Cool Stuff Alert!!!

A couple weeks ago, while hanging out at a good friend’s house, I happened to see the premiere issue of Lunchmeat, a band new fanzine devoted entirely to obscure films that were released on VHS but still have not made the transition to DVD, mostly due to their trashy, low brow, cult film reputations . I unfortunately only got to leaf through it for a minute or two, but needless to say, well, you can imagine how super excited I was about it.

Thankfully I got some contact info and sent them an email, and the guys (Josh and Ted) were gracious enough to send over a promo copy for my review. And thank God they did because I’m loving every page of it!

Lunchmeat is essentially what you’d get if you took Radiation Sickness and put it on paper (which incidentally was what was originally planned for this publication as well). Inside you’ll find a bunch of intelligent, lovingly written reviews of some less than legendary films (unless we’re talking legendarily bad, most likely) by two guys who are undoubtedly passionate about watching movies that most people have probably never heard of. All of this is put together in a well designed package that reflects the content perfectly, sort of a mix of a more professional punk rock fanzine, grindhouse movie poster, and old school monster magazine. Now does that sound like we’re cut from the same cloth or what?!

In this issue we get a healthy dose of horror film reviews from the late 70’s and 80’s (including a few titles that have been on my list of potentials for the site), a time when VHS was unquestionably king, as well as an article about a website dedicated to showcasing classic movie monster toys throughout the ages. What more could you ask for?

But I have to say that the thing I find most exciting and impressive about Lunchmeat is their reasoning for doing it all in the first place, which they’ve mentioned in the introduction to this issue is not only to potentially let others know about some fun, trash-filled movies that they might have overlooked otherwise, but more importantly to make friends with those like minded bizarre film fans who really “get it”, or as they put it “making the unknown known to those who truly appreciate it.”

That’s definitely something that I can stand behind, as it’s what I’ve always strived to do with my writing here and on other sites, because they’re absolutely right, there is nothing better than finding those other people who understand (without explanation) just what it is that some of us see in these lesser celebrated entries in cinematic history. We grade-Z garbage cult film fans have to stick together, you know?!

If it’s kindred spirits you’re looking for guys, you’ve definitely found one in me. Keep up the good work; I’m already looking forward to future issues.

For those of you interested in picking up a copy of Lunchmeat #1 (which should be ALL of you reading this), you can find it at the Relapse Records web store or on ebay (just search for “lunchmeat” and wade through all the listings for coupons). Please check it out and support these guys who are doing something awesome.