In this unique volume, a number of scholars spanning diverse areas and backgrounds offer fresh insight into how perceived concepts of horror and dark subject matter influence cultures and societies around the world. The contributions here explore how topics considered disturbing, mysterious, or fascinating are found not only in works of fiction and entertainment, but also in the cultural fabrics, belief systems, artistic creations, and even governmental structures of societies. Topics discussed in this book include witchcraft, voodoo, zombies, spiritualism, serial killers, monsters, cemeteries, pop culture entertainment, and the sublime in transcendental experiences. As the academic study of horror becomes more mainstream, collections such as this are instrumental in realizing just how much it impacts our lives—past, present, future, and imaginary. Thus, this volume of intriguing and profound topics offers scholars, students, and lovers of learning a much-needed fresh and innovative intellectual exploration of the horror genre and the cultural fascination with the mysterious unknown.

A Critical Companion to Julie Taymor is the most updated and holistic volume on the director currently published. Situating Taymor’s work within the intersections of story and spectacle, contributors to this collection examine issues of creativity, gender, sexuality, and adaptation by focusing on themes from Taymor’s oeuvre including martyrdom, musicality, fidelity, postmodern representations, feminism and queerness, identity, desire, trauma, revenge, hybridity, and obscenity. The result reveals Julie Taymor to be a globally-influenced American director who exhibits and exemplifies the authentic artistry of ingenious storytelling and deserves scholarly attention. This work will be of particular interest to scholars of film, philosophy, popular culture, gender, feminisms, and queer identities.

This volume adds to previous historical and political studies about 'Gladiator' with essays about the movie’s relation to pop culture and contemporary discourses. It not only relates 'Gladiator' to traditional cinema aspects such as heroism, music, acting, studio culture, and visual effects, but it also connects the film to sports, religion, and the environment, expanding the ways in which the film can be evaluated by modern audiences. The volume can be read by individuals or in classroom settings, especially as a recommended text for students studying the ancient world in film.

Enter The Expanse to explore questions of the meaning of human life, the concept of justice, and the nature of humanity, featuring a foreword from author James S.A. Corey The Expanse and Philosophy investigates the philosophical universe of the critically acclaimed television show and Hugo Award-winning series of novels. Original essays by a diverse international panel of experts illuminate how essential philosophical concepts relate to the meticulously crafted world of The Expanse, engaging with topics such as transhumanism, belief, culture, environmental ethics, identity, colonialism, diaspora, racism, reality, and rhetoric. Conceiving a near-future solar system colonized by humanity, The Expanse provokes a multitude of moral, ethical, and philosophical queries: Are Martians, Outer Planets inhabitants, and Earthers different races? Is Marco Inaros a terrorist? Can people who look and sound different, like Earthers and Belters, ever peacefully co-exist? Should science be subject to moral rules? Who is sovereign in space? What is the relationship between human progress and aggression? The Expanse and Philosophy helps you answer these questions—and many more. Covers the first six novels in The Expanse series and five seasons of the television adaptation Addresses the philosophical issues that emerge from socio-economics and geopolitics of Earth, Mars, and the Outer Planets Alliance Offers fresh perspectives on the themes, characters, and storylines of The Expanse Explores the connections between The Expanse and thinkers such as Aristotle, Kant, Locke, Hannah Arendt, Wittgenstein, Descartes, and Nietzsche Part of the popular Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series, The Expanse and Philosophy is a must-have companion for avid readers of James S.A. Corey’s novels and devotees of the television series alike.

This collection features examinations of popular culture, including manga, music, film, cosplay, and literature, among other topics. Using interdisciplinary sources and analyses, this collection adds to the global discussion and relevancy of Japanese popular culture. This collection serves to highlight the work of multidisciplinary scholars who offer fresh perspectives of ongoing cross-cultural and cyclical influences that are commonly found between the US and Japan. Notably, this collection considers the relationships that have influenced Japanese popular culture, and how this has, in turn, influenced the Western world.

In 2010, Cartoon Network debuted a new animated series called Adventure Time, and within just a few short years the show became both a pop culture phenomenon and a critical darling. But despite all the admiration, not many works of scholarship have assessed the show through a critical lens. This anthology is an attempt to fill this scholarly oversight and spark a wider conversation about the show's deeper themes. Across 15 scholarly essays, this book's contributors study Adventure Time from a variety of angles, proving just how insightful the series really is. From a consideration of BMO's queer identity to a psychoanalytic reading of Lemongrab and an examination of how anime has impacted the show, the topics explored in this anthology are diverse and unique and are likely to appeal to scholars and fans alike.

Beware The Silence: 560+ Horror Classics, Macabre Tales & Supernatural Mysteries is a monumental anthology that showcases the evolution and diversity of horror and supernatural literature. Spanning centuries of literary contributions, this collection presents an unparalleled variety of styles, from the gothic horror of Mary Shelley to the psychological terror of H.P. Lovecraft, and the cosmic dread of Algernon Blackwood. It reflects a broad spectrum of themes such as the human psyche, existential dread, and the supernatural, providing readers with a comprehensive view of the genres development. Standout pieces within this collection underscore the rich tapestry of fear and curiosity that defines horror literature, making it a significant compilation for both scholars and enthusiasts alike. The contributing authors and editors of this anthology are titans in the literary world, each bringing their own unique voice and perspective to the theme of horror and supernatural mysteries. The collection aligns with various historical, cultural, and literary movements, showcasing the genre's adaptability and resilience through different epochs. From the romanticism of Edgar Allan Poe to the modernist ambiguities of Ambrose Bierce, and the pioneering science fiction horror of H.G. Wells, the anthology is a testament to the genres ability to evolve while exploring the depths of human fear, curiosity, and imagination. Together, these authors weave a complex narrative that transcends the simply macabre, inviting readers to ponder the human condition and the unknown. Beware The Silence offers readers an extraordinary opportunity to immerse themselves in the multifaceted world of horror and supernatural mysteries. It is an invitation to explore the shadows of literature, where the echoes of centuries-old fears, desires, and uncertainties resonate with contemporary readers. This anthology is not only an academic treasure trove for students and scholars of literary studies but also a labyrinth of terror and wonder for the lay reader. Each page turn promises to enrich ones understanding of the genre, providing a panoramic view of its historical evolution and the myriad ways it continues to captivate the imagination. For anyone eager to delve into the abyss of horror literature, this collection serves as both a comprehensive guide and a thrilling companion.

In The Haunting of Apartment 13B: Beyond Shadows and Redemption, the chilling tale unfolds in the heart of Sector 56, Gurugram, where the seemingly ordinary Apartment 13B holds a sinister secret. When a malevolent entity terrorizes the Sharma family, young Anaya finds herself thrust into a world where the living and the dead collide. As the supernatural forces intensify, Anaya embarks on a harrowing journey to unravel the mystery behind the haunting. With ancient prophecies, forgotten rituals, and unwavering determination, she confronts the malevolent entity, hoping to banish it once and for all. But in a battle that transcends dimensions, Anaya discovers the power of compassion and forgiveness, ultimately leading to redemption.

Beloved Malaysian actress Annabelle Shek is found dead, her body was decapitated and dismembered. Annabelle is the first of many such victims. Every three months, another woman is found murdered in the same way, and it becomes apparent that these killings are part of a sacrificial ritual. Enter Suzanna Sim – a hard-boiled, tattooed punk rocker forced to grow up on the streets of George Town, Penang when she was orphaned at a young age. She’s the owner of a private investigation firm that specializes in black magic and occult crimes. She solves these cases with the help of her supernatural partner: a toyol named Tokek, who works with Suzanna under the promise that she’ll help him find his long-lost birth mother. When a billionaire hotel magnate hires Suzanna to find Annabelle Shek’s killer, she discovers that the rituals are being conducted by a former disco singer turned bomoh who was supposedly hanged for her crimes in the late 70’s – but is somehow still alive today. (Buku Fixi) (Fixi Novo)

In the mysterious and remote cabin nestled within the mountains, two adventurous friends, Max and Rob, embark on a weekend getaway. Little do they know that darkness truly falls on the mountain, concealing eerie secrets within its depths. Throughout the years, a series of unexplained disappearances has plagued the area, leaving a lingering sense of unease. As Max and Rob arrive at the cabin, a foreboding atmosphere begins to envelop their surroundings. Soon, they vanish without a trace, leaving their friends and family bewildered and desperate for answers. The mountain holds a history of unexplained occurrences, with locals harboring superstitions and beliefs about its malevolent nature. Law enforcement and volunteers launch a search, hoping to unravel the mystery behind the disappearances. Yet, it is a dedicated investigator with a personal connection to the case who takes charge, unearthing long-buried secrets that shed light on the truth. As they delve deeper into the mountain's enigmatic past, they must also confront unseen dangers and confront the darkness that dwells within. Amidst adversity, the investigator uncovers the final revelation: the fate of Max and Rob, as well as the unsettling truths that lie at the heart of the mountain's mysteries. The story concludes with the aftermath and reflection, exploring the impact of the events on the characters' lives and providing a sense of resolution and closure.