Brainstorming for Halloween

Earlier this month, legendary visual effects producer Phil Tippett spoke with the crowd as part of the Film Grain series at the Bourbon Barrel. Tippett is the man behind iconic scenes from Star Wars, RoboCop, and Jurassic Park, bits of pop culture that have left an indelible impression on generations of moviegoers. Edinboro University animation professor (and regular cartoonist for the Erie Reader) Brad Pattullo was in attendance, the two conversing about industry practices following a screening of Tippett's stop motion trilogy of short films Mad God. Having brought to life creatures like the Rancor from Return of the Jedi, and the "bugs" from Starship Troopers, Tippett has some of the world's best experience when it comes to making a monster. 

There are a few individuals right here in Erie who are doing similar things, bringing their imagination to life. Special effects wizard and illustrator extraordinaire "Monster Mark" Kosobucki is one of those people. Writer Matt Swanseger sat down with him at his home studio to pick his brain about some of his creations. The cover of this very publication features another brain-picking illustration from Kosobucki, in what has become a bit of a Halloween tradition.

When it comes to the written word, local author William Todd is another person hard at work creating macabre visions of his own. Fascinated by the Victorian world of the 1800s, Todd has penned works of horror and suspense. In an online interview (see eriereader.com), Chloe Forbes took a look at what inspires Todd's short stories and novels. He was even kind enough to submit a short work for print in this very issue. Forbes also helped to catalogue a rundown of Halloween goings on around the area, compiling a list of spooky events for children and adults alike. Making a few monstrosities of his own, Nick Warren got in the Samhain spirit as well. Coming up with a list of some Erie-centric mashup costumes to inspire your seasonal party going wardrobe choices.

Liz Allen too constructs an imaginative journey, laying out a trail of the different libraries Erie County has to offer. Embarking on a few short road trips, Allen visited these unique, valuable hubs that offer books and much, much more for members of our community. 

The holiday of Halloween is something many of us hold dear. It offers us the chance to be someone else, to make a statement about who we want to be or to highlight what scares us. In doing this, we make our own monsters, be they funny or frightening. This season is special, and for good reason. 

Happy haunting.