Death sucks. It’s sad, strange, scary and unfortunately inevitable. And what’s worse is that, no matter how unfair it seems, when it comes to your passions and material possessions, you—as the saying goes—“can’t take it with you.”

But if you’re a geek, if you’ve been tempted to legally change your name to James T. Kirk, think of baseball as a religion or wear eight-inch platform dragon boots to the mailbox, then the good souls at Eternal Image are making a strong bid to help you betray that train of thought.

Hey there, 2011. How the heck are ya? Glad to make your acquaintance. Have I got some resolutions for you! Lately, I’ve been slacking in the blog department, but it’s a new year and it brings along a newfound sense of responsibility and wonderment—and by that I mean I will be much more productive on the Face Riff front. Have I been busy? You bet I’ve been busy. The past few months have included a two month tour of Europe with the Dillinger Escape Plan, copious holiday parties and way too much LAW AND ORDER: SVU. In the midst of the chaos, my time seemed to disappear like virginity in a slasher flick and November first quickly morphed into the new year. Somewhere in that time warp, I managed to do some amazing horror-related activities. So now, in an effort to recap the end of 2010 and begin anew with a long-overdue brain purging, I give you the first of three NEW YEARS RIFF-OLUTIONS: the best of my November and December.

2010 is almost dead, and it was a major year for me. Because, well, for one, I’m here, through some strain of karmic voodoo editing Fango and enjoying watching all these previously locked doors slowly swing open. I paid my dues, though. My whole life, following my macabre muse though so many close to me told me to give it up, and other obstacles threatened to derail my quest. I didn’t and they didn’t. Here endeth the lesson.

For those of you unaware of Kody Zimmerman and his wildly successful short film THE FAMILIAR, you’re in for a hilariously dark treat. After nearly two years of festival haunts and with more nominations and wins than this writer can count, Zimmerman has posted the movie on-line, and I promise you the most fun 19 minutes you’ll spend today!

It’s hard to believe the first semester of Miskatonic is already over and the holidays are upon us! Donato Totaro from Offscreen magazine just wrapped his Mario Bava course, which focused on the Gothic elements of the director’s work, discussing his predilection for mannequins, the uncanny, op-art and elaborate setpieces—as well as demonstrating the historical interplay between Federico Fellini and Bava—and placing them in the context of Italy’s “Terza Visione” cinema. Miskatonic student Ariel Esteban Cayer took on the task of reviewing Bava’s BLACK SABBATH, and we’ve posted it below for your enjoyment.

And just remember: If you see Santa Claus, you better run…you better run…for your life!!!

In Part One of my interview with Irish author Alan Kelly, we talked about growing up gay in Ireland, the fascination with the seamier side of life, and his short fiction. In Part Two, Kelly gives me all the details on his pulpliciously gruesome debut novel, LET ME DIE A WOMAN, and his favorite potato dish.

SHOCK WAVES (a.k.a. ALMOST HUMAN)

1977, USA

Poster country of origin: United Kingdom

30” x 40”