Featured Comic: Star Wars #1

Marvel Comics published Star Wars #1 in 1977 as an adaptation of the hit film. After the entire film was translated into comic format the series continued, following the further adventures of the iconic characters.

Movie Rumors from 1990: A Glimpse into the Pit of Development Hell

While the Superman films of the late '70s and '80s may have lit the fuse for future superhero franchises, it was 1989's Batman that has to be credited with the explosion of big budget blockbusters to come. The following is a collection of rumors, news bits, and release dates gathered from magazines and miscellaneous articles. Keep in mind that all of these were collected in the summer of 1990. Sad to say, all of them were wrong.

The Bigfoot Filmography - Now Available!

The biggest Bigfoot book of them all - David Coleman's The Bigfoot Filmography: Fictional and Documentary Appearances in Film and Television is now available! Fans of the genre will not find a more exhaustive resource on all things Bigfoot than in The Bigfoot Filmography!

Coleman's book not only covers every Bigfoot, Sasquatch, and Yeti appearance in film/television, but it's also filled with countless reproductions of rare photos, posters, lobby cards and behind-the-scenes stills, along with a number of in-depth interviews! 

The Bigfoot Filmography is currently available at www.mcfarlandpub.com and at Amazon.com. You can also order through McFarland Publishing via their order line at 800-253-2187.

Be sure to check out our review of The Bigfoot Filmography in Shadowland Magazine #4! And Bigfoot enthusiasts won't want to miss Mr. Coleman's superb article, Bob Mitchum meets Bigfoot, in Shadowland Magazine #2.

VHS OF THE WEEK: Godzilla vs. Megalon

VHS RELEASE DATE: 1991

It's no secret that Godzilla films were notorious for having bizarre VHS cover art. In many cases, the artwork didn't even correspond to the actual film. That's the case here with United American Video Corporation's release of Godzilla vs. Megalon. The cover artwork clearly depicts Godzilla in combat with Mothra. It would seem that United American figured no one would notice the switch (both Mothra and Megalon were bug-like monsters), or maybe that customers would be inclined to think the monster moth made an appearance.

The description on the back of the VHS is surprisingly accurate given the nature of this release. The film itself doesn't fair quite so well, considering it's recorded in the inferior EP mode. This is despite the label in the back stating "Guaranteed Superior Quality Video Tape and Recording." As soon as the tape is removed from the slip, large text is plastered on the cassette: FOR BEST PICTURE ADJUST VCR TRACKING CONTROL. What's also odd is that the back of the cover has Nashville, TN beneath the United American Video Corp name, when on the actual tape itself, it's labeled Charlotte, NC. 

Godzilla vs. Megalon has long been in the public domain, making it one of the most widely available G-films in the United States. At the end of the day, any qualms about the quality of the tape or misleading cover art can easily forgiven, considering this home video cassette was purchased in NYC back in the early-to-mid '90s for a whopping $2!

Retro Model Kit Mania: Darkness from Legend

Original print advertisement for "Darkness" from the 1985 film, Legend.

This now out-of-print resin model kit was released back in 1990 by Classic Plastic. Standing at over 12" tall, the striking screen-to-resin likeness of Legend's Lord of Darkness (played by the versatile Tim Curry) is truly a sight to behold!

Toy Rewind: 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime Print AD

The original print AD for the 20th anniversary Optimus Prime figure, released in 2004.

How Spider-Man Can Make You a Millionaire!

Ever daydream of being a millionaire? Well, if you're a lucky owner of Amazing Fantasy 15, famous for its first-appearance of Spider-Man, you may very well have a shot at it. Back in 2011 the issue went for a staggering $1.1 million at auction! This is nothing short of an insane amount, considering that back in 1994 a near-mint copy was worth $20,200.00 (according to "Comic Book Collecting: A Valuation Guide" by Robert M. Overstreet). 

Value from the 1994 edition of "Comic Book Collecting" by Robert M. Overstreet.

VHS OF THE WEEK: Freddy's Nightmares

VHS RELEASE DATE: 1991

Welcome to "VHS OF THE WEEK," our new feature where every week we turn the clock back to look at a VHS from days-gone-by. To kick things off we're featuring Freddy's Nightmares! 

Back in 1988 New Line was hauling in a good amount of cash thanks to the success of their Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. Fans were soon swamped with Freddy Krueger toys, articles of clothing, latex masks, and...a TV show? Apparently there were few better ways to make a profit on a slasher franchise than to release a syndicated television series (the Friday the 13th TV series, anyone?). Lo and behold, Freddy made the transition to the small screen, though with very mixed results. Some episodes, like the show's pilot, proved to be entertaining - but the majority just seemed to lack any real imagination...or budget.

A few of the episodes were released to VHS (none to DVD yet). Here we have one of the better episodes, which had a Halloween theme, titled Freddy's Tricks and Treats. Fortunately, the pilot episode was also released on VHS. 

Best Songs Inspired By Horror Movies (and Horror Movie Actors)

An amazing aspect of the horror genre is its enduring impact on other art forms. Take, for example, music - one might be surprised at just how many songs have been inspired by horror movies!

So get ready, as we guide you through some of the very best songs to have been influenced by the cinematic horrors of the silver screen.

Horror Returns To The UK! Two Events Not To Be Missed!!

Hammer Horror fans living in the UK are in for one heck of a treat on February 19th 2012! The Classic Horror Campaign is presenting not one but two fantastic Hammer classics: Quartermass and the Pit (1967) and The Devil Rides Out (1968). Where else can you possibly see a double bill of these gems? London's Roxy Bar & Screen is the place to be - you can either reserve your tickets ahead of time or try your luck at the door, but there's limited space, so why chance it? 

You can already get your tickets here: http://www.wegottickets.com/event/148026

Be sure to check out their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/events/136183539830024/?ref=ts

And if that's not enough horror and fright for you, Frighten Brighton is coming back in force on Saturday February 25th! Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell (1974) will be playing at 2pm and a double-bill of The Gore Gore Girls (1972) and Reanimator (1985) will be shown at 5pm. The Rock Inn in Brighton is the location of this scary scene, but be sure to get there early for even more fun...doors open at noon, which leaves ample time to check out their Macabre Market featuring magazine, book, and DVD merchandise stalls, quizzes and prizes, horror giveaways, and book signings! 

Get your tickets now: http://www.wegottickets.com/event/148027

Follow Frighten Brighton on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/events/207184382708517/

Happy 100th Birthday Charles Addams!

Today Google is celebrating the 100th birthday of Addams Family creator, Charles Addams, with a sketch of the macabre bunch on their homepage.

Chaney's Phantom of the Opera Speaks (and comes at you in 3D)!

Lon Chaney's silent classic, The Phantom of the Opera, is getting released like it's never been seen before - in sound and in 3D! This exclusive new release, titled The Phantom of the Opera: Angel of Music Edition, is going to be available on January 10th, 2012 at www.MiddleEarthCollectibles.com and www.ThePhantomSpeaks.com