MR. LOBO'S CINEMA INSOMNIA: SCREAMWALKERS "HALLOWEEN LIVE" ON BLU-RAY

Mr. Lobo's Cinema Insomnia's "live," Halloween 2025 airing of Sean Q. King's Screamwalkers is available for Blu-ray preorder!

This quite clever production introduces a feline variant of Scream's Ghostface, along with a marvelous, gnarly mummy, dispatching a Ten Little Indians setup that leads a group of college kids down a path of Grand Guignol carnage. The movie's monstrous manifestation is all part of a ritualistic, Egyptian, fertility mystery, which exudes a fun, old-school context, enlivened by terrific effects, stylish sets, a robust score by Howard Chirlin and Creepshow-ish cinematography by maestro King.  

Producer/director Aaron M. Lane, Sally the Zombie Cheerleader, Miss Wendy, Storm the Cat, Tim Caldwell of OSI 74's Somethin' Swave' Theatre and Mr. King are responsible for this bumper-brimming, holiday event, all of whom deserve heaps of credit for securing its grand, "misunderstood" place in history.

Order this swell submission today. It's one that your Cinema Insomnia collection can't exist without, and if you order now, you can even nab an on-screen credit. Wow!

https://osi74.square.site/s/search?q=screamwalkers

SALLY THE ZOMBIE CHEERLEADER'S SCHOOL OF HORROR: VAULT OF HORROR

"Everything that makes life worth leaving."

It wasn't too long ago that Sally the Zombie Cheerleader's School of Horror spotlighted one of Amicus' most noted: Tales from the Crypt. Now, for her "20th Anniversary Special", our sprightly flesh feaster presents its bloodcurdling, 1973 sequel (culled from the same EC Comics foundation, of course): directed by Roy Ward (Dr. Jekyll & Sister Hyde/The Vampire Lovers) Baker and written by anthology guru, Milton Subotsky, who coproduced with his shrewd teammate, Max Rosenberg.  

(The) Vault of Horror, known in certain circles as Tales from the Crypt II, doesn't feature a vault keeper to usher its participants into its mystical tales, but they find their way all the same, thanks to the mysterious, basement chamber of an office high rise. It's there that they're compelled to reveal their recurring nightmares, but why? Ah, in that lies a sinister catch. 

To bring the stories to proper, undead life, the cast consists of top-tier stars and seasoned character actors: Curd Jurgens, Terry-Thomas, Tom Baker, Denholm Elliot, Dawn Addams, Daniel Massey, Anna Massey, Glynis Johns, Michael Craig, Jasmina Hamzavi, Mike Pratt, Geoffery Davies and Robin Nedwell (the latter two of the hit sitcom Doctor in the House.)

The exploits are higher-echelon, too, with portions even designated to exotic locales. They consist of 1) a brother-sister conflict, in which the former faces a vampiric surprise; 2) the doomed foibles of an unsuspecting, OCD, business gent; 3) an arrogant magician in search of an awe-inspiring trick; 4) an insurance ploy that requires being buried alive; and 5) an artist whose swindling associates not only become his subjects, but face terrifying, voodoo-induced death. 

The graphic gallery is moral-based, just like the ghastly comic-book fables that inspired it, the combination creating lots of eerie tension in a sequel that many believe matches its predecessor. 

What makes the presentation all the better is Sally's vast knowledge of her subject matter (even if sometimes sidetracked by the biting SkeleKat and her creepy, cutie-pie dolls), as well as her sharing Fleshie accolades on her twenty-year career. The latter entails heartfelt shoutouts and jolly good, best-of-the-best flashbacks, including Sally's frightful origin. 

This is, indeed, an extra-special submission, folks, so be sure not to miss Sally's ghastly, classroom party! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9bhc-Z2SnM

TRACY, MELISSA & CODEX

Tracy and Melissa (God bless 'em) are at it again, exhibiting Eighth Tower's latest, Dark Fiction submission, entitled Codex of Pleasure and Pain: Stories Inspired by Clive Barker's Hellraiser. My fable, "The All-Knowing Orb of Camelot," is included, accompanied by other fiery, "fairy" tales, penned by a queue of profound authors.

In contrast to these sweet ladies, Codex delves into embittered, demonic annals, some physical and others emotional, but all jarring to the heart and soul. 

For those who purchase the book at Amazon (whether in paperback or hardback), an audio presentation comes free of charge:   

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQHQGZY4?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title 

Plunge in and taste the forbidden fruit, but do be wary. Codex's weird wonders will rival those of any Lament Configuration!

PINUP TIME: DARYL HANNAH IS MADISON

 

REMIND MAGAZINE (NOV/DEC '25): GREAT TOYS & GAMES ISSUE

The November/December 2025 ReMind offers a wonderful, magical, Toyland tour, with a jolly rundown of the decades' most popular, kiddie commodities.  

Along the mirthful line, one will meet Rock Em Sock Em Robots, Slinky, Shogun Warriors, G.I. Joe, Power Rangers, Transformers, Evel Knievel, Hot Wheels, Gumby and Pokey, Stretch Armstrong, Barbie, Monopoly, Pound Puppies, Furbys, Chutes and Ladders, Masters of the Universe, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Cabbage Patch Kids, Lite-Brite, Mr. Potato Head, Colorforms, Etch R Sketch, Barrel of Monkeys, Candy Land, Simon, Shrinky Dinks, Ants in the Pants, Battleship, Punch-Me Blow-up Bags, Play-Doh, Silly Putty, the Hula Hoop, The Game of Jaws, Mrs. Beasley, Raggedy Ann & Andy, Ker Plunk, Operation, Rubik's Cube, Tonka Trucks, Twister, Lincoln Logs, Mouse Trap, Hoppity Hop, Cootie and (gosh!) that's just the tip of the delightful iceberg. 

Charming photos and detailed histories mark the above submissions, complemented by ReMind's trivia, puzzles, comics and even a fan's fond encounter with Robert Wagner. 

This euphoric, holiday issue can be purchased at 

https://www.remindmagazine.com/product/toys-games-november-december-2025

While you're at it, why not subscribe to ensure you'll not miss any upcoming issues? ReMind is worth the effort, as it always delivers creme-de-la creme nostalgia straight to your door. 

https://www.remindmagazine.com/order/add

HAPPY GODZILLA DAY 2025 (11/1)

 

DECISION TO BYPASS

Last month, an acquaintance passed away. I chose not to acknowledge him (to say how his accomplishments impacted me) since our connection had long since soured. 

Some years back, you see, he reached out to me (during heart-tugging Christmas), asking my wife and I for financial assistance for a medical procedure he required; he promised in return to gift us with an artistic endeavor. Though the hefty donation would set us back, we agreed. Thereafter, whenever I'd inquire about the artwork's status (wherein months became years), I was told the gift had slipped through the cracks due to an "oversight" or something thereabout, and thereafter, it was just a matter of further lies and in the end, silence, with not even a solitary update on his health status throughout the perplexing process. 

Incidentally, the individual in question portrayed a horror character I hold in high regard,. I considered his performance in the film exceptional in every way. The gift was to have emblemized that performance, that character. Considering that an artist I admired (placed faith and hope in) had ripped me off made it difficult (if not impossible) to revisit the film, for it reminded me of the grave deceit my wife and I had been dealt. 

For the record, this person would often post his views on the "haves and haves not." He expressed marked disdain for the former. Maybe he thought my wife and I were relegated to that "affluent" group, making us worthy of his con (a ridiculous notion, if that's the case). I also have a suspicion that his "business partner" was in on the scam and may have even been its prime architect.  

That I chose to bypass a precise, ascribed post on this individual's demise (with name, direct photographs and so on) may make me as uncouth as he. Maybe I am. However, I felt compelled to detail the situation in my defense to those who've been curious (and perhaps even critical) of my decision.  

The situation is what it is, but please keep in mind, if you want to instill an honorable legacy, do right by those who go the extra mile to help you. Don't make promises you can't keep, and if it should happen that you can't keep them, at least have the forthrightness to explain why.