Dark Shadows: Wolf Moon Rising

Dark Shadows: Wolf Moon Rising is a new book by actress Lara Parker, who's best known for her role as Angelique on the television series Dark Shadows, which aired on ABC from 1966-71. In 1998 she wrote her first novel, Dark Shadows: Angelique's Descent, published by HarperPrism (reissued by Tor Books in 2012). Parker followed this with Dark Shadows: The Salem Branch (Tor, 2006), which was also reissued last year.

Wolf Moon Rising is the second novel in The Salem Branch series, with a story that revolves around the werewolf Quentin Collins. Although the author definitely does justice to the characters and setting of the television series, the story features some elements that seem too out of place for Dark Shadows--and her writing style leaves something to be desired.

Fan Expo: Where has all the horror gone?

Had another fantastic time at Fan Expo Canada 2013, which took place August 22-25 here in Toronto. This year, Hobbystar expanded the convention, taking over both the north and south buildings at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The big addition was a sports component, which was placed in the north building, and--much to the chagrin of retailers and fans alike--most of the celebrity signings were also moved to that location. But many, including myself, couldn't help but wonder: where has all the horror gone?

They Came From Within

"Canada may one day be counted as one of the great horror-film producing countries or it may not, but after forty-five years of malevolent masks, cannibals, creatures, ghosts, diabolists, maniacs and mutations, it cannot be denied that the country has a genuine horror movie history."

So states author Caelum Vatnsdal in the closing comments of They Came From Within, which is an excellent overview of Canadian horror films from the 1960s-early 2000s--and a worthy addition to any horror fan's library.

The Great Fright North

It's official! I'm well underway researching and writing my second nonfiction book, titled The Great Fright North. It's a survey of Canadian horror entertainment, in film, television, radio, theatre and comics--and will be published next year.

Strange Case of Gentleman Jekyll and Driver Hyde

In 1938, British documentary filmmaker John Grierson was tasked by the Government of Canada to study the state of films produced through its Motion Pictures Bureau, which was established in 1918. This department was originally founded to promote Canadian trade and industry, and to centralize all government film production. A year later, the National Film Act was passed--which was influenced by Grierson's report--and led to the establishment of The National Film Board of Canada.

Many early productions through the NFB were propaganda films supporting World War II, co-produced by Grierson under the banner Canada Carries On. After the war ended, the NFB expanded production and distribution; this included public service shorts, one of which may be considered Canada's first horror film: Gentleman Jekyll and Driver Hyde (1950).

LGBT Issues in Science Fiction & Fantasy

The Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy (Lillian H. Smith branch) recently hosted a panel discussion on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues as explored by science fiction, fantasy, and comics. Chaired by Chris Szego of Bakka-Phoenix Science Fiction Bookstore, the panel featured authors Gemma Files (The Hexslinger Trilogy, ChiZine) and J.M. Frey (Triptych, Dragon Moon Press), as well as Christopher Butcher of The Beguiling Books & Art. The discussion opened with a look at one issue, topic or story that was positive in this past year.

Christopher Butcher, Gemma Files, and J. M. Frey