Wake the Dead, a modern take on ‘Shelleyian’ consequences…
Posted by Ms Harker | Filed under Graphic Novels
Its been a little while since I shared some of my graphic novel readings with you, so to make up for the lack of coverage I bring you a quality title: Wake The Dead by Steve Niles and Chee (yes just Chee, you know like Madonna or Cher).
This graphic novel is a keeper, the cover is textured with the etchings of a human torso, devoid of its skin with titles that hark back to an older style font; similar to that of 50’s cult horror movies. The cut out peep hole gives just enough of a hint to the horrors that lie within.
Niles has taken Shelley’s classic tale of messing with the natural order of life and death and given it a modern twist. The story centers around Victor a spoilt rich kid who fancies himself a ground breaking scientist, he embroils his friends in his bloody endeavors whilst finding time to bonk the local Sheriff’s daughter. However his blind ambition takes him and those around him down a path of tragic ‘Shellyian’ consequences of which Chee illustrates with fine gory detail.
I admit to being a bit of a fan girl when it comes to the work of Steve Niles, however his interpretation of Mary Shelley’s gothic horror tale of science and humanity gone awry is worthy of the original novel.
Ms Harker
Wake The Dead: Single Issue Cover Art
Tags: Horror, Horror Comics, Zombies
Zombieland, get ready for a wild ride with Woody!
Posted by Ms Harker | Filed under Horror Films
The trailer for Zombieland has just hit the web courtesy of Apple.com and looks hilarious. Woody Harrleson is armed and ready to take us on a wild ride of head stomping, brain slaying fun! The films blurb reads:
“Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) has made a habit of running from what scares him. Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) doesn’t have fears. If he did, he’d kick their ever-living ass. In a world overrun by zombies, these two are perfectly evolved survivors. But now, they’re about to stare down the most terrifying prospect of all: each other.”
Sounds a little buddy filmesque, however the trailer gives a different insight. Take a look, what a raucous start to the weekend!
Ms Harker
Tags: Add new tag, Horror, Horror Films, Zombies
‘Handling the Undead’ a unique gem within the Zombie genre.
Posted by Ms Harker | Filed under Horror Reading
I am feeling a little overwhelmed, I just finished reading John Ajvide Lindqvist’s novel ‘Handling the Undead.‘ He who brought forth ‘Let the Right One In‘, of which I have not been shy in citing as one of the best horror novels (and films) in recent times. Lindqvist has followed up with another haunting and evocative piece of literature.
Again the novel is set in Sweden, this time in 2002. There is an electrical phenomenon that occurs, people are unable to turn off electrical equipment, all operating at full power, and experience splitting headaches for approximately 24 hours. It then stops as suddenly as it began. Across hospitals, mortuaries and cemeteries the dead begin to rise…
What makes this novel stand out from your typical zombie chomp fest, is its focus on relationships and community. This story is taken from the perspective of those relatives who have a loved one who have risen or what the government calls the ‘reliving’. Lindqvist also utilises excerpts from the media and speeches from government officials, assisting the reader to become immersed in the impact of the ‘reliving’ on various levels of society.
Reading this novel is not a put your seat belt on brain nom-fest, quite the contrary. It is paced as such that you consistently feel a sense of unease; at times anger and frustration and other times profound sadness for those involved in the main plot lines with their ‘reliving’. However there is an element of spirituality and beauty that he also weaves into the story, which is contrasted by a particularly vile and ugly scene, leaving the reader to question human kinds ability to control its urges, and consequently highlights the importance of empathising with those who are ‘other’.
” They were dancing a moment ago.
Her chest filled. Grief, as deep as an abyss. The opposite of that wonderful awe she had felt for the dance of the dead. Grief for all humankind and its path upon the earth. And the same thought that had gripped her then returned now, in a different light.
This is how it is.” (p 331)
‘Handling the Undead’ is an important addition to horror literature, achieving what a good piece of horror should: mirroring our society at its extremes and forcing us to reflect on where we are today and how tomorrow could be. An exciting follow up from the author of ‘Let the Right One In’, eerie, thought provoking, stirring.
Ms Harker
Handling the Undead by John Ajvide Lindqvist
Tags: Horror, Horror Novels, Zombies
