Van Helsing’s Journal

World Fantastica

PO Box 2092

Cleona , PA. 17042

USA

Email: harryhlong@yahoo.com

Van Helsing’s Journal is published three times a year and each issue is around 60 pages. It has a simple black and white presentation with covers of the same colour. It evolved from the old Peter Cushing Confidential Fanzine and is dedicated to what could be best defined as “fantastic cinema” covering many genres from horror to science fiction and the unusual. It is unusual in that it also gives solid coverage to silent and rare films with extensive articles and impeccable research. The first thing that stands out when examining an issue of Van Helsing’s Journal (I have issues 8 and 9 in front of me) is the focus on “old world” cinema. There are so many magazines which primarily focus on new releases and if they do not have a some “blockbusters” in their first few pages think they have failed. Van Helsing’s Journal focuses on rare and unusual films with extensive well researched articles which offer the very best in cinema journalism. Sure, there are a good, solid range of CD reviews, covering the soundtracks of the world of cinema, DVD reviews and related content, but the focus is on solid research and this makes Van Helsing’s Journal a unique publication.

Voloume 8 includes some splendid articles. Just some of the peices that come to mind are the well researched article on Somerset Maugham and the Magicians with some fascinating insight into the connections between Maugham and Aliester Crowley. A marvellous interview with Lupita Tovar, the start of Spanish language Hollywood horrors, an extensive examination of the classic film The Night of (or Curse of) the Demon and a good look at the rare early film the Slaughter of Maria Marten. These articles are all illustrated with nice black and white photos, images, posters and memorabilia many you would not find anywhere else.

Volume 9 continues the trend in offering superb journalism and very comprehensive full length articles. There are again a nice selection of CD and DVD reviews and some book reviews as well with a special in-depth review of the amazing Mario Bava Box sets. However, the emphasis is on cinema journalism, again to a very high standard. The article on Bela Lugosi in London is part of what looks to be an ongoing series on Lugosi, it is insightful and includes lots of interesting information and some great images. There is a fascinating piece on La Spectre Vert, a very early French language from MGM and a great article on the Blind Death imagery of Amanda de Ossorio, who produced an amazing series of Knight Templar zombie films. I love the fun examination of those wild space woman who populate the world of early science fiction.

Val Helsing’s journal is packed with rare and exciting cinema journalism giving coverage to classic, rare and unusual films which are, to be honest, usually forgotten and ignored. I think that Van Helsing’s Journal is doing an admirable job keeping these wonders in the public eye and highly recommend it to anyone seeking cinema which is more than “skin deep”.