Jonathan James
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Articles by Jonathan James
Watch the Trailer for Chris LaMartina’s SPIRIT TASTING; Plus Roadshow Dates and Locations!
"The theatrical raodshow trailer for Chris LaMartina's hotly-anticipated new thriller, SPIRIT TASTING, is now available for you to view and share via your media outlet! Don't miss out on this charming new indie from the creator of WNUF HALLOWEEN SPECIAL, World Premiering this Thursday, November 12th, at Baltimore's historic Senator Theatre! A post-punk riff on The Monkey’s Paw, SPIRIT TASTING follows three former punks (Sean Doherty, Melissa LaMartina, and Trevor Wilhelms) as they toast their...
Horror Highlights: EXQUISITE CORPSES, 1408, ONE NIGHT IN PURGATORY
BLUMHOUSE ATOMIC ANNOUNCES FIRST LOOK DEAL WITH JAMES TYNION IV AND TINY ONION, WILL DEVELOP EXQUISITE CORPSES ALONGSIDE LYRICAL MEDIA IN FILM AND ANIMATION: "Blumhouse Atomic, the home of horror, has entered a first look deal with Tiny Onion, the production house of James Tynion IV, to develop his intellectual property across film, television and animation.
“Have I ever told you this movie’s cursed?” – Watch an Exclusive Clip from DEAD MEDIA
From writer / director Joseph Scrimshaw, DEAD MEDIA is now available for horror fans to enjoy across VOD platforms. A love letter to physical media and 80s/90s creature features, we have an exclusive preview just for Daily Dead readers! "DEAD MEDIA follows the tale of a troubled young woman named Maggie who is just trying to enjoy movie night with her two best friends. After scrolling through titles, they try to stream a long-lost '90s horror cult-classic, NIGHT OF THE LURCHERS.
Horror Highlights: Chris LaMartina’s SPIRIT TASTING, ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES, SAM RAIMI AWARD, Jamie Bernadette’s TWO INCHES FROM SUICIDE
Poster Reveal: Chris LaMartina's SPIRIT TASTING, from Terror Vision Films: "The poster for Chris LaMartina's upcoming thriller, SPIRIT TASTING, is now available. The original artwork by Marc Schoenbach of Sadist Art Designs will be featured at all live events during the film's roadshow, running from November through January.
The Lab Press Launches New Portable Editions of Their Acclaimed Titles; Read Our Exclusive Preview of ESSENTIALS
After a very successful run of releasing their debut titles, indie graphic novel publisher The Lab Press has announced that they're launching a new range of compact editions.
Toho International Details GODZILLA DAY Screenings, Merch, and Video Game Release
Godzilla Day is imminent and, not only does it include advance screenings of Godzilla Minus Zero around the US, but all kinds of goodies fans won't want to miss out on.
Horror Highlights: NEW GROUP, WRATHBONE, THE TOWN THAT TAKES, DOLLKEEPER, MIDNIGHT MOVIE CLUB II
Yûta Shimotsu's NEW GROUP: "High school student Ai sees her world collapse when a strange cult-like mentality gradually turns people around her into mindless followers who can transform simple gymnastics routines into a nightmarish dance of death.
Interview: Exploring the Horrors of STRANGE: JUNJI ITO’S TALES FOR SLEEPLESS NIGHTS With Junji Ito, Yûta Shimotsu, and Mayu Nobe
It's apropos that I'm writing about "Sleepless Nights" at 3:00 AM. I haven't been keeping a regular schedule since getting back from Tokyo, so the nights are when I get my writing in. I prefer it this way. There's a stillness during the twilight hours at my home and inbox. My best ideas and writing tend to occur during that blurry state where I drift in and out of lucidity, so in short: I'm in my best state of mind and having the time of my life writing about the work of Junji Ito.
Success Comes at a Dangerous Price in Exclusive Trailer Premiere for TRANSPLANT
Directed by Jason Park, Transplant stars Bill Camp, Eric Nam, Michelle Okkyung Lee, April Grace, and Adam Arkin, and "follows an ambitious surgical resident whose pursuit of success under a renowned heart transplant surgeon comes at a dangerous price." The film releases on November 20th from Vertical Entertainment and we have the exclusive trailer premiere for Daily Dead readers! "Jonah Yoon (Eric Nam) is a driven surgical resident determined to become a top surgeon, but his ambition pushes...
Horror Highlights: THE HOLY BOY Trailer, TERROR ON TUBI’s Haunted Hearse, GRUNGE
Watch the Trailer for THE HOLY BOY: "Sergio (Michele Riondino), a teacher tormented by his past is transferred to Remis, a secluded village known as the happiest town in Italy. But Sergio soon discovers that behind the town’s joyful facade lies a disturbing secret: Each week, the villagers gather to hug Matteo (Giulio Feltri), an introverted fifteen-year-old whose embrace can free one of all pain and sorrow.
Interview: Celebrating The Halloween Season With The Superfan Podcast’s David Hyde & Kristen Simon
Just in time for the Halloween season, the Superfan Podcast has returned with all-new episodes "in which the people who make the stories that scare you talk about the spooky stories that they love!" For season three of the Superfan Podcast, which Daily Dead is proud to be a sponsor of, co-hosts Kristen Simon and David Hyde are joined by an all-star line-up of award-winning comic book writers and artists, including Patrick Horvath, Tyler Crook, Victor LaValle, Mat Johnson, Matt Wagner, and...
Q&A: Joe Atalla Discusses the “Supernatural Pulp Adventures” of SIR REGINALD AND THE CLOCKWORK HEART, Now Available on Kickstarter
"From scorching deserts to fathomless oceans, from sacred temples to ancient graveyards," Sir Reginald and the Clockwork Heart invites readers to join a daring skeleton and his trusty spectral butler in "supernatural pulp adventures" around the globe.
“A Seductive Tale of Vampiric Desire, Redemption, and Bloodlust” – Watch an Exclusive Clip From LOVE KILLS
"Adapted from Danilo Beyruth’s acclaimed Brazilian graphic novel, Luiza Shelling Tubaldini's solo directing debut turns downtown São Paulo into a neon-lit gothic fable. Tubaldini uses vampirism as a lens on outcast women, trauma, and survival.
Horror Highlights: Chris LaMartina’s SPIRIT TASTING, HIBAGON: JAPANESE BIGFOOT, FANGORIA CHAINSAW AWARDS
Whiskey Grants Wishes in SPIRIT TASTING, from Terror Vision Original Productions and Chris LaMartina (creator of WNUF Halloween Special): "A post-punk riff on The Monkey’s Paw, Chris LaMartina's SPIRIT TASTING follows three former punks (Sean Doherty, Melissa LaMartina, and Trevor Wilhelms) as they toast their late bandmate at a distillery on New Year’s Eve.
Horror Highlights: TALES FROM THE MORGUE, Glass Eye Pix Palooza-Con, OCCULT INCORPORATED
Fright-Rags Launches Horror Anthology Comic TALES FROM THE MORGUE: "After over two decades of horror movie apparel and collectibles, Fright-Rags is delivering original tales of terror. Fright-Rags Presents: Tales from the Morgue, an all-new horror anthology comic, is launching just in time for Halloween in partnership with American Mythology Comics. The Fantom, Fright-Rags' resident ghoul, guides readers through two original nightmares across 32 full-color pages.
Q&A: Writer James Aquilone Brings Legendary Comedy Duo Back to Comic Books with ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET THE MONSTERS, Now on Kickstarter!
More than 50 years since they last graced the paneled page, the legendary cinematic comedy duo of Abbott and Costello are officially returning to the world of comic books along with some frightfully fun friends in the new Monstrous series Abbott & Costello Meet the Monsters! With the exciting new series now on Kickstarter, Daily Dead caught up with writer and Monstrous founder James Aquilone to discuss bringing Abbott and Costello back to comic books, including preserving the legacy of the...
Getting Ready For Halloween With These 12 Genre-Bending Books For Horror Fans
[This sponsored article is brought to you by Anna Claire Shuman] It’s that time of year again, when the veil lifts, and everything spooky infiltrates the mainstream. We’ve rounded up twelve of the best new cozy horror, thriller, cosmic horror, and spooky novels for you to devour this Halloween. We have New York Times bestselling authors, science fiction legends, and classic retellings ahead–both for teens and adults!–a little something for everyone this season. 1) ADAM, MINE by K.
Watch the “Plane Scene” Clip from CLAYFACE
With only a week away from the release of Clayface, we're excited to share with Daily Dead readers a clip from the film's already buzzed about "plane scene": "DC Studios’ “Clayface” is a horror thriller from director James Watkins, starring Tom Rhys Harries in the title role of the cult favorite villain from Gotham’s Rogues’ Gallery. Matt Hagen’s meteoric rise from Gotham street kid to Hollywood leading man is tragically cut short when a local crime boss’s actions leave him horribly disfigured.
“A Boy, A Girl & Her Hungry Monster!” – Mad Cave Studios Celebrates Halloween by Sharing With Daily Dead Readers The First Issue of ORLA! For Free!
"ORLA! is a romcom/creature feature mash-up about a lonely woman struggling to navigate the Seattle singles scene while sometimes turning into a man-eating monster." To celebrate the Halloween season, Mad Cave Studios is releasing free issues of their horror comic books throughout October, and we've teamed up with them to give Daily Dead readers an exclusive look at the first issue of Orla! Written by John Lees, with art by Sally Cantirino, colors by Dearbhla Kelly, and letters by Lucas...
Horror Highlights: FANGORIA Chainsaw Awards, GWAR AND THE LAST DRIVE-IN-STEIN, SILVER SCREAMERS, Zach Passero’s THE WEIRD KIDZ, THE KILLER SOUNDS OF HALLOWEN RISES FROM THE GRAVE
FANGORIA REVEALS 2026 CHAINSAW AWARDS PRESENTER LINEUP AHEAD OF OCTOBER 25 SHUDDER PREMIERE: "FANGORIA has announced the presenter lineup for the 2026 FANGORIA Chainsaw Awards, premiering Sunday, October 25 at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT, exclusively on Shudder. Hosted by Devon Sawa (Final Destination, Idle Hands, Chucky), this year's Halloween harvest-themed ceremony celebrates the best in horror film, television, and gaming.
Horror Highlights: DEAD OF NIGHT, MY FAVORITE FINAL GIRL, THE THIRD PARENT, THE EXIT STATE, Ripcord’s Halloween Film Festival
DEAD OF NIGHT Slasher Acquired by Level 33 for November 13 Theatrical Release: "DEAD OF NIGHT, the indie horror-thriller directed by Derek Sulek and starring Dermot Mulroney (MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING, ABOUT SCHMIDT), Scott Grimes (TED, OPPENHEIMER), Jake Busey (STRANGER THINGS, RUST), and Kirrilee Berger (UNSUNG HERO), has been picked up for U.S. and Canadian distribution by Level 33 Entertainment.
JAPANESE GHOST STORIES Interview with Yuko Shimizu
This fall, Folio Society will publish JAPANESE GHOST STORIES, "a stunning, collectible collection of twenty spine-tingling tales illustrated by award-winning artist Yuko Shimizu.
Horror Highlights: IN A VIOLENT NATURE: PART 2, R.L. STINE’S THE BABYSITTER,
Independent Film Company and Shudder To Release IN A VIOLENT NATURE: PART 2 - In Theaters February 12, 2027!: "IN A VIOLENT NATURE: PART 2, the highly anticipated follow-up to the breakout horror hit IN A VIOLENT NATURE, will arrive exclusively in theaters on February 12, 2027. The release date was revealed as a surprise during Shudder’s panel at New York Comic Con, shared by Ry Barrett, who returns as the masked killer Johnny.
Interview with THE ONLY ONE’s Saphira Moran, Mel Jarnson, and Michael Schwarz
"Ten years after moving to LA and failing to launch an acting career, Zoe returns home to small town Australia to attend a high school friend's wedding where she's awkwardly confronted by a flurry of old flames.
BlumFest at NYCC Spotlights Blumhouse & Atomic Monster’s Upcoming Slate, Including Curry Barker’s ANYTHING BUT GHOSTS, and the Craig Zobel-Directed SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN
From the Press Release: Blumhouse Atomic Monster, the home of horror, offered fans plenty of First Looks, surprises and giveaways at its packed BlumFest New York Comic-Con session Friday.
Watch the Official Trailer for THE EXORCIST: MARTYRS
Martyr: a person who suffers persecution and death rather than renounce a religious belief or core principle. Mike Flanagan’s The Exorcist: Martyrs only in theaters March 12. Written & Directed by: Mike Flanagan Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jacobi Jupe, John Leguizamo, Sasha Calle VIDEO
Interview: Michael Dougherty Talks TRICK ‘R TREAT: WITCHING HOURS Graphic Novel, Gives a TRICK ‘R TREAT 2 Status Update, Discusses Sam’s Origin
This October you don't just have the Trick 'r Treat movie to watch throughout the Halloween season... Sam is back in four new tales in Trick 'r Treat: Witching Hours graphic novel on October 13th! Michael Dougherty is joined by an all-star team of writers and artist, and I caught up with Dougherty to discuss the making of the graphic novel.
R.L. STINE’S PUMPKINHEAD 2 Interview with Jem Garrard & Cassandra Peterson
Just in time for Halloween, Tubi's Original film, R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead 2, is now available to watch! The highly anticipated sequel to last year’s well-received film, inspired by a chilling short story by Stine, “begins when a new Pumpkinhead curse awakens in Redhaven, and Sam (Bean Reid) and Becka (Adeline Lo) must stop it before it claims the entire town.” Returning to write and direct the sequel is Jem Garrard (Buzzkill, Takeout), and, alongside familiar faces from the first film, the...
Horror Highlights: SLASHER TRASH Trailer & Cast Reveal, SPLIT ROCK Acquired by SHUDDER, CHRISTMAS AT THE KRINGLES Trailer
Slasher Trash Trailer & Cast Reveal: "Celebrate and explore obscure slashers in the ultimate slasher documentary featuring David Howard Thornton (Art the Clown, Terrifier), Grady Hendrix (Author: The Final Girl Support Group), George Mihalka (Director: My Bloody Valentine), and many more! If you thought In Search of Darkness didn't go deep enough... this is for you.
Horror Highlights: THE 99 LEGS, BLACK CHARIOT, BECROWNED Original
Michael W. Conrad and Noah Bailey Present the Terrifying Graphic Novel, The 99 Legs: "Writer Michael W. Conrad (Nightwing) and acclaimed artist Noah Bailey (Diabolical, Station Grand), the creative team behind the hit graphic novels Tremor Dose and Double Walker, reunite for The 99 Legs, their most disturbing collaboration yet.
CARRIE Interviews with Mike Flanagan, Summer H. Howell, Samantha Sloyan, Amber Midthunder, Matthew Lillard, Alison Thornton, Josie Totah, Joel Oulette, and Arthur Conti
All eight episodes of the highly-anticipated Carrie series are now available on Prime Video, and I got to catch up with Mike Flanagan and much of the main cast during a recent press day. From discussions on Mike Flanagan's approach to updating the material for the modern day to hearing from Summer H. Howell about stepping into the iconic role of Carrie, check out my interviews below to hear about everyone's experience working on the new series.
A Graphic Novel About Ghosts, Friendship, and Making Comics! – Exclusive HAUNTED COMIC CLUB Preview and Interview with Josh Tierney & Caitlin Soliman
"Eisner-nominated writer Josh Tierney (World Piece, Iris Complex) joins longtime collaborator Caitlin Soliman (Iris Complex) in this spooky middle-grade graphic novel about ghosts, friendship, and making comics!" With Haunted Comic Club now available from Oni Press, I caught up with Josh Tierney and Caitlin Soliman to learn more about comic clubs, collaborating, and the urban legend at the center of the story, and much more.
The Superfan Podcast Celebrates The Halloween Season with All-New, Eerie Episodes! First New Episode Features Patrick Horvath & Tyler Crook Discussing David Lynch
Just in time for the Halloween season, the Superfan Podcast returns with all-new episodes "in which the people who make the stories that scare you talk about the spooky stories that they love!" For season three of the Superfan Podcast, which Daily Dead is proud to be a sponsor of, co-hosts Kristen Simon and David Hyde are joined by an all-star line-up of award-winning comic book writers and artists.
HELLBOY IN HELL: NOTHING BUT BLOOD Interview With Cyrille Pomès
"All Hell Breaks Loose in This Two-Issue Comics Event Legendary Hellboy creator Mike Mignola is revisiting one of the most iconic chapters in Hellboy history with a brand new two-issue comic event, Hellboy in Hell: Nothing but Blood.
Severin Films Officially Announces MORBID PLEASURES: A COMPENDIUM OF GRAND GUIGNOL & THE GRAND GUIGNOLESQUE
After some recent social media teases, Severin has officially revealed MORBID PLEASURES: A COMPENDIUM OF GRAND GUIGNOL & THE GRAND GUIGNOLESQUE! An absolutely incredible look into the history and influence of Paris' Grand Guignol, this looks to be another special collection from Severin Films and required viewing for those looking to expand their knowledge of horror history: From the Press Release: From the birth of cinema to the enduring influence of macabre horror, Severin Films presents...
Exclusive: Dark Horse Comics Celebrates Halloween and Hellboy By Sharing With Daily Dead Readers a Free Full Issue of HELLBOY IN HELL!
Every year, Dark Horse Comics celebrates the Halloween season by making some of their previous issues free to read, and with Mike Mignola returning to his iconic Hellboy in Hell saga, we've teamed up with Dark Horse to give Daily Dead readers a free issue to read from the original series! Setting the stage for Hellboy in Hell: Nothing But Blood and Hellboy In Hell: Parade of Horrors, we have the full issue for Hellboy in Hell #7: "The Hounds of Pluto" that you can read right now! Hellboy in...
Watch the Final Trailer for ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES: ORGANIC INTELLIGENCE, Plus VOD Release Details and NYCC Info
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes is rolling into New York Comic Con, October 8–11, 2026, at the Javits Center! Stop by Atomic Toybox at Booth #1771 for Killer Tomato plush, jackets, hats, posters, art prints, and the debut of the “I 🍅 NY” T-shirt. The booth will spotlight Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence, making its VOD debut on October 6. Plus, pick up limited-edition Garbage Pail Kids pins created exclusively for NYCC.
Horror Highlights: THE INSTITUTE Season 2 Trailer, BUDDY Home Media Release, HUMAN Trailer & Release Info
MGM+ DEBUTS OFFICIAL TRAILER AND KEY ART FOR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED “THE INSTITUTE” SEASON 2: "Based on the best-selling Stephen King novel, MGM+’s hit thriller horror series The Institute is back for a highly anticipated second season. In the wake of their climactic escape from Dennison, Luke and his friends search for a way to end the Institute for good.
Horror Highlights: THE DEADLY SPAWN 4K UHD, ACCESS:HORROR FILM FESTIVAL, ONE EYE OPEN Trailer
THE DEADLY SPAWN 4K UHD (AND REGION FREE BLU-RAY) STANDARD EDITION coming Nov.10, 2026: "A pair of campers stumble upon the remnants of a meteorite and discover some fanged, worm- like creatures have hitched a ride to Earth.
Join Us at NYCC 2026: John Cusack Discusses His New Graphic Novel MOMO on Friday, October 9th
In celebration of the release of John Cusack and Ignacio Noé's new graphic novel, Momo, John Cusack and I will be on stage at New York Comic Con Friday, October 9th! Presented by Mad Cave Studios, the event will take place from 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM in North-Room 406.2: "John Cusack (High Fidelity, Grosse Pointe Blank, Momo) and Jonathan James (Daily Dead) take fans on a trip through the surreal world of Cusack’s first graphic novel, Momo.
Interview: Becky Cloonan Brings a “Cursed Comic Book” to Life in FEVER DREAM
"An art book, Fever Dream features 116 pages of never-before-seen comic pages, sketches, and illustrations. An absolute visual treasure trove, Fever Dream is for fans of the process, the raw and the chaotic. Equal parts mysterious and captivating, Fever Dream inhabits the liminal space between a sketchbook and a graphic novel.
Horror Highlights: R.L. STINE’S AFRAID OF CLOWNS, CRYSTAL LAKE, SPLIT ROCK
TUBI EXPANDS R.L. STINE PARTNERSHIP WITH NEW ORIGINAL FILM "AFRAID OF CLOWNS": "Tubi today announced R.L. STINE'S AFRAID OF CLOWNS, a new original horror film premiering on Tubi in 2027. The film stars Frankie Honey, Ava Ferrer, Azriel Dalman, Joe Moore, and Jimbo (Canada’s Drag Race and RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 8 Winner). When Ringmaster Rollo and his mysterious clown troupe arrive in Redhaven, Frankie discovers their visit may be connected to a child who vanished years ago.
ScareScore Wants to Measure Your Fear
Over the years, we've seen the Science of Scare Project measure heart rates to determine which movie is the scariest, with Sinister taking the top score multiple years in a row. That project involved a small group of test subjects, and then the results were published in time for the Halloween season. But what if you could test how much a horror movie scares you and your friends?
CREATORVC is Looking For Your Feedback on TERMINATOR EXPANDED
CREATORVC, the team responsible for Aliens Expanded, The Thing Expanded, and the In Search of Darkness series, has officially entered development on Terminator Expanded, a documentary that will deep dive into both James Cameron’s The Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgement Day.
Watch the New Trailer for THE RESTORATION AT GRAYSON MANOR
After its buzzed-about festival run (including Emily's 5/5 review), The Restoration at Grayson Manor is headed to theaters.
Horror Highlights: GROUPCHAT, BUDDY, THE LAST TEMPTATION OF BECKY
GROUPCHAT is Now Available: "FOUND TV is bringing a new game night to the screen this October. Award-winning British horror film GROUPCHAT will premiere Friday, October 2, 2026, exclusively on FOUND TV. Written and directed by Dan Brownlie and produced by Mel Morley, GROUPCHAT follows a group of friends reuniting online after a lengthy absence from their games master, Dean. The plan is to jump back into their role-playing game, Necromancer.
Michael Dougherty Launches SAM: THE SOUL OF HALLOWEEN with New Website, New Short Films, and More
Fans of Trick 'r Treat have a lot to get excited about this October. Michael Dougherty has launched SAM: THE SOUL OF HALLOWEEN, a new creative hub that will house all things surrounding everyone's favorite Halloween "trickster," including new short films, new merchandise, and much more.
BEWARE BOIÚNA Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Breakdown with Jessica Rothe
We have an exclusive behind-the-scenes breakdown by Jessica Rothe of one of the gnarliest moments in Beware Boiúna... the botfly scene. "Deep in the Amazon, a medical mission spirals into a fight for survival when Boiúna, a colossal ancient predator, awakens to reclaim her domain. In the jungle where nature holds absolute power, she decides who lives and who dies." Directed by: Mike P.
Interview: Discussing the Making of GHOST IN THE CELL With Writer & Director Joko Anwar
After wowing Matt Donato and many more attendees of the film's recent Fantastic Fest screening, Joko Anwar's Ghost in the Cell will be released in the US theaters on October 2nd. This week, I had a chance to catch up with Joko Anwar to discuss the origin of the story, the practical effects behind the movie's "ghost," and balancing the film's humor, horror, and heart: "Director Joko Anwar plunges viewers into a high-security prison ruled by feuding gangs and a tyrannical warden.
LVCRFT’s Skeleton Sam’s Deadtime Stories, Curry Barker’s ANYTHING BUT GHOSTS, SILVERLAKE SCREAM SHOW
Ghostface hosts, Freddy Krueger, the Cryptkeeper & M3GAN are guests, and your favorite skeleton gets top billing: LVCRFT's ‘Skeleton Sam’s Deadtime Stories’ rises from the grave October 1: "LVCRFT, the spooky-music supergroup and horror media company whose members write global pop hits by day and Halloween records by night, releases its 8th album, ‘Skeleton Sam’s Deadtime Stories’, on October 1.
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