​Well kiddies, we’ve reached the end of our NOS4A2 journey. I hope you enjoyed the ride thus far. To end the tour, I’d like to share with you some thoughts on my favorite characters throughout the overall universe. Because wow… it really is a universe, isn’t it? From novel to comics to television, NOS4A2 has introduced various realms and ties to the supernatural world – some old and some new. In particular, Joe Hill has went out of his way to tie this world to some of his other works and that of his father’s as well. VERY COOL!! While Showrunner Jami O’Brien sought to expand on these unique creations even further via the deliciously evil and visually stunning television series. NICE!! All of which have culminated into one hell of a body of work that we here at Nerds That Geek wholeheartedly love and support via our NOS4A2 Collections page seen here! So, to add to this page and celebrate the work even more, grab some hot cocoa and join me as I hang a few more decorations on this incredibly awesome character tree, starting with Chris McQueen!!

​The patriarch of the McQueen household, Chris is a war veteran, rides a Harley and works on a demolitions crew. As if any of that wasn’t cool enough, he’s Vic’s biggest cheerleader and always backs her against Vic’s mother Linda (Virginia Kull). So basically, on the surface, Chris seems like the proverbial cool dad. Dig a little deeper however, and it’s easy to see that he’s an abusive alcoholic and adulterer with a whole host of issues he projects onto his wife and daughter. To put it mildly, on several levels, he’s loathsome!! So why the hell is he on this list? Well, because the deeply flawed often turn out to be the most surprising. It seems O’Brien agrees since she clearly brought this character to the forefront versus his novel counterpart. Likely because in many ways, good and bad, Vic is who she is because of her father. Further, despite both of their faults, Chris, with just a few words, often gives incredible advice and insight to Vic on life, college, parenthood, anger, trauma and forgiveness which I LOVE!! To say nothing of the HUGE fact Ebon knocks this role out of the park! So much so, that I found myself rooting for Chris. That he would do the right thing in the end. And in both the novel and television series, he does just that, losing his life in the process! It’s absolutely heartbreaking, particularly on screen. *SIGH*

​From novel to screen, Bing Partridge is a towering individual with the intellect of a child. He’s that quiet unseen, until it’s too late, type of evil. CHILLS GALORE!! Not to mention, overall, his arc is disgusting and sad. Honestly, if I only had the novel to know this character, I am not completely sure he would make this list. But Ólafur gives him a more jolly and pitiful feel. Especially since O’Brien decided to portray him as Vic’s friend appearing a bit more like a manipulated gentle giant. A big dumb oof who’s just looking for approval. She also takes care to show us the darker nuances of his evil in pieces making him all the scarier down the road. And HOLY COW what a dark road it is!! He’s a complicated character with a lot of layers and Ólafur does an excellent job of showing us just how many layers there are. The best part is seeing his expressions change from jolly to confused to outright cold evil. YIKES!!

​Beyond Charlie, who graces all three mediums of this mouthwateringly evil universe, Agnes is the only comic character to make my list. A seemingly average prison guard whose near retirement, Agnes ends up being one of the best additions I could ask for to a prisoner transport gone very, very wrong! She’s smart, feisty and brutally honest. All good traits for sure. I loved her almost instantly… LOL!! But what really put her on the list is despite waking up from being drugged smack dab in the middle of Christmasland, she thinks fast on her feet and holds her own to the very end. Plus, since the comic takes place less than 5 years prior, I’ll always wonder if she’s somehow related to a one Dolores Claiborne (Stephen King; Viking; 1992) making her yet another tie in by Hill to King’s work. NICE!! Finally, amongst her other triumphs, I laughed my ass off at the several panels of whoopass she hands out to a very well deserved piece of crap prisoner named Denis Sykes. HECK YEAH!!

​Anyone who reads the NOS4A2 novel falls in love with Lou. If not, there is ice in your veins… LOL!! A big bear of hugs, he’s warm and funny. And despite his own fears, he’s a true stand-up guy from day one. Plus, his parenting skills are tried and true and come directly from the heart. AWWW!! I remember reading tweets and seeing how happy fans were to see him brought to screen. Then I read the novel and completely understood their jubilation. But, I met him on screen first and felt and saw all those same character traits through the talents of Jonathan Landon. He’s a superhero whether he believes it or not and I love that O’Brien chose a person of color to embrace this role. I don’t believe his race is discussed in the novel so Landon is the only one I envisioned when reading it. Thus, Landon will always be Lou to me!! Besides, considering the heart of the character isn’t changed much, the combination of the two – pages and screen – made me love him all the more. So much so that I kept thinking he was going to die in one format or another, but Lou makes it through both!! *WHEW*

​Compared to all the other dark Strong Creatives, Charlie seems to have immense power. I mean… all the creeps in the Parnassus Bar vacate upon his presence. Even Pennywise! WHOA! Not to mention, when viewing the United Inscapes of America map, he’s the only one that can travel from one end to the other via the St. Nick’s Parkway AND, like the others, the Night Road. And though we never truly learn why he’s so powerful, I will always maintain it’s because of the shared power with his Knife – The Wraith. But what truly lands him on my list is twofold: the comics AND Zachary Quinto!! Charlie’s backstory is quite a layered tale and the character illustrations are crazy creepy in all the right places. But with Quinto’s charisma, Manx becomes the perfect villain!! I bet O’Brien and Hill were ecstatic to see this character on screen!! For, his curmudgeonly rude disposition as an old man is hilarious… LOL! Yet, there’s always a linger of evil lying about. As for his younger self? Quinto is intoxicatingly at ease with this character and I LOVE IT!! Especially when he’s courting someone. Be it Bing, children or Vic, he often says things that are generally true, making his prey question what’s actually happening. So much so, you almost want him to win… ALMOST!!

​Aside from Charlie, Vic is quite the anchor in this twisted tale. Tough and determined, she’s the perfect nemesis to stand up to Manx and the two together make for some spectacular television. YEP!! But what lands Vic on my list, beyond the great character exploration put forth by Hill’s words in the novel, is her portrayal by Ashleigh Cummings on screen. I couldn’t get enough! Her coming of age tale spun by O’Brien from an amalgamation of Vic’s younger years and her high school days, are relatable AF!! She’s always just a bit awkward and uncomfortable in her own skin which fits this character perfectly. I also LOVE her dynamic with Maggie!! Plus, season one Vic is hard headed and naïve while season 2 Vic, eight years later, is notably more grown and calculated. Not an easy task for any actor, yet Cummings makes it look easy! BRAVO LADY!!

Having been brought to the NOS4A2 world via the television series, I must say that Maggie’s novel counterpart seems different to me. In fact, while having a lot of guts and a similar tough exterior, book Maggie seems weaker than TV Maggie somehow. Of course, this is quite far from the truth, as book Maggie dies a noble death standing up to Manx while simultaneously protecting Vic’s whereabouts. NICE!! I can honestly say I was quite distraught over her death. But Jahkara!!! Well, she adds an entirely new element to this character that wasn’t felt through the page. A newcomer to acting, NOS4A2 was Jahkara’s first major role, though one could hardly tell since she settles into the character like a veteran badass. DAMN STRAIGHT SHE DOES!! I mean… the entire cast brings their A-game to be sure, but Smith stands out for me. Her relaxed portrayal makes Maggie feel like “the witchy best friend I’ve always wanted.” Not to mention, in O’Brien’s version, not only does she NOT die, she defeats the Hourglass Man (Paul Schneider) AND helps Vic take down Christmasland. F@*K YEAH!! Plus, she ends the series by taking an elevator seemingly to explore the mysterious World of Thought leaving ALL OF US guessing yet happy, that come hell or high water, she’s coming into her own. Because if anybody can find more Strong Creatives for the fight or a safer way to use their gift, it’s Maggie!! *BIG GRIN*
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And there you have it kiddies!! My favorite characters in the world of NOS4A2. A few honorable mentions include: Virginia Kull as Linda McQueen for her conviction towards such a deeply complicated character; Jason David as Bruce Wayne McQueen for his diversity and range at such a young age; and Mattea Conforti as Millie Manx who embodied the comic character with admirable intensity. Of course, as I’ve already mentioned, the ENTIRE cast is pretty damn phenomenal but any actor can only excel at their craft when given the material to do so. And, beyond the crazy awesome source material, boy did Jami O’Brien deliver!! Her adaptation is fantastic!! HECK YEAH! She moved characters around like pawns on a chess board with delicious and fascinating precision. A change here and there while still holding true to the source material is what any television adaptation needs and O’Brien wastes no time proving her talents here. Plus, her vision intrigues me greatly because the avenues touched on in the novel and comics hold endless possibilities and it’s clear from her deviation that she was more than interested in exploring ideas!! Though I’m saddened by the cancelation after only two seasons, I will never be sorry for seeing its magnificent exploration into this ever fascinating universe. Not to mention, it will always be MY Knife. For it led me to the novel and comics bringing about the love I didn’t even know I wanted. Or dare I say, for all their evil intents and purposes, NEEDED! *WINK*

​Welcome back kiddies! I hope you enjoyed Part 1 of this three-part series where I offered up some peppermint twists (*WINK*) for Charlie and his Wraith along with my own theories on the dynamics of their… um… jolly (LOL!) relationship. This time we’ll DRIVE a little deeper into some of the concepts offered in this diabolically evil world. All of which are well worth a look!! For our purposes, I’ll focus primarily on the television series. Adapted by Jami O’Brien (Fear the Walking Dead, Hell on Wheels), her vision brings a much appreciated presents (HAHAHA, pun intended!!) to Joe Hill’s creations with beautiful precision while adding a few new delectably sinful elements along the way. HECK YEAH!! So, join me on a little sleigh ride through Strong Creatives, Knives and Inscapes, won’t you?   

Across the festive feast of all three platforms – novel, comics and television – Strong Creatives are the main entrée if you will. For they are the reason it all exists. Each with their exceptional gifts, none like the other, we are immediately drawn to this world and fall deeper with each new entry. Even the term sparks thoughts of inquisitive complexity. For me, it describes something supernatural that I could spend endless hours trying to understand. It’s esoteric and occultish and I LOVE IT!!
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Yet, so far, when discussing Strong Creatives, I’ve spent extensive, and well deserved time, on Charlie Manx (Zachary Quinto). However, the others strung throughout are equally as intoxicating. Including Charlie’s nemesis, Vic McQueen (Ashleigh Cummings). Also known as “Brat”, her tough kid exterior carries over from youth to adulthood and Cummings plays this role perfectly!! We also get to meet a past love turned enemy towards Charlie named Jolene July (Judith Roberts) who uses her gift to fight Manx and actually dies in the process. *SIGH* She’s a lovely character deviation from the novel who offers insight on Charlie that’s key to the series as a whole – how to defeat him!! Oh, and we mustn’t forget Maggie Leigh (Jahkara Smith), the proverbial sidekick and sounding board for Vic. Each damaged by life in their own way, Vic and Maggie are an excellent duo. Especially on screen!! There’s also The Hourglass Man (AKA: Jonathan Beckett) played by Paul Schneider. Who, like Jolene, is also a completely new character to this realm. He’s handsome yet ruthless. Plus, he’s the one who explains to Maggie how to beat the debilitating power of using their gifts. It’s a small scene that carries a lot of weight. For it’s in these words that a Strong Creative must decide who they really are since using your gift comes with a price. Do you hurt others or hurt yourself? For Maggie, unquestionably, the answer is herself. Vic and Jolene too. Look at these bad ass Ladies go… NICE!! Beckett on the other hand seems absolutely content with hurting others. To say nothing of Manx, along with Abe (Reg Rogers) and a whole host of other Strong Creatives at the Parnassus bar. BASTARDS!! There’s even a small mention of someone called The Backwards Man, which, I must admit sounds intriguing AF… LOL!! Ever appealing these Strong Creatives are!! Plus, many on screen are new additions from the novel which is awesome! Thanks Jami and crew!! But none of them would be able to do what they do, good or bad, without their Knives!!

Similar to Charlie, I’ve discussed his Knife – The Wraith – in considerable detail. For it is, after all, the title of the 7 part limited comic series (LOL!!). And its signature license plate is used for the novel and TV series as well. I’ve offered plenty of theories on this car. Including Joe Hill’s possible tribute to his father’s ghostly car Christine (Columbia Pictures; 1983), which as far as I know, is just a fan theory at this point. But looking at it ONLY as a Knife, it’s beautiful. A classic 1938 Rolls Royce Wraith, just like the comics of the same name, was also a limited edition. VERY COOL!! Not to mention the words creepy AND elegant come to mind immediately. Then there’s Vic, who like Manx, uses items in motion as a means for her gift. From her bicycle in the novel to her motorcycles in both the novel and TV series, Vic seems drawn to her Knives by a force unseen. We also see Jolene who uses Roller Skates in her youth (Morgan Lindholm) and a Wheelchair in her elder years as her Knives. So basically, something that moves takes you to your Inscape, right? You’d certainly think that upon first glance, but then we see a trickier side that feels more mysterious. Let’s discuss.
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Knives, seem to take on a form that’s needed for the Strong Creative. What’s particularly neat is the fact they can be just about anything and always compliment their owner and the gift they possess. Exactly how a Strong Creative is matched with a Knife is a bit of a mystery. Though I do postulate that Charlie’s Wraith sought him out, not the other way around. THAT CAR IS PURE EVIL I TELL YA… LOL!! My chills for the Wraith aside (LOL!), whether conjured, summoned, or simply envisioned, Knives are fracking fantastic. Not sure I could think of a better word for something that pierces, slices or cuts through the veil between worlds. It’s on the nose without being ridiculous or comical. And it’s beyond cool that none of them are ACTUALLY Knives… LOL!! Take Maggie Leigh’s Scrabble Bag. HOLY COW, this is one hell of an otherworldly-like feature, am I right?!? The special effects are simple and eerie and the purple velvet matches the highlights in Maggie’s hair making it even more personal. Plus, instead of a commonly used prop in the supernatural realm, like bones or ruins, her bag contains Scrabble Tiles. GOD… I LOVE THIS!! Using them as the opening sequence letters for each episode is a creepy and fascinating touch as well. NEAT!! Then there’s Beckett’s aptly named Hourglass which allows him to manipulate time and control people. YIKES!! However, no matter how unique the Knife, where it takes its user is the most captivating of all!

The wonderful world of Inscapes is quite literally the most confusing part of the greater NOS4A2 creation. Simply because, via the combination of a Strong Creative and their Knife, the veil between actual reality and the imagination are pierced. But if you leave the questions surrounding its existence behind, you’ll fall in love with the tales within. And for horror fans who like mind boggling twists of fright over chopping off limbs, inside lies mouthwatering evil that will make your skin crawl in all the right and horrific ways you’re looking for!! HECK YEAH!! Christmasland, in all its twinkling glory (LOL!), is the prime example here. GEEZ… there’s just something about Christmas malintent that’s crazy good, no? Shudders galore!! And, via Screen Rant, it’s recently been likened to another spine tingling favorite – the Upside Down in The Duffer Brothers monster hit Stranger Things (Netflix; 2016). NICE!! However, just as the same article suggests I agree more with the similarities to the Pennywise Circus from Stephen King’s IT (Viking; 1986). WHOA!! I FRACKING HATE CLOWNS!! With a passion… LOL!! Regardless, Pennywise has been ingrained in horror culture since his debut and rightfully so. Now, with his tie to the world of NOS4A2 which shows his Circus on Charlie’s United Inscapes of America (LOL!!) map (1.01: ‘The Shorter Way’) and the painted demon himself in the bar (1.08: ‘Parnassus’), I am much more intrigued due to this collision of worlds. Including the Lovecraft Keyhole from the comic series Locke & Key (IDW Publishing; 2008), which also appears on the map. Further, unlike my unconfirmed theory on Hill’s Christine homage, this one is concrete AF and it’s glorious!! There’s also The Empty Forest, creepy Abe’s Inscape and The Tree House of the Mind from Hill's novel, Horns (William Morrow; 2010). Both of which we really know nothing about which makes speculation all the more delicious.

On the flip side, similar to Santa’s naughty and nice list (*WINK*), other Inscapes, at the behest of their users, offer information and help. At least as far as we can tell through the television series and source material. Like Maggie’s Scrabble Bag or Vic’s Shorter Way Bridge. But it’s without question that they can also be used to work forces against Manx. Like Jolene’s Dark Tunnels used to astral project to Parnassus.  Beyond that, little detail is known. Good versus evil is really all we got. I have often wondered if the concept of nothing but static for the Top Hat that swallows Agnes Claiborne in the comics would extend inside Maggie’s Scrabble Bag. That is, if one could actually climb through. Just exactly what is her Inscape anyways? Does Maggie’s hand reach into a static filled void? It’s not on Charlie’s map so where is it? It’s certainly interesting to ponder! And what about the tradeoff for using this magic? Vic has migraines and often looks like her eye is about to pop out. Maggie has a stutter and seizures. While Jolene appeared to lose… what? Lifeforce? Years? At this point, only Maggie seems to get a handle on hurting herself and cigarette burns sound absolutely horrible. OUCH!!

Still, as much as I love these ladies, it makes so much sense that other damaged and broken people would turn to the malicious hurting of others over themselves, right? It’s all a twisted form of escape. Even for the good guys!! Hill himself says: “I have this notion that people need to escape their everyday lives almost as badly as they need food and drink. It’s very close to a basic need. And Vic yearns for a way out even more than most of us: she has so much she wants to leave behind.” This insight speaks volumes to Hill’s perception of life and how he uses it in his work. And for that, it makes me love the small few that would fight the temptation to harm others over themselves all the more!! NICE!!   

Well kids, there you have it. A deeper look into the NOS4A2 world. When looking at Strong Creatives, Knives and Inscapes, even without words from the creator himself, it’s easy to see the entire thing revolves around something we all crave – escape! It just so happens this particular escape is laced with monstrously addictive evil… LOL!! But every time I indulge, more questions arise. Like, what makes this entire New England area a haven for all these Inscapes? Are there more stretched across the U.S.? The Globe? I mean… Maggie is all the way in Iowa and Charlie himself, takes his St. Nick’s Parkway to and from Colorado. And Vic seems to be able to go just about anywhere with her Bridge obviously making her a hot commodity to either side of the fight. Overall, I’ve mostly concluded that this is Hill’s way of tying his work to that of his father’s. Of which, there are many links. But, I also like to think that Hill is simply fascinated with stories inside stories. This is evident across all three platforms and I’ve most definitely mentioned it before. He’s wonderful at tying worlds together with even the simplest of Easter Eggs leaving the fans foaming like Cujo (Viking Press; 1981) for more… LOL!! Besides, he’s just like me. He grew up watching his father’s work adapted into movies and TV. Why wouldn’t he want to pay homage while connecting said work to new and excitingly evil tales? Regardless of his reasons, I’m overjoyed to have been introduced to this world, particularly visually via the comics and television series, and I can (AND WILL) speculate on all its origins and avenues for years to come!

See you next week as I unwrap the final gift in my series with some more thoughts on a list of beloved stand outs and why in Part 3: Character Favorites. While you wait, head on over to our Collections page and check out other NOS4A2 themed works. Until next time.

Welcome back my friends to yet another one of my expeditions into the delectably evil world of NOS4A2. This time, we’re going to drift (*WINK*) through a three-part series allowing us to take a closer look at themes and characters across the comics, novel and television series. Of course, I’ll be sprinkling in my own deviant theories along the way because… DUH!! LOL!

If you’re late to this jolly journey (LOL!), feel free to slide down the chimney (WEEE!) into NTG’s very own NOS4A2 Collections page where you can catch up on recaps, reviews and discussions across all three platforms. If you’ve been following along you know that we ended with the final volume in the 7-part limited comic The Wraith: Welcome to Christmasland (Nov 2013; IDW Publishing) designed to be a prequel to the NOS4A2 novel (April 2013; William Morrow and Company). It’s here that I concluded Charlie’s Wraith is a bit more sentient than once imagined. And it’s with this in mind that I’d like to DRIVE into Part 1: Charlie and His Wraith.

If you’re at all a vampire fan like myself, no matter which platform you start with, meeting Charlie Manx is an unforgettable encounter. Mostly since as far as vamps go, Manx offers quite a different take on the genre as a whole. Similar to most vampires, he ages when not fed. He has long fingernails and sharp teeth. He’s over 100 years old and he has a creepy yet seductive presence. Especially in the flesh! Bravo, Zachary Quinto!!! Nevertheless, as you get to know this character, it’s easy to see that he’s NOTHING like the vampires we’re used to. For Charlie – rather than blood – survives on souls. And though this type of vampire can be found in the genre, it’s rather rare when compared to their blood sucking cousins. Still, Manx stands out for other reasons as well. Namely because he’s in no way a self-proclaimed vampire. In fact, Charlie TRULY believes he’s saving the children he kidnaps. That he’s providing eternal happiness to these suffering youngsters while serving up justice to the parents who wronged them. I mean… the whole idea sounds appealing, no? But, once you actually see these dirty, blood stained, spiked teethed creatures, and realize their cold black little eyes are nothing but windows to immortal, soulless killers, it’s obvious that Manx is the REAL monster. However, even above his self-righteous… um… save the children (LOL!!) nature, it’s the Christmas background that REALLY sets Charlie apart.

Similar to soul sucking, Christmas themed tales are not exclusive to NOS4A2. Which, by itself is just hilariously odd… HAHAHA!! Christmasland however? Now that’s definitely new!! And this original concept is brightly decorated (LOL!!) with so much evil, even Krampus would cringe. Not to mention, all of it comes from Charlie’s imagination, which has been building since childhood… YIKES! From his horrible mother to his overbearing wife Cassandra, Charlie ends up hating women and basically grown-ups in general. In his eyes, women are usually dirty whores who make men and children suffer. As little girls, his daughters are perfect! And in his attempt to truly make them happy he’s fooled by the con man Tommy Porter (AKA: Nick LeMarc) into believing in Christmasland. Once the scheme is revealed, Charlie changes forever and the ACTUAL Christmasland is born, albeit housed in fantasy. Honestly, if you think too hard about this, you’ll get lost… LOL!! But don’t worry, we’ll visit this notion in Part 2. For now, it’s important to understand that Charlie could’ve fashioned virtually anything with his imagination, but his go to, was a Christmas themed playland and it’s scary AF… LOL!! And though the origin of it all begins in Charlie’s childhood when he discovers his Christmas sleigh as his first Knife, it’s arguably the Wraith that allows his true villain to emerge. Let’s discuss, shall we?
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As if Charles Talent Manx III isn’t disturbing enough on his own (RIGHT!?!), once paired with the Wraith, he becomes virtually unstoppable. That is, until he tangles with the likes of one Victoria McQueen! God, I love her!! But even above Charlie, the Wraith seems to be quite the anchor in all three mediums. And as the comic hints, it’s also more alive than the novel or television series explores. Because even though we find out the Wraith is obviously tied to Charlie’s life, overall, it’s implied that Charlie is the one in control. As evidenced in Season 1, Episode 5: ‘The Wraith’. As soon as Maggie Leigh (Jahkara Smith) touches the door handle, Manx is alerted to her presence. And from inside the bus station no less. WHOA!! The car then, presumably under Manx’s influence, runs Maggie over. Geez, I remember the first time I watched this. I screamed seeing one of my new favorite characters struck down. You?? At the time, I overlooked the detail that Manx has no idea who Maggie is, let alone her name, until she touches the Wraith. However, after more thought, I believe this could very well imply that anyone who touches the Wraith lends something about themselves to the car’s consciousness. The information is then transferred to Manx and the car then drives at his command. Or so Manx thinks! Interesting, no? And the comics go even further to support my theory. For, Volume 7 seems to be told from the perspective of the Wraith itself. NICE!! A detail that isn’t truly evident until the end. Weaving the threads of Charlie’s backstory to that of the con man Tommy Porter makes for one hell of a diabolical tale!! Yet, this final volume stands alone, not only in its narration, but in its artistic style and speech when compared to the other 6 in the lot. This too supports the idea that the Wraith is a conscious being. If not, at the very least, possessed. And one hell of a storyteller too… LOL!!

Within, we learn that this limited-edition Rolls Royce comes to Manx “for cheap” when a family man uses it to suffocate himself right along with his wife and children (WOW!) after his investments with Tommy bankrupt him. This is where my theories ramp up to full speed… LOL!! Was the car already alive at this point, or did these deaths infuse it with some sort of demonic possession making it hungry for more? Maybe a combination of both? If so, Joe Hill’s creation might very well be the ultimate homage to his father’s haunted car Christine (1983; Viking Press). HECK YEAH!! Plus, both the book and the television series may potentially be toying with ghostly ideas since they appear to Wayne McQueen (Jason David) during his journey to Christmasland. In the book, it’s his grandmother and in the TV series, it’s Craig Harrison (Dalton Harrod). Both of which try to get Wayne to fight being turned by remembering who he is. It’s odd that these ghosts can cross realms solely via the Wraith! Or, at least as far as we know, right!?!

Also in the TV series, Cassandra’s entity(??) remains locked in Christmasland and by extension, a corner of Charlie’s mind. She’s not able to leave because she is in fact, dead. There’s no Christmas ornament holding a little piece of her soul at the Sleigh House. And speaking of the Sleigh House, the ornaments are a fun detail. And if by fun, you agree they're a totally hellish and disturbing detail, then yes… LOL!! Especially since they are the key, in both the book and the series, to FULLY restoring the children and must be crushed to do so. I see this as a subtle statement regarding the fact that one’s soul may not always be tied to their humanity. Because Wayne clearly exists outside Christmasland in both the novel and series but isn’t made whole until his ornament is destroyed. He sits basically half turned and missing something, right!? I conclude that the ornaments hold a human part of a soul which it NEEDS, or evil will take over. YEP, that sounds about right… LOL!!
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Of course, these are just my theories, but they are intriguing, none the less, right?!? I mean… what if the car has always had a thirst for death but realized Charlie’s gifts would EASILY provide it with all it ever wanted… forever!?! What if Charlie was the first one the Wraith turned? And now, it manipulates him into bringing it more souls by playing to his love (and loss) of innocence? WHOA!! I mean, wouldn’t this be a much faster way to get souls than wading through car auctions and owners… LOL!?! Whether any of this is true or not, it’s abundantly clear to me that the Wraith isn’t just an extension of Charlie. Plus, as far as only taking children. This doesn’t fully appear to be true since Charlie, or depending on your point of view, the Wraith, actually turns Tommy’s wife Lew. Charlie assumes it’s because she was a child at heart, but maybe the Wraith WANTED her! It’s a small but odd connection. Yet, considering Charlie’s spiteful wife Cassandra didn’t change on the drive to Christmasland, but rather died at the hands of her turned daughters, it’s a connection worth considering. And just like the rest, bone-chillingly eerie!

Overall, it’s clear that neither Charlie or the Wraith would be who or what they are without the other. Two halves of the same coin!! Each growing hungrier as the years go on. Each disrupted in their depravity by Vic McQueen. Each seeking revenge on her by taking Wayne. But maybe… just maybe… the car WANTED to turn Vic and use her Strong Creative abilities to find lost souls for it to devour. Charlie wanted to pair with Vic. So, why not the Wraith? It’s certainly interesting to think about. In fact, for me, I can unquestionably entertain that this 1938 classic car, having sensed Charlie’s abilities, sought him out. And in doing so, is actually running the show by tying itself to Charlie and using his gifts to feed. This would make the Wraith the REAL soul sucking vampire and Charlie merely its puppet, right?!? Geez… it’s all so candy cane twisted (LOL!!), it’s hard to tell and for that, I love it all the more!! Just like Christmas kiddies, there’s plenty to unwrap!! *WINK*

See you next week for Part 2: Strong Creatives, Knives and Inscapes.

​WandaVision was a groundbreaking Marvel story, for the single solid reason that its sole focus was on trauma. By now, many of us have seen the show and many of us have been discussing this very concept, which how could we all not? The fact that this show actively didn’t have a main villain is something that isn’t often done. Yes, okay, sure, we could say that Hayward was the villain or that Agatha was the big evil baddie, maybe even Wanda herself was up to no good. All of which are valid points, but realistically, no, there isn’t a villain, not a psychical one anyway. Trauma could be given the total of villain, yet that doesn’t quite seem right either. Is it so wrong to have a show with no clear antagonist? Or do we have to have the big baddie at the end to be satisfied with a show’s ending?
 
Genuinely, when I first watched this show, I wasn’t too impressed at first. I know, I know, I really shouldn’t have been so quick to judge. The fact is, it started out so oddly different from everything else, that I didn’t quite connect with it at first. Still, I didn’t quit on the show and I am really glad I didn’t. The show itself delves into some serious explorations on trauma, especially in the last few episodes. And, as some of you may know, I am no stranger to trauma. Having a loved one die is a really horrible experience, but watching them die right in front of you? Well, there still aren’t words that can fully describe that. Unlike Wanda, I didn’t watch the love of my life die multiple times. I did however lose one of the single closest people to me in my life, and I can honestly say there is no getting over it. 
 
To have a show openly address the grief of losing loved ones in such a creative way is a nice change. Yes, Wanda’s journey is sad; she runs and hides from her grief and does everything she can to avoid confronting it. She also experiences PTSD with Vision and Pietro. Yet all of what Wanda does is exactly how a lot of people process loss. Grief isn’t linear. It’s not just going from one stage to the next, often times its multiple to all stages hitting you at once. Wanda even said it herself: “It’s just like this wave washing over me again and again. It knocks me down and when I try to stand up, it just comes for me again.” If that isn’t the perfect definition of grief, I really don’t know what is. There is no magical cure for grief, there’s not an instruction manual on how to handle it, and it’s often overlooked in a lot of media. The ugly truth is that grief is all consuming and suffocating and it’s this torturous cycle. It’s a helpless void that drags you down and swallows you whole. 
 
Wanda didn’t just lose Vision, her life was filled with loss, and then she was alone. Perhaps that is the most overlooked thing about grief, it’s very lonely. Wanda was forced to deal with all of this on her own, and so her coping mechanism was a reflection of her comforts, American Television Sitcoms. It’s easy to cling to what we know and what we can control, and often that looks like rewatching the same shows we’ve seen a billion times over to help with the anxiety of everything else. Wanda created her own world and brought the love of her life back, knowing full well all of it wasn’t real. Did she also accidentally imprison a bunch of innocent people in the process? Yes, but that is also a part of grief. It’s actually common to lose friends because of grief, often you push people away, and others don’t fully understand what you’re going through, so they pull away. Typically, strangers don’t end up being mind controlled into playing along, but you know the symbolism is pretty spot on.

Agatha is often seen as the antagonist to the show, and I actually disagree with this entirely. Agatha’s existence is more than just being a baddie. She forces Wanda to relive her traumas and losses, and to an extent, helps her to realize she’s more than just her grief. Although, killing Sparky was over the line and that will never be forgiven! The loss of Sparky was, however, the first forced confrontation of grief that Wanda had to experience. That act forced her to explain to her kids that you can’t run from grief, just because you don’t like it. Okay, a bit hypocritical, maybe? The thing about trauma is, yes, it’s often hypocritical. Those experiencing it will often give the best advice on how to handle and deal with it to other people, while we ourselves struggle with it. Agatha is a great foil to Wanda in the sense that they’re both incredibly powerful people who’ve handled loss and betrayal very differently. 
 
Also, I do not recommend forced exposure therapy. Just as a bit of a side note here.
 
WandaVision probably had the most real depiction of trauma in the entire MCU. I’m sure that statement alone just had a lot of people yelling about Tony and his trauma being shown throughout the entire MCU as well. But Tony’s trauma is different from Wanda’s. We finally got to see a character deal with death and loss in an open and raw way through misguided coping skills. That is the truth of it. Grief isn’t simple, it’s ugly, and it’s masked, hidden, and ignored until it boils over. 
 
“What is grief, if not love persevering?”
 
Pain.
 
WandaVision brought a great aspect to tragedy and awareness to suffering in a unique and interesting way through avoidance and showed us that coping isn’t so black and white. It’s earned itself a rewatch in my books and hopefully helps others not feel so alone. I know it helped me.

Over the years… particularly the last few… I really haven’t read a ton of novels. Some history, superhero, horror, fantasy and supernatural material here and there, but generally, I veer towards articles, comics and graphic novels. With so much out there, I have endless lists of things I’d like to read, no matter its delivery. Then, of course, there’s television – offering a wide array of fandom for my nerd girl heart to pour over (YES!!). As it happens, it was TV that introduced me to what I now collectively refer to as The Christmasland Chronicles. From the deliciously horrific mind of Joe Hill, what began as a novel chock full of complicated, yet relatable characters, now spans across three mediums of chaos, fear and Strong Creatives (*WINK*) leaving this fan wanting more in every area. Each avenue offers endless possibilities giving one that, “Where do we go from here?”, feeling. To which, I dare any horror fan to take a peek at just one without developing a Manx sized appetite to devour the rest… LOL!! It’s with this in mind that I’d like to take a closer look at each platform. And though I came across these characters completely backwards – TV series, comics then novel – I’ll discuss each medium virtually spoiler-free (YAY!!) in order of their release while jingling all the way… LOL!!  

Following the road (mentally called an Inscape) for two main characters – Victoria “Vic” McQueen and Charles “Charlie” Talent Manx III – this novel does an excellent job of immersing the reader no matter the focus. Clocking in at a whopping 720 pages, I can honestly say the overall structure, makes it seem shorter than it truly is. Slipping back and forth from past to present as well as various character perspectives and locations, gives the pages a case by case feel. Hill is excellent when describing surroundings and is particularly detailed with private thought, allowing the reader to visualize and absorb the disgusts and delights seamlessly. Additionally, its pages are presented in a mostly mini-chapter format allowing one to engage in the intricacies in small, yet deeply disturbing horrific morsels. In general, the story tends to focus more on the protagonist Vic McQueen and spends considerable time fleshing out her psyche, as well as that of her lover Lou Carmody (God, I LOVE Lou!!) and their son Bruce Wayne (yep, that one!) Carmody. Both of which take center stage at some point allowing the reader to see things from their perspective quite often. Hill also does this on a smaller scale with many side characters, giving the overarch a wholistic and comfortable feel. And let’s not forget, as a life-long vampire fan, this is the most interesting take I’ve ever seen. “He believed in his own decency with all his heart. So, it was with every true monster, Vic supposed.” Manx – by far NOT the traditional blood sucker – is just as seductive and insidious. He’s also so self-righteous it’s downright annoying and somehow intoxicating at the same time! All necessary traits of ANY vampire, am I right?
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Finally, the added supernatural elements allowing a Strong Creative, like Vic or Charlie, to wield a tangible object through an imaginary space in the mind, making it as real as the characters themselves, is amazingly diabolical. Yet, as Hill’s words flow off the page, surprising understandable as well. Further, Manx’s twisted version of saving children by way of kidnapping them and taking them to Christmasland is absolutely the delicious evil I didn’t even know I wanted. Ever the subtle background focus, Christmasland and all things Christmas are strung throughout the pages like a pair of dim lights just waiting to be turned up. Candy canes, ornaments, Christmas music and more serve as continuous reminders of evil and I LOVED IT!! It only makes sense that Hill would want to bring these visuals to the page. So… turn it up he did!!

Serving as a prequel to the NOS4A2 novel, this 7-comic series gives the reader considerable insight into the mind and moral make-up of Charles Talent Manx III. Not only do we get to see behind the curtain of this psychopath in his adult life before Christmasland and what led him there, but we also get a look at his upbringing – horrific on its own and chilling to say the least. We learn how Charlie finds his Inscape for the first time and just how warped his thinking became at a very young age. And it’s no surprise his mother, along with mental and physical abuse; play important roles. Beautifully written with layers upon layers of storytelling throughout, each volume tells us just a little bit more! There is no Vic, Bing, Maggie, or any other characters present in the novel. It’s all Charlie and it’s delicious!! The prologue and epilogue, inspiring my format now, round out Manx himself while the middle five comics take us into Christmasland nestled deep in Charlie’s mind in ways the novel cannot not – visually!!
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Illustrated by Charles P. Wilson III, virtually every page (covers included) is full of quirky tidbits and somewhat exaggerated scenes in a kind of Dr. Seuss gone wrong sort of way… LOL! Pops of red appear throughout adding enhancement to a bloody scene, bloodshot eyes, pointy teeth, and of course, Christmasland. But what I truly love is all the detail provided in the background, particularly in Christmasland itself. Innocent enough from a distance, the deeper you get, the weirder… and creepier… it all becomes. From moving snowmen and a true man in the moon to severed heads and blood thirsty children, you read on with intrigue and fear… unable, or rather, unwilling, to look away!! Thankfully, the television series blends both novel and comic in two epic seasons of delectably chilling and visually stunning horror!!

​Across all three platforms, the stories of Charles Manx and Vic McQueen are dirty. Not gritty like a cowboy story. Dirty like real life. Messy and imperfect. And most of all, beyond the thrilling supernatural elements, plausible. It’s absolutely inspiring to know that at various times throughout the mediums, I liked one character portrayal more than another only to come back round again at some point. While the novel created Charlie, the comics made him believable, and the TV series made him real. It’s now virtually impossible for me to see one portrayal without thinking of another. Same goes for Bing (and his creepy rhyming… LOL!!), Vic, Maggie, Lou, Wayne and all the rest. But the sheer force behind all three platforms is Christmasland. Aesthetically pleasing on the surface and morbidly cold in detail, it’s absolutely stunning to witness the perversion of something, for all intents and purposes, so wholesome. For me, it says something deeper about our fascination with Christmas and the general commercial and superficial nature of it all. This feeling is unapologetically carried across all three mediums though each has the power to stand alone and with absolute force, I might add. But when blended together, one could spend hours comparing and contrasting which is exactly what I challenge you to do!! Don’t forget the hot cocoa and candy canes… LOL!! *WINK* And finally, if you truly just can’t get enough… looking ahead, or looking back depending on your perspective (LOL!), I’ll be giving a breakdown of each of the 7 comics in the coming weeks so stay tuned!! In the meantime, follow this link for a collection of the NOS4A2 television series episode reviews from our Editor-in-Chief and horror extraordinaire here at Nerds That Geek, John E. Betancourt or reach out to me on Twitter @obi_juanita with your questions or comments. Until next time… remember; ”Fantasy was always only a reality waiting to be switched on.”  

With Black History Month underway, I would like to take a moment to honor some amazing African American women who paved the way for today’s actors. It is important to take a look back so that we can continue to strive for better, and to not let the voices of those who have passed, ever be forgotten. It’s very easy to look at the past and brush it off as something that happened “forever” ago. When in reality, many of these issues are still being fought over today. That is why this, and every, Black History Month is so important. We cannot forget that these issues are still relevant today and we must not allow history to be rewritten for the comfort of those who reject this history.

Without further ado I would like to discuss a woman who not only broke barriers but is a native to this beautiful state of ours, Hattie McDaniel. Hattie was born in Denver, Colorado in 1893, and she’s most known for her role in Gone with the Wind. McDaniel did actually win an Oscar for this role, becoming the first African American to ever win one, and the first African American Woman to win Best Supporting Actress. What many may not know, is McDaniel wasn’t even allowed at the film’s premiere, due to it being at a “Whites Only” theater. A concept that not only boils my blood to this very day but sickens me on a level I cannot fully describe in words. During her win and speech, McDaniel was separated, and held in a private room of the hotel. As it was, she almost wasn’t allowed to attend, but an exception was made as a favor for the director of the film. While her win was groundbreaking, her role in the film itself was the topic of controversy among African Americans at the time. Her win was met with plenty of backlash from both African American and White viewers. McDaniel would go on to appear in over 300 films but would only get credit for 83 of them. While her accomplishments in film are great, and shorted, she should also be remembered as a singer/songwriter. Hattie broke many barriers, but unfortunately, she never got to see the end of segregation. Her accomplishments should never be forgotten.

An actress, singer, and Jazz performer, Ethel Waters had many firsts’ in her life. She was also the highest paid African American recording artist from 1921-1923, the first African American woman to integrate into Broadway, and in 1939 she broke history by being the first African American Woman to host her own television show, and the first African American to be nominated for an Emmy. She also became the second African American to be nominated for an Academy Award. Later in her career, she became the first African American woman to lead in a television series. Sadly, Waters would not win any awards for her hard work, but many of her songs would make it into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Much like McDaniel, Waters would get a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the early 2000’s, long after she had passed. Waters, like many African American’s that made performing arts a career, faced many challenges, but she would live to see a lot of change in her lifetime, including the end of segregation.

Breaking further boundaries would continue for African American singers, songwriters, and actors/actresses, but none would quite break barriers like Nichelle Nichols, who in 1966 became a sci-fi legend when she took the role of Lieutenant Nyota Uhura on Star Trek. Despite wanting to quit after the first year, Nichols stayed and became a household name to all those who fell for the show. Nichols paved the way for African American women in a whole new genre. But that was not the first groundbreaking moment for Nichelle. Later in 1968 she would share the first interracial kiss to be broadcast on American primetime television. While Star Trek would eventually transition from the little screen to the big screen and then eventually give way to The Next Generation, Nichols would go on to have a singing career and star in many other programs. However, it is my opinion that her greatest contribution; was the program she ran with NASA. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration does not have the best reputation when it comes to representation, however with the help of Nichelle, NASA started a program to help encourage African American woman to join the agency.

Speaking of NASA and their past, let’s talk about the true story behind the film Hidden Figures. The film is loosely based off the novel, Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Who Helped Win the Space Race. This is the real story of how three African American women helped send a man into space. Talk about breaking down walls and barriers, these women did that. In 1958 Mary Jackson became the first African American Engineer to work for NASA. Dorothy Vaughan was the first African American woman to become a supervisor, overseeing a staff of in 1949. Kathrine Johnson is noted as being the first African American scientist at NASA, but it was her work as a mathematician that made space flight possible. These women paved the way for Mae Jemison, who in 1992 became the first African American woman to go into space.

These women did more than just look pretty and smile, they broke barriers, tore down boundaries, and fought for their place in history. Black History is all of our history, and we must strive to do better and continue fighting until we are all free. We must not allow the continuation of systemic racism and blatant oppression to continue. And we can no longer accept the omission of African Americans from American History.

If there is one thing that horror fans and cinephiles everywhere can agree upon, it would have to be that Night of the Living Dead is a cinematic masterpiece. Simply because it really does feature a perfect story, in every sense of the phrase. For it features a compelling plot, one that offers up a flawless three act structure and is complete with compelling dialogue and dynamic characters and of course, it is one of the finest horror films ever made. Because the whole notion of the dead returning to life to feast upon the living was revolutionary at the time and their unwholesome actions in this tale, are one of the many reasons that this movie remains relevant today, despite being released in 1968.
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But while it is good to know that this film’s solid foundation has allowed for it to endure the test of time and even be inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry program, there are some other key elements that make this movie worth revisiting time and time again. Such as the fact that it has a lot to say about our modern world. Specifically, how our inability to put our egos aside and work as one in the middle of the crisis causes more harm than good and how we have yet to conquer racial inequality since some of the images present in this film, could be ripped from a daily headline. But while those are all important points to discuss in regard to this motion picture, there is one in particular that doesn’t get discussed enough and that’s what we are going to focus upon today… the fact that an African American actor was able to play the lead in a 1960s horror film. 

Which is no small feat, one that truly deserves more recognition and praise, especially when one considers that initially… the character of Ben was meant to be something quite different. For early drafts of NOTLD featured a man that was the polar opposite of the final product. One that was not well-spoken in the slightest and likely would have been forgettable. But when actor Duane Jones was cast, not only did he help to influence the formation of this character into the bold and dynamic man we see in the finished product, but he outright made history. After all, an African American man playing the lead in a horror film, or a film in general really, was a rarity in 1968 and while that alone is worth pouring over on a consistent basis, it’s what Duane and his character accomplish on screen that provide this historic moment with an enduring legacy.

Because in essence, Duane’s portrayal of Ben and the changes made to the character, allow for Ben to serve as the anthesis to the often negative portrayal of African Americans on the silver screen. Which means that so many of the awful stereotypes that we tend to see in relation to African Americans in film, simply aren’t present here. For Ben isn’t a sidekick or full of awful one liners and comedic relief. He’s an outright hero in this story and he’s well-spoken and educated and he takes charge in this story and leads a group of innocent people on a quest for survival and whether he succeeds at that or not is irrelevant. Because this is the stuff we simply weren’t seeing back then and sometimes don’t see now, in regard to Hollywood and the small screen, and the significance of this, doesn’t end with this positive portrayal. 
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For despite the film’s racial overtones and commentary on the civil rights movement that was raging during its release, Ben is actually viewed as an equal by the folks he’s trapped with. Granted, there is a power struggle between he and Harry Cooper as the film progresses, but that’s for different reasons not related to race. No instead, the conflict exists simply because Cooper is an egotistical know-it-all who thinks he is somehow qualified to lead in a crisis. But outside of his ego trip, Tom and everyone else take Ben’s lead on a great many issues and trust him and work alongside him and that too, is a big deal. Because that’s what representation in film and television should look like, where the disagreements are fundamental instead of being racially motivated and few movies have ever rivaled or matched what this film accomplishes in regard to that and believe it or not, there are still more significant moments to be found in this movie, revolving around Ben.

Because he is also an outright action hero in the movie as well, since he’s the one with the gun and the fortitude to fight the dead and he’s also the man that brings forth the solution for defeating these ghouls. Since he’s the first one in canon to damage the brain and really in the end, all of these elements add to the enduring legacy of Night of the Living Dead and make it one of the most influential motion pictures to ever grace the silver screen. Because this one really was ahead of its time and it opened doors in ways, we never thought possible and that’s a wonderful thing for certain and it needs to be celebrated and discussed more often. Simply because… we still have a long way to go. For representation in film and television still needs a lot of work and it would behoove a great many to look to this film and its revolutionary decisions as a blueprint for the future.  

It is definitely safe to say at this point that 2020 has been an outright rough year. Because few things went right this year and a great deal of us had to deal with all kinds of incredible stress thanks to the pandemic and all the chaos that accompanied it. But while 2020 left us in quite the sour place mentally, it is important to remember the fact, that not everything that happened this year was outright negative. Because this is a year that saw people rise up in the name of social justice and there were other beautiful moments to be found along the way.

For we also spoke at the polls and made it clear that we wanted our nation to move in a different direction and on a consistent basis, people took the time to try and help out those in need in any way they possibly could and for proof… then look no further than what horror legend Joe Bob Briggs recently accomplished. For his Joe Bob Saves Christmas special on Shudder was designed to raise money for charity and well… he outright accomplished wonders by raising $44,327 in winning bids across twenty eBay charity auctions that were announced during said special, and here is what Joe Bob Briggs had to say about this wondrous news, along with some deeper details on the auction and where the money is going, courtesy of Shudder.

"I was amazed by the generosity of our Last Drive-In family, especially since many of the auction items had minimal to zero actual value and had meaning only to fans of the show. The opening bids were so high that many of our viewers were not rich enough to participate but went ahead and made separate individual donations to the four charities, so our final impact is far greater than we could ever have hoped for, especially in this tough year of 2020. It was truly a Christmas miracle,” said The Last Drive-In host, Joe Bob Briggs.

Twenty items in all were put up for auction during the five-hour special, which introduced new lots between segments of two holiday horror films, the 1989 French film Deadly Games (also known as Dial Code Santa Claus) and the 1980 slasher, Christmas Evil. The items ranged from one-of-a-kind signed props, like a replica Demons mask which went for $7,900, to more esoteric memorabilia, like Shadows, the 1986 vinyl LP recorded by Atanas Ilitch, the actor who played the driller killer in cult classic Slumber Party Massacre II, which sold for $1,025. 

The final tally will also include a personal donation of $1,000 from Briggs, an additional $2,000 raised from photos sold by The Last Drive-In’s “Darcy the Mail Girl,” and an uncounted number of direct contributions made by viewers.

All proceeds after eBay fees and shipping costs will be donated to the following charities: 
The Trevor Project, the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.

The National Women's Law Center, fighting for gender justice — in the courts, in public policy, and in society — working across the issues central to the lives of women and girls to change culture and drive solutions to gender inequity.

The Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, whose mission is to provide a safe and loving environment to all donkeys that have been abused, neglected or abandoned, as well as protecting wild burros under threat of destruction.

Organization For Autism Research, dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by autism by supporting research that produces meaningful and practical results.

More information on all items and auctions can be found at https://joebobsaveschristmas.com/.

So, as you can see, fans of The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs embodied the spirit of the season, and their donations will definitely help to do some good in the world and that really is some wonderful news. The kind that we felt it was necessary to share with all of you as we prepare to head into the new year. Simply because it helps to remind us that no matter how bad things can get or how overwhelming they can seem, beautiful things are happening in the world and people are trying to make it a better place and 2021 is going to start off in a wonderful manner, thanks to the efforts of Joe Bob Briggs and Darcy the Mail Girl and the kind viewers that contributed to incredible causes.
 
'The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs' is streaming exclusively now on Shudder and will return for a third season in 2021.

Well my fellow zombie fans, if you’re reading this article, then you’ve heard the stunning news that AMC announced this morning. In that, after a long and incredible run as one of television’s biggest shows; The Walking Dead will be coming to an end in 2022. Which is a stunning announcement to say the least. Because not that long ago, it seemed as though this series was going to last forever. For the cast was intact, there were endless villains and walkers for Rick Grimes and his family to fight, which allowed for horror fans old and new to take comfort in the fact that Sunday nights were dedicated to the dead.
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But alas, nothing lasts forever, and with some cast members making their exit and after a decade of storytelling, clearly everyone behind the scenes has come to realize that the time has come to bid farewell to this particular iteration of the TWD Universe. But while today’s announcement should bring forth sorrow and pain, it’s honestly best we take a moment and celebrate the fact that a series about walking corpses, managed to take the world by storm and entertain so many and that is no small feat. Because before this series, the living dead were in no way as wildly popular as they are now. In fact, they were more or less a niche horror market, one dedicated to VHS home video and a small network of hardcore fans that stood by George Romero’s modern re-envisioning of the zombie. 

But this series, it put the living dead on the map. Because shortly after the premiere of ‘Days Gone Bye’ everyone was talking about this series and how good and how creepy it was, and just like that… everyone was suddenly a zombie fan, and we had an overnight sensation on our hands. But more importantly zombies were suddenly everywhere in pop culture for the first time ever, and horror was suddenly considered to be a top-tier genre, one that was quickly in demand from the networks. But how this series accomplished this feat is what makes this accolade so special. Because TWD​ held nothing back from a gore standpoint and was (and remains) bold in its storytelling, and while those elements helped to give the show its lasting power, the wonder of this series didn’t end with the scares and the splatter. 

Because this series has also done a phenomenal job of telling a human story. One that features characters that are painfully relatable and realistic, and that allowed for everyone to become invested in this story in every way imaginable and that investment, is honestly what makes this show such an incredible ride. Because rule number one of entertainment, is to move the audience in some form or fashion and this is a story that can and will break your heart or send your spirits soaring, and that’s tough to accomplish in a horror series about walking corpses that eat human flesh and well, our emotional experiences with this series are why fans are still so dedicated to this series. Because week in and week out, we are able to  experience a gauntlet of emotions over the course of a single hour, and that makes this saga a special one indeed.
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However, while it seems as though we are getting off-topic and eulogizing a series before its end has come, it is quite important to revisit where we have been in regard to today’s announcement. Because showrunner Angela Kang knows what this series stands for and what makes it so incredibly magnificent, something her writing staff has proven time and time again since she assumed command of the series. Which means that the eleventh and final season will likely be filled with the incredible elements we’ve just discussed, alongside more bold and powerful decisions that will keep everyone talking. And there is a fair chance that we might be looking at the finest season this series has ever known, one that will end in epic fashion and one that will be talked about for years on end.

Which means that today is a cause for celebration and jubilation. Not because the series is ending, but because The Walking Dead is going out on its own terms, and it will be able to close out its grand and sweeping story in a satisfying and complete manner. Something that few television shows ever get to accomplish. Plus, it isn’t a true ending in the traditional sense, since there will be more TWD Universe related shows coming our way. For Carol and Daryl are getting a spin-off and the anthology series Tales of the Walking Dead is in development now. But before we get to those shows, we can properly bid farewell to a series that moved and touched us all in some form or fashion and it is going to be quite the incredible and emotional experience, to watch this grand finale unfold.

​The summer of 1990 is one that is forever engrained in my memory. Because this teenage kid planned to kick back on a Friday night and enjoy what looked to be a cheesy and fun horror film. It was entitled Dawn of the Dead and my interest in it came from its unique cover and a mention from my mother that she saw it the year that it came out and remembered it to be a wild motion picture. But it didn’t take long for me to realize that this was a motion picture unlike any other that I’d seen at that point in my youth. Because this horror film, held nothing back and the horrific images of blue skinned dead people ripping flesh from bone was genuinely unsettling and uncomfortable to watch.
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But for some reason I stuck with it. Likely because it was so unique and so foreign to me and well, needless to say that when that film ended, I was unsure of what to think about it. All I knew in that moment was that I had experienced something that would stay with me for a long time, a notion that became a harsh reality, when day turned to night. Because I was outright unable to sleep that evening. For every time I closed my eyes all I could see were elevator doors opening and cold blue flesh rushing at me. But once the fear settled a few days later, and time marched on, I was able to revisit that movie with a clearer head and it helped to begin my love affair with horror and with creative writing quite frankly.

Because what George Romero did with that script flipped a switch on in my mind, and I wanted nothing more than to follow in his footsteps and write the next great American horror film. A goal that has yet to come to fruition, but I can take pride in the fact that a zombie screenplay I wrote has been optioned by producers and my first published short story featured the living dead. All because Romero’s magnum opus, inspired me, and so many others to explore the wonder of the craft and well, it is safe to say that everyone that George touched through his work is in a bit of a strange place today, mentally. For The Living Dead, the final chapter in the ‘Dead’ saga, just arrived in bookstores, and knowing that we’ve come to the end of a fifty-two-year journey is a weird feeling indeed.

Partly because, it seemed as though we’d never get to this point. Because George passed away back in 2017, seemingly ending any possibility that we’d ever see the saga come to a close. But by the grace of Suzanne Romero and Mister Daniel Kraus, here we are. The finale is right at our fingertips and that is outright shocking to realize. Because finally, after wondering for years on end how the story might come to a close, we finally get to know. We finally get to experience it and all the emotions that come with it, and that is in fact, a lot to process. Because not only does the reader have to absorb all the social commentary that Romero and Kraus have injected into this book, they have to grapple with the fact that we've reached the end of our journey. ​Which is something that will definitely engender a little bit of sadness in our hearts.

Because saying goodbye in any capacity is tough, and when it involves a franchise that has been a part of someone's life for decades on end, well, there's an extra layer of difficultly in making peace with it, since it means so much to that particular person. But while some will most certainly feel down about this, or frustrated that George was only able to tell one more tale in the universe he created, personally all I can feel is joy. Because finally we can pour over something new and exciting and horrifying and this novel is simply glorious and powerful and everything we could have asked for and more. And most important of all, by seeing this story finally come to a close in proper and logical fashion, we can do something we’ve always wanted to do, and properly celebrate Romero’s body of work. 
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Because now his vision (with Daniel’s help) is properly realized and what he wanted to say about the world and humanity, and everything in between is on display for all of us to enjoy. And thanks to an assist from the author’s note and the timeline established in the book, we can now watch these movies in a proper chronological order. Something that outright changes how you look at this entire series of films. Because watching all of them in a new and specific order, allow for this franchise to come together in a seamless and dynamic manner and that is going to open up a whole new world for fans of this saga. Because this gives them something new to pour over and discuss and straight up celebrate since everything feels complete and outright organic now.

But my joy doesn’t end with knowing that the story is finally complete. It is also present simply because, this new story and all the hype that it is receiving today, is going to pique curiosities and entice new fans to explore this terrifying yet fulfilling franchise. And truly, I envy those who are about to take this journey for the first time and experience the bevy of emotions that accompany that first viewing of Night of the Living Dead. Plus, they also get the honor of uncovering the deeper meaning that all of these stories feature and that too is an incredible experience. But above all else, what makes me happy about today is that the world is once again buzzing about a brilliant man, and his unique and powerful creation, and you can never go wrong with celebrating the work of a genius, especially one who always managed to capture the zeitgeist of the era.

However, I am also feeling a sense of gratitude today. Because I’ve been fortunate enough as a fan, to be able to see this franchise grow and evolve throughout the years and meet some of the folks that helped to assemble these incredible stories. And that’s just inspiring and exciting and none of that would be possible, without George’s dedication and passion to bring these films to life. So really, all I can do today is offer the late George Romero my thanks, for dreaming of a twisted universe that changed the landscape of cinema forever and inspired so many of us along the way. And I also need to offer Daniel Kraus thanks as well, for taking on the incredibly difficult task of wrapping this story up in a flawless manner. For at long last, this saga has come to a proper conclusion and while the dead may no longer walk after today, at least we have the satisfaction of knowing that we can revisit their horrifying world on a moment’s notice and bask in intelligent stories that still resonate after all these years.