This week on Horror Joy, Brian and Jeff traverse the eerie corridors of liminality in horror. They kick off with a deep dive into the Apple TV series Severance, exploring how its portrayal of work-life separation raises existential and psychological questions. Is it a thriller, or horror? Moving forward, they venture into the unsettling realm of analog horror, with a focus on YouTube creators like Kane Pixels and Alex Kister.

Join us as we travel deeper in the backrooms of liminal horror and the analog threat:

·We’ll discuss how liminality works in Gothic literature

·We’ll analyze what Severance tells us about the value of labor and the role that religious language plays in the trust/fear/disgust of corporate overlords

·We’ll question how authenticity is found in the gritty videos of analog horror and the terror of a found footage retelling of Biblical stories

·We’ll find joy in the mystery box of Severance and the labor of love of analog horror

From grainy VHS aesthetics to biblical retellings, they examine how these themes distort reality and evoke a primal fear of the unknown. Join them in exploring the blurred lines of identity, the nature of labor, and the unsettling nostalgia of analog media.

Severance

Killer tapes and Shattered Screens by Caetlin Benson-Allot

The Backrooms

The Mandela Catalog

Exploring Liminal Spaces in Gothic Literature: The Role of Transition and

Boundary in Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Works of Edgar Allan Poe by Mariyam Farzand

Arts of Wonder by Jeffrey L. Kosky

 “What Is Analog Horror? The Subgenre of 'Skinamarink' Explained.” By Samuel Williamson. Collider. 7 Feb. 2023

The Ritual Process by Victor Turner

Walter Benjamin

Alienation in labor

Limbo

00:00-02:18 Hosts Introduction and Episode Overview

02:19 Deep Dive into Severance

03:52 Liminality in Gothic Literature

05:27 Severance: Themes and Analysis

07:12 The Horror of Modern Workspaces

16:23 Rituals and Symbolism in Severance

24:51 Helly R's Role and Corporate Religion

27:30 Exploring the Horrors of Severance

28:40 The Liminality in Severance and Analog Horror

30:45 Analog Horror: A Dive into the Genre

35:08 The Mandela Catalog and Biblical Narratives

37:28 Medieval Drama and Modern Analog Horror

47:23 Finding Joy in Horror

52:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Monstrous Image – Horror in Graphic Novels (Something is Killing the Children and Universal’s Frankenstein)

In this episode of Horror Joy, hosts Brian Onishi and Jeff Stoyanoff explore the portrayal of monsters in the realm of comics and graphic novels. They dive into the complex narratives, dissecting the horror genre as seen in James Tynion IV's 'Something is Killing the Children' and Michael Walsh's 'Universal Monsters: Frankenstein'.

In this episode we:

·        Revisit the gothic elements of Robert Eggers' 2024 film Nosferatu, pointing out the underlying themes of predation and power

·        Identify major themes of childhood, power, and authority in “Something is Killing the Children” and “Frankenstein”

·        Discuss how these stories reflect societal fears, the current political landscape, and the power dynamics in contemporary America

·        Share the joy they find in these graphic narratives, highlighting the importance of art and imagination in provoking thought and emotional engagement

00:00 Introduction to Monsters in Comics

01:01 Exploring 'Something is Killing the Children'

01:28 Universal Monsters: Frankenstein's Perspective

02:17 Welcome to Horror Joy

02:48 Nosferatu and the Gothic Elements

08:47 Frankenstein: The Gothic and Modern Anxieties

20:42 Frankenstein's Creation and Ecological Allegories

26:40 Upcoming Release: The EcoWeird

26:44 Diving into 'Something is Killing the Children'

27:21 Why This Comic Stands Out

29:04 Teaching the Comic: Student Reactions

31:31 Plot and Themes of 'Something is Killing the Children'

37:33 Comparisons and Cultural Reflections

39:19 The Real Horror: Societal Issues

47:42 Finding Joy in Graphic Novels

52:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

2024 was a banner year for horror! From the chilling Immaculate to the unsettling Horror Movie and the glorious mustache of Nosferatu, we were truly spoiled. But now, it's time to turn a new page.

This year brings fresh beginnings, new anxieties, and a renewed opportunity for horror to help us navigate the complexities of our world.

To kick off 2025, Jeff and Brian welcome horror author and creator, Philip Gelatt, to the show. We'll discuss his fascinating new series, First Word on Horror, which offers a unique glimpse into the minds of horror creators.

Then, we'll delve into Robert Eggers' Nosferatu, exploring its racial and sexual politics, the philosophical implications of sunlight, and how it compares to classic vampire tales like Dracula, Salem's Lot, and Midnight Mass.

Did Eggers successfully translate the essence of Nosferatu for a modern audience? Or did he succumb to the Count's hypnotic allure?

Join us as we embark on a chilling journey into the heart of darkness. Bring your sharpest stakes and try not to succumb to the allure of the unknown.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:15 Phil Gelatt's Career Highlights

01:15 Discussing 'First Word on Horror'

01:31 Joy and Horror: A Complex Relationship

03:38 Stephen Graham Jones' Story and 'First Word on Horror' Details

05:13 The Making of 'First Word on Horror'

08:10 Horror Genre's Reputation and Rehabilitation

14:08 Analyzing Robert Eggers' Nosferatu

25:23 Ellen's Symbolic Sacrifice

26:38 A Loveless Film: Exploring Orlok and Ellen's Fate

27:42 Missed Opportunities and Visual Delights

28:47 Atmosphere and Visuals: The Film's Strengths

32:16 Plato and the Sun: Philosophical Insights

37:27 Final Thoughts and Joy in Horror

First Word on Horror

Rise of the Golden Idol (video game)

Bram Stoker’s Dracula directed by Francis Ford Coppola

Dracula: Dead and Loving it directed by directed by Mel Brooks

Thomas Ligotti

Stephen Graham Jones

Laird Barron

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we are caught in a mood of anticipation. We anticipate visits from family, a festive meal, and presents to be opened. We also look forward to the celebration of the incarnation of a god in human flesh, whose death brings about one of the greatest ghost stories ever told. Rephrased, the story of Christmas is already a kind of horror narrative.

Join us for a chilling exploration of the darker side of Christmas. In this episode of Horror Joy, we'll delve into the unsettling underbelly of holiday cheer.

We'll discuss:

• Algernon Blackwood's "The Kit-Bag": A disturbing tale of anticipation and dread.
• Black Christmas: This iconic slasher film reimagines the holiday season as a time of terror.
• The Horror of Consumerism: How the holiday season can become a source of stress and anxiety.
• Loneliness at the Holidays: How the holiday season increases the chances for loneliness, and how the slasher magnifies this loneliness.

So, grab your eggnog and prepare for a frighteningly festive journey. Remember, even Santa Claus has a dark side.

Second wave feminism

Julia Kristeva Abject

Split directed by M. Night Shyamalan

Michael Cisco

Body, Telephone, Voice: Black Christmas (1974) and Monstrous Cinema by Morten Feldtfos Thompsen

Foucault and surveillance

Psycho directed by Hitchcock

Rosemary’s Baby (1968) Directed by Roman Polanski

The Holdovers directed by Alexander Payne

The Call of the Eco-Weird in Fiction, Film, and Games edited by Brian Hisao Onishi and Nathan M. Bell

As an anticipation of our episode out on Monday (12/16), Brian reads "The Kit-Bag" by Algernon Blackwood.

"The Kit-Bag," originally published in 1908 by Pall Mall Magazine, tells the story of Johnson, a young man preparing to go on a Christmas vacation after helping to successfully defend a particularly gruesome murder case.

Alone in his apartment, Johnson begins to experience strange noises and visions. Is it his drunk lodger bringing in the mail? Is it another tenant of the building? Or is it a sinister figure invading his home via his borrowed suitcase (the titular kit-bag). Like an perverse telling of Santa Claus, listen to "The Kit-Bag" find out what's haunting Johnson and whether or not he ever makes it to his promised vacation.

Episode Timeline

**2:12-40:42 – StokerVerse and Bram Stoker’s Dracula with Chris McAuley

**40:42-58:26 – Salem’s Lot

**58:27-end – Midnight Mass  

From the gothic castles of Transylvania to the sleepy towns of Maine, vampires have captivated our imaginations for centuries. In this episode of Horror Joy, we'll explore the evolution of the vampire mythos, from Bram Stoker's iconic Dracula to modern interpretations like Salem's Lot and Midnight Mass.

We'll discuss:

• The Vampire's Enduring Appeal: Why this ancient creature continues to fascinate us.
• Dracula's Dark Legacy: The cultural impact of Stoker's masterpiece and its influence on subsequent vampire stories.
• Small-Town Horror: How Salem's Lot reimagines the vampire myth for a suburban American setting.
• Faith, Fear, and the Undead: The religious undertones of Midnight Mass and its exploration of community and belief.

Join us as we explore the creaking coffins of vampiric narratives. Make sure to bring along your best silver and your favorite stake. But keep an eye on the horizon, lest we let the sun go down before we’re done.

StokerVerse

Jacques Lacan

Virtue Ethics

Dracula and colonialism

The Dark Tower Series  

It

Stephen King

Bram Stoker

Dracula

Midnight Mass

In this episode of Horror Joy, we're venturing into the cold, dark depths of space to explore Ridley Scott's iconic sci-fi horror masterpiece, Alien.

We'll delve into the film's terrifying themes, including:

• The Alien as the Ultimate Other: How the alien creature embodies our fears of the unknown and the uncanny.
• Body Horror and the Violation of the Human Form: The film's disturbing exploration of birth, death, and the body.
• Corporate Greed and Existential Threat: The role of capitalism and technology in creating the conditions for the alien's emergence.
• The Heroine's Journey: Ripley's evolution from a resourceful crew member to a hardened warrior.

So, buckle up and prepare for a terrifying journey. Just remember, in space, no one can hear you scream.

Elaine Graham Post/Human

Raymond Williams

Frederick Jameson

Julia Kristeva, Abjection

Horror in Space: Critical Essays on a Film Subgenre by edited by Michele Brittany

Sometimes, the most terrifying monsters aren't lurking in the shadows, but in the very heart of our world. In this episode of Horror Joy, we delve into the eerie world of folk horror, where ancient myths and environmental fears intertwine.

We'll explore:

• The Appalachian Nightmare: How the exploitation of the Appalachian landscape has given rise to terrifying folklore and real-world consequences.
• The Blair Witch Project: The unsettling power of place and the psychological terror of the woods.
• Old Gods of Appalachia: The ancient evil lurking beneath the surface of the Kentucky hills.

Join us as we trek through these haunted landscapes and confront the monsters that dwell within.

Christian Nationalism 2

Old Gods of Appalachia

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Folk Horror – New Global Pathways edited by Dawn Keetley and Ruth Heholt

Coal Stories by Embedded Podcast

Frogman

The Last Broadcast

Cannibal Holocaust

Join us as we plunge into the shadowy world of Haddonfield, Illinois. In this special episode of Horror Joy, Jeff and Brian dissect John Carpenter's iconic 1978 slasher film, Halloween. We'll explore:

• The Shape's Morality: Is Michael Myers a terrifying villain or a moral compass?
• Beyond the Mask: Can we find a more subversive reading of this classic horror film?
• The Rules of the Slasher: How Halloween established the blueprint for countless horror films to follow.
• The Psychology of Fear: Unraveling the psychological underpinnings of the film's enduring terror.

So, lock the doors, grab your sharpest knitting needles, and join us as we explore one of horror’s most enduring masterpieces. But be careful, we can’t all be the final girl.       

Emmanuel Levinas

The Thing from Another World (1951)

You’re Next directed by Adam Wingard

Scream Franchise

My Heart is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones

Psyche as soul

A Nostalgic Nightmare: Exploring the Comfort of Horror

This week on Horror Joy, we're taking a trip down memory lane. For many of us, our love affair with horror began at a young age, fueled by Goosebumps books, Are You Afraid of the Dark, and the iconic horror paperbacks found on the revolving racks at local grocery stores.

Nostalgia and Horror: A Twisted Embrace

Nostalgia, with its roots in homesickness, offers a sense of comfort and belonging. But horror, while evoking strong emotions, can also be deeply comforting. It disrupts our sense of security, only to draw us back in, promising a strange warmth.

Our Nostalgic Journey:

• Tom Deady's The Rack: We chat with Tom about his love for Salem's Lot and the process of curating his anthology of horror stories.
• Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories: A discussion on the power of simple illustrations, the performative nature of storytelling, and how horror prepares us for adulthood.

Join us as we spin the rack of horror and revisit the nostalgic thrills that first captivated us. Let's stick together, because you never know what horrors await!

Salem’s Lot by Stephen King

Geoffrey Chaucer

Gwendolyn Kiste

The Life of Chuck (in If It Bleeds) by Stephen King

The Life of Chuck directed by Mike Flanagan

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Tom Deady

The Rack