Nearly 40 years after director Jim Wynorski’s Chopping Mall was first released, the cult horror classic is getting an official novelization. Yes, as weird as that may sound, this is a very real thing that you will be able to purchase later this year. This is arguably a prime example of “better late than never” for horror fans. The forthcoming book is a joint effort from Encyclopocalypse Publications and the folks at Shout Factory.
Per Bloody Disgusting, Brian G. Berry (Commando Ninja, Amityville Death Toilet) is writing the book, which is simply titled Chopping Mall: The Novelization. We’ve got not one but two different covers for the book as well, which you can check out below. Shout Factory acquired the rights to nearly 300 movies from legendary producer Roger Coman’s library several years back, and they’ve been finding interesting ways to make use of that library. Now, this 1986 favorite is getting a new lease on life in a very ‘80s way. Berry had this to say about it:
“As a kid, I watched tons of horror movies. But none of them ever gave me that ‘creeped out’ feeling I was seeking until I saw the cover of the Chopping Mall VHS cassette sitting on the shelf of my local video store. From that point on, Chopping Mall had a special place in my heart. Fast forward thirty years, and here I am, honored to be writing the novelization for the first horror movie that ever creeped me out based on the cover alone.”
The book is based on the screenplay for the film, which was written by James Wynorski and Steve Mitchell. There will be two different versions of the books for fans to purchase, with a standard “Trade” size or a pocket-sized Mass-Market version available. Encyclopocalypse also promises that all paperbacks will come with a free digital copy. There will also be an audiobook version, which will be performed by Joe Hempel. The official synopsis for the novel reads as follows:
“High tech robots equipped with state-of-the-art security devices have been recruited as the new mechanical ‘night watchmen’ for Park Plaza Mall. When a jolting bolt of lightning short circuits the main computer control, the robots turn into ‘killbots’…on the loose after unsuspecting shoppers! Four couples are trying to make it after hours in a mattress store. They make it alright—in the morgue! At Park Plaza, you can save on everything but your life!”
Mark Alan Miller, President and Founder of Encyclopocalypse Publications, had this to add:
“I relish the chance to collaborate with the good people at Shout Factory again. Chopping Mall is one of my very favorite ’80s horror movies, and I know I’m not alone. I can say with confidence that Brian Berry has delivered something the fans will love.”
Chopping Mall: The Novelization is set to arrive on November 19. You can pre-order a copy right now at Encyclopocalypse.com.
