Customer Reviews

Wild Hairs

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Composed primarily of pieces from Ares (circa 1981 through 1984) and Fangoria (his fondly remembered "Raving and Drooling" columns, circa 1992 to 1996), Wild Hairs provides ample proof that David Schow's non-fiction is as well crafted, entertaining and provocative as his fiction. Well informed and highly opinionated, often laugh out loud funny, Schow covers a plethora of topics, including the MPAA rating system, the Outer Limits, garage kits, and the works of the sadly neglected Gerald Kersh. The highlight of the collection, however, is a handful of insightful, often scathing columns on the horror genre and writing itself. Old timers and newcomers alike should read and absorb the timeless lessons Schow has to teach on stupid questions ("Stupid Horror Question Tricks"), the state of horror ("Horror Rises From the Grave...Again!), tired plot elements ("The Horror Book of Cliches"), and anthologies ("The Big Dos Equis"). Also noteworthy are pieces on blurbs ("Insert Blurb Here," containing the true story of Stephen King's "I have seen the future of horror" quote re: Clive Barker's Books of Blood) conventions ("Con-Dumb"), writing ("Symps"), creators (pieces on Joe R. Lansdale, Richard Christian Matheson and Frank Darabont) and editors ("Living Dead at the Westchester Morgue). Hopefully, you won't recognize yourself in any of the more vitriolic pieces. If you do, however, take two aspirin and call Dr. Schow in the morning--he'll fix you up right quick.