Panelists Present a Top-Notch List

Diving into Fear: Insights from the Indie Horror Comics Roundtable at NYCC 2024

Horror is a tapestry of twisted tales and terrifying truths. From ghostly encounters to real-life monstrosities, the genre offers endless exploration. At the "What Are You Afraid Of? An Indie Horror Comics Roundtable" held at NYCC 2024, creators unveiled their chilling inspirations and essential recommendations for every horror devotee.

Panelists Reveal Their Horror Inspirations

The panel featured voices like Tate Brombal, Soo Lee, Michael Walsh, and Che Grayson, moderated by Tiny Onion’s Harley Salbacka. Conversations centered on what truly haunts them. Overwhelmingly, personal grief and raw human stories emerged as the front-runners. These are tales that evoke a cocktail of fear, anxiety, and deep sorrow.

Drawing from personal experiences often results in authentic narratives. Each panelist nodded in agreement that their backgrounds fuel their storytelling. Soo Lee, co-creator of Carmella: The First Vampire with Amy Chu, delved into this process. Her insights highlighted the stark differences between Eastern and Western horror tales.

Cultural Reflections in Horror

"I feel culturally Asian people love horror," Soo shared. "It’s vital, especially in context with growing up." Her introduction to horror began young, with her mother as her viewing partner. "Mom and I, watching gruesome Asian horror—those were bonding moments," Soo mused. Watching American classics like Leprechaun with her dad, she noticed a distinct contrast.

Asian horror doesn’t shy away from psychological depth. Historical and economic struggles, such as those faced by Korea, intertwine with spine-chilling tales. These stories aim to elicit a profound, psychological response, rather than just a simple scare.

Must-Watch Horror Delights

For those seeking to expand their horror repertoire, the panelists provided a curated list. These films are a mix of revered classics and modern marvels:

• Bride of Chucky
• Alien
• Ginger Snaps
• I Saw the Devil
• The Fly
• Talk to Me
• Drag Me to Hell

Reading Recommendations for the Brave

The realm of horror isn’t confined to the screen. The panelists also suggested spine-chilling reads that every fan should consider:

• Pen Pal
• Infidel
• The Fisherman
• Out

The roundtable at NYCC 2024 was a testament to horror’s vast landscape. Bringing together creators from diverse backgrounds showcased how culture and personal experiences shape the stories that keep us up at night. Whether through film or literature, horror continues to be a beacon, reflecting our deepest fears and darkest histories.