THIS MODERN NIGHTMARE

SCREAMING SPOTLIGHT ON:
JOHN SOWDER

We seem to be on a roll here with Screaming Spotlight. A few weeks ago, I interviewed the writer Jeremy C. Shipp, and this weekend, I have a few words with up-and-coming comic book artist, John Sowder.

I thought I'd give you some background on Mr. Sowder. They say that the Internet is an evil thing and MySpace is a waste of time, but I've met some very good friends on MySpace since I joined a few years back, and John is one of them. We first met on some message boards, a long time ago, and we've had to a chance to watch each other's careers the last few years.

After talking about doing a possible project together for years, it looks like it might finally happen. John and I have started work on a comic book storyline called FLESH MAGUS, which deals with supernatural beings and earlthy intrigue. It's just in the beginning stages, but I've been pretty psyched about working with John, and I really hope this blossoms into something big.

In the meantime, John seems to be having some success with his comic book art. His art in the comic MIDNIGHT WARRIORS ANNUAL # 1 comes out soon from DIVINE AUTHORITY COMICS. And I figured this might be a good time time sit down with him and give you all a chance to meet him.

And now, without further delay, here's my little chat with JOHN SOWDER:

LL SOARES: So how long have you been drawing? Give us a list of credits of stuff you’ve got out there.

JOHN SOWDER: My mother taught me to draw when I was old enough to hold a pencil. My first published work was for a small press magazine called NIGHTSIDE in 1991. My first comic work was for PC Comic's RIPLASH in 1996. I don't even have a copy of that one. More recently I had a comic story called "When You're Different" published in SLAMBANG ANTHOLOGY COMICS. My story "Down Where It's Cool" appears in one of the early issues of Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc's TWISTED DREAMS magazine. My art can be seen in the forthcoming MIDNIGHT WARRIORS ANNUAL # 1 from Divine Authority Comics.

LS: I hear you’re a filmmaker as well?

JS: I made a few short movies that played at a few film festivals. I also worked behind the scenes with some local digital filmmakers.

I wrote the script for a four minute short called "Man in the Basement" that got me listed on IMDB. The director didn't like the script format I used and rewrote it so I only got credit as story writter. It's a bit of a campy EC Comic-type tale. Really like how it turned out.

LS: So how did working with Divine Authority come about?

JS: I found their website and was really impressed that they were just a couple of folks who were doing comics for the love of it. I showed publisher Mark McCracken some of my art and he asked me if I was up for doing work for them.

LS: Tell us a bit about your comics series PENUMBRA. How it came about. How many parts will it be in? Are there any plans to collect it in one volume somewhere down the line?

JS: Originally Penumbra was going to appear as a comic strip for a magazine called "New Pulp Gallery" that was never published. It's basically about a girl who discovers that she's the offspring of an otherworldly creature and her very existence threatens humanity. The story is scheduled to appear in the comic "Divine Authority Presents" issues 1-4. There are no plans to collect all stories in one volume and there are no current plans to expand the story beyond the fourth part, although that's a possibility.

LS: Do you want to discuss Flesh Magus at all?

JS: Flesh Magus is still in the very early stages, but I think it features some of the best artwork I've ever done. There's alot of interesting visual ideas I want to explore with some of the characters and the settings. It's something I'm pretty excited about.

LS: You draw, write and make movies. Who were your influences growing up? Who are your favorite writers and artists now?

JS: I grew up reading (Bernie) Wrightson, (Jack) Kirby, (Steve) Gerber and (Mike) Ploog comics. I also had a stack of Warren magazines.

My introduction to the horror genre came from a horror host show that aired on Channel 2 from Detroit called Sir Graves Ghastly. Lawson Denning dressed as the vampire Sir Graves and showed some classic and not-so classic films.

Another show I loved was the channel 7 '4:30 Movie'. This was a syndicated show that featured a theme week. During "Ape Week" they would show PLANET OF THE APES films, during "Monster Week" they would show Godzilla and Gamera movies. That really fired my imagination.

I started out reading Lovecraft, Bradbury,King and alot of weird or pulp fiction in general. Right now I'm beginning to read Douglas Clegg and a bit of (Carlton) Mellick.

LS: Obviously, you work on a very visual level. Did any movies influence you as an artist?

JS: Yeah. Whenever I'm working on a black and white book I want it to have a noir look to it. I draw influence from cinematographer John Alton as well as older horror or crime movies.

LS: How can people find out more about you (website, where to get Divine Authority comics, etc.)?

JS: www.divineauthoritycomics.com gives you an update on when Divine Authority Comics will be out and features a gallery of artwork. You can check out Vincent Ferrante's comics at www.monarchcomicslair.com

(PART 2 OF THIS INTERVIEW WILL BE POSTED TOMORROW)

FAREWELL TO PHILIP JOSE FARMER

Writer Philip Jose Farmer died today. He was 91.

When I was a teenager, I was heavily into science-fiction, and some books that really grabbed me were the DANGEROUS VISIONS anthologies edited by Harlan Ellison (when I was a kid, Ellison was my freakin god). The books were cool because they gave science-fiction writers a chance to really break the bonds of convention (as well as some taboos) and really write some cutting edge stuff. The thing is, Farmer was always writing on the edge. His story in the first volume, "Riders of the Purple Wage" was probably the most experimental story in the book, and one of the best. I immediately became a fan.

From his first novel THE LOVERS through the RIVERWORLD books (the best-selling series that cemented his reputation - about another planet that has a giant river running through it - which is also the afterlife, where dead people go. Featuring appearaces by explorer Sir Richard Burton (not the actor) and Samuel Clemens). He also wrote some horror (his novel IMAGE OF THE BEAST is a classic) and some interesting riffs on pulp heroes (novels about Tarzan and Doc Savage, or characters that are an awful lot like them). He also wrote the novel VENUS ON THE HALF-SHELL, which was attributed to Kilgore Trout, the science-fiction writer Kurt Vonnegut created. It was mystery as to his true identity until Farmer spilled the beans.

He was an important figure in fantastic literature, and wrote an awful ot in his long life. Subterranean Books were even starting to reissue a lot of his books - and it seemed like there was renewed interest in him again. At least he got to enjoy a resurgence before he died.

Farewell, Phil!

Okay, I know a lot of you were dying to know if this one's any good. The trailer actually looks decent, but that damn Michael Bay produced it. So what's the verdict?

Well, the new Cinema Knife Fight review went up early today. And it dissects the movie from Adam's apple to groin.

If you wanna check out the review, just go to: FRIDAY THE 13TH (2009)

If you're a Jason fan, then chances are you're gonna love this one. If you're not, I'm not sure that you'll be won over. But seriously, Michael and I bring up a lot of pros and cons about the movie. So if you're on the fence, check out the review and let us help you make up your mind.

And while you're there, don't forget to check out our review of the new animated film CORALINE, based on the book by Neil Gaiman. We reviewed that last week, and the review is also on Fear Zone: Coraline (2009).

And, as always, thanks for reading.

LUX NO MORE

Lux Interior, the lead singer of the psychobilly band THE CRAMPS died yesterday of heart-related illness. He was 62.

Born Erick Lee Purkhiser, Lux started the band in 1973 with Poison Ivy (Kristy Wallace), who would later become his wife. The rest of the band members changed constantly throughout the years, but Lux and Poison were rock steady. Their sound was a mix of punk and rockabilly and their songs featured lots of references to B-movies and horror flicks, as well as sexual double-entendres. They were punk pioneers of the early 70s, playing clubs like CBGB's, and part of the scene that included The Ramones, Patti Smith, and Television.

Through the years, they put out a bunch of great albums, and great singles that included "Goo Goo Muck," "Can Your Pussy Do the Dog?" and my favorite "Bikini Girls with Machine Guns." Their song "Surfin Dead" was prominent on the soundtrack of the movie THE RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD. And their videotaped concert, " Live at the Napa State Mental Hospital" in 1978 is considered something of a classic.


The band was great in concert. The time I saw them, Lux removed more and more clothes as the night went on, and starting climbing the speakers at one point.But he was amazing for the sheer energy of his performances.

I loved their music, and they were definitely one of my favorite bands. Lux will be missed.

SCREAMING SPOTLIGHT ON:
JEREMY C. SHIPP

The last time I interviewed someone for SCREAMING SPOTLIGHT, I spoke to writer Gregory Lamberson, author of the novel JOHNNY GRUESOME and the non-fiction book about low-budget filmmaking CHEAP SCARES, (both of which are on the preliminary Bram Stoker ballot for 2008). But that was a long time ago, and this particular feature was overdue for another installment.

Which brings us to Jeremy Shipp.

Jeremy C. Shipp’s first short story collection, SHEEP AND WOLVES, is also currently on the preliminary ballot for the Bram Stoker award for story collection. To get the word out there about this talented writer, I sat down with Jeremy (okay, I emailed him) and asked him some probing questions about his writing, and himself.

What follows are the results of my interrogation – I mean - interview.

1. Okay, let’s start at the beginning. What made you want to become a writer? How early did you start writing?

In the 4^th grade, I had an assignment to write a fictional short story, and I ended up writing a not-so-short story about an alien named Chomper who chomped things and had an affinity for opera. After that, my creativity was repressed by the education system for a few years. Then, when I was 13 years old, I found my way out of the abyss, and decided to write my first novel. And I’ve been writing almost every day ever since. Growing up, I sometimes thought to myself, “I want to be a writer when I grow up.” But mostly, I just wrote because I couldn’t stop. Because I didn’t want to stop. Writing, to me, is almost like eating. If I didn’t write, some part of me would die.

2. What was your first professional sale?

I sold my short story “Ticketyboo” to Flesh and Blood Magazine. I can’t remember the year.

3. What authors influenced you growing up? Who are your favorite writers now, in and outside the horror genre?

As a kid, I read a lot of HG Wells, Ray Bradbury, Jules Verne, Alexandre Dumas. Nowadays, I’m into Haruki Murakami, Arundhati Roy (THE GOD OF SMALL THINGS might just be my favorite book of all time), Kurt Vonnegut, Amy Hempel, Francesca Lia Block, and many others. The Bizarro authors of the world are especially awesome.

4. Did movies influence you as a writer? If so, which ones?

In my early years, the books I read influenced me stylistically, but for the most part, my work was influenced by films. I can’t tell you how many times I watched THE ADVENTURES OF BARON MUNCHAUSEN or the original STAR WARS trilogy. Those movies helped shaped my mind into what it is today. Now, as an adult, I feel inspired when I watch films by directors like David Lynch, Terry Gilliam, Takashi Miike, Park Chan-wook, Hayao Miyazaki, etc.

5. Do you prefer writing horror or bizarro fiction? Or do they overlap for you? (If so, how?)

I’d say most of my work could be classified as a combination of horror, bizarro, and dark fantasy. In truth, during the writing process, I don’t think about genre, unless I’m playing around with certain archetypes. I never set out to write a horror/bizarro/dark fantasy tale. It just sort of happens. (The gnomes in my spleen make me do it.)

6. Tell us something about your novel VACATION.

I’ve been writing a novel a year since I was in middle school, and I always felt happy with my books. But VACATION With this book, I felt like I accomplished everything I’d set out to accomplish. was different.VACATION is a journey into civilization’s festering wound. It’s made up of my psychological scars and my love for life. In some ways, it’s almost a psychological and ideological autobiography.

7. Tell us a bit about SHEEP AND WOLVES. What story are you most proud of? Which story do you think exemplifies your style the best?

SHEEP AND WOLVES is my first story collection, and it’s a cousin of VACATION. While VACATION explores twisted power dynamics on a global level, SHEEP AND WOLVES delves into such abuses and exploitations on a more personal or domestic level. These horrors invade your homes, your jobs, your dreams.

I’m proud of each of my stories for different reasons, but if I had to choose one, I’d probably say “Camp.” I’m always trying to create strange little worlds filled with distinctive characters. And with “Camp,” I feel like I succeeded.

In terms of style, I’d say “Watching” makes a good representative.

8. How can people find out more about you (website, where are books available, etc.)?

Here are some Jeremytastic links:

My officially official site: http://www.jeremycshipp.com
My publisher: http://www.rawdogscreaming.com
My Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/jeremywriter
My Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=794034742&hiq=jeremy%2Cshipp

Manbabies (this one has nothing to do with me, but I thought I’d include it anyway): http://manbabies.com/

My books are available at online stores such as Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1933293594/afterschoolsp-20), and I’m also selling signed/personally inscribed copies here: http://jeremycshipp.com/signed.htm

9. In the story “A Long Metal Sigh” (from SHEEP AND WOLVES), was Aunt Laura based on anyone remotely real?

She’s not based on a specific person, but I’ve known people who think like her. I believe there are those who transform their bodies for the right reasons (like someone who’s expressing their inner self), and those who transform for the wrong reasons (like someone who’s reacting to insecurity and a distorted body imagine). Aunt Laura, to me, is an example of the latter. She’s trying to solve internal problems externally, which, of course, doesn’t work.

10. Do you have a genuine gnome fetish?

I haven’t told anyone this before, but I’m actually a giant gnome. So my affinity for gnomes is just a natural sense of camaraderie with my people.

11. Have you ever encountered a real life "furry"?

No, although I did once see a documentary about a man who made himself into a cat.

12. What should we expect from you in the future (anything in the pipeline now)?

I have stories that’ll soon appear in Cemetery Dance, Horror World, and Harlan County Horrors. And I’m very excited about my new novel, CURSED, which should hit the stores this year. I love this book, especially the characters. I hope my readers will feel the same way.

13. How did you get the nickname JerBear?

A couple friends in high school used to call me Jerbear. Maybe because Jer rhymes with bear. Maybe because I’m furry and cuddly. I’m not sure. Years later, a couple of my cousins started calling me Jerbear, and they didn’t know I had that nickname before. At that point, I decided to accept and embrace my Jerbearitude.

14. Who is your favorite superhero, and why?

Poopman’s my hero of choice. His name is a bit of a misnomer, however, because he’s actually a baby. He shapes the poop to form a man-like body. And after the poop dries, he has a sort of exoskeleton that protects him during his battles with Mr. Clean.

15. If you could have any superpower, which one would you choose and why?

Poopman’s powers are pretty cool, although I’d probably choose the power to grow fruits and vegetables out of my body. That way, I could eat a mango whenever I felt like it.

16. Do you think Smurfette is sexy?

No, but I think Grampa Smurf is quite a handsome and dashing older gentleman. It’s a shame he died in that weed wacker accident.

****

A special thanks to JerBear for agreeing to be interviewed for this segment. Don't forget to check out his novel VACATION and his new short story collection SHEEP AND WOLVES.

NOTE: IF YOU'RE AN ACTIVE HWA MEMBER AND WOULD LIKE TO READ SHEEP AND WOLVES, WRITE TO JEREMY AT: jeremy(at)jeremycshipp(dot)com FOR A .PDF COPY. HE ALSO HAS A LIMITED NUMBER OF PRINT COPIES AVAILABLE.

BILL HICKS VINDICATED (16 YEARS LATER)

Last night on THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN , they did something really out of the ordinary. Letterman had Bill Hicks's mother Mary on the show and then he aired the last stand-up segment that Hicks ever did for the show back on October 1, 1993. I don't know if anyone else remembers this, but when Hicks originally did his act back then, it was yanked at the last second and not aired because he did some jokes that Letterman and his producers thought would offend some members of the audience. Hicks was furious about this backthen (I remember him going on The Howard Stern Show at the time, to rant about it). They actually taped this segment one month before Hicks died of pancreatic cancer (very few people knew he was dying).

So Letterman felt it was time to right an old wrong. He apologized for not airing the segment in 1993, and had Bill's mother on to talk about Bill. Then they aired the stand-up (which was a killer set).

I've never seen someone do something like this before. Not only did Letterman actually apologize for something he did 16 years ago, but he also aired the segment in its entirety and devoted the whole show to Bill Hicks and his mother. (The only non-Hicks guests were the band The Gaslight Anthem, who played at the very end, and were pretty good).

I came upon it completely by accident, and I’m not sure how much CBS publicized this, but it was a fucking milestone, and most people I know didn’t even know about it..

But it was cool as hell. Seeing Bill perform again was really terrific. Glad I caught it.

REVOLUTIONARY ROAD AND SLUMDOG

Well, I caught up on some of the Oscar nominated movies recently.

I saw REVOLUTIONARY ROAD, the new Sam Mendes movie (he also directed AMERICAN BEAUTY), starring his wife. Kate Winslet. It also stars Leonardo DiCaprio as her husband, so in a way it’s like a TITANIC reunion. But man, this movie is as far away from the fluff of TITANIC as you can get. Based on the novel by Richard Yates, REVOLUTIONARY ROAD is a story about the American dream, and the kind of people who want something more out of life. As April and Frank Wheeler, Winslet and DiCaprio play a couple in the 1950s who just aren’t happy with their traditional roles. He has a job he hates in the city, which at least seems to pay the bills okay. They have a nice house in the suburbs.She’s a housewife and mother of two. And yet, they both have these yawning chasms in their souls. The life of conformity and doing exactly what is expected of you just doesn’t satisfy them. So they decide to do something really radical and move to Paris.

Before they can actually go through with their plans, a series of roadblocks starts popping up, making them realize how trapped they truly are. Winslet is especially tragic (although the way her character so easily gives up her acting career early on, after a few bad experiences, seemed a bit hard to swallow, considering April's strength and determination later on).

This movie deserved more attention from the Oscars, but only got an acting nomination for Michael Shannon as John Givings, a mathematician who has had a nervous breakdown and who is the son of one of the Wheelers’ neighbors who comes for visits. Because he is considered a freak for having mental illness (the stigma back then was a lot worse than it is now), he is the only character who is allowed to really say what’s on his mind, and he’s great in the role. But DiCaprio, and especially Winslet, also deserved Oscar nods for this one.

A powerful little movie. And it will hit a nerve if you’re one of those people who isn’t quite satisfied with the way things are.

The other big Oscar film I saw recently was SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE. It’s about a poor kid from the ghettos of India who goes on the Indian version of the show WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE and makes it all the way to the end. The people in charge are sure he is cheating and torture him, but as the movie unfolds, Jamal Malik (Dey Patel) reveals to a policeman how he knew the answers, taking us through a lifetime of poverty and violence that includes his mother being clubbed to death because of her religion, a group of men who force children to work as beggars to earn money, and vicious gangsters.

Jamal’s own brother, Salim, becomes a violent gang enforcer, and Latika, a girl he befriends as a child and who becomes the love of his life, is lost to him at least three times before he finally finds her as an adult.

The use of the inane MILLIONAIRE show struck me as annoying at first, but as the movie went on, it was used in a very clever way to reveal key story points in Jamal’s past. And while certain parts of the plot seem a little too coincidental, director Danny Boyle (who also gave us TRAINSPOTTING and 28 DAYS LATER) somehow makes it all work. I thought this was an entertaining and powerful film – better than I expected.

I still wish THE WRESTLER and REVOLUTIONARY ROAD had received more nominations. But I’ll be curious to see what movie wins big at Oscar time.