Category Archives: Monsters

Putting Gothic Back In Fairy Tales

Books, Monsters,
Gothic Fairy Tales

If you grew up on Disney cartoons like I did, you are probably blissfully unaware of the more sinister original versions of fairy tales. A true old fashioned fairy tale is gothically dark. Rape, incest, mutilation, monsters…that was the stuff of real fairy tales. These stories were not meant to entertain 5-year-old little girls (like the Disney movies do), but instead to stir the thoughts and emotions of older readers who are just becoming aware of the existence of evil in the world around them. In an early version of Cinderella, the story begins with a king whose dying wife has a baby girl. After 15 years, the king is lonely and can’t find anyone to marry. So he decides to alter the law and marry his own daughter. (Ewww!) The 15 year-old girl decides to run away from home and find’s refuge in a merchants home were the Cinderella story as we know it begins. Not exactly something you would want to share with your young child right? So I guess I can applaud Disney for cleaning up these stories for younger audiences, but as an adult it’s fun to explore the darker grittier stories of the originals. Continue reading →

Get Your Monster Supplies Here

Monsters
Hoxton Street Monster Supplies

There is a curious little shop on a street in London called Hoxton Street Monster Supplies. Sounds interesting right? They have a variety of jars and cans for sale with creepy names like “Salt Made From The Tears of Sorrow” and “Old Fashioned Brain Jam”. Kind of reminds me of something from the world of Harry Potter. If you’re looking for a can of The Heebie-Jeebies, you can find it at Hoxton’s. I wanted to find out the history on this cool little shop. The below two paragraphs sum up exactly what they are all about. Continue reading →

Beware Of Creepy Clowns Tonight

Costumes, Monsters, Television, ,
Last Supper of Clowns

Is it my imagination or will creepy clowns become the most popular costume this year? After watching last night’s shocking episode of American Horror Story, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a bunch of Twisty the Clowns coming to my door on Halloween night. I really had no idea there were that many people that were so afraid of clowns in the first place. Then I started to think back to the scary clowns I’ve seen in movies and about the real life serial killer clown, John Wayne Gacy. I guess I can understand peoples apprehension towards them. After all, they are supposed to be someone you could trust to entertain your child. Maybe it’s the fact that they can get that close to someone’s heart and imagination that is so frightening. They can make you let down your guard, and when you are completely vulnerable, when you least expect it…BAM! They can turn on you and become your worst nightmare. To add fuel to the fire (literally), watch this prank where a crazy clown scares people with a flamethrower. Personally I’d run from anyone with a flamethrower! Watch the video, then let’s discuss the creepiness of clowns. Continue reading →

Happy Birthday Bela Lugosi

Monsters, Movies,
Bela Lugosi

He is the most iconic actor to ever play the role of Dracula, so today let’s celebrate Bela Lugosi’s 122nd birthday by learning a little more about him. I think it’s safe to say that he is everyone’s favorite Dracula, with those piercing eyes, tightly combed black hair, long cape, and thick Hungarian accent. To watch him onscreen is to witness a person who exudes a suave and debonair style like no one else. Women found him irresistible, with that exotic accent and gentleman like presence. It seemed he had it all, money, fame, women, and yet the very thing which gave him his ticket to the top acted as a catalyst that sent him spirally down in his later years. Let’s learn a little more about him. Continue reading →

Monsters And Steampunk Unite

Art, Books, Monsters, ,
Steam Crow

I must admit, I am a big fan of Steampunk art! When I learned that there was a company that has combined steampunk with monsters, you bet I was interested! The company is called Steam Crow and it is run by two artists, a husband and wife team, who create books, comics, art, and other fun products inspired by monsters. I came across their booth at a comic convention and was really blown away by the quality and imagination of their art prints. As I started to research what Steam Crow had to offer, I was pleasantly surprised by the various projects they had cooking in the creative kitchen! Continue reading →