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Eibon Press Announces ‘The Beyond!’ Release Date and Image Previews!

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Eibon Press promises an epic four-part issue for Lucio Fulci’s exploitation classic, The Beyond! The dark masterminds behind today’s finest horror comics are putting all their demented talents together to bring us one hell of a great conclusion to their ongoing Saga of the Seven Gates!

 Saga of the Seven Gates is Eibon’s horror epic uniting three of Lucio Fulci’s most beloved splatter-pieces, The Gates of Hell (City of the Living Dead), House by the Cemetery, and, you guessed it, the highly anticipated Beyond! Already proven to be horror heavyweights in their field, Eibon Press claims the best has yet to be seen. 

image courtesy of Eibon Press

We are honored to have partnered with GRINDHOUSE RELEASING to bring this epic comic adaptation to you . . . but our comic series is more than just a straight adaptation. It’s also an expansion and a prequel to the film, which fills in many details and intriguing backstory elements only hinted at on celluloid.

The first issue depicts the character of Liza Merrill, in her first “incarnation” in 1927, as she battles evil and learns of the Seven Dreaded Gateways to Hell. You’ll discover how she met Emily and the painter Schwiek at the Seven Doors Hotel and you’ll experience the cataclysmic events that lead to Emily’s descent into hell. It’s 40 pages of insanity and gore, Lucio Fulci-style, as only Eibon Press could have brought it to you. 

That’s exactly what we like to hear around these parts of iHorror, my Nasties!

image courtesy of Eibon Press

Not content with just giving fans the best horror printed in comics today, Eibon Press, per their usual, promises to have gone the extra mile for the special features here included with The Beyond. 

THE BEYOND had two theatrical releases here in America. The second was, of course, in 1998, when Quentin Tarantino teamed up with Grindhouse Releasing to put out Fulci’s original vision . . . but WE first saw the film as kids in drive-in movie theaters and on VHS home video, way back in 1981, under the alternate title SEVEN DOORS OF DEATH! Even though the film had been re-edited and re-scored, we loved it anyway. So to commemorate that lost version of the film, we tracked down the original master tapes of the complete alternate film score and made a deal with the composers to present it as an all-new world premiere soundtrack album on Compact Disc, re-mastered and presented with composer’s bonus tracks! 

image courtesy of Eibon Press

That special album is available with EVERY EDITION of LUCIO FULCI’S THE BEYOND #1, complete with a dust-sleeve that features an all-new cover painting by BEYOND comic artist Pat Carbajal

Each issue of THE BEYOND comes packaged in special sturdy album jackets known as Eibon Sleeves. They are unlike anything else on the market today, and each sleeve is packed with special stuff like trading cards, making each issue an instant collector’s item. 

image courtesy of Eibon Press

And each issue comes in three editions, priced for every budget: You can get the standard sleeved edition, the signature edition (signed by me), or you can go all-in and order our special PSYCHO FAN PACKAGE, which is an embarrassment of riches this time. The Psycho edition for THE BEYOND #1 is limited to just 100 sets and comes with FOUR ALTERNATE COVERS. The Psycho Fan alternate covers are super limited, with just 100 units manufactured. The 7 DOORS OF DEATH alternate cover celebrates the 1981 version of the film. And only 100 of those covers have been created. Plus you also get a free hand-screened BEYOND T-shirt and a cool BEYOND enamel pin, limited also to just 100 units.

image courtesy of Eibon Press

We’ve also included the full CD cover for the 7 GATES album and a sample track of the re-mastered main titles theme. It’s vintage 1980s synth horror nirvana!

In short, this is the most ambitious horror comic to come out in a long time. Orders go on sale via their website on October 25th, 7pm Pacific. If you’ve been following me, my Nasties, you’ll know how much I love Eibon Press and all they’ve done for the horror community. This is an event you won’t want to miss out on. 

image courtesy of Eibon Press

Eibon is known for its stunning artwork, gripping narratives, and love for the genre. This is unequivocally a work made by fans and for fans. 

All of Eibon’s work can be found at their website and is the perfect Halloween gift for that demented darling in your life. So check ’em out and tell them Manic sent ya. So go over and check them out here.

I’d like to personally thank the maniacs at Eibon Press for sharing the exciting news with us. 

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‘Strange Darling’ Featuring Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald Lands Nationwide Release [Watch Clip]

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Strange Darling Kyle Gallner

‘Strange Darling,’ a standout film featuring Kyle Gallner, who is nominated for an iHorror award for his performance in ‘The Passenger,’ and Willa Fitzgerald, has been acquired for a wide theatrical release in the United States by Magenta Light Studios, a new enterprise from veteran producer Bob Yari. This announcement, brought to us by Variety, follows the film’s successful premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2023, where it was universally praised for its creative storytelling and compelling performances, achieving a perfect score of 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes from 14 reviews.

Strange Darling – Movie Clip

Directed by JT Mollner, ‘Strange Darling‘ is a thrilling narrative of a spontaneous hookup that takes an unexpected and terrifying turn. The film is notable for its innovative narrative structure and the exceptional acting of its leads. Mollner, known for his 2016 Sundance entry “Outlaws and Angels,” has once again employed 35mm for this project, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker with a distinct visual and narrative style. He is currently involved in adapting Stephen King’s novel “The Long Walk” in collaboration with director Francis Lawrence.

Bob Yari expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s upcoming release, scheduled for August 23rd, highlighting the unique qualities that make ‘Strange Darling’ a significant addition to the horror genre. “We are thrilled to be bringing nationwide theatrical audiences this unique and exceptional film with terrific performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. This second feature from talented writer-director JT Mollner is destined to become a cult classic that defies conventional storytelling,” Yari told Variety.

Variety’s review of the film from Fantastic Fest lauds Mollner’s approach, saying, “Mollner shows himself to be more forward-thinking than most of his genre peers. He’s clearly a student of the game, one who studied his forebears’ lessons with adroitness to better prepare himself to put his own mark on them.” This praise underlines Mollner’s deliberate and thoughtful engagement with the genre, promising audiences a film that is both reflective and innovative.

Strange Darling

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Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Barbarella’ Revival Forges Ahead

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Sydney Sweeney Barbarella

Sydney Sweeney has confirmed the ongoing progress of the much-anticipated reboot of Barbarella. The project, which sees Sweeney not only starring but also executive producing, aims to breathe new life into the iconic character that first captured audiences’ imaginations in the 1960s. However, amid speculation, Sweeney remains tight-lipped about the possible involvement of celebrated director Edgar Wright in the project.

During her appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Sweeney shared her enthusiasm for the project and the character of Barbarella, stating, “It is. I mean, Barbarella is just such a fun character to explore. She really just embraces her femininity and her sexuality, and I love that. She uses sex as a weapon and I think it’s such an interesting way into a sci-fi world. I’ve always wanted to do sci-fi. So we’ll see what happens.“

Sydney Sweeney confirms her Barbarella reboot is still in the works

Barbarella, originally a creation of Jean-Claude Forest for V Magazine in 1962, was transformed into a cinematic icon by Jane Fonda under the direction of Roger Vardim in 1968. Despite a sequel, Barbarella Goes Down, never seeing the light of day, the character has remained a symbol of sci-fi allure and adventurous spirit.

Over the decades, several high-profile names including Rose McGowan, Halle Berry, and Kate Beckinsale were floated as potential leads for a reboot, with directors Robert Rodriguez and Robert Luketic, and writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade previously attached to revive the franchise. Unfortunately, none of these iterations made it past the conceptual stage.

Barbarella

The film’s progress took a promising turn approximately eighteen months ago when Sony Pictures announced its decision to cast Sydney Sweeney in the titular role, a move that Sweeney herself has suggested was facilitated by her involvement in Madame Web, also under Sony’s banner. This strategic decision was aimed at fostering a beneficial relationship with the studio, specifically with the Barbarella reboot in mind.

When probed about Edgar Wright’s potential directorial role, Sweeney adeptly sidestepped, merely noting that Wright has become an acquaintance. This has left fans and industry watchers speculating about the extent of his involvement, if any, in the project.

Barbarella is known for its adventurous tales of a young woman traversing the galaxy, engaging in escapades that often incorporate elements of sexuality—a theme Sweeney seems eager to explore. Her commitment to reimagining Barbarella for a new generation, while staying true to the character’s original essence, sounds like the making of a great reboot.

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‘The First Omen’ Almost Received an NC-17 Rating

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the first omen trailer

Set for an April 5 theater release, ‘The First Omen’ carries an R-rating, a classification that was almost not achieved. Arkasha Stevenson, in her inaugural feature film directorial role, faced a formidable challenge in securing this rating for the prequel to the esteemed franchise. It seems the filmmakers had to contend with the ratings board to prevent the film from being saddled with an NC-17 rating. In a revealing conversation with Fangoria, Stevenson described the ordeal as ‘a long battle’, one not waged over traditional concerns such as gore. Instead, the crux of the controversy centered around the depiction of the female anatomy.

Stevenson’s vision for “The First Omen” delves deep into the theme of dehumanization, particularly through the lens of forced birthing. “The horror in that situation is how dehumanized that woman is”, Stevenson explains, emphasizing the significance of presenting the female body in a non-sexualized light to address themes of forced reproduction authentically. This commitment to realism nearly landed the film an NC-17 rating, sparking a prolonged negotiation with the MPA. “This has been my life for a year and a half, fighting for the shot. It’s the theme of our film. It’s the female body being violated from the inside outwards”, she states, highlighting the importance of the scene to the film’s core message.

The First Omen Movie Poster – by Creepy Duck Design

Producers David Goyer and Keith Levine supported Stevenson’s battle, encountering what they perceived as a double standard in the ratings process. Levine reveals, “We had to go back and forth with the ratings board five times. Weirdly, avoiding the NC-17 made it more intense”, pointing out how the struggle with the ratings board inadvertently intensified the final product. Goyer adds, “There is more permissiveness when dealing with male protagonists, particularly in body horror”, suggesting a gender bias in how body horror is evaluated.

The film’s bold approach to challenging viewers’ perceptions extends beyond the ratings controversy. Co-writer Tim Smith notes the intention to subvert expectations traditionally associated with The Omen franchise, aiming to surprise audiences with a fresh narrative focus. “One of the big things we were excited to do was to kind of pull the rug out from under people’s expectations”, Smith says, underscoring the creative team’s desire to explore new thematic ground.

Nell Tiger Free, known for her role in “Servant”, leads the cast of “The First Omen”, set for release by 20th Century Studios on April 5. The movie follows a young American woman dispatched to Rome for church service, where she stumbles upon a sinister force that shakes her faith to its core and reveals a chilling plot aimed at summoning evil incarnate.

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