Kevin Lucia's Blog, page 6

Text and Subtext 49: Doom Asylum

Okay, that’s enough “good movies” for the moment, let’s get back to our roots, shall we? Doom Asylum is an oddly-self-aware flick about a guy driven mad by the death of his fiance so he haunts the abandoned asylum where he “died,” knocking them off with a variety of ever-more ridiculous implements. Also, our maniac has a quippy little Arnold-One-Liner for every kill, acting as a bargain-rate Freddy Krueger. A pretty fun little flick, over all. Tubi.

Into the Abyss Reviews: The Offering

A new feature of the Substack! Monthly movie reviews!

Also - June 1st (in the video I say July 1st, oops!) I’ll be hosting a movie watch to celebrate the release of my newest collection, WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT. It’s free, and only requires a computer with a camera. Watch this space!

Also - preorder WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT!

Text and Subtext 48: The Lair of the White Worm

I’m a little ashamed to say I’m only getting to this, but there it is. Anyway, this is a bonkers film about the survival of a pre-Christian snake cult in England. It’s got a lot of camp, but a serious side as well. Like in Lifeforce, (but more subtly) we’re offered an alternative origin for the vampire myth (see: From Dusk to Dawn, the series). Starring a stupidly young Heath Grant and Peter Capaldi, this is a must-see for horror history fans. Tubi.

New Review!

"...wonderful gems of quiet horror, in Lucia's fine prose, masterfully told and brilliantly paced, aiming at maximum creepiness and thick with slow-burning dread, always delivering what they promise.

...a fine short story collection...There's something for everyone here; a literary bag of treats, as they say." - Milt Theodossiou

Coming May 31st from Cemetery Dance Publications. Preorder today!

Text and Subtext 47: Lifeforce

I suppose if I’m going to do a deep dive into 80s and 90s horror, I need to watch the really good flicks, too. Lifeforce is one of them. It’s a great science fiction/horror film about vampiric creatures from outer space. It’s got solid period-accurate special effects, moves at a great pace, and the writing is solidly entertaining and interesting. I like the idea of these vampiric creatures possibly being the source of the vampire myth. Also, it stars a ridiculously young Patrick Stewart. Watch it today on Tubi.

How a Christian Fell in Love with the Horror Genre #23

So, here’s the part where I imagine another Chrisitian saying to me: “Okay, I guess I can understand how some horror movies - especially ‘elevated horror’ - can be appreciated by Christians. They have very strong messages. But what about all these low-budget, corny 80s movies you’re always watching? With all the blood, guts, and….well…boobs. How can you possibly appreciate these movies while being a Christian?”

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IthaCon 47

Text and Subtext 46: Burial Grounds

So…a professor investigating the meaning of life and death and the afterlife accidently raises a bunch of zombies, who then wander around the countryside and through this big manor at a very, very leisurely pace. Not long after, a bunch of super horny people who were going to meet the professor (including this woman with a super-creepy looking son who looks like he’s somehow ten and forty at the same time) show up at the manor and settle in. And, well - do you know what, the very first night. Except the one couple, because they’re interrupted by the super-creepy son.

The next day, the zombies attack, and….that’s it, folks. Pretty good creature design - with literal maggots dripping from masks - and reminds me a lot of the Blind Dead series, as well as Zombi, or any other Fulci film. Enjoy it on Tubi.

How a Christian Fell In Love With the Horror Genre #22

In my debut novel, The Horror at Pleasant Brook, I tried to feature a diverse cast. There wasn’t a big agenda or anything. For whatever reason, as I wrote, I decided I wanted to try and write characters different from anything I’d tried before. A lesbian town sheriff, a fifteen year old boy coming to grips with being gay, and a nonbinary town librarian.

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The Terror at Miskatonic Falls

Poetry lovers and horror lovers! The winter may've ended for most of us, but it's eternal for the doomed townspeople of Miskatonic Falls. Check it out today - and look at this amazing lineup!

“Attetnum,” “Claws” and “Howls,” by Adam J. Whitlatch

“Canto I: Ventum Veni, The Madness Comes,” by Scott Christian Carr

“17,” by Brian Hardin II

“Him,” by Mark Steensland

“Drew Black,” by Rachael Saltzman

“Snow Days,” by Kurt Newton

“Whispers Through Glass,” by Kurt Newton

“Biology Lesson,” by Michael Arnzen

“Tyson Sparrows,” by Mercedes Murdock Yardley

“Jump Rope Chant,” by Mercedes Murdock-Yardley

“Clarity,” by Michael Clifton

“Bright as Life, Cold as Death,” by Kurt Newton

“End Times in Miskatonic Falls,” by Sheldon Higdon

“Mother,” by Brian Rosenberger

“The Gutter Priest,” by Patrick Rutigliano

“What is wrong with me?” by Mark Milhalko

“Of Bourbon and Bones,” by Brian Rosenberger

“Bitter’s End,” by Bill Durfy

“Cries of Madness,” by Brian Hardin II

“Dozens Just Like This,” by Brian Hardin II

“Bonfire Hymn,” by Patrick Rutgliano

“The Mechanic’s Poem,” by Bill Durfy

“Closing, Early,” by Stephanie Layng

“End of Watch,” by Justin Seeds

“The Frenzy,” by Rich Ristow

“Nothing Happens,” by Robert Brouhard

“Taipei in Duress,” by Anton Cancre

“Open Diary on 70 Miskatonic Falls Lane,” by Gail Petersen

“Canto II: Ventum Dilato, The Madness Spreads,” by Scott Christian Carr

“Two Dead Witnesses,” by Brandon Layng

“Forever,” by Steve Vernon

“In the Attic,” by Stephanie Layng

“Your Bride Waits For You, Now,” by Brian J. Hatcher

“Screams,” by Peggy Christie

“Shadows,” by Michael Clifton

“Parade on Main Street,” by Brian Hardin II

“Cabin Fever,” by Anton Cancre

"I Cannot Leave this Place," by Barry Napier

“b home soon,” by Robert Brouhard

“Next Door,” by Daniel Pyle

“I Know What I Know,” by Justin Seeds

“Cellar Beast,” by Jonathan Pinnock

A Mother's Fear,” by Kim Alfano

“Strength,” by Mark Mihalko

“Nightfall and Broken Promises,” by Glen Krisch

“Brandon’s Snow Date,” by Ryan B. Clark

“Deidre Builds a Fire,” by Ryan B. Clark

“Red,” by Craig D.B. Patton

“Just Walk,” by Michael Clifton

“Susan Carroll,” by Craig D. B. Patton

“Final Exam,” Katherine Sanger

“Snowed In,” by Ryan B. Clark

“Robert Carroll,” by Craig D. B. Patton

“One Way Out” by Brian Rosenberger

“Sickness,” by Gene Stewart

“Paul J. Jones,” by Mercedes Murdock-Yardley

“The Long Man's Call,” by Jason Keene

“Dementia,” by Pamela K. Kinney

“Canto III: Ventum Voro Nos, The Madness Consumes,” by Scott Christian Carr