Goldilocks Is Through With Bears....Now She's Hunting Zombies

Source: Comic Book Divas (Press Release)(Myspace)
Written By: Jeff Hughes
Photos: Scarlet Salem / Bianca Barnett / Tara Cardinal / Comic Book Divas / Facebook

When we were children we all read the classic storybook stories of Red Riding Hood, The Three Blind Mice, Jack and Jill, the Gingerbread Man and many other stories that taught many of us valuable lessons in life.

What if that world did not exist because of a unknown zombie virus that spread like wildfire throughout the storybook world and turned this lovable characters into brain loving flesh eating monsters!?

Welcome to StoryBook World 2012 one of many story book worlds in the storybook universe, but this storybook has been devastated by that unknown zombie virus, turning many storybook residents into flesh eating monsters.

Who can save them?!, Who can stop this madness?!, Who can kick major zombie butt plus have the fashion sense and look really hot doing it?!

That’s when you call GOLDILOCKS!!!!

“Goldilocks In Zombie Land” tells the story of Goldilocks and her band of zombie hunting friends “Bo Peep”, “The Woodsman”, and Jack “From The Bean Stalk) as they fight, hack, slash, and shoot their way through a horde of fairy tale zombies in order to reach Castle Tower the last safe haven in StoryBook 2012 and the home of “Queen Rapunzel”.

The queen has summoned Goldilocks to discuss a mission to rid their world of this very un-storybook behavior, problem will this turn into a suicide mission before their is another Happily Ever After?

“Goldilocks In Zombie Land” will be a 16 page web comic, with pages coming out monthly that will be packed with zombies and zombie killing action in every page, with art by Jason Dube of Scattered Comics Studios bringing reader’s all the zombie mayhem.

As always Comic Book Divas is very honored to feature some of the most talented and beautiful women in the entertainment industry to help bring the story to life and bring the reader even more into the story.


Goldilocks will be portrayed by the very talented and beautiful Scarlet Salem; don’t expect to see our version of Goldilocks in any storybook petticoat and hair ribbons; she will be chewing bubble gum and kicking zombie butt,

Scarlet Salem is a model and actress from Minnesota. She began modeling in 2007 working steadily in print, fashion, and various websites.

Her life long love of the horror genre led to her auditioning for an independent horror film called ‘Pajama Party Massacre’. She got the role and loved the experience so much that she sought out other film work.

To date she has worked on over two dozen projects with titles such as: ‘Terror Overload’, ‘Killer Biker Chicks’, Resist Evil Trilogy’, ‘Strip Club Slasher’, and ‘Camp Kill’.

In 2010 Scarlet will be working on ‘Hallow Point’, her first large scale project. The film, being shot in New Orleans, stars a whole slew of genre legends.

http://scarletsalem.net/

Dai Green will be portraying StoryBook 2012’s “Queen Rapunzel”; from the start reader’s will know that Goldilocks and Rapunzel have a past but their is mutual respect between the two; reader’s will also discover that she is a lot more than your average ruler, she is more than willing to get into the zombie fight herself.

Dai Green is the Managing Editor of “HorrorNews.net“, she also runs the column called Horror Talk with Dai and is also co-host of the infamous Podcast From Hell” with my lovely co-host John Torrani and The Gash with the equally as beautiful Rebekah The Jew and Nita Burson.

Dai Green has worked on quite a few scripts that you will see coming up soon as well as a few projects that will have me in front of the camera. She is a horror enthusiast and promote the genre as much as humanly possible!

Bianca Barnett will be portraying Bo Peep, our version of Bo Peep doesn’t give a flock about sheep anymore, she wants to hunt down and destroy these munchers for eating her sheep; payback will come fast and furious as she uses her hook staff.

Bianca Barnett first slashed her way into the heart of horror with her fearless performance as the horribly mutated villainess, Pig Bitch, in 2009’s “Albino Farm“. Next, she portrayed Marlena, a drug-addled model who moonlighted as an organ theif in Ramzi Abed’s mind-bending thriller, “In a Spiral State“. Bianca made her film debut in Abed’s “The Devil’s Muse“, playing dual roles as naïve Rose, who moved to Hollywood with hopes of stardom, and the mutilated corpse of the mysterious Black Dahlia.

Currently, Bianca has five projects she is working on in 2010, including a cameo in Michael Colburn’s gruesome “The Toy Box”; a femme fatale in the neo noir “Kissing Jake”; and as the action heroine, Toy London, in “Vengeance Wears a Skirt”.

http://biancabarnett.com/

Joe Knetter will be portraying the Woodsman, he has swung his axe many times to cut down trees and maybe a wolf or two in the pages of a fairy tale, but now he is chopping down zombies left and right.

Joe Knetter will be the first featured male role in the pages of a Comic Book Divas comic book and web comic.

Joe Knetter has written and acted in many independent horror films with such titles as: Pajama Party Massacre, Doomed to Consume, Rottentail, Moonlighting, Terror Overload, Meatings, Killer Weekend and Hallow Pointe.

He enjoys horror and looks forward to working in all aspects of the genre.

Joe has also written for Cryptic magazine and Dread Central, have been mentioned in many magazines and newspapers, The History channel, MTV2, Rob Zombie’s weekly radio show as well as numerous sites all over the internet.

Tara Cardinal will be portraying Jacqueline Bean; her husband Jack (Jack And The Beanstalk fame) was killed when he was torn apart by a horde of zombies when the outbreak first began. Now she is on a mission of revenge.

Tara Cardinal is a actress, scream queen and producer, Tara Cardinal is one of the top scream queens in the horror genres today, she has been cast in several popular horror movies including “Delivery” in which she has featured billing in the movie.

Tara Cardinal is also known for her work in the horror classics “Ding Dong Dead”, “Tromeo And Juliet”; in addition to these movie roles Tara is also the creator, writer, director, producer, and plays the lead role in the upcoming film “Red Reaper”

In addition to her movie career Tara Cardinal can be found being featured in modeling shoots for magazines and websites that include http://fangoria.com/ ; she is also co-host with Devanny Pinn of the Scream Queens Uncut video show where they interview guests in the horror industry.

Tara is also known for her charity events that help those in dire need like the “Bleed For A Cause” Blood Drive For Haiti that raised blood and clothing for victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Tara Cardinal can also be seen in the upcoming web comic series entitled “A Life Behind The Mask” where she portrays “Amazonia” the series is written and created by Jeff Hughes and drawn by Dennis Willman.

www.taracardinalactress.com/

Asaa Hope will be portraying Dingy evil pixie version of a certain Disney pixie; she once was a beautiful pixie that people would stop and marvel at her flying skills, until the day she was bitten and infected by (Not going to tell you it would spoil the surprise) and now people are ducking and running for cover!

Asaa is new to the movie and horror industry but has already began making her mark in such movies as 2001 Maniacs Field of Screams which is a sequel to 2005’s 2001 Maniacs, that is a remake of Herschell Gordon Lewis’ 1964 Classic 2000 Maniacs.

Asaa will also be featured in the upcoming Gore Magazine (Issue #57) that will be on newsstands June 8th,

In addition to the cast “Goldilocks In Zombie Land” will also have special cameo zombie killers and zombies that will appear through the web comic, so look carefully you may know or be related to a zombie hunter or a zombie.

Richard Diaz – Zombie
Brian Shirley – Zombie
Cari Morbid – Mrs. Muffet Zombie
Richard Anderson – Zombie
Deneen Melody Zombie Killer
Kelsey Zukowski – Zombie
Reyna Young – Zombie Killer
Brandon Slagale – Zombie Killer
Erik A. Williams – Zombie
Kaylee Williams – Zombie
Damien Colletti
Melina Beeston – Zombie
Erik Levy – Zombie
Kayla Perkins – Zombie
Sandy Bergeron – Zombie
Marshall Johnson – Zombie Killer

“Goldilocks In Zombie Land” is in production but will be making it’s way to the Internet very soon, so be sure to watch for sneak peeks of art work, and news on Comic Book Divas, Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.

“Goldilocks In Zombie Land”
Created and Written by Jeff Hughes
Art by Jason Dube Colorist Norman Wong
Publisher Comic Book Divas

See Also: The Women Who Spend Their Lives Behind The Mask / Scarlet Bloody Scarlet / New Poster Art And Website Info For 'Strip Club Slasher' / Scarlet Salem Is Your Campfire Girl! / Bad Girls Burn In Hell - The Perils Of Filming A Horror Film In Rural America / Tales From Scarlet's Sanctuary - THE HALF-LIFE HORROR FROM HELL / Scarlet Salem Is A Graveyard Cowgirl / Scarlet Salem & H Morgen Go Psycho / Scarlet Salem In A Haunting Tribute To Vampira / Scarlet Salem Heats Up The Autumn Air With New Photos And A New Website! / Sexy Scarlet Salem Poses In A Cemetary For 'Women In Horror' / Hot & Sexy Photos From Jason Stephenson's 'Strip Club Slasher' / New Behind The Scenes Photos Of Scarlet Salem From The Movie 'Strip Club Slasher' / "Stripper Wanted!" For Strip Club Slasher Movie / A Crazed Scarlet Salem - Lizzy Borden Has Nothing On You / Horrifying New Photos Of Scarlet Salem By H Morgan / Scarlet Salem - Gothic Never Looked So Sexy / More Hot and Sexy Photos Of Scarlet Salem / David Byron Takes A Look At Modern Femme Fatales In Queens Of Scream: The New Blood / Strip Club Slasher Poster, Casting and Photos Of Scarlet Salem / A Different Kind Of 4th Of July Fireworks - Killer Biker Chicks / The Many Looks Of Scarlet Salem - Blond Or Redhead? / Heat Up Your Memorial Day Weekend With A Little Scarlet Salem / Terror Overload - Tales From Satan's Truck Stop Premiere Info And Pics / There Is Some True Grind House Being Made In Minnesota

A Real Sweetheart: Christine Nguyen!

Photo courtesy of Christine Nguyen.

A Real Sweetheart: Christine Nguyen!

by Armand Vaquer

A funny thing happened the other night.

I was about an hour and a half away from going off-duty in my "parachute" job as a security patrol officer when I stopped at the guard shack at one of the gated communities I patrol in Malibu.

Inside, the guard had on television the Poorman's Bikini Beach show. The show was about ten minutes away from ending and they played a teaser (just before a commercial break) of their hotline segment with a panel of three bikini-clad lovelies who would answer callers' questions. One of them was very familiar to me, but I wasn't sure as the teaser whisked by.

After the commercial break, segment came on and one of the panelists was Christine Nguyen! Hot damn! (Ahem.) It truly is a small world.

I told the guard of Christine and he was very impressed with her. He hadn't heard of her before, and he comes from a show-biz family (his uncle was comedian Billy Gilbert from the Hal Roach Laurel & Hardy comedies (see "The Music Box" or "County Hospital") and his mother acted in many Gene Autry westerns) He also has acted and is a card-carrying SAG member. I sent Christine a text message telling her that we just saw her on the show.

Minutes later (around midnight) she text her thanks. Tom, the guard I was with, speculated that she may have been up watching too.

The next day, I followed up by telling Christine the circumstances on how we happened to see her on the show. I won't post what she said in our exchanges (at one point she did say I made her "blush"), but Christine is one real sweet lady! (I knew this before, as she was the first to send me a condolence message the morning of my mother's passing.)

It is Christine's natural sweetness and humor that comes through in her acting and model work. One cannot avoid being drawn to her. That shouldn't be too difficult to understand: she's an Aquarius! Christine and I both were born on February 4.

Besides being a fan, it is an honor for me to also be a friend of Christine Nguyen. She's a real sweetheart!

SHARKTOPUS! And GIANT SQUID!, Yet More Terrors From The Deep

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Undead Backbrain / JoBlo / Avery Guerra

Memorial Day Weekend is upon us!

Looking forward to taking the little wife and kids out of town? Possibly to the beach? Let the little ones splash in the water while you and the misses soak up some sun and sand.

Maybe you should think twice?

There are some nasty.....okay, down right horrible things lurking out there in that water. Things not yet discovered by science.

Come on, there's thousands of miles of ocean out there. Most of it unexplored. It would stand to reason that if there are monsters on this globe, then, most likely, they would be out in the ocean right?

The same ocean that your kids are swimming in...........

Have I ruined your vacation yet?

"Honey, we're going camping!"

You know, there could be things like Bigfoot, or werewolves, out in the forest?

Anyway...I've gotten off track.

It looks like the monster movie biz has moved on from Bigfoot films to all of those potential horrors waiting out there in the vast oceans.

Earlier this year, legendary B-movie maker, Roger Corman, unleashed his "Dinoshark" on the viewers of the Sy Fy Channel and now he is ready to do it again.

This time around it will be, 'Sharktopus!', a half-shark half-octopus, thingy, that will undoubtedly snack on Eric Roberts and the rest of the film's cast.

Plot:

Sharktopus is about a research scientist (Roberts) and his talented daughter who develop a secret military weapon, a hybrid shark/octopus that can be controlled by electrical implants. But when the controls break down, the monster goes on a killing rampage at the resort beaches of Mexico.

The first official image from the film (above) has just been released. The image doesn't show the monster, well not enough of the monster to explain how Corman was able to blend a shark and an octopus together, just a tentacle rapped around a blood-soaked bikini girl.

It's the kind of stuff that we have seen an awful lot of lately.

Speaking of things with tentacles that are waiting just off shore to tear us limb from limb, animator, Maxwell Perry, is presently working on, "Giant Squid!", a feature that draws inspiration from "Moby Dick" and "Godzilla" movies.

Perry explained to Avery Guerra how it was natural for him to combine his passion for art with his passion for monsters:

“I’m an artist who has always loved monster movies and genre cinema,” Perry said. “Over the past several years, I found myself gradually moving past traditional drawing and painting towards using video and animation in my work. I realized that what I really liked was narrative storytelling and that unique combination of image and story that only comes with animation.”

"The plot centers around a teenage girl, Elise, whose boyfriend is abducted by a monster squid. Perry continued. "Elise then tracks the squid down with the help of a marine biologist and an Ahab-like squid poacher named Cappy. Mayhem ensues. "

"Conceptually, one of the underlying aims of my animations is to draw attention to the amount of creativity that goes into making a low- to no-budget independent work by creating them on a minuscule scale. I try to poke fun at and embrace common horror movie tropes simultaneously."

"Giant Squid is not meant for young kids, but my hope is that if you’re the type of person that enjoys a good laugh during an especially gory horror film, you’ll find the humor in my work."

Here are some storyboards and clips from "Giant Squid!":

Did I ruin your plans for long holiday weekend?

So sorry.......

Me......I'm thinking of going to sushi buffet tonight! Who's coming......?

See Also: The First Look At Roger Corman's 'Sharktopus!' / The First Look At Roger Corman's 'Dinoshark' / Tiffany To Star In The Asylum's 'Very Brady' Megapiranha Movie / Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus - The Deborah Gibson Interview / Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus: How Big Is Too Big? / Black Scorpion #1 - A Comic Book Review / Shout! Factory To Release Roger Corman Classics On DVD / A Special Effects Video Bonanza - Galactic Raiders - Dinocroc vs Supergator / Jim Wynorski Releases Images Of The Late David Carradine From 'Dinocroc vs. Supergator' / Dinocroc vs. Supergator - Let's Get Ready To Rumble!

The Women Who Spend Their Lives Behind The Mask

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Jeff Hughes / Dennis Willman

Just about everyone has a secret fantasy to be a superhero. As children we dream of being Batman or one of the Fantastic Four. For some of us, those dreams never go away.

Now, Jeff Hughes, owner and writer of Comic Book Divas, along with artist Dennis Willman, are making that dream come true for a lucky group of young actresses and models.

Okay....no, these two comic book guys aren't turning these ladies into real superheroes, they aren't locking them in a room full of strontium 90 until they turn into mutants or anything like that. What they are doing is using their likenesses to model their characters after.

And I have to say, the results are stunning.

For Hughes and Willman's latest creation, "A Life Behind The Mask", the duo has collected some of the loveliest faces in the modeling industry, plus independent cinema genre, to create an amazing collection of heroes, villains and Anti Heroes.

The idea for using 'real-life' models and actresses came to Hughes and Jason Dube, of Scattered Comics Studios, while they were working on another comic entitled, "Scorpion Warrior". After putting out some feelers to find out if anyone would be interested in having their likeness used for a comic book character, Hughes and Dube were overwhelmed by requests by Models, Actresses, Wrestlers, and even NFL Cheerleaders.

Needless to say, the idea was a hit that lead to the founding of Comic Book Divas and new comic series based on real women.

For their latest project the two comic makers wanted to take a page out of Alan Moore's "Watchmen", and look at the lives these characters live from day to day.

Writer Jeff Hughes explains, "'A Life Behind The Mask' (is) a comedic look at the lives of Super Heroes and Super Villains in everyday life and everyday situations and how they react.

'A Life Behind The Mask' will put an amusing spin o events and situations that we have all been through at one time or another; and we hope to make reader's think 'I have been there' or 'I wish I could do that!'

The idea popped in my head while I was watching a super hero movie and the thought came across 'Who fixes this guys costume' or 'If he went into a convince store would anyone pay attention?'

Joining Hughes on "A Life Behind The Mask" is the 'rookie' comic book artist, Dennis Willman, who, from these images, looks like a seasoned artist that has been doing this for years.

Hughes adds, "Artist Dennis Willman has done the character designs and is now paneling the first page of the series that will feature "Amazonia" portrayed by actress and scream queen Tara Cardinal; this will be Dennis Willman's first full comic book project, but as you can see on FaceBook people are very excited about his art work and ready for the project to begin."

"The women featured in "A Life Behind The Mask" were all very gracious and generous to Dennis and I to feature their likeness as the characters; just about all the women selected their characters they wanted to portray, it was a thrill to see Dennis 's work and the women's selections come to life it was if that their personalities matched up to exactly what Dennis had in mind."

One of the actresses that Willman and Hughes selected for "A Life Behind The Mask" is veteran 'scream queen' Rachel Grubb, who has been a life-long comic book fan.

The stunning actress/model quips, "I grew up as a comic book fan for sure! As a child, I admired Batman and looked up to him as a father figure. I loved to read superhero comics as a kid, but Batman was my favorite. I was interested in just about anything Batman related, no matter how silly."

Luckily for Grubb, her character, Jolly, is kinda like The Joker mixed with Harley Quinn. Two of her all-time favorite comic book characters.

Here are the rest of the ladies that make up the cast of "A Life Behind The Mask":

She-Goblin Portrayed by Claire Fluff Ryan (Villain) – She is a woman with two obsessions Halloween and candy, she will literally still candy from a baby at Halloween.

Blackbird Portrayed by Deneen Melody (Hero) She is dark-winged avenger; she is mysterious, the ultimate crime fighter and VERY intense, it is rumored that she injected her justice on a man that disobeyed the "10 items or less" rule at the market.

Gunslinger Portrayed by Devanny Pinn (Anti Hero) is a woman on a mission of revenge, and that includes that guy that just bought the last box of cupcakes!

Maddylne Scientist Portrayed by Raelynn Blaha (Villain) –All Maddylnn wanted to be was a mad scientist; she enjoyed making things go boom, and turning the family dog into different critters with her formulas. Her favorite movie was Doctor Jeykle and Mr. Hyde.

Lady Weeds Portrayed by Kitsie Duncan (Villain) – Loves gardening but things don't always come up roses for her, she is more successful growing dandy-lions. Her mortal enemy is the gardener and the woman that works at the nursery

Gale Force Portrayed by Kaci Hansen (Hero) is a woman that can control the weather or is it her moods control the weather? In any even if she is having a bad day you may want to stay away from that thunder cloud hovering over her.

Kit-Kat Portrayed by Kaylee Williams - Is a villain turned hero who has a passion for all things "Cats" with a equal obsession with milk, her downfall as a criminal was because she was fascinated by rapidly moving yarn.

Mrs. Marvelous Portrayed by Michelle Shields ( (Hero) Faster than a speeding.... more powerful than a...... you get the idea; she has fame, glory, and some awesome fans, but she is in a need of a break!

Jolly Portrayed by Rachel Grubb (Villain) Is the clown that enjoys the fact that she can scare you and your kids at parties and the circus.

Luna Portrayed by Kara Cagle (Ant-Hero) - A wolf trapped in a woman's body and the inability to keep from changing no matter the time of the day.

PDQ Portrayed by Sara Barrnett - Is the fastest moving woman in the world, but there is one problem she is never on time to meetings or appointments.

Amazonia Portrayed by Tara Cardinal (Hero) - Is a warrior that can not be matched by any man or beast, she can lift a car over her head while kick major bad guy ass.. she is a "Wonder Of A Woman". She must do battle with one of the most formidable villain groups in all the world..her family!

Miss. Greene Portrayed by Victoria Floro (Anti-Hero) She gets envious of anything she sees and can obtain at that moment, the more envious she becomes the bigger and greener she becomes. Watch out when she throws a tantrum!

Miss Attraction Portrayed by Victoria Paege (Villain) She has the power to attract all forms of metal (Paper clips, staples, nails!) so you may want to duck when she is around.

To follow the adventures of "A Life Behind The Mask" and the other "Comic Book Divas" please visit: http://comicbookdivas.com/

Credits:

"A Life Behind The Mask"
Written and Created by Jeff Hughes
Some Stories Also Written by Don Smith
Character Design and Art by Dennis Willman
Comic Book Divas Publisher

Carl Erik Rinsch To Direct LOGAN'S RUN Remake

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Hollywood.com

Just when you thought that the "Logan's Run" remakes Life Clock had turned black, it has reverted to clear.

It looks like I need to become best friends with director Carl Erik Rinsch because he is about to remake two of my all-time favorite films, "Creature From The Black Lagoon", and now, "Logan's Run."

The remake of the 1976 sci fi epic, which starred Michael York, Richard Jordan and Jenny Agutter, has been in the planning stages at Warner Bros since way back in the mid 90s.

As a matter of fact, I was contacted by an potential director (who's name I can't divulge) in 2003 about his plans for the remake. That film maker was soon ousted, and Bryan Singer (X-Men) was then signed to the project, who in turn, himself, left to direct "Superman Returns".

Since that time, the film has been in a virtual holding pattern, with directors Robert Schwenke, Joseph Kosinski and James McTeigue all taking very brief rides on the "Carousel".

None of those film makers seemed to fit into Warner's plans for the film, so the long quest continued.

Now, the virtually unknown, Carl Erik Rinsch, has stepped in to take over. As I had mentioned in a prior article about his taking on "Creature From The Black Lagoon", Rinsch has made a name for himself as of late, directing commercials for RSA owners Ridley and Tony Scott, who strongly considered him for their "Alien" prequel film.

Rinsch cut his director's teeth in independent films such as, "The Quiz" (1994) and "Lovely Weather for Rain" (1996). "Creature" is scheduled to be his second project, the director will helm the Keanu Reeves samurai epic “47 Ronin” for Universal later this year, and now "Logan's Run" can be added to the list, once those are finished.

Earlier drafts of the "Logan's Run" script more resembled the George Johnson and William Nolan novels than the Michael Anderson film version. It is unknown at this time if Rinsch will continue along those lines or make a direct remake.

Logan's Run Plot:

In the distant future the survivors of the apocalypse live in a giant domed city where their every need is taken care of by overlord computer. People live in world of pleasure, but there is one catch. At the age of 30 (21 in Johnson and Nolan's novel) all citizens are required to report for a ritualistic murder ceremony known as "Carousel". The populace has been fooled into believing that this ceremony leads to reincarnation and a new life though its real purpose is population control. To insure that citizens don't "chicken out" on their way to Carousel there is a police force in place known as "Sandman" who terminate those who attempt to run.

Logan 5 is one of the elite Sandmen. During one of his routine terminations he retrieves an anch, a symbol for a mythical place called Sanctuary where runners can find refuge, off the body of a would be runner. Upon placing the item into the computers scanner he is instructed to undergo a process to alter his "Life Clock", a symbol of a persons age embedded in the palm, to the blinking red of a person on last day so that he may pose as a runner to infiltrate Sanctuary. During the process he learns that 1036 runners had managed to escape the city and that Carousel is a ruse.

Along with his companion, Jessica 6, Logan attempts to flee the domed city in search of Sanctuary.

With a new "Logans Run", "Planet of the Apes" and "Godzilla" films in the works, you would think that it is the early to mid 1970s all over again.

See Also: Universal Courting Carl Erik Rinsch To Direct "Creature From The Black Lagoon" / The Death Of An American Icon - Farrah Fawcett - 1947-2009 / Logan's Run (1976)(MGM)

Shinji Higuchi Bringing Monster Magnitude 9 To Television

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Nippon Cinema / Toho Kingdom / Avery Guerra

Japanese special effects master, Shinji Higuchi (Heisei Gamera Series), has developed a brand new giant monster television series for late night television called, "MM9" (Monster Magnitude 9).

The series will take place in an alternate universe, where Japan is constantly attacked by monsters. MM9 is a special unit of Japan Meteorological Agency who's job it is to predict the arrival of these monsters in very much the same way that the National Weather Service predicts rain and snow.

When the monsters do show up, and you know that they will in every episode, a team of monster specialists called “Kitokutai” are dispatched to combat them. Only one problem, these specialists are not from the military, so they don't have any weapons. The group will have to rely on their skills, knowledge, and experience to prevent the monsters from reducing Japan to toothpicks.

That's a new twist! You would think that a group that specializes in dealing with 200ft tall creatures would get a maser tank or two......or at least a bazooka or something?

"MM9" stars Anna Ishibashi as the teams rookie, Sakura Fujisawa, along with Machiko Ono as Sakura's mentor, Mikazuki. Rounding out the cast are Issei Takahashi, Yasuhi Nakamura, Satoru Matsuo, Sarutoki Minagawa, Takako Kato, and Yutaka Matsushige.

"MM9" also has a great list of directors lined up, including Tomoyuki Furumaya, Kiyotaka Taguchi and Ataru Oikawa. So far all of the shows episodes have been written by Kazunori Ito (Patlabor, Gamera).

Back on April 1st, posted a fake message, that hinted that this show was coming, about a new series called, "XX9". The post featured the cast of "MM9" dressed in sci fi costumes with futuristic weapons.

As a late night sci fi dorama "MM9" will go toe-to-toe with Kadokawa's "Daimajin Kanon".

"MM9" is set to premiere July 7th on the Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS).

Why can't we get any great shows like this here in America?

See Also: New Images And Video From "Daimajin Kanon" / In The Absence Of Godzilla, Japan Has Had A Real Giant Monster Boom!

The First Look At Alexander Seyum's DARKMOON

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Alexander G. Seyum / Avery Guerra

What do you do if you are a Ironworker who has found it hard to find work during these rough economic times?

Why, you go to film school and make a werewolf movie of course.

It may sound like a joke, but that is exactly what Alexander Seyum did after he got laid off from his job as a boilermaker, he bit the bullet and decided to follow his dreams.

Seyum explains, "..I'm a student film maker currently at The Los Angeles Film School in Hollywood. But I wasn't always a film maker. I was a Union Boilermaker local#92 and an Ironworker for 5 years. During that part of my life I was writing short stories, poetry and recording music as my side projects. The recession hit and my Union lost a whole lot of work. So I had to make a hard decision at that time in my life. Wait for the work to come back or take a leap of faith and follow my dreams and become a film maker. So I decided...become a film maker! I grew up watching horror films, being inspired by Stanley Kubrick, Martin Scorsesse, Oliver Stone, Quintain Tarantino and Stephen King."

For his first film project, Seyum decided on a making a short werewolf movie entitled, "Darkmoon", which is part "American Werewolf in London" with a good portion of the 1941 Universal classic, "The Wolfman", added into the mix.

On "Darkmoon" the inspiring film maker teamed up with FX artist Zoie Roman, and his fellow Los Angeles Film School classmates, to create a modern film with the look and feel of the classics.

Roman was obviously inspired by the makeup created by Jack Pierce for Lon Chaney Jr when she designed the look for the werewolf in "Darkmoon". (See Below)

It is so refreshing to see young film makers reverting back to the way movies used to be made before CGI came on the scene.

The film, which is about 15 minutes long, and cost about $1800 to make, was originally a short-story penned by Seyum called, "The Beast of Forest Greens", which the film maker turned into a screen play.

Here is the synopsis:

For the past fifteen years there has been a myth about a creature lurking near the city of Los Angeles...today these sightings have reached an all time high."

As someone who has lived in Southern California most of my life, I can tell you that there are all kinds of 'creatures' lurking around LA .......... some human, some trying to pass for human. You really have to see it to believe it sometimes.

Presently "Darkmoon" is in post production and Seyum is pondering over a list of potential film festivals to submit it to.

Here are some behind-the-scenes photos and the trailer for "Darkmoon":

See Also: Do You Have The Fever? Werewolf Fever? / The Second Season Of 'Being Human' A Huge Success For The BBC / Movie Review: "The Wolfman" (2010) / Its Werewolves vs Bigfoot In Clint Romag's 'Revenge Of The Werewolves' / The Wolfman (2010)(Universal) / Kiss And Van Halen Provide The Wolfman's Howl / A Huge Batch Of Photos From Universal's "The Wolfman" / The Wolfman 7-Inch Action Figure / New Added Special Effects Push Wolfman Release Back To February / Leaked Wolfman Trailer Hits The Net / Three New Teaser Posters For The Wolfman / Del Toro Makes One Hell Of A Good Looking Wolfman! / The Wolf Man (1941)(Universal) / Leonardo DiCaprio Envisions A Gothic Little Red Riding Hood For Warner Bros / An Exclusive First Look At Blood Moon From Ruckus Productions / Sean And Bryan Furst To Helm Werewolf Remake

"The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" Slideshow

Four Brand New Images From FUTURAMA!

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter / Comedy Central

Just wanted to post a quick note about these four new photos from the upcoming season of "Futurama" on Comedy Central.

One shows the Planet Express Ship under construction. It's a homage to the early images from J.J. Abrams "Star Trek" film that showed the Enterprise under construction.

The second shows Fry, Amy, Bender, and the gang as bunch of wackos on a street corner with "Domesday" signs.

The third shows Bender doing his best Tony Manero impression from "Saturday Night Fever".

The fourth shows Leela and Zapp Brannigan as Adam and Eve.

Hey, a little skin never hurts a shows ratings.

Hard to tell what all this means yet, but you can bet it will be funnier than hell.

Here's the skinny:

"Futurama" - Season 6 Premiere

Premieres Thursday, June 24 at 10:00 p.m.

"Futurama" is back! Everybody’s favorite zany group from the future has returned with twelve brand-new episodes, premiering right here on COMEDY CENTRAL. Twentieth century boy Philip J. Fry is still jetting around the universe with his favorite drunken robot, one-eyed mutant, mad scientist, rule-abiding Jamaican accountant and Nibblonian monster in a host of brand-new adventures from the team at Planet Express.

Here are the pics:

See Also: "We're Back Baby!" Futurama Cast Members Returning To Show! / Bad News Everyone! Futurama Voice Actors Unlikely To Return For New Series / Good News Everyone! Fox And Comedy Central Order 26 New Episodes Of Futurama / Wizard World Texas Scores The Premiere Of Futurama Bender’s Game / Futurama: The Beast With A Billion Backs Trailer / Futurama Series 2 Action Figure Set / Futurama: The Beast With A Billion Backs

It's Geek Pride Day So Don't Forget Your Towel

Written By: Ken Hulsey

Question: "What is the probability that two, loosely connected events would happen on the same day, in the same year?"

Answer: "Not impossible, just highly improbable." or "42"

Improbable or not, two, well actually three, such events have come together, on one day, in the same year.

For you see, today is the rather improbable, "Geek Pride Day", and as a matter of coincidence, it is also "Towel Day", a day that marks the passing of "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" author Douglas Adams in 2001.

But wait, there is another improbable element to this equation. The growing number of, "Geek Girl Divas", young women who are fans of Japanese anime, comic books, video games, action figures and movies with big robots in them.

How do all of these rather improbable, yet separate, items fit together?

Okay, lets run them all through our "Infinite Improbability Drive" and see what happens.

The answer: Semi-nude amateur photography or "42".

Again, not impossible, but highly improbable.

I am very certain that the late Douglas Adams would have ever dreamed that his passing would give young, socially awkward, girls an opportunity/excuse to pose for amateur erotic photographs ..... of a geeky nature.

Yet, that is exactly what has happened.

The photograph above pretty much sums it up, an attractive young lady, undoubtedly a "Geek Girl Diva", wearing a towel and nothing else. Seems like your typical amateur nudity right? Ah, there is more here than meets the eye. Look at the mirror in the photo. Do you see the words, "Day 42"? That's the giveaway. The towel she is wearing, barely, is a reference from "Hitchhiker's Guide". "Day 42" are kinda a Geek code words for "Towel Day", another reference to Adams and the "Hitchhiker's Guide."

FYI: This is only one example of dozens of such photographs out there.

Is this all starting to meld in your grey matter yet?

Three loosely connected events coming together on the same day, in the same year, with the result being semi-nude amateur photography.

Not impossible, but highly improbable.

Okay, if you are not a geek, a geek girl diva, or a fan of sci fi, comic books, action figures and movies with big robots, this all may have sounded like babel to you.

If so, stick a Babel Fish in your ear and have a friend read the article to you aloud, or better yet, consult your "Hitchhiker's Guide", it's the one with the big red letters on the front that say "Don't Panic!".

Oh, and the number "42", it's the answer to "What is Life, the Universe and Everything." What, you don't think that makes any sense? Well, it's because you didn't ask the right question.

What is the question? Do you have a million years to find out?

Oh, just stare at the naked girl then.......

Robot 13 Co-Creators To Bring Exclusives To Phoenix Comicon

Source: Blacklist Studios

This Memorial Day weekend, comic creators Thomas Hall and Daniel Bradford (collectively known as Blacklist Studios) return to the site where their greatest creations were born. Appearing at Phoenix Comicon 10, the duo will offer two exclusive items for fans of R-13 (aka Robot 13) and KING!

“KING! first debuted at the Phoenix Con, and we unveiled our plans to do Robot 13 there as well,” noted writer Hall. “Both the convention organizers as well as the Phoenix fans have been behind everything we do at Blacklist. Doing exclusives for the Phoenix Comic Con seems natural to us given that history of support.”

The Phoenix Comicon is the signature pop culture event in the Southwest. Started in 2002 as the “Cactus Con” with 432 attendees, it has since grown to boast more than 7,000 people in attendance. This year’s convention marks the first time the event will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center. For operating hours and directions fans are encouraged to visit the convention’s original website at http://www.phoenixcomicon.com

R-13 tells the story of a skull-headed robot with an irresistible instinct to battle mythological creatures. It has captured the imaginations of comic book fans and fantasy pros the world over, including none other than legendary sci-fi author Harlan Ellison.

The first three-issue R-13 mini-series, “Colossus” was critically acclaimed, with MTV citing it as the “Best Under-the-Radar Comic Series” on the stands today.

Fans at Phoenix Comicon 10 will get a taste of what the next R-13 mini-series brings with a thrilling print by artist Bradford depicting the robot’s pulse-pounding battle with Medusa. Limited to 100 pieces, Blacklist is offering the print to convention goers for $10.

A huge hit with fans in the Arizona area, the original KING! comic book told the story of a former pro wrestler with a striking resemblance to a certain “king of rock ‘n roll” and a penchant for killing monsters to rival R-13 itself! Blacklist plans to re-launch the KING! comic series this summer.

KING! fans can wait in anticipation for the return of the king while sporting their very own KING! t-shirt. Featuring a full color image on charcoal, 100% cotton shirts, this striking piece of apparel is limited to 100 pieces at a price of $17 each.

Issues of the original R-13 comic book are still available for sale. The print editions of R-13 #2 and #3 can be ordered directly from Blacklist Studios (www.blackliststudios.com). The 32-page, full color comics retails for $3.99 US. Distributors and retailers are encouraged to contact Blacklist Studios for wholesale rates.

The R-13 “Colossus” series can also be ordered in a digital edition from Robot Comics (www.robotcomics.net) and Panelfly (www.panelfly.com) for Apple, Google, Amazon and Android mobiles. The digital editions are priced at $0.99 each.

See Also: The Third Issue Of Robot 13 Arrives Amidst Media Praise / Robot-13 Returns For An Action Packed Second Issue / A Modern Look A The Frankenstein Mythos In Blacklist Studios Robot-13

New Photos And DVD Release Info For “Deep Sea Monster Raiga"

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: J-Film2009 / JETRO-USA / Taito International Comedy Film Festival / Starchild /Raiga Blog / Avery Guerra

It has been almost a year since Shinpei Hayashiya's film, "Deep Sea Monster Raiga", made it's debut at the “Tokusatsu Kaiju Tengoku” (SFX Monster Heaven) film festival in Tokyo last June. Since that time, things have been very, very, quite, with no new reports coming out of the "Raiga" camp.

That is, until today.

Indeed, it has just been announced that the film will, finally, be released on DVD, in Japan, on August 25th.

Here is the scoop:

...... Global Warming is the catalyst for unleashing giant monsters on Japan. The melting of the southern polar ice causes a disruption in Earth's ecosystem that causes the migration of the monsters to the island nation.

The largest of the sea monsters is a beast called "Raiga", which unleashes it's "Inconvenient Truth" on Tokyo just like Godzilla, Gamera, Mothra and Rodan have numerous times.

Reportedly, there are four different monsters in the film, "Raiga", and three others. You can get a look at one of them in the photos below.

Here are the film's details from the DVD:

“SHINKAIJÛ RAIGA” (2009)
English Title: RAIGA, the Monster from the Deep Sea
Genre: Sci-fi
Format: Digital Betacam / 85min / Color
Year of Production: 2009
[Theatrical] Release Date (Japan): June 27, 2009
Production Company: Crossroad
Director: Shinpei Hayashiya
Producers: Atsuko Iwai
Screenplay: Shinpei Hayashiya
Director of Photography: Toshiharu Nakagawa
Music: Keiichiro Kitazono
Main Cast: Yukijiro Hotaru, Miyu Oriyama

Also in conjunction with this upcoming release of "Deep Sea Monster Raiga", now being called, "Raiga, The Monster From The Deep Sea", three new English language synopsis have surfaced, and several new photos have been released.

First, here are the synopsis:

Set 60 years after the events from the previous film “Deep Sea Monster Reigo”, the threat of global warming is causing the southern polar ice-cap to slowly melt. Because of this, the ecosystem is disturbed and sea monsters are heading to Japan. [As] if things couldn’t get any worse, a huge sea monster by the name of Raiga arrives at Asakusa and begins its path of destruction on the town. (J-Film2009)

A monster from the deep-sea attacks again! This time in Asakusa, where many temples attract visitors from not only Japan, but also all over the world, the sparkling thunder brings a gigantic monster from the deep-sea with deadly fangs. It will burn Asakusa to ground. (JETRO-USA)

The second theatrical film directed by Shinpei Hayashiya, a rakugo master (comic storyteller). Raiga, the evolved version of the deep-sea aquatic dinosaur “Reigo” from his first film Deep Sea Monster Reigo, runs rampant in the town of Asakusa! …

It has been over six decades since the battle of Deep Sea Monster Reigo and Battleship Yamato. As global warming worsens, throwing the ecosystem off balance, a disaster approaches Japan. A mysterious, massive creature emerges from the nearby ocean and a fishing boat encounters an ominous deep-sea creature in Tokyo Bay. Then a giant monster “Raiga” lands in Asakusa, Tokyo! The Taito Guard is called out at the request of the government, and a cut-throat battle beyond all imagination begins… (Taito International Comedy Film Festival)

Just like in Minoru Kawasaki's 2008 film, "Monster X Strikes Back: Attack the G8 Summit!", "Raiga" is part monster movie, part comedy, that lampoons the giant monster genre, while also paying a respectful homage to it.

I was actually half tempted to add, 'music video' to that description, due to the fact that director Shinpei Hayashiya spent almost as much time promoting the singing careers of his three young leading ladies, Enosawa Manami, Urata Mao and Oriyama Miyu, as he did for his monster movie.

For those of you who don't know, "Raiga, The Monster From The Deep Sea" is actually a sequel to Hayashiya's 2005 film, "Deep Sea Monster Reigo", which was set during World War II and told the story Japanese battleship Yamato and it's confrontation with a giant monster in the remote Pacific.

As you have probably gathered, the events in "Raiga" take place in modern times.

No word yet on any possible DVD release for "Raiga, The Monster From The Deep" here in America.

Here is the website for the Japanese DVD - http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/raiga/

Here are the photos, plus the films trailer, now with English subtitles:

See Also: New Photos And Interviews From The Premiere Of Deep Sea Monster Raiga / Are There Four Monsters In Deep Sea Monster Raiga? / The First Music Single From Deep Sea Monster Raiga To Be Released June 27th / New Deep Sea Monster Raiga Photos And PR Events / The New Trailer And Photos For Deep Sea Monster Raiga / Deep Sea Monster Raiga - A Tale Of Toys And Teeth / New Photos From The Set Of Deep Sea Monster Raiga / The First Trailer For Deep Sea Monster Raiga

Superman and The Mummy's Kiss: Something Shared

Above, the E. Clem Wilson Building, something that the "Adventures of Superman" and "The Mummy's Kiss: Second Dynasty" have in common.

Superman and The Mummy's Kiss: Something Shared

by Armand Vaquer

After I posted my spotlight feature on actress/model/language instructor Yuu Asakura on Monster Island News, I was in the mood to watch Don Glut's The Mummy's Kiss Second Dynasty tonight. In the movie, Yuu Asakura had a bit part as Marie, the assistant to the tabloid editor. Christine Nguyen played the tabloid's ace reporter who gets wrapped up in the mummy story.

For the first time, I watched the movie with the commentary track on and noted Don's comment that he wanted to use the E. Clem Wilson Building on Wilshire Blvd. at La Brea Ave. in the movie as the tabloid office so he could correct an error in the first (1951) season DVD set of the Adventures of Superman, starring George Reeves.

Above, the E. Clem Wilson Building as the Daily Planet Building in 1951.

In the commentary track, Glut said that the commentators in the Superman DVD said that the building used for the Daily Planet Building was Los Angeles City Hall. In actuality, the E. Clem Wilson Building was used as the Daily Planet in 1951. Starting in 1953, City Hall was used as the Daily Planet until the show ended in 1957. Both Gary Grossman (Superman: Serial To Cereal) and Chuck Harter made the same error in their commentaries.

I guess we can now deem the error corrected, thanks to Don Glut.