The Internet has always been horror’s best friend. Whether this is positive or negative is just a matter of perspective. Horror stories have taken on a disturbing new dimension online because of the loosening of fact and fiction. The rise of Creepy PastaFor example, injecting a sense of plausibility into the genre makes the story seem like a true story about a friend of a friend in a small town where weird things always seem to happen. The same goes for YouTubers who specialize in exploring myths and urban legends, most of which are said to be based on “real” events, featuring either well-known mythical creatures (like the Mothman) or new UFO sightings and abductions.
One of the most famous characters to emerge from this shift in mystery and horror storytelling is Mr. Ball (real name John Allen), a giant in the paranormal community with millions of fans and millions of views per video. He specializes in strange phenomena, from unexplained screams heard in parts of the Nahanni Valley to the Kandahar giant discovered in Afghanistan, and even to his own encounters with the paranormal.
with help from writers Robert Venditti and artist Andrea MutiMr Ballen incorporated his story style into comics and published a book called ” MrBallen presents: Strange, dark and mysterious. The book will tell new stories that should appeal to fans of the YouTube channel and newcomers alike.
The book will be available on October 1, 2024.
Mutti’s art is exciting enough. He already has an impressive collection of horror comics, done in collaboration with the likes of Karen Bunn, Chris Robertsonand Elliot fish. His soft, watercolor-style visuals have a very grounded sense of reality that’s shocking whenever something violent breaks through. He describes terror and violence as things that disrupt order, so he depicts it with the necessary force. That suited Mr. Barron’s style.
Below you will find an exclusive excerpt Mr Barron’s gift. This book, just in time for Halloween, is more than a good excuse to delve into a series of strange, dark, and mysterious stories that will make you wonder if the screams coming from the basement are imagined or real.
