CARPENTER/PLISSKEN FOR DARK FICTION #5

The next volume in Raffaele Pezzella's Dark Fiction series is a John Carpenter tribute, with contributors currently composing tales based on the legendary filmmaker's movie mythologies. 

My contribution will salute Kurt Russell's Snake Plissken and occur about a year after Escape From New York. 

Carpenter and Nick (Michael Myers '78) Castle scripted Snake's initial, film adventure, and author Mike McQuay expanded on their concept with his comprehensive novelization. I'm leaning on both sources to fortify my sequel. 

Though I can't reveal the heart of the plot, elements of another Carpenter movie will be interwoven, securing a crossover flavor similar to what I established for my David Cronenberg/Dark Fiction #3 submission.    

More details on Pezzella's Carpenter tribute are to come, so keep (re)visiting Bizarrechats for all the dystopic scoops. 

RIP FRANK DOUBLEDAY...

You projected an impetuous look and style that made you so right for so many menacing roles, particularly those in John Carpenter's classics, "Assault on Precinct 13" and "Escape from New York". You were also a magnificent addition to such escapist yarns as "Avenging Angel"; "The Big Fix"; "Dollman"; "Butch and Sundance: the Early Years"; "L.A. Bounty"; "Nomads"; and the irreverent "First Nudie Musical". 

There was no one else quite like you, Mr. Doubleday, and unlikely anyone who'll ever reach your level of intensity. Bless your unique heart and legacy, dear friend. You'll be remembered always...

SO LONG, HARRY DEAN STANTON...

As a top-notch, character actor, you weren't afraid to roam all genres, from westerns like "Ride the Whirlwind" and the "Missouri Breaks" to prime dramas like "Cool Hand Luke"; "Dillinger"; "The Straight Story"; "Wise Blood"; "Cockfighter"; "Lucky"; and the poignant "Paris, Texas". 

To fans of the fantastic and the surreal, you'll be best remembered for your roles in "Alien" (as good ol' Brett); "Escape from New York" (as the crafty Brain); "Alien Autopsy"; "Christine"; "Death Watch"; "The Green Mile"; "Marvel's Avengers"; "One Magic Christmas" (as the angelic Gideon); "Rango"; "Repo Man"; "Twin Peaks"; "Inland Empire" and "Wild At Heart".

There was only ever one Harry Dean Stanton, and the cinema has never been the same (or better) for it. 

Collectible Time #17: Neca Burt Ward Robin, Kurt Russell/Snake Plissken Figures and Dracula, the Un-dead

For my birthday, my parents gave me the companion piece to the grand Neca Adam West 1/4 scale Batman (see Collectible Time - Jan '14)...Burt Ward's Robin, the Boy Wonder!!!  

The above photo says it all, even featuring Robin's accessories. This, like the West Batman, is truly a wonder to behold, both in size and detail: a magnificent representation of one of my childhood heroes (and a gusty, by-golly interpretation I still enjoy to the max; job well done, Mr. Ward)!!!

Additionally, my parents gave me two Funko 3/4" scale Kurt Russell/Snake Plissken "Escape from NY" action figures. They're done in the style of '80s figures: perhaps not ultra detailed, but darn quaint, all the same. In this instance, our alternate-reality anti-hero is represented both in primary and jacketed attire. I really like Snake and quite enjoy these little homages to him!!!

And from my in-laws, Ned and Faith, something literary..."Dracula, the Un-dead": not just a sequel to the Bram Stoker classic, but one co-penned by Ian Holt and the literary genius' great-grand nephew, Dacre Stoker, no less. I've heard of the controversial novel, but due to one thing or another, it eluded me over time. Now, at long last, I have it in my possession, and bond in glorious hardback. What classy, significant surprise!!! Can't wait to sink my fangs into it!!!