Countdown to Halloween 2025 Day 6: The Piano by Edgar J. Hyde

I picked up ten books of the Creepers series by Edgar J. Hyde at the local Dollar Tree last month. Each stand alone book was $1.25 and are 125 pages long. The first book of the series is The Piano, which I read last night since it was a quick read. The story is basically about a family of four buying a possessed piano. This was more suspenseful than scary, but I still had fun reading it. Overall, I gave it a B+ for the ending alone.

Front Cover of The Piano by Edgar J. Hyde

Back Cover of The Piano by Edgar J. Hyde

Countdown to Halloween 2025 Day 5: The Hitchhiker DVD Set

I picked up this DVD set of The Hitchhiker at the local Dollar General last month for $2.99. Ten stand alone tales of terror are on two discs. The anthology show originally aired on HBO from 1983 to 1987 before moving to the USA Network from 1989 to 1991. I have only watched a handful of episodes and most of them were on the USA Network. I remember liking the concept but I can't remember exactly which ones I have seen. I will probably remember them once I start watching the discs. "The Hitchhiker" was originally played by Nicholas Campbell for three episodes before Page Fletcher took over the role. This DVD set features Fletcher as "The Hitchhiker" while various guest stars include Kirstie Alley, Gary Busey, Margot Kidder, Willem Dafoe, Helen Hunt, Joe Pantoliano and James Remar.

Cover of The Hitchhiker DVD Set

The one sided insert is nothing special since it just lists the episode titles on each disc:

Insert for The Hitchhiker DVD Set

Countdown to Halloween 2025 Day 4: Blood Ties Season Two DVD Set

I found this Blood Ties Season Two DVD set at the local Dollar General back in August for $2.95. They didn't have the first season. I remember watching the early episodes when they originally aired in 2007 on the Lifetime Channel. I remember liking them, but I can't remember why I didn't watch the rest of the series. The vampire crime drama tv series stars Christina Cox as Vicki Nelson, Kyle Schmid as Henry Fitzroy and Dylan Neel as Mike Celluci. There are nine episodes on three discs.

Cover of Blood Ties Season Two DVD Set

I love the folded insert for this set. One side has a large photo of the three main cast members:

Insert Front for Blood Ties Season Two DVD Set

While the back of the insert has a summary of each episode:

Insert Back for Blood Ties Season Two DVD Set

The series is based on the Blood Books aka the Victory Nelson's Blood Investigations series of books by Tanya Huff. I have only read the first book in the series, which was Blood Price (there is seven altogether plus a short story). I gave the book a C- in 1992, which is why I might not have watched the entire series when it originally aired or read any of the other books in the series.

Countdown to Halloween 2025 Day 3: Mike and Ike Sour Spooky Treats

I actually picked up this box of Mike and Ike Sour Spooky Treats right before Labor Day this year at the local Walmart's. Yeah, they had some Halloween candy, costumes and decorations out early this year. The box is decorated with evil-looking jack-o'-lanterns with one wearing a witch's hat. The flavors are Sour Ghoulish Grape, Sour Orange Scream and Sour Wicked Watermelon. I should have picked out the watermelon candies because they were very strong and aweful tasting (I'm not a big fan of watermelon candy anyway). Here's the front and back of the box:

Front of Mike and Ike Sour Spooky Treats Box

Back of Mike and Ike Sour Spooky Treats Box

Countdown to Halloween 2025 Day 2: Archie's Halloween Spectacular #1

Archie Comics continues to celebrate 80 years and the spooky season with Archie's Halloween Spectacular #1. This one-shot comes out today and the cover by Dan Parent features Archie as a vampire, Jughead as a mummy, Veronica as a witch, Betty as a prom queen and Medusa Doom (she doesn't appear in any of the stories inside this issue). There is an alternate cover featuring Archie along with Frankenstein's Monster, Dracula and the Mummy. The original story is "Trick or Treat" featuring the South Side Serpents (Toni, Weasel, Termite, Fangs and Daisy). Other stories include "One Prank Too Far" with the Archie gang and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Betty and Veronica in "That's the Spirit!", "Ruff Halloween", "It Ghost to Show You", "The Ghostest with the Mostest".  Here is the official summary:

"Archie’s Halloween Spectacular #1 (2025) : This ain’t no trick, we’re TREATing you with a Halloween spectacular that’s BIGGER than ever! Now packed with over 40 PAGES of content, including a BRAND NEW STORY! The South Side Serpents are trying to recruit new members — and what better time to start their initiation than Halloween? This story is filled to the brim with tricks! Featuring fan-favorite characters and returning new faces like MEDUSA DOOM!"

Cover of Archie's Halloween Spectacular #1 from Archie Comics

Cover Gallery for Archie's Halloween Spectacular #1 from Archie Comics

Countdown to Halloween 2025 Day 1: Vampirella Halloween Horror #1 Cover Gallery

Let's kick off our annual Countdown to Halloween with a post for Wednesday Women. This week we spotlight Vampirella Halloween Horror #1 from Dynamite Entertainment, which came out the last week of September. This one-shot issue is a must for all Vampi fans with good artwork and an interesting story with a great twist. Here's the official summary:

"Something sinister is stalking the streets of New York City — and that’s the Daughter of Drakulon’s job! When Vampirella learns of a paranormal serial killer targeting the city’s vulnerable youth, she takes it upon herself to confront the mysterious Aevum about the predator’s true identity — and finds herself wrestling once again with the question that has shadowed her entire life: When does a gift becomes a curse?"

Cover Gallery Page 1 of Vampirella Halloween Horror #1 from Dynamite Entertainment

Cover Gallery Page 2 of Vampirella Halloween Horror #1 from Dynamite Entertainment

Super Sunday: Superman #30

Booster Gold guest stars in Superman #30 from DC Comics. Here's the official summary:

"Superman has found the mysterious hero known as Booster Gold. Together, they must return to the present day to warn the Justice League, but Darkseid’s Legion stands in the way. The shocking events of this issue lead into next month’s massive next chapter in the all in saga!!"

Cover of Superman #30 from DC Comics

Science Fiction Saturday: Space Ghost #3 Cover Gallery

It's another Saturday and here I am writing about another Hanna-Barbera cartoon character. Dynamite Entertainment released Space Ghost #3 this past Wednesday. There are a few alternative covers but cover B has to be my favorite of them all. Here is the official summary:

"The ancient barbarian known as Tarko the Terrible was lost in a blood-soaked battle across the icy tundra. Now, millennia later, his frozen form has been discovered in a block of ice and once he thaws out, he’ll find a whole new galaxy ripe for conquest! Can Space Ghost and company stop this time-lost warrior from wreaking havoc upon the future? Or will our heroes find themselves on the wrong end of Tarko’s blade?"

Cover Gallery for Space Ghost #3 from Dynamite Comics

Ultimate Hawkeye #1

Marvel released Ultimate Hawkeye earlier this week. This one-shot features the Indigenous American Charli Ramsey as Hawkeye from the Ultimate Universe. Here's the official summary:

"ULTIMATE HAWKEYE TARGETS THE MAKER! Spinning out of THE ULTIMATES, breakout hit character HAWKEYE goes on a covert solo op that will have a massive impact on the future of the Ultimate Universe!"

Cover of Ultimate Hawkeye #1 from Marvel

The Phantom #1 Covers

Mad Cave Studios, in cooperation with King Features Syndicate, released The Phantom #1 yesterday. This new series is a modern-day update on the classic jungle hero. Here's the official summary:

"THE GHOST WALKS AGAIN! The Phantom returns! Created by Lee Falks in 1936, the Phantom is one of the first costumed super heroes in history, with untold influence on pop culture. Now, critically-acclaimed creators Ray Fawkes and Russell Olson revive the character for fans old and new. When a violent gang of smugglers stubbles on an idyllic Bandar village, the peace that the Phantom has brought to the African nation of Bangalla will suddenly shatter. It will take all of the Phantom’s many skills — and allies — to restore it. The most exciting series of the year starts here!"

Cover A of The Phantom from Mad Cave Studios

Cover B of The Phantom from Mad Cave Studios

Women Wednesday: Catwoman #79

Catwoman #79 hits the newsstands today from DC Comics. Here's the official summary:

"Selina Kyle is on the hunt for a precious item from her childhood connected to her mother. But when she tracks down its whereabouts, it leads her to… a mysterious auction in Venice being held by a dangerous secret society! Will Catwoman successfully steal a piece of her history, or has the feline fatale finally bitten off more than she can chew?"

Cover of Catwoman #79 from DC Comics

Blue Falcon and Dynomutt #1 Cover Gallery

Nothing can be better than posting about The Blue Falcon and Dynomutt #1 on a Saturday. I used to watch the Hanna-Barbera cartoon back in the mid-1970s when I was a kid (yes, I'm that old). Dynamite Entertainment released the first issue of a new series on September 10, 2025, and puts a very modern-day spin on the classic cartoon characters. Here's the official summary:

"Secure in their luxurious penthouse high above the downtown streets, wealthy inventor and art collector Radley Crown and his faithful canine companion enjoyed a charmed existence — until the fateful day a vicious gang of thugs shattered his complacency. In the aftermath of the vicious attack, Crown focused his incredible technical skills to rebuild both himself and his four-legged companion into the ultimate instruments of retribution: The Blue Falcon and Dynomutt, Dog Wonder!"

Check out these awesome covers for the first issue:

Cover Gallery Page 1 of Blue Falcon and Dynomutt #1 from Dynamite Entertainment

Cover Gallery Page 2 of Blue Falcon and Dynomutt #1 from Dynamite Entertainment

Marvel/DC: Deadpool/Batman #1

The next generation of Marvel/DC Comics crossover is now on the newsstands. Deadpool/Batman #1 was released this past Wednesday. There are at least four different covers but I'm only showing the most common one below. Here is the official summary:

"The crossover you’ve pined for but never thought possible: DEADPOOL and BATMAN cross swords and batarangs as MARVEL and DC unite for the first time in decades! WADE WILSON has been hired for a job in GOTHAM CITY, but will the WORLD’S GREATEST DETECTIVE help him or destroy him? The main story starring Deadpool and Batman will be written by Zeb Wells and drawn by industry superstar Greg Capullo. The one-shot will also feature additional backup stories spotlighting other exciting Marvel and DC team-ups from a lineup of all-star talent, including Daredevil and GREEN ARROW by Kevin Smith and Adam Kubert, Captain America and Wonder Woman by Chip Zdarsky and Terry Dodson, and Jeff the Land Shark and Krypto by Kelly Thompson and Gurihiru."

Cover of Deadpool/Batman from Marvel/DC Comics

 

Coming Soon: Countdown to Halloween 2025

We will be partaking in the annual Countdown to Halloween starting October 1, 2025. This will be my seventeenth year in doing a whole month of posts dedicated to horror and Halloween. Back then, I called my my special posts Halloween Countdown.

Join the Party at Countdown to Halloween 2025