Latest articles
The author talks about serializing his horror novel featuring infected monsters. Martinez shares the origins of Tracking Blood, his goals with serializing the novel on Substack, and why there are actually TWO versions coming.
Over the decades, there have been LOTS of robots on TV—including helpers and heroes, plus warnings about evil robots. We look at robots from a couple dozen TV shows, including sci-fi series, cartoons, and sitcoms.
We talk with veteran comic book creator Paul Castiglia about the Robot Monster graphic novel anthology. “It’s a combination of my love of classic sci-fi, horror, and comedy films being able to be manifested in this one project.”
The founder of 3D Film Archive talks to Monster Complex about the reissue of 1953 alien horror movie ROBOT MONSTER—including why he’s following it with a 3-D comic book anthology.
With tech so common now, we take a look at some of the best movie robots of all time—from charming co-workers who just want to help us out to menacing monsters planning to stomp on us.
Monster Complex talks with MST3K writer Harold Buchholz, one of the contributors to a graphic novel anthology celebrating 1950s sci-fi horror movie ROBOT MONSTER. “Instead of riffing the movies from the outside, you’re riffing from inside the comics, which is so fun.”
Taking a look at some of the key robot characters from the world of comics—including Robot Monster, Astro Boy, Atomic Robo, the Droids from Star Wars, ROM: Space Knight, and more.
Now on Kickstarter is the upcoming 3-D graphic novel anthology that celebrates and/or expands on and/or makes fun of the 1950s alien invasion horror movie ROBOT MONSTER. Yes, the 1950s movie where the alien invader is a gorilla in a diving helmet. (A movie for which Joe Dante said, “There’s never been a picture like it.”)
Want to see some monster movies that are technically bad but are fun to watch? These may never live up to the standards of applauded horror movies, but you can’t say they aren’t fun to watch…
DRACULA author Bram Stoker said that Van Helsing was based on a REAL person. But WHO? We look at the history of the vampire hunter, including possible inspirations, and some of his interesting appearances.
Here at Monster Complex, lots of our readers are regularly checking in for the next great urban fantasy series. Check out a list of notable female authors whose fiction combines a realistic urban setting with far-out elements like vampires, werewolves, and faeries.
Teaser trailer for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice arrived during Ghostbusters revival—nearly 40 years since the original. In this article: Watch the Beetlejuice 2 teaser trailer. Surprising details about the Beetlejuice sequel movie’s script. Michael Keaton was surprised how emotional the Beetlejuice sequel gets.
Jaq Evans writes speculative fiction and horror about sad, weird, hopeful people trying their best. The author talks to Monster Complex about how horror fiction horror helps us process difficult emotions, and why she writes fiction to freak herself out.
Find out about the new book in the Killing Eve series—and why you can read it free online! Killing Eve creator Luke Jennings talks about his wide range as an author, the espionage fiction that inspires him, and his goals with the Killing Eve books. You can also find out more about the earlier volumes in the series.
Celebrating Women’s History Month with some great comic book writers. Whether you’re talking about Marvel Comics or DC Comics or an indie publisher, any list of great comic book writers would include several women.
Cyberpunk science fiction shows high tech and low life—including cyborg stuff, nano tech, and jumping into cyberspace. We show how fans of Blade Runner, Cyberpunk 2077, or Akira can find more great cyberpunk science fiction.
I’m going to serialize an edited version of one of my previously published novels. Originally published as TRIBULATION HOUSE, this is a crime comedy that involves some confusion over misinterpreted religious stuff. Watch my brand-new book trailer!
The urban fantasy author stops by as part of her blog tour for her latest novel! Faith Hunter talks to Monster Complex about the fun—and challenges—of writing a magical story that’s also a police drama.
Learn about the latest book in this urban fantasy series about investigators who solve paranormal crimes. We also have info on every book in the series—including a collection with stories from both Soulwood and Jane Yellowrock!
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DRACULA author Bram Stoker said that Van Helsing was based on a REAL person. But WHO? We look at the history of the vampire hunter, including possible inspirations, and some of his interesting appearances.
Did people misjudge the Mel Brooks movie “Dracula: Dead and Loving It”? Looking at several behind-the-scenes elements of the 1995 vampire comedy movie to see why people have been warming up to it in the years since its release.
Dracula is one of the most famous monsters in literature! But does what we remember about Dracula actually come from ANOTHER vampire from a DIFFERENT book altogether?
On classic 1960s sitcom The Munsters, Herman Munster is the the spitting image of Universal's Frankenstein’s Monster. But the show established at least three different monsters created by Doctor Frankenstein...
The Loki of Midgard books is a historical fantasy series following Loki on Earth during the Roaring Twenties. We discuss with Meinking the nature of alternate history stories, how her version of Loki compares to others, and the crazy number of spinoffs planned.
Conneely writes three series combining magic with procedural stories. We discuss that intersection between magic and the everyday world, what her different series have in common, and why she began writing magic procedurals in the first place.
Cardin focuses frequently on the intersection of religion, horror, art, and creativity. Matt and I discuss the difference between horror authors who use religious elements intentionally as opposed to those who just use them as window dressing.
An author and producer of multiple dark fantasy series, Jessica Cage shares the childhood questions that inspired some of her series, explains how she portrays diversity in her fiction, and reveals which series her mom complains about.
Find out 13 monster movies that combine Frankenstein’s monster, Count Dracula, the Wolf Man, and assorted vampires, werewolves, mummies, and more. (Including a BONUS movie that came in at the last minute!)
The Lilith series stars a stuntwoman and struggling actress who works with and deals with the monsters that secretly run Hollywood. The author takes us behind the scenes, shares some real-life experiences behind her character’s day job, and reveals the abandoned original idea for her series.
An award-winning poet and writer of horror, fantasy, and science fiction, Linda D. Addison and I talk about some starting points to find great speculative and horror poetry, the state of diversity in horror publishing, and her advice for poets hoping to break in.
Psychologist, university professor and a passionate SUPERNATURAL fangirl, Dr. Lynn S. Zubernis tells me how an academic got pulled into that world, what makes this show stand out, and the pros and the cons of being an academic who is also a fan.
The author of the Jane Yellowrock urban fantasy books, Faith Hunter shares how Yellowrock has grown as a character over the series, explains why she doesn’t write sex scenes, and reveals how she’ll know when it’s time to end the series.
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Celebrating monster stories in pop culture.
More from Monster Complex
The urban fantasy author stops by as part of her blog tour for her latest novel! Faith Hunter talks to Monster Complex about the fun—and challenges—of writing a magical story that’s also a police drama.
On classic 1960s sitcom The Munsters, Herman Munster is the the spitting image of Universal's Frankenstein’s Monster. But the show established at least three different monsters created by Doctor Frankenstein...
Find out about the new movie with Scooby-Doo and Krypto. Also, find more info about Scooby-Doo’s impact on pop culture, the history of Krypto the super dog, and info about more of the many team ups that Scooby-Doo has had with characters in the DC Comics universe…
A new streaming TV show expands the epic story told through recent Godzilla and King Kong movies. In this story: What the show is about; Godzilla has made a huge impact on popular culture; Kurt Russell is in some of my favorite movies; and more!
Find out more about some of horror fiction’s most well-known and beloved authors. Including info and links for Stephen King, Shirley Jackson, Dean Koontz, Anne Rice, and more!
The award-winning author of bestselling novels, short fiction, and comics, Joe Hill shares how he starts a book, what makes the best horror stories, and why some horror films just don’t work.
The last of the classic Universal Monsters, the Creature from the Black Lagoon starred in a trilogy. Looking over the legacy of the series, plus info about each movie in the series.
In the comic book world, it’s always a cool thing to see worlds collide. Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong sees DC Comics’ biggest heroes meet up with the two giant monsters.
When you list off the most intriguing monsters, so many of the names on that list refer to the original Universal Monster movies. In this video, the folks at Storied celebrate the classic era.
According to Looper, Barker was once in conversation with the makers of one of the Godzilla movies. Looking at how the horror author once pitched how to make the iconic monster more of a terror again.
Celebrating the classic novel from the father of science fiction, and lots of times that they borrowed Wells’ ideas for movies and TV—including classic Universal Monster movies, plus animated films, TV series, and more.
Who are YOUR favorite horror authors? We’ve got behind-the-scenes info on popular horror writers Stephen King, Tananarive Due, Mary Shelley, Koji Suzuki, Ray Bradbury, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and many more!
Celebrating several self-published and hybrid urban fantasy authors, including Ilona Andrews, Jessica Cage, Dan Willis, Whitney Hill, N.D. Jones, N.E. Conneely, D.M. Guay, Lindsay Buroker, and lots more!
Celebrating some of the funniest monster movies ever made! “The neighbors can see you flying around the house. Do you want to draw attention to this house, hmm?” Vampires can turn up in some uproarious comedies. Check out our list to find behind-the-scenes details for these movies.
The horror comedy author explains what led to him adapting the cult classic disaster parody, reveals his goals for the novelization, and tells us why he didn’t include any George Clooney jokes.
Including authors Jim Butcher, L.A. Banks, Patricia Briggs, Nalini Singh, Seanan McGuire, Zoraida Cordova, Kim Harrison, Maurice Broaddus, Faith Hunter, Nalo Hopkinson, Roshani Chokshi, Nnedi Okorafor and more.
Celebrating those characters from Marvel’s dual legacies of monsters and superheroes—including Blade, She-Hulk, Venom, Morbius, Groot, Godzilla, Frankenstein's Monster, and more!
Mel Brooks turned his 1974 comedy film Young Frankenstein into a stage musical comedy. Come inside to listen to the whole cast album, plus to read more details about the musical’s creators.
The novel Frankenstein represents so much to so many. As we celebrate the anniversary, we look back at a number of facts about the author and her novel…
Many monster movies mix together elements from multiple genres. While Phantom of the Opera is a super famous example, we’ve got more to add to the list…
A fun reboot of the song “Monster Mash” finds the Frankenstein’s Monster complaining about the newer monsters. Click through for 3 videos that include the song, plus take you behind the scenes.
Universal Studios had access to one of the world’s greatest comedy teams and several of the most stunning monsters. It made perfect sense to have them meet.
Horror and comedy both make us jump—which is why these elements work together so well together. Here are more than 50 books that touch on elements that are funny and scary. This list includes books from authors Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, Tanya Huff, Kelley Armstrong, John Scalzi, Diana Rowland, and many authors you should meet.
“There are tons of Universal films—these are just the classic monster movies…” Horror writer Anda Kent watched the seven original Universal monster movies and ranked them…
1943’s Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man stars Bela Lugosi as Frankenstein’s monster, and Lon Chaney Jr. as Larry Talbot, the Wolf Man. The film is a sequel to both The Ghost of Frankenstein and The Wolf Man.
Including L.A. Banks, Maurice Broaddus, Jessica Cage, Zoraida Córdova, Owl Goingback, Nalo Hopkinson, N. K. Jemisin, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Shweta Taneja, Kenesha Williams, and more.
The urban fantasy author stops by as part of her blog tour for her latest novel! Faith Hunter talks to Monster Complex about the fun—and challenges—of writing a magical story that’s also a police drama.
Find out more about some of horror fiction’s most well-known and beloved authors. Including info and links for Stephen King, Shirley Jackson, Dean Koontz, Anne Rice, and more!
The award-winning author of bestselling novels, short fiction, and comics, Joe Hill shares how he starts a book, what makes the best horror stories, and why some horror films just don’t work.
Celebrating the classic novel from the father of science fiction, and lots of times that they borrowed Wells’ ideas for movies and TV—including classic Universal Monster movies, plus animated films, TV series, and more.
Who are YOUR favorite horror authors? We’ve got behind-the-scenes info on popular horror writers Stephen King, Tananarive Due, Mary Shelley, Koji Suzuki, Ray Bradbury, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and many more!
Celebrating several self-published and hybrid urban fantasy authors, including Ilona Andrews, Jessica Cage, Dan Willis, Whitney Hill, N.D. Jones, N.E. Conneely, D.M. Guay, Lindsay Buroker, and lots more!
The horror comedy author explains what led to him adapting the cult classic disaster parody, reveals his goals for the novelization, and tells us why he didn’t include any George Clooney jokes.
Including authors Jim Butcher, L.A. Banks, Patricia Briggs, Nalini Singh, Seanan McGuire, Zoraida Cordova, Kim Harrison, Maurice Broaddus, Faith Hunter, Nalo Hopkinson, Roshani Chokshi, Nnedi Okorafor and more.
The novel Frankenstein represents so much to so many. As we celebrate the anniversary, we look back at a number of facts about the author and her novel…
Horror and comedy both make us jump—which is why these elements work together so well together. Here are more than 50 books that touch on elements that are funny and scary. This list includes books from authors Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, Tanya Huff, Kelley Armstrong, John Scalzi, Diana Rowland, and many authors you should meet.
Including L.A. Banks, Maurice Broaddus, Jessica Cage, Zoraida Córdova, Owl Goingback, Nalo Hopkinson, N. K. Jemisin, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Shweta Taneja, Kenesha Williams, and more.
Want books that mix urban fantasy and crime fiction? Including Jim Butcher, Shweta Taneja, Seanan McGuire, Jewell Parker Rhodes, plus novels from X-Files, Supernatural—and more.
Brandon Sanderson is the author of such bestsellers as the Mistborn trilogy and its sequels. Check out his suggestions for the best books to start with based on your own interests.
The creature from Mary Shelley’s 1800s novel Frankenstein is one of the most recognized icons in storytelling, having spent more than 200 years being adapted into all sorts of media.
While so many “best horror writer” lists are dominated by white and Western authors, here’s a list of authors of Indian ancestry—including Nalini Singh, Shweta Taneja, Mainak Dhar, and more.
Looking for a zombie story? You can’t swing an undead cat without hitting another one. If you want some help narrowing down the field, here are some zombie novels worth checking out.
Links to news and articles about films that mix comedy and horror, from Dick Briefer's comedic take on the Frankenstein Monster to Monster Squad to Little Monsters.
Including L.A. Banks, Patricia Briggs, Kelley Armstrong, Nalini Singh, Maggie Stiefvater, Quinn Loftis, Jessica Cage, and more.
Whatever you want from a zombie story—light or weighty; political or romantic; futuristic or set in the past—you’re bound to find a series here to match your, um, taste…
Vampire fiction has captivated readers and audiences for more than a hundred years. Some of these vampire novels lean into horror or paranormal romance, while others fall in between.
Stephen King has published dozens of novels, including horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, crime, science-fiction, and fantasy. See how much you know about the popular horror novelist.
The author talks about serializing his horror novel featuring infected monsters. Martinez shares the origins of Tracking Blood, his goals with serializing the novel on Substack, and why there are actually TWO versions coming.
Want to see some monster movies that are technically bad but are fun to watch? These may never live up to the standards of applauded horror movies, but you can’t say they aren’t fun to watch…
DRACULA author Bram Stoker said that Van Helsing was based on a REAL person. But WHO? We look at the history of the vampire hunter, including possible inspirations, and some of his interesting appearances.
Did people misjudge the Mel Brooks movie “Dracula: Dead and Loving It”? Looking at several behind-the-scenes elements of the 1995 vampire comedy movie to see why people have been warming up to it in the years since its release.
This urban fantasy series from Patricia Briggs stars the shape-shifting mechanic who can take the form of a coyote. “I actively avoid power creep. I think that underpowered characters make much better protagonists.”
British supernatural comedy-drama Being Human revolved around supernatural roommates. Watch how it wasn’t easy to turn actor Russell Tovey into a flesh-eating werewolf...
We talk to the author of The Jerusalem’s Undead Trilogy about the origins of the vampire series, the conflicted conversations that the books have led to, how these novels fit into the larger picture of Eric’s work, and why Stephen King is a genius.
Dracula is one of the most famous monsters in literature! But does what we remember about Dracula actually come from ANOTHER vampire from a DIFFERENT book altogether?
In the classic, a teen horror film addict is shocked to discover his neighbor is a vampire. Find out how the original movie’s writer and director is revisiting the whole story with a new book trilogy and a new comic book series!
On classic 1960s sitcom The Munsters, Herman Munster is the the spitting image of Universal's Frankenstein’s Monster. But the show established at least three different monsters created by Doctor Frankenstein...
Zombie Solomon Grundy has crashed the Justice League’s Christmas party! Come watch one of my favorite episodes, which makes me laugh and also, I must admit, makes me cry.
A zombie apocalypse threatens the sleepy town of Little Haven—at Christmas—forcing Anna and her friends to fight, slash and sing their way to survival. Go behind the scenes!
A sexually frustrated vampire is condemned for eternity to watch his one true love be murdered. Determined to break the cycle of reincarnation and death, he tries to win her heart by starting a rock band. The 1990 comedy horror film Rockula starred Dean Cameron as the rocker, Toni Basil as his mom, and Thomas Dolby as the villain.
A new comic book mini-series shows vampire hunters in the big city having to deal with the legendary Al Capone. Because he’s BACK. And he’s a VAMPIRE! Written by J.C. Vaughn with art from Brendon Fraim and Brian Fraim, the story continues the epic saga in the Vampire, PA brand.
Celebrating Godzilla! As Toho celebrates the anniversary of Godzilla’s first movie, we have news about his latest Japanese movie, his new TV show, his new comic book crossover, and more.
I love The Munsters. So. Much. (Seriously, Monster Complex has talked bout The Munsters LOTS OF TIMES.) We’re including them on this list because of the movies, but let’s start with the original series. Count Dracula was a member of the family on classic monster comedy sitcom The Munsters (1964-1966).
With Marvel Comics and The Munsters both launching within just a few years of each other, were the creators behind The Munsters influenced by the breakthroughs at Marvel? I talk over the parallels with Fantastic Four, X-Men, The Hulk, and more that make me wonder…
Tania Gold’s new book is Prophecy of a Vampire. Find out more about the book, and read our interview with the author! “I love vampire stories, especially when they have a romantic tie to it. I wrote Prophecy of a Vampire as a romance because I wanted to provide something fresh and unique.”
Celebrating Johnny Sokko and his giant robot (including that catchy theme), the monsters Giant Robo faced, the impact of Giant Robo, and 13 Giant Heroes Who Fight Giant Monsters—including Ultraman, King Kong, and Frankenstein(?).
The new song “Children of the Night” shows love for the Universal Monsters. We talk to the songwriters and the vocalist, plus share more info about Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, Phantom of the Opera, Invisible Man, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and the rest.
A new streaming TV show expands the epic story told through recent Godzilla and King Kong movies. In this story: What the show is about; Godzilla has made a huge impact on popular culture; Kurt Russell is in some of my favorite movies; and more!
Mockumentary TV show Wellington Paranormal follows police investigators tracking supernatural events like demon possession, haunted houses, and blood bank robberies. The video playlist includes looks behind the scenes, including comments from co-creator Jemaine Clement.
John Barry’s score for the 1976 Dino De Laurentiis remake of King Kong gave the controversial film an emotional weight that is impossible to miss.
How a Universal Monsters bit part raised the question about the Creature of the Black Lagoon facing one of the biggest action movie stars of all time. The result is “1950s sci-fi with a touch of James Bond for the finale.”
The Rondo Awards honor the best in classic horror research, creativity and film preservation. This year's winners include the reissue of ROBOT MONSTER, the movie GODZILLA: MINUS ONE, the TV series WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS, and more! Find out the details here.