TV Show Review: Halo Season 2 TV Series - SPOILERS ALL OVER THIS

 Halo Season 2 TV Series
2022–
Creators: Steven Kane, Kyle Killen
Stars: Pablo Schreiber, Shabana Azmi, Natasha Culzac
Paramount+
Rating: TV-14
Episode length: 1h
9 episodes
Genre: Science Fiction, action, adventure
With the galaxy on the brink of destruction, Master Chief John-117 leads his team of Spartans against the alien threat known as the Covenant. 

 

SPOILERS ALL OVER THIS

Halo, the series season 2, has been one heck of an action-packed ride! If you're reading, you've been warned about spoilers ahead. We pick up season 2 not long after the timeline of the first season. John and the team of Spartans are "benched" and forced to just train all the live long day. Boring!

The new management at the UNSC is shady AF from the start, but no surprises there. Never trusted any of them. Maybe Cortana was the only exception, but it was hard to tell what she was really up to for so long. All the suits want is to make weapons and win the war. At all costs. Which, okay, I get that humanity is on the line, but some dirty tactics and so freakin' sneaky!!!

So the team is forced to watch the action from the sidelines and, in doing so, watch their Master Chief John leader seem to fall apart. (Side note: Pablo, who plays Chief John, is a 6 foot 5 demi-god of pure alpha male. LOVE HIM!) As the viewers, we see what the 'powers that be' can't, and so we know that his lady love/hate, Makee, is alive and well. Plotting and brewing back with the covenant and still searching for the artifacts. I don't know why she went back with them. They wanted her dead, so makes no sense to me. She's a total wild card.

We get to see lots more of Soren and family, plus the mysterious Kwan Ha. She holds some kind of powers or abilities that have been alluded to, which tie together the three main characters. Dr Halsey is still manipulating everyone, all the time but she's still a very intriguing character that you really have no idea what she will do next. No matter what, it will always be something for her own gain.

Captain Keys gave one of the best speeches before battle time that I've heard, maybe since Braveheart. That man can rally the damn troops! Loved his heart at the end, even if he too has been part of some very awful behavior to obtain these kids.

Long live Vannak! What a guy, what a soldier and what a friend to his team. You just start to see another side of him, and it's snuffed out. At least, in the end, he dies a freaking hero.

Some weird parts of the overall storyline left some gaps for me about what was going on. If I had played the game, maybe I would have known. But as just a viewer, it's like things are glossed over. If you know, you know, kind of feeling. But that said, what another fun ride on a show with so much more to offer than visual effects and bang bang shoot'em up.

We end this season with some gross virus that is turning everyone so far into almost zombie-like creatures and gross bug things come out of them. Was very scary and gory in parts, plus with Dr Halsey now infected and on ice, we just have no idea if she can make it. Her daughter better be working on that cure! Hope she paid attention in chemistry.

Tons of character depth, intergalactic high jinxes, well-acted thoughtful characters, heartfelt moments, loss of likable characters, and certainly a scifi show that makes you feel like you're right in the thick of it all. I can not wait for season 3! Soren's a single dad now, this ancient city and tech, is Kai alive or dead, what will happen next?!

I highly recommend this one for everyone of all ages. Video game or not; it is so enjoyable!

Getting 5 "never understate Master Chief" Sheep

 

 

 

KD

TV Series Review: YuYu Hakusho (Netflix 2023)

YuYu Hakusho (Netflix)
First episode date: December 14, 2023 (Japan)
Based on: YuYu Hakusho by Yoshihiro Togashi
Genre: Action; Adventure; Comedy drama; Fantasy
Network: Netflix
5 episodes
Original language: Japanese
Producer: Akira Morii
Cast: Takumi Kitamura, Jun Shison, Kanata Hongō, Shuhei Uesugi
Yusuke Urameshi, who died saving a little boy, is sent back to Earth and becomes a detective of the spirit world to fight all the demons found on Earth.

I tend to love live-action adaptations of manga/anime. Tokyo Ghoul, Bleach, Full-Metal Alchemist and now YuYu Hakusho! I had never head of this one before. The five episode series (yay for not drawing things out!) is based on the 1990–94 manga... I figured that out when I saw the outfits and hairstyles the characters had, lol, hammer-time pants everywhere!

 

 

The first episode was a little cheesy and I had my doubts but once the demons showed up and the fighting started...BOOM, I was hooked. They spared no expense on the choreography and special effects. So much fun! I've always loved the demons from manga/anime. Very creative and creepy.

If you enjoy supernatural Japanese series then check this one out. 

Look at the comparison of the live-action characters to the original... 

 

This guy bothered me a little. He looked like there was a pacifier in his mouth, lol

 

4.5 "spirit gun" Sheep!

 

 

 

 

SharonS

 

Movie Review: Double World (2020) Netflix

Double World (2020)
Zheng tu (original title)
21 July 2020 (USA)
Director: Teddy Chan
Writers: Fendou Liu, Ning Wen, Him Law
Stars:

Henry Lau...as Dong Yilong

Peter Ho...as Chu Hun

Chenhan Lin...as Jinggang

Luxia Jiang...as Bi Nu

Him Law...as Zhongqian Luo

Runtime: 1h 50min
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Content Rating: 15+
In a fictional universe comprising of ten nations, seeing that the neighbouring country is becoming more and more powerful, a warlord organises a competition to reveal the best warriors. Thus, keen to bring honor to his clan, young villager Dong Yi Long embarks on a perilous journey to compete in the tournament and brings along Chu Hun and Miss Jinggang to fight alongside him.

Wow! What a visually stunning movie, for many reasons I will get into... there will be a lot of images in this review because that is the movie's strength.

First a little background. Double World is based on a popular Chinese MMORPG (massively-multiplayer online role-playing game) called Zhengtu. Kind of like World of Warcraft. The story is set in a fantasy version of China with warlords, dragons and swords. The plot is basic. A big tournament is held to find out the best warrior in all the lands. Each clan sends their top three to compete in a Hunger Games-style event. In other words, if you don't win, you die. Our heroes are three misfits that enter for different reasons. You have the young, optimistic orphan (chosen one), a guilt and vengeance-ridden warrior, and a small and feisty thief. 

I loved all three characters. They do bring in a fourth sorta-member once they get to the games.

There is so much to watch. There is a skilled blend of CGI and live-action. The scenery, fight choreography, the COSTUMES... the bad-a**ery. It is a feast for the eyes. 

Double World is sub-titled and you will struggle to read and not miss any of the action sometimes. I might watch it again just to look this time...if you know what I mean ;)

The movie didn't end on a cliff-hanger but definitely with a sequel in mind. I was a little disappointed with the fate of some of the characters.

3.75 "burning down the house" Sheep

SharonS

Sheep Movie Review: Tokyo Ghoul S (2019)

The ghouls return to North America this September with “Tokyo Ghoul S” the next thrilling live-action adaptation – true to the original manga and the sequel to the original 2017 movie. “Tokyo Ghoul S” opens Monday, September 16 in 400 theaters across the U.S. and Canada. The film will have a three-day limited theatrical run (September 16, 18 & 20) and will screen in Japanese with English subtitles.

Tokyo Ghoul S (2019)

September 16, 2019 (USA)
Directors: Takuya Kawasaki, Kazuhiko Hiramaki
Adapted from: Tokyo Ghoul
Story by: Sui Ishida
Cast: Masataka Kubota, Maika Yamamoto, Kang Jiyoung, Shota Matsuda, Nobuyuki Suzuki
Genre: Drama/Fantasy
Runtime: 1h 47m
Now a member of Anteiku, Ken Kaneki grows closer to the ghouls around him. Determined to protect his new home against anti-ghoul forces, he trains his powers in secret. But when the infamous gourmet, Shu Tsukiyama, wishes to savor some half-ghoul flavor, Kaneki's training is put to test of a lifetime.

WHEN: Limited theatrical release - September 16, 18 & 20, 2019

WHERE: 400 theater locations across the U.S. and Canada.Check local listing for specific showtimes which vary by location.

I reviewed the first film Tokyo Ghoul (2017) when it came out and loved it! So I was excited to find there was a sequel. Like I said in my review of TG1 (Review: Tokyo Ghoul (2017), I haven't read the manga or watched the anime. But it's one I need to read because I love the horror and fantasy aspect. Point is, I went in without expectations and had a blast watching. So Tokyo Ghoul (S) had a lot to live up to.

Tokyo Ghoul (S) (2019) is not as good as the first, but it is still a rocking movie! The story is about The Gourmet, a psycho of epic proportions, and from what I can tell, sticks close to canon. Ghouls eat humans to survive and the morality of this is explored. Kaneki struggles with his ghoul half. He is learning ghouls, like humans, can be good or evil. The movie focuses on the relationships between Kaneki and his ghoul family as well as a ghoul/human relationships.

The Gourmet character is over the top crazy. He is fixated on eating Kaneki. His actions compare to someone with a sexual obsession. It is part creepy and part silly, but I liked him as a protagonist. The film is heavy on the gore factor...duh, it's about monsters that eat humans!

The Tokyo Ghoul (S) doesn't have as much humor as the first and I missed that. But this one is much darker, which I liked. There aren't as many special effects in TG(S) and the CGI quality is not as good as the first movie. We only see Kaneki use his kagune (defensive weapon) once at the very end.

Tokyo Ghoul (S) is worth watching if you loved this first one. If you love horror/fantasy movies check out both TG movies! Oh, there are subtitles if that matters to you. They don't interfere with my enjoyment of a movie.

4 "smelling" Sheep

SharonS

About Funimation

Funimation, a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Television, is a global leader in the world of anime. A fully integrated, next-generation entertainment studio, the company's fan-first philosophy is anchored in its omnichannel approach to its immersive offerings. From streaming and home entertainment to theatrical distribution and broadcast, Funimation's commitment to character-driven storytelling, combined with tech innovation and key distribution partnerships, provides audiences with multiple and meaningful touchpoints to connect with this immersive world. FunimationNow, a next-generation streaming service, provides subscribers with instant access to their favorite sub and dub shows in ad-free HD on the widest array of platforms – including smartphones, tablets, TVs and gaming consoles. Funimation Films, the theatrical division of Funimation, acquires and distributes both anime and live action movies from prominent international filmmakers that appeal to the interests and passion of all types of fans. For more information about Funimation, visit funimation.com.

Sheep Movie Review: Hellboy (2019)

Hellboy (2019)
Directed By: Neil Marshall
Written By: Andrew Cosby
Apr 12, 2019Cast: David Harbour, Milla Jovovich, Ian McShane, Sasha Lane, Daniel Dae Kim
Genre: Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Rating: R (for strong bloody violence and gore throughout, and language)
Runtime: 120 minutes
Studio: Summit Entertainment
Hellboy is back, and he's on fire. From the pages of Mike Mignola's seminal work, this action packed story sees the legendary half-demon superhero (David Harbour, "Stranger Things") called to the English countryside to battle a trio of rampaging giants. There he discovers The Blood Queen, Nimue (Milla Jovovich, Resident Evil series), a resurrected ancient sorceress thirsting to avenge a past betrayal. Suddenly caught in a clash between the supernatural and the human, Hellboy is now hell-bent on stopping Nimue without triggering the end of the world.

Well, I'm a little pissed at myself. And not for the reason you think. I should know better than to listen to the critics. Just because people don't like a movie doesn't mean I won't.

My husband and I watched Hellboy (2019) on-demand and we both enjoyed it. I did go in with no expectations. And you can't compare Ron Pearlman's Hellboy to David Harbour's. Pearlman made a sexy Hellboy...Harbour's...kind of ugly. Pearlman's Hellboy was a higher budget Hollywood version. Harbour's resembles the canon Hellboy from the comics.

The 2019 version's story also has more of a canon comic book feel to it. There is even an appearance by Lobster Johnson!!  So if you don't compare the two, the new Hellboy movie is pretty fun. It has a lower budget and a ton more over-the-top gore. But I really liked the characters, Alice (Sasha Lane) and Ben (Daniel Dae Kim). I've always had a girl-crush on Milla Jovovich.

So, to all the haters of the movie...

4 "Hell" Sheep

SharonS

TV Series Review: Good Omens (2019)

Good Omens (2019)
TV mini-series
May 31
Amazon Prime
Creators: Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett
Series Directed by Douglas Mackinnon

Stars: David Tennant, Michael Sheen, Frances McDormand 

A tale of the bungling of Armageddon features an angel, a demon, an eleven-year-old Antichrist, and a doom-saying witch.

Having a book you love turned into a movie or show can be nerve-wracking. Let's face it: fans love things for different reasons and not everyone is going to be happy. Sometimes people helming the ship somehow don't get or ignore why people love a thing so much and miss every opportunity to do something amazing.

And sometimes, things go right.

I should say here and now that it's been a while since I've read Good Omens, but I think that also helped me detach from my love of the book and watch the show as its own entity. I know there are differences, but I can't speak to specifics and obviously I'm not that hung up on them.

You guys, this is so good. For me, it *feels* like the book. It has the same energy, momentum, humor, and quirkiness. All of the characters are given time to be introduced and grow, and I never felt like the plot or world building runs away with anything or any of the cast was in over their heads. Everything felt committed to the story, which is what you really need with anything by Pratchett and Gaiman. If anything, this makes me want to reread the book right now.

The casting is excellent - David Tennant and Michael Sheen are magic, but truly everyone is fantastic in their roles. I love a lot of the background casting and how characters actually fit their time periods and regions in the flashback bits. The horseman are fun, John Hamm is a great choice for Gabriel, the kids are realistic. I don't think there was a single casting choice or actor that felt wrong to me.

The effects fit the vibe of the story, and the script rings true to the book. And yes, there is Queen. So much Queen, and used in the best ways. Be warned, that joke is never explained in the show, so if you're going in blind, there are still things worth reading the book for.

My only issue was occasionally the pacing seemed to drag - I mostly noticed it in the cuts back to Adam and his friends in the woods. Those scenes were so similar after the first few, but I get the point of trying to break up other action.

If the more tongue in cheek and quirky bits aren't for you, well that's what this is. It's funny and insightful and unnerving in turn.

If this book is your Bible, I'm sure there's something I'm not catching that may set you off. If you go in with the idea that this is an adaptation (and a very good one), I think you'll love it. If you haven't read the book, you will absolutely enjoy it if you love the authors and know their styles.

In short, it's a lot of fun.

4.75 sheep of the apocalypse

About the Author:
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Selah Janel is a writer who is trying to start doing that again instead of reading manga all the time.

Sheep Movie Review: John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (2019)

John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (2019)
May 17, 2019 (USA)
Director: Chad Stahelski
Based on: Characters; by Derek Kolstad
Production company: Thunder Road Pictures
Producers: Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee

Cast: Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry, Ian McShane, Laurence Fishburne, Mark Dacascos, Asia Kate Dillon, Lance Reddick

After gunning down a member of the High Table -- the shadowy international assassin's guild -- legendary hit man John Wick finds himself stripped of the organization's protective services. Now stuck with a $14 million bounty on his head, Wick must fight his way through the streets of New York as he becomes the target of the world's most ruthless killers.

Went to see John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum with my husband and 18-year-old daughter. We've all seen the first two so going to see it was a no-brainer. If you've loved the first two then you don't want to miss this one. Each film has upped the action and violence and the pattern continues.

John Wick 3 has a crazy number of fight scenes! I mean CRAZY. Whoever choreographed the fighting deserves a flocking award. They were creative and fun.

The film has more humor then the first two. I was cringing and laughing at the same time. There were a couple of places where the movie lagged so I deducted half a sheep.

The best part, it ends with the promise of a John Wick Chapter 4!

If you enjoyed the first two then this is a must see. I suggest IMAX. There are multiple city-scape shots at night that are breathtakingly beautiful.

My whole family gives it 4.5 "consequences" Sheep

SharonS

Book Review: Stranger Things: Suspicious Minds by Gwenda Bond

Stranger Things: Suspicious Minds: The first official Stranger Things novel
by Gwenda Bond
February 5, 2019
Publisher: Del Rey
ASIN: B07DBQR8T1 ISBN: 9781984800886
A mysterious lab. A sinister scientist. A secret history. If you think you know the truth behind Eleven’s mother, prepare to have your mind turned Upside Down in this thrilling prequel to the hit show Stranger Things.

It’s the summer of 1969, and the shock of conflict reverberates through the youth of America, both at home and abroad. As a student at a quiet college campus in the heartland of Indiana, Terry Ives couldn’t be farther from the front lines of Vietnam or the incendiary protests in Washington.

But the world is changing, and Terry isn’t content to watch from the sidelines. When word gets around about an important government experiment in the small town of Hawkins, she signs on as a test subject for the project, code-named MKULTRA. Unmarked vans, a remote lab deep in the woods, mind-altering substances administered by tight-lipped researchers . . . and a mystery the young and restless Terry is determined to uncover.

But behind the walls of Hawkins National Laboratory—and the piercing gaze of its director, Dr. Martin Brenner—lurks a conspiracy greater than Terry could have ever imagined. To face it, she’ll need the help of her fellow test subjects, including one so mysterious the world doesn’t know she exists—a young girl with unexplainable superhuman powers and a number instead of a name: 008.

Amid the rising tensions of the new decade, Terry Ives and Martin Brenner have begun a different kind of war—one where the human mind is the battlefield.

There are four main characters in this book: Terry Ives (Eleven’s mother), Alice, Gloria, and Ken. Except for Alice, who is a local resident and works at her uncle’s garage as a mechanic, the other three go to college in Bloomington, Indiana. Important secondary characters are Terry’s boyfriend, Andrew (Eleven’s father), her sister, Becky, and college roommate, Stacey.

All four of the main characters are part of the MKUltra research, and subjected to terrible things by Dr. Brenner, all in the name of his trying to make super psychics and protentional weapons for the military (this is set in 1969, during the Vietnam War) As season one of the show has hinted, Dr. Brenner is researching the powers of the human mind and creating superpowered people - like Kali (Eight) and, eventually, Eleven. Gwenda Bond’s flesh-out references to the time (I suspect the title, Suspicious Minds, is based on the song by Elvis Presley that came out August 1969), and the Vietnam War are spot on, and the characters are well-rounded. After knowing Dr. Brenner's thoughts and motivations, makes me despise him all the more.

You don’t have to watch the TV show, Stranger Things, to enjoy this novel. Yes, there are a few references to the show with Eight (Kali) and Eleven, even the Upside Down and the monsters, but even those who have never seen the series can pick this up to read. The novel has a great mix of paranormal, late 60s/early 70s counter-culture history, government conspiracy, science fiction, and horror, to have something for everyone.

I gave Stranger Things: Suspicious Minds 5 sheep.

Reviewed by Pamela K. Kinney

About the Author:
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Gwenda Bond is the author of many novels. Among others, they include the Lois Lane and Cirque American trilogies. She created Dead Air, a serialized mystery novel and scripted podcast written with Rachel Caine and Carrie Ryan. She and her husband Christopher Rowe also co-write a middle grade series, the Supernormal Sleuthing Service. She co-hosts Cult Faves, a podcast about the weird world of cults and extreme belief. Her official Stranger Things prequel novel, Suspicious Minds, releases in 2019. She writes a monthly-ish letter you can sign up for at www.tinyletter.com/gwenda. Visit her online at www.gwendabond.com or @gwenda on Twitter.

TV Series Review: Deadly Class (SyFy 2019-) spoiler-free

Deadly Class

TV Series (2018– )
First episode date: January 16, 2019

Creators: Miles Orion Feldsott, Rick Remender
Stars: Benedict Wong, Benjamin Wadsworth, Lana Condor
Network: Syfy
Based on: Deadly Class; by Rick Remender & Wesley Craig
Production location(s): Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
TV-MA | 1h | Action, Crime, Drama
Based on the graphic novel of the same name comes an unlikely coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of unsanitized 1980s counterculture. A homeless, disillusioned teen named Marcus is recruited into Kings Dominion, a secret academy for the Deadly Arts, where he struggles to find his place among a community of the deadliest characters in the world -- literally fighting every day for survival. It is in this struggle he tries to find purpose and family in an unlikely group of outcast misfits who plan to use their skills to really change the world for the better... by breaking every rule there is.

I hadn't read Deadly Class from Image Comics before. Unfortunately, I decided to jump in at issue #36 which just released...DON'T DO THAT! I spoiled the big ending of the first story arc. And it's a big one...smh. But if you've read all the issues up to #36 then you're gonna love it.

Back to the TV show... I absolutely love this show for many reasons. First, I'm an 80s child. As in I graduated from high school and college in the 80s. You don't get any eightier than me. Deadly Class is set in the 80s and they got it right. So they got me with the nostalgia angle.

Bonus, the creators of the comic have made sure the TV show stays as true to the story as possible. As we all know, most adaptations, while still entertaining, are barely recognizable to the original material. Ask any Venom fan. Not only do they keep to the story, but they also do flashbacks in the show in animation with the same artwork used in the comic. Cool creative decision.

The story is pretty simple. Assassin school for kids. This is where parents who are part of mafia organizations, cartels, syndicates, white supremacy groups, CIA send their kids. Each year Head Master Lin recruits some street kids with no ties to a group or family if they seem like they could do well in the program.

I don't know why they show has grabbed my attention so quickly, but the dark humor mixed with drama is definitely part of it. There are many themes and social issues addressed as a group of misfit rejects try to survive in this school.

My husband and 17 year-old-daughter are also hooked. There have been three episodes so far (airs Wed. 10pm on SyFy) so there is plenty of time to catch up.

5 "Don't read comic book issue #36 first" Sheep

SharonS

Cover Reveal: Betrothed (Angelbound Origins, #1.5) by Christina Bauer + giveaway

Betrothed (Angelbound Origins, #1.5)

by Christina Bauer
January 30th, 2019
Published by: Monster House Books
Genres: Fantasy, Young 

***An action-packed novella from Prince Lincoln’s point of view***

When it comes to fighting demons, Prince Lincoln is the greatest warrior in the history of his people, the thrax. Now Lincoln faces his hardest fight yet…and it’snot on a traditional battlefield.

Lincoln wants nothing more than to marry Myla Lewis, the part-demon girl who has captured his heart. However, an evil thrax noble—the powerful Earl of Acca—is prepared to do anything to stop Lincoln and Myla from having a future.

But Lincoln won’t give up on his Myla. Ever.

To fight Aldred, Lincoln works to create a different kind of marriage—an Alliance of the lesser thrax houses against Acca. Sadly, just as Lincoln starts to makes some progress, the nobles who’ve joined his Alliance begin to vanish. Is Aldred behind the disappearances, or is someone else vying for power? When Lincoln discovers the truth, it upends his entire world, threatening his future with Myla in ways no one could ever have imagined.

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About the Author:
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Christina Bauer knows how to tell stories about kick-ass women. In her best selling Angelbound series, the heroine is a part-demon girl who loves to fight in Purgatory’s Arena and falls in love with a part-angel prince. This young adult best seller has driven more than 500,000 ebook downloads and 9,000 reviews on Goodreads and retailers. The first three books in the series are now available as audiobooks on Audible and iTunes.
Bauer has also told the story of the Women’s March on Washington by leading PR efforts for the Massachusetts Chapter. Her pre-event press release—the only one sent out on a major wire service—resulted in more than 19,000 global impressions and redistribution by over 350 different media entities including the Associated Press.

Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

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Comic Review: Krampus: Shadow of Saint Nicholas by Michael Dougherty

Krampus: Shadow of Saint Nicholas
by Michael Dougherty
November 24, 2015
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Legendary Comics; Mti edition

ISBN: 978-1937278847

AISN: B017L0J1MY
YOU BETTER WATCH OUT… KRAMPUS IS COMING TO TOWN.

Ancient folklore warns of a mythical counterpart to Santa Claus, who punishes naughty children every Christmas… his name is KRAMPUS. Michael Dougherty presents the official graphic novel based on his festive horror comedy, which expands the mythology of this iconic terror with an anthology of three deliciously twisted morality tales that will leave you praying you are not on the naughty list.

At the most wonderful time of the year, a drunken mall Santa comes under siege from some very mischievous Christmas spirits, a dysfunctional cop becomes trapped with the man who ruined his life and the wealthy town “scrooge” must face the shadows from his past as his home comes under invasion from the homeless. This Christmas, Krampus will make sure they all get what they deserve.

Michael Dougherty, the writer/director behind cult horror hit Trick ‘r Treat, is joined by a fantastic team of creators, uniting Krampus co-screenwriters Zach Shields and Todd Casey and artists Fiona Staples (Saga), Christian Dibari (Hoax Hunters), Maan House (Witchblade), and Stuart Sayger (Bram Stoker’s Death Ship) to deliver a twisted gift for the holiday season.

This is the comic anthology connected to the new movie, Krampus, releasing Friday, December 4th, , day before Krampusnacht (the night of Krampus). Besides Krampus, Michael Dougherty, is behind the Halloween horror flick, Trick ‘r Treat. Krampus has come to town one night, bringing to life monstrous toys and devils. The first story has a store Santa full of disillusion and alcohol who finds purpose again like he did back in Vietnam to battle some dark and not so human denizens. In the second tale, a cop becomes trapped with the man behind the hit and run death of her sister years before. The last one concerns what happens when a rich man has his home invaded first by the homeless, then something much scarier.

Still missing a good scary read? Still pining for Halloween? Don’t worry, for Christmas is also famous for scary stories. And Krampus: Shadow of Saint Nicholas will make you wonder if you’ve been bad enough for a visit from Krampus too. Gruss vom Krampus!

I give Krampus: Shadow of Saint Nicholas 5 ‘You Better Watch Out! You Better Be Good!’ sheep

Pamela K. Kinney

About the Author:

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Michael Dougherty is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter, known for his work with Dan Harris on the scripts forBryan Singer's films X2 and Superman Returns. He's also known for writing and directing the cult horror film Trick 'r Treat.[1] On October 28, 2013 at a special screening, it was announced to the surprise of the audience that a sequel will be produced byLegendary Pictures.[2] He is also the director, co-writer, and co-producer of the upcoming horror/comedy Krampus -wiki

Comic Review: Edgar Allan Poe’s The Premature Burial

Edgar Allan Poe’s The Premature Burial
Adaptation and Art by Richard Corben
Colors by Beth Corben Reed with Richard Corben
Letters by Nate Piekos of Blambot
Cover by Richard Corben
Dark Horse Books
April 2, 2014

Preview
The fear of being buried alive is presented in two horrifying Poe adaptations by Eisner Hall of Fame inductee Richard Corben—“The Premature Burial” and “The Cask of Amontillado.”

Sometimes the graveyard is a place for burials. Sometimes the graveyard is a place for “The Premature Burial.”

Victoria drank from the glass of wine that Lucian had poured, telling him that he would not share her bed before marriage, then leaving. Unfortunately, there was more than wine in the glass, as she fell ill and died. After she was buried, Lucian returned at night to dig her up. When he decides to take what he had been refused before, not dead, she awakens and kicks out a foot that sends him back against a gravestone and knocks him out. (Remember this was 1840 before embalming fluid so not all expired when they did.) He is deemed dead and buried. But he is dug up at night by the gravediggers who had shoveled the dirt at his funeral. Alive, he is taken back to his father’s house where he is told that Victoria wants him in marriage. But he will get more than the wedding bed.

In the second story in the comic, “The Cask of Amontillado,” two visitors to the vaults of the Montresors are disturbed by the footsteps of a man and a woman. The man, a Montresor, takes the woman to where the dead of his family rest, but only to where a cask of wine sits. He tells her a story of when he once wore a hooded costume to join the crowd of revelers at the carnival to find her husband, Fortunato. He was searching for another person to taste his wine in a cask to make sure it is Amontillado. Instead, Fortunato spouts that the other man is a fool and he will taste the wine to let Montresor know the truth of its vintage. But Montresor has something else in mind for him, all for some slight he thought Fortunato has done him.

Both adaptations of two Poe tales are done well and the artwork is creepy and splendid. Corbin takes two horror tales from the 19th Century and makes what are two short stories of fine wine and both are now the perfect glass of aged vintage unburied for your taste buds.

5 sheep

Pamela K. Kinney
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aka Sapphire Phelan
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