Monster High at Comic Con

As you all know Comic Con has come and gone and with it new Monster High Dolls were revealed. For the special event a special Ghoulia doll dressed as her favorite superhero Dead Fast was released.To my knowledge she was only available at Comic Con much like the special black and white Frankie doll from last year. If you want to get a hold of this darling you'll probably have to find her online. It is great to know that the Monster High dolls have seem to find a niche in the nerd scene and have since grown in popularity. When the Monster High dolls first came out I thought they would be a coming and passing fad that would surly never catch on. A line of dolls based off classic horror monsters was surly a ludicrous idea.

After all most little girls have little to no interest in anything that is ooky or spooky in nature, but here we are a whole year later with the line becoming more popular than ever. Who knows how long these line of dolls will last, but all I know that even though I'm past the age of actually playing with such fanciful things I'm quite glad they are around. For all I know these dolls have created an increase interest in classic horror films with the youth of today and that I am grateful for. As for the dolls themselves, I've never seen such diversity in appearance in a line of dolls, with defining personalities and quirks. It might go without saying, but these are certainly not just your average fashion doll. We no longer have a line of dolls that are completely cookie cutter perfect , but have a line of dolls that are cooky or quirky in nature and  let girls go know it's okay to be a little strange because deep down we all are.Hopefully we'll see these dolls for many years to come, perhaps to the time when I have children of my very own or nieces, etc.

A nice little animated short for the event.

During Comic Con we saw the revelation to two new dolls that will be seen store shelves in the near future. Toralei Stripe is the daughter of the werecats (a reference to Val Lewton's Cat People perhaps?) Her name stems from the Tora, which is Tiger in Japanese. The next doll we have that is due to be out is Nefera de Nile the daughter of the mummy and sister of Cleo de Nile. Not much to say on the doll about the doll herself except I can't help notice the violet eyes they gave her that are strikingly similar to that of the late Elizabeth Taylor. (Note: The most well known portrayal of Cleopatra was done by Elizabeth Taylor who had violet colored eyes.)

(Left) Toralei  (Right) Nefera

Along with the two dolls fans had a chance to vote from one of three dolls presented to become one of the news dolls for the 2012 series.

Daughter of Arachne

This is without a doubt the most daring doll  Mattel has ever done. The doll is without a doubt creative, but is actually one of the first dolls that could actually be classified as scary in the Monster High Series. I have no doubt that many younger children would be a tad bit afraid of this doll. After all arachnephobia is one of the most common fears. The doll would be more suited for collectors rather than an actual play toy for children.

Scarah Screams

Out of all the dolls shown Scarah was the one that got my vote. She might not be all that interesting appearance  wise, but she is the most stable out of the three dolls. I'm curious to see what her origin will be. Daughter of the Banshee, perhaps?

Headless Headmistress Blood Good

I'm a fan of Washington Irving's tale Sleepy Hallow, so I've always had a soft spot for the Headless Mistress in the cartoons. I can't see her being a big hit with children and parents. It's hard enough keeping a doll in one piece and with a doll that looses her head around a child, disaster is sure to happen. Her head must be attached by magnets, but even then she is better off as a limited collectors piece.

Along with new dolls new fashions are on the way. To continue with the Deadication series we have attire for Clawdeens business class and the most adorable outfit for Draculaura's school newspaper.
-Horrorwood Doll

Anne Rice: The Queen of Vampire Literature is back!

 Anne's New Werewolf Novel

Anne Rice the most renown writer of vampire and supernatural literature and is making her comeback with werewolf fiction. Mrs. Rice has just recently announced about her new werewolf novel " The Wolf Gift" at San Diego Comic Con.

It's about a young man who becomes a werewolf. It's my take on what that experience is like for that young man, to experience that transformation and how it works in his life and how he copes with it."- Anne Rice

To watch the actual interview please go to this link.

I don't think many will be against Mrs. Rice going back to her horror roots; for a time she denounced her vampire novels, but it seems she is ready to come back to writing supernatural writings. Anne Rice is one of the most important and influential writers for vampire fiction, right after Bram Stoker, so it'll be interesting to see what she can do for werewolf literature.

Anne at Comic Con

Hey, guys look its some videos of Anne Rice at Comic Con doing a signing  for the graphic novelization of her book Servant of the Bones.

It's just so wonderful to see Anne Rice back in the swing of things and in such a jubilant mood. I really hope to see Anne Rice at more conventions and might I say that the woman looks spectacular for a woman who is close to the age of 70. -sigh- FYI I am forever envious of anyone who had a chance to go to Comic Con in San Diego.

Interview with the Vampire Graphic Novel

Those who are fans of The Vampire Chronicles will be pleased to know that a graphic novelization of Anne Rice's most famous work Interview with the Vampire. The graphic novel is set to be released in the fall of 2012 (-cough- -cough- A perfect present for ones 21st birthday.) and will be told from the point of view Claudia, the vampire child. Ashley Marie Witter will be responsible for illustrating the story. Mr. Rice had this to say on the current artwork of the story."I am looking at the drawings, they have such wonderful detail in the costumes, and in my work costumes are almost like a character," said Rice. "They are part of the work, and they got that. What I look for in a movie or a book like this is the essence—baroque detail, sensuality, luxurious hair, faces that are intriguing and deep—and they got it here."

You can learn a bit more on the upcoming graphic novel here. 

I'm personally ecstatic about Rice writing another supernatural novel and I can't help, but jump for fangirl joy when I found that there will be a graphic novel done on one of my favorite pieces of literature. I adore the artwork that I've seen so far and I love that that Claudia will be the narrator of this piece.

What do you all think?

-Horrorwood Doll

The Dark Tales of Harry Potter: The Three Brothers/ The Warlocks Hairy Heart

Harry Potter has become a well beloved series for many, J.K Rowling has certainly proven herself to be an excellent writer. You can say that the appeal of Harry Potter steams from the well developed characters, the much detailed plot, but I think the reason why the series has become so beloved is because of the world J.K. Rowling created for her Harry Potter series. The author did not just create a memorable story, she created an entire world that has become as well known as the story itself.

J.K Rowling added to the world of Harry Potter when she created a series of fables/fairy tales for her wizards. The Tales of Bettle the Bard is a collection of Grimmsesque tales that range from whimsical and sweet to dark and foreboding. Many fairy tales have an element of horror and Miss Rowling did not leave this one element out when creating her series of fairy tales. Today, I'm going to share with you all two tales from The realm of Beetle the Bard that surly make your blood cold and will perhaps leaving you wanting more.

THE THREE BROTHERS

I'm sure the majority of you are aware of the tale of The Three Brothers, since the tale makes its appearance in the Harry Potter film Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1. There is not much I can say about the story itself, the tale obviously has to do with the fear death and how greed leads to ones very own destruction.


An interesting observation I saw in the comment section of this video, which I later found out is a theory among Harry Potter fans. Three characters in the books are believed to represent the three brothers in the story.

Voldemort :: The one who died for power.
Snape (Some say Albus Dumbledore) :: The one who died for lost love.
Harry Potter :: The one that greeted Death like an old friend.

THE WARLOCK'S HAIRY HEART

A young Warlock was embarrassed to see his friends falling in love and considered the act foolish and weak. He decided that he never wanted to fall victim to love, and secretly used Dark magic to cut out his heart.
He lived on, seeming content with his lack of emotion, not even mourning when his parents passed away. After their deaths, he moved into their home and transferred his heart, his "greatest treasure," to the dungeon. Believing in the perfection of his solitude, he was shocked to overhear one of his servants pitying him, and another thinking it funny he didn't have a wife. He decided he would go out and find the most beautiful, talented, wealthy and all-around enviable young woman to be his bride.
The very next day, the young Warlock had the fortune of meeting the perfect woman. He began pursuing her, convincing all of his friends that he had changed. She was both "fascinated and repelled" by him, and agreed to attend a feast at his home. While at the feast, the maiden asked the Warlock for proof that he had a heart. He took her down into the dungeon and showed her the magic crystal casket that held his beating heart. The woman was horrified at the sight of it, as it had grown hairy and shrunken as a result of it's separation from the Warlock's body. She begged him to replace the heart within himself, so he sliced his chest open with his wand and placed his heart back into his chest. As the woman embraced him, his heart, which had grown blind and perverse, took savage action against the young woman and killed her.
When the rest of the guests went looking for the Warlock, they found him in the dungeon, crouched over maiden's lifeless body, caressing her heart. He attempted to take her heart for his own, but his heart was too strong and would not leave his body. Determined never to be mastered by his heart again, he cut it out of his chest, and fell over the maiden's body, dead.

 

Unlike the tale of The Three Brothers there is no bittersweet ending to this story. The story has to deal with love of course and what happens to those who have no love or kindness within their heart and how those without one become animalistic in nature. In the wizarding world when someone is referred to having a "hairy heart" it means that the person is unfeeling.

Read more tales from The Bettle the Bard by purchasing the book here.

-Horrorwood Doll.

Something Wicked This Way Comes!

Got a chance to see the new Harry Potter film. A bit difficult to believe that its an end of an era. The film is a good, but those who have not read the books will be lost. More in depth Potter posts to come.

-Horrorwood Doll

Horrify your I-phone

 Free Wallpaper

Want to add a bit of horror flare to your I-phone? Well there are quite a few little features you can download onto your phone and the best part of all they're free.

Show off your horror cred by downloading one of these Classic Universal Studios Monsters wallpaper onto your phone or any portable mobile device.
http://theal.deviantart.com/gallery/24062552#/d2ayxvn

Free Reading

If you're in need for some light reading then feel free the download the Lite version of the Brain Eater's Bible.

“Freedom for zombies isn’t free,” says J.D. McGhoul, the app’s undead author, “but this free edition does democratize important information.”  He goes on to explain that, “Brain Eater’s Bible Lite will at least guide the infected through the early stages of reanimation and help them understand why they crave human brains.”

You can download the brilliant lite zombie fiction here. You can also purchase the full version for the amazing price of $4.99 on i-tunes at this link and get yourself a hardcopy via Amazon. 

Free Entertainment

Before the days of cable television and before wide release horror films, those who had a fondess for errie tales of the macabre had to get their horror fix somewhere else. Those at Relic Radio have brought back the days when all would gather all around and listen to a tale that would chill your senses. You can download this weekly podcast via I-tunes and bring the days horror radio on to your phone.

-Horrorwood Doll

Happy 4th of July!

-Horrorwood Doll

Carrie: The Musical

I've heard of Dracula:The Musical, Frankenstein: The Musical,Dance of the Vampires: The Musical, Evil Dead:The Musical, but I've never heard of Carrie: The Musical. What a ludicrous notion. Who would be crazy enough to make a musical out of a horror film/book. Goodness when will they stop, we don't need another Shrek or Spiderman musical. Psh, lets see what we got in store for us.

 Carrie Musical-Eve Was Weak with clips from the 1970s Carrie.

 0.0 I honestly don't care if no one likes musicals, that's a quality song, right there. Heh, maybe this think won't be too bad after all. In fact a musical version of Carrie could really bring the story to life. This musical could easily be the next big horror musical like Sweeney Todd or Little Shop of Horrors.

A musical based off Stephen King's iconic book Carrie is returning to stage. The original Carrie musical made its debut in 1988, however the musical didn't last long, due to certain problems. The script was weak, along with some of the songs,pouring blood caused Linzi Hateley's (Carrie) microphone to malfunction, Barbara Cook (Margaret) was almost decapitated by a set piece opening night, and constant rewrites lead to the shows demise. The show received mixed reviews along with boos and cheers during each performance.  There were only 16 previews and 5 performances before it was closed and cemented its place as "the most expensive quick flop in Broadway history."-New York Times.


Over the years there have been several small unofficial musical performances and it wasn't till 2009 was there a serious revive of the musical in the works. On November 20th a reading was held for the new production that showed a reworked script and new songs that were put in place of the less than stellar ones. It has been confirmed that the new Carrie musical will be shown at the Lucille Lortel Theatre by MCC Theater for the 2011/2012 off-Broadway season.


Sources: http://www.playbill.com/news/article/150284-MCC-Theater-Plans-Exploratory-Workshop-of-Carrie-Prior-to-Off-Broadway-Arrival?sms_ss=twitter&at_xt=4db893068aba3d4e,0

-Horrorwood Doll

The Art of Victoria Frances

Victoria Frances is a hauntingly talented artist that has become one of the most well-known illustrators in Spain  was born in Valencia,Spain on October 25 of 1982.

Her art is known for featuring vampires, witches, and the occasional ghost. Miss Victoria draws inspiration from Gothic literature, the mysterious old world European cities, and Galician Forests that she fondly grew up with.

Miss Frances attended the San Carlos University in Valencia, Spain where she studied Fine Art. She started off designing book covers and began working on her first illustrated book Favole, which became a hit 2004 Saló del Còmic in Barcelona. She has since then become a hit, especially in the goth/horror community.

 Bathory

 Paise de espectros

 

 Aullidios

The Artist herself.

Here is an interview with Victoria Frances. It's in Spanish, so I haven't the faintest idea on what is exactly being said. Maybe this will motivate me to learn Spanish, well at least you all get to see some more pretty pictures.

Like, I said before Victoria published her first book Favole back in 2004 and then followed that up with Favole II and Favole III. You can purchase each book for under $20 a piece. Apparently, each book is a continuation of a story that is reminiscent to the work of Anne Rice. The books are nice because they hold the majority of Victoria's art, but I've been told that the writing is something less to be desired. Her artwork has been turned into paintings, puzzles, stationary, and she even has a tarot deck.

Her artwork seems to be fairly popular and is often liked by those who usually don't care for dark and semi-horrific artwork. In my opinion the artwork is beautiful and Victoria Frances is obviously a very talented artist, but I'm not nearly as fond of her as one would think. There is just something a bit off-putting about the majority of her artwork and even though I'm able to appreciate the overall workmanship and imagination Victoria has, I just can't bring myself to adore her as much as others have.

Felina

I'm sure those who are fans of romantic Gothic art will adore Victoria Frances,especially vampire lovers. Victoria Frances is sure early on in her career and has even come out with a new book called Arlene's Heart.

If you wish to see more of Victoria's artwork or learn more about the gifted Gothic artist feel free to check out her website.

-Horrorwood Doll

Zombie Mosh

Anyone who has a Facebook knows about the irritating game known as FarmVille. If you don't know about the horrid thing
You have entered the relm of the lving dead and Death's daughter Darcy wants you to open mosh pit club that's like gotte be the most wicked , evil, and totally rockin mosh pit around.

 Oh, Joy!

Darcy gleefully tells me that anytime I have a human in my club I that must take that little kipper and bury them so that they to can become a zombling. In other words We don't take kindly to humans around these parts.

Your missions get you on the track to undead fame and fortune. They are of course inside Darcy's diary. The missions range from making your club spiffy looking to mass murder.

I wasn't Kidding.

The game is pretty much exactly like farmville, but instead of planting seeds and growing produce; you're pretty much burying humans alive and producing zombies. YAY! Like farmville you have a variety on what kind plant life you wish to put in your garden and Zombie Mosh is the same:; the game allows you to bury and give way to all sorts of zomblings like a bridezilla, the grim reaper, and even the Easter Bunny.

Now, you're probably wondering at this point "what on earth do I do with all these zomblings I'm creating? Do I take them to market to sell?" Haha well my puzzled gentle viewer if this game was as lame or fun (Zombie Black Market Anyone?) as Farmville that would be the case, but in Zombie Mosh when one creates zombies you're goal is to mosh their little zombie brains out in hope that you'll find money and other treats inside. (Told ya this was a violent.)

Not much else can be said about Zombie Mosh, the game is pretty much just a darker twist on the Farmville phenomenon. You get a chance to decorate your property, purchase and grow undead fiends, and help out your neighbors and depend on help from your neighbors to complete tasks.

There is one thing that sets the game apart from other Farmville knockoffs and that's the music. Unlike other games where the same tuneless melody plays over and over; Zombie Mosh has the type of music one would hear in a rock/alternative club. The music simply kicks-ass in my opinion and I'm not ashamed to admit that I now have songs on my i-pod that I discovered through this game.

Bands Featured in Zombie Mosh

 Bands Under Two Sheds Music
:http://www.twoshedsmusic.com/index.html

Hot Young Priest 
Sharks and Minnows
Fairburn Royals
The Yum Yum Tree
Jupitar Watts
Nillah
Silent Kids



Branded with Fear:http://www.brandedwithfear.net/
Altered:http://www.myspace.com/therealalteredband
Ultrababyfat:http://www.ultrababyfat.com/mainContainer.htm

-

 

If you are looking for a Farmville alternative, a place to discover some new tunes, or you're just looking for a way to kill some time, than this facebook app is for you.Check it out here: http://apps.facebook.com/zombiemosh/?ref=bookmarks&count=0

-Horrorwood Doll

True Blood Season 4

I don't quite understand why I have come to like True Blood so darn much. Admittedly, the show has quite a few issues when it comes to the whole writing and character development department. The show does in fact seem to be getting better with each passing season and the more the show separates itself from the books the better off it will be. I'm terribly excited for this next upcoming season because the show seems to be putting more and more focus on how vampires are treated like some kind of race/minority in the human world. I'm also excited to see to see that Godric and Alcide are returning to the show. Season 4 will start on June 26th.

Due to the fact that there was in fact an interview with Charlaine Harris in Boulder Weekly, which is a newspaper that I'm able to pick up at my college. Pretty interesting even though I'm not really fan of the book, but it's interesting to here what opinion the author has on the show itself. I'll post some of the highlights on here, but those who are interested in the books themselves can check the rest of the article out here.

BW: Do you watch True Blood?

CH: I do. They are nice enough to send me — almost always — an early screener, so I get to see it before it’s on TV.

BW: Lucky you! Do you find it strange to see characters that came from your head on the television screen being developed in ways that didn’t come from you?

CH: At first it was, but I think I’m used to it now. It seems like every season — we did just finish the third season — it seems like with every season the two paths diverge a little more, so it’s really not like watching my story so much.

And that’s OK. I knew that was going to happen. Alan [Ball, who created True Blood based on Harris’ books] discussed that with me before he even started filming, and actually I’m content with that, because if they were just filming the books, that would be boring for me. This way, I don’t really know what’s going to happen, and I find it quite exciting.

BW: I asked for questions from Sookie Stackhouse fans on Facebook and Twitter, and this question comes from LisaRenee1234: “Has the HBO series made it harder for you to write these books?”

CH: Not really. At first I was scared there was going to be a conflict, but I’m so far ahead in the story that it really hasn’t turned out to be a problem. They’re filming book four, and I’m writing book 12.

BW: There are some significant differences between the series and the books. For one, Lafayette dies early in the series, but HBO and fans loved Nelsan Ellis’ performance, and so he’s alive in True Blood. I’m really happy about that, because I adore his character.

CH: Me too. Nelsan is just great.

He is really fabulous, and he owes his survival to his talent.

BW: Do you think it’s easier for people to read the books and then watch the series or watch the series and then read the books? Either way, they develop expectations.

CH: I don’t know, because I’ve never been in the position of just watching the series and then trying to read the books. I did get a lot of readers from the series, and I like to think the series got a lot of watchers from the book. So I think from that point of view it’s been a very successful cross pollination. And there are people who would never read the books anyway, and likewise some of my readers just don’t watch television, so I think it’s been as good a cross-pollination as we could get.

BW: The message of the books seems to be, “Be yourself, and be tolerant of others,” with the vampire community’s struggle for acceptance seeming to parallel the civil rights and gay rights movements. In fact, both the books and the HBO series have a strong gay theme. Was that intentional?

CH: Sure. I mean, I’d have to pretty dumb not to realize what I was writing. That was a conscious decision.

-Horrorwood Doll