Want to get an idea where the next ZombieBloodFights.com title, 'El Sicario' is going? Check out this blog from Dead End Follies.
If you thought the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series was bleak, wait until you read 'El Sicario' in 2014.
Anyway, check out this blog at the link below...
Dead End Follies: Allan Guthrie's Ten Rules To Write Noir: I was thirteen and standing at a public urinal when my older cousin John walked in on me and said: "Ben, if you shake it more than thr...
The only blog on the 'net where Zombies, Blood, and Fights matter.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
BLOOD: REVIEW - 'You're Next' got siege horror right
DEATH OF THE AMERICAN DREAM, UPPER CLASS NIGHTMARES THEMES IN HIT HORROR FILM
by
Bowie V. Ibarrra
What 'The Purge' did wrong, 'You're Next' did right. While 'Purge' was fun for concept alone, hamstrung by a poor plot and inciting incident, 'You're Next' hit on all cylinders in the great home-invasion horror.
Without spoiling the movie, the story begins with the Davidson family having a family reunion at an out-of-the-way home in the woods. As the bourgeois family engages in the 'family dinner at the table', a sibling rivalry is again ignited at the table. But while the brothers are squabbling, a masked team of killers makes a move on the family with murderous results. And the fun begins as the masked killers lay siege to the house.
The movie hits all the great hot buttons for horror fans. Lots of blood, lots of cruelty, lots of scrappy survivors trying to make it out alive for proper viewer catharsis. The build up, swerves, and reveals are outstanding. And the finish is great, and even a little hilarious.
You could see the influence of some of the classics of horror (including 'Night of the Living Dead' and 'Friday the 13th'). But the movie also seemed to have been inspired by the simplicity of such movies as 'Saw'. The movie pretty much is shot in two locations, with some shots on the road, so you know the budget was small for maximum payout. That 'KIS' formula for horror has been the best way to play it, and this movie seemed to have followed that low front-end/high-payout strategy. Many of the kills were very basic, but they saved enough for the big finish to make it all worth it. And this flick has a super strong finish.
Did it 'revitalize the genre'? I don't know if I'd go that far. Including some of the themes Americans have to face as part of the plotline was fun. Naturally, the swerve near the end was great.
But it is a well-constructed siege horror/home invasion horror movie that stands out from the rest, and resonates yet again with the subconscious fear of the bourgeois that their money and status will not protect or prepare them from ruthless assaults from the proletariat.
In a way, the movie became a metaphor for the debt and money struggles even the rich face, the credit and debt that is the gift of the well-off comes to roost, and even the rich are reduced to the struggles of the middle class in dealing with debt.
'What the f*** are you talking about, Bowie?" Well, check out the film and you'll get where I'm coming from.
'You're Next' is a great flick fueled by a solid story and great performances from the actors. It is completely ZombieBloodFights.com approved.
And speaking of great horror, check out a great horror novel, 'Big Cat', currently available in Kindle today.
BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster. He earned a BFA in Acting and an MA in Theatre History from Texas State University. Network with Bowie at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com.
by
Bowie V. Ibarrra
What 'The Purge' did wrong, 'You're Next' did right. While 'Purge' was fun for concept alone, hamstrung by a poor plot and inciting incident, 'You're Next' hit on all cylinders in the great home-invasion horror.
Without spoiling the movie, the story begins with the Davidson family having a family reunion at an out-of-the-way home in the woods. As the bourgeois family engages in the 'family dinner at the table', a sibling rivalry is again ignited at the table. But while the brothers are squabbling, a masked team of killers makes a move on the family with murderous results. And the fun begins as the masked killers lay siege to the house.
The movie hits all the great hot buttons for horror fans. Lots of blood, lots of cruelty, lots of scrappy survivors trying to make it out alive for proper viewer catharsis. The build up, swerves, and reveals are outstanding. And the finish is great, and even a little hilarious.
You could see the influence of some of the classics of horror (including 'Night of the Living Dead' and 'Friday the 13th'). But the movie also seemed to have been inspired by the simplicity of such movies as 'Saw'. The movie pretty much is shot in two locations, with some shots on the road, so you know the budget was small for maximum payout. That 'KIS' formula for horror has been the best way to play it, and this movie seemed to have followed that low front-end/high-payout strategy. Many of the kills were very basic, but they saved enough for the big finish to make it all worth it. And this flick has a super strong finish.
Did it 'revitalize the genre'? I don't know if I'd go that far. Including some of the themes Americans have to face as part of the plotline was fun. Naturally, the swerve near the end was great.
But it is a well-constructed siege horror/home invasion horror movie that stands out from the rest, and resonates yet again with the subconscious fear of the bourgeois that their money and status will not protect or prepare them from ruthless assaults from the proletariat.
In a way, the movie became a metaphor for the debt and money struggles even the rich face, the credit and debt that is the gift of the well-off comes to roost, and even the rich are reduced to the struggles of the middle class in dealing with debt.
'What the f*** are you talking about, Bowie?" Well, check out the film and you'll get where I'm coming from.
'You're Next' is a great flick fueled by a solid story and great performances from the actors. It is completely ZombieBloodFights.com approved.
And speaking of great horror, check out a great horror novel, 'Big Cat', currently available in Kindle today.
Monday, September 16, 2013
FIGHTS: Mayweather/Canelo continues to define 'The One'
BOXING EXCELLENCE, SCIENCE ON DISPLAY IN BIG FIGHT CARD
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
With the exception of the opening title snoozefest, the fight card 'The One' with the Mayweather/Canelo main event was a great night of boxing that once again put the outstanding boxing skills of Floyd Mayweather, Jr. on display. Here's some notes from the night.
INTERNATIONAL BOXING FEDERATION JR. MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT
CARLOS MOLINA/ISHE SMITH
-- The MOLINA/SMITH IBF Jr. Middleweight title fight was garbage. I showed up at the bar in the middle of this fight, and these guys looked like shit.
Listen, I give them respect for getting to where they are in their respective careers. Hell, I couldn't go 12 rounds of boxing. I couldn't get out of round one. But Jesus, these dudes looked like I might have after a round of boxing. They were slow and seemed gassed out halfway through their title fight.
Maybe it was nerves, or both blowing their load early in their big appearance, but I was not impressed. Neither looked like they wanted the title. And even though Carlos Molina looked more like Alfred Molina, congrats to Molina for taking the decision.
WBA/WBC LIGHT WELTERWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT
DANNY GARCIA vs. LUCAS MATTHYSSE
-- Now these two dudes, on the other hand, looked like they were fighting to free their family from the grips of a shady promoter who had them tied up in the back. Both these guys brought the fire from the word go. When it was all over, Danny Garcia had shut one of Matthysse's eyes and knocked him down once, bringing the victory to his camp.
THE ONE
FLOYD MAYWEATHER, JR. vs. SAUL 'CANELO' ALVAREZ
-- C'mon. You already know it was 'Monster Heel vs. Babyface' in this main event matchup. I'm not going to lie, I was hoping Mayweather would finally be humbled by the Mexican phenom. But truth is, I really just hoped it would be competitive.
And it sure was. I don't think going as far as saying it was a complete blowout is anywhere near the truth. It was competitive. Canelo stuck in there and gave it his best. But the science, skill, and experience of Mayweather was too much for the young star even Mayweather called 'The future of the sport'.
Canelo could not catch the elusive Mayweather, saying his punches weren't hard and more about getting those points on the card. Canelo was very patient from round one, and tried to solve the Mayweather boxing riddle to no avail.
And as usual, when round four rolled around, Mayweather turned up the heat and started testing Canelo. Though Canelo passed the early tests, the pressure Mayweather applied later and the mounting frustration of not being able to hit the champ throughout, put Mayweather on the winner's side of the cards.
-- There was one particular round where I thought Canelo got hurt. There was one point in the late rounds where Canelo just stood on the ropes, hands up, and made no effort to fight back. But when he finally responded, Mayweather just stepped away.
-- Gina Carano was in attendance at the fight. That was cool to see. I guess she's more of a 'movie star' than 'MMA star' these days.
-- Mayweather put the fight on cruise control in the 12 round. There was no need to put himself in danger, as he had already won the fight by then.
-- A judge had the match tied. I could see that. Look, I honestly don't see six rounds that Mayweather completely dominated. I saw four, maybe five that could have gone to Canelo, especially in the opening rounds, and maybe one or two late. But I'm not a judge at ringside, I was a drunk at a bar. And if Mayweather or anyone wants to complain about putting a matches decision in the hands of a judge, you should really be complaining at a fighter not finishing the fight and leaving it in the judges hands. Don't blame the judges for doing their job subjectively.
-- For those who say Mayweather's a boring fighter, c'mon now. It's like the dudes that say the science of jiu-jitsu/grappling is boring in MMA. And though there's some truth to that, the real thing you should be looking at is the science behind it. Boxing will always be more exciting than the ground game of an MMA match because of the nature of the sport, and watching Floyd dodge and counter was breathtaking.
The object of boxing is to cut a dude's face, punch them until their face starts swelling and they can't see to fight, or give a dude a concussion. You can't blame Mayweather for being the best at avoiding those fates and being the best at it. His skill and speed is super-human.
In the end, it was still a great fight. And that was probably the last real opponent for Mayweather, because there's no one left out there. Pacquiau's done, and there's no one else that's going to challenge him in his last four fights whose even close to being ready for him. Mayweather might be a sonovabitch, but he's got a Ph.D in the science of boxing.
And speaking of outspoken boxers, a boxing champ calls out an MMA champ in the story, "Pit Fighters: Double Cross". Who wins the Boxing vs.MMA matchup? You'll have to read it to find out.
'Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire' and 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross' are combat sports-themed books that features fights from the early days of MMA, and plenty of underground money fights. You've got to check them out, and they're available on Kindle or paperback today.
Bowie earned a BFA in Acting and MA in Theatre History from Texas State University. Network with Bowie for updates and news at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com.
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
With the exception of the opening title snoozefest, the fight card 'The One' with the Mayweather/Canelo main event was a great night of boxing that once again put the outstanding boxing skills of Floyd Mayweather, Jr. on display. Here's some notes from the night.
INTERNATIONAL BOXING FEDERATION JR. MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT
CARLOS MOLINA/ISHE SMITH
-- The MOLINA/SMITH IBF Jr. Middleweight title fight was garbage. I showed up at the bar in the middle of this fight, and these guys looked like shit.
Listen, I give them respect for getting to where they are in their respective careers. Hell, I couldn't go 12 rounds of boxing. I couldn't get out of round one. But Jesus, these dudes looked like I might have after a round of boxing. They were slow and seemed gassed out halfway through their title fight.
Maybe it was nerves, or both blowing their load early in their big appearance, but I was not impressed. Neither looked like they wanted the title. And even though Carlos Molina looked more like Alfred Molina, congrats to Molina for taking the decision.
WBA/WBC LIGHT WELTERWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT
DANNY GARCIA vs. LUCAS MATTHYSSE
-- Now these two dudes, on the other hand, looked like they were fighting to free their family from the grips of a shady promoter who had them tied up in the back. Both these guys brought the fire from the word go. When it was all over, Danny Garcia had shut one of Matthysse's eyes and knocked him down once, bringing the victory to his camp.
THE ONE
FLOYD MAYWEATHER, JR. vs. SAUL 'CANELO' ALVAREZ
-- C'mon. You already know it was 'Monster Heel vs. Babyface' in this main event matchup. I'm not going to lie, I was hoping Mayweather would finally be humbled by the Mexican phenom. But truth is, I really just hoped it would be competitive.
And it sure was. I don't think going as far as saying it was a complete blowout is anywhere near the truth. It was competitive. Canelo stuck in there and gave it his best. But the science, skill, and experience of Mayweather was too much for the young star even Mayweather called 'The future of the sport'.
Canelo could not catch the elusive Mayweather, saying his punches weren't hard and more about getting those points on the card. Canelo was very patient from round one, and tried to solve the Mayweather boxing riddle to no avail.
And as usual, when round four rolled around, Mayweather turned up the heat and started testing Canelo. Though Canelo passed the early tests, the pressure Mayweather applied later and the mounting frustration of not being able to hit the champ throughout, put Mayweather on the winner's side of the cards.
-- There was one particular round where I thought Canelo got hurt. There was one point in the late rounds where Canelo just stood on the ropes, hands up, and made no effort to fight back. But when he finally responded, Mayweather just stepped away.
-- Gina Carano was in attendance at the fight. That was cool to see. I guess she's more of a 'movie star' than 'MMA star' these days.
-- Mayweather put the fight on cruise control in the 12 round. There was no need to put himself in danger, as he had already won the fight by then.
-- A judge had the match tied. I could see that. Look, I honestly don't see six rounds that Mayweather completely dominated. I saw four, maybe five that could have gone to Canelo, especially in the opening rounds, and maybe one or two late. But I'm not a judge at ringside, I was a drunk at a bar. And if Mayweather or anyone wants to complain about putting a matches decision in the hands of a judge, you should really be complaining at a fighter not finishing the fight and leaving it in the judges hands. Don't blame the judges for doing their job subjectively.
-- For those who say Mayweather's a boring fighter, c'mon now. It's like the dudes that say the science of jiu-jitsu/grappling is boring in MMA. And though there's some truth to that, the real thing you should be looking at is the science behind it. Boxing will always be more exciting than the ground game of an MMA match because of the nature of the sport, and watching Floyd dodge and counter was breathtaking.
The object of boxing is to cut a dude's face, punch them until their face starts swelling and they can't see to fight, or give a dude a concussion. You can't blame Mayweather for being the best at avoiding those fates and being the best at it. His skill and speed is super-human.
In the end, it was still a great fight. And that was probably the last real opponent for Mayweather, because there's no one left out there. Pacquiau's done, and there's no one else that's going to challenge him in his last four fights whose even close to being ready for him. Mayweather might be a sonovabitch, but he's got a Ph.D in the science of boxing.
And speaking of outspoken boxers, a boxing champ calls out an MMA champ in the story, "Pit Fighters: Double Cross". Who wins the Boxing vs.MMA matchup? You'll have to read it to find out.
'Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire' and 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross' are combat sports-themed books that features fights from the early days of MMA, and plenty of underground money fights. You've got to check them out, and they're available on Kindle or paperback today.
BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster. His latest story, 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull' is a Tex-Mexploitation superhero story in the tradition of 'Machete' and 'Black Dynamite'. Get it in paperback or Kindle today.
Bowie earned a BFA in Acting and MA in Theatre History from Texas State University. Network with Bowie for updates and news at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
FIGHTS: REVIEW - NWA Parade of Champions 2013 DVD
PRODUCTION QUALITY, SCIENTIFIC WRESTLING PUT TRADITIONAL NWA-STYLE GRAPPLING IN THE SPOTLIGHT
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
Bowie earned a BFA in Acting and MA in Theatre History from Texas State University. Network with Bowie for updates and news at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com.
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
Saturday, April 20th, 2013, the NWA put on one of their greatest shows in their return to the pro-wrestling scene. The 2013 NWA Parade of Champions was an event I was dying to attend, but missed out on even though I bought a front-row ticket. But I was at least able to get the DVD, and I was not only impressed by the show, but the DVD itself.
THE MATCHUPS
TAG TEAM MATCHUP
RUDY RUSSO/JACK JAMESON vs. DAVE DUPERON/JASPER DAVIS
NWA LONESTAR JR. HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
RAY ROWE w/Samantha Ann vs. MIKE DELL (c) w/Barbie Hayden
NWA NATIONAL HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
DAMIEN WAYNE (C) vs. HOUSTON CARSON w/Barbie Hayden
NWA NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP]
BYRON WILCOTT (c) vs. KAHAGAS
NWA TAG TITLES vs. NJPW TAG TITLES
KINGZ OF THE UNDERGROUND (SUMMERS/GENESIS - NWA)
vs.
KILLER ELITE SQUAD (ARCHER/SMITH - NJPW)
NWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE
ROB CONWAY (C) vs. CHRIS ADONIS
DVD QUALITY
The DVD was put together very well. HD cameras were used to record the action. The DVD screen was basic, but overall quality of the show was outstanding for an independent production. There are several camera angles used, and the hand helds do a good job of catching the action without being shaky.
The announcer, Matt Topolski, did a pretty good job as well running by himself. Although I think he was a little excitable and could have saved that enthusiasm for the end of the matches instead of a collar and elbow tie up at the start of matches.
The show took place at an indoor sports venue. The independent vibe is strong in the scene. The turnout was good as well, and as per south Texas crowds, they were vocal and enthusiastic.
Viewers will also note commercials by the sponsors of the show. That was a fun and different thing to see, and smart as well.
MATCH QUALITY
All in all, the quality of the matches was top notch. The opening tag tilt was a fun start, while Rowe and Dell set the bar high for the proceeding matches. The Wayne and Carson matchup was good, and though Kahagas and Wilcott took some time to find their rhythm, it was still an enjoyable match.
The Kingz of the Underground and Killer Elite Squad knocked it out of the park, and though the main event match was set up a few weeks before, it was still a good scientific matchup.
All in all, the show was outstanding, and a great example of the NWA product in Texas. Lots of folks hate on the NWA for whatever reason. My guess is 9/10 times, those people haven't seen the quality the NWA produces, and most definitely haven't seen the talent in Texas and how great they are. This DVD is a fine example of the standard of scientific wrestling the NWA wants to set, and a great and enjoyable independent wrestling show.
To order your copy of the DVD for yourself, click to the NWA website here.
If you like combat sports, you've got to check out the 'Pit Fighters' book series from ZombieBloodFights.com. You'll love both 'Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire' and 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross'. Both are combat sports-themed books that features fights from the early days of MMA, and features a lucha libre superstar who crosses over into underground money fights. You've got to check them out, and they're available on Kindle or paperback today.
BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster. His latest story, 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull' is a Tex-Mexploitation superhero story in the tradition of 'Machete' and 'Black Dynamite'. Get it in paperback or Kindle today.
Bowie earned a BFA in Acting and MA in Theatre History from Texas State University. Network with Bowie for updates and news at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com.
FIGHTS: REVIEW - 'Masks' solid superhero entry from Dynamite Comics
NINE-SUPERHERO CROSSOVER, STANDING UP TO GOVERNMENT OPPRESSION HIGHLIGHT TPB
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
Dynamite Comics does it again. With the licenses of some of the most classic pulp superheroes, 'Masks' puts together an epic team of masked crime fighters ever to be committed to the page. This time, these outstanding alliance stand up to a bizarre new tyranny sweeping New York City.
THE SUPERTEAM
The masked superheroes featured in this story are outstanding. Check out the line up of this
crime-fighting dream team:
The Shadow and his assets
The Spider and his team
Green Hornet and Kato
A descendent of Zorro, who takes on his family mantle for the common good
Miss Fury
The Black Bat
The Green Lama
The Black Terror
THE PLOT
The story takes place in 1938, when these legendary superheroes ran their old school game. They run into a problem when the 'Justice Party' takes over New York city, putting mobsters in power to run roughshod over the city. When the tyranny becomes to obvious to ignore, the superheroes come together to fight the power.
THE REVIEW
The story was immensely enjoyable, with the always-inspirational 'fight the power' theme taking the reader through the story. I expected a lot of action, and the story delivered.
The art was exceptional, especially with Alex Ross doing the covers and the entire first issue. Afterwards, Dennis Calero took the reigns and did a good job as well.
The trade paperback has all of Ross' covers, sketches, the script for the first issue, and other great pieces of 'bonus material'.
I found the story particularly inspirational, as it seemed to reflect the current state and federal government attitude towards its people: Cruel and tyrannical. The collection of taxes by force, the corruption inherent in the system, criminals in charge of the government. The need for the people to band together and fight the power they've voted in. Hell, to pay attention to the political process to prevent it from happening. That's makes for a pretty good morality tale.
'Masks' is yet another outstanding superhero story from Dynamite, who are honoring the traditions and legends from the past with their stories. If you like great action, a fun story, and excellent artwork, pick up this trade paperback today.
And if you like superhero stories, check out the superhero titles from ZombieBloodFights.com: Codename: La Lechusa, Room 26 and the Army of Xulhutdul, and Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull. Get a copy today via paperback or kindle today.
Bowie V. Ibarra (1975- present) was born and raised in Uvalde, Texas, to a school principal and a book keeper. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting and a Master of Arts in Theatre History.
Network with Bowie at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
ZOMBIES: The complete ZBF.com ShuIzmz interview
AUTHOR TALKS 'McGILL', INSPIRATIONS, WRITING
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
I had a chance to sit down with Shu of Shuizmz.com and speak of the book, 'The Cruel Fate of Dr. Brewster McGill', inspirations, the writing process, and so much more.
Check them out here, collected for your enjoyement.
BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster. His latest book, 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull' is a superhero story with a south Texas Tex-Mexploitation theme. You can get it via paperback or Kindle here.
BOWIE V. IBARRA earned a BFA in Acting and an MA in Theatre History from Texas State University. Network with Bowie at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com.
FIGHTS: Meet The ZombieBloodFights.com Tex-Mex Superheroes
THREE SUPERHEROES PROTECT CITIES AND FIGHT CRIME IN SOUTH TEXAS
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
ZombieBloodFights.com has been on quite a superhero kick lately. With its broad range of potential with stories and characters, you can bet ZBF.com is going to have some fun writing about them. But you, the reader, will be the one that benefits.
Below is a list of the three main superheroes that will be the lynchpins of the ZombieBloodFights.com library superheroes.
LA LECHUSA
Real Name: Paula Belle Luna
Place of Birth: San Uvalde, Texas
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Powers: Elevated Strength, Superior Fighting Skills
Weapons Proficiencies: Bowie Knife, throwing knives, Compound bow and arrow
Magic: Has a cursed owl necklace that, when broken, can conjure a true Lechusa
Allies: Reverend Hugo Farkas of the East Side Baptist Church, Celestina (the curandera)
Base of operations: San Uvalde, Texas
Arch Enemy: N/A
BACKGROUND
Paula Belle Luna is a single mother living in a trailer home in San Uvalde Estates with her mother, Emma, and her daughter, Mariana. During the day, Paula works as the receptionist for Vasquez Construction. But at night, she's an operative for a secret government organization.
Paula discovered her powers in her teenage years when she was violated by her then boyfriend. Discovering her new elevated strengths, she was encouraged to join the military, where her super strength and fighting skill earned her a spot on the clandestine military team, Five Points. After getting pregnant, she left the organization by faking her death, but remained as an operative for the organization afterwards.
Though Paula has superior hand-to-hand skill, knife proficiency, and elevated strength, she is not invulnerable.
Her neighbor is Sra Irma Celestina, and old woman who is also a curandera. Sra. Celestina gives Paula and her daughter necklaces to wear with magical powers. When broken, the necklace conjures the supernatural force called 'La Lechusa'.
Her contact in San Uvalde is Reverend Hugo Farkas. He is an ex-military man who provides all the orders for Paula as well as her gear. He operates under the East Side Baptist Church.
For now, La Lechusa is San Uvalde's greatest defender.
Here's one of her original book trailers.
THE VIOLET SPECTRE / KATARXENA
Real Name: Lorraine Blacksmith
Place of Birth: San Antonio, Texas
Alignment: Lawful Good
Powers: (Available when Bracelets of Katarxena are activated) Flight, Super Strength, Mayan Fighting Arts
Weapons: (Available when Bracelets of Katarxena are activated) Spiritual Rod that can shift into a whip, a macuhuitl, etc.
Magic: (Available when Bracelets of Katarxena are activated) Spell Casting
Allies: Gerardo, finance manager at McNulty Museum
Base of Operations: McNulty Museum, San Antonio, Texas
Arch Enemy: N/A
BACKGROUND
Lorraine Blacksmith was tapped to be the curator of the McNulty Museum in San Antonio, Texas, when the founder, Sara McNulty, passed away. Unbeknownst to Lorraine, a large collection of magical relics lay in hiding under the museum in Room 26. Lorraine discovers that McNulty not only hid these relics, but wielded an ancient Mayan power through the Bracelets of Katarxena. When activated, her body is possessed by the spirit of the ancient Mayan high priestess, Katarxena.
When she is possessed by the spirit of Katarxena, she has elevated strength and is partially invulnerable, as the spirit takes over her body. But the longer she is in a conflict, the weaker she becomes. When the spirit leaves her body, Lorraine's is left exhausted, and she needs to sleep for long periods of time to recover, depending on the energy spent.
Lorraine not only helps to run the museum, but now has a responsibility to protect not only the relics in the museum and any power they might wield, but the city of San Antonio as The Violet Specter. She is called that because witnesses who first saw her noticed that her form was ghost-like and purple in appearance.
Here's one of the trailers.
TEJANO STAR
Real Name: Unknown
Place of Birth: Del Rio, Texas
Alignment: Neutral Good
Powers: (When Star Power Necklace is activated) Flight, Sonic Attack (The 'Grito'), elevated strength
Weapons: N/A
Magic: N/A
Allies: Lane, the band manager of Tejano Star y Los Caballeros
Base of Operations: Del Rio, Texas
Arch Enemy: Chaplain Skull
Tejano Star is not only one of south Texas and Northern Mexico's superheroes, but he's also the lead singer of one of the best Tejano bands in Texas: Tejano Star y Los Caballeros. Traveling around the state of Texas, Tejano Star not only sings to sold out dance halls, but fights crime in the cities he sings in.
Tejano Star gets his powers from an extra-terrestrial charm that he wears around his neck. He calls it 'La Estrella de la Noche', translated to 'The Night Star'. He activates the power of the star with the words, 'Estrella de la Noche, dame el poder!' This translates to, "Night Star, give me the power!"
When he has activated the Star, Tejano Star can fly, has elevated strength, and his greatest power, which is a Sonic Attack he calls 'El Grito'. This shout can incapacitate foes and knock down barriers. But its use saps him of his energy, and he loses strength each time he uses it.
Here's the trailer.
===
Do yourself a favor. If you enjoy fun superhero stories, pick either of these three for some good fun today, courtesy of ZombieBloodFights.com.
BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster. Bowie earned a BFA in Acting and MA in Theatre History from Texas State University.
Network with Bowie for updates and news at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com.
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
ZombieBloodFights.com has been on quite a superhero kick lately. With its broad range of potential with stories and characters, you can bet ZBF.com is going to have some fun writing about them. But you, the reader, will be the one that benefits.
Below is a list of the three main superheroes that will be the lynchpins of the ZombieBloodFights.com library superheroes.
(currently available in Kindle)
LA LECHUSA
Real Name: Paula Belle Luna
Place of Birth: San Uvalde, Texas
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Powers: Elevated Strength, Superior Fighting Skills
Weapons Proficiencies: Bowie Knife, throwing knives, Compound bow and arrow
Magic: Has a cursed owl necklace that, when broken, can conjure a true Lechusa
Allies: Reverend Hugo Farkas of the East Side Baptist Church, Celestina (the curandera)
Base of operations: San Uvalde, Texas
Arch Enemy: N/A
BACKGROUND
Paula Belle Luna is a single mother living in a trailer home in San Uvalde Estates with her mother, Emma, and her daughter, Mariana. During the day, Paula works as the receptionist for Vasquez Construction. But at night, she's an operative for a secret government organization.
Paula discovered her powers in her teenage years when she was violated by her then boyfriend. Discovering her new elevated strengths, she was encouraged to join the military, where her super strength and fighting skill earned her a spot on the clandestine military team, Five Points. After getting pregnant, she left the organization by faking her death, but remained as an operative for the organization afterwards.
Though Paula has superior hand-to-hand skill, knife proficiency, and elevated strength, she is not invulnerable.
Her neighbor is Sra Irma Celestina, and old woman who is also a curandera. Sra. Celestina gives Paula and her daughter necklaces to wear with magical powers. When broken, the necklace conjures the supernatural force called 'La Lechusa'.
Her contact in San Uvalde is Reverend Hugo Farkas. He is an ex-military man who provides all the orders for Paula as well as her gear. He operates under the East Side Baptist Church.
For now, La Lechusa is San Uvalde's greatest defender.
Here's one of her original book trailers.
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Get your copy in kindle or paperback here.
THE VIOLET SPECTRE / KATARXENA
Real Name: Lorraine Blacksmith
Place of Birth: San Antonio, Texas
Alignment: Lawful Good
Powers: (Available when Bracelets of Katarxena are activated) Flight, Super Strength, Mayan Fighting Arts
Weapons: (Available when Bracelets of Katarxena are activated) Spiritual Rod that can shift into a whip, a macuhuitl, etc.
Magic: (Available when Bracelets of Katarxena are activated) Spell Casting
Allies: Gerardo, finance manager at McNulty Museum
Base of Operations: McNulty Museum, San Antonio, Texas
Arch Enemy: N/A
BACKGROUND
Lorraine Blacksmith was tapped to be the curator of the McNulty Museum in San Antonio, Texas, when the founder, Sara McNulty, passed away. Unbeknownst to Lorraine, a large collection of magical relics lay in hiding under the museum in Room 26. Lorraine discovers that McNulty not only hid these relics, but wielded an ancient Mayan power through the Bracelets of Katarxena. When activated, her body is possessed by the spirit of the ancient Mayan high priestess, Katarxena.
When she is possessed by the spirit of Katarxena, she has elevated strength and is partially invulnerable, as the spirit takes over her body. But the longer she is in a conflict, the weaker she becomes. When the spirit leaves her body, Lorraine's is left exhausted, and she needs to sleep for long periods of time to recover, depending on the energy spent.
Lorraine not only helps to run the museum, but now has a responsibility to protect not only the relics in the museum and any power they might wield, but the city of San Antonio as The Violet Specter. She is called that because witnesses who first saw her noticed that her form was ghost-like and purple in appearance.
Here's one of the trailers.
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TEJANO STAR
Real Name: Unknown
Place of Birth: Del Rio, Texas
Alignment: Neutral Good
Powers: (When Star Power Necklace is activated) Flight, Sonic Attack (The 'Grito'), elevated strength
Weapons: N/A
Magic: N/A
Allies: Lane, the band manager of Tejano Star y Los Caballeros
Base of Operations: Del Rio, Texas
Arch Enemy: Chaplain Skull
Tejano Star is not only one of south Texas and Northern Mexico's superheroes, but he's also the lead singer of one of the best Tejano bands in Texas: Tejano Star y Los Caballeros. Traveling around the state of Texas, Tejano Star not only sings to sold out dance halls, but fights crime in the cities he sings in.
Tejano Star gets his powers from an extra-terrestrial charm that he wears around his neck. He calls it 'La Estrella de la Noche', translated to 'The Night Star'. He activates the power of the star with the words, 'Estrella de la Noche, dame el poder!' This translates to, "Night Star, give me the power!"
When he has activated the Star, Tejano Star can fly, has elevated strength, and his greatest power, which is a Sonic Attack he calls 'El Grito'. This shout can incapacitate foes and knock down barriers. But its use saps him of his energy, and he loses strength each time he uses it.
Here's the trailer.
===
Do yourself a favor. If you enjoy fun superhero stories, pick either of these three for some good fun today, courtesy of ZombieBloodFights.com.
BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster. Bowie earned a BFA in Acting and MA in Theatre History from Texas State University.
Network with Bowie for updates and news at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com.
FIGHTS: Gene LeBell - A History Lesson
GENE LeBELL WAS ONE OF COMBAT SPORT'S EARLIEST LEGENDS
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
Check out this video package featuring a brief history of 'Judo' Gene LeBell. Courtesy of
If you like combat sports, you've got to check out the 'Pit Fighters' book series from ZombieBloodFights.com. You'll love both 'Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire' and 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross'. Both are combat sports-themed books that features fights from the early days of MMA, and features a lucha libre superstar who crosses over into underground money fights. You've got to check them out, and they're available on Kindle or paperback today.
BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster. His latest story, 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull' is a Tex-Mexploitation superhero story in the tradition of 'Machete' and 'Black Dynamite'. Get it in paperback or Kindle today.
Bowie earned a BFA in Acting and MA in Theatre History from Texas State University. Network with Bowie for updates and news at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com.
Bowie earned a BFA in Acting and MA in Theatre History from Texas State University. Network with Bowie for updates and news at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
ZOMBIES/FIGHTS/BLOOD - REVIEW: 'High Midnight' the epitome of eloquent mayhem
A WEIRD WESTERN WRITTEN LIKE A CLASSICAL MASTERPIECE OF LITERATURE
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
'High Midnight' by Rob Mosca is an outrageously wild 'grindhouse pulp'-style weird western. The story was amazingly eloquent in spite of its violent and spooky supernatural setting. When I saw a luchador sheriff on the cover at a horror convention, I had to grab it!
The story is about a group of homicidal clowns who lay siege to the town bar of the haunted south Texas town of Unity. Unity is a seedy western-style town in a modern world, which brings in the tourists, but is still lost to the progress of the state because of infestation with killer cryptids, ghosts, and the living dead. But the town has a charm and allure that houses the world's vagrants and vagabonds looking for solitude in its creepy streets.
Laredo Beaumont is the sheriff of the town. And as you might imagine, he's the right man for the job in the bizarre city. He's a drunk and former money fighter who found, among other things, who found some peace in the city for him to drink his pain away. He's in love with the ghost of a dead prostitute in the local brothel and managed by the mayor and her husband. And when he's ready to lay down the law, he puts on his old money-fight luchador mask.
His only deputy and help is a bonabo chimpanzee named Cicero, whose habits are even worse than Laredo. But they're the defenders the strange city needs.
His only deputy and help is a bonabo chimpanzee named Cicero, whose habits are even worse than Laredo. But they're the defenders the strange city needs.
The clowns who lay siege to the city are just as outrageous. They range from the traditional buffoon to the modern juggalo. When they hold a local bar hostage, its up to Laredo to figure out what their problem is and save its citizens in danger.
The reason for their assault on the city and the final battle is amazing.
The book is easily one of the most enjoyable I've ever read. I was immensely pleased with the ease of eloquence that Mosca sculpted the tale. Mosca is one of the most poetic writers I've ever read. His prose is beautiful, even as he describes the violence and bloodshed, its a book that follows in the eloquent tradition of the classics. There's even a human/ghost love scene that is a testament to Mosca's imagination.
The story is linear, but places flashbacks throughout to fit in the missing puzzle pieces to the story and build to a very enjoyable climax. The finish to the story was surprisingly touching, filling a 'love story' element to the book that readers will appreciate.
'High Midnight' by Rob Mosca is a weird western/'grindhouse pulp' masterpiece. The book is completely ZombieBloodFights.com approved. I encourage everyone who reads this review who hasn't picked up this book yet to get it today in kindle or paperback here today.
For more weird western reading, check out 'The Cruel Fate of Dr. Brewster McGill' from ZombieBloodFights.com. It's the story of a snake-oil salesman who grows envious when he discovers a rival has discovered an ancient Aztec relic that creates an elixir that not only cures all, but raises the dead. It's available in Kindle and Paperback here.
BOWIE V. IBARRA earned a BFA in Acting and an MA in Theatre History from Texas State University. Network with Bowie and explore the ZombieBloodFights library at ZombieBloodFights.com.
Monday, September 2, 2013
EXTERNAL INTERVIEW: Booking It: Shooting the Shit....With Bowie Valeriano Ibarra
You have got to check out this interview I did with fellow Blogger, HMMADNESS at his blog.
Check it out, and if you're a 'Blogger' blogger, give him a follow, too. He's a good guy who likes books, drinks, and rasslin!
Here's the link to the interview below. Enjoy:
Booking It: Shooting the Shit....With Bowie Valeriano Ibarra: Today on Shooting the Shit I talk with Bowie Ibarra, in a rare one, I know this writer and have hung out with him a few times. He is a fello...
Check it out, and if you're a 'Blogger' blogger, give him a follow, too. He's a good guy who likes books, drinks, and rasslin!
Here's the link to the interview below. Enjoy:
Booking It: Shooting the Shit....With Bowie Valeriano Ibarra: Today on Shooting the Shit I talk with Bowie Ibarra, in a rare one, I know this writer and have hung out with him a few times. He is a fello...
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