New York Comic Con 2022: Friday

Friday, October 7, 2022, at New York Comic Con had me debuting the first of my two new cosplays: Obi Wan Kenobi. This was my first time, doing a true Star Wars cosplay. As while, I had done Darth Vader at Chiller in 2015, it was just a thrown together costume, and not a full blown cosplay. At least, that's how I feel. Anyway, the first thing on my schedule was the Chucky panel (the only panel I was able to get/ had lined up to attend). But, before hand, I had to battle the Darth Vader bride! I LOVE this cosplay, by the way!

Anyway, the Chucky panel was great. A bunch of the cast and crew was there and they answered some fun questions and played some cool clips and videos. Panels were the only place the mask mandate was enforced. If someone didn't have a mask on, they handed one to them. That being there were a few inside who still didn't wear one, cause wearing a mask is so difficult isn't it?! 

Here are some of my favorite cosplays that I saw that day:

These two were dancing up a storm and having a genuinely fun time. As well, as attracting a crowd of their own.

While, I had a great time, on all of Friday, the honest to God highlight of the day (and certainly one of the top highlights of the entire con) was this following interaction. I saw this awesome cosplay of a Batman Returns Catwoman. Someone was taking her pic, and I asked her if I could take one next. She said sure, but when she looked up and saw my Obi Wan cosplay, she asked if she could take one with me! I answered of course! I felt so vey flattered, that it felt like that was the right thing to end the day with.

I'll end this post with a pic of me in said cosplay, before I put on my robe and headed to Comic Con earlier this day.

Next up, fun times on what is usually the biggest day at Comic Con: Saturday! Note, that I said usually...

But, before that be sure to click on the bottom link and see what happened on Thursday!

New York Comic Con 2022: Thursday

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New Promo & Cassandra "Elvira" Peterson Announced as Special Guest for Joe Bob's Haunted Halloween Hangout on Shudder for October 21!

Shudder Original Special JOE BOB’S HAUNTED HALLOWEEN HANGOUT

Premieres Friday, October 21 at 9pm ET

With Special Guest Cassandra Peterson aka Elvira

The Shudder Original special, The Last Drive-In: Joe Bob’s Haunted Halloween Hangout will premiere on Friday, October 21 with special guest, the legendary Cassandra Peterson aka Elvira. Joe Bob’s Haunted Halloween Hangout premieres live on the Shudder TV feed at 9pm ET/8c. Fans can also watch on demand on Shudder and within the Shudder offering in the AMC+ bundle on Sunday, October 23.

In what has become an annual tradition, join iconic horror host and foremost drive-in movie critic, Joe Bob Briggs as he returns with a special The Last Drive-In double feature just in time for Halloween. You’ll have to tune in to find out which spooky movies Joe Bob has selected, but you can count on something scary and perfect for the season.

The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs is produced by Matt Manjourides and Justin Martell and directed by Austin Jennings.

AMC Networks’ Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving members with the best selection in genre entertainment, covering horror, thrillers and the supernatural. Shudder’s expanding library of film, TV series, and originals is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland and Germany.

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New York Comic Con 2022: Thursday

This past Thursday, October 6, 2022, marked the first full capacity New York Comic Con (NYCC) since 2019. As, you might remember last year's was a scaled back version due to COVID. While, the website and their social media stated that masks were mandatory at this one, it wasn't enforced, except in panels (more on that in a later installment). I did wear mine, throughout the con cause, I wanted to play it safe. And, honestly it's just a fucking mask, and I have zero desire to get sick . 

Anyways, this was the first year, I decided to cosplay all four days, something I plan to do from here on in at Comic Con. I also debuted two new cosplays, which you will see in the next installments of my Comic Con coverage. But, for the first day I cosplayed as the Avengers: Infinity War Captain America, once again.

As this was the least, comparatively, crowded day, I got to do most of my shopping. And, of course, I got to look at more booths. Here are a few highlights:

The Playmobil booth had some really fun toys displayed.

I am really loving the product that HandMade by Robots are doing:

Finally, we got Super7, easily the booth I spent the most at this year:

And, now here are just some of my favorite cosplays and other cool sights from this first day:

Here is what I actually bought on this day:

From TeeTurtle: a con exclusive Seal of Disapproval shirt

From HandMade by Robots: a limited edition Jack Skelington glow in the dark vinyl figure

From Super7: a glow in the dark Muckman and Joe Eyeball Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ultimate action figure (I also bought a glow in the dark Reaction figure of Mothra, but she sold out. So, they're sending her to me in the mail. Keep your eyes on my Instagram and Twitter for when I receive her, as I'll definitely post pics.)

And, a Funko Pop of Eagly from Peacemaker. The guy at booth hiked that Captain America was buying an American eagle Pop. To which we both said "'Merica fuck yeah!" 

Be sure to come back and follow for all my reports on the next couple of days, as I have a bunch of fun pics and stories to share!

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Dark Glasses (Review)

Director: Dario Argento
Writers: Dario Argento, Franco Ferrini
Cast: Ilenia Pastorelli, Asia Argento, Andrea Zhang, Andrea Gherpelli, Mario Pirrello
Year: 2022
Min: 86

A vicious serial killer has been killing call girls and prostitutes, including a brutal slaying early in the film. Diana (llenia Pastorelli) is a call girl, who manages to escape said killer. But, in doing so is involved in a car crash with an Asian family of three. From them, the father ends up dead, the mom in critical condition and a coma, and the little boy, Chin (Xinyu Zhang) gets sent to a orphanage. Diana goes to visit him and gives the kid what looks like a Nintendo Switch. He, then, runs away from the orphanage and asks Diana to let him stay with her. She accepts, but the killer has turned his attention to her. He wants to finish what he started and kill her.

Dark Glasses (Occhiali Neri) is Dario Argento (here directing and co-writing along with Franco Ferrini) first movie since his wretched Dracula 3D. Admit ably Argento's film output has been hit or miss post-Opera, with the vast majority being huge misses. Which is a shame because Argento is one of the genre's true masters, and, at the end of day, my favorite director. While, it never reaches the greatness of say Suspiria (1977) or Opera (1987), it is his finest flick since The Stendhal Syndrome (1996). In short, I am happy to proclaim that Dark Glasses is, for the most part, a return to form for the master. 

The film's opening kill is a spectacular way to setup the movie's killer, and is the most Argento feeling scene he has made in years. It's a brutal garroting that is gorily realistic. Frequent Argento collaborator Sergio (Demons 1&2, The Church, Opera) Stivaletti provides the excellent gore effects, which also include throat ripping and stabbings. On top of the bloodletting there is also a bit of topless nudity from our lovely lead star.

Argento manages to add some legitimate suspense to the film, keeping it very involving. His direction, coupled with the excellent editing and driving score, makes the car chase scene exciting and leads to a violent crash. Even the cheesy snake attack in the water comes off as fun, rather than being groan inducing like say the giant praying mantis in the aforementioned Dracula 3D. In fact, this scene actually feels like the type of wild fun one wants in an Italian horror flick. The movie leads into a tense and great climax that had me cheering. 

Argento also keeps the flick looking good throughout. Now, I must say that there isn't as much stylistic flourishes as his older work. But, we still get some really beautiful wide shots and bird's eye views. The flashbacks and dream sequences use the color red, actually recalling his work on Suspiria. One aspect that has long been missing from Argento's recent work is a great score. Thankfully, this movie corrects that. The soundtrack handled by Arnaud Rebotini and is driving as well as being really catchy.

But, what is most surprising is the amount of heart that this movie has. I really love the relationship between Diana and Chin. Of course, it helps that both of them are great in their roles. Chin is that rare kid in genre movies that is very likable, as little Andrea Zhang does some great work here in his role. Ilenia Pastorelli is especially good in the lead role of Diana. She is obviously sexy and gorgeous but is also a strong, independent character with a good soul. Coupled with Pastorelli's acting talent, it really gives us one of my favorite female lead roles of 2022. Meanwhile, the always welcomed and stunning Asia Argento has a very likable role as Rita, an instructor for the blind.

Some might not appreciate the more syrupy feel, but I think it makes the suspense payoff better. Plus, we get a great doggy heroine in Nerea, Diana's brave and beautiful seeing-eye dog. She ranks right alongside of Sarii from the awesome Predator prequel Prey, making this year a great year for horror hero puppers. Honestly, if I had seen this earlier, she would easily have made my recent list of The 10 Greatest Good Doggies in Horror Movies. And, who doesn't love a great movie dog? I wouldn't wanna meet the person who doesn't anyway.

Dark Glasses is an involving and entertaining return for Argento. Thanks in large part to the acting of Pastorelli and Zhang as Diana and Chin, respectively. Their sweet relationship of surrogate mother and child adds a loving feeling and soul, that helps to make the film more riveting. Rebotini's awesome and driving score is another pleasing factor, especially as an Argento fan. The good looking flick has a couple of good, stylistic moments, as well being very suspenseful and having a climax that me cheer from my seat. This solidly made film actually makes me once again care for a new Argento project. You can experience this joy when the movie premieres in New York City and Los Angeles on October 7, 2022, then starts streaming exclusively on Shudder on the 13th of this same month. 

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This Halloween, the Soska Sisters' Third Original Horror Film, ON THE EDGE, Will Have Its World Premiere at Frightfest!

Beloved guests of FRIGHTFEST, the iconic Canadian twin filmmaking team, the Soska Sisters, return this Halloween with tricks and treats — the world debut of their latest horror offering, ON THE EDGE. This is both the third original film from the Twisted Twins and will be their third time returning to FRIGHTFEST which also premiered AMERICAN MARY and their remake of David Cronenberg’s RABID. 

Taking a departure from medical horror, the Soska Sisters delve into new ground with this tantalizing psychological erotic thriller.

ON THE EDGE follows family man Peter who gets more than he paid for when he books a 36 hour session with the sadistic Mistress Satana who seems more intent on making him suffer for his sins. Is it blackmail? Is it torture? Or is it the Devil come for his soul? Will Peter’s faith save him from his own personal Hell or is he already damned? 

Glenn Burchnall, President and CEO of Cathasaigh Productions Limited, (“Cathasaigh”) commented: 

“On The Edge is a brilliant depiction of how Kink Culture can heal past trauma and be a source for redemption. Here at Cathasaigh we heartily congratulate the Soska Sisters on this achievement, and are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this amazing project.”

Starring as Peter is Aramis Sartorio also known as adult film star Tommy Pistol. Returning to the screen are both Soska Sisters. Sylvia Soska as Claire, Peter’s loving wife. And Jen Soska as deviously delightful Mistress Satana. Rounding up the all star Canadian supporting cast are identical twin sisters, Brianne and Alanna Finn-Morris who also have a band together called Fionn, Album of the Year Comedy album winner, Andrea Jin, Canada’s Got Talent Semi Finalist comedian Ola Dada, Juno Winner Ivan Decker, and the iconic Mackenzie Gray returns to work with the Soska Twins after captivating audiences as Gunter in RABID. 

“As an actor, working with artists of Jen & Sylvia’s caliber was incredible. This movie will be as horrifying for you as it was for me. But, people who are familiar with my other work… will agree that it really was my turn to suffer for your amusement,” boldly exclaims Aramis Sartorio.

Also returning is life long Soska Sisters collaborator Kevvy, who has been the musical creative force behind their films. The four time Juno winner and lead singer of Fake Shark with their single, Loser, currently in the Billboard Top 20, Kevvy is back with an all new original soundtrack and score as well as taking a turn in the producer seat. 

Having met at FRIGHTFEST, the talented up and coming cinematographer and editor, Luna Wolf joins the production team. This being her highly anticipated debut feature. 

Directed, written, and produced by the Soska Sisters. ON THE EDGE was produced by Cathasaigh Productions, Twisted Twins Productions, Disturbia Films, and Black Mamba Pictures. 

Incorporated in 2022 Cathasaigh is a Canadian media company focused on the development of Independent Canadian film, television and visual art productions. Our mission is to provide artists the ability , opportunity and freedom to create projects that freely express who they are while being true to themselves,and their vision of the world around them.

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Metal Legends Mercyful Fate Announce First North American Tour in Over Two Decades! Tickets on Sale Friday, September 9!

Photo by Livia Zita

 Heavy metal icons MERCYFUL FATE today announce their first North American headlining tour in over two decades! The journey will commence on October 25th in Dallas, Texas and weave its way through fourteen cities, closing on November 16th in Atlanta, Georgia. The tour follows the band’s stunning headlining performance at this year’s edition of Psycho Las Vegas.

Vocalist King Diamond comments, “These will be the first MERCYFUL FATE concerts in North American theaters in over twenty years. Memories of a lifetime. Your special chance to see MERCYFUL FATE with the full European festival production, but up close and personal. You cannot miss this… I hereby respectfully invite you to Come To The Sabbath by which you may free your soul and feast with us in the dark Of Night. Witches and Demons, you may come as you are! Satanic Regards - King Diamond 666.”

Support for MERCYFUL FATE will be provided by Kreator and labelmates, Midnight. Various presales are available throughout the week:

Citi Presale: Tuesday, September 6th @ 11:00am ET | Password: Citi BINs

Mercyful Fate Fan Club Presale: Tuesday, September 6th @ 12:00pm ET | Password: EVIL

Ticketmaster Presale: Wednesday, September 7th @ 10:00am ET | Password: MELISSA

Live Nation Presale: Wednesday, September 7th @ 10:00am local time | Password: VENUE

Blabbermouth Presale: Wednesday, September 7th @ 10:00am local time | Password: SABBATH

Knotfest.com Presale: Wednesday, September 7th @ 10:00am local time | Password: OATH

 

All presales end Thursday, September 8th at 10:00pm local time. General onsale date is Friday, September 9th at 10:00am local time at mercyfulfatecoven.com. These shows will sell out! Don't miss it!

 

Additionally, multiple limited VIP packages will be available which will include Meet & Greets, photo opps, private Q&As, exclusive merch, and more starting Wednesday, September 7th at mercyfulfatecoven.com. Secure yours today. 

MERCYFUL FATE w/ Kreator, Midnight:

10/25/2022 Dallas, TX - The Factory

10/27/2022 Phoenix, AZ - Arizona Financial Theatre 

10/29/2022 Inglewood, CA - Youtube Theater

10/30/2022 Wheatland, CA - Hard Rock Live Sacramento

11/01/2022 Denver, CO - Fillmore Auditorium

11/03/2022 Gary, IN - Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana

11/04/2022 Cincinnati, OH - The Andrew J. Brady Music Center

11/05/2022 Detroit, MI - Masonic

11/08/2022 Silver Spring, MD - The Fillmore Silver Spring

11/10/2022 Brooklyn, NY - Kings Theater

11/11/2022 Laval, QC - Place Bell

11/13/2022 Boston, MA - MGM Music Hall At Fenway

11/14/2022 Philadelphia, PA - The Fillmore Philadelphia

11/16/2022 Atlanta, GA - Tabernacle

MERCYFUL FATE is currently working on a new album and recently gave fans a taste of the new material when they debuted a song called "The Jackal Of Salzburg" in Germany this past June as well as at Psycho Las Vegas. The band's current lineup is King Diamond on vocals, Hank Shermann and Mike Wead on guitars, Bjarne T. Holm on drums and Joey Vera on bass.



MERCYFUL FATE was formed in early 1981 in Copenhagen, Denmark by vocalist King Diamond and guitarist Hank Shermann. They were later joined by guitarist Michael Denner and bassist Timi Hansen, and soon thereafter drummer Kim Ruzz would join to complete the band lineup. The band recorded two demos in 1981 and later signed with Rave On Records in Holland for the recording of their successful self-titled EP, released in November of 1982. The Mercyful Fate EP was soon in heavy rotation around core metal radio stations, launching a new breed of heavy metal with their unique sound.

The band joined Roadrunner Records in 1983 and their debut full-length, Melissa, was recorded and released that same year. The following year, MERCYFUL FATE returned to the studio to record their now legendary Don't Break The Oath full-length, released in September of 1984.

MERCYFUL FATE embarked upon a two month US tour in support of the record, which took them across the States several times sharing the stage with the likes of Motörhead and Exciter. The shows had created a brush fire within the metal community. The band reaped recognition globally, closing the year with a five-date tour in Germany with Motörhead, Girlschool, Helix, and Talon.



MERCYFUL FATE’s first concert of 1985 was in their hometown of Copenhagen at an old movie theater with a large capacity. The show sold out and their stage show exhibited a new level of distinction. The night was a huge victory and a new highlight for the band.

By April of 1985 however, MERCYFUL FATE decided to part ways for each to pursue new challenges. The King Diamond band was born and reaped critical acclaim the following years with five studio albums on Roadrunner Records. King Diamond has since signed with Metal Blade Records and is going stronger than ever before.

In the Summer of 1992, MERCYFUL FATE decided to reunite and penned a new deal with Brian Slagel and his label, Metal Blade Records. In The Shadows was released in 1993 and was an instant triumph furthered by a sold out US tour.

MERCYFUL FATE has gone on to release another five studio albums and have toured Europe, the US, and South America multiple times. The highlight of 1999 was their critically acclaimed album 9 which was followed by a European tour with Metallica, where King Diamond and Hank Shermann joined the band onstage several times for the medley "Mercyful Fate" which Metallica had recorded on their Garage Inc. double tribute album the year prior. Tours in the US and in South America followed, marking the band's last live performances for over a decade. MERCYFUL FATE then went on hiatus, but made a brief appearance when members joined Metallica onstage in 2011 for their 30th anniversary show in San Francisco, California.

For live coverage inquiries, contact earsplitpr2@gmail.com.

http://www.mercyfulfatecoven.com

http://www.facebook.com/mercyfulfateofficial

http://www.twitter.com/MercyfulFate_HQ

http://open.spotify.com/artist/0W8edGiwAsv6HXF0Kyc2V9

http://www.metalblade.com

http://www.facebook.com/metalbladerecords

http://www.instagram.com/metalbladerecords

http://www.twitter.com/MetalBlade

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Shudder Releases Brand New Trailer to Found-Footage/ Horror/ Comedy "Deadstream"

Widely Praised Feature Directorial Debut from Joseph and Vanessa Winter (V/H/S/99) Streams Exclusively on Shudder Thursday, October 6, 2022

Available on Shudder U.S., Shudder CA, Shudder UKI, and Shudder ANZ

Official Selection: World Premiere — SXSW Film Festival, Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival, Fantasia International Film Festival 

 

“A HORROR-COMEDY YOU’LL WANT IN YOUR HALLOWEEN ROTATION”

Indiewire

 

“A GONZO HORROR-COMEDY FULL OF BODILY FLUIDS, GORE, AND GHOSTLY CREATURES THAT WOULD MAKE SAM RAIMI PROUD — ★★★★”

Bloody Disgusting

 

“AN ABSOLUTE DELIGHT”

The Austin Chronicle

Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thrillers and the supernatural, is thrilled to release the trailer for the Shudder Original Deadstream ahead of the film’s debut on the platform on Thursday, October 6. The feature directorial debut from husband-and-wife filmmaking couple Vanessa and Joseph Winter, who also share writing co-credits, premiered earlier this year at the 2022 SXSW Film Festival in the Midnight section to wild acclaim from audiences and critics. Joseph Winter also stars, alongside Melanie Stone and Jason K. Wixom. The film is available now on Screeners.com. 

 

Deadstream follows a disgraced internet personality who attempts to win back his followers by livestreaming one night alone in a haunted house. But when he accidentally pisses off a vengeful spirit, his big comeback event becomes a real-time fight for his life.

 

With Deadstream, a rare horror comedy as frightening as it is funny, the Winters have boldly announced themselves as exciting emerging talent ready to take the genre scene by storm. The work of the filmmaking duo can next be seen in a segment from Shudder’s hotly-anticipated V/H/S/99, the latest installment in the celebrated found-footage horror series, which premieres out of TIFF’s Midnight Madness later this month.

 

Deadstream is produced by Joseph and Vanessa Winters, alongside cinematographer Jared Cook and actress Melanie Stone, who also star in the film. The Winters co-edited the film, with Joseph contributing to music for the project as well.  

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