Jason Zapata

Tag: horror

  • The Barrow Wights of Barrow Downs

    By Jason Zapata

    There exist beings devoid of the Valar’s grace.
    Middle-earth’s majority avoid such fell sights,
    As Barrow Downs and its Barrow Wights. (more…)

  • My Castlevania Casting Call

    Castlevania is one of the most long lived and beloved video game franchises in existence. It debuted back in 1986. Since then it has captivated gamers with its ongoing story of the eternal struggle against Dracula. Castlevania is unique. It’s characters and stories have developed much further than other era specific titles like Zelda or Metroid. And with the success of the Lords of Shadow games – I’d love to finally see a movie adaptation. (more…)

  • Train wreck – NBC’s Dracula

    I’m all for clever re-imaginings and artistic license. But NBC’s Dracula is an odd take on Bram Stoker’s tale. I can’t make too many judgments about a show that’s just premiered. But watching this felt like a freight train full of quirkiness hitting a brick wall. With so many novels and movies starring fanged creatures of the night, this show needed to be distinctive. And it is…just not in impressive ways.  (more…)

  • Legacies: The Voices Behind Kain and Raziel

    The Legacy of Kain/Blood Omen series was before it’s time in many respects. But its greatest contribution to the video game industry was its emphasis on voice acting. This was an underdeveloped aspect until this series hit the scene. Games released afterwards followed it’s example and hired professional actors to voice their characters. (more…)

  • 14 Years: The Chronicles of Sir Reginald the Damned

    Part Six of The Lost Children of Guérande

    Reginald strode along a deep, slow churning stream. His eyes constantly scanned the brush and trees for the quarry he sought. The marsh was silent besides the soft squelching sound his boots made as he tread over the mud. The sun shined wanly through trees and Reginald tried to remain in the shadows as he moved forward.
    (more…)

  • 14 Years: The Chronicles of Sir Reginald the Damned

    Part Five of The Lost Children of Guérande 

    As Reginald expected a man was sent to the surrounding farms seeking volunteers to hunt the troll. A detailed description wasn’t forthcoming for those men gathered just outside of Guérande. A wise withholding of information, given the peasants would return to their fields if they knew the truth.
    (more…)

  • Banshee’s Wail

    By Jason Zapata

    This says I is the truth
    Or let the Saints forsake me.

    The night was distressed.
    And the moon peered warily
    Through a veil of clouds.
    Trudging home from the inn,
    I heard a chilling scream.
    It echoed across the fields,
    Filled and rattled my bones.
    And I felt cold. Terribly cold.
    (more…)

  • 14 Years: The Chronicles of Sir Reginald the Damned

    Part Four of The Lost Children of Guérande

    Reginald pursued his quarry across a farmer’s field. The troll’s towering form was a dark blot in the distance. It’s long stride rapidly covered ground towards the darkness that was Brière. Reginald had wanted to intercept his foe before it reached the marsh.
    (more…)

  • 14 Years: The Chronicles of Sir Reginald the Damned

    Part Three of The Lost Children of Guérande

    “Hello, monsieur. My name is Clemence.”

    Reginald whipped his head around and spotted a young girl beside him. She was a frail and filthy thing. Her blonde hair was uncombed, half of which hung to one side by a single pigtail. She gave Reginald an impish smile, more than aware of how badly she had startled the knight.

    “How did – What are you doing here?” Reginald growled.
    (more…)

  • I, Dracula: Finale

    By Jason Zapata

    Past the guarded port of Varna I would sail
    Where enemies awaited having arrived by train
    But their efforts to ambush me were in vain
    Relentless Helsing followed by mountain trail
    Driven by his indomitable will to prevail
    The brave men of the west invaded my domain
    Once more blood covered this scarred terrain
    And all my powers and minions were to no avail
    (more…)