Voting has ended, and the winners are here!
We are proud to say that almost 4,500 horror fans voted in the (Gasp!) 23rd Annual Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards.Many thanks to the tousands who voted. And a reminder that a Rondo Awards Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 31, at the WonderFest Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. Hopefully some winners may attend, or provide a video acceptance speech we can play at the event.
Also, a document this crazy-detailed is sure to have some typos, mistakes, eye-rolling blunders. Please email me at taraco@aol.com with any questions or corrections.
Sorry for the delays this year. Thanks again so much to those who voted.
david colton
administrator, Rondo Awards
The new ‘Nosferatu’ takes Best Film
in 23rd Annual Rondo Awards
‘I Vampiri’ is Book of the Year; ‘Late Night with the Devil’ is top Independent
By David Colton
CHFB News
WEST ORANGE, NJ – The influence of classic horror dominated the (Gasp!) 23rd Annual Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards as Robert Eggers‘ NOSFERATU took Best Movie of 2024 in results announced Monday.
More than 4,500 voters honored films as old as INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1956), and the Universal Mummy films from the 1930s and 40s, as well as newer chills such as David Dastmalchian‘s star turn in LATE NIGHT WITH DEVIL, about a talk show haunted by Satan.
In an impressive field of non-fiction books, including memoirs and biographies ranging from Lon Chaney Jr. to Boris Karloff and Ted Cassidy (who answered the Addams Family gong as Lurch), along with explorations of classics such as Bride and Ghost of Frankenstein, King Kong, and lost silent vampire films, a critical study by Robert Curti of the trailblazing Italian gothic, I, VAMPIRI, was voted Book of the Year.
In individual categories, Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, whose books and commentaries reveal the feminist underpinnings of the horror genre, was picked as Writer of the Year while Mark Maddox was once again voted Best Artist. Dan Gallagher was voted Best Fan Artist and shared honors with writer Sam Irvin on their CAPTAIN SAMOUFLAGE graphic novel.
Three Special Recognition Rondos were awarded:
To the staff of the British magazine WE BELONG DEAD, for an exhaustive two-issue examination of all aspects of Japanese horror films; to Scotsman Lawrie Brewster for efforts to restore the Amicus film studio; and to JR Spooky Shack, owner of an extensive horror collectible shop in Massachusetts.
The second winner of the David J. Skal Research Award, named after the late horror scholar, was Greg Kulon for his work on a definitive new biography of Willis O’Brien, the man who animated the original King Kong in 1933.
The Rondo Monster Kid of the Year award went to Eric Grayson, for his successful six-year effort to restore the almost lost silent/sound serial, KING OF THE KONGO, which featured Boris Karloff in 1929.
Newest inductees to Rondo’s Monster Kid Hall of Fame were Dark Shadows actress Kathryn Leigh Scott; director and film entrepreneur Fred Olen Ray; Nashville horror host Dr. Gangrene for his work honoring past horror personalities; Bob Michelucci, creator of an influential guidebook to monster magazines in 1977; and Victoria Price, who has kept her father Vincent Price’s legacy alive.
The Rondos also inducted two men who passed away in 2024, Australian film scholar Lee Gambin, and John Brunas, who with his brother Michael Brunas (also inducted), helped shape horror scholarship by dissecting with Tom Weaver every Universal horror film from the mid-century.
The Rondo Awards, named after Rondo Hatton, an obscure B-movie villain of the 1940s, honor the best in classic horror research, creativity and film preservation. This year’s e-mail vote was conducted by the Classic Horror Film Board, a 30-year old online community. A full list of winners, runners-up, and honorable mentions can be found below. A Rondo Awards Ceremony will be held May 31, 2025, at the WonderFest Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.
HERE ARE ALL THE WINNERS IN THE
(GASP!) 23rd ANNUAL
RONDO HATTON CLASSIC HORROR AWARDS
1) BEST FILM OF 2024
NOSFERATU, directed by
Robert Eggers
Runners-up: THE SUBSTANCE; DEADPOOL
AND WOLVERINE
Honorable mentions: DUNE Part 2;
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE; ALIEN: ROMULUS
—————————————————-
2) BEST TV PRESENTATION
WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS
Runners-up: AGATHA ALL ALONG; CHUCKY
———————————————————-
3) BEST BLU-RAY
INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS
(1956; 4K; Kino)
Runners-up: Stephen King’s THE SHINING (1997 TV; Shout!);
CEMETERY MAN DELLAMORTE DELLAMORE (1994; Severin)
Honorable mention: THE KEEP (1983; Vinegar Syndrome)
———————————————————————-
4) BEST BLU-RAY COLLECTION
THE MUMMY COLLECTION (1932-1944)
(Via Vision)
Runners-up: HELLRAISER: Quartet of Torment (Arrow);
ALL THE HAUNTS BE OURS (Severin)
———————————————————————
5) BEST RESTORATION OR UPGRADE
INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1956; Kino)
Runner-up: THE PRIMEVALS (Full Moon)
Honorable mentions: THE BAT 1926; Undercrank, UCLA);
REPTILICUS (Vinegar Syndrome); MASK OF FU MANCHU (Warner Archives)
———————————————————————
6) BEST BLU-RAY EXTRAS
TRICK OR TREAT (1986; Synapse)
‘Rock and Shock’ documentary by Red Shirt
Runners-up: DARIO ARGENTO’S DEEP CUTS (Italian TV extras, Severin);
HELLRAISER (1987; Arrow; gay subtext discussion)
Honorable mentions: SUSPIRIA (2018; Imprint; Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
video essay); REPTILICUS (1963; Vinegar Syndrome; Danish version)
————————————————————————–
7) FAVORITE COMMENTATOR OF 2024
TOM WEAVER and contributors GREG MANK, LARRY BLAMIRE,
and RON ADAMS (various projects)
Mank, Weaver, Blamire, Adams
Runners-up: Kim Newman/Stephen Jones (Cat & Canary);
Tim Lucas (I, Vampiri); Lee Gambin, John Harrison (Squirm)
Honorable mentions: Amanda Reyes (Martian Chronicles);
Steve Mitchell, Nathaniel Thompson, Jason A. Ney (Invasion
of the Body Snatchers)
————————————————————————
8 BEST INDEPENDENT FILM
LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL,
directed by Cameron and Colin Cairnes
Above: David Dalmatchian
Honorable mentions: THE GREAT NICK D; CUCKOO;
THE VOURDULAK
———————————————————————-
9) BEST SHORT FILM
GRAVES FROM THE BLACK LAGOON, directed by Arthur Dark
Runners-up: THE CURSE OF DRACULAR; MALEDICTION
Honorable mentions: TYRANNOCIRCUS REX; THE CATERPILLAR
——————————————————–
10) BEST DOCUMENTARY
ALIENS EXPANDED, directed by Ian Nathan
Runners-up: IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS: 1990-1994;
LIFE AND DEATHS OF CHRISTOPHER LEE
Honorable mentions: DINNER WITH LEATHERFACE;
DRESSING UP HALLOWEEN
—————————————————
11) BOOK OF THE YEAR
I, VAMPIRI, by Roberto Curti
Runners-up: HELL-BENT IN HOLLYWOOD, by Fred Olen Ray;
LURCHING FORWARD, Ted Cassidy’s Early Life, by Christofer Cook; IN SEARCH OF TOMORROW
Honorable mentions: I SPIT ON YOUR CELLULOID; THE KARLOFF COMPENDIUM;
CHANEY’S AUDITION; BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN; WILLIS O’BRIEN
——————————————————————————
12) BEST CLASSIC MONSTER FICTION
ED WOOD’S WARM ANGORA WISHES AND RUBBER OCTOPUS DREAMS,
edited by Kurt McCoy
Runners-up: KING KONG: The Annotated Novelization, edited by Micah
Swanson Harris; HORROR MOVIE by Paul Tremblay
Honorable mentions: FROM THE INNER MIND (Outer Limits scripts), Vol. 2, edited by
Dave Rash; SILENT DARK AND DEEP, by Rod Labbe; Dracula Beyond Stoker magazine.
——————————————————————
13) BEST MAGAZINE (modern)
FANGORIA
Runner-up: RUE MORGUE
Honorable mentions: HORRORHOUND;
DELIRIUM; SCREAM
———————————————————-
14) BEST MAGAZINE (classic)
CLASSIC MONSTERS OF THE MOVIES
Runners-up: SCARY MONSTERS; LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS;
Honorable mentions: THE DARK SIDE; CASTLE OF FRANKENSTEIN;
WE BELONG DEAD; VIDEOSCOPE; CRYPTOLOGY
————————————————————————
15) Best Article
‘Army of Darkness: A HorrorHound Retrospective,’ by Ernie Rockelman,
HORRORHOUND #102.
Runners-up: ‘Young Frankenstein at 50,’ by Kelly Robinson, SCARY MONSTERS #136; ‘Dracula (1957) Revisited,’
by Jonathan Rigby, CLASSIC MONSTERS OF THE MOVIES #31;
‘It Came from Pittsburgh: Chiller Theater,’ by Michael Varrati, FANGORIA #22;
‘Berni Wrightson,’ by Peter Normanton, CRYPTOLOGY #1; ‘Opera Ghosts,’ by Nige Burton, CLASSIC MONSTERS ANNUAL 2024.
Honorable mentions: ‘Making the Devil Rides Out’ package by Bruce Hellenbeck and Constantine Nasr, LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS #50;
‘Dawn of the Women,’ by Dejan Ognjanovic, RUE MORGUE #219; ‘Creature Features,’
by Stephen R. Bissette, SCREEM #43; ‘Burgomasters of the Universal Frankensteins,’ by George Humenik,
CASTLE OF FRANKENSTEIN #39; ‘Hammer’s First Horror: Mystery of Mary Celeste,” by Frank Dello Stritto,
LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS #51.
—————————————————————————
16) BEST INTERVIEW
Bruce Campbell interviewed by Antony Earnshaw,
THE DARK SIDE #261
Runners-up: Longlegs director Osgood Perkins by Nic Cage, FANGORIA #24;
Exorcist actress Eileen Dietz by Dennis Daniel, DELIRIUM #38
Honorable mentions: Nosferatu director Robert Eggers by Andrea Subissati,
RUE MORGUE #220; horror host Penny Dreadful by Diana Robertson,
GHASTLY PHANTASMS #19. Fright Night director Tom Holland
by Terry and Tiffany DuFoe, VIDEOSCOPE #128;
————————————————————
17) BEST COLUMN
HEARD BUT NOT SEEN: Adventures in Voice-Acting,
by Bill Timoney (Videoscope)
Runners-up: Kim Newman’s Dungeon, THE DARK SIDE;
Scene Queen by Barbara Crampton, FANGORIA;
Rondo Remembers by Ron Adams, MONSTER BASH
Honorable mentions: Kaiju Korner, by Mike Bogue, SCARY MONSTERS.
Overlooked in Hollywood, by Laura Wagner, FILMS OF THE GOLDEN AGE;
Rochon Report, by Debbie Rochon, VIDEOSCOPE
—————————————————————————
18 ) BEST COVER
CASTLE OF FRANKENSTEIN #40, by Scott Jackson
Runner-up: CLASSIC MONSTERS OF THE MOVIES #32
by Daniel Horne; SCREEM #43 by Mark Maddox
Honorable mentions: CRYPTOLOGY #1 by Bernie Wrightson;
FANGORIA #26 by Jason Kauzlarich; HORRORHOUND #103
by Rodrigo Tannus.
——————————————————————-
19) BEST WEBSITE
BLOODY DISGUSTING
Runner-up: Trailers From Hell
Honorable mentions: Bill Fleck’s Classic Horror Behind the Scenes;
Dread Central
————————————————
20) BEST PODCAST
Penny Dreadful’s
TERROR AT COLLINWOOD
Runners-up: Colors of the Dark; Monster Party;
Movie Dumpster; Borgo Pass
Honorable mentions: Harryhausen Podcast;
Frankenstein Minute; Midnight Mass; Steve & Crypto
——————————————————–
21) FAVORITE HORROR HOST OF 2024
SVENGOOLIE
Runners-up: Elvira; Joe Bob Briggs
Honorable mentions: Penny Dreadful; Dr. Gangrene;
Mummy & the Monkey; Mr. Lobo;
Vincent Van Dahl, Tangella & Mr. Livingston; Son of Ghoul
———————————————————-
22) BEST EVENT
TWILIGHT ZONE STATUE OF ROD SERLING
DEDICATED IN BINGHAMTON, NY
Runners-up: Daughters of Horror (Sara Karloff
and Victoria Price appear in NJ); Elvira at Hollywood
Academy
Honorable mentions: Vanessa Harryhausen
at WonderFest; Greg Mank, Frank Dello Stritto
at Monster Bash
——————————————————
23) BEST GRAPHIC NOVEL OR COLLECTION
CAPTAIN SAMOUFLAGE AND THE FRANKENSAM SCAM! The Queerdo Superhero Parody for Grownup Monster Kids!, by Sam Irvin and Dan Gallagher
Runner-up: MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN;
VIDEOTAPES FROM HELL
Honorable mentions: UNIVERSAL MONSTERS COMICS;
AMAZING MOVIE POSTERS OF THAILAND;
CARD KING CHRONICLES; MARK SPEARS’ MONSTERS
INDIVIDUAL RONDO AWARDS
WRITER OF THE YEAR
ALEXANDRA HELLER-NICHOLAS
Runners-up included Gary Don Rhodes, Tim Lucas, Rod Labbe, Gregory Mank, Frank Dello-Stritto, Kat Ellinger, and Kelly Robinson.
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
MARK MADDOX
In what has become a new Golden Age of fantasy illustration, Mark Maddox’ work continues to stand out among fans. His use of color brings vibrancy to familiar horror icons and his feathery penwork gives even black-and-white casuals a singular energy and life. His multiple wins are a testament to his unique approaches year after year.
FAN ARTIST OF THE YEAR
DAN GALLAGHER
Artist Dan Gallagher is more than whimsical. His work wields the sharp edges of cartooning, delivered with the wry Tex Avery wink of a sneaky Saturday afternoon cartoon. When paired with the wild creativity of writer/director Sam Irvin, the result has been a series of books that stretch the boundaries of parody. His artwork graces works such as Irvin’s pandemic spawned ‘Sam’s Toilet Paper Caper,’ the autobiographical ‘I Was a Teenage Monster Hunter,’ and most recently, ‘Captain Samouflage and the Frankensam Scam.’
In each case, Gallagher’s cartoons are awash with Easter eggs, Mad-magazine like detail, and distractions. Effortless and wise, no worries here, Gallagher embraces the world of classic horror and humor, and his fans grow as they are exposed to his artwork.
Runners-up in the always fluid “fan” category included Josh Ryals, Frederick Cooper, Lee Hartnup, John Murray, Adele Noufaux, John Febonio, and Eric Puckett.
MONSTER KID OF THE YEAR
ERIC GRAYSON
Photo by Rob Goebel/Indianapolis Star
Movie scholar and uber blogger Eric Grayson enjoys calling himself a jaunty “Dr. Film,” but his career has taken a more serious turn of late. Like a celluloid obsessed Indiana Jones, Grayson has spent six years tracking down the elusive bits and pieces and reels of the “lost” Boris Karloff serial, KING OF THE KONGO from 1929.
The result is the first watchable version of the part-sound, part-silent serial in decades, painstakingly restored by Grayson and a Kickstarter-funded brain trust. The Library of Congress was involved, Karloff’s daughter Sara visited, and showings have received great receptions. Serial expert Martin Grams says viewers will “enjoy 221 minutes of Karloff, dinosaurs, gorillas, cougars, lions, alligators, elephants, and lost jungle temples.”
Grayson also took the time to moderate this year’s Rondo-nominated “Daughters of Horror” event featuring Sara Karloff and Victoria Price. A Monster Kid indeed.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
WE BELONG DEAD #41 and 42
The staff of the British magazine, WE BELONG DEAD, did more than produce boldly linked covers by Paul Watts of issues #41 and 42, but packed each 100-page issue with dozens and dozens of informative and revealing looks at Japanese horror films and history. Familiar and obscure films are covered as well as rare silents. The two issues are a literal textbook on J-horror in all its permutations, and stand out as a true expression of scholarship that is bookshelf-ready.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
LAWRIE BREWSTER
Scottish director and executive Lawrie Brewster has brought back the venerable Amicus studio from the dead, all with the blessings of the Milton Subotsky family. He raised funding for the first Amicus production in decades. (IN THE GRIP OF TERROR is in post-production and is color graded to look like a 1970s Amicus film). He’s also renovating a 19th century building to use as a studio.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
JR SPOOKY SHACK
In the wilds of Hudson, Mass., sits a unique showplace for monstrous collectibles of all kinds, a gathering spot of sorts for local monster kids and tourists passing through. The JR Spooky Shack has become a destination and proof that the business of monsters is in good hands.
A grand reopening after renovations is planned for June.
THE DAVID J. SKAL RESEARCH AWARD
Greg Kulon
Honoring the late horror scholar David J. Skal, this award recognizes exceptional scholarship and research in the horror genre. This year’s honoree is Greg Kulon, a longtime monster hunter whose recent Rondo-nominated book, ‘WILLIS O’BRIEN: Lost Worlds, Giant Apes and Dinosaurs, Vol. 1, From Thomas Edison to King Kong,’ goes deeper than any other look into the animator’s early battles, creative process and later tragedies.
The book adds measurably to Kong scholarship, revealing new facts and refuting long-believed theories. ‘It’s like being back on the island again.’
—————————————
,
THE MONSTER KID HALL OF FAME
New inductees
KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT
Actress Kathryn Leigh Scott has proudly carried the Dark Shadows banner through numerous new media projects, juggling popular convention appearances with boundless energy. She is a writer, a producer, a publisher and a fan-friendly presence whether on the job or meeting with eager fans. Her enthusiasm and professionalism reminds us all why so many of us embrace the entertainments that talents like hers provide us all.
BOB MICHELUCCI
The roots of classic horror enthusiasm go deeper than we realize, and Bob Michelucci was there at the near beginning. Back in 1977, Michelucci self-produced THE COLLECTOR’S GUIDE TO MONSTER MAGAZINES, setting the standard for both the content and potential value of the then-growing field. Bob became a strong presence in the zombie universe, appearing in DAWN OF THE DEAD and publishing a range of genre magazines and other publications, He has been an influential and trusted figure for decades whose impact touched more than we realize.
LARRY UNDERWOOD (DR. GANGRENE)
A multiple Rondo-winning horror host from Nashville, Larry Underwood’s Dr. Gangrene character has been active in preserving some of the area’s most famous horror legacies. Last summer he convinced city officials, including the mayor, to support an historic plaque outside the home of Russ McCown, who portrayed horror host Sir Cecil Creape in the 1970s.
Larry is also known for his charity work, his public service spots and his horror/rock shows, a true part of the Monster Kid enthusiasm in Nashville.
VICTORIA PRICE
The daughter of horror icon Vincent Price, Victoria Price entered the world of monster fans rather tentatively in 2017 with the publication of a biography of her multi-faceted dad. She told interviewers she never enjoyed watching her father killed in almost all his roles, including being shot or “parboiled.” But the reception she received from fans convinced her that part of her life’s mission would be to keep her father’s legacy alive. whether his movie career, his embrace of fine arts or his love of cooking.
An author and self-help adviser, Victoria Price has become a trusted, fun and recurring visitor to conventions, seminars and movie festivals.
FRED OLEN RAY
Fred Olen Ray has been a producer, writer, director, movie entrepreneur and now a Rondo-nominated author with publication of his memoir, HELL-BENT FOR HOLLYWOOD. Fred was even a professional wrestler, known as Fabulous Freddie Valentine. Of course he was!
With more than 200 low-budget films to his credit at Retromedia, Fred has been a part of the Monster Kid firmament for decades, and his induction into the Monster Kid Hall of Fame is long overdue.
And sadly…
LEE GAMBIN
Photo Emma Wood
One of several too-soon genre deaths in the past year, Australian Lee Gambit helped pioneer the impact of horror voices from his side of the globe. Author of eight books, innumerable articles, and an honesty about films and people that could be disarming and refreshing, Gambin helped forge the vibrant Australian genre community it has become today.
“In Lee’s eyes,” wrote friend Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, “if your passion was sincere, you transcended mere fandom; you were, for him, a historian, a scholar, a thinker, and, most importantly, a peer.” His sharp insights and joyous embrace of all things, whether familiar or unknown, will be sorely missed.
JOHN and MICHAEL BRUNAS
It wasn’t until 1990 that the friendly arguments stopped — was Dracula not really that good, should we include the Sherlocks? — and UNIVERSAL HORRORS, the film-by-film compendium by Tom Weaver, John and Michael Brunas was ready to be published. To hear Weaver tell it, the Bruni did much of the heavy lifting (and yes, the Holmes series made it; Dracula remains a debate).
Now John Brunas is gone after a long illness, and while a second edition of the book is widely viewed as an essential volume of horror history, the impact of the book, and John’s role, cannot be underestimated. The Brunas Brothers’ love for the genre never wavered although they did drift away from writing about their favorites in the post-UNIVERSAL HORRORS years.
Both are now being inducted into the Monster Kid Hall of Fame. We’re not sure any of this would exist without that book. Or the work John put into it.
———-
And that’s it for Rondo 23. Thanks to everyone who voted, and for your patience and support. Til next year!
As we always say, if you’ve gotten this far,
you are a true Monster Kid.
Rondo Awards copyright 2025 by David Colton
———————————————————–
VOTING HAS ENDED
THIS WAS THE BALLOT FOR THE (Gasp!) 23rd ANNUAL RONDO HATTON CLASSIC HORROR AWARDS
— This year’s awards are dedicated to the work
and memories of Lee Gambin, John Morgan and John Brunas —
1) BEST FILM OF 2024
Includes wide release, video-on-demand and streaming
— ALIEN: ROMULUS
— BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
— DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE
— DUNE, Part 2
— THE FIRST OMEN
— FURIOSA: A Mad Max Saga
— GODZILLA x KONG: The New Empire
— I SAW THE TV GLOW
— JOKER: FOLIE A DEUX
— LISA FRANKENSTEIN
— LONGLEGS
— MAXXINE
— NOSFERATU
— A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE
— SALEM’S LOT
— SMILE 2
— THE SUBSTANCE
— TERRIFIER 3
— Or write in another choice:
2) BEST TV PRESENTATION (from 2024)
— AGATHA ALL ALONG, Disney+. WandaVision spin-off finds Marvel’s witch trying to regain powers. ‘Hey, Mom. It was nice having you in my body for a second. I’ve never felt so close to you before.’
— CHUCKY, SyFy. The stakes rise in the deadly doll’s final season. ‘Let’s start World War III.’
— DEXTER: Original Sin, Paramount+. Flashbacks to days as a forensic intern in Miami. ‘They say it takes a village to raise a killer.’
— DOCTOR WHO, BBC/Disney+. “Joy to the World” Christmas special finds a Time Hotel linked to a shining star. ‘Honey, the Doctor’s in the room. It’s mansplain central.’
— FROM, MGM+. Trapped in a mysterious town, residents battle relentless creatures. ‘These woods are not safe after dark. I can still hear them whispering.’
— SILO, AppleTV+. Humanity lives underground, but some dare venture to the surface. ‘We do not know when it will be safe to go outside. We only know that today is not the day.’
— STAR WARS: Skeleton Crew, Disney+. Kids go off-planet seeking a Jedi but struggle to find their way home. ‘What if we could go anywhere we want in the whole galaxy?’
— SUPERMAN & LOIS, The CW. Series finale takes Man of Steel where he’s never gone before. ‘The second time I died was so much different than the first.’
— 3 BODY PROBLEM, Netflix. A physics puzzle is a backdrop for aliens, time travel, and culture shifts. ‘We will destroy the science that could defeat us. The universe will remain a mystery to you forever.’
— THE WALKING DEAD: The Ones Who Live, AMC. The seventh franchise series reunites Rick and Michonne.’ You don’t understand. In the dead world, love is dead!’
— WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS, FX. The misadventures of four vampires who live on Staten Island. ‘The Baron is receiving an eternal lifetime achievement award,’
— Or write-in another choice:
3) BEST BLU-RAY OF 2024:
— THE BAT WHISPERS (1931; Roland West; VCI)
— THE CAT AND THE CANARY Special Edition (1927; Eureka)
— CEMETERY MAN (DELLAMORTE DELLAMORE) (1994; Severin)
— THE HORRIBLE DR HICHCOCK (1962; Vinegar Syndrome)
— INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1956; Kino)
— THE KEEP (1983; Vinegar Syndrome)
— THE MARTIAN CHRONICLES Special Edition (1980; Kino)
— THE MASK OF FU MANCHU (1932; Warner Archives)
— NIGHT OF THE BLOOD MONSTER (1970; Jess Franco; Blue Underground)
— PLANET OF THE VAMPIRES (1965; Mario Bava; Radiance)
— REQUIEM FOR A VAMPIRE (1971; Jean Rollin; Powerhouse)
— REPTILICUS (1961, Vinegar Syndrome)
— REVENGE OF THE ZOMBIES (1943; Kino)
— STEPHEN KING’S THE SHINING (1997 TV; Shout!)
— TORMENTED (1960; Film Masters)
— THE WALKING DEAD (1936; Warner Brothers Archives)
— Or write in another choice:
TO VOTE, EMAIL YOUR CHOICES to taraco@aol.com
4) BEST BLU-RAY COLLECTION
— ALL THE HAUNTS BE OURS: A Compendium of Folk Horror, Volume 2 (Severin). Twenty-four more folk horror rarities on 13 discs, curated again by Kier-La Janisse.
— THE CLASSIC GHOSTS: 70s Gothic Television (Kino). Five made-for-ABC telecasts, including Haunting of Rosalind, Deadly Visitor, Screaming Skull, House and the Brain, Bones Came Together.
— COLUMBIA HORROR (Indicator). Behind the Mask, Black Moon, Island of Doomed Men, Air Hawks, Cry of Werewolf, Soul of Monster.
— CREATURE WITH THE BLUE HAND (1967)/WEB OF THE SPIDER (1971; Film Masters)
— DANZA MACABRA Vol. Three: Spanish Gothic Collection (Severin). Necrophagous, Cake of Blood, Cross of the Devil, Night of Walking Dead.
— HELLRAISER: Quartet of Torment (Arrow). All four films from the franchise.
— INSIDE THE MIND OF COFFIN JOE (Arrow). 10 films, including documentary and interviews, on six discs.
— I WALKED WITH A ZOMBIE/THE SEVENTH VICTIM (1943; Criterion)
— LOUIS FEUILLADE: The Complete Crime Serials 1913-1918 (Eureka). Fantomas, Judex, Les Vampires, Tih Mihn.
— THE MUMMY COLLECTION, 1932-1944 (Via Vision, all five Universal films)
— REPUBLIC PICTURES HORROR COLLECTION (Kino) Lady and Monster, Phantom Speaks, Catman of Paris, Valley of Zombies.
— SCI-FI CHILLERS COLLECTION (Kino). Colossus of New York, Unknown Terror, Destination Inner Space.
— TALES OF ADVENTURE COLLECTION 4 (1949-1953; Imprint). Seven full-length serials: King of Rocketmen, Flying Disc Man from Mars, Invisible Monster, Radar Men from Moon, Zombies of Stratosphere, Mysterious Doctor Satan, Commando Cody.
— THRILLERS FROM THE VAULT (Mill Creek). Black Room, Man They Could Not Hang, Before I Hang, Man with Nine Lives, Devil Commands, Boogie Man Will Get You, Return of Vampire, Five. Ballyhoo documentary.
— Or write in another choice:
5) BEST RESTORATION OR UPGRADE
— THE BAT (1926; Roland West; Undercrank) A UCLA Library restoration from 35mm elements.
— BWANA DEVIL (1952; Kino). Dimensional trailblazer restored by 3-D Archives.
— THE CAT AND THE CANARY (1927; Eureka) From original negatives supplied by Museum of Modern Art.
— CATHY’S CURSE (1977; Severin) Director’s cut and R-rated version, both from negatives.
— THE DEVIL’S LOVER (1972; Severin): Restored and uncut.
— THE GORILLA (1927) Long thought lost, found in Italy and screened in San Francisco and Museum of Modern Art in New York.
— INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1956; Kino). BluRay/4K include both film ratios, 2.00:1 and 1.85:1.
— THE KING OF THE KONGO (1929; Dr. Film/Library of Congress). First sound serial, with Boris Karloff as villain, reconstructed by Eric Grayson in 4K from archival prints and negatives.
— MASK OF FU MANCHU (1932; Warner Archives). Restored from best available elements.
— NIGHT OF THE BLOOD MONSTER (1970; Blue Underground) Complete uncensored version.
— THE PRIMEVALS (2023; Full Moon). The late David Allen’s stop-motion adventure completed after decades.
— REPTILICUS (1961; Vinegar Syndrome) 4K transfer from original 35mm negative.
—THE SAVAGE HUNT OF KING STAKH (1980; Deaf Crocodile, Diaboilik). Extended first U.S. cut of Russian folk horror.
— WHO KILLED TEDDY BEAR (1965; Vinegar Syndrome) Uncensored version restores several minutes of material.
— Or write in another choice:
6) BEST DVD EXTRAS
— THE BAT WHISPERS (1931; Roland West; VCI) Early widescreen; includes three versions, plus 1959 THE BAT.
— BLOOD ON SATAN’S CLAW (1971; 88 Films). Screenwriter Robert Wynne-Simmons, actress Wendy Padbury discuss discomfort with extended rape scene.
— BWANA DEVIL (1952; Kino) 3-D expert Mike Ballew presents ‘The Story of Bwana Devil.’
— CAT AND THE CANARY (1927; Eureka) Interviews with film critics Pamela Hutchison and Phuong Lee.
— CEMETERY MAN (1994; Severin) New interviews with director Michele Soavi and screenwriter Gianni Romali.
— THE CLASSIC GHOSTS (Kino). ‘Rematerialization of Classic Ghosts,’ interviews with UCLA’s Mark Quigley, Maya Montanez Smukler, and television historian Amanda Reyes.
— COLUMBIA HORRORS (Indicator) ‘Darkness of the Morbid Brain,’ Jonathan Rigby on Peter Lorre.
— DARIO ARGENTO’S DEEP CUTS (Severin). Anthology of Italian TV includes 8 hours of extras from Argento, Lamberto Bava, Luigi Cozzi and more.
— DIE, MONSTER, DIE (1965; BFI) Sequences from unfinished documentary, ‘Let Me Die a Monster.’
— HELLRAISER (1987, Arrow) ‘Pursuit of Possibilities,’ Paula D. Ashe and Eric LaRocca discuss the gay subtexts of the films.
— INSIDE THE MIND OF COFFIN JOE (Arrow) ‘A Blind Date for Coffin Joe,’ film by Ray Castile.
— KINO SETS Tim Lucas, Stephen Bissettte sidebar discussions on Lady & Monster, Colossus of NY, and Destination Inner Space.
— NIGHT OF THE BLOOD BEAST (1959; Film Masters) Documentary from Ballyhoo Motion Pictures
— PLANET OF THE VAMPIRES (1965; Radiance) Documentary feature directed by Dima Ballin and Kat Ellinger.
— THE PSYCHIC (1977; Severin). ‘Fulci Talks,’ Antoinetta De Lillo documentary.
— REPTILICUS (1963; Vinegar Syndrome) Danish version for first time in U.S.; ‘Fifty Million Years Out of Time,’ with Robert Parigi and C. Courtney Joiner.
— SUSPIRIA (2018; Imprint) ‘Suspiria’s Three Fathers: Argento, Fassbinder, Guadagnino,’ video essay by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas.
— TORMENTED (1960; Film Masters) ‘Bert I. Gordon, Bigger Than Life,’ documentary with C. Courtney Joiner by Ballyhoo
— TRICK OR TREAT (1986; Synapse) ‘Rock and Shock; The Making of Trick or Treat,’ Red Shirt documentary with interviews and appearance by Gene Simmons.
— Or write in another choice:
7) FAVORITE COMMENTATOR OF 2024 (Below is only a representative sample; feel free to WRITE IN your favorite).
— Ed Hulse (King of the Kongo)
— Stephen Bissette (Savage Hunt of King Stahk, Lady and Monster)
— David DelValle (Bluebeard), with Miles Hunter (Catman of Paris, Valley of Zombies)
— Kat Ellinger (The Antichrist, Nightsiren; Night of the Walking Dead)
— Lee Gambin, John Harrison (Squirm)
— Gary Gerani (Invisible Monster, Zombies of Stratosphere. Mysterious Doctor Satan).
— Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson (Island of Doomed Men)
— Tim Lucas (I Vampiri, Judex, Mummy’s Curse)
— Steve Mitchell, Nathaniel Thompson (Invasion of Body Snatchers; 1956)
— David J. Moore (Doomsday)
— Kim Newman, Stephen Jones (Cat and the Canary; Creature with Blue Hand; Hellraiser I, II, III, and with Peter Atkins, IV)
— Jason A. Ney (Invasion of Body Snatchers, 1956)
— Amanda Reyes w/ Heath Holland, Justin Kerswell, Daniel Budnick (Martian Chronicles, Kino)
— Gary Rhodes, Larry Blamire (Tormented, 1960)
— Kelly Robinson (King of the Kongo, Woman Who Came Back)
— Alan K. Rode (Walking Dead 1936; Secret Beyond the Door, 1947)
— Paul Scrabo, Rich Scrivani (Mummy’s Tomb)
— Tom Weaver (Mummy’s Ghost); with Ron Adams, Larry Blamire (Night of Blood Beast; Colossus of New York) ; with Greg Mank (Bluebeard)
— Or write in another choice:
8 ) BEST INDEPENDENT/STREAMING FILM
Includes festivals and streaming channels.
— BEEZEL, directed by Aaron Fradkin. A cursed witch lives beneath a guest house. See trailer here
— THE COFFEE TABLE, directed by Caye Casas. From Spain, the horror of new furniture. See trailer here
— CUCKOO, directed by Tilman Singer. A resort holds only menace for a teen and her family. See trailer here
— THE DEVIL’S BATH, directed by Severin Fiala and Veronika Franz. Folk horror set in 18th century Austria invokes guilt and demons. See trailer here
— FLORENCE, directed by Skip Shea and Luigi Cozzi. Horrors in the mind, in church, in the basement. See trailer here
— FRANKIE FREAKO, directed by Steven Kostanski. From Canada, puppets, goblins and gore, oh my. See trailer here
— THE FREAKS OF FANCY, directed by Elliott Leon. Medical students visit an eerie island mansion. See trailer here
—THE GREAT NICK D, directed by Ansel H. Faraj, and Nathan Wilson. Comedy includes Dark Shadow veterans. See trailer here
—HUMANE, directed by Caitlin Cronenberg. Environmental crisis leads to some impossible choices. See trailer here
— HUMANIST VAMPIRE SEEKING CONSENTING SUICIDAL PERSON, directed by Ariane Louis-Seize. Reluctant female vampire seeks alternative sources of blood. See trailer here
— LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL, directed by Cameron and Colin Cairnes. A satanic talk show invasion won’t stop David Dastmalchian’s quest for ratings. See trailer here
— THE MONSTER BENEATH US, directed by Sophie Osbourne. Mother and son are not alone when they return to ex-husband’s home. See trailer here
— QUADRANT, directed by Charles Band. Long-planned film explores a device that transports you to your nightmares. See trailer here
— RED ROOMS, directed by Pascal Plante. Murder stalks the secret world of torture websites. See trailer here
— SPIDER BABY, Or The Maddest Story Ever Told, directed by Dustin Ferguson. Beverly Washburn, Brinke Stevens and Jason Scott in a remake of the cult classic. See trailer here
— TIM TRAVERS & THE TIME TRAVELERS PARADOX, directed by Stimson Snead. What would really happen if you eliminated your early self? See trailer here
— THE VOURDALAK, directed by Adrien Beau. French vampire film, now streaming on Prime. See trailer here
— THE WAD: The True Story Behind the Phantom Lake Chewing Gum Disaster, directed by Christopher R. Mihm. A mutated piece of chewing gum threatens a Midwest town. See trailer here
— ZOMBIE WEDDING, directed by Micah Khan. Based on the play, Cheri Oteri and Micky Dolenz among those throwing rice. See trailer here
— Or write in another choice:
9) BEST SHORT FILM
— THE CASTLE OF BARON FINCH, directed by Don Cunningham (22 mins). The hunt for a vampire that kidnapped a doctor’s wife. See film here
— THE CATERPILLAR, directed by Camilla Meoli (14 mins). A giant apparition guides a woman to her next life. See trailer here
— THE CURSE OF DRACULAR, directed by Jack Paterson (7 mins). Animated retelling of Christopher Lee as the king of vampires. See trailer here
— GRAVES FROM THE BLACK LAGOON, directed by Arthur Dark (45 mins). Two kids find more than expected as they explore the lagoon where the movie was filmed. See the film here
— GRUB, directed by Cameron Elie. A young girl encounters an infamous extraterrestrial of Earth. See trailer here
— LAS NOGAS, directed by Catya Plate (19 mins). In final part of trilogy. a stop-motion look at Earth’s ecological future. See trailer here
— MALEDICTION, directed by Ali Chappell (15 mins). The horrors of addiction shatter a woman’s realties.. See film here
— SHELTER 54 (Godzilla Found Footage), animated by Tarrell Christie (23 mins.). Part of Lost Utopia Films’ Project Monster series. See film here
— TYRANNOCIRCUS REX, directed by Tim Smyth (32 mins). A silent look at a small town, an orphanage, a circus and a stop-motion dinosaur. See film here
— Or write in another choice:
10) BEST DOCUMENTARY
— ALIENS EXPANDED, directed by Ian Nathan. Four-hour exploration of James Cameron’s sequel. See trailer here
— DINNER WITH LEATHERFACE, directed by Michael Kallio. Moviemakers and colleagues remember the life of Gunnar Hansen. See trailer here
— PARDON MY CURSE: Making Drag Me to Hell, directed by Daniel Griffith, Ballyhoo Motion Pictures. Two-hour documentary included with Shout! Collector’s edition.
— DRESSING UP HALLOWEEN: The Story of Ben Cooper Inc, directed by Rob Caprilozzi. How the costume company brought creatures, clowns and goblins to October streets. See trailer here
— FEAR AND LOVE: The Story of the Exorcist, directed by John Larkin. Extensive interviews with cast, crew and more. See film here
— HAMMERED! The Complete Dracula Retrospective, by Erik Clapp and Michael H. Price. Nine-part overview of the Hammer vampire saga. See film here
— HAMMER: Heroes, Legends and Monsters, directed by Benjamin Field. Actors, directors and colleagues remember the studio’s triumphant and sometimes tortured history. See trailer here
— IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS: 1990-1994, directed by David A. Weiner. Interviews and analysis of an underappreciated era for horror. See trailer here
— THE LIFE AND DEATHS OF CHRISTOPHER LEE, directed by Jon Spira. Interviews with Lee and colleagues, animations and more. See trailer here
— SCALA!!! Or, The Incredibly Rise and Fall of the World’s Wildest Cinema and How It Influenced a Mixed-Up Generation of Weirdos and Misfits, directed by Jane Giles and Ali Catterall. A look at London’s anything-goes cinema repertory theatre. See trailer here
— Or write in another choice:
11) BOOK OF THE YEAR (non-fiction; you can vote for two)
Note: List prices are often discounted.
— THE ANIMATED UNIVERSAL CLASSIC MONSTERS, by Matthew Hahn (BearManor Media, softcover, 500 pages, $30). From Frankenstein to the Wolfman, how Universal’s top monsters have been portrayed in cartoons, commercials and all manners of animation.
— BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN: The Definitive History of the Horror Classic, by Christopher Lock. (Centerline Publishing, softcover, 4 pages, $24.95). Covering every aspect of controversy, production and reception, more than 400 photos.
— CHANEY’S AUDITION: Man-Made Monster and the Thorny Walk to The Wolf Man, by Bill Fleck (Ransom Publishing, softcover, 226 pages, $12.99). Fresh from his Of Mice and Men triumph, the star must choose which Hollywood road to take.
— THE CINEMA COVEN: Witches, Witchcraft and Women’s Filmmaking, by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas (McFarland, softcover, 216 pages, $49.95). From fairy tales to witch hunts, portrayals of feminine power and trauma.
— A COMEDY OF TRAGEDIES: An American Memoir for the Completely Dysfunctional, by Steve Barton (Encyclopocalypse, softcover, 314 pages, $22) The editor of Dread Central remembers horrors real and imagined.
— THE DE PALMA DECADE: Redefining Cinema with Doubles, Voyeurs, and Psychic Teens, by Laurent Bouzereau (Running Press Adult, hardcover. 320 pages, $22.30). From Sisters to Blow Out, De Palma’s seven films of the 70s that helped change the terror industry.
— FLASHBACK: Monsters, Music and Comic Books, by Ron Adams (Creepy House Classics, hardcover, 250 pages, $39.99). Monster Bash impresario remembers the childhood that shaped a monster kid.
— GLOWING IN THE DARK: Writings on the Horror Film, by Orrin Grey (Word Horde, softcover, 300 pages, $19.79). Collected essays and reviews from Dunwich Horror to Suspiria.
— HELL-BENT FOR HOLLYWOOD: A Director’s Journey, by Fred Olen Ray (Retromedia, softcover, 330 pages, $24.99). Legends and truths from the legendary cult filmmaker.
— IN SEARCH OF TOMORROW: The Ultimate Companion to the 80s Sci-Fi Documentary, by Abbie Bernstein (CreatorVC, hardcover, 300 pages, $37.99). Coffee-table book on 70 influential films of the 1980s.
— I SPIT ON YOUR CELLULOID: The History of Women Directing Horror Films, by Heidi Honeycutt (Headpress, softcover, 464 pages, $27.45). The long neglected role of female talent behind films of the fantastic.
— I VAMPIRI: Midnight Movie Monograph, by Roberto Curti (PS Publishing, hardcover, 170 pages, $28). Exploring Italy’s 1957 entry into horror, with effects by Mario Bava.
— THE KARLOFF COMPENDIUM: The Films, TV, Radio, Theatrical Work and More, by Stephen Jacobs (Unstoppable Editions, softcover, 328 pages, $50). Includes photos and artifacts from daughter Sara Karloff’s personal collection.
— SCRIPTS FROM THE CRYPT 16: Ghost of Frankenstein, by Tom Weaver and Greg Mank (BearManor Media, softcover, 390 pages, $40). Everything about the fourth Frankenstein film including cast, sets, secrets and trivia.
— SHADOWS IN A PHANTOM EYE: Attractions & Aberrations in the Moving Image, Vol. 8-15, 1928-1949 (Black Gas Books, softcover, 200+ pages each. $26.99). Final volumes of 15-book set exploring genre and other cinematic stretches of imagination.
— SUSPENDING MY DISBELIEF: Sinister Cinemas, 1958-1969, by Peter H. Brothers (Create Space, hardcover, 489 pages, $34.95). A personal memory of 50 classic films that still move audiences.
— VAMPIRES IN SILENT CINEMA, by Gary D. Rhodes (Edinburgh University, hardcover, 232 pages, $110; note: $30 softcover coming in May). Scholar tracks the forgotten or obscure undead on film from 1896-1931.
— WILLIS O’BRIEN: Lost Worlds, Giant Apes and Dinosaurs, Vol. 1, From Thomas Edison to King Kong, by Gregory Kulon (Kulon Ventures, softcover, 371 pages, $65.79). The early years, the conflicts, triumphs and tragedies of Kong and the sequel.
— Or write in another choice:
12) BEST CLASSIC MONSTER FICTION
(Fiction that uses classic horror as jumping off points)
— BLOOD AND BULLETS: A Trio of Western Horror Novellas, by Keith Lansdale, Michael Knost, and James Aquilone (Crystal Lake, softcover, 198 pages, $12). Latest in the Dark Tide series of horror and the paranormal.
— THE BLOOD RUNS DEEP, edited by Winfield Strock III (Valhalla Books, softcover, 525 pages, $12.99). Vampire tales by Dacre Stoker, Jonathan Maberry, Elizabeth Allen and others.
— CRYPTOPOLIS AND OTHER STORIES, by Robert Guffey (Lethe Press, softcover, 370 pages, $23). Stories of ancient horrors taking new shapes, magics, and religions.
— DRACULA BEYOND STOKER (DBS Press, softcover, 178 pages, $16). Periodical’s authors explore and reshape the Dracula legend.
— ED WOOD’S WARM ANGORA WISHES AND RUBBER OCTOPUS DREAMS, edited by Kurt McCoy (Arcane Shadows Press, hardcover, 382 pages, $24.99). Can your heart stand new stories by 21 authors based Ed Wood’s worlds of the fantastic?
— EYNHALLOW, by Tim McGregor (Raw Dog Screaming Press, softcover, 178 pages, $14.60). In 1797, a mysterious stranger appears on a windswept island of fearful families. His name is Frankenstein.
— FROM THE INNER MIND TO … The Outer Limits Scripts of Joseph Stefano, Volume Two, edited by Dave Rash. (Gauntlet Press, hardcover, 521 pages, $60). Five classic episodes along with three scripts for shows not produced.
— THE GATHERING, by C.J. Tudor (Ballantine, softcover, 352 pages, $18). A detective confront vampires in small town Alaska.
— THE GRAVEROBBERS, by Ron Ford (Independent, softcover, 254 pages, $15). The struggles to make a comeback film for a horror star in the Red-baiting 1950s.
— HORROR MOVIE, by Paul Tremblay (William Morrow, hardcover, 288 pages, $15). The makers of a lost underground horror film pay a deadly price.
— THE HOUSE THAT HORROR BUILT, by Christina Henry (Berkley, softcover, 336 pages, $12.42). A director’s hidden collection of horror props and costumes reveals terrible menace.
— KING KONG: The Annotated Novelization by Delos W. Lovelace, edited by Micah Swanson Harris (Minor Profit Press, softcover, 376 pages, $19.99). The 1932 novelization with notes and research into the book’s creation.
— MURDER AT THE VAMPIRE PLAY, by Dwight Kemper (Arcane Shadows, softcover, 204 pages, $14.99) Opening night of ‘Dracula’ in 1928 Boston conceals secrets and deaths.
— NIGHTMARE, by Michael Gingold, based on screenplay by Romano Scavolini (Severin Films, softcover, 200 pages, $14.95). A serial killer in Brooklyn is thought cured.
— PLACERITA, by Lisa Morton and John Palisano (Cemetery Dance, softcover, 60 pages, $15). Biologist discover dark secrets buried beneath 1928 Los Angeles.
— SILENT DARK AND DEEP, by Rod Labbe (Wicked House, softcover, 448 pages, $15.99). Childhood terror from the lost souls still lurking in a water-filled quarry.
— Or write in another choice:
13) Best Magazine of 2024
— Bare*Bones
— Candid Monsters
— Castle of Frankenstein
— Cinema Retro (UK)
— Classic Monsters of the Movies (UK)
— Cryptology
— The Dark Side (UK)
— Delirium
— Fangoria
— Freaky Monsters
— G-Fan
— Ghastly Phantasms
— HorrorHound
— Infinity (UK)
— Little Shoppe of Horrors
— Monster Bash
— Monster Kid Magazine
— Phantasmagoria (UK)
— Retro Fan
— Rue Morgue
— Scary Monsters
— Scream (UK)
— Screem
— Shock Cinema
— Spooky Magazine
— Videoscope
— We Belong Dead (UK)
— Wonder
— Or write in another choice:
14) BEST ARTICLE (You can pick two)
— ‘Architect of Evil: Power and Perversity in Universal’s The Black Cat,’ by John Navroth, CASTLE OF FRANKENSTEIN #40. Exploring the hidden meanings of the Edgar Ulmer chiller.
— ‘Army of Darkness: A HorrorHound Retrospective,’ by Ernie Rockelman, HORRORHOUND #102. Revealing secrets of the third film in the Evil Dead franchise.
— ‘Bernie Wrightson, Master of the Macabre,’ by Peter Normanton, CRYPTOLOGY #1. Twenty-page examination of Wrightson’s art and influence.
— ‘Beyond the Giant Monster Melees: Ishiro Honda’s Life Away from Kaiju,’ by Kevin Nickelson, WE BELONG DEAD #41. Godzilla director wasn’t just about the King of the Monsters.
— ‘Big Brother, Book Burners, and Dystopian Dread,’ by Jason Strangis, SCARY MONSTERS #135. From 1984 to Fahrenheit 451.
— ‘Boris the Gangster,’ by Bruce Tinkel, MONSTER BASH #54. Karloff’s pre-Frankenstein roles as a crime boss or henchman.
— ‘The Burgomasters of the Universal Frankensteins,’ by George Humenik, CASTLE OF FRANKENSTEIN #39. Bringing law and order to villagers was never easy.
— ‘Captain Kronos, Vampire Hunter,’ by Barry McCann, SCREAM #82. Was Hammer’s vampire adventure ahead of its time?
— ‘Creature Features,’ by Stephen R. Bissette, SCREEM #43. Swimming with Creature from the Black Lagoon and Guillermo del Toro’s sensual homage, The Shape of Water.
— ‘Dawn of the Women,’ by Dejan Ognjanovic, RUE MORGUE #219. Women directors often see horror in whole new ways.
— ‘Dracula Revisited: A Closer Look at the Undisputed 1958 Classic,’ by Jonathan Rigby, CLASSIC MONSTERS OF THE MOVIES #31. Scholar dissects the rhythms and chills of Hammers immortal vampire.
— ‘Hammer’s Cornish Nasties,’ by John Hamilton, THE DARK SIDE #255. From Zombies to The Reptile, how the southern tip of England was the UK’s Transylvania.
— ‘Hammer’s First Horror: The Mystery of the Mary Celeste,’ by Frank Dello Stritto, LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS #51. The making of Bela Lugosi’s British sea drama, and the mystery of 22 lost minutes.
— ‘Horror of Shochiku,’ by Alan Tromp. WE BELONG DEAD #41. The unsettling chills from a Japanese monster studio.
— ‘The Importance of Godzilla 1954,’ by John Hovey, G-FAN #143. How the original film explored issues still relevant today.
— ‘It Came From Pittsburgh: The Rise and Resurrection of Chiller Theatre,’ by Michael Varrati, FANGORIA #22. The importance of regional horror hosts like Chilly Billy Cardille.
— ‘King of the Small-Town Vampires,’ by Ian Taylor, SCREAM #89. The making of TV’s Salem’s Lot.
— ‘The Legends of Sleepy Hollow,’ by Nathan Hanneman, HORRORHOUND #101. The various incarnations of Ichabod Crane.
— ‘Lionel Atwill: Gentle, Kind and Cruel,’ by Laura Wagner, CLASSIC IMAGES #586. New look at Universal’s most reliable supporting actor.
— ‘Making of The Devil Rides Out,’ by Bruce G. Hallenbeck, and ‘Richard Matheson Script Analysis’ by Constantine Nasr, LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS #50. Inside the controversial Hammer film.
— ‘Man or Myth: The Steve Reeves Story,’ by Rod Labbe, RETROFAN #34. Behind the muscles.
— ‘The Man Without a Body,’ by Matthew R. Bradley, bare*bones #18. A tribute to Curt Siodmak, creator of monsters from the brain and more.
— ‘Opera Ghosts: Beneath the Catacombs,’ by Nige Burton, CLASSIC MONSTERS ANNUAL 2024. Compare and contrast Chaney, Raines, and Lom.
— ‘The Quatermass Xperiment,’ by Stephen Hatcher, WE BELONG DEAD #43. Tracing the BBC television roots of a franchise.
— ‘The Science of Doomsday,’ by Mark C. Glassy, Ph.D., SCARY MONSTERS #134. Fire, ice and other ways the world might end.
— ‘Shaun’s Not Dead Yet,’ by Shaurya Thapa, THE DARK SIDE #256. Revisiting the cult zombie comedy after 20 years.
— ‘Shock and Roll! The Last Famous Monster,’ by Tim Sullivan, THE DARK SIDE #258. A fan’s close encounters with Forrest J Ackerman.
— ‘The Sinister Circuitry of The Twonky,’ by Deborah Painter, SCARY MONSTERS #135. How television went AI in 1953!
— ‘Things to Come: 100 Years Ahead of Its Time,’ by Mike Hankin, INFINITY #76. With H.G. Wells hovering, forecasting the future wasn’t easy.
— ’24 Hours of Kaiju,’ by Chad Campbell, G-FAN #145. A fan attends a 24-hour G-marathon and lives to write about it.
— ‘Young Frankenstein at 50,’ by Kelly Robinson, SCARY MONSTERS #136. The comedy that became a hit by following in Universal’s monster footsteps.
— Or write in another choice:
15) BEST INTERVIEW
— Pet Sematary 2 director Mary Lambert by Chris Alexander, DELIRIUM #36
— Night of Living Dead co-writer John Russo, by Mia Boffey, THE DARK SIDE #259
— Exorcist actress Eileen Dietz by Dennis Daniel, DELIRIUM #38
— Longlegs director Osgood Perkins by Nicolas Cage, FANGORIA #24
— Fright Night director Tom Holland by Terry and Tiffany DuFoe, VIDEOSCOPE #128
— Actor Bruce Campbell interviewed by Antony Earnshaw, THE DARK SIDE #261.
— Friday the 13th actress Adrienne King by Andrew Graves, SCREAM #89.
— Dan Curtis expert Dr. Jeffrey Thompson by Mickey Gunter, WONDER #18
— Lovecraft scholar S.T. Joshi by Trevor Kennedy, PHANTASMAGORIA #24.
— Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton) by his co-star Lauren LaVera, FANGORIA #25
— Madhouse director Jim Clark by John Hamilton, THE DARK SIDE #257
— Nosferatu director Robert Eggers by Andrea Subissati, RUE MORGUE #220
— Vanessa Harryhausen by Don Vaughan, VIDEOSCOPE #128
— Hellraiser actor Doug Bradley by Jessie Robbins, SCREAM #84
— Horror host Penny Dreadful by Diana Robertson, GHASTLY PHANTASMS #19.
— Or write in another choice:
16) BEST COLUMN
— Emma Dark’s Dark Corner, WE BELONG DEAD
— Deep Focus, by John-Paul Checkett, SCREEM
— Devil’s in the Details, by Stacie Ponder, RUE MORGUE
— Exordium, by Michael Gingold, FANGORIA
— Heard But Not Seen Adventures in Voice-Acting! by Bill Timoney, VIDEOSCOPE
— It Came from Bowen’s Basement, John Bowen, RUE MORGUE
— Kaiju Korner, by Mike Bogue, SCARY MONSTERS
— Kim Newman’s Dungeon, THE DARK SIDE
— Overlooked in Hollywood by Laura Wagner, FILMS OF THE GOLDEN AGE
— Ralph’s One & Only Traveling Reviews, by Richard Klemensen, LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS
— R&D, by David J. Schow, BARE*BONES
— The Rochon Report, by Debbie Rochon, VIDEOSCOPE
— Rondo Remembers, by Ron Adams, MONSTER BASH
— Scene Queen, by Barbara Crampton, FANGORIA
— Slasher Nation by Stephen Graham Jones, FANGORIA
— Strange Days by Jason Strangis, SCARY MONSTERS
— They Came from the Krypt, by Jon Kitley. HORRORHOUND
— Or write in another choice:
TO VOTE, EMAIL YOUR CHOICES to taraco@aol.com
17) BEST COVER
 Castle of Frankenstein #40by Scott Jackson |
 Classic Monsters of the Movies #32 by Daniel Horne |
 Cryptology #1 by Bernie Wrightson (1972) |
 The Dark Side #258 by Rick Melton |
Delirium #39 |
Fangoria #26 |
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 HorrorHound #103 by Rodrigo Tannus |
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 Monster Bash #55 by Micah Carey |
 Rue Morgue #220 by Shane Mills |
 Scary Monsters #135by Scott Jackson |
 Scream #85 by Imran Kelly |
 Screem #43 by Mark Maddox |
 Videoscope #125 (Arrow Video) |
 We Belong Dead #41-42 by Paul Watts |
 Wonder #18 by Jim Peavy |
— Or write in another choice:
18) BEST WEBSITE
— Bill Fleck’s Classic Horror Behind the Scenes Author’s blog delves deep.
— BlackHorrorMovies Scholarly and right on, revelations abound.
— Bloodvine Articles, interviews and reviews.
— Bloody Disgusting Tracking the latest across all horror platforms.
— Bloody Pit of Rod Rod Barnett’s musings on monsters and horror.
— Cinema-crazed.com Dissecting pop culture for 20 years.
— Cinema Dave Dave Montalbano’s world of monsters and music.
— Confessions of a Cineslut Kat Ellinger explores the rare and unusual.
— Dinosaur Dracula A wild take on monsters and mayhem.
— Dread Central Horror’s front page.
— Final Girl Stacie Ponder’s cinema survival guide.
— The Frankenstein Lens Monster scholarship, unseen photos and fun.
— Hunter’s King Kong 1976 Archive Whether the ‘Big One’ or not, everything you need to know about the remake.
— It Came From … Musings from nostalgia curator David Weiner.
— Monster Kid Central Richard J. Schellbach’s site offers columnists and news.
—The Overlook Motel Tyler Doupe’s column at Dread Central.
— The Professor’s Scary Clips More than 1,160 clips of horror clips, hosts, TV themes and much more.
— Ray Castile’s Basement of Horror All about the toys and masks of yesteryear.
— Scared Silly Paul Castiglia’s tribute to classic horror comedies.
— Trailers from Hell Joe Dante and friends talk over vintage trailers.
— Universal Monster Army Ultimate destination for models, toys, collectibles.
— Universal Steve For 25 years, everything needed on Universal classics.
— World of Monsters John Navroth’s 50-year obsession.
— Or write in another choice:
19) BEST PODCAST/MULTI-MEDIA
— Another Goddamn Horror Podcast Hosts, comedians and sassy guests.
— Are You Scared of These Stories? Robert Hibbs spoofs horror tropes.
— The Bill Mize Podcasts Shows old and new now archived.
— Borgo Pass Horror Podcast The Universal horrors discussed in detail.
— Boys ‘N’ Ghouls Film Review Sarah and Mike Stephenson talk movies and more.
— Bride of Monster Kid Radio Rejuvenated, Derek Koch and guests discuss classic horrors.
— Camp Kaiju A wide-ranging monster movie podcast
— Celluloid Cemetery Mark Bessenger digs deep.
— Classic Horrors Club Deep talks of classic films and themes.
— The Cobwebs Channel Daniel Epler’s fresh takes on classic horrors.
— Colors of the Dark Rebekah McKendry and Elric Kane celebrate latest horror releases.
— Content Abnormal Multimedia coverage of horror and culture.
— Cradle to the Grave Discusses top 10 horror films, year by year.
— Cult Radio a Go-Go Long-running horror hub, now with five 24/7 radio stations.
— DieCast Movie Podcast Steven Turek and friends dissect films old and new.
— Discover the Horror Hosts Kitley, AuBuchon, and Glonek discuss conventions and films.— Faculty of Horror Hosted by Andrea Subissati and Alexandra West.
— Frankenstein Minute Podcast dissects the Universal classics minute by minute.
— The Grim and Bloody Podcast Anthony De Rouen and rotating hosts.
— Grimm Life Collective Visits to real-life horror film locations.
— The Hysteria Continues Slashers get their cuts.
— Literary License Podcast The roots of monsters, Dr. Who, Barnabas and more.
— Midnight Mass Peaches Christ and Michael Varrati invite you in.
— Monster Party Smart and focused when it comes to horror talk.
— The Monsters That Made Us Dan Colon and Mike Manzi celebrate the Universal classics.
— Movie Dumpster Rummage through discarded gems.
— Planet CHH Christian Hanna dissects classic and latest releases.
— Planet 8 Podcast Talk and reviews of everything geek.
— Plan 9 Crunch Videocasts like these may affect you in the future.
— Pod Mortem Discussions, dissections and riffs on horrors old and new.
— Professor Lampini’s Podcast of Horrors Classics rule for C Courtney Joyner and Jay Jennings.
— Ray Harryhausen Podcast Latest from the Harryhausen Foundation.
— Scarred For Life The movies that horrified you as a kid.
— The Spoiler Room Movie talk, old and new.
— The Spooky Picture Show Biweekly chances to scream.
— Steve & Crypto Show Latest interviews, news and monstrous insights.
— Terror at Collinwood Horror host Penny Dreadful explores the secrets of Dark Shadows.
— Or write in another choice:
20) BEST EVENT OF 2024
— Blob Panic Re-enactment recreates run-out at original theater in Pennsylvania.
— The Boy Who Loved Batman Adaptation for the stage of producer Michael Uslan’s memoir opens in Tampa.
— Brides of Dracula showing at Varsity Cinema in Des Moines followed by Q&A with Hammer expert Richard Klemensen,
— Classic Screenings: Carl Laemmle’s grand niece Antonia Carlotta introduces Dracula and Phantom of the Opera at Old Town Music Hall in El Segunda.
— Daughters of Horror: Sara Karloff, Victoria Price interviewed by Eric Grayson at Barrymore Film Center, Fort Lee, NJ.
— Elvira at the Academy: Midnight Mass hosts appearance by Cassandra Peterson at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
— Harryhausen at Wonderfest. Appearances by stop-motion master’s daughter Vanessa, and Harryhausen Foundation curator Connor Heaney.
— HendoWeen Online Auction: Prominent horror celebrities help raise tens of thousands of dollars to support recovery from Hurrican Helene in North Carolina.
— Queer Screams Film Festival, movies, awards and panels in Clinton, Oregon.
— Twilight Zone Ceremony A statue of Rod Serlling is unveiled at his hometown in Binghamton, NY.
— Historical Marker dedicated near Nashville home of late horror host Sir Cecil Crepe, organized by Larry Underwood
— Historians on the House: Lectures on House of Frankenstein at Monster Bash by Greg Mank and Frank Dello Stritto before & after a screening.
— Or write in another choice:
21) FAVORITE HORROR HOST
— Arachna of the Spider People (Beware Theater)
— Aurora Gorealis (Shocktail Hour)
— Baron Mondo Van Doren (Nightmare Theatre/local PBS)
— Big Chuck and Lil John (Cleveland)
— Bobby Gammonster (Monster Movie Night)
— The Bone Jangler (and Enchantress Nocturna)
— Captain Calico Drake (Dead and Buried)
— Count Gore De Vol (Creature Feature)
— Doctor Sarcofiguy (John Dimes)
— Don O’Malley (Breakfast Serials)
— Drac and Countess Carita (Transylvania Tonight)
— Dr. Dread (John Murray)
— Dr. Dreck (Dungeon)
— Dr. Gangrene (Nashville)
— Elvira, Mistress of the Dark
— Gruesome Graves (Haunted Hotel)
— Hallow Ian (Horror Hour)
— Halloween Jack (The Monster Channel)
— Halloween Harvey (Festival of Fear)
— Hexen Arcane (Vortexx)
— Igorro (The Igorro Show)
— Jeffrey Macabre (ShockFest)
— Joe Bob Briggs and Darcy the Mail Lady (The Last Drive-In)
— Karlos Borloff (Monster Madhouse)
— Lamia, Queen of the Dark (Horror Hotel)
— Lord Blood-Rah (Nerve Wrackin’ Theatre)
— Marlena Midnite (Midnight Mausoleum)
— Mistress Malicious (Mistress Peace Theater)
— Mr. Lobo (OSI74)
— The Mummy and the Monkey (Hairy Scary Hangout)
— Penny Dreadful (Shilling Shockers)
— Ritch and Triv (The Midnight Movie)
— Sally the Zombie Cheerleader (Vortexx)
— Son of Ghoul (Ohio)
— Stan the Mechanic (Brooklyn)
— Svengoolie (Berwyn)
— Vincent Van Dahl, Tangella, Mr. Livingston (Creature Features, Bay Area)
— Zelda, Bird & Theo (Offbeat Cinema)
— Or write in your favorite host
TO VOTE, EMAIL YOUR CHOICES to taraco@aol.com
22) BEST GRAPHIC ARTS PRESENTATION
— THE AMAZING MOVIE POSTERS OF THAILAND, by Neil Pettigrew, and Phil Jablon; design by Kevin Coward; photos by Mark Mawston (Ghoulish Publishing, softcover, 300 pages, $44). Hundreds of eye-catching posters from Thailand’s 1960s-80s,
— CAPTAIN SAMOUFLAGE AND THE FRANKENSAM SCAM! The Queerdo Superhero Parody for Grownup Monster Kids!, by Sam Irvin and Dan Gallagher (Knuckle Samwich Books) Movie winks and nods abound in this romp through Hollywood’s horror backlots.
— THE CARD KING CHRONICLES Vols. 2 and 3, by Gary Gerani (Fantastic Press). Heavily illustrated softcovers trace the evolution of genre trading cards from 1973 to 2020.
— DRACULA OF TRANSYLVANIA, written and illustrated by Ricardo Delgado (Clover Press). A 560-page retelling of the vampire legend.
— HEMLOCK AVE: Book One, Hopes and Nightmares, by Richard T. Wilson, Pietro Vaughan, Shahed R (Mad Shelley Comics). Your host? Halloween Girl. What could go wrong?
— MARK SPEARS’ MONSTERS Classic and imagined monsters in this new comic book.
— MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN STARRING BORIS KARLOFF, by Kerry Gammill and El Garing, Richard Starkings, Sara Karloff, Robert Napton (Legendary Comics Classics). Follow-up to their Dracula/Lugosi adaptation, this graphic novel combines Karloff’s monster with Shelley’s original tale.
— MONSTROUS, edited by James Aquilone (Monstrous Books). Magazine full of shocking tales, comics and illustrations.
— OUR FIRST TIME TO WATCH (Phantasmagoria #24). Christopher Tupa and son take an illustrated look at Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein.
— SHOOK! A Black Horror Anthology (Dark Horse/Second Sight). Softcover collects award-winning writers and artists.
— SHUDDER (Warrant). In art, writing and veteran talents, keeping the spirit of Warren magazines alive.
— TALES FOR A HALLOWEEN NIGHT Vol. 10 (Storm King). More twisted tales by haunted writers and artists.
— UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: Frankenstein, Dracula, Creature, etc. (Image). Several mini-series devoted to tales of the classic monsters.
— VIDEOTAPES FROM HELL: A Visual History of Cult, Collectible, and Crazy Video Covers, edited by Stephen Jones. Curated by genre experts and pros.
— Or write in another choice:
23. BEST WRITER OF 2024
24. BEST ARTIST OF 2024 (all formats)
25. BEST FAN ARTIST OF 2024 (The Linda Miller Award)
in the following categories)
26. MONSTER KID OF THE YEAR (Who did the most to advance the cause of classic horror scholarship, film preservation or genre fun).
27. Special Recognition (Whose work or energy in 2024 deserves special mention).
28. The David J. Skal Classic Horror Research Award. Who has advanced knowledge in the genre?
29. AND FINALLY, THE MONSTER KID HALL OF FAME
— Which fans, pros, writers, researchers, horror hosts or others should be inducted into the Rondo Awards Monster Kid Hall of Fame? Suggest up to six names of folks who have helped fandom grow.
Whew. That’s a lot. Thanks to all for your patience. remember, you don’t have to vote in every category, and write-ins are welcome.
TO VOTE, simply email David Colton at taraco@aol.com by on Sunday night at midnight, April 20, 2025.
