Monster-eating highlights from Son of Monsterpalooza in Burbank

Son of Monsterpalooza was an unforgettable three days, jam-packed with horror goodness: panels, vendors, icons, merchandise and monsters!

Son of Monsterpalooza is the pea-child of Monsterpalooza, a yearly horror convention held in Los Angeles in spring. Though the son is an offshoot, it’s a fun-filled event packed with panels, guests, vendors and activities.

It was hard to experience everything…though I tried. It’s pretty cool that the venue was the Marriott Burbank Convention Center since Burbank is where Tim Burton grew up and no one should ever forget that.

The event sure didn’t disappoint fans with a guest list that included: Linnea Quigley, Linda Blair, Heather Langenkamp, Bill Moseley and Marky Ramone.

Here are highlights from Son of Monsterpalooza 2019:

Creepshow Panel with Greg Nicotero

Creepshow was a horror anthology film based on stories by Stephen King and directed by George A. Romero in 1982. The latest incarnation is a series that will debut on Shudder, helmed by executive producer Greg Nicotero of The Walking Dead.

David Arquette, Kid Cudi, Dana Gould, Adrienne Barbeau, Bruce Davison and Hannah Barefoot will be starring  in segments directed by Tom Savini, Rob Schrab, David Bruckner, Roxanne Benjamin and John Harrison.

Comedian Dana Gould moderated the discussion panel which featured: executive producer Greg Nicotero, make-up artist Jake Garber and illustrator Mike Tyson.

The panel talked about how they met many of their collaborators at early horror and sci-fi conventions. Nicotero talked about the first time he met George A. Romero (who was waiting to meet with Dario Argento) when he was 17 years old.

What else can be said about Creepshow other than we’re all counting down the days until its release?

Baby Tattoo Presents: Paradox 5

What is Baby Tattoo? Is it an art collective? A group of magicians?

Baby Tattoo is an independent group of artists who publish books and produce live events for those who enjoy the unexpected. I waited in line for twenty minutes wondering what was going to happen and I was surprised by what ended up being a thoughtful, magical experience.

Paradox 5 was ‘experiencing’ five rooms with a small group of people…but each room had a different existential theme (written as a short poem) that was answered by the magic act performed.

Oddly enough, I found myself connecting to the performers in a way that I’ve generally only experienced with improvisers or classical actors.

Pretty nifty cocktail trick, I imagine each guest felt the same. They say a great performer can connect with everyone in the room at once. Well, connect with Baby Tattoo on their Instagram for news about possible upcoming experiences.

Son of Conjoined: Art Mayhem

Son of Conjoined was a sculptural and dimensional group art exhibition, curated by Chet Zar and Copro Gallery. IT WAS SCARY ART. Wonderfully scary art. Like, really scary. Dolls, imps, goblins…and The Joker.

Yeah, there was a huge sculpture of The Joker. I wouldn’t keep that in my house. Clown incel? No thanks! That’s good art…so good, I can’t even buy it.

Although I do have a few horror items in my living room, I don’t like to walk past them at night. I know it’s irrational and yet…what if? What if the laws of reality…suddenly broke down…into absurdity? What then?

The Son of Conjoined was like a nightmare come true in the greatest way: horror paintings, sculptures…and lots of dolls. Creepy, creepy dolls. Pan out…

Gore Noir Magazine

Gore Noir is a magazine about horror culture including artists, musicians and photographers, based in Austin, TX. I bought the Winter edition which had a recipe for cooking called “Brain Loaf,” written by Taylor Haggard, so it has dark humor as well. Yes!

The mission statement says that their goal is to produce a magazine that is different from other publications, so it doesn’t focus on film reviews, but instead the culture around the genre.

They also have stickers that say: TO RESIST UNORIGINAL HORROR BULLSHIT. What’s not to love about Gore Noir? I’m crazy about ‘em and I just met them. Madness!

Son of Monsterpalooza returns in 2020 — be ready.

Are you excited about the debut of Creepshow? Did you go to Son of Monsterpalooza? What was your favorite event? Let us know in the comments!