Spyder's ridiculously short movie review: Winter’s Tale

A little unexpected for a chick flick – but it is still a chick flick.

Indie Art Stop: Jacques Marcotte

Love it! Exceptional art with a mood that is intoxicating and lines that are blurred to perfection. I had very little luck uncovering allot of information on this Canadian artist, which is quite disappointing. I have and will again in the future open my virtual wallet and drop a few more dollars here and there for this artists’ product.

Check out some additional work or Mr. Marcotte – here –

Enjoy but try not to get swept away from it all. Much to see, enjoy and get lost in under the talented illustrations of this indie artist. I expect to see much more form him in the future and will certainly keep an eye out.

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Fathom Dawn of War Beginnings

One might say I grew up on Michael Turner’s masterpiece – Fathom. His art, creation and mood were unsurpassed in my world of CB art and storylines. Aspen was and is the quintessential CB vixen. Yes, I know she is an illustration, 2-dimensional and not real. Still she captured the imagination of many a fan. As a testament to Aspen (and Turner’s) hold on the CB geeks of the world, she even had her own swimsuit issue.

So, Dawn of War Beginnings … not poorly illustrated, nor poorly written but it is NOT Turner nor ‘his’ Aspen. The untimely death of Michael Turner left a void in the CB world that, I am sorry all you talented artists out there, has yet to be matched or replaced. This CB is a far cry from those days. This CB is a far cry from the thrill of turning the cover of a Michael Turner creation and enjoying the visuals therein.

Sorry – but pass IMHO on this effort …

The Mammoth Book of Best New Horror - Stephen Jones (editor)

Here is a book you cannot go wrong with. If you enjoy horror you will find something you like in The Mammoth Book of Best New Horror. Sadly, no Spyder horror but that’s to be expected. I am not at this level yet but proclaim one of these days, mate! If you cannot locate a good read in 513 pages, then I dare say you are not a fan of the genre. That said, 513 pages should breed you several stories that you will enjoy and I dare say you will find plenty to enjoy.

The TOC is of course a parade of “known” names and some up and comers. For me there was much to read and fright over. Necrosis , The Discord of Being and Blue Crayon, Yellow Crayon rank as the best of the best for me. Certainly Ramsey Campbell’s ‘The Callers’ and Neil Gaiman’s ‘Witch Work’ are book sellers and Claire Massey’s ‘Marionettes’ rounds out the talent and atmosphere, very well.

For the writer there is so much to take in. Stephen Jones is an excellent editor with a dynamic taste in horror. His words are ones to listen to as a budding horror writer. As a writer, I am sure you have heard this a million times - reading is learning. The Mammoth Book of Best New Horror is research, as much as it is enjoyment of the talent the genre has to offer.

For the reader - love horror? Read it, ‘nuff said.

Spyder's ridiculously short movie review: The Legend Hercules

Think Titans, 300 and others in that vein - if you liked them you will love this one. I think it is worth a watch.

Spyder's music notes: Neo Geo

Nice licks and a sweet sound puts Neo Geo on my muses quirky side. Vocals from Rainy Terrell doesn't hurt my muse's pattern of delighting in female fronted band.

Check out 'DT Killer' as an introduction to the band -
but please don't stop there:

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999: New Stories Of Horror And Suspense - Al Sarrantonio (editor)

Generally speaking, I am not disappointed in collections. There is always something good to read or as a writer pick apart or learn from 999: New Stories Of Horror And Suspense may be the anti-collection, for me. Sure, there is King and Gaiman (again) and many others. That should be a book seller in itself, for many yes. I want a bit more, however.

Now, Kim Newman’s ‘Amerikanski Dead at the Moscow Morgue' kicks things off nicely but for me 999 mostly staggers along from there. There are a ton of big names but the not so familiar names provide a bland drag to the book. I am not sure how or why these ‘filler’ tales are even a part of the collection. Whining aside, check out Spruill’s ‘Hemophage.’ 

Overall, nah. I wasn’t excited and even found some of the named author’s tales not to be what I have come to admire. The entire “book” feels thrown together … maybe it’s just me?