DIABOLIQUE – The Magazine Review

After years of watching horror movie magazines wither on the vine, I’m surprised, and pleased, to find a new publication aimed at old school horror fans. DIABOLIQUE is a new full color magazine takes a scholarly perspective of the genre of Gothic horror in film, literature and art from around the world. While its approach to horror film journalism is more cerebral than something like Fangoria, the writing isn’t overly academic and it makes for a read that is both fun and informative. I was thoroughly impressed by the high quality of both the articles and overall layout of this outstanding new mag that’s filled with film reviews, articles on classic horror and foreign horror, details on a couple of ground breaking directors, and more. Issue #5 was the review copy I was given and the highlights for me in this issue were:

BARBARA STEELE: THE GOTHIC QUEEN OF ITALY
An exclusive new interview with horror legend, Barbara Steele conducted by Paulo Zelati. Ms Steele is starring in her first lead role with the new horror film THE BUTTERFLY ROOM and is shown in some interesting photos on the set of that film as well as some jaw-dropping vintage photos of the actress that I had never seen before.

GOOGLING FOR NATIVES
The third (and final) part in Rafael Miguel Montes’ series on Cuban horror – which this issue builds on the growing press excitement surrounding the impending release of JUAN OF THE DEAD.

THE HORRIBLE DR. HICHCOCK
Writer Rob Talbot’s examination of the more Freudian aspects of Riccardo Freda’s 1962 shocker illustrated with some amazing color pics.

I could have done without the horror fiction (seemed out of place) but I suppose there is an audience for that and it’s only 3 pages.

Diabolique is published bi-monthly and stuffed with rare, high-quality photos and movie poster reproductions. Publisher Dima Ballin and Editor Robert J. E. Simpson have done a great job and have obviously worked hard to create a quality product. If you don’t feel like dishing out the $9.95 cover price for the print edition (well worth it, btw), issues of Diabolique are available in a digital editions version for less. Go HERE for details. Issue #6 will be out next month and they sent a reporter to St. Louis in May to cover the Vincentennial, the Vincent Price 100th Birthday Celebration here so that will really be something to look forward to.