Countdown to Halloween Spooky Books - The Haunted Mansion

The Haunted Mansion series published by SLG features stories of the various characters in the house. I'd never heard of many of the talent involved in the project, but they do a fine job capturing the spirit of the ride. The single issues are difficult to get and I believe the collected trade does not include the last two comics, so hope there is another released at some point. I can easily say that it is the best comic I have ever read based on a theme park ride.

If there was one thing in the whole wide world that sums up my feelings about Halloween and the season, it is The Haunted Mansion ride at Disney World. I've been on it several times, but never on Halloween (the park is much to crowded then for my taste). But it seems to epitomize my personal feelings about the holiday of horror. As you may have guessed from some of my Spooky Book selections this month, I'm not really into ultra-violence and gore. To me, Halloween is all about the fun. I hope my month-long celebration of Spooky Books was fun for you. It was a pleasure to revisit some of my favorite comics. If you do pick up any of my suggestions, please drop me a line and let me know if you enjoyed them, or if you have some recommendations of your own, I always like the chance to add to my "To Read" pile.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

ESO Podcast - Episode 135

On the final episode of our Countdown to Halloween, the ESO crew travels to another dimension. A dimension not only of sight and sound, but of mind. Mike, Mike, and Bobby with special guests Anthony Taylor, Martin Powell, Diana Leto, and the award-winning Mark Maddox journey to a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. Our next stop – The Twilight Zone! Plus, artist Bret Herholz spends some time in The Geek Seat! All this and the usual Rants, Raves, Khan Report, and Shout Outs!

Earth Station One Episode 135: The Signpost Up Ahead Says You Are Now Entering...The ESO Zone

Table of Contents
0:00:00 Intro / Welcome
0:08:23 Rants & Raves
0:30:21 Interview & Geek Seat w/ Bret Herholz
0:49:26 The Walking Dead Series Three Ep 2 Review
1:09:23 The Twilight Zone
2:09:55 Khan Report
2:19:36 ESO Shout Outs
2:27:30 Show Close

To listen, click the link above or download this podcast from iTunes.

Next week, Earth Station One heads back to the black as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Firefly. Although it only ran a few short episodes, fans of Joss Whedon and Tim Minear’s "little sci fi show that could" are as devoted as ever. Plus, we review at the latest episode of The Walking Dead. And if that wasn’t enough, the crew sits down with Babylon 5’s Claudia Christian about her new book, Babylon Confidential.

ESO wants to hear from you! What are your favorite Firefly memories? What did you think about the latest episode of The Walking Dead? Have you recovered from your Halloween candy coma? Drop us a line at www.esopodcast.com, the ESO Facebook Group, email us at esopodcast@gmail.com, or call us at 404-963-9057 with your comments. We just might air your comments on the show!

Countdown to Halloween Spooky Books - M

One of my favorite artists is Jon J. Muth and I have gushed many times before on this blog and elsewhere my love for Dracula: A Symphony In Moonlight & Nightmares. However, that is by no means the extend of my fondness for his work. My second favorite project by him is his adaptation of Fritz Lang's M. I enjoyed very much when it was originally released in 1990, but even more so the hardcover collection that was done four years ago.

The original film is a haunting look at the darkness of man. Muth's version is not a photo-realistic portrait of every frame, but like seeing an alternate take. It honors the work but also stands on its own. When I recall events from the story sometimes it is difficult to remember if it was in the film or in the comic. A classic work of a classic!

Countdown to Halloween Spooky Books - Scarlet by Gaslight

On the special Earth Station Boo podcast, one of guests is writer Martin Powell. We've had him on our podcast a few times now and I must admit that it is a struggle for me not to be too much of a fanboy when he's on the show. I very much enjoy his work, starting with the Scarlet in Gaslight series in the early 1990's. I did not think a crossover story with two of my all-time literary characters could be done successfully, but I'll be darned if he didn't pull it off! And I would be remiss if I didn't mention the amazing work by artist Seppo Makinen.

Last year, Pulp 2.0 Press released a 25th Anniversary Edition (which made me feel old). Out of all the crossover stories I've mentioned this month (and a ton of those I haven't), this one is my personal favorite. I hope the other continuing stories, especially Ghosts of Dracula, will be reprinted as well.

Earth Station Boo!

It’s that time of year when the geeks turn into ghouls and the cobwebs in Earth Station One are decorations rather than poor housekeeping – Welcome to Earth Station Boo! Join Phantom Troublemaker and his co-ghosts Mike STABber and Mike GORE-don as we discuss creepy movies, spooky memories, and all things Halloweeny with our very special fiends Stephen SPLATinum, Eddie Cadaver, and Mark “STARK-RAVING” Maddox. Plus, special undead guest Martin “The Halloween Legion” Powell taking his chances with 13 Questions. This is a ghastly and horrifying DEADcast you can’t afford to miss!

Earth Station Boo!

To listen, click the link above or download this podcast from iTunes.

Cover image provided by Mark Maddox for Screem Magazine #25.

ESO wants to hear from you! If you would like to leave feedback on the show, please drop us a line at www.esopodcast.com, the ESO Facebook Group, email us at esopodcast@gmail.com, or call us at 404-963-9057 with your comments. We just might air your comments on the show!

Countdown to Halloween Spooky Books - 30 Days of Night

There's no way I could put together a list of Spooky Books without mentioning Steve Niles. In fact, I could easily have suggested a book by him every day in October. He is THE horror comic writer of today. It was difficult narrowing down one or two picks, so I decided to start from the beginning.

If you have NOT read the original 30 Days of Night comic series, do it!

If you have already read it, do so again! It's that good and I guarantee you'll notice something new.

Countdown to Halloween Spooky Books - Coraline

I'm not sure there's ever been a comic adaptation better than the original novel or movie. Perhaps, but I haven't come across one yet. Nevertheless, there are adaptations that are very close to being as great as the original. P. Craig Russell's version of Coraline is one such book.

IMHO, Russell is one of the top master artist/storytellers working today. His interpretation of Wagner's The Ring of the Nibelung is absolute genius. Likewise, his arcs on Neil Gaiman's Sandman are some of the best of the run. His work is also very accessible. He has applied his talents to as many Batman and X-Men stories as he has operas and literary giants. I would never try to steer any one away from reading the book by Neil Gaiman, nor seeing the animated movie (which I loved). Rather for those folks who enjoyed either, add this to your list.

Countdown to Halloween Spooky Books - Sleepy Hollow

Whether or not you enjoyed Tim Burton's vision of Washington Irving's story, it realy doesn't matter in regards to the comic book adaptation of Sleep Hollow. The bottom line is this:

Kelley Jones draws the Headless Horseman.

That's all you need to know. All opposing arguments are invalid.

Countdown to Halloween Spooky Books - Zombie Dickheads

On ESO #134 we review The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. We also interview artist Chris Moreno. Neither have much to do with the other, except they are both cool. One because it features the Battle at Helm's Deep. I'll leave it to you to figure out which one.

I first was introduced to Chris's art in King Arthur vs Dracula. His most recent project impressed me even more! Zombie Dickheads is a very unique look at the genre. It is sick, twisted and very funny (much like the creator himself)! If you read only one zombie comic this Halloween season, make it The Walking Dead. If you read two, make the other Tiki Zombie. If you can afford three books, I strongly suggest Zombie Dickheads!

ESO Podcast - Episode 134

Join the ESO crew as we revisit Middle-Earth and review the second film in The Lord of the Rings series. Once again the merry band of Mike, Mike, and Bobby and joined by Jessa Phillips (GoodtoBeaGeek.com) and Rebecca Perry (TheOneRing.net). We also Countdown to Halloween with tricks, treats, and artist Chris Moreno in The Geek Seat. Plus, our review of the second episode of The Walking Dead season three. All this and the usual Rants, Raves, Khan Report, and Shout Outs!

Earth Station One Episode 134: Walking Our Way Towards The Two Towers

Table of Contents
0:00:00 Intro / Welcome
0:08:16 Rants & Raves
0:25:31 The Walking Dead Series Three Ep 2 Review
0:39:48 Interview & Geek Seat w/ Chris Moreno
1:10:23 The Two Towers
1:55:35 Khan Report
2:05:57 ESO Shout Outs
2:10:50 Show Close

To listen, click the link above or download this podcast from iTunes.

Next week, the Countdown to Halloween continues! The ESO crew travels through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound, but of mind. That’s right. We’re on a journey into a wondrous land whose only boundaries are those of imagination. There's a signpost up ahead - next stop, The Twilight Zone! Plus, ESO takes a look at the latest episode of The Walking Dead. It’s going to be another spooky episode of Earth Station One!

ESO wants to hear from you! What are your favorite episodes of The Twilight Zone? What did you think about the latest episode of The Walking Dead? Are you excited for Halloween? Drop us a line at www.esopodcast.com, the ESO Facebook Group, email us at esopodcast@gmail.com, or call us at 404-963-9057 with your comments. We just might air your comments on the show!

Countdown to Halloween Spooky Books - Halloween Mini-Comics

It has become a Halloween tradition - each year I give out comics to all the trick-or-treaters who come by the house. And they love them! Publishers have made it easier since they now make mini-comics perfect for the occasion. This year, there are releasing more than ever to be given away at local comic shops at Halloween ComicFest! There are quite a lot to choose from and I strongly encourage folks to contact their LCS to find out how they will be participating in the event.

I have managed to secure a small bundle to give out to my loyal trick-or-treaters! So if you come by my house on Halloween evening, you could get one of these two books:

Countdown to Halloween Spooky Books - Hellboy

Mike Mignola's Hellboy is one of the best creator-owned characters to be unleashed upon the world in the last two decades. I have been reading since issue #1 (though I have stopped getting the single issues and now collect the trades). He's a supernatural superhero and the world that Mignola has created is as rich in characters as it is in shadows. The perfect blend of heroic action pulp and Lovecraftian horror. And always presented with the best art in the business.

Next year will be his 20th anniversary (man, I'm getting old!) and I'm eager to see Mignola's plans for the red-horned hero. Since I'm reading the collected editions, I am not current with the series. I hear Hellboy died recently, but when has that stopped a comic character?

Countdown to Halloween Spooky Books - Dracula: The Company of Monsters

Dracula: The Company of Monsters has a very cool premise. An evil corporation (aren't they all?) acquires the Lord of the Vampires. They wish to capitalize on Dracula, but he is no man's puppet! It's blood thirst vs corporate greed! The Prince of Darkness vs The Tycoons on Wall Street! Machiavelli vs John Maynard Keynes! Ok...maybe not so much that last one.

Writers Kurt Busiek and Daryl Gregory have crafted an interesting tale in which the true horror is that it just might be the most realistic Dracula story ever written!

Countdown to Halloween Spooky Books - The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Vol. 2

One of my favorite all-time stories is H.G. Well's The War of the Worlds and my favorite comic adaptation of it is found in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Vol. 2.  It is not faithful to the actual story, but the designs by Kevin O'Neill of the Martians and tripods are absolutely the way I imagined them when I first read the story (before seeing any of the films) and the devastation they cause is accurately written by Alan Moore. There's a lot of other reasons to read LEOG books even without the Martians.

Halloween and The War of the Worlds go together like candy corn and gummy worms. I've read some illustrated versions that are ok, but nothing that really excited me. If anyone knows of a great comic adaptation of the original novel, please let me know.

Countdown to Halloween Spooky Books - Dear Dracula

Dear Dracula is a children's book with an eerie twist. It is about a young boy who wants to become a vampire, so he writes a letter to the most famous one of all to make his dreams come true. It is written and drawn in a style perfectly appropriate for ages 6 and up. Perhaps it is because I read this with adult eyes that I thought the kid's desire to be a creature of the night a little disturbing. Nevertheless, the story is deftly handled and the ending made me grin like a jack-o-lantern!

I also recently saw the animated movie of Dear Dracula. Though it is similar in premise, it appears the filmmakers thought Sam's wish to be a little too morbid, so they made some changes. While it is not a bad adaptation, I recommend reading the original.

ESW Podcast - Episode 20

Dilemma indeed! Mike, Mike, Dave, and special guest Lewis Bailey from The Happiness Patrol podcast suffer through gastropods, two-timing Jucondans, a TARDIS strangler, and Peri and the twins. Also, a special Series 7 commentary by Sacha from Doctor Geek’s Lab. No matter what else happens, Colin Baker is The Sixth Doctor whether we like it or not!

Earth Station Who Episode 20: The Twin Dilemma

To listen, click the link above or download this podcast from iTunes.

If you would like to leave feedback or a comment on the show, feel free to contact us via the ESW feedback line at (404) 963-9057 (remember long distance charges may apply), our ESW Facebook group page, or email eswpodcast@gmail.com.

Countdown to Halloween Spooky Books - Buffy the Vampire Slayer

As we mentioned on ESO #133, Dark Horse Comics has been publishing the continuing adventures of The Buffy Gang. Joss Whedon has been personally involved since 2007 and these stories are considered canon. Season Eight was originally conceived as 24 issues and IMHO, it should have stayed that way. However, if you read the trades it probably will be a better experience since you won't have to wait so long between issues!

Season Nine is currently being released in monthly singe issues now and so far, I think it is better than Eight. There are also a bunch of other spin-off titles on the shelves featuring related characters such as Willow, Spike and Angel & Faith. All of them are well-produced and worthy of checking out.

ESO Podcast - Episode 133

The Countdown to Halloween continues as Mike, Mike, and Bobby are joined by listener David Ingrund and New York Times best-selling author Nancy Holder to review the entire series of Buffy the Vampire Slayer once more (with feeling). We also review the third season premiere of The Walking Dead. Plus, Nancy’s writing partner Debbie Viguie reveals a special announcement! All this and the usual Rants, Raves, Khan Report, and Shout Outs!

Earth Station One Episode 133: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Revisited

Table of Contents
0:00:00 Intro / Welcome
0:05:32 Rants & Raves
0:30:22 The Walking Dead Series Three Ep 1 Review
0:48:00 Buffy The Vampire Slayer
1:57:08 Khan Report
1:59:28 ESO Shout Outs
2:02:06 Debbie Viguie
2:08:13 Show Close

To listen, click the link above or download this podcast from iTunes.

Next week, the Countdown to Halloween continues! The ESO Crew hits the trail once again as we continue our journey to Mordor with a look back at Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Dwarves, elves, orcs, and monsters abound. There’s even a talking tree or two. And if that wasn’t enough, we takes a look at the latest episode of The Walking Dead. Get ready for another spooky visit to Earth Station One. Earth Station One!

ESO wants to hear from you! What are your favorite moments from Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers? What did you think about the latest episode of The Walking Dead? Are you excited for Halloween? Drop us a line at www.esopodcast.com, the ESO Facebook Group, email us at esopodcast@gmail.com, or call us at 404-963-9057 with your comments. We just might air your comments on the show!

Countdown to Halloween Spooky Books - Graham Nolan's Monster Island

During the late 1990's, one of my favorite Batman artists was Graham Nolan. I had no idea that around the same time, he was starting work on a creator-owned project that eventually became Monster Island. Though it has been almost nearly 14 years in the making, this book is worth the wait!

Action!

Adventure!

Romance!

And, oh yeah MONSTERS!

This comic is obviously inspired by the pulps of yesteryear, but it has a timeless quality that does not feel at all dated. Expertly illustrated with strong storytelling. I just hope we don't have to wait anohter 14 years for a sequel!
 

Countdown to Halloween Spooky Books - Rob Zombie Presents the Haunted World of El Superbeasto

I love Rob Zombie's comics almost as much as I love his music. The adventures of the main man El Superbeasto and his sister spy Suzi-X are the best parties in Halloween town! Ripped from the pages of Spookshow International, these collected stories have it all - monsters mashing, brute men, sexy vixens, diabolical plots, mindless violence, and a whole lot of humor. And you can hear the Rob Zombie music playing in the background! And as an added bonus, the trade also includes "El Superbeasto's Guide to Picking Up Chicks," so it's educational as well as entertaining.

Countdown to Halloween Spooky Books - From Hell

Just about every other suggestion in my Countdown to Halloween Spooky Books is fun fare, but now that we are past the halfway point, I decided to post a more intense read, From Hell. In fact, it may be one of the most intense reads ever.

Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell's exploration of the mystery of Jack the Ripper is not for the faint of heart. Nor is it a little bedtime reading. It is so detailed and thorough, you'll believe it to be the truth. And that's perhaps the scariest part of this read.

Countdown to Halloween Spooky Books - iZombie

Thanks to the success of The Walking Dead, zombies are everywhere! I understand the urge to reject the entire subject because there is an over-saturation of the living dead, but I beg readers not to for there are some very good stories out there (and yes I will get on my knees for reasons of self-interest).

One of the best ongoing books published by Vertigo is iZombie by Chris Roberson and Mike Allred. The series features some relatable characters, despite being monsters. The creators don't shy away from gore, but the series is not at all grim. In fact, I would recommend it to fans of The Addams Family and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Allred's art is in top form! IMHO, this is his best work since X-Statics. Plus, it stars the cutest zombie girl since Kyra Schon in Night of the Living Dead.

Countdown to Halloween Spooky Books - The Walking Dead

It is no secret that I'm a fan of both the comic and tv series of The Walking Dead (and I'm pleased that I'm hardly alone in that regard). I have been reading the run by trade and when a new one is released, it instantly is at the top of my stack. However, I must admit that recently the tv series has excited me more than the books. I was hoping that creator Robert Kirkman would have something thrilling in store for issue #100, so much so that I decided to get the single issues instead of waiting on volume 17.

The story delivered in every way possible and more. I will not reveal any spoilers, but the events in issue #100 left me breathless and worried for Rick and company like I have not been since The Governor story line (which is about to play out in the show this season). Kudos to Robert and the rest of the creative team not only for reaching a milestone in creator-owned publishing, but for making the book just as fresh as it was when I first picked it up.

Countdown to Halloween Spooky Books - The X-Files

Since today is Chris Carter's birthday, I can't help but think of the phenomenon that was The X-Files. At the height of the series popularity, Topps released a comic series and it was quite good despite not having any of the show's writing staff participate. Writer Stefan Petrucha understood the subject matter and created an intricate conspiracy exclusive to the comic. Later stories written by John Rozum were great too. I was also introduced to artist Charlie Adlard who continues to impress me with his work on The Walking Dead (more on that tomorrow). And the gorgeously creepy covers by Miriam Kim!

I encourage any fans of the series to check out the trade collections (I don't see the original issues very often in discount bins). They are very faithful to the tv show and have the same atmosphere as the early seasons. If you're looking for good stories featuring Mulder and Scully, The Books Are Out There!

Countdown to Halloween Spooky Books - Done to Death

If you are one of the many horror fans that have grown tired of watered-down, less-than-mediocre, romantically hijacked stories featuring vampires, then Done to Death is the book for you! Andrew Foley has written a tongue-in-cheek tale that still has a lot of bite (pun intended). This book was the first I'd seen by artist Fiona Staples and I've been a fan ever since (and she keeps getting better - see Mystery Society).

This series originally came out in 2006, but it still relevant today. Especially if you replace the vampires with zombies. I'm very much surprised it hasn't been made into a movie yet. In any case, I strongly suggest reading the trade, particularly if you have an idea for a vampire story you want to tell. It'll make you think twice before you submit it anywhere.