S2E4 Podcast Supplemental: Shako, Donnie Darko, and a Medical Journal from Hell

There is a special allure in the world of the eerie, the horrifying, and the bizarre. From comic book tales of relentless polar bears, to the dark delusions of a cult classic film, and finally, to an anthology of the strangest diseases, this podcast episode dives deep into these uncanny territories.

Part 1: “It Came From the Longbox!”

Shako, a nearly invincible, murderous polar bear from the 2000 AD universe, had comic readers’ hearts pounding back in 1977 and still makes for a chilling tale today. We navigate through Shako’s icy reign of terror, which involves bewildering alliances, gritty confrontations, and a staggering kill count. This fearsome creature’s gruesome adventures illustrate how comic horror can effectively weave stories that send chills down our spines. Now, as promised, here are some select images from the Shako trade paperback, the digital version of which you can purchase HERE. Feast your eyes on this beautiful Ramon Sola art!

Part 2: “Cineplex of Terror!”

Moving from the icy terrors of Shako, we delve into the twisted psyche of Donnie Darko, the protagonist of the eponymous cult classic film. Here, reality is disrupted by a rabbit-suited specter spelling doom. As we navigate this dark labyrinth of delusions and reality, we discover the film’s intricate darkness and profound themes. The complex interplay between the tangible and the imagined in Donnie Darko’s world presents a rich tapestry of psychological exploration that continues to captivate audiences.

Part 3: “The Book Nook of DOOM!”

But the journey into the eerie doesn’t end there. We plunge into the uncanny valley of Dr. Thackery T. Lambshead’s Pocket Guide to Eccentric and Discredited Diseases. This unique book, curated by the master of weird fiction, Jeff VanderMeer, presents an anthology of the strangest maladies.

With contributions from the crème de la crème of horror, science fiction, and fantasy genres, this anthology balances precariously on the edge of the scientific, fantastical, and horrifying. It’s a testament to the power of the twisted human imagination, taking us on a journey through uncharted terrains of the macabre and the uncanny.

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The Wrap-Up

In the world of horror, the line between reality and fantasy often blurs, creating a realm of eerie fascination. Whether it’s the icy terror of a murderous polar bear, the dark delusions of a troubled teenager, or an anthology of eccentric diseases, the allure of the uncanny remains undeniably strong. Through this exploration, we gain a deeper understanding of the human fascination with the bizarre, the terrifying, and the unknown.

Thanks for listening to this episode of The Longbox of Darkness Podcast. Comments are welcome! And please remember to subscribe to the blog to be notified of new posts. Oh, and have a feartastic October, fright friends.

Until next time

Herm