THE HACKER'S SOURCE: The Gateway to Independent Horror
Issue #14 December 2003Reviewed By-Sean Patrick Dolan
Eve Blaack Publication's HACKER's SOURCE is a unique publication that should be of great interest to fans of independent horror- and thus to loyal readers of CN's Sideshow section as well. Owner and editor Eve Blaack and her large staff of contributing writers pack a lot into the 60 black and white pages found between the two full color covers. HACKER'S SOURCE is almost completely dedicated to the material itself, with few advertisements taking up space. This issue features articles such as "Frames: Future Tense", a brief look at the works of George Romero, David Cronenberg, John Carpenter, and Hideo Nakata, as well as an in-depth piece on the films of Roger Corman, both written by JP. Gene Maza II's "Friday the 13th: A Reflection of the Red" is a discussion of America's most prolific slasher franchise from the perspective of a longtime fan.
And what would a cult magazine be without interviews and movie reviews? HACKER'S SOURCE has plenty of both. Eve Blaack chats with Felissa Rose (SLEEPAWAY CAMP), the independent filmmaking team Mike Watt and Amy Lynn Best, director and author Tim Ritter, and cable access horror show host Joe Flynn. Allen Richards interviews screenwriter Matthew Jason Walsh. The staff reviews a wide range of films in this issue, among them H.G. Lewis' 2000 MANIACS, BLUE SUNSHINE, Bruno Mattei's HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD, and Andreas Schnass' NIKOS THE IMPALER. In all of the writing, from the articles to the interviews to the movie reviews, it is apparent that Eve Blaack has assembled a staff of talented, knowledgeable, and dedicated horror fans.
HACKER'S SOURCE is unique because it also provides a showcase for writers of fiction and poetry, as well as artists to have their work published. This issue features comic strips by staff members Patrick "Reptile" Johnson and Steven Vincent, and erotic poetry and short stories from guest contributors. These, combined with regular features including a horror trivia page, Horrorscopes (a calendar of cult icons' birthdays) and the "Ask Dr. Occult" advice column make HACKER'S SOURCE a well-rounded and entertaining read.
One last note-the cover of HACKER'S SOURCE proudly proclaims "Banned in Canada!" I asked Eve about this and was told that a Canadian reader had his issue confiscated by Canadian customs officials. This doesn't necessarily mean that all who attempt to receive a copy will have problems but just a small caveat.
Those interested in HACKER'S SOURCE can contact Eve Blaack at: MISTRESSOFSOURCE@AOL.COM
5 BITCH SLAPS