Monsters—we love them, don’t we, Blood Babes? You know who else loves monsters? Accomplished filmmaker and illustrator David Hartman! That name should sound familiar to you if you’ve been around these parts before, since I’ve promoted his annual Monstroween art event the past two years. Which — if you haven’t checked out all the submissions for that — are always a lot of fun and full of wonderful, horrific talent. It’s a month away before it’s time to talk about this year’s Monstroween, though.
What gives? Is it overflowing excitement for the explosion of terror to come? Okay, well, I’m experiencing that, but that’s between me and the noise complaints my neighbors have filed. I’ve got something else to share today, Gorehounds, and you don’t even have to wait for this one.
No, no, today I’m letting you know of a project Hartman’s doing that you can support RIGHT NOW called MONSTER DRIVE-IN: ISLE OF EVIL!
Best known for directing Phantasm: Ravager and working on genre series like Transformers: Prime and Twilight of the Gods, Hartman blends grindhouse with his signature art style in the all-new 104-page, full-color graphic novel—a series designed to feel like long-lost cult horror movies from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, complete with vintage-style horror ads and intermission breaks.”
“ONE BOAT CAPTAIN, THREE DOOMED GIRLS, AND AN ISLAND CRAWLING WITH UNDEAD HORRORS, STITCHED-UP FREAKS, AND RIVAL MAD SCIENTISTS!
A retro horror comic tribute to a grindhouse movie that never existed… but should have been.
MONSTER DRIVE-IN: ISLE OF EVIL is Volume 1 in a new series of blood-splattered tributes to cult horror loaded with monsters, jungle carnage, twisted science, and retro-style comic ads.
“The book follows Captain Pickles, a grizzled boatman who ferries a trio of party-hungry girls to a remote island for a beach bash. But the island is cursed — crawling with flesh-stitched abominations, voodoo-controlled undead, and two rival mad scientists battling for control.
The comic mixes camp, terror, and explosive action, packed with fake retro ads, sketchbook backmatter, and monster mayhem on every page — all in Hartman’s unmistakable style.”
“Hartman is no stranger to horror comics, having illustrated cult-favorite titles like Strange Cases (Image Comics) and The Devil’s Rejects (IDW), as well as recent work on Kraken and Spectors (both from Titan Comics). With Monster Drive-In: Isle of Evil, Hartman brings his grotesque style and grindhouse energy to a creator-owned project drenched in blood, slime, and retro flair.
“I made this book for the kid in me who stayed up way too late watching creature features — drawn to the monsters, the mayhem, and the raw imagination behind it all,” said Hartman. “This isn’t just a tribute; it’s a heartfelt thank-you to the wild horror stories that shaped me—and the first volume in a series of Monster Drive-In stores.”
To obtain your copy and help support the series, check out Hartman’s Kickstarter right here! Reserve hardcover and softcover editions of the graphic novel, as well as themed sticker sets, art prints, original artwork, and monster sketches by David Hartman, and even a brochure/map of the island. Also included are “Grindhouse” reward tiers with B-movie flair.
I’m sure I’m not the only Monster Kid frothing through my fangs to take a bite of this GUARANTEED bloody romp inspired by the grindhouse creature features of old, so be sure to shamble your way to the Kickstarter sooner rather than later!
Categorized:News
