Carnival of Horrors

It’s a good thing that I’m not one of those folks who are afraid of clowns.  Otherwise, this review would have never even begun.  I would have barely cracked open Carnival of Horrors and said NOPE, can’t do it.  Lucky for all of you, clowns are if anything just slightly creepy to me, so we can get in some feedback on this evil little offering.

What I was able to gather jumping into this fourth book is that we focus on the dark, supernatural filled life that our main character Jake Stone lives.  He’s no stranger to all things ghostly, although it seems like he’s been trying to get away from that, with no success apparently.  We get plenty of background story on how he started on the strange path he was led to.  The only thing I wasn’t too sure of by the end is why he has been forced to return to it.

As the cover indicates, we get to follow along with “classic horror film black & white”.  I thought this was a clever way to sell the monochrome approach to the artwork.  Admittedly, I would have loved to see the wonderful colors that graced the cover in the entire book.  But even without them, the visuals were well done.

With this being a later part of the Funhouse of Horrors series, I’m not entirely sure if I’ve missed any prior info that would help understand the premise.  This certainly seems like it could stand on its own, but if it wasn’t meant to be, my apologies to potential readers.  For what it was worth, it was a spooky little treat and with the rest of the series, it could be a nice addition to your collection.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.

Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight: Hell Paso

Based on the true, violent story of Marshal Dallas Stoudenmire, and his fight to enforce the law in El Paso, Texas, from 1881-1882.

 Launched: May 4, 2013
 Funding ends: Jun 6, 2013

“El Paso...was a gathering place for all types of gamblers, common thieves and desperadoes. At that time it was called Hell Paso and...the title was justly earned." From "Former Mayor Sol C. Schutz Saw El Paso Evolve From Village to City in Half Century,” El Paso Morning Times, June 25, 1916.

“I believe that when a man is born, the time when he is set to die is fixed and appointed, and he can’t be killed before that time comes around. I don’t believe the bullet was ever molded that will kill me.” From “Ex-Marshal Studemeyer,” El Paso Herald, April 9, 1895.



El Paso, Texas, 1881. Corruption runs rampant, crime and violence is high, and El Pasoans are scared. Who can turn this city around? There is only one man who can, and his name is Dallas Stoudenmire.

You've heard of famous Western lawmen such as Wyatt Earp, Pat Garrett, and Wild Bill Hickok. Now discover El Paso Marshal Dallas Stoudenmire, the one man who had the courage to tame the most violent city in the Old West. Read the greatest western time has forgotten, and learn why the city earned its nickname: Hell Paso. Based on the violent events from El Paso, Texas, between 1881 and 1882.

From the Author:

Hello everyone,

My name is Jaime Portillo of Jimmy Daze Comics, and I am the writer and creator of Hell Paso: The Story of Dallas Stoudenmire.

The series was originally released as a six issue limited series starting in 2010. I wrote the story while a number of friends contributed to the art and colors. They are Arturo Delgado Molina, Dany Morales, and Adrian Dorame of Death Moon Comics, and Ricky Martinez and Chris Shehan of Badassery Studios. I myself also contributed to the artwork for the final issue.

I am now planning on reprinting the series as a special edition, trade paperback flip book. Not only will it collect the first six issues of Hell Paso (144 pages), it will also contain a special bonus section of over thirty bonus pages, making it a 186 page trade paperback.

Since the story is historical fiction, I decided to add a “Hell Paso Facts” section, which will discuss the actual people and events that occurred in El Paso during that time. I researched this subject, and even wrote a thesis paper based on one of the killings, which helped me earn my Master of Arts degree in History at the University of Texas at El Paso in the fall of 2012.

The special edition also includes original newspaper articles, photos, and sketches of the people involved. It will conclude with a pin up gallery containing work from Death Moon Comics, Badassery Studios, and Urban Myth Studios. (I have been granted permission to reprint the photos by the the institutions who own the copyrights.)

What’s also going to make the book stand out are the two covers that were created for it. The original series section will have cover art created by Javier Saltares, who is best known for his work in Marvel’s Ghost Rider, Dark Horse’s Predator, and IDW’s GI Joe. He currently is working on his own series, David’s Mighty Men. The bonus section cover will feature art work created by Rudy Vasquez. He currently does work for Jazan Wild’s, Carnival of Souls. Kate Finnegan, who currently does colors for Legend of Oz and Mark McKenna’s, Combat Jacks, has contributed her colors to the art work.

Interested in helping Jaime make this book a reality? Head on over to the Kickstarter page and start clicking those funding options!

Geek-o-Rama Greatest Birthday Giveaway

As promised, we have one spectacular giveaway set up for all of you! We reached out to the comic book community and they didn't let us down. Fourteen of our favorite authors, artists and companies  chose items just for you and donated them! We cannot begin to express our thanks to them for supporting us. However, we're going to try...so when you're going through the giveaway, please consider liking the fan pages and sending those friend requests. Then, leave them a note to let them know that we sent you! That way they know that their donations were appreciated not only by us but by you, our readers and members of the geek-o-verse!

Now, for what you've all been waiting for....the giveaway! There are a lot of ways for you to enter and they're all super simple so try one or try them all! The more ways you enter, the more chances you have to win. At this time, we're planning on giving away 4 prize packages but until all of the packages arrive, we cannot tell you what will be in each package. As soon as it's all here in our hands, we'll try to take pictures and give you some sneak peeks of the prizes! Due to shipping costs, we're sorry but this giveaway will be open to residents of the continental United States only. With any luck, we'll be able to hold another giveaway in the future open to more of you.

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