An in-depth, lively look at the favorite, larger-than-life hero movies and the comic books and strips which inspired them, this book covers film and television programs, old-time serials, comic books of the '30s and '40s, as well as the hip, controversial comics of today. Photographs and illustrations throughout.
William Schoell Books
William Schoell crafts narratives across a diverse spectrum of genres, from celebrity biographies to horror-suspense novels and explorations of pop culture. His works often delve into the lives of compelling figures and the vibrant dynamics of the performing arts. Schoell's extensive writing career showcases a deep engagement with various storytelling mediums. His prose is both informative and captivating for the reader.






The Pact
- 230 pages
- 9 hours of reading
In a world where dark forces reign, a protagonist grapples with his demonic heritage, struggling between his innate powers and the desire for redemption. As he navigates a landscape filled with betrayal, ancient prophecies, and fierce enemies, he must confront his true identity. Themes of inner conflict, the battle between good and evil, and the quest for personal salvation drive the narrative, compelling readers to explore the depths of his character and the consequences of his choices.
The Nightmare Never Ends
- 224 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Looks at the six Nightmare films, and explains the special effects used to create their most gruesome scenes
The Dragon
- 358 pages
- 13 hours of reading
Eddie Drake, a photographer, embarks on an archaeological expedition to the lost city of El Lobo, only to confront nightmarish horrors hidden within the ruins. As the team explores deeper, they encounter grotesque, flesh-eating slug-like monsters and unsettling discoveries, including cavern walls made of living flesh. The journey quickly transforms from a quest for discovery into a fight for survival against unimaginable terrors lurking in the depths of the ancient site.
Vicious
- 464 pages
- 17 hours of reading
An insatiable and grotesque evil permeates the narrative, one that transcends conventional violence and cannot be appeased by mere bloodshed or the suffering of its victims. The story delves into the depths of this malevolence, exploring its impact and the chilling atmosphere it creates. As characters confront this pervasive darkness, the struggle against such a profound evil raises questions about morality and the nature of humanity itself.
Shivers
- 306 pages
- 11 hours of reading
The story unfolds in the dark depths beneath a city, where a terrifying creature possesses the ability to annihilate its victims through the sheer force of its thoughts. With a mind as calculating as a computer, it relentlessly seeks out its chosen prey, instilling fear and revulsion in those it targets. The narrative explores themes of helplessness and the primal instinct to survive against an inhuman adversary, creating an atmosphere of dread and inevitability as the characters confront their grim fate.
Things that go Bump in the Night
- 398 pages
- 14 hours of reading
Set in the eerie town of Milbourne, Connecticut, the story unfolds as David Hammond and Anna Braddon investigate the gruesome death of Anna's brother and the vanishing of other residents. Amidst the rising terror of malevolent creatures craving human flesh, a lone man discovers the horrifying truth hidden in a subterranean cavern. However, the shocking revelation leads to his insanity, leaving him unable to warn others. The novel explores themes of fear, courage, and the struggle against unimaginable evil.
Late At Night
- 356 pages
- 13 hours of reading
Set on the ominous Lammerty Island, a group of guests faces a chilling fate as they discover a mysterious book that eerily mirrors their own lives and predicts their deaths through supernatural means. As they grapple with the island's dark history of violence, they must confront the possibility of an evil force at play. The tension escalates as they race against time to uncover and stop the malevolent genius behind the unfolding horror, or risk succumbing to the terrifying prophecies outlined in the sinister narrative.
Joan Crawford: The Essential Biography explores the life and career of one of Hollywood's great dames. She was a leading film personality for more than fifty years, from her beginnings as a dancer in silent films of the 1920s, to her portrayals of working-class shop girls in the Depression thirties, to her Oscar-winning performances in classic films such as Mildred Pierce . Crawford's legacy, however, has become somewhat tarnished in the wake of her daughter Christina's memoir, Mommie Dearest , which turned her into a national joke. Today, many picture Crawford only as a wire-hanger-wielding shrew rather than the personification of Hollywood glamour.This new biography of Crawford sets the record straight, going beyond the gossip to find the truth about the legendary actress. The authors knew Crawford well and conducted scores of interviews with her and many of her friends and co-stars, including Frank Capra, George Cukor, Nicholas Ray, and Sidney Greenstreet. Far from a whitewash―Crawford was indeed a colorful and difficult character― Joan Crawford corrects many lies and tells the story of one of Hollywood's most influential stars, complete with on-set anecdotes and other movie lore.Through extensive interviews, in-depth analysis, and evaluation of her films and performances―both successes and failures―Lawrence J. Quirk and William Schoell present Crawford's story as both an appreciation and a reevaluation of her extraordinary life and career. This fascinating book tells the behind-the-scenes story of one of Hollywood's great dames.
