SPLATTERPUNK ISSUE 7

A recent Facebook conversation reminded me that I never got around to reviewing Splatterpunk #7, which is borderline unforgivable. So let’s get to it, shall we?

The Chomper by Kristopher Rufty - A nifty little tale of that perfect suburban location, and the lengths a couple is willing to go to keep it. I really enjoyed the tension between the husband and wife in this, and I couldn’t quite see how the story was going to pan out, which was gratifying.

Awakening by Jeff Strand - My flash fiction piece of 2015. Gross, twisted, and hilarious, all at once, it’s worth the cover price for this one alone. Seriously, note perfect. The dialogue is a special triumph. Like if Douglas Adams did splatterpunk horror comedy. Gold.

Pas de Deux by Garrett Cook - Yeah, this one is twisted. An exploration of a relationship that goes way beyond the bounds of S&M play, I found this one compelling and repellent in equal measure. Genuinely dark, intelligently written. Haunting, and pulls no punches.

Readings off the Charts by Adam Cesare - Someday, this cat will write a bad story, Today is not that day. Cesare’s grasp of character, ability to sketch relationships and a sense of place are as keen as ever here, and he recreates well the horror movie experience of wanting to yell at the protagonist to NOT DO THE THING, even as we’re unsure what, exactly, it is about doing the thing that will turn out to be bad. This story will be included in ‘Year’s Best Hardcore Horror Vol.1’ edited by Randy Chandler and Cheryl Mullenax. The economy of the story telling, always a Cesare strength, is especially at the fore here. Cracking conclusion to the Zine.

Chuck in a spirited defence of Eli Roth by no less a legend than Jeff Burk,and the usual round up of horror fiction reviews, and it’s another superb outing from editor Jack Bantry. Splatterpunk is 100% the real deal, and if seedy-but-brilliantly-written hardcore horror is your pleasure, guilty or otherwise, I’d say this zine is essential reading.

Purchase a copy here 

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