From the press release:

Repo! The Genetic Opera co-creator and star, Terrance Zdunich, has released never-before-sold movie artwork from the cult hit in his new and improved online store! The now phone-friendly store lists seven one-of-a-kind original pieces matted, signed and framed as well as an assortment of rare art prints.

Best known for his velvet-voiced turn as GraveRobber in REPO!, it’s lesser known that Zdunich also drew the film’s animated sequences. Having nurtured REPO! from page-to-stage for over ten years, the artist is selling rare pieces of artwork (some images dating back to the 2006 short-film used to secure the funding for the full-length feature).

Give it a look. There’s some pretty rad stuff on sale, as well as reduced prices on his comic series, The Molting. So tell him Killer Film sent  you if you order!

It’s the story of Eloise, who wakes up in a destroyed, life-threatening world after a bad drug trip. Separated from her friends, she learns to survive in a bizarre reality. The world around her is chaotic. She learns that this situation originated in a financial crisis and the following speculations about the last food resources – and the complete destruction of the latter. In addition, the use of biological weapons spread a virus among the human species – causing them to become dangerous mutants (sleepers). In this desperate situation, she joins a group of people who, like her, are motivated by the longing to flee this nightmare.

Source: Spontitotalfilm, Dread Central

Despite Zdunich’s friendship to Darren Bousman (who, by the way, has just launched his own comic series in Abatoir; here), the title of this issue – “Mother’s Day” – might seem curiously convenient since Bousman finished a film called Mother’s Day (here), but have you forgot about what The Molting is? For the first two issues (here), I called the start to The Molting a “violent, unique, and wholly independent comic. Zdunich has crafted a great new horror comic series, recommended for more than just his Repo! fans, but for horror comic fans looking for something a bit more original, and quirky, to go along with the macabre.” Issue 3 (here), “it is a sometimes hard to find, wholly original work.” I furthered the praise in the last article for issue #4 (here): “[It's] the real deal in independent comics. It’s raw, riveting, and raving mad.”

214 words in, and it’s a slew of praise from me, yet why not? The Molting is just great. Team Molting (Zdunich, letterer Oceano Ransford, cover colorist Brian Johnson, and the series’ new colorist, Molly Rodman) seems to benefit from the key thing that makes the comic so successful: mood. In issue #5 “Mother’s Day” we see Susie finally crack a little bit, letting us into her warped mental state. Her past has effected the Pryzkinds, and The Molting really is about her. This Halloween-themed issue capitalizes off the growing tension in the Pryzkind Family, with the keen writing of Zdunich, this issue is thematically the best yet.

The sequence with Joseph and Trevor’s girlfriend is a great indicator of why I’m so high on The Molting. Joseph questions internally why his family isn’t normal and this is juxtaposition against a Taco Bell eating, fat family. What’s normal? What’s abnormal? The family psychology of The Molting is haunting. I don’t know where this series is going or how it will conclude. We got six issue left for that, but until then, the slow burning aspect of the series’ themes comforts the readers long after they close the book. Scree…scree…screee….

The Molting as a whole, just might be the mirror to our sagging moral decay in America, and as along as Terrance Zdunich keeps his roaches to the ground, it’s a mirror worth looking into. But find out for yourself and order them at the official site here. The independently made comic is worth the few bucks if you’re in the mood for something different. I mean, Spider-Man has taken enough of your dollars, so give it to something that’s worth a damn. Until issue #6 “Allied Forces” comes, enjoy the Pryzkind Family. Scree…screee…screeeeee…..

There’s a 11:11 organization out there that see the numbers as a sign from angels or guardians that are trying to  contact them. Others see the 11s in historical events. It’ll be interesting to see where Bousman takes the idea and what conspiracy theory he uses in his new dark horror thriller.

The film will be produced by Wayne Rice and look for the film on November 11th, 2011 (11-11-11).

Source: Heat Vision

What are you waiting for? Class is in session. Look for our review of The Molting issue #4 soon.

To coincide with the pre-sale of issue #4, Zdunich is starting a new virtual tutorial on how to paint and draw, or as he calls it, “a Bob Ross-meets-Ted Bundy art tutorial.” It will be a fourteen part “course” starting now over at The Molting‘s blog page here.

From the Press Release: Are you an aspiring artist, hoping to learn the tricks of the trade from those who have made it? Or maybe you’re an outsider, dying to learn the secrets of those who have been blessed with the gift of creation? No matter your position, fear not! Class is now in session! Terrance Zdunich, the mastermind behind Repo! The Genetic Opera, wants to teach YOU how to paint!

So go order your issue #4 here of The Molting called Lethal Raids and sit down with the Tutor. ” ‘Painting A Still Life’ is a 14-week course. Every Tuesday, a new lesson will be released. How well you do in this class will depend on you, pupils, but attendance is mandatory, homework will be given, and rules will be strictly enforced,” says Zdunich.

Personally, this is the first time I’ve heard about it, and Bousman himself hasn’t said anything yet. Whatever ever happened to that submarine film he was attached too prior to Mother’s Day? THR is a legit source, and if this is true, someone like Bousman-perhaps in the top few best working new horror directors-could make a seemingly DTV idea way cool. We shall wait and see for confirmed info, as Mother’s Day hasn’t been given an official release date yet, either.

Source: First Showing

The illustrated limited series does continue a lot of the positives I had mentioned in my previous article. First of all, Zdunich’s art continues to look amazing. Not only did he create this story in the visual terms he saw fit, but his angles and the seemingly simplicity of it all, really is starting to add to the overall feel of the story’s arc. Brian Johnson, the series’ colorist, is using the big, broad splashes of purples and oranges to help Zdunich’s mood for this story to great effect. Not only that, but the cover art is so far the most kick-ass yet. Visually busy, our eyes travels up and down the cockroaches and the hatching eggs.

Ah, yes. Zdunich’s use of ‘roaches is fully employed here, as the first two issues had him playfully placing them in a “Where’s Waldo” type of hunt, but for this chapter, one could argue it is their issue. Issue 3, called “Chapter 3: Ootheca” suggests the nature of the cockroaches, as the ootheca is a hardened case for which they place their eggs into. Issue 3 might seem uneventful, especially when compared to the first two, but Zdunich is smart. Not only is he dabbling into horror comics in an nontraditional way, he’s focusing on mood within the story, sometimes over action. This is where The Molting excels. Long after reading “Ootheca” the mood vibrates within us, and that’s a good thing, especially when this issue really doesn’t push the story forward-or at least seemingly.

If you haven’t got into The Molting yet, may I ask – why not? It’s much more than Zdunich capitalizing off of the rapid fan base of Repo!, as he has created a great, independent, horror series for mature audiences. Like movies, it is sometimes hard to find wholly original work, but Zdunich has done just that, as comic fans with the taste of something a bit more unique and interesting, should and continue to find The Molting worthy of their time and dollar.

You can find more about The Molting here and from that link, order the issues. Look for “Chapter 4: Lethal Raids” soon! Have you been reading The Molting? If so, comment below!

Right now, we’re in a huge horror comic resurgence, and if you’re a horror genre fan, you couldn’t ask for a better time to live in. Dark Horse, Image, and other independent companies are focusing more and more on horror titles, ranging from graphic, gory titles to hero-based terror. If that doesn’t prove the genre popularity, then having George A. Romero, the Godfather of the Zombie, come to the horror comic with his short-lived series, Toe Tags: The Death of Death, should. The influences go both ways, and that explains what fan favorite Terrance Zdunich, writer/co-creator of Repo! A Genetic Opera is doing now with The Molting, his new illustrated series.

Zdunich is no stranger to this medium, as his fans will note his exceptional graphic novel-like interludes in Repo!, as well as, his “other” job as a storyboard artist. Teaming with colorist Brian Johnston, who has done numerous work for HBO and all of the major studios, and Oceano Ranscord, who does the lettering, Zdunich has developed this series as an 100% independent release. He claimed by going this self-financing route, he can focus squarely on the title, as the writer and illustrator, and to speak directly to us, his fans.

So what is The Molting?

This 12-part series is what he calls “a portrait of a dysfunctional American family” set in the early 1990s. Each issue, and as of this writing, only two have been released so far (“every six weeks a new issue” Zdunich promises), focuses on an aspect of one family. In issue one, “Guilty Susie” follows Susie and her brother, Tony as the court award them to their aunt and uncle, after the untimely death of their mother. Soon they find that their next of kin didn’t take them out of love, but out of greed. The story is for mature readers, and Zdunich takes full advantage of that. The story is seemingly sparse, yet is a deeply rich experience. While not much dialogue, Zdunich fills the near 30 pages with ambiance in the simple artwork and minor little audio clues to fill the void. Susie is about to lose her sanity, and Zdunich methodically handles this. Issue one opens The Molting with a silent bang. It’s effective and engrossing, a perfect intro to what we might expect from future issues.

Issue 2 follows Susie into the 1990s, where she is married and has two boys. Sunny Anaheim is the backdrop to further Zdunich’s story and this issue is as bleak as the last. The story puts Susie in the background, and follows her two boys, yet we get a nice mirror being held up to what her relationship was with her brother, who had a small part in issue one. By the end of this issue, Zdunich has fully roped us into the eroding American Dream for this family, and furthering his exploration of the title’s meaning.

Each issue is filled with what looks like seemingly simple drawings. There’s not a lot of detail, if at all, and background are largely devoid of any defined attention, yet that’s doesn’t hurt the series look. In fact, it creates this world we are going to follow, and the attention to some story details are highlighted within this approach. If you have seen Repo!, I’d say his style is like that from those comic interludes. Each issue has a defined color scheme, that helps to invoke the themes and mood of the issue. It’s going to be interesting to see where he continues to take us and the characters. Maybe only the cockroaches know? A Zdunich trademark, the ‘roach, has numerous appearances in these two issues, as they act like a guide into The Molting‘s world.

Violent, unique, and wholly independent, Zdunich has craft a great new horror comic series, recommended for more than just his Repo! fans, but for horror comic fans looking for something a bit more original, and quirky, to go along with the macabre. Seek out The Molting here for ordering information. You can follow Zdunich on his frequent blogs on his new series and more here. Pictures printed with permission.

Have you checked out his series? Got anything to add? Feel free to leave a comment!

It’s not all females that are being cast. Look for Shawn Ashmore (X2: X-Men United) to join, all according to Bousman, who loves Twittering these types of news bits.

Expect Mother’s Day sometime next year.

Source: Shock till You Drop

I’m personally a fan of his, as I think his SAW films were the better ones in the series, especially SAW II, and we at Killer Film loved Repo!, so we’re excited to see what he does with this. What about you guys and gals?

Source: Aint It Cool

Source: JoBlo

The Film:

Jon: It’s true. It’s all true. Everything you’ve heard about Repo! A Genetic Opera is true. No, not what the narrow minded critics have been saying, in fact they are quite uninformed about what they think they saw. I’m actually talking about the completely original, unique, bizarre vision director Darren Lynn Bousman and co-writers Terrance Zdunich and Darren Smith have brought us.

Donny: Repo! The Genetic Opera was like nothing I’ve ever seen before.  I’m sure people will compare it to Sweeney Todd or The Rocky Horror Picture Show, but in all honesty Repo! actually rises above those films when it comes to pure originality.

Jon: Yeah, that’s why it’s so hard to describe Repo! and I think that’s where many critics have given up on it and had made them think it’s a complete mess. Actually, it might be moot to describe it because whatever I think it is, it will be something reminiscent of something else for someone else. That’s the diving line right there. Repo! is so crazy, beautiful, and unique that many will be confused by what they see. Its okay, even its creators don’t mind if you don’t vibe with it, but it’s off-putting to see so many critics ripping on it for the silliest of reasons.

First of all, it is an opera. The typical musical, let’s say Rocky Horror Picture Show, is a musical with talking between singing.  Repo! is constantly referred to as a film that features a few songs here and there to break up the dialogue. We’re used to that. In fact, musicals have been on a high as of late, but Repo! isn’t that, it’s practically 99% song over dialogue. The songs are magnificent. Featuring more songs than any six musicals put together, Repo! showcases some of the fun and musical ingenuity that will stick with the people that enjoy it. That’s another thing; I don’t think many mainstream critics dig the rock opera aspects. Most songs blur genres together, like “Chase the Morning” which features Sarah Brightman’s incredible voice against some dark Euro-pop hooks and industrial, NIN-influenced beats.

Donny: Director Darren Lynn Bousman said that he wanted to make something different, a rock opera, and that’s exactly what he did.  His casting choices were brilliant, even in the case of Paris Hilton, who not only surprised me, but showed depth and emotion as the surgery addicted Amber Sweet.  While Bill Moseley is great as the violently obnoxious Luigi, and Brightman is awesome (and sexy) as Blind Mag, it’s Alexa Vega and Anthony Head that are the real stars of the flick. 

Jon: Exactly! Anthony Head is the best of the bunch as he has the most duality in his character of Nathan Wallace/Repo Man to work with. He’s constantly shifting from loving father to raging monster, even in song, but it’s never campy or over-acted. His long working relationship with Joss Whedon comes in handy here, I believe. Bill Moseley is a delight too, a raunchy, vulgar man, a prefect role for him to ham it up. Hell, I’ll say it-even Paris Hilton is good here playing Amber Sweet a surgery-addicted druggie, you’ll forget all of the tabloid stuff. But the surprise to me is Alexa Vega. I was blown away by her strength and vulnerability in the role of Shilo, but her singing is also really impressive. Her duet with Anthony Head in “I Didn’t Know I Loved You So Much” is mature and rocking at the same time.

Donny: Alexa is wonderful as Shilo, and Anthony Head is beyond amazing.  He basically plays two characters, Nathan and the Repo Man, both of which he knocks right out of the park.  But it was Graverobber (Terrance Zdunich) that intrigued me the most.  He is a drug dealer that sells Zydrate (a drug used to deal with the pain of constant surgery), and he knows everything about the future he lives in.  He knows the city, its inhabitants, and he ties it all together with a neat little bow.

I know critics have been tearing this movie apart, but the only reason I can see for the hatred they have towards this flick is pretentious nose in the air bullshit.  Repo! the Genetic Opera was not only a unique movie-going experience it’s an event that demands multiple viewings.  Bousman created a monster that not only lives, it demands to be heard.

Jon: Repo! is a unique experience, an experience that must been seen. If you dig it, like Donny and I did, then there’s so much to enjoy and talk about. I can’t wait for a cult to get going on this film, as it’ll be a lot of fun. If you don’t like it, at least you took a chance at something wild and different, and in this current Hollywood climate of rehashes and sequels, that’s got to mean something.

The Blu Ray:

Audio/Video: Should there be any doubt that a film shot on a HD camera and transferred digitally to Blu Ray, should be sparkling and gorgeous? Repo! looks fantastic, maybe even better here than theatrically. With sharp details, vivid colors, and no flaws of any kind, this is an amazing transfer. The audio is heavy on bass, but I was hoping since it was a DTS track to be louder. It’s a rather soft sounding track, although nothing bad, I just expected to sound like I was at a concert.

Commentary 1: This is the fun track of the two, with Bousman and actors Bill Moseley, Alexa Vega, and Orge. They offer up info on working with this collective mix of actors and musicians, experimenting and other fun trivia.

Commentary 2: Bousman’s back and with Darren Smith, Terrance Zdunich, and Music Producer Joseph Bishara. More technical in discussion but offers up a great track on the history and making-of; it’s defiantly worth a listen.

Select Commentary with Paris Hilton: With Bousman, they talk over some of Amber Sweet’s scenes and what it was like to work with each other, doing the music, and her persona. Decent.

Video Sing-alongs: Bousman wanted the film to be an experience, a crowd involvement film, so these segments are a great idea. Four are presented, “Zydrate Anatomy”, “Legal Assassin”, “Chase the Morning”, and “At the Opera Tonight”, and with a bouncing heart over the lyrics we can all sing along! Good stuff and will go a long way to enhance fan participation.

Webisode Featurettes: Covering the origin of the film and concept, Blind Mag, Amber Sweet, and Nathan Wallace, we’re giving audition tapes, interviews, and recognition for the actors and characters. They are short but informative.

Deleted Scenes: These are a Blu Ray exclusive and offer optional commentary between Bousman and Paris Hilton. The fist deleted scene is really good, a musical number between Amber Sweet and Graverobber. It’s a good song that hopefully, we’ll get to own or hear. The others are deleted extended parts, and one offers a whole subplot that’s dropped from the film that could’ve altered our feelings on two characters.

Poster Gallery in HD and a Trailer also in HD are offered.

Conclusion: I have a strong feeling that this will be a main stay on the midnight screening circuit and I expect a few critical re-evaluations in the near future too. This Blu Ray is really good and the one to get because of the exclusives. While I hoped to see this 10 minute short Bousman directed with Shawnee Smith to get the studio interested and some more deleted scenes, I can’t recommend this enough

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

On the DVD side of things, like I said horror and cult own this month. I’m eager to tackle the new special edition of the original My Bloody Valentine as Lions Gate releases it for the first time in its uncut form, filled with extras just in time for the release of the remake. After the insane fun that was Machine Girl, Nobori Iguchi is back with Tokyo Gore Police. The footage on You Tube looked crazy and if it’s anything like his first film, fans of over-the-top Asian films will be delighted. Our own Serena didn’t care too much for it, but I’m eagerly awaiting it.

I think the DVD everyone is looking forward too is Pineapple Express. Apatow usually loads the discs up with a ton of material so expect this DVD to be a lot of fun. It was a good year for comedies last year, but they didn’t stay with me like I thought they would. Maybe now for home use, I can be in the right mind set to enjoy it…cough…cough.

To me and everyone at Killer Film, the disc to own in January is the Blu Ray of Repo! A Genetic Opera.Everyone who reads this site regularly knows the amount of love we have for this flick and the use of the Genesis camera Bousman shot it with, should make for a spectacular looking disc. Even after all the interviews I did for the film, I’m still excited to hear Bousman and the crew on the disc’s three audio commentaries. The film is truly unique so it’ll be fun to hear them dissect it. Maybe we’ll get more into the reasons why Lions Gate damn near dumped it. As great as the film is (it’s a party movie), it needed to be seen with like-minded crowds, so bring everyone over to see Repo!

Speaking of Blu Ray, there are some hot titles coming out on the format this month. Appaloosa, Max Payne, King Kong (2005), Zodiac, and the Bourne Trilogy are all great titles. As we move forward I think 2009 will be a pivotal year in the acceptance of Blu Ray into the mainstream. I feel it’s almost there and titles this year like the fore-mentioned and Lord of the Rings, Gone with the Wind, and Raging Bull will definitely help. All of those mainstream films will sell, but it’ll Blu Ray’s handling of cult titles that fuel the interest in collectors would have not yet adopted the format, will be an under-appreciated selling point. How will a high def transfer of Friday the 13th, Akira, or Dead and Buried look? Will it be a huge improvement over the DVD?

The market is funny right now. There’s little revenue anymore in DVD, even though the studios and stores still make money off of it, it’s not like it was a handful of years ago. Regardless, people still like to own movies so people will flock to pick of the titles they want. Stores and studios will promote Blu Ray even more as 2009 moves on. For those who haven’t made the leap yet, let me tell you from a film fan to another, it’s a great format. There are a few hiccups that need to be ironed out, mostly player prices as Blu Ray discs are getting lowered in price, the education of the technology by most people isn’t fully understood yet, and it’s just one piece to the high def puzzle. You got to own a 1080p TV and even a good surround sound system to fully enjoy Blu Ray, but it’s a good format. Don’t be scared. Follow us as we here at Killer film trust the format.

So enjoy this month’s release and follow what’s coming out each and every week with our New Release Tuesday list as those will be more in-depth. I’ll see you all next month with Looking Forward for February and until then…Press Play.