The following is an interview with Bram Stoker Award-winning editor and writer James Aquilone on Monstrous Books’ recent partnership with Evoke Entertainment for the first-ever Creepshow short story collection, Creepshow: 13 Tales of Terror. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Aquilone about the process for bringing together the award-winning contributors, what readers can anticipate from the collection, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Monstrous Books has partnered with Evoke Entertainment for the first-ever Creepshow short story collection, Creepshow: 13 Tales of Terror. What can you tell us about the process for selecting the award-winning contributors for this just-released book?
James Aquilone: The goal from day one was to assemble a lineup of creators who not only excel at horror but who also understand what makes Creepshow unique. We wanted writers who could capture that wonderful blend of terror, dark humor, irony, and comeuppance that has defined the franchise for decades. Fortunately, horror is filled with incredible talent, and many of the writers we approached were already fans of Creepshow.
We were able to bring together a remarkable group of award-winning authors, bestselling novelists, comic book creators, and rising stars who each brought their own voice to the collection. The result is a book where every story feels different while still embracing the spirit of Creepshow.
This is our lineup: Jonathan Maberry, Simon Bestwick, Gwendolyn Kiste, Dennis Crosby, Tim Waggoner, Lisa Morton, Keith R.A. DeCandido, Thomas E. Sniegoski, Nick Roberts, David Avallone, Nancy A. Collins, and Steve Niles.
BD: Each prose story within the collection was inspired by the cult-classic Creepshow film and the 2018 Shudder TV series. How would you describe your thematic approach to crafting a complementary collection of prose stories?
JA: We approached the anthology the same way the original film approached horror comics — with a deep respect for the genre’s roots while still looking for fresh ways to surprise readers. We encouraged contributors to embrace the core elements of Creepshow: morality tales, supernatural terror, monsters, revenge, greed, bad decisions, and those unforgettable twist endings. At the same time, we wanted the stories to stand on their own as compelling works of fiction. The anthology explores a wide range of fears and nightmares, but every story shares that unmistakable Creepshow DNA.
BD: Why do you feel that Creepshow and its blend of horror and humor continue to resonate so strongly with today’s readers and creators?
JA: Because it understands something fundamental about horror: Fear and laughter often come from the same place. Creepshow never takes itself too seriously, but it always takes the storytelling seriously. The franchise allows creators to be scary, outrageous, funny, and emotional all at once. That’s a rare combination. Modern audiences appreciate horror that entertains as much as it unsettles, and Creepshow has been doing that successfully for more than forty years. It’s timeless because it’s built on universal themes and unforgettable storytelling.
BD: In addition to the incredible stories by creators like Steve Niles, Jonathan Mayberry, Thomas E. Sniegoski, and Gwendolyn Kriste, are there any other features of the collection that you are able to share with our readers?
JA: Each story is introduced by The Creep with a full page of art by EV Cantada and lettering by Micah Myers. And we have an amazing cover by Russ Braun.
BD: Are there any projects from Monstrous Books — past or current — that you would like to highlight for our readers?
JA: We just released all three issues of our Kolchak Meets the Classic Monsters comic book series. The trade paperback collection is coming out soon. And we have a very big announcement coming in the next few months on a new license we acquire.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Monstrous Books and to purchase their copy of Creepshow: 13 Tales of Terror?
JA: The easiest way is to visit our website, MonstrousVerse.com, and follow our social media channels, where we regularly announce new releases, events, and upcoming projects. Readers can also find Creepshow: 13 Tales of Terror through major booksellers, comic shops, and online retailers.
