Darkfaery Subculture Magazine: Version 10: Volume 2: Issue 10

You've probably noticed that we're three issues behind and there haven't been any Darkfaery updates in a while. Do not worry, the new issues are on their way. I got injured in mid-June and it's been hard for me to work at my desktop. Even as I type this my shoulder is burning with pain.

That aside, the smooth operation of Darkfaery requires the volunteer work of a fantastic group of people who donate their time and lives to make this thing happen.

You see Darkfaery isn't just a magazine, it's a family, it's a way of life, and it’s a new world where anything and everything can happen. It's so much more than I ever dreamed it would be when I started printing a crappy little zine from school and work printers just to be able to afford it. I want to take some time to thank the people who work the hardest.

Trista, you filled a spot at Darkfaery that needed a leader. The Darkfaery Girls was always a footnote of something that needed to be done and you came out of nowhere with your ideas and really brought it together. I can't imagine the Darkfaery Girls being able to continue without you so I hope you don't get bored with it.

projects you have time to write for us ished projects just sitting in the shadows again. I feel you brought more culture collecting dust with no goal or direction. and insight to our group.

Your belief in me through the times of my failure to believe in myself have made this group what it is. Your love and time is Pandy, the free time you have for Dark- what has made it possible for me to invest faery is rare but you always manage to that love and time into other people and put in good ideas or cash donations and provide them with something to dream we would sell a lot less at the booth if you about and have hope for. You may not get didn't use your skills to help us. You don't much credit for the things you do and put give yourself enough credit. You deserve a in, but don't think I have forgotten how cookie. much these things mean to us.

Joyce, your flare for promotion has brought us many fans over the years. you have a knack for charm and poise that is unrivaled and if you can just believe in yourself more you can take the world by storm. I do believe in faeries.

Rachel, your photos have made Darkfaery a much better source of eye candy. Even though you are across the globe from us our ideas are similar and your vision of beautiful girls fits our plan perfectly.

Thank you for all of the great cover art.

All this having been said; we are looking for more people to add to our team constantly, if you have time to volunteer and are not afraid to be yourself or get out in the world and try we need you. We need writers, artists, film makers, crafters, artists, musicians, and performers to make this thing work. We aren't worried about your skill or training or how you look but rather how you think and how you look at things. All of us were just starting out at some point. You don't have to be experienced; you just have to be ready to experience. If you feel you may be able to bring something to our vision please feel free to contact us.

Laura, you haven't been with us long but already we depend on you. I don't know if that is a good thing or a curse. I leave that Maynard, your writing skills have made up to you.

Until next...I remain... the last few issue more interesting and I Duvall Gilchrist-Montgomery look forward to your choices of articles and what you might weave next with your Z, until you came along Darkfaery was in craft. I hope when you finish your current tatters. It was like so many of my unfin-

Editor Duvall GilchristMontgomery Photography Rachel Bramall Herbert Originals Photography and Design

Writers Maynard BlackOak TristaLou

Featured Model: Persephany

Featured Artist: Heliakin Lopes

If you would like to submit your work or just contact us: Darkfaery Subculture Magazine 517 NW 95th street Oklahoma city, OK 73114 USA E-mail: duvy.dfsm@gmail.com

First off you might be wondering, "What is strive to get the DFG's in at a cheaper rate a Darkfaery Girl?". or even sometimes free. This, however, is not always the case and should not be Simply put, they are spokesmodels for expected at every event as some events Darkfaery Subculture Magazine. Their just won't allow it. But for me, I love the goal is to get the word out about DFSM excuse to go to the events. I am the type and let everyone know about this local that I will sometimes miss events I really almost underground magazine. I say al- want to go to just because I choose not to most just because once you step into our mess with it. But when I have the excuse world it's not so underground. It's actually of, "The DFG's need me" it get's me motia pretty prominent magazine in the goth/ vated to go when most likely I wouldn't alternative scene locally, and what's best is have. we are just getting bigger.

As I have mentioned before, there are also So now you know what a DFG is, but what booths at most events. As a DFG you are do they do? allowed to sale items that you have that you do not want anymore or have made at Well DFG's are entitled to make it to the booth. Just be sure to pay for some of events to do the promotions and help out at the cost of the booth, those costs can get the booths. Promotions basically mean rather expensive at times. Also please be handing out flyers, going on stage and sure to only sale new and lightly used even on camera to promote the magazine. items. The booth is not to be looked at as a While handing out flyers I would like for garage sale. you to talk about the flyer and/or talk to them about the magazine. I know you can't In addition, there are photo opportunities. talk to everyone, but at least some of the You will have many pictures taken of you people would be nice. Helping at the booth at these events and when possible we will can include watching the booth, helping set up photo shoots for you.These photos setting it up, and/or tearing it down. will become the sole property of the magazine and can only be used in other publicaDarkfaery Girl Events tions with the permission of Duvy (editor and owner of the magazine). You can, Most events are local Oklahoma Events, however, use these pics how you choose here in the OKC area, but we also have a on social media sites of your choosing. lot in the Tulsa area as well. We want all girls to try to attend every event possible, Are you a writer? You can also submit any but we are also understanding about family of your work to Duvy to be published in and financial obligations. Say your a Tulsa the magazine. This for me is another one girl and you can't make it to the OKC area of my favorite perks. I have been writing event because you just don't have the for the magazine for quite some time and finances....Just let us know and we will be love having this creative outlet. It gives me understanding. But please make it to every great pride to open up the magazine I event you can. Missing multiple events can promote and see a story or article written result in suspension or even asked to leave by me. Same rules apply to these written the DFG's. This is especially true when works as well. Once published in the magyou do not let us know why you could not azine they cannot be used in any other make it. publications without permission. Deadline for content to be sent in is the 27th of Most events are conventions and concerts. every month.

Conventions are usually SciFi and/or Horror related; even some Steampunk Now with all the talk of permissions you conventions. Concerts are usually rock, might be freaking out, but Duvy is a very dance, techno, goth, and many other types easy going person and will most likely of music. give that permission with no problem. I, myself, have had an article or two pubPerks to being a DFG. lished in another magazine that was originally published in DFSM. You will come The first big perk is getting to attend the to find out that Duvy and even I are not events. We try to have at least one event too hard to work with. We do not deal in each month, but some months there could drama and avoid it at all costs. be more or even none. We need 3 to 4 girls to attend these events and which girls will Now this is the best perk of all for me: be determined on a first come first serve When you become a DFG and do your part basis. As for the cost of these events, we you become part of the DFSM family. We

C

stick together and help each other out. We even get together and do birthday parties and such. We are no strangers to having a good time and love to just relax and hang out. It is so great to have this group of friends that you can truly call family as well.

out before your first event.

Now for the Rules.....

There really aren't many rules and most are rules that should be obvious when you are representing a business.

Other perks include, your own Darkfaery- When at events please dress appropriately.

Girls.com email address and your own If it is a themed event it would be great if page on Darkfaery-girls.com. you dress in that theme. But really we are not to picky in this area, just do your best to match that theme and you will do fine.

Regulations to be a DFG. If it's not themed we just ask that you don't look a mess or God forbid dressed like a *You must be 18 or over preppy. :) *You must live in Oklahoma (some excep- Most events are over 21 events and there tions). will be a lot of drinking and partying. You are allowed to have fun, but please do it in *You have to be willing to show up to moderation. We don't need girls that get most events for the promotion of DFSM. too drunk to be of any use or help. It also This does not mean just a few! You have makes the DFG's look bad, so just don't do to be reliable! it. Drugs are not tolerated. I don't want the DFG's associated with drugs at all. *You have to be yourself! This is very important. We want you to have fun and There are some events that we attend that be comfortable in who you are. We take all are all age's and even family friendly. We shapes in sizes of women. Tattoos are a ask that you be mindful of the kids and be plus! Also make sure you really have a respectful. love for this lifestyle!

When you become a DFG I will add you to Okay so if all that sounds good to you then the DFG Facebook group. You must check we will need you to add us as friends on this often!! I can not stress this enough.

Facebook and send us a message with the This is our lifeline to the DFG's. subject being "Application" or send this information to TristaLou@DarkfaeryGirls.com. In the application you will need Information and Sites to know. to include.......

Duvy is a name you will hear a lot. She is *2 or more pics for us to view. If you are the owner, editor, and creator of the magachosen, one of these pics will be posted zine. You will send her any content you into the Darkfaery Girls album. No pics of might have for the magazine at her email complete nudity! Semi nude is fine as long address. as it's done with class and not exposing all of your goods. Also, the pics need to be Duvy's email: duvy.dfsm@gmail.com somewhat professional quality. No normal Duvy's Facebook: www.facebook.com/ "myspace" pics. duvy.dfsm *Your name and age

TristaLou, I am the Manager of Promotions as well as head Darkfaery Girl. I run *Darkfaery Girl Name you have chosen to the DFG's and any questions and concerns use (you can use your real name if you can be sent to my email address or even on want) Facebook. *A short bio of yourself. This will be posted on the site as well, so make sure this is something you want others to know about you.

Trista's email: TristaLou@DarkfaeryGirls.com Trista's Facebook: www.facebook.com/ TristaLou

*Why you want to be a Darkfaery Girl An application will also need to be filled out at your first meeting and must be filled

opyright Š 1997-2010 Contents contained within Darkfaery Subculture Magazine are subject to US Copyright Laws and are the property of their respective authors, artists and labels. Commercial use prohibited.

Joseph Vargo: Mysteries of the Night For over twenty years Joseph Vargo has been the “name” in gothic dark fantasy.

With virtually thousands of his masterfully created dark images appearing on the covers and pages of books, magazines, albums, posters calendars, etc, Vargo has etched his name among the masters of dark fantasy art. He has also written several articles, short stories and books. As if that were not enough, he also is an accomplished musician and composer for the brilliantly dark and highly successful Nox Arcana.

From early on in his youth, his passion for the darkness of horror and monsters has fueled his creative vision. Greatly influenced by the late legendary Frank Frazetta, Vargo honed his own distinctive style of brilliantly capturing the sensual beauty of darkness and set the benchmark for others that followed. His art displays a unique ability to illuminate inner demons that lurk in the shadows of substance and thought, without losing focus on the fragile elegance that resides in the creatures of the night.

Realizing the need to take control of his own professional destiny, Vargo started Monolith Graphics to market his productions. With the

aid of graphic designer and computer expert Christine Filipak, Monolith established itself as a leader in Gothic art reproduction. Eventually Monolith branched out into music and literary production, leading to the creation of Dark Realms magazine. The immensely popular publication, created to showcase the works of new gothic artists, writers and musical acts, became an enormous success world wide.

Vargo has also authored and coauthored four books. Born of the Night: The Gothic Fantasy Artwork of Joseph Vargo which features over one hundred of his original paintings and illustrations with his own candidly insightful observations of each piece; Tales From The Dark Tower, an original collection of short stories brilliantly illustrated by Vargo himself, also contains some of his own short stories; The Gothic Tarot Compendium expands upon and illustrates the symbolic and mythological references for each of the Gothic Tarots that Vargo himself created. Finally there is The Legend of Darklore Manor and Other Tales of Terror, a compilation of stories by Vargo and other writers plus a novella based upon the poignantly orchestrated Nox Arcana album, Darklore Manner.

do you find time to manage all three?

JV: You really have to commit yourself to your craft and have the discipline to focus your best effort on every project. I love to create new things, so I spend between 10 to 14 hours a day working on projects to appease my various passions. Most of the time, I work straight through the weekends. Like I always say, there’s no rest for the wicked. Occasionally, my friends drag me out of my dungeon to have some fun. I really enjoy having a number of creative outlets, but it definitely interferes with having an active social life. Making your work a priority is a lot easier when you love what you’re doing.

MB: Just trying to master one of the arts is difficult enough for most. You have been able to master all of them. How is that you are able to accomplish that feat and sustain a high level of quality?

After performing with several bands and producing numerous gothic, horror-themed concept albums for other musicians, Vargo formed Nox Arcana. He, along with fellow musician William Piotrowski, set out to capture the “mysteries of the night” in music. Legendary for their haunting arrangements and classic horror references, their songs are the expression in music of Vargo’s art.

With twelve critically acclaimed albums to their credit, and three collaborative albums, Nox Arcana has become one of the more recognizable acts in the gothic music genre. From their first release, Darklore Manor to their latest Theater of Illusion, they have continued to sharpen their intensely dark evocative sound and capture in music those mysterious things that go bump in the night.

JV: I appreciate the compliment, but I don’t feel that I’ve mastered any of the arts I pracThrough all his successes and the tice. I’m very driven to challenge myself with much deserved critical acclaim, new projects, and like most artists, I’m very Joseph Vargo remains approacha- critical of my own work. I really spend a lot of ble and sociable. Recently, he gra- time with the details of each project and just ciously granted me the opportunity keep my mind focused on the goal I’ve set. It’s to have him answer a few questions very easy to lose sight of what you set out to about his long distinguished career accomplish. If a particular piece isn’t heading and future plans. in the right direction, you have to be willing to pick it apart and start over. I rework many of MB: Greetings Joseph! I have long my paintings, musical compositions and stobeen an admirer of your many tal- ries several times before I’m satisfied with ents from your art, writings, to your them. Occasionally, the initial idea is strong musical work with Nox Arcana. How enough to carry through to the end of the cre-

ative process, but most of the time I’ll come up pires, gargoyles, ghosts and bewitchwith new ideas to make the piece better and ing enchantresses are among my apply them along the way. favorite subjects to paint. The dark side piques my curiosity and stimuMB: Which of them pose the biggest chal- lates my imagination— the mysteries lenge for you? that lurk in the shadows of our minds, the occult, the supernatural, and seJV: Art and music come very naturally to me, crets buried in mankind’s forgotten but writing requires the most concentration. past. When I wonder about these The challenge with any artistic outlet is to add things, I form images and stories in a unique touch to make the work original. my mind in order to explain and unPeople judge art very quickly. Their eyes derstand their hidden secrets. I also wash over a painting, and they instantly know love creating a classic Gothic mood, what they like or dislike about it. Music takes which to me, is a balance between slightly longer to stimulate the senses. Some- unsettling darkness, elaborate artistry times a song has to grow on you before you and melancholy beauty. can appreciate it to the fullest. A book takes I have always been drawn to the longest to assess. Some stories are com- these things. Even when I was very pletely engrossing from cover to cover, but young, I loved monster movies, dark others may take several chapters to capture fairy tales and ghost stories. As I the reader’s interest, or lose it completely. grew older, I found that my childhood Art puts a vivid image in the viewer’s mind and interests still held my fascination. I feel extremely fortunate to be able to make a living doing what I love, creating things that can be appreciated by people with similar dark interests.

If my work can inspire the next generation of artists, that’s all the better.

MB: You have written many short stories and MB: Frank Frazetta greatly influenced you books. Which one of them do you view with early on as an artist. Did you ever have the the most sense of accomplishment? What makes it stand out to you? opportunity to have him view your work?

JV: Sadly no, but I did meet his wife, Ellie, on two occasions when I visited the Frazetta Museum in Pennsylvania. She was a terrific lady, with a sharp eye for art and a keen mind for business. She managed all of Frank’s business affairs. She looked at a portfolio of my art back in 1991 and gave me some nice compliments. Most of my work back then was done exactly in Frank’s style, so it was pretty easy to recognize his influence. She gave me some very good advice about striving to be original, which I suspect she gave to all the young Frazetta clones that came to the museum. In any case, her advice hit home and I began to hone my own style, painting things the way I saw them in the shadows of my mind.

MB: Is your muse the same for writing, painting and music?

music evokes a specific mood, whereas writing allows you to explain your thoughts in precise detail. I keep all these things in mind while I’m working, and I often create music and stories for my paintings so I can convey my concepts in a way that stimulates several senses.

MB: Your work in Gothic art is second to none. The dark imagery you create is not only chilling but also captures the delicate mystical side of darkness. What fuels your imagination to inspire the remarkable images you create?

JV: Thank you. Again, I appreciate the compliment. Basically, I just love these things. Vam-

JV: I’m going to have to give you a two-part answer to that. At this point in time, I would have to say the novella The Legend Of Darklore Manor. It was based on the first Nox Arcana cd, Darklore Manor, so I had already created a soundtrack and basic story outline before writing the book. This presented a problem, because I had locked-in certain story elements and characters years earlier, before I began my first draft of the book. It was a real challenge to stick to the original tale and fill in the gaps with new ideas, but it really came together nicely. The end result is a classic haunted house story dripping with gothic imagery, creepy twists and dark, Lovecraftian elements.

I’m currently working on the sequel to Tales from the Dark Tower. The new book, Beyond the Dark Tower, continues the saga of the vampire lord Brom and his quest to discover and resolve the dark mysteries that surround a forsaken Romanian castle. The stories are filled with gothic elements such as vampires, ghosts, living gargoyles, werewolves, witches and dark angels. The second book is close to completion and I am also working on a new Nox Arcana cd based on my Dark Tower mythos. Eventually there will be three books to finish the trilogy, and I think the completed series of over 50 stories and poems based on my artwork, with its own original soundtrack, will give me the best sense of accomplishment.

JV: No. With my art and music, I am driven to create a universal balance between my themes, depicting both the horror and beauty of darkness, balancing the sinister and the morose with night’s romantic majesty. I strive to capture a wide variety of emotional states, ranging from sheer terror to exhilarating passion to blissful surrender.

My writing is strictly horror, although I mainly like to write gothic tales dealing with supernatural topics, a large portion of my fiction deals with contemporary horror themes. Much of this comes from the gloom-shrouded recesses of my own imagination, where my own sinister MB: As an avid reader of Dark Realms, I would be remiss if I failed to mention that pubmuse dwells. lication and its importance to the gothic com-

munity. Why was it discontinued and do you rors of dealing with distributors in the publishsee it ever starting up again? ing industry are beyond the worst things encountered in the darkest tales of terror. Due JV: It was great to be part of a magazine that to the current state of the magazine industry, catered to an intelligent audience who found I don’t see Dark Realms ever being resurbeauty and intrigue in the shadows. It was rected. also very rewarding to be able to MB: You have been involved with promote talented several bands over the years. Were artists, writers and any of those experiences beneficial musicians who in helping you assemble Nox Arcawere generally na and establish it’s musical direcoverlooked by tion? mainstream publications. Christine JV: I try to glean wisdom from all my and I are very experiences, both good and bad. proud of Dark My experiences with rock bands in Realms, but it was the early years were all very posireally a lot of work tive. I honed my songwriting skills, creating, publishing and learned a lot about composition, and distributing the melody, harmony and solid music magazine.

Bestructure. I retained this information, cause we were along with the knowledge learned also working on from my own mistakes, and put it to numerous other use later in my career. projects simultaneously, we had zero time for When I worked with my first gothic instrumenourselves. During the eight years of the maga- tal project, I had some very lofty goals that zine’s publication, Christine and I both had could not be achieved due to the limited vision annual calendars of our art, we published two and talents of the other band members. Whendecks of fortune-telling cards, wrote and pub- ever an idea arose that challenged them, lished three new books, and launched several they’d disregard it, opting to and stick to safe, new t-shirt and poster designs. I also released familiar territory. They were more worried ten CDs with Nox Arcana between 2003 and about the marketability of the project, rather 2008. Aside from being managing editor, than its musical merits. It was artistically stiChristine also wrote numerous articles and fling. They didn’t want to take any chances reviews, and created the Madame Endora with composition, instrumentation or album segment. I painted the cover art, contributed concept, and the music began to sound stale the occasional short story, and created the and rehashed. My original vision was being Doctor Arcana features. compromised, and that inspired me to break It was a very successful project, but the hor- free and pursue my ideas by starting my own project.

In Nox Arcana, we constantly challenged ourselves to create drastically different soundscapes to convey a wide variety of moods and themes. If we ran into any obstacles, we figured out ways to achieve our desired goals without ever forsaking an idea because it was too difficult or time-consuming. All of the Nox Arcana cds conjure different moods, settings and time periods, but our underlying style is still very recognizable.

MB: Knowing your deep appreciation for horror legends Bram Stoker and Edgar Allan Poe, how have they inspired you personally on your journey as artist, writer

and musician?

JV: Stoker gave birth to the classic vampire novel. Dracula is a masterpiece of Gothic fiction, mixing folklore with original horror concepts. It establishes a brooding atmosphere of menace, terror, mystery and romance, depicting both the horror and beauty that darkness holds. This is something that I strive to do with my music and art—to convey the idea that things that dwell in the shadows aren’t inherently evil. The night holds as many wonders as it does dangers.

Poe was the ultimate tortured soul who captured his own pain and sadness in his stories and poems. His morbid tales of murder and madmen were grotesque and gripping, yet artfully penned. These weren’t just mindless stories of torture and bloodshed, they were Gothic tales, crafted with great skill. His poems, The Raven,” and “Annabel Lee” are beautiful, heart-wrenching stories of lost love and melancholy memories. Poe’s work influenced me to find inspiration in some of my own tragic memories and experiences.

MB: Like you, I was an ardent fan of the original Dark Shadows. Also like you, I remember running home from school to watch it. To many of us, Dark Shadows was the holy grail of television shows, something sacred and revered. Now Tim Burton is doing a movie based upon the original with Johnny Depp as Barnabas. As a fan of the original, what advice would you like to give Tim Burton and Johnny Depp for the remake?

JV: They used to remake movies and shows with reverence for the original, however, the trend in the last decade has been to “reenvision” the source material, usually changing it so drastically that it becomes barely recognizable. The few examples of successful reenvisioning are Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula, which returned to the original novel and added some great gothic imagery, and Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow, which also expounded upon the original tale with the addition of some very cool horror elements. It reminded me of the way Richard Matheson crafted screenplays for the film adaptations of Poe’s work, adding macabre elements from

look, like Tim Burton did with Sleepy Hollow.

It would be impossible to retell the entire saga in one film, but if they can condense the best elements, they can leave it open for a sequel.

If Burton doesn’t screw it up, the fans will definitely want one.

Poe’s other stories.

Dark Shadows has been re-worked several times with three previous movie adaptations and the tragically short-lived television resurrection in the early 90s. Dan Curtis always kept continuity with every version of his creation, but he passed away a few years ago, so this new adaptation may be very different from the tale we’re familiar with.

I would strongly recommend that they keep all the classic elements that made Dark Shadows so memorable— the portrait of Barnabus, the trademark wolf’s head cane, the Collins family crypt, the majestic Collinwood mansion, and of course, the eerie theme music. Also, don’t take liberties with the characters or story lines. Keep the plot centered on Barnabus, Angelique and Quentin and the dark secrets they harbor.

Johnny Depp does a great job of disappearing into his characters, and I think he could make a very cool vampire.

If he delivers a serious performance, I think he’ll be great.

As for the production, I would love to see them elaborate on the costumes and sets, giving Collinwood and its haunted denizens a wicked, big-budget

was a kid. It drew me to the dark side, and continues to inspire me each time I watch it.

MB: Given the fascinating and multifaceted life you’ve led, have you considered writing an autobiography?

JV: I don’t think a story about a guy who sits MB: You have been a fan of horror since an around in a studio all night, painting and makearly age. Which horror movies from your ing music would interest that many people. youth remain your favorites still to this day?

Besides, I still have so many other projects that I want to add to my body of work before I JV: Most of the classic Universal monster sit back and reminisce about my accomplishmovies still hold a fond place in my heart. ments.

Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Wolfman and The Creature from the Black MB: I want to thank you for allowing me the Lagoon were the basis for some of my earli- privilege of interviewing you. Do you have any est nightmares. I also still love the old Ameri- scheduled personal appearances or Nox Arcacan International films based on Poe’s gothic na shows coming this year? Do you have anytales, especially Masque of the Red Death, thing else you’d like to tell your many fans The Fall of the House of Usher, and my per- concerning upcoming projects or plans? sonal favorite, The Pit and the Pendulum. I still enjoy watching the original 1963 version of JV: It was my pleasure, Maynard. I don’t really The Haunting, which I appreciate even more make many personal appearances. I love now than when I first saw it. But the one old meeting my fans, but I’m constantly working horror film that really stands out to me is Mario on new projects, usually several at once. BeBava’s Black Sunday. It’s a gothic master- cause of my hectic work schedule, I don’t realpiece and it scared the hell out of me when I ly have time for the convention circuit. Nox Arcana is strictly a studio project, so there are no plans for any concert tours. I’ve built a wall of mystery around myself, so I’ll just return to my Gothic realm and stay here among the shadows.

Heliakin Lopes has been working professionally in the field of Graphic designer since 2007 . Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil . He moved to Minas Gerais in August of 2007 Due to the death of their parents. He then delved into Web Designer and graphic design programs. Currently, works to Fingerprints. Life Heliakin Lopes has been filled with devotion to art; He began to learn manipulation in February 2010 he enjoys delving in his work in all aspects of his life.

My name is Persephany, I 've had a love of all things horror and s related since a very young age. My dad used to let me read his Ro Jordan book when I was in the 7th grade, and started letting me horror movies the year before. I just had to promise never to wa him up with a nightmare ~ and I never did! My first horror movie t ever watched was Dolls. I was instantly hooked. I love the horro re so much, I also co-own an amazing Steampunk store ~ Captain B mina's Salvage Emporium. We enjoy being your local makers of al sorts of Steampunk curiosities ~ hell, we even sneak some horro themed items in there! (Charles Band owns several pairs of our gles. <3) If you see me out and about introduce yourself!

I'm usually at all the local conventions. And I don't bite... hard.

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sci-fi obert watch ake that I or genBenjall or gog-

. ;)>

ŠHerbert Originals Photography and Design http://facebook.com/HerbertOriginalsPhotography

ŠHerbert Originals Photography and Design http://facebook.com/HerbertOriginalsPhotography

Mike Schnieder producer of actual movie Night of the Living Dead: Reanimated and I loved it! So I was even more Night of the Living Dead: Re- excited to get him into the magazine. It was such a great new way to watch the classic. I animated

By TristaLou

Every once in awhile you stumble upon something in the most unlikely of places. This was just one of those things for me. Last Christmas I was determined to get my husband James something, but since I am a stay at home mother and have no income of any sort that makes it very hard for me. So I found a site called Listia where you can sale things for credits to use to buy things. Much like Ebay but I didn't need to have a credit card and didn't have to pay shipping even (most auctions do have shipping but there is a good number of them that don't). So in my search I ran across the DVD that Mike Schnieder had listed. I knew nothing of it, but saw that it was Night of the Living Dead and knew I had to have it for James. I won it after a late night watching to make sure I would not be outbid.

So after winning it I then decided I should probably figure out what it was exactly I won.

It turns out I won a DVD of the Monster Madhouse presents Night of the Living Dead: Reanimated. This was one of ten copies made to be given out at the San Diego Comic Con and it was signed by Mike Schnieder and the Monster Madhouse's own Karlos Borloff. I was unsure what Monster Madhouse was and I am sure some of my local people might not even know, since this is a Washington DC based show, although there are many places you can catch it online. Monster Madhouse is basically a horror host show that presents horror movies, the classics and even the not so well known horror movies just trying to make it out there. Much like our beloved Count Gregor and Dr. Fear shows. So after finding out all that I was even more excited. I knew James would be so absolutely thrilled to have this.

Soon I started talking to Mike and got lots of helpful advice and ideas for presents for James that were cheap and inexpensive. With his advice I even got James the Gore De Vol's Creature Feature that features Night of the Living Dead as it aired that night he originally had featured it.

During our talks I realized I just had to interview Mike and get him into the magazine. I was even able to get a hold of a copy of the

have never seen a take on it presented like this and sure I probably won't ever again. There was a lot of the animation that I was very impressed with and there was also a lot that you knew had to have been put in there for a comedic approach, case in point the puppet scene in the cemetery when Barbara is trying to drive off and the zombie puppet is trying to break in. I absolutely loved that scene. I actually had a lot of favorites in the animation and with almost 150 artists and animators that worked on this it's no wonder there would be numerous favorites. Also one element that I loved is they kept the original audio and just put the animations and artist elements on top of that. So hopefully you enjoy the interview and I get you more interested in checking out then with countless individuals grabbing and his movies and other various projects he has pulling it in all directions.. transforming it bite in the works. by bite.. leaving an exquisite corpse.

TL-So TL where did you come up with the idea TLTL Were you worried that it would not be of re-making a classic in this way? accepted at all by the countless fans of the original?

MSMS There is an ideological difference between a remake and what we did with Reani- MSMS There was nothing to worry about bemated. Remakes generally pose themselves as cause I was absolutely certain this project a replacement, improvement, or alternative to would not be accepted by all of the fans. A lot the original media. We have horror host, of fans are dogmatic about the original trilogy Count Gore de Vol, stop viewers mid- and even Romero can't please them anymore. introduction to suggest if they haven't seen They are as committed to their perspective as the '68 film, they should check their pulse they are the film itself. then go watch it first. Night of the Living Dead is a classic. Reanimated is a response to We were speaking to the flexible fans who that classic and should be considered a sup- love the film enough that they are looking to plemental experience rather then a substitute make new experiences with it. Watch somefor the original. thing enough and you move from engaging Artists respond to their world to share what they see in it.

Reanimated is a collection of responsive art and animation which grants viewers a new lens for viewing Night of the Living Dead. The process of reanimation, as posed by Winsor McCay, suggests that things are given a new life when they pass through the eyes and hands of an artist. What better way to reanimate 'Night of the Living Dead'

with the screen to engaging with your memory. We watch it with new people, frame it with horror hosts, adapt it into new forms, write about it academically, etc. Why? The only way to stay an active viewer is to actively engage with it, shake our biases, and make new memories. Like a second honeymoon, we went someplace new to fall in love all over again. Everyone involved in the production was that kind of fan so we were each other's primary audience. The project is experimental and not everyone will like that. I'm pleased that it has connected with such a large audience but that is to their credit for giving it a chance.

TLTL So far what has the reaction been from those fans?

MSMS-Strong. *laughs* We have won awards and been rejected. We've had people walk out and others applaud. We placed on best and worst movie lists.

but he still got his fang on the pulse and any artist so motivated to join in the fun. If Ra- doesn't miss a beat. It's always a pleasure to anyone wants to jam with us, they just have to ther work with passionate talented people. drop me a line ( shenlon@hotmail.com ).

TLTL So you have your own production com- TLTL I have been hearing a lot about an Alice pany called Neoflux Productions can you tell in Wonderland project, I'd like to know more us about some of the other projects that about that.

Neoflux has or will be producing?

MSMS I believe art is a language. Rather then MSMS I'm constantly working with different making another edition of Alice in Wonderartists and animators from all over the world. land with 1-4 small illustrations per chapter, When I'm the driving force behind a project, we're translating the full book into artwork. it's Neoflux Productions. If they're the driving With the first pass we're creating a full page force, it's released by their production group. of art for each and every paragraph ( 565 by The dynamics are less like a company and my count ). Once we finish a first pass, we'll more like a community. The project is an- double back to tween** those pages of art. nounced and if it sounds appealing, people ( **create additional art to fill in missing stovolunteer to take part in it. Things spread by ry elements, ease the transition, offer alternaposts and word of mouth. The projects often tive angles and readings, etc ). By the time grow quickly to a good team of people who we're done, we will have a 1000+ piece colthen making a movie and questioning what all believe in it and do what they can to make lection which will tell the entire story without a single word of text. movie we were making, we were making it successful.

Night of the Living Dead and questioning what we were making it out of/ in to. Ask a Since Reanimated, I've been working with Our team on 'What is the Use of a Book Without Pictures' is well over different question and get a different answer. different artists on stacks of short horror comics 200 artists including illusThe risk of asking a different question is, if which have appeared in trators from a dozen comthe audience doesn't ask the same question, different anthologies, ic labels, animators from the responses you come up with might not books and magazines.

We independent to studio, make any sense to them. are very communal and fine artists from contemmost of us do a lot of porary back to Pop, phowork for charity.

We've tographers, outsider/ folk TLTL Did you yourself do any of the scenes in also taken part in other artists, etc each working Reanimated? mass-collaborative proin any style, media and jects.

For example, nearly motif they choose. There's MSMS I did a number of scenes in Reanimated. a third the NOTLD:R still plenty of room for I did a hand drawn clip of Barbra freaking artists worked with me on people to join in and this out, still illustrations through out the movie, a a scene I did for Bill project should continue stop motion scene with the Fearwerx figures, Plympton's project, well into next year. etc. I also assisted on a number of scenes. I 'Guard Dog: Global Jam'. taught some of the artists different animation Groups like the Lewis processes, helped scan and photograph some GD:GJ is doing the rounds at festivals now.

Carroll Society and Lewis of the artwork, assembled some of the seCarroll Society of North quences for different animators, as well as Currently, the main America have been nothdoing all of the editing and DCM for the proNeoflux Productions' ing but supportive. Even ject. Beyond the timeline itself, I also deprojects are: 'Unseen Horror' ( animated/ illusthough we're a long way from finished, with signed the logos, cover, and poster art. trated visuals to go along with old time horror the 180+ pages of art which have already TLTL So for promotion of your movie you got radio dramas ), 'What is the Use of a Book been completed, we're one of the most illuswithout Pictures' ( a full text translation of trated editions of the book to date. It's cool to to work with Karlos Borloff, how was that?

'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' into the know that no matter how long a story has MSMS I've worked with a number of horror visual language of art ), and 'Destroy All been around or how many artists have worked hosts. We're all presenters and there is a kin- Monster Movies' ( a Monster Mash-Up which on it in the past, that there's still so much left ship in that. Count Gore De Vol, Dr Sigmund re-envisions human-sized monsters, legends to be added to it. Anyone interested in reading Zoid, Count Victor Von Scary, Baron Mondo and mythical creatures on a dai-kaiju scale. ) the full details or checking out some of the artwork can go here: Von Doren, Undead Johnny, Nigel Hon- Other projects such as 'Creatures of the Night completed School' ( blending the traditions of horror www.tinyurl.com/BookWithoutPictures eybone, Rob Dimension and numerous other m late night horror hosts have presented hosting and educational television by teaching NOTLD:R on their shows. There are hun- lessons in host regalia and turning viewers to dreds of hosts out there, each with his/ her the movie while things set, dry, render, cook, own style and charm. Borloff is so high ener- etc) are creeping their way through pregy he would make Charlie Sheen's face melt production. off. Count Victor brings viral video to horror hosting. Count Gore has been at it for decades There's always plenty going on and room for

Photo credit: Panda Face - http://www.pandafacephotography.co.uk/

Photo credit: Panda Face - http://www.pandafacephotography.co.uk/

Poltergeist: One of the Scariest Movies, but a More Terrifying Haunting.

By TristaLou

happening so close to the start of filming for the movie that I doubt it. But it all did take place before filming of the movie stated so I'll just leave that up to you on what you want to believe. The family that this happened to was Ben and Jean Williams along with their granddaughter who was living with them at the time. The Williams family moved into a Newport Subdivision in a town just outside of Houston in 1980. The home sat on a street named Poppets Way and they thought this would be their dream home. The neighborhood was beautiful, the neighbors were nice, and everything just seemed to be wonderful.

Soon after moving in little things started to happen. Jean would plant flowers and they

For this issue I thought Poltergeist would be a great movie/ghost story to feature. Poltergeist however was not based on one true story (most likely). Just a poltergeist haunting in general. Of course it's exaggerated, but in reality those types of hauntings can be very terrifying. Poltergeist is the term used for any spirit or entity that can move things and even make noises.

Sometimes even causing things to break. These types of hauntings are more of an annoyance than a real threat. The most common occurrences associated with these types of hauntings are opening and closing of doors, rapping's, things being thrown, smells, very loud noises, and apparitions. In some very rare cases physical would die. She just assault's have been reported. could not get them One popular theory is that these "spirits" to stay alive, no aren't even spirits at all. They are actually matter what she adolescents or the women in the house that tried. Then there are going through something very traumatic were the infestaand somehow through their emotions they tions of ants and can make things happen without even know- snakes. There were ing it. In these cases the "haunting" can last even two sink anywhere from just a day or even years. The holes in the back occurrences can start and stop very quickly yard, near a tree and almost always happens only when the with strange markindividual in question is present. Most cases ings, that would be were women under the age of 20. Kind of filled in, but would reappear shortly thereafmakes you wonder about that teen even more ter. They just ignored the occurrences and tried to brush it off as merely oddities. But doesn't it? then things would progress to more than that.

But of course there are the real poltergeists Toilets started flushing on their own and that are in fact a restless spirit. In the movie even more odder, there would be voices like the family finds out their home is built on top a distant conversation as the water spun of an old grave yard that was not moved, but around and down. Doors started opening and instead the builders built on top of countless closing on their own, footsteps could be graves. This is one story that has been proven heard, ungodly odors would appear out of no in many cases. There is one story that has where, cold spots could be felt but then been credited as the origin of the movie by would vanish, feelings of being watched and some, but I don't believe it was. It was all a certain uneasiness, and even shadow fig-

ures could be seen throughout the house. Ben witnessed a shadow figure himself one night and followed it to his bedroom were it stood there between him and his sleeping wife.

Thinking it would try to hurt her, he dove through it, landing beside his wife. It left him with a cold sticky feeling, and when he looked up the figure vanished from where it once stood.

The family pets were even being affected.

They started to act strange and some of them were even dying. Just when they thought things couldn't get any worse close family members started to be plagued by unfortunate events. Six family members were diagnosed with cancer and three ended up dieing.

There were even divorces that were blamed upon the hauntings. It seems a little far fetched that these things had anything to do

with the haunting, but it does seem a little odd that it all was happening all around the same time.

What was even more uncanny is that just across the street lived Sam and Judith Haney.

They too were being haunted by something.

Sam and Judith knew for a fact that their home was built upon a graveyard. They had found two graves upon their property while preparing to build a swimming pool in the back yard. They had exhumed the bodies just to be sure that what they had been told about two graves there was true, but then re in-

terred the bodies back into their backyard after they realized what they had done. They had even found out that the graves were that of Charlie and Betty Thomas, former slaves that had been buried there in what used to be Black Hope Cemetery. They thought that would be the end of it, but to their surprise they realized that they had woken up the spirits when they disturbed the final resting place. After the reburial things started to happen they could not explain. The electronics started to act strangely and Judith one night found herself watching a clock glow and spark in an awkward way and upon investigation found that it was unplugged. A door even opened up on its own followed by a voice saying, "Watcha doin?". Then there were items moved or missing. One item was a pair of red shoes that belonged to Judith.

They found them upon the grave of Betty.

They even found out that this was the day of Betty's birthday and believed that maybe Charlie had given the shoes to Betty as a gift. Their haunting escalated so much so that Judith started to cry all the time and was deathly scared in her own home. They then decided that this was just too much and took the developers to court for not disclosing that their home sat on unmarked graves. They took yet another devastating blow and lost the case and had to pay court costs of $50,000. The Haney's had lost their battle and filed bankruptcy and had even lost their home.

The Williams had known of the Haney story and was determined to take their fight to court as well, but nothing could be done without proof of bodies on their property.

They found out more about the sink holes in their yard and it turns out that the sink holes were in fact graves. Graves of two sisters who had also been buried in Black Hope Cemetery. The strange marks on the nearby tree were their grave markers. Finally Jean had had enough and was determined to give them a body, if they wanted that proof so bad. Jean went out and started to dig into one of the sink holes, but found that she was weak and exhausted as soon as she started to dig. So her daughter, Tina, who was visiting at the time offered to take over. Soon she too was complaining about excessive exhaustion and a weird feeling as she dug and she also gave up. She laid on the

couch and knew something was wrong she told her mother over and over to take care of her baby (the Williams granddaughter who had been living with them). She was rushed to the hospital and died two days later. She died of a massive heart attack only at the age of 30. After that the Williams decided to leave it all behind them and left their home

on Poppets Way and let the bank foreclose on the house. They just didn't care anymore they had already lost so much.

The experience had so much of an impact on them, that the Williams even wrote a book about what they went through called, Black Hope Horror: The True Story of a Haunting.

The story has even been featured on TV shows like A Paranormal Insight: Ghost Stories and even Unsolved Mysteries.

Regardless if the movie Poltergeist was based upon this story or not, the movie did well and terrified many people. The movie, along with the two others in the trilogy is even rumored to have a curse upon them. The curse is credited with the deaths of cast members of the movies. Dominque Dunne who played Dana Freeling was the first to pass away in 1982 at the young age of 22. Tragically she was strangled by a jealous boyfriend and died 4 days after the attack. Julian Beck who had played Kane (an evil spirit) died in 1985 from Stomach Cancer at the age of 60. Will Sampson who played Taylor (a good spirit) died in 1987 after receiving a heart and lung transplant at the age of 53. And then there was Heather O'Rourke who played Carol Anne Freeling, she died in 1988 from Septic Shock.

She sadly was only 12 when she passed away. She had even been playing her part as Carol Anne in the third of the Poltergeist movies.

Granted two of these actors were well into age when they passed, but the two young girls deaths were so shocking that the curse was born from them.