Penn State Altoona faculty members Brian Onishi and Jeff Stoyanoff released a new episode of their podcast, "Horror Joy," titled "A Horror Joy Christmas: Black Christmas and The Kit-Bag by Algernon Blackwood."
ALTOONA, Pa. — Penn State Altoona faculty members Brian Onishi, associate professor of philosophy, and Jeff Stoyanoff, assistant professor of English and women's, gender, and sexuality studies, released a new episode of their podcast, "Horror Joy," titled "The Monstrous Image: Horror in Graphic Novels (Something is Killing the Children and Universal’s Frankenstein)."
In the episode, Onishi and Stoyanoff explore the portrayal of monsters in the realm of comics and graphic novels. They dive into the complex narratives, dissecting the horror genre as seen in James Tynion IV's "Something is Killing the Children" and Michael Walsh's "Universal Monsters: Frankenstein."
Discussion topics include the following:
- Revisit the gothic elements of Robert Eggers' 2024 film "Nosferatu," pointing out the underlying themes of predation and power.
- Identify major themes of childhood, power and authority in “Something is Killing the Children” and “Frankenstein.”
- Discuss how these stories reflect societal fears, the current political landscape, and the power dynamics in contemporary America.
- Share the joy they find in these graphic narratives, highlighting the importance of art and imagination in provoking thought and emotional engagement.
The full episode can be accessed on podcast providers or on Red Circle. Learn more about the "Horror Joy" podcast.
