The McPherson Tape: The Low-Budget Pioneer That Invented Found Footage Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or a student of film history, The McPherson Tape (originally titled UFO Abduction) is a fascinating piece of low-budget brilliance. Long before The Blair Witch Project became a global phenomenon, a young filmmaker named Dean Alioto quietly invented a new subgenre on a shoestring budget. Here is why this 1989 cult classic deserves your respect and a spot on your watch list.

The McPherson Tape: The Low-Budget Pioneer That Invented Found Footage

Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or a student of film history, The McPherson Tape (originally titled UFO Abduction) is a fascinating piece of low-budget brilliance. Long before The Blair Witch Project became a global…

This Saturday on Svengoolie (April 4, 2026): AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON Stay clear of the moors and keep your eyes on the moon this Saturday, April 4, as Svengoolie presents the 1981 horror-comedy masterpiece, AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON! Directed by John Landis, this groundbreaking film follows two American backpackers whose trek through the English countryside takes a gruesome turn after a run-in with a legendary beast. Featuring Rick Baker’s Academy Award-winning makeup effects and a perfectly dark sense of humor, it’s a high-water mark for the werewolf genre.

This Saturday on Svengoolie (April 4, 2026): AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON

Stay clear of the moors and keep your eyes on the moon this Saturday, April 4, as Svengoolie presents the 1981 horror-comedy masterpiece, AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON! Directed by John Landis, this groundbreaking film…

A Summer in Hell: The Grueling History of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre The 1974 release of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre didn't just change horror. It fundamentally altered the DNA of independent cinema. Crafted on a shoestring budget in the sweltering Texas heat, its journey began as a grim idea in a hardware store. It transformed into a global cultural phenomenon. This transformation is a masterclass in grit, controversy, and artistic vision.

A Summer in Hell: The Grueling History of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

The 1974 release of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre didn't just change horror. It fundamentally altered the DNA of independent cinema. Crafted on a shoestring budget in the sweltering Texas heat, its journey began as a grim idea…

The Beast of the High Peaks: Did ‘Snake’ Stuart Really Bring a Bigfoot to the 2025 New York State Fair? The exhibition of "Bigfoot’s Remains" at the 2025 New York State Fair is a highly polarizing event. It stands as one of the most controversial in modern cryptozoology. The story of Charles "Snake" Stuart has long circulated in Adirondack lore. However, the 2025 event brought the controversy into the literal spotlight. It charged fairgoers $9.31 to see what Stuart claimed was "irrefutable biological proof."

The Beast of the High Peaks: Did ‘Snake’ Stuart Really Bring a Bigfoot to the 2025 New York State Fair?

The exhibition of "Bigfoot’s Remains" at the 2025 New York State Fair is a highly polarizing event. It stands as one of the most controversial in modern cryptozoology. The story of Charles…

Whatever Knows Fear: The Tragic, Mossy Soul of Marvel’s Man-Thing You might know him as the "Guardian of the Nexus". Or perhaps as that mossy heap of swamp-matter that smells like a damp basement. Either way, the Man-Thing remains one of Marvel’s most conceptually daring characters. Born from the bronze age of horror comics, he isn't your typical superhero. He is a silent, empathetic vegetable-man. He doesn't possess a traditional mind.

Whatever Knows Fear: The Tragic, Mossy Soul of Marvel’s Man-Thing

You might know him as the "Guardian of the Nexus". Or perhaps as that mossy heap of swamp-matter that smells like a damp basement. Either way, the Man-Thing remains one of Marvel’s most conceptually daring characters. Born from the…

The Shadow on the Hill: The Haunted History of Danvers State Hospital Perched atop Hawthorne Hill in Danvers, Massachusetts, the ruins of the Danvers State Hospital (originally the State Lunatic Hospital at Danvers) stood for decades as a grim monument to the evolution of psychiatric care. While most of the original Gothic structure was demolished in 2006 to make way for apartments, the legends of what transpired within its brick walls continue to flicker in the dark corners of New England folklore.

The Shadow on the Hill: The Haunted History of Danvers State Hospital

Perched atop Hawthorne Hill in Danvers, Massachusetts, the ruins of the Danvers State Hospital (originally the State Lunatic Hospital at Danvers) stood for decades as a grim monument to the evolution of psychiatric care. While…

This Saturday on Svengoolie (March 28, 2026): HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL Lock your doors and check under the bed this Saturday, March 28, as Svengoolie invites you to the most terrifying party of 1959—House on Haunted Hill! Join the master of macabre, Vincent Price, as the eccentric Frederick Loren, who offers five strangers a fortune if they can survive a night locked in a spooky mansion filled with ghosts, ghouls, and "Emergo" surprises.

This Saturday on Svengoolie (March 28, 2026): HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL

Lock your doors and check under the bed this Saturday, March 28, as Svengoolie invites you to the most terrifying party of 1959—House on Haunted Hill! Join the master of macabre, Vincent Price, as the eccentric Frederick Loren,…

Beyond the Grimoire: Why Michelle Belanger’s Dictionary of Demons is a Modern Masterpiece Michelle Belanger’s The Dictionary of Demons: Names of the Damned is not just a reference book; it is a monumental achievement in the study of Western demonology. Far from being a "spooky" novelty item, this work stands as a comprehensive, academic, and deeply engaging exploration of the spirits that have haunted human imagination and theological treatises for millennia. Whether you are a researcher, a writer, or simply a curious soul, this book offers an unparalleled look into the shadows of history.

Beyond the Grimoire: Why Michelle Belanger’s Dictionary of Demons is a Modern Masterpiece

Michelle Belanger’s The Dictionary of Demons: Names of the Damned is not just a reference book; it is a monumental achievement in the study of Western demonology. Far from being a "spooky" novelty item, this…

Introducing: The Dave the Bug Guy Etsy Store! That’s right! I now have an Etsy store. If you haven’t purchased my “Tarantula Keeper’s Log Book” it can be found there. I am also offering very affordable digital dow…

The Dave the Bug Guy Etsy Store is now open!

davethebugguy.org/2026/03/24/i...

Glow-in-the-Dark Greatness: The Definitive History of Mego’s Mad Monsters In the mid-1970s, the Mego Corporation was the undisputed king of the toy aisle. While they were world-famous for their World’s Greatest Super Heroes line, they also tapped into the decade's obsession with creature features by releasing the Mad Monsters series. Debuting in 1974, these 8-inch figures were Mego’s "legally distinct" answer to the classic movie monsters. Mego did not have the Universal Studios license at the time.

Glow-in-the-Dark Greatness: The Definitive History of Mego’s Mad Monsters

In the mid-1970s, the Mego Corporation was the undisputed king of the toy aisle. While they were world-famous for their World’s Greatest Super Heroes line, they also tapped into the decade's obsession with creature features…

Shadows and Silk: The Gothic Legacy of DC’s Night Force Night Force is often referred to as the "darkest corner of the DC Universe." It is a cult-classic supernatural series that eschews capes and tights for shadows, sorcery, and psychological dread. The legendary duo of Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan created the series. It first emerged in 1982. It offered a sophisticated, mature take on horror that predated the Vertigo revolution.

Shadows and Silk: The Gothic Legacy of DC’s Night Force

Night Force is often referred to as the "darkest corner of the DC Universe." It is a cult-classic supernatural series that eschews capes and tights for shadows, sorcery, and psychological dread. The legendary duo of Marv Wolfman and Gene…

This Saturday on Svengoolie (March 21, 2026): THE MUMMY’S HAND Unearth a night of ancient curses and desert danger this Saturday, March 21. Svengoolie presents the 1940 Universal classic, The Mummy’s Hand! This action-packed installment introduces the relentless high priest Kharis, played by Tom Tyler, as he stalks an archaeological expedition in search of the forbidden Princess Ananka. While the Mummy might be slow-moving, the thrills are fast-paced. You can bet the Sven Squad will be ready with a fresh wrap of corny jokes.

This Saturday on Svengoolie (March 21, 2026): THE MUMMY’S HAND

Unearth a night of ancient curses and desert danger this Saturday, March 21. Svengoolie presents the 1940 Universal classic, The Mummy’s Hand! This action-packed installment introduces the relentless high priest Kharis, played by Tom…

The Golden Age of Ghoul: How Trick or Treat Studios Defined Modern Horror Collecting Few names in the world of horror and Halloween enthusiasts command as much respect and excitement as Trick or Treat Studios (TOTS). Founded in 2009 by Chris Zephro and Justin Mabry, this company started in Aptos, California. It has transformed from a small, home-run operation into an international powerhouse. It defines the "Golden Age" of modern mask making. A Vision Rooted in Fandom…

The Golden Age of Ghoul: How Trick or Treat Studios Defined Modern Horror Collecting

Few names in the world of horror and Halloween enthusiasts command as much respect and excitement as Trick or Treat Studios (TOTS). Founded in 2009 by Chris Zephro and Justin Mabry, this company started in Aptos,…

Beyond the Legend: Why Richard Estep’s ‘Monsters’ is a Must-Read for Every Explorer Whether you are a seasoned paranormal investigator or a casual fan of late-night ghost stories, you will find this book enlightening. Richard Estep’s "Monsters: Myths, Legends, and Real Encounters" is a masterclass in cryptozoology. It also delves deeply into folklore. Estep is widely known for his grounded and empathetic approach to the supernatural. He brings a refreshing level of sincerity to a subject that is often dismissed as pure fantasy.

Beyond the Legend: Why Richard Estep’s ‘Monsters’ is a Must-Read for Every Explorer

Whether you are a seasoned paranormal investigator or a casual fan of late-night ghost stories, you will find this book enlightening. Richard Estep’s "Monsters: Myths, Legends, and Real Encounters" is a masterclass…

Beyond the Grave: The Twisted History and Resilient Rebirth of Horror Comics The history of horror comics is a rollercoaster ride of gruesome innovation, moral panic, and resilient rebirth. From the pre-code "Golden Age" of gore to the sophisticated psychological terrors of the modern era, the genre has always mirrored the anxieties of its time. 1. The Pre-Code Era: The Birth of Ghastly (1940s–1954) While early comics occasionally dabbled in the supernatural (like…

Beyond the Grave: The Twisted History and Resilient Rebirth of Horror Comics

The history of horror comics is a rollercoaster ride of gruesome innovation, moral panic, and resilient rebirth. From the pre-code "Golden Age" of gore to the sophisticated psychological terrors of the modern era, the…

The Jewel of Coventry: The Legend of the Carbuncle Pond Monster Scotland has Nessie. Lake Champlain has Champ. Meanwhile, Rhode Island lays claim to its own aquatic enigma: the Carbuncle Pond Monster. Tucked away in the Nicholas Farm Management Area in Coventry, Carbuncle Pond is a 39-acre kettle hole pond. It looks peaceful. However, according to local lore, something much larger than a largemouth bass lurks beneath its surface. The Origin of the Name…

The Jewel of Coventry: The Legend of the Carbuncle Pond Monster

Scotland has Nessie. Lake Champlain has Champ. Meanwhile, Rhode Island lays claim to its own aquatic enigma: the Carbuncle Pond Monster. Tucked away in the Nicholas Farm Management Area in Coventry, Carbuncle Pond is a 39-acre kettle…

This Saturday on the House of Svengoolie (March 14, 2026): FRIDAY THE 13TH Head to the shores of Crystal Lake—if you dare—this Saturday, March 14, as the House of Svengoolie presents the slasher that started it all: Friday the 13th! In a rare treat for Sven fans, the crew is diving into the 1980 classic where the counselors of Camp Crystal Lake learn the hard way that some legends never die. While the mist may have cleared from last month, a new terror is stalking the woods, and the House of Svengoolie team will be right there to guide you through the jump scares with their signature brand of humor, sketches, and fan interactions.

This Saturday on the House of Svengoolie (March 14, 2026): FRIDAY THE 13TH

Head to the shores of Crystal Lake—if you dare—this Saturday, March 14, as the House of Svengoolie presents the slasher that started it all: Friday the 13th! In a rare treat for Sven fans, the crew is diving into the 1980…

Shadows in the Woods: Why Redfern’s ‘Bigfoot Book’ is the Ultimate Guide to the Unknown You might be a lifelong "Squatcher" or a curious skeptic. In either case, Nick Redfern’s The Bigfoot Book: The Encyclopedia of Sasquatch, Yeti, and Cryptid Primates is a definitive, high-energy guide. It explores the world’s most famous hidden giants. Redfern is a prolific researcher in the fields of the paranormal and cryptozoology. He brings his signature investigative style to a subject that has fascinated humanity for centuries.

Shadows in the Woods: Why Redfern’s ‘Bigfoot Book’ is the Ultimate Guide to the Unknown

You might be a lifelong "Squatcher" or a curious skeptic. In either case, Nick Redfern’s The Bigfoot Book: The Encyclopedia of Sasquatch, Yeti, and Cryptid Primates is a definitive, high-energy guide. It…

Dead or Just Dreaming? Unraveling the Ambiguity of AFTER.LIFE The 2009 psychological horror-thriller After.Life remains one of the more polarizing entries in the "is she or isn't she" subgenre of cinema. Directed by Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo in her feature debut, the film weaves a macabre tale that blurs the line between a clinical reality and a supernatural transition. The Premise: A Living Nightmare The story follows Anna Taylor (Christina Ricci). She is a repressed middle-school teacher.

Dead or Just Dreaming? Unraveling the Ambiguity of AFTER.LIFE

The 2009 psychological horror-thriller After.Life remains one of the more polarizing entries in the "is she or isn't she" subgenre of cinema. Directed by Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo in her feature debut, the film weaves a macabre tale…

The Shutter and the Shroud: How the Brown Lady of Raynham Hall Captured the World One of the most famous ghost photographs in history isn’t a grainy, modern digital blur, but a 1936 long-exposure shot taken at Raynham Hall in Norfolk, England. The image of the "Brown Lady" remains a cornerstone of paranormal research, sparking decades of debate between believers and skeptics. The Legend of Dorothy Walpole Before the photograph made headlines, the "Brown Lady" was already a staple of local lore.

The Shutter and the Shroud: How the Brown Lady of Raynham Hall Captured the World

One of the most famous ghost photographs in history isn’t a grainy, modern digital blur, but a 1936 long-exposure shot taken at Raynham Hall in Norfolk, England. The image of the "Brown Lady" remains a cornerstone of…

The Gold Standard of Kaiju: Why MOTHRA VS. GODZILLA (1964) Still Rules Released in 1964, Mothra vs. Godzilla (originally titled Mosura tai Gojira) stands as a towering achievement in the Kaiju genre. The film was directed by Ishirō Honda. Special effects were crafted by Eiji Tsuburaya. It is often cited by critics and fans alike as the "gold standard" of the Showa era. This film is the last in the original series where Godzilla is portrayed as an unredeemable villain.

The Gold Standard of Kaiju: Why MOTHRA VS. GODZILLA (1964) Still Rules

Released in 1964, Mothra vs. Godzilla (originally titled Mosura tai Gojira) stands as a towering achievement in the Kaiju genre. The film was directed by Ishirō Honda. Special effects were crafted by Eiji Tsuburaya. It is often…

The Eerie Legacy of Charlton Comics’ Scary Tales In the landscape of Bronze Age horror, Marvel was busy with The Tomb of Dracula. DC was chilling readers with House of Mystery. Meanwhile, a scrappy, budget-conscious publisher in Derby, Connecticut, was carving out its own weird niche. Charlton Comics launched Scary Tales in 1975. Although it never reached the mainstream heights of its competitors, it remains a cult favorite.

The Eerie Legacy of Charlton Comics’ Scary Tales

In the landscape of Bronze Age horror, Marvel was busy with The Tomb of Dracula. DC was chilling readers with House of Mystery. Meanwhile, a scrappy, budget-conscious publisher in Derby, Connecticut, was carving out its own weird niche. Charlton…

Ping-Pong Eyes and Atomic Lies: A Deep Dive into Killers From Space If you’re looking for a slice of 1950s atomic-age cheese, look no further than Killers From Space. Released in 1954 and directed by W. Lee Wilder, this film is a masterclass in low-budget imagination, featuring some of the most "unique" alien designs in cinematic history. Grab your Geiger counter—we’re diving into the radioactive desert of classic sci-fi. The Plot: Dr. Martin’s Very Bad Day…

Ping-Pong Eyes and Atomic Lies: A Deep Dive into Killers From Space

If you’re looking for a slice of 1950s atomic-age cheese, look no further than Killers From Space. Released in 1954 and directed by W. Lee Wilder, this film is a masterclass in low-budget imagination, featuring some of the most…

This Saturday on Svengoolie (March 7, 2026): SON OF FRANKENSTEIN Get ready to return to the village of Frankenstein this Saturday, March 7, as Svengoolie presents the atmospheric 1939 masterpiece, Son of Frankenstein! This third installment in the legendary Universal series features an incredible powerhouse cast, including Basil Rathbone as the determined heir, Boris Karloff in his final iconic appearance as the Monster, and the incomparable Bela Lugosi as the broken-necked blacksmith, Ygor.

This Saturday on Svengoolie (March 7, 2026): SON OF FRANKENSTEIN

Get ready to return to the village of Frankenstein this Saturday, March 7, as Svengoolie presents the atmospheric 1939 masterpiece, Son of Frankenstein! This third installment in the legendary Universal series features an incredible…

The Phoenix Lights: A Deep Dive into the 1997 Mystery On the night of March 13, 1997, thousands of residents across Arizona—and parts of Nevada and Mexico—witnessed a series of celestial phenomena that remain some of the most famous unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) sightings in history. This event, known as the Phoenix Lights, involved two distinct occurrences. These events continue to spark debate among skeptics, military officials, and ufologists. The Timeline of Events…

The Phoenix Lights: A Deep Dive into the 1997 Mystery

On the night of March 13, 1997, thousands of residents across Arizona—and parts of Nevada and Mexico—witnessed a series of celestial phenomena that remain some of the most famous unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) sightings in history. This…

Fear Not Tarantulas: Combining Ethical Breeding with a Gold Standard for Customer Care In the world of arachnoculture, few names carry as much weight and respect as Fear Not Tarantulas. Based in Virginia Beach, this family-owned business has grown from a passionate personal collectio…

Though I haven't bought tarantulas in a while (lack of space), Fear Not Tarantulas is where I go when I get new animals for my collection.

Gothic Grandeur: Vincent Price, Roger Corman, and the AIP Poe Cycle In the early 1960s, a cinematic phenomenon was born. American International Pictures (AIP) combined the macabre imagination of Edgar Allan Poe. They also incorporated the directorial vision of Roger Corman and the incomparable presence of Vincent Price. Known collectively as the "Poe Cycle," these films redefined Gothic horror, blending psychological depth with vibrant, dreamlike visuals. The Genesis of the Poe Cycle…

Gothic Grandeur: Vincent Price, Roger Corman, and the AIP Poe Cycle

In the early 1960s, a cinematic phenomenon was born. American International Pictures (AIP) combined the macabre imagination of Edgar Allan Poe. They also incorporated the directorial vision of Roger Corman and the incomparable…

The Devil’s Workshop: How Blaisdell, Burns, and Haydock Built a Monster Magazine In the early 1960s, the "Monster Kid" phenomenon was at its peak. While Famous Monsters of Filmland ruled the newsstands, a unique alternative emerged in 1962: Fantastic Monsters of the Films. What set this magazine apart was the sheer authenticity of its creators. It wasn't just put together by editors; it was forged by three men who were the literal architects of 1950s sci-fi and horror:

The Devil’s Workshop: How Blaisdell, Burns, and Haydock Built a Monster Magazine

In the early 1960s, the "Monster Kid" phenomenon was at its peak. While Famous Monsters of Filmland ruled the newsstands, a unique alternative emerged in 1962: Fantastic Monsters of the Films. What set this magazine…

The Doll of Three Days: The Generational Curse of Joliet The world of paranormal lore is filled with objects that allegedly carry dark energy. Few stories are as specific—or as tragic—as that of Joliet. Unlike dolls that are said to be possessed by malevolent demons or random spirits, Joliet is whispered to hold a multi-generational family curse. This curse spans several generations. The Origins of the Curse The story of Joliet begins with a woman known only as Anna.

The Doll of Three Days: The Generational Curse of Joliet

The world of paranormal lore is filled with objects that allegedly carry dark energy. Few stories are as specific—or as tragic—as that of Joliet. Unlike dolls that are said to be possessed by malevolent demons or random spirits, Joliet is…

The Cinephile’s Compass: Why the Fantastic Cinema Subject Guide Remains a Genre Essential For the dedicated cinephile, the quest for the perfect reference guide is often a lifelong journey. In the realm of genre film, few volumes command as much respect and nostalgic affection as the "Fantastic Cinema Subject Guide: A Topical Index to 2,500 Horror, Science Fiction, and Fantasy Films". Authored by Bryan Senn and John Johnson, this book is more than just a list; it is a meticulously crafted roadmap through the imaginative landscapes of the macabre and the marvelous.

The Cinephile’s Compass: Why the Fantastic Cinema Subject Guide Remains a Genre Essential

For the dedicated cinephile, the quest for the perfect reference guide is often a lifelong journey. In the realm of genre film, few volumes command as much respect and nostalgic affection as the "Fantastic…