PINUP TIME: YVONNE DE CARLO IS LILY

 

VISIONQUEST: THE SERIES' FIRST, TWO-SHOT SIP

Disney+/Marvel's VisonQuest commenced with a set of episodes that, in my estimation, were quite good. That doesn't mean the high quality will dominate throughout or that the internal, Twilight Zone/Matrix-ish, Mindscape will recapture WandaVision and Agatha All Along's consistent success. Still, as a fan of those eager endeavors, I remain optimistic. 

The introductory episodes showed the reborn yet forlorn Vision (Paul Bettany) working in the pub that he and Wanda once frequented. Alas, Vision was soon on the lam, thanks to a flippant bounty hunter named Paladin (Todd Stashwick). To draw Vision into his web, Paladin used our hero's deleted "son," Tommy Maximoff (Ruaridh Mollica) as bait, but there was a further catch, which swings back to Agatha All Along. Maximoff's consciousness was transferred into a jittery grifter named Tommy Shepherd, thanks to Maximoff's brother, Billy. (Yeah, pretty heavy!)

The above situations were anchored by an important, avatar hub that Vision accessed to reunite with his dear old, psychopathic "dad," Ultron (James Spader), in this instance represented as a loquacious human. The shrewd Ultron expressed a desire to counsel Vision throughout his fugitive state. So, does the spectral mechanoid conceal a covert plan? It would seem so, but time will tell. (As a neat treat, James D'Arcy reprised his Edwin Jarvis role from Agent Carter, albeit as a computerized imprint: nonetheless, a clever continuation for those in the know.)

I must stress, the opening episodes (despite their sometimes complicated, Loki-like layers) felt most Marvel-esque, and in that, I mean like the comics I read as a kid: fast, fun and colorful, with no subversive tricks or snide, socio-political messages to stall the flow. 

On further note, I've always appreciated Vision (his design and creed). The Marvel Cinematic Universe has done well by him, so far. Perhaps this honorable, old-school respect will flavor other live-action events, such as the upcoming Secret Wars and its presumed sequels. Indeed, it would be nice to get back on track.

For the ensuing weeks, VisionQuest will drop two episodes each Tuesday night, with the finale arriving on Nov 11. After such point, I'll submit my overarching review. 

TERRIFIC TEAM-UP IMAGE: THE JAMES DEAN STORY & THE BLACK SCORPION

COLLECTIBLE TIME: REVENGE FROM PLANET APE (TOMBS OF THE BLIND DEAD) VHS TAPE

As Bizarrechats visitors know, I have a short story set for Eighth Tower's upcoming, Blind Dead (Knights Templar), Dark Fiction anthology. My story was inspired by a re-edited version of Tombs of the Blind Dead, which was released in 1976 (though some say 1973) with a phony, Planet of the Apes tie-in narrative. The result is Revenge from Planet Ape. 

By accident (or was it a matter of Ebay fate?) I came upon a Video Boneyard Releasing, VHS cassette of the altered, Blind Dead movie, the case of which features the Apes title and soldier-gorilla imagery. 

Revenge from Planet Ape can be viewed in its entirety on YouTube, so it's by no means a rarity. All the same, having a VHS cassette of the modified production is a swell way to mark my story's advent. It's also swell way to possess a Blind Dead/Apes, "crossover" collectible. By gosh, what were the odds? ✠🦍

TERRIFIC TEAM-UP IMAGE: PHASE IV, BUG, CAPTAIN KRONOS, MONSTER FROM HELL

 

FANGORIA #33 (FALL 2026): CRYSTAL LAKE, GODZILLA, CRAMPTON, BANNISTER & LOBO

Fangoria #33 (Fall 2026) creeps from the crypt, with two covers: one celebrating Crystal Lake (subscription edition) and the other, Godzilla Minus Zero (newsstand edition), each sharing the same superb, monster-sized contents. 

Of the bracketing material, one will find revealing looks at Clayface; V/H/S Mixtape; Whalefall; Beware Buiuna; No One Will Save You; and Black Zombie. Readers will also spend time with Scream Queen Barbara (Re-Animator/From Beyond) Crampton; Tony Timpone's "Starlog Memories;" The Academy Museum's upcoming Horror Exhibit; and experience a heartwarming tribute to Phantasm's Reggie Bannister (God rest his soul). 

As a terrific supplement, the issue features Michael Verrati's article on my buddy, Mr. Lobo. Verrati has done an exemplary job covering the ubiquitous, horror host's twenty-five-year career. Indeed, Mr. Lobo deserves the commemoration, and let's face it, his fame is still on the ascent. This avid article represents just another significant part in what will propel it to even higher heights.  

Fangoria #33 (Fall 2026) is now in full circulation, so why not seize a copy to flavor to your Halloween?

https://www.fangoria.com/crystal-lake-fangoria-33-subscriber-cover/ 

☠ ... 

https://shop.fangoria.com/collections/single-issues/products/fangoria-magazine-vol-2-issue-33-newsstand

TERRIFIC TEAM-UP IMAGE: THE DEVIL'S NIGHTMARE & THE FUN HOUSE