The latest — and second — issue of the magazine BLACK: Australian Dark Culture is about to be released, and it’s a superb one.
Apart from the regular columnists, the issue includes a chthonian cornucopia of articles on new dark films and books, dark culture events, Fiona Horne and Wendy Rule (“the musician witches of Oz”), Guillermo del Toro and Hellboy 2, horror writer Paul Haines, the Supernatural “brothers”, and much else besides.
Fans of the walking dead will definitely want to get their hands on a copy as it includes a wealth of zombie-related material. Upfront is an article that came out of my recent interview with the Master of the Living Dead himself, George Romero. Black flew me down to Melbourne in late July specifically to interview The Man, who was in Australia promoting his latest Living Dead film, Diary of the Dead. I had a great time.
You can find out all the dirt I dug up by getting hold of the magazine when it appears in a newsagency, Borders store or other quality magazine outlet near you (in Australia). Either that or subscribe through the website (the best option, especially for those overseas). For your money, you get my short article on “The Evolution of the Zombie” as well. You know you want a copy — just take a look at the fantastic opening double-page spread for my chat with the great horror filmmaker.
While in Melbourne I also talked to new Aussie filmmaker Steven Kastrissios about his superb revenge thriller, The Horseman, and veteran exploitation director Jon Hewitt on his hard-hitting teen thriller Acolytes. Want to know how Hewitt’s first film, the vampire/crime flick Bloodlust (which “offended everyone”), was made with the help of the criminal underground? Then check out Black No. 2 at once!
Pretty awesome Rob!! How cool is that?? You finally got the chance to interview the man who was the original inspiration for all the countless zombie flicks you’ve been covering over the years. I bet you had a blast!!
You’d be right there, Avery. I had to fly to Melbourne on a day’s notice, I had a head cold and I knew I would have to take a day off work — but how could I refuse? It was even my birthday, so, as my partner Cat Sparks said, “That’s a present I can’t beat!” George had very little time to give me –and for that he was apologetic — but I ended up getting more than had been scheduled and we had a terrific chat. Definitely a highlight of my year! He was a great guy, friendly and open and relaxed, with a good sense of humour. I felt as though I’d known him for decades.
And then, of course, we went out and shot up a few zombies together! 🙂
Excellent stuff.
Pity about Diary of the Dead though 🙂
I keep hearing from many of my industry friends about how wonderful and warm a personality Mr. Romero has. That’s great to hear. I’ve had some rude encounters with a few of these arrogant new ‘hot head’ directors. It’s nice to see that his fame hasn’t corrupted him.
“Pity”, David? bah! You don’t know a good one when you see it! Your sensibilities have been corrupted by modern cultural decadence and all those games you play… 🙂
Incidentally, I enjoyed your column in the same issue. Is it reasonably easy to get a copy of Queenie Chan’s “The Dreaming”?