & Seam MacArthur
Cast: Brendan Connor, Marjan Faritous, Jessica Montanez, Gina Martinez, Kevin J. Brewerton
Year: 2007
Min: 80

A bunch of strippers, lured by easy money, go to a remote mountain getaway. Suddenly, they are drugged, tortured, and/ or ultimately killed by a sadistic madman.

This piss poor slasher meets torture porn crap is truly bottom of the barrel shit. The acting is piss poor and the dialogue even worse. There is a scene where, and I kid you not here, a girl sits in a toilet and all drugged out, thanks her pussy for all it has given her! Sadly, this flick never rises above the toilet, itself. Characters pop in and out of nowhere. And, what makes it even worse is there is no character development throughout its miserable running time. You truly won't give a flying fuck what happens to anybody in this piece of shit.

I have no clue how it took two to write this crap, since the movie makes no narrative sense. I still don't understand some of it, and quite frankly I don't care to. The flat directing gives the movie zero suspense. There is some horrible shakey camera work, where you can't see shit, and the ending is terrible. The ending is one those, "That's it?!" type deals that makes the preceding even more pointless. But, hey at least it was fucking over!! The end credits by the way have the title track, which is not only a godawful song, but has some ridiculous lyrics like, "Kinda makes me sad to sing this song". You know what makes me sad? That a major studio, Lionsgate in this case, releases filth like this.

On top of that, the editing is also pretty fucking bad. In fact, in one scene, there is a jump cut. Really? Maybe, these guys set out to make the world's most amateur Saw/ Hostel/ slasher flick rip-off in history. If so, congrats assholes! You fucking succeeded with flying colors!

Now, you might say well, maybe the gore is good. Well, you're wrong there, too! Most of the violence occurs off-screen, and when you do see it, the FX look terrible and cheap, including the most fake looking decapitation and amputation, I have seen outside of a student movie. In keeping with the cheap look and feel of the movie, the DVD transfer flat out sucks. It's dark and grainy, and I doubt that was done for any "effect".

The only thing I can say positive about it is the girls are pretty. There is a lot of nudity at the beginning, but after that NOTHING! They're strippers for God's sake! Give us more flesh! Still, this is NO reason to see this, though, as there so many better horror movies with strippers as protagnists, including a bunch of Roger Corman flicks from the 90s.

In all, this movie is an experiment in torture alright. But, it only really succeeded in torturing me. Fuck this one!!

1/2 (a star) out of ****

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A Tribute to the Nicest Bad Guy: David Hess (1942-2011)

It is with great sadness that I write this tribute to one of my favorite actors of all time: David Hess. I was devastated when I heard about it yesterday. It's a huge loss not just to the horror world, but the world in general.

Hess was born in New York City on September 19, 1942. He actually wrote some music for the King, himself, Elvis Presley. By 1969, he would become the head of A&R for Mercury Records.

But, his biggest legacy came from his movie roles. He got bthe lead villain role of Krug in Wes Craven's classic and controversially brutal The Last House on the Left. He played the leader of a group of scumbags that rape, beat, humilate, and kill two pretty girls, only to have bloody revenge from the parents of one of the girls, happen to them. Hess was great in the role. An evil and despicable character that would go to be one of cinema's best villains. He also wrote and performed the songs for the movie. This is Waiting for the Rain from that great movie.


He had a similar role playing yet another vile rapist in Ruggero (Cannibal Holocaust) Deodato's mean-spirited and excellently acted House on the Edge of the Park. He had a great cast to play off of, and the movie is very intense and savage. The scene where he slices a pretty, fully nude virgin with a straight razor is pretty hard stuff to watch. As is always the case, Hess was just amazing as the sleazy and utterly menacing scumbag.

While, he had many more roles, the next one I saw of his was his was his return to working with horror master Wes Craven, Swamp Thing. A medicore adaption of the DC comics horror/ super-hero comic of the same name is kind of forgettable, but not that bad. It is helped by his acting, as a baddie of course, and the rest of the cast, including, the beautiful Adrienne Barbaeu.

The last movie I saw with him, was the last movie he shot fully, Smash Cut. It's quite a different role from his other horror roles, in that while he plays the villain, it's a light-heart fun romp. He had a great and fun cast to work with including the lovely Sasha Grey. I personally had such a good time watching this one.

I had the pleasure of meeting him back in 2001, I believe, when he did Chiller Theatre. He was so nice to me, as he was with all his fans. He signed my 8x10 with "Piss your pants", a quote from Last House.

On Saturday, he died of a heartache. He leaves behind three kids. Hess will always be remember by his fans as one of the greatest villains of the splatter age of horror. He will also always be remembered for how fan friendly he was. God bless you, David Hess and may you RIP.

This following video was made as a reel role for him originally, but now plays as a remembrance and loving tribute to him. One of my friends, a fellow fan of his, sent to me today. It features clips from the movies above and others, as well, and music of his.


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Now playing: Dream Theater - Lie
via FoxyTunes

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Dr. Satan Lives!!!

All pictures were taken and designed by Alan Camuto.

Dr. Satan has been a long time staple in the Chiller Theatre Expo. For the last couple of years he has been haunting the eastcoast biggest and best horror convention.

Inspired by the character of the same name from Rob Zombie's cult favorite House of 1000 Coprses, long time horror fan and metalhead, Pat Keenan, decided to dress up as him at Chiller. When, he saw how successful it was, he decided to stick with it.

It has become part of Chiller tradition to see him haunt the hallways of the convention. Where ever he goes he always draws a lot of attention. Believe me, I've hung and followed the guy around. Everyone wants to get a picture with him. Even celebrities want pics him. Beautiful female celebs, at that, some of whom will charge others for pics with. They will go up to him ask him to take a picture with them! He is, thus, a celeb, in his own right. At the right you will see a great example of this, as the lovely Tara (formerly Victoria of WWE) of TNA got a picture with him.

Whats most awesome about him, is not just how good the costume and mask are, but how he stays in character. He remains quite and menacing, throughout. He won't even say a word for a pretty girl! That's pretty impressive and shows some great dedication to the role and character.

I, myself, am quite the fan of seeing Dr. Satan roam around Chiller. And, I don't just say this as the guy's friend. Even, if I didn't know the man behind the mask I would still be a fan. After all, I really love Zombie's movie and the character, and he more than does him justice. He IS Dr. Satan!

DR. SATAN! DR. SATAN! DR. SATAN! DR. SATAN! DR. SATAN!

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Naughty Swag and Raven Alexis Team-Up for a Good Cause

I first heard about beautiful adult actress Raven Alexis being very ill, through via Twitter. But, it was later that I heard that what she has is brain cancer. It's really heartbreaking to hear what she is going through, but her posts always show how strong she is. But, this most recent bit of news proves that she is not only beautiful outside but inside as well.

As I read today on Genesis.com (in this post: http://www.genesisonline.com/04/naughty-swag-partners-with-raven-alexis-for-a-good-cause/), she and new promo company Naughty Swag have teamed up to produce these awesome "Team Alexis Raven: Fuck Cancer!" tees. They were originally wanted to make the proceeds go to help her, but she felt that it should go to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. I am very touched by this and admire her greatly. I think you all need to go out and buy one. You can do so by visiting the site (http://naughtyswag.com/) and clicking on Raven Alexis' name.

So, please go and show your support for her and the battle with cancer. And, God bless you, Raven. I wish you all the best and mean this from the bottom of my heart.

FUCK CANCER, indeed!

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Four Entires in The Howling Series

NOTE: All reviews are out of ****


One horror franchise that that I have no clue how it kept/ keeps inspiring sequels is The Howling. To me the first movie is THE finest werewolf movie ever made. Joe (Piranha, Gremlins) Dante's classic is scary, funny, sexy, awe inspiring, and thoroughly enjoyable.

A reporter (the lovely Dee Wallace Stone) barely escapes a serial killer in a porn shop. She is sent to a colony to rehab. But, said colony is overrun by werewolves. Everything about this movie is perfect: the acting, the dialogue, the script, the pacing, the FX. I have discussed this movie multiple times here, so I won't bore you by repeating myself again. Suffice to say that this one of my eleven favorite movies of all time. Sadly after that the series went downhill. ****

That movie was a success, and considered a classic (rightfully so, I may add), so, of course, it spawned a sequel. The Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf is a truly stupid movie. As I am sure you can tell by that ridiculous sub-title. Ben, the brother of Wallace Stone's character finds out that the world is full of werewolves, along with the help of a hunter (Christopher Lee), who convinces him of this, they go after Striba Queen of the Werewolves (yummy Sybil Danning)!

The werewolves look like shit, and it's all pretty empty headed. Worst of all it's a waste of Christoper Lee's immense talent. Hey, everyone needs a paycheck! On the bright side, Sybil Danning, and her boobs, look amazing! Clearly, the filmmakers agree as they loop her nudity over the end credits over and over again. The movie has a cult following due mostly, I would imagine, to this bit of fine knockers. It's really only worth watching for that! Beyond that, though, not so much... *1/2

That said part II was successful on some level (tits!!!), enough so that it inspired more films, though I would never bother to watch them, until I for some godforsaken reason, saw the snoozefest that is The Howling IV: The Original Nightmare. An authoress is sent to a to a town after a nervous breakdown. Problem is there are werewolves there. That ain't gonna cure her nerves. To be honest this movie put me mostly to sleep, and I find it hard to remember anything about it other than it sucked wolf cock. *

But, after reading some good reviews I decided to pay the Howling VI: The Freaks a look. This one takes place in a traveling carnival, it has the werewolf as the hero, who gets hired to be in the freakshow by the owner. Problem is the owner is actually an evil vampire! DOH! In all fairness, this is an enjoyable and fun movie. This one really shocked me, as there is no reason for this movie to be this good. ***

That did not mean that I wanted more of these films to be made, but sadly the series continued. And, I went back to ignoring it. The most recent entry The Howling: Reborn is a reboot of the series, that based on the trailer and what I heard from a friend, seems to be an attempt to make the series into a Twilight type pile of shit. Why?! I am in no rush to see this one, and to be honest, looks worse then the movies that preceded it!

By the way, this came thanks to a suggestion by authoress Staci Wilson, who tweeted to me to do something on The Howling series. When I asked on my Facebook page (which you should totally like as I post exclusive stuff there!) and Twitter, what franchises, scream queens, movies, etc. in the horror genre you wanna see me cover on this blog. Since it's October I really want to post lots of horror stuff. So just let me know. Thank you!

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Hot Asian Girl of the Month: Eihi Shiina

It's finally October, my favorite month of the year! Why?Well, causee of all the horror, monster, and scary things love that only happens with the coming of Halloween! So, for this special time of year, I wanted to pick a babe that best represents it. And, so I picked the beautiful horror actress Eihi Shiina!

This Japanese beauty was born on February 3, 1976. She is from Fukouka, Japan.

In 1995, she began to model for Benetton. She represented Japan in Elite Model Look 95. She would go on to do more magazine work.

Her first role came in 1988 in the film Open House. I must admit knowing nothing about this movie. I never even heard of it, until doing the research for this post.

It's her third film, though, that gave her fame. She plays the villain in Audition, perhaps' Takashi Miike's most well known movie. It remains one of his best films and one of my favorite movies. Shiina is awesome in it, eliciting both a submissive and frail beauty and then turning into a psychotic and deadly killer. The movie is undeniably a modern classic, and it truthfully would not have worked as well had it not been for the amazing and beautiful Shiina.

Here is the trailer to this masterpiece:


Although, she would do other films, Shiina's main fame, at least as far as movie audiences outside of Japan go, would come in the form of horror movies. The awesome and fun Tokyo Gore Police, had her in the lead role. And, she may have looked more beautiful than ever! Plus, the movie allowed her to whoop some ass. Which is always hotter, in my book!

Here is the blood drenched trailer to it:


Eihi played the mother (MILF!) of the titular Vampire girl in the silly and over-the-top but very fun and ultra-gory, Vampire Girl Vs. Frankenstein Girl. It's a cool little flashback where she appears in, and as a fan I was happy to see her in this.

2010 gave us two movies with her. The first was Yakuza flick Outrage where she played a call girl(!!!). The other is Helldriver where she plays the zombie queen. I ain't seen these, but I hope to change that.

Here she talking about Helldriver it at the Japan Society 2011:


Shiina is a stunning and lovely actress with a beautiful face and porcelain skin. She always gives a great performance in any of her roles. She has done a few horror conventions here and there. I hope she does eventually pay one of the cons here in the eastcoast. It would be an honor to meet his amazing horror beauty.

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