In 2013, while signing books in the Ozarks, I met a fantastic artist whose horror inspired equality signs captivated me. Finding his technique unique and fun, he and I struck up a conversation that regarded the horror and Halloween culture. Our conversations had been so favorable, they continue well into the night hours. And now, I hope that you can enjoy some of the same topics we discussed on that cold Ozarks night.
I would like to introduce everyone to my friend Phil Good. He is an artist who describes himself as, “having no origin, and is a regular fagabond, or hobosexual… a real nomad journeying as far and wide, physically, as well as creatively. His works are collected for limited viewing due to the masses’ inability to deal with such splendor… honestly, though, it’s just a thing of constantly creating and zero time to get a website going.”
A “like”-able Facebook page *is* underway.”
Currently, you can contact Phil Good by the following URL:
https://www.facebook.com/ponytoast?fref=ts
What does Halloween mean to you?
Halloween has always been a huge inspiration, a world all its own. I’ve always been into the spooky, yet I’ve never had a sense of community, so it really felt like MY own little world… and I was VERY okay with that. Since then, especially with social media, it’s been refreshing connecting with other like-minded sorts… making up for lost time, I’m sure.
What is your most memorable Halloween?
The most memorable would have to’ve been when I was 20. I had no time and had next-to-no money, donned a crappy batman cape and cowl, wore my pajamas, and went with my friend Darin, who’d dressed as a nun. It was ridiculous, not at ALL spooky, but definitely the most memorable. My most IDEAL Halloween has yet to be realized.
How do you celebrate Halloween today?
Depends on who’s around, though I make sure I spin the hits, the personal favorites (movie-wise). I try to hit a haunted house, but it’s generally kept pretty simple.
What was your best Halloween costume?
Shaye St. John, hands-down (or, mannequin-hands-down). I was in LA, walked the streets with friends to West Hollywood and I had complete strangers come up to me, recognizing the character. Because I can sound like I’ve sucked in a bunch of helium, they thought I *WAS* Shaye. Look her up – she’s a DELIGHT of the most bizarre sort!
What was your worst Halloween costume?
Definitely, without a doubt, “Batboy”.
Some people believe Halloween is a negative Holiday to celebrate. Why do you feel Halloween has such a controversy to it?
Because it’s not about The Ever-Grumpy, but Loving, Sky Daddy. To many, it’s about the other guy. I’ve since given up any subscription to all that crazy, as I have enough on my own. Remove the obvious, religious element, and you’re left with simple people believing that violence in the world comes from SOMEWHERE, and people are quick to believe it’s from media (comics, movies, games). That makes sense, because that crap is EVERYWHERE… however, it starts in the home, with the parenting, and what the kids are taught. I’m not a dad, but I’ve manned for YEARS, and anytime I have an opportunity to do so, I try to teach kids to NOT be afraid of things like the dark, or monsters. Fear is a tool too often used by terrible people, and Halloween is a time to, in a way, embrace or even BECOME what scares you. Once you have power over your fear, it cannot control you… sounds trite, but VERY true.
What do you do to keep the ghosts and ghouls away on Halloween night?
Please. I welcome them to all of my slobbery make-out parties. I offer them the elderly as party favors, though.
What frightens you and why?
The words “syrup” and “coco”. They’re just dreadful. I avoid pancakes and crappy chocolate powder mixes just so I don’t have anxiety attacks upon reading those loathsome words. I – – no. I’m done. Moving on.
What’s your favorite scary movie and why?
A Nightmare on Elm Street. I was 5 years old when I saw it (don’t ask me how I’d managed it), but I pretty much fell in love with Johnny Depp and Heather Langenkamp; both for different reasons. The story itself was just so unbelievably dark, and the way Krueger functioned and understood the fears of his victims… it was all scary. SO scary in concept, alone. BTDubz, Never Sleep Again is a BRILLIANT documentary about the ENTIRE series if you’ve never seen it.
What’s your favorite horror book and why?
“Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” and its two follow-ups. The stories were just GREAT, and the art only made it better… I appreciate reading, but enjoy art to drive a story further. In a lotta cases, that’s spoon-feeding the brain, but I just have a higher appreciation for visual art.
Do you prefer slow burners or fast paced thrillers?
Totally different beasts, and I appreciate both. However, slow-burns provide the time necessary to get to know a character as they make their way through, hopefully, a good mystery. The horror is the consequence of NOT figuring out the mystery. I am sooner taken by House of the Devil, Repulsion, or the Americanised The Ring because there’s a real sense of dread throughout those films, whereas movies like Friday the 13th are ALL about body count… but those allow some pretty great creativity to happen, and I love that, also.
What inspires your more frightening work?
My nightmares… or, y’know… a stray thought.
Do you plan to contribute to the horror genre in the future?
Yes. Big yes.
Alexander S. Brown 