I’d have to say that the guests this year were some of the usual suspects, some focuses on the cast of the movies Alien and The Lords of Salem, Danny Trejo! and Gary Busey! and an over abundance of The Walking Dead celebs. The line for Chandler Riggs and Jon Bernathal was ridiculous. Even though Lew Temple and Norman Reedus had to cancel last minute, the WD fans seemed to show up in hoards. Just a tad disappointing in my opinion. I mean I love The Walking Dead, but I enjoy meeting the original, classic horror makers and stars even more. I thought that last year’s line up was a bit more exciting for me in general – especially meeting Lamberto Bava!

Bava and the Bunny

I got a Demons poster signed and took some silly pics of him putting a replica of the Bloody Sunday mask on me.  But it takes all horror fans to make an army, so my heart is happy.

B.O.T. didn’t have a booth this year, so that allowed me to actually enjoy the convention. Walking around and meeting all the vendors, film makers and friends was definitely fun. Hopefully some of the evil pacts made will benefit our members and make it an exciting year for B.O.T. members. Unfortunately I didn’t take many pics to share this year. I really need to work on that. Boo for me.

Most surprisingly, I discovered that I don’t like watching screenings at a convention. I was so excited to see The Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh from the publisher of Rue Morgue magazine, Rodrigo Gudino. It’s been around for a few years but I’ve never been able to see it. So I get a drink, find a seat in the banquet hall, about seven rows back, and the disappointment begins. The screen is hard to see, I can’t really hear the movie, people were talking and some genius brought in their toddler – so you know how that went. After about ten minutes, I had to walk out. Went directly to the Rue Morgue booth to get a copy, but it won’t be officially released until July. So while I was there I picked up a book on 200 Alternative Horror Films You Need To See. That should keep me and my couch busy for awhile.

One of my finds at TFW. Get ready for many movie-thons dear couch.

So I guess I found out that I’m too spoiled watching movies. I’d rather see them at the Alamo Drafthouse or at home on my giant screen TV. I believe in seeing them in all their true glory is all,  so I will patiently wait.

Another surprise was how much I enjoyed the panels. Next year I will definitely focus more of my attention on those. I sat in a panel for Monstro Bizarro which was very interesting. Lyle Blackburn, singer of Dallas band, Ghoultown and bona fide cryptid hunter, talked about his adventures hunting and investigating elusive creatures in the woods. His latest book, The Beast of Boggy Creek, has been very successful  - and with his many TV appearances and a regular column in Rue Morgue Magazine – he had tons of info and stories to share.

And of course the vendors were out in force. There was a wide variety of items, spread out into two giant halls. A ton of horror shirts – to make any horror fan’s wardrobe for the year – and memorabilia to decorate their homes. A special congrats to our co-founder Craig Meritt of Pallbearer Press. His booth has grown into an impressive display of horror wares and wants. His artistic renditions of classic and obscure horror films and characters - displayed on t-shirts and pillows - are one-of-a-kind. And speaking of artists – in the middle of all this horror – they are my personal favorites. This year I got lucky with a screen print from Arlington, TX illustrator, James S. Cole. I discovered his work two years ago at TFW 2011. He had many amazing illustrations but I was particularly enchanted with a certain print. Unfortunately I didn’t have the money at the time.

A long lost find at TFW from illustrator, James S. Cole

Last year our booth was directly across from his, and he still had a few left… but again, no money. This year he had one left, and thanks to Mastercard, it’s now all mine. But I did scoop in and take it from Derek of Obscuri photography (the main photographer of Gore Noir Magazine). Sorry Derek but it was meant to be mine.

This year was also about finding gems from Texas independent horror filmmakers. I’ll admit, I haven’t gave them the proper attention they deserve in the past and that’s a shame, because there are some really talented – and very approachable, genuine – people out there making horror films on minuscule budgets. All they ask is for your time to watch their version of horror. And I’ll  thankfully take a break from the usual Hollywood horror drool as of late. A few stood out to me and I happily bought their DVDs. I’ll blog about them separately in the near future. Tease. Tease.

That about wraps up TFW 2013 for me. Next year I’ll be buying a V.I.P. pass so I can get the full benefits, sit in more panels, stay longer, continue the after hours drinking and mingling in the hotel bar and make more connections and friendships with those that “get me.” Long live horror!

-Bunny Voodoo

Book clubs for horror fiction? I didn’t know they existed. Well, in my dark heart I knew, but I often get sidetracked by the many duties of an evil overlord. And I really should make time for words from the many demented minds out there. In the time B.O.T. started I have been made aware of many horror-related writers and events that are here in our great city. From monthly book clubs –  It’s The End Of The World As You Know It and The Nightmare Factory - to local vampire fiction writer Gabrielle Faust (http://www.gabriellefaust.com/)  and B.O.T. member Emily who manages a great blog on horror fiction (http://carnageconservatory.wordpress.com/), there is ALOT of horror fiction going on here.

So let’s make a deal to delve into a good horror book every once in awhile. I miss having nightmares anyway. I get the best inspiration from them.

The Nightmare Factory Book Club  is currently reading Between Two Fires and meets every third Tuesday of the month at Book People.(https://www.facebook.com/events/529141853781847/).

The It’s The End Of The World Book Club is currently reading The Stand with plans for I Am Legend in January and meets every third Sunday at Book People. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/414788498572429/).

Have more local horror literature happenings and info? Send it to bloodovertexas@yahoo.com or drop us a note on our FB page.

When there's no more room in hell, the dead will skate in blood

That’s right kiddies, Zombie Skate is back for its 4th installment. What started as a Libra birthday celebration for friends back in 2007, has turned into one of the highlights for the witching season. Check out the video we made on the first one …

Oooo... a sexy one

Rednecks love zombies

After a few years off, we decided to bring it back - and this time – make it public just to see how many zombies we could get to show up in their best dressed zombie-wear. Maybe we should call Guinness World Records? One of my favorite moments of Z Skate is when you look at those who can barely skate. They (including myself) hold their arms out for balance and look very much like a hoard of zombies. You even get slow ones and fast ones. There are no rules, just dress up as anything and dead-ify yourself.  Well actually there is one rule.

Zombies love too

If you’ve been to Z Skate before this one is new… no alcohol! Since it’s a public event, no one is allowed to bring in food or drinks. Boo. But I guess no one wants to get sued. Understandable. They will be opening the snack bar so you can fill up on nachos and dogs old-skool style.

And since it’s always a blast to see what you fiends come up with, you will be rewarded for your for your efforts. A costume contest for the best dressed zombie in the following categories: SCARIEST, SEXIEST, CLASSIC, FUNNIEST AND MOST ORIGINAL. Awards will be given, so impress the hoards. We’re also working on a zombie photo booth so you can take pictures to keep in your “scrap” books.

Let's give a hand to the zombies!

We’ll have a professional or we may just keep it open to do with what you please. We need everyone to show up – especially B.O.T. members – so invite everyone you know! The more dead the better we say.

Warning! This might happen

So join us for a most evil Sunday on October 21st at Playland Skate Center in Austin from 9:30-11:30. It’s $8 for regular folk and only $6 for B.O.T. members (bring your card). It’ll be the best two hours you’ll spend being dead in a long time. Plans for after the skate will include meeting back up downtown to take over Elysium for some 80s dancing. Thriller anyone? It’s gonna be a fun one!

Please R.S.V.P. to our FB invite. You’ll get more details and continuing updates there: http://www.facebook.com/events/525117160851077/?context=create

The exclusive print being given away by Cody Schibi!

Wow! We just got a look at the exclusive art print being given away at the Terror Tuesday showing of CREEPSHOW next week! Horror/comic illustrator, Cody Schibi (www.codyschibi.com) created this special print for our B.O.T. signup on July 31st. It’s one of his favorite movies and we think he showed it by making such a bad-ass ode to one of the coolest and fun horror movies ever. I guess you could go as far as call it a “cult” movie for those of us old enough to remember the “good ‘ol days.”

So here’s how it will go down …

The first 30 people who sign-up to be B.O.T. members, get a free 5×8 print signed and numbered by the artist. Then we will give away a few poster sized (11×17) prints during the giveaway before the movie. We have a special guest straight from the movie – unfortunately not mentioned in the credits – that is coming to give away the prize! Don’t miss this extra special Terror Tuesday! Tickets are on sale now and it will sell out. See you there creeps.

Buy tix here: http://drafthouse.com/movies/terror_tuesday_creepshow/austin

hint

The video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GMx17JHqRo

Casey is also getting ready to release the official DVD from this years Texas Frightmare Weekend Horror Convention in Dallas. We can’t wait to see it! http://www.caseyccorpier.com/

Lounge with your horror homies.

Join your fellow horror hounds for a night of ghastly grooves at Horror Lounge night at the Jackalope!

Meet some sandworms

B.O.T. brings you rockin’ horror inspired surf music from THE SANDWORMS. This spooky instrumental group from San Antonio channels sounds from the grave, which is perfect for drinking and geeking out to horror together.

The Sandworms, in band form.

And what lounge isn’t complete without some gore-geous ghouls shaking their money makers? Austin’s very own all-horror dance group, Dolls From The Crypt, gives you 60′s style go-go, good enought to raise the dead!

A devilish doll from Dolls From The Crypt

To keep the mood dark, we’ll show some awesome horror B-movies on all of the TVs in the lounge.

While you’re there, sign-up to join the B.O.T. army. It’s free and, as a member, you get special member discounts. In fact this month, the Jackalope gives us a drinking discount. Stop by and we’ll be happy to tell you about it.

NEW B.O.T. t-shirts, koozies and “Keep Austin Bloody” stickers will be available.

Please support your local horror scene by stopping by the FREE show and help us show the commoners how to lounge horror-style!

Share this invite and spread the disease: http://www.facebook.com/events/264268633674481/

Check out THE SANDWORMS at http://www.reverbnation.com/thesandworms

Peep at THE DOLLS FROM THE CRYPT at www.dollsfromthecrypt.com

For more info on THE JACKALOPE visit their site at www.jackalopebar.com

See you all there!

When there's no more room...

Attention Austin … next month’s official Blood Over Texas event is set!  RIDE OF THE DEAD: Monster & Zombie Social Bike Ride! Grab your bicycle and throw on your best dead wear ‘cuz we’re gonna ride through the streets of our hometown and show ‘em how we like to play! We’ve heard of these social bike rides that happen every week and we decided to throw some horror in the mix – B.O.T. style. Dress up as your favorite monster, ghoul or zombie – as long as you’re deadified – and come ride the streets with us.

Um... if this happens... no one saw anything...

The route will take us on the East side (to “eat some flesh”), through downtown (to grab a drink) and end up in college area (to watch a movie). Now that sounds like a long way – especially for those of us not used to riding – but it’s only 4.5 miles with a stop along the way. Below are the times and places. When else are you going to have the chance to eat BBQ, drink a beer, watch a classic horror movie, growl like a zombie and exercise all at once?

Starts at 6:00pm:
EAT SOME FLESH at LIVE OAK BBQ – 2713 East 2nd Street (http://liveoakbbq.net/)
There will be food specials for B.O.T. members and people in costumes. Long Pig Tacos with Bloody Mary Sauce for $2

8:30ish:
HAVE A DRINK at JACKALOPE BAR – 404 East 6th Street (www.jackalopebar.com)
$1 tallboys and $2 microbrews for people in costume. We won’t be here long, just enough time to invade downtown and grab a quick drink.

10:30ish:
WATCH A MOVIE at SPIDERHOUSE CAFE – 2908 Fruth Street (www.spiderhousecafe.com)  **UPDATE** We will be showing an amazing collection of trailers instead of the movie. Stephen Romano (www.stephenromanoshockfestival.com) – award-winning horror novelist, artist and screenwriter – will be going through his vaults of horror and bringing us a plethora of horror/exploitation/grindhouse trailers. Plus he’ll be giving away some of his amazing horror books to some lucky ghouls! Yay for short attention spans and cool swag! 

Use your own bike, rent or borrow. Remember to keep it safe! We don’t want anyone actually gettin’ dead. Bring bike lights, protective gear (if necessary) and chain locks. We also won’t be doing this anarchy bike style, in other words, we will be abiding by street laws.

Safety first

And of course, you’ll have an opportunity to signup to be a B.O.T. member. Many discounts and special events in the works that will be open to members only! So don’t miss your chance, you can only sign up in person!

PLEASE R.S.V.P. to our FB page so we can get a count: http://www.facebook.com/events/286413344780082/

ON MAY 16TH, THE DEAD WILL RIDE!

The beasts invade downtown

BREAKING NEWS!

This Saturday, April 28th!

We just partnered up – last minute – with Museum of the Weird and Lyle Blackburn to have a day of beastly fun this Saturday, April 28th!

Lyle Blackburn, front man for Dallas hellbilly band Ghoultown, and contributor to Rue Morgue Magazine, is signing his new book, The Beast of Boggy Creek. Meet the man, the myth and the legend – and we’re not just talking about the beast in the book. Plus a Hairy Creature Double Feature! Screenings of the documentary Southern Fried Bigfoot and the original The Legend Of Boggy Creek will be shown. First 15 people to buy his book online now, receives FREE admission to the museum within the Museum and both screenings. After that, the admission and screenings are $5. Get more info/directions and buy the book here: http://www.museumoftheweird.com/shop/).

5-7:00pm: Lyle will be on hand to sign the book, The Beast of Boggy Creek (http://www.foukemonster.net/book.htm)

Southern Fried Bigfoot documentary

5:00pm: Southern Fried Bigfoot screening

7:00pm: The Legend of Boggy Creek screening

We’ll be there there the whole night since the museum has been gracious enough to give us our very own dark corner to sign up members and give you a chance to get some merch to show your allegiance to the dark side.

You can only sign up for B.O.T. in person – dead or alive -so don’t miss your chance. We have some exciting events planned and some member-only discounts available, so now is the time to join. Here’s the official invite for the event – if you wanna be FB cool and let us know you’re coming: http://www.facebook.com/events/197149097071027/

The original Legend of Boggy Creek

Check out our new merch items below and we’ll see you freaks there!

Member cards, koozies and Keep Austin Bloody stickers! Ooooo...