Brian Johnson's Horror Illustration Blog

Scooby-Doo Title Cards

2009-11-28T17:28:00.000-08:00

Since we're still on the subject of title cards...

Not every animated series creates specific title cards for the show. But it's cool when they do and they're done well.

I loved watching Scooby-Doo when I was just a wee lad. Now, thanks to the surge in television releases on DVD, I can once again get up on Saturday morning and rekindle a more pleasant time from my childhood.

The first round of Scooby-Doo Where Are You! lasted two seasons from 1969-1970. What followed in 1972 was round two called the "New Scooby-Doo Movies". On a side note "The Best of the New Scooby-Doo Movies" dvd collection does not contain all episodes, hence "The Best of". This is probably do to not being able to obtain all rights required since different licensing properties would be involved. One episode I was looking for in particular with The Adams Family, I believe aired on Cartoon Network, and it may exist on VHS, but if you have an itch to scratch, you can certainly find it on youtube. But here I digress, which is easy to do once you open that window.

I mention some of this, to share with you this: Scooby-Doo Where Are You! season one and two dvd collection have the episodes ordered incorrectly. "Hastle in the Castle", (ordered as ep. 2 but should be 3) was originally aired Sep. 27th 1969, after "A Clue for Scooby-Doo", (ordered as ep. 3, should be 2) which originally aired Sep. 20th 1969, the week prior. If you're still reading this right now, you maybe wondering why.

If you're still reading this right now however, it may interest you that only the first two episodes from season one and two have unique title cards. It wasn't until episode three that they established the traditional animated ghost card with the show's title. It's for that reason the gaffe becomes noticeable on the dvd.

So allow me to share with you the only two unique title cards for Scoob-Doo Where Are You! from season one and two along with a still from the traditional animated card you'll probably recognize.

100 Horror Screen Titles

2009-09-01T15:27:00.001-07:00

Screen Titles can be a great way to introduce a story by way of imagery and text. In animation, these are referred to as Title Cards. They are usually an illustrated piece of imagery that can be created in a different style from the show with unique title designs. Older films from the 30's and 40's often share a similar approach with a painted background and unique title design. These screen titles or title cards may introduce copyright info, major "player" names as well as studio names and info. In fact, actors, like Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff became so popular their names would often be as big or a few points smaller then the title itself. Believe it or not, the font size of actors names, wether they're seen on scripts, movie posters or screen titles, are specified in contract. In addition, each studio would dictate the format of information seen on screen titles. This is still true today as each studio controls where, in what order and what credits will be given.

Good screen titles should get you excited about the story your about to experience - even if they're unrelated. They should invoke a mood and allow you to create, in your own mind, the journey you're about to embark upon. The "anticipation" of the journey is what I usually find more rewarding than the journey itself as the right imagery or lack of imagery can trigger the imagination and its realm of possibilities.

With that being said, I would like to share with you 100 horror screen titles. Some I have chosen based on design, some based on the film, some based on style and some based on lack of style.

Enjoy!

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I would like to thank Steven Hill for allowing me access to many of the images above. He has an immaculate collection of screen titles on his website that you can check out here.

Steven has also written two books on classic horror films, "Silver Scream, Classic Horror Movies Volume One and Two. Volume One is available now, and Volume Two is available as a pre-order - to be released later this year. For more info go to silverscream.info.

You should also check out this video promo that was created for the books - inspiring!!

Edgar Allen Poe's Tell Tale Heart designed by Paul Julian

2009-04-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

Since I've found the Hangman, I've checked out more of Paul Julian's work. Here is The Tell Tale Heart, created in 1953 at UPA studios. Great moody piece with excellent narration by James Mason. Note the the direct influence from artist Salvador Dali.

Maurice Ogden's "The Hangman" Designed by Paul Julian

2009-04-26T19:56:00.000-07:00

The Hangman, a rarely seen animated short designed by Paul Julian and co-directed by Paul Julian with Les Goldman, based on Maurice Ogden's classic poem.

Apparently, they used to show this in the public schools. Joe Dante had it featured during Christmas 2008 on his site TrailersFromHell. You won't be able to find it there anymore, so I went searching, and found it on youtube.

My guess is this was originally done in b&w, so ignore the monochromatic aspect.

The Monster

2008-11-14T11:29:00.000-08:00

No doubt, the Monster among monsters. I've recently been enjoying Universal's The Legacy Collection of Frankenstein. The collection includes Frankenstein 1931, Bride of Frankenstein 1935, Son of Frankenstein 1939, Ghost of Frankenstein 1942 and House of Frankenstein 1944. Just a little something to get your Frankenstein palette wet; the Monster played by Boris Karloff.

Jason

2008-10-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

Jason's first appearance from the Friday the 13th films, part duece...pre-hockey mask.

Chop Top

2008-10-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

Here is Bill Moseley as "Chop-Top" in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2. He uses a shaving razor to cut his own throat in an attempt to intimidate our heroine, "Stretch", played by Caroline Williams. I believe I'll file this under madmen and monsters.

Repo! The Genetic Opera Soundtrack Now Available

2008-10-13T08:46:00.000-07:00

Some recent news on the Repo! front...

"Hello Friends,
I have some very excited news to share with you: REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA’S OFFICAL MOVIE SOUNDTRACK IS NOW AVAILABLE! You can download 22-songs from the upcoming film that critics are already hailing “an instant cult classic”…and for only $9.99! To order, visit: http://www.Repo-Opera.com.

The soundtrack, written by Darren Smith & myself, features the vocal talents of Paul Sorvino, Sarah Brightman, Alexa Vega, Paris Hilton, Anthony Stewart Head, Bill Moseley, and Ogre from the band Skinny Puppy. REPO!’s soundtrack also features performances from an all-star lineup of musicians, including Richard Patrick (Filter), Stephen Perkins (Jane's Addiction), Clown (Slipknot), Ray Luzier (Army of Anyone), Brian Young (David Lee Roth's band), Richard Fortus (Guns & Roses), Sonny Moore (From First to Last), David J (Bauhaus), Daniel Ash (Love & Rockets), Blasko (Ozzy Osborne), Tommy Clefetus (Rob Zombie), Melora Creager (Rasputina), and even a cameo by Joan Jett.

Buy buying REPO!’s soundtrack, you will not only be owning an awesome collection of music, but you will be helping the theatrical fate of our film. Currently, the studio distributing Repo!. (Lionsgate) is planning a very limited theatrical release for REPO! If our soundtrack can perform as well as we believe that it can, the future our movie could change dramatically. So, buy an album. And tell all your friends to buy an album. REPO! needs your support.

Thank you all for your continued support of REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA.

Sincerely,
Terrance

Psycho House in 3D

2008-10-05T18:35:00.000-07:00

I've been teaching a SketchUp modeling class at the Los Angeles Film School. The building I'm working in use to be the Klasky Csupo animation studio. I remember dropping off my portfolio there years before... I knew I'd have the opportunity to work there one day.

After a brief intro to the 3D software, I had the students take on a term long challenging project that involved the accurate reconstruction of the Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho House. We were able to work with drawn plans, elevations and reference photos. Here are a couple images of the final version...

R.I.P.

2008-10-05T18:24:00.000-07:00

I know it's not illustration based, but since it's officially time to start celebrating Halloween, I wanted to share a few creepy cemetery pics from a recent road trip. Happy Halloween!!!

Ape Escape - Non Zombie BG

2008-06-07T18:26:00.000-07:00

Here is an Ape Escape bg that I designed...non zombie-themed. I know, I know - I'm talking to the writers.

Ape Escape Zombie BGs

2008-06-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

I just finished tweaking some bgs for the animated "Ape Escape" Cartoon series. The backgrounds here are from a zombie-themed episode, "A Brain is a Terrible Thing to Taste". The shadows became softer and more dramatic light was introduced. (zombies rule) :)

Sketchbook Characters

2008-05-19T10:38:00.000-07:00

I spent this last week in Joshua Tree rock climbing, but I found the time to sketch more characters while sitting around the camp fire. Check out a quick slide show of more cadaverous creatures.

A Story of Minor Amputation

2008-05-11T13:52:00.000-07:00

Got a finger cutting story? It seems we all do. A good way to hear those stories is to cut your own. Someone I know, let's call her Sherin, has recently had a culinary accident...

The sun had set only a couple hours ago but the dark cold night had soon crept in. The smell of the pork which had been marinating in mexican spices all day had now snuck into the room with vigor. It was going to be an exciting meal indeed.

Everything was in it's place. Everything, accept for the salad. "I must add cucumber" she thought while tossing the tomatoes onto a bed of greens. Hoping there was enough time, she dashed to the refrigerator, went to the bottom drawer, found the bag, pulled out the vegetable and began to prep the keystone ingredient. Fruition was near.

The knife. The knife. Where was the... oh yes, in the sink still dirty from the pig. It will need to be washed. Yes, washed and cleaned for the cucumber. A little soap, a little water, no time to dry. It must be cut, now.

She held up the new chef knife, it glistened in the light for a moment as water dripped from the eight inch blade. Mr. Henckles was a proud addition to the family. Slice. Slice. Must hurry. Everything was almost ready and soon there would be a culinary berrage, timers, slice, appliances, slice, dishes, slice, food all needing attention at the same time. Slice.

The last slice deserved a moment of pause. Something unusual. Perhaps it was the texture that was bit off or maybe it was the length of slice. Something was different, something subtle, something odd.

There, on the cutting board before her, lay her own appendage. Well, part of an appendage. The right corner of her left index finger to be exact. It was odd to see it there. Attached to nothing else. You could see finger print groves. Not that this should be strange, but you've never seen them so defined before, and there was the fingernail. It seemed odd that you could identify the clear and shiny nail polish on it. You had to look at her other fingers just to be sure it was on the rest. Why would she only paint that nail? It must be on the rest. It was. There was no blood, not on the cutting board - the blood filled the sink. She barely stood there, pale with disbelief.

"Mr. Henckles, what have you done?", I thought. But Mr. Henckles did what he has always done and he does it without discrimination. Yes, you have to admire him for that. He now lay there faultless, without awe.

It was at that moment when the fear and the sadness hits you, the images fast forward through your mind, you try to make sense of it all, try to understand. Then you realize. There will be no mexican dinner tonight.

Acrylic Head Study

2008-04-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

This image isn't exactly new but when I saw it again, it reminded me of the recent sketchbook drawings I've been doing. This character was done in acrylic on board but I used a similar approach to the pen and ink style drawings in which value is achieved by creating layers of transparent tone and color.

Another Sketchbook Character

2008-04-11T01:49:00.000-07:00

One of the cool things about doing these is that I never know what the character is going to look like when it's done. No intentions, just mindless drawing.

Sketchbook Page

2008-04-08T20:06:00.000-07:00

I've been having a lot a fun doing these loose pen and ink style character drawings recently. Check out more of the macabre.

REPO! The Genetic Opera

2008-04-07T14:32:00.000-07:00

This jut in...

The official REPO! movie website is now up and running. I'll be posting more on this as the release date gets finalized. Terrance Zdunich, co-creator of REPO!, and screen writer, musician, illustrator, actor, director, and mama joke maker has been developing this rock opera since, well, we graduated from Otis many beers ago. We are all looking forward to seeing the movie and are proud of both Terrance and Darren Smith for taking REPO! to this level. Now, on with the show!

Eric Pigors at the Hyaena Gallery

2008-04-06T14:01:00.000-07:00

I was in Burbank last night and had a chance to check out Eric Pigors new exhibit at the Hyaena Gallery. Complete with cheap booze, punk music, fellow metal heads, and Eric dressed up in theme with one of his characters. If you have the chance, I recommend stopping by as the show will only be up for two weeks. This was my first time at the gallery/boutique and certainly not the last. Terrance discovered a new magazine that will no doubt change his life forever, "Girls and Corpses", and I couldn't escape without one of Eric's shirts (pictured above). You can check out more of Eric's work at Toxic Toons here.

Happy Bloody Birthday...

2008-04-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

If you've ever worked with Karl when it's been your birthday, then you've received an official Karl Toerge caricature of yourself. This was mine and no doubt my favorite. If you look close enough and you're familiar with Wubbzy, you'll note that Wubster's messy predicament is rarely seen (thanks Bob!).