The Wolf Man

Every Thursday, I will be covering a series featured in the Horror Crossover Encyclopedia, that has a connection to television or film.  Today, we will be covering the Wolf Man!

The methodology of the Horror Crossover Encyclopedia and the Horror Universe

Connecting the Dots

The Horror Universe exists on the premise that many horror and non-horror series coexist within the same shared reality because of valid crossover connections. A series can only be brought in by being connected to something already in. But to do so, I had to start with a center. For this project, I chose Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein both because of the large number of crosses, and also for sentimental reasons, as it was the first horror cross I really noticed as a child. So with that film being the center, the dot connecting begins. Since that film is in automatically, anything that crosses with the horror series involved in that film (Dracula, Frankenstein, Wolf Man, and Invisible Man of the Universal series) is then brought into the Horror Universe. Then, everything that crosses with that next group is brought in. And so on and so forth. Non-horror series get mentioned when crossed with a series that is already in the Horror Universe, but those non-horror series do not count as crossover connectors. If they did, then this project would quickly lose its horror theme. Future books I plan on writing will explore crossovers in other genres.

FLESH AND BLOOD BOOKS 1 - 3 (MONSTERVERSE ENTERTAINMENT)

Release Date: January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2013 (Setting is 19th Century)

Series: Flesh and Blood

Horror Crosses: Dracula (Bram Stoker); Carmilla; Frankenstein (Mary Shelley); Wolf Man

The Story: The death of Carmilla sets into motion a struggle between good and evil.

Notes: One of the main actors is a young Van Helsing. Frankenstein is called upon to create weapons with his scientific knowledge. Van Helsing partners with a man who is a werewolf, named only Horst, but implied to be a relation to the Talbot clan.

REVENGE OF DRACULA (NOVEL BY PETER TREMAYNE)

Release Date: 1978 (Occurs prior to the events of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Chuck Loridans and Chris Nigro of MONSTAAH place this in 1861.)

Series: Dracula (Peter Tremayne)

Horror Crosses: Wolf Man (Universal)

Non-Horror Crosses: She

The Story: A tale of Dracula in England.

Notes: This is not Stoker’s Dracula, nor is is Armand Tesla. This “Dracula” comes from a very ancient Egyptian cult that worships a dragon. As I’ve stated elsewhere in this book, Dracula literally means “Son of the Dragon”, and in fact, in biblical terms, dragon is a metaphor for Satan. While most vampires are turned by another vampire, Draculas are a special type of vampire chosen and turned by Satan himself, thus earning the name Dracula. This is the Egyptian Dracula, for lack of a better name. He is brought in due to his connection with the Wolf Man. The Wolf Man Talbot does not appear, but rather the famous poem “Even he who is pure of heart / And says his prayers at night / May become a wolf when the wolfbane blooms / And the moon is full and bright” is mentioned, and since this occurs before the making of movies, this must be a reference that both coexist. This book is written as if it was a journal written by Dr. Hugh Strickland, a character who later appears in The Vengeance of She. This brings in the She novels of H. Rider Haggard, but since they are not related to Horror, they won’t be expanded upon.

A STORY OF DRACULA, THE WOLFMAN, AND FRANKENSTEIN (RECORD/COMIC)

Release Date: 1975 (Originally set in 1883; reprint graphic novel set in 1912)

Series: Dracula (Parade Records), Wolfman (Parade Records), Frankenstein (Parade Records)

Horror Crosses: Wolf Man (Universal)

The Story: Dracula lures Dr. Vincent Von Frankenstein and his fiance Erika to his castle to build him a new monster. Along the way, Erika is turned into a werewolf.

Notes: This is not the more famous Dracula, but one of many. However, one must wonder how many Castle Draculas are out there in Europe. This Frankenstein is but one of many of the famous family with a knack for reviving the dead. The link that brings this record and comic into the Horror Universe is that the very famous poem from Universal’s Wolf Man (Even a man who’s pure at heart...) is referred to in this story, and since I doubt any of the folks here could have seen the movie in 1883, it must be a link to the events of the Wolf Man as taking place in the same reality.

A NIGHT IN THE LONESOME OCTOBER (NOVEL BY ROGER ZELAZNY)

Release Date: 1993 (Setting is October 31, 1886 -- Full moon on Halloween)

Horror Crosses: Dracula (Roger Zelazny); Wolf Man (Universal); Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos; Frankenstein (Roger Zelazny)

Non-Horror Crosses: Sherlock Holmes; Three Stooges

The Story: On Halloween, the barriers between realities weaken, and two forces gather. One wishes to open the portals and reign Hell on Earth, while the other are there to oppose the first.

Notes: The Dracula present is likely a soul clone. Though this Wolf Man is too early to be Larry Talbot, the story identifies him as thus. There are many sources that indicated that Talbot may have already had lycanthropy in his bloodline before being attacked by Bela the gypsy, and so this Larry Talbot may be kin. Some, including those at MONSTAAH and monster hunter “Crazy” Ivan Ronald Schabloski, believe the Wolf Man of this story is that of the 2010 remake despite this story being published 17 years prior to the remake film. That film takes place in 1886 and also, as in this story, claims that the Ripper murders have already happened, which is historically inaccurate. Though I really like this theory, and have no problem using it for my Television Crossover Universe website, the evidence isn’t strong enough to include it here in this book. The Frankenstein and Creature of this story are only referred to as the Good Doctor and the Experiment Man. There’s no reason to believe this to be Victor and his creation, but he could still be part of the infamous family and one of his creations. Jack the Ripper is also involved as previously mentioned. That means that in the Horror Universe his murder spree began a year earlier than in the real world, but this is a necessary stretch to keep this story on a Halloween with a full moon. Of course, in fiction, there are many different beings who have been attributed as the Ripper. Several of these stories are connected to the Horror Universe. So this Ripper is but one of those. Almost all of the characters of this story die in the end, but don’t they always die at the end of most stories, only to return anyways? Also, the Three Stooges appear, which we can assume to be the characters and not the actors. The Stooges have also met a Doctor Jekyll and encountered Mystery, Inc. twice. They may have also been the henchmen of the gangster in the Invisible Woman. But this appearance, which is a clear reference to the Stooges, predates their births. That is, if we presume they were the same ages as the actors who portrayed them. Over at my Television Crossover Universe blog, I have an entire post devoted to the trio, in which I speculate that they are immortals, and then back up that hypothesis with a proposed detailed chronology of their misadventures. The theory was originally presented by Dennis E. Power on his Secret History website. I took the liberty of expanding on it. While it could be this is Moe Sr, Larry Sr. and Curly Sr., as with Abbott and Costello, I find the immortality angle works better for the Stooges.

SPIKE VS. DRACULA (IDW PUBLISHING)

Release Date: 2006 (Set in many time periods from the 19th century up to the final season of Angel)

Series: Buffy the Vampire Slayer; Angel

Horror Crosses: Dracula (see Notes); An American Werewolf in London; Dracula (Universal); Frankenstein (Universal); Wolf Man; Dracula (Silent Devil); Dracula (Topps)

Non-Horror Crosses: Abbott and Costello; Zorro

The Story: It is revealed that the gypsy tribe that cursed Angel and then was slaughtered by Spike, Dru, and Darla was the same tribe that was favored by Dracula. Though Dracula wouldn’t learn of Angel’s involvement for some time, he became an instant and unlifetime enemy of Spike, and this rivalry led to present day.

Notes: The Dracula of this story is not necessarily the Dracula of Stoker’s novel, though he claims to be. However, he does seem to be the same Dracula seen in the film “Dark Prince: The True Story of Dracula” which would imply he is the same Dracula. It may be he is indeed, but he may just as well be a soul clone with delusions of being the real deal. (If so, True Story may be his false memories.) I leave it up to each individual reader to make their own interpretation, but for crossover purposes, appearances of this Dracula make a Buffy crossover, but not a Dracula crossover. But there are other crossovers in this book. In the late 19th century, Spike inspires the customers and staff of an inn called the Slaughtered Lamb to grab their pitchforks and torches and storm Dracula’s country home. The Slaughtered Lamb appears as an important setting in the film “An American Werewolf in London”. In the modern setting, in Spike’s final fight with Dracula, he mentions that Dracula has also fought Frankenstein, the Wolf Man, King Arthur and Zorro. Spike is probably not aware of soul clones, and believes his rival to be the one and only Dracula. In battling the Frankenstein Monster and the Wolf Man, he is likely confusing this Dracula with the soul clone Armand Tesla (aka Dr. Leighos/Latos) from the Universal films. Dracula fought King Arthur in a Silent Devil Productions comic book mini-series, and Zorro in a Topps Comics Mini-series. Though Joss Whedon’s Dracula is too different to be the same as the Universal version, it’s not improbable for him to be the same guy who fought Zorro and King Arthur. Finally, this mention brings Zorro’s original stories and Topps series into the Horror Universe. King Arthur is a legendary figure so does not count for crossovers.

LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN VOLUME II (AMERICA’S BEST COMICS)

Release Date: 2002 - 2003 (Setting is 1898 immediately following volume I and concurrent with the events of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds)

Series: League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

Horror Crosses: War of the Worlds (novel); Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde; The Invisible Man (novel); Dracula (novel); Island of Doctor Moreau; Crystal Egg; The Raven; Picture of Dorian Gray; The Wolf Man

Non-Horror Crosses: See Notes

The Story: When the Martians invade, on the front lines of Earth defense are the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

Notes: Way too many crosses too mention, so I refer you to Jeff Nevins’ A Blazing World: The Unofficial Companion to the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Volume II.

VAN HELSING (FILM)

Release Date: 2004 (Setting is 1899)

Series: Van Helsing (film)

Horror Crosses: Dracula; Frankenstein; Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde [see Notes for all three]; Wolf Man; Frankenstein (Universal)

The Story: Gabriel Van Helsing is a man who can’t remember his past, but he’s the best he is as what he does, and what he does ain’t pretty. (Sorry, couldn’t resist. Hugh Jackman. Wolverine. Never mind.) What he does is kill monsters. He’s sent on his most dangerous assignment yet, to Transylvania, where Dracula wishes to create an army of undead children to take over the world. Van Helsing is aided by his assistant Carl, gypsy clan leader Anna Valerious, and Frankenstein’s monster.

Notes: This Van Helsing is not Abraham, but rather Gabriel, implied to actually be the Archangel Gabriel fallen to Earth and living as an immortal. If this is true, he may be the founder of the Van Helsing family, and this may help explain why so many of the family have a natural tendency toward fighting monsters. The Dracula here is inspired by the Universal Dracula, but it can’t be either him or the original from the novel. For one, his home is in another dimension accessed via a magic portal. From dialogue between Dracula and Van Helsing, it seems implied that Dracula here may be intended to be Lucifer himself. However, I doubt this considering the overall presence of Lucifer in the Horror Universe, but this could be another fallen angel who served Lucifer, perhaps even Lucifer’s son, thus being the first Dracula (“son of the dragon”) and perhaps the founder of the cult of Vampire Lords who all call themselves Dracula. Perhaps this Dracula was the one who taught the version from Bram Stoker’s novel the dark arts and how to create soul clones. This Dracula is named Vladislav, another differentiation between him and Stoker’s version or other versions. Though it seems that Frankenstein and his monster here follow the events of the Universal films, the date presented in the film would imply that this can’t be the case. Likely it’s yet another cousin copying the formula to create a monster. Van Helsing once again faces Hyde, following the London Assignment, in Paris, and seems to kill him, but like many monsters, Hyde seems to be able to survive even with the appearance of death, as he will resurface in the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. It should also be noted that the portrayal of Hyde in this film is similar to his portrayal in LOEG comic and film, likely not a coincidence. The inclusion of the poem that reads “Even a man who’s pure of heart...” is one of two strong links to an actual Universal film, in this case, the Wolf Man. The other is that this film takes place in Vasaria, Transylvania. Vasaria (also spelled Visaria in some fiction) originates from the Universal Frankenstein series. Various stories from Universal and in unofficial sequels and crossovers have placed Vasaria as a village in Transylvania, Switzerland, or Liechtenstein, as well as being identified sometimes as a nation of its own. Despite the contradictions, it’s clear that each story with Vasaria/Visiara intends the place to the be same locale. Given the nature of a location infamous for its monsters, so much so that Hitler avoided it completely during his conquest of Europe, I am content in accepting the variations without need for any rational explanation. This film follows Van Helsing: The London Assignment. This film has been referenced as fictional and paid homage to numerous times in other films and on television. It has also been spoofed in Conker, Stockflame, and Stan Helsing.

THE WOLF MAN (FILM)

Release Date: 1941 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Wolf Man (Universal)

The Story: After his brother dies, Lawrence Talbot returns to his family home where he has a strained relationship with his father. Larry saves a girl in the forest and finds himself bitten by something, to which later he finds himself transforming into a werewolf. Talbot is seemingly killed by his own father when he attacks the very girl he had saved prior and had become romantically involved.

Notes: However, as most reading this likely know, you can’t keep a good werewolf down. Talbot will find he can’t die, and will spend several continuing films and novels trying to end his curse and find a way to die. This film follows Son of Frankenstein and is followed by The Ghost of Frankenstein. This film was remade in 2010. This film has been “non-cross” referenced in such films as The Castle of the Monsters, The House of Terror, and Munster, Go Home! It has also been spoofed in such shows and films as Scooby-Doo Where Are You, The Ghost Busters, and The Halloween that Almost Wasn’t.

FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLF MAN (FILM)

Release Date: March 5, 1943 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Frankenstein (Universal); Wolf Man (Universal)

The Story: Larry Talbot (the Wolf Man) travels to Ludwig Frankenstein’s castle in Visaria to seek the books of Frankenstein, for a way to end his immortal life. He finds the monster, still alive and still Ygor, though apparently his mind has deteriorated and his sight has returned. The Monster can’t help find the books, so Talbot then seeks out Ludwig’s daughter Elsa. Meanwhile, Dr. Mannering has caught up in his pursuit of Talbot, and offers to help. They poorly plan to do the experiment on the the night of the full moon (really). The two monsters do battle and “apparently” perish in a flood after the dam is blown up.

Notes: Though I have said that Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein is the start of the Horror Universe, this film is the first crossover of the Universal films. There’s no explanation for how the monster with Ygor’s brain from the last film ended up reverting to his original characteristics in this film, but being frozen in a block of ice might do that? But this is indeed the same monster’s body seen in all the films thus far, with Ygor’s brain since the last film. There was a script for a film sequel to this called the Wolf Man vs. Dracula. At first it was proposed that Chaney would have played both lead roles as his father did a generation earlier in several films. However, that was deemed too confusing. Chaney would still go on to play Dracula in Son of Dracula. If this film had been made in this incarnation, I might have considered this to be the same soul clone from Son of Dracula...or I may have decided that Alucard was indeed Tesla. Once it was deemed too confusing, Lugosi was considered to reprise the role of Dracula, but it was decided that is would be too physically demanding, as the main fight would involve Dracula in the form of a giant bat. Lugosi would have to do a fight scene in a giant bat costume, and in his 60s, it was too much. So the film never came to be. Lugosi would go on to play the role, sort of, in Return of the Vampire for another studio. Chaney would play the role once in Son of Dracula. When the Wolf Man and Dracula did meet in House of Frankenstein, they decided to put John Carradine in the role to avoid same actor confusion. When Lugosi did return officially to the role in Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, they did finally have that battle between the Wolf Man and Dracula, with the vampire as a giant bat, but went with an animated giant bat, something they thought wouldn’t look right for a horror film, but was more acceptable for a comedy. This film follows Ghost of Frankenstein and is followed by Son of Dracula. This film has been referenced in film and television several times, as fictional or homages. It was also spoofed in Dracula: Dead and Loving It.

House of Frankenstein (Film)

Release Date: December 1, 1944 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Frankenstein (Universal)

Horror Crosses: Wolf Man (Universal); Dracula (Universal)

The Story: Meet Dr. Gustav Neimann, truly a super-villain. Dr. Neimann has just escaped from prison, aided by his hunchbacked assistant Daniel. The two kill the owner of a travelling show and take over, using it as a cover. First they discover Dracula’s coffin and try to use him in revenge against the Burgomeister who sent Neimann to jail, but Dracula does his thing and tries to seduce the Burgomeister’s daughter instead. They get caught in their plans, and Neimann drops Dracula’s coffin out in the sun, where Dracula (apparently) perishes. Then they show up and find Talbot and the Frankenstein monster frozen in suspended animation after the flood. They unthaw them and revive Talbot. Neimann promises to help kill them both, but actually wants to revive and control the monster. Talbot and Daniel fall for the same girl. However, she falls for Talbot and wants to help him end his curse. Tragically, she ends up having to shoot him with a silver bullet when he transforms and she too dies in the process. The monster, who is revived, throws Daniel out a window, then carries Neimann off, where the two of them (apparently) die sinking in quicksand. ,

Notes: Despite this being a different actor, this is meant to be the same Dracula, Armand Tesla, as in the previous Universal films, just as how the monster remains the same though the actor changes. This film follows Son of Dracula and is followed by House of Dracula. It has been referenced in non-cross ways in such films as The Castle of the Monsters, Mad Monster Party, and Assignment Terror.

HOUSE OF DRACULA (FILM)

Release Date: December 7, 1945 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Dracula (Universal)

Horror Crosses: Frankenstein (Universal); Wolf Man (Universal)

The Story: Tesla Dracula takes on a new identity as Baron Latos and visits a Dr. Edelmann in Visaria, seeking a cure for vampirism. Not long after, Larry Talbot, the Wolf Man, also shows up seeking a cure for lycanthropy. He’s told basically to take a number, and so, since he inconveniently showed up on the night of a full moon, has himself arrested and locked up. The next day, the doctor’s assistants arrange for Talbot to come to the castle, but Talbot fears another transformation and leaps off a cliff to his death. The doctor searches for him and first finds the Monster, holding Neimann’s dead corpse, unconscious in the quicksand. The doctor then finds Talbot, who survived in his werewolf form, but then turns back. Meanwhile, Drac can’t resist his hormones and tries to turn Edelmann’s assistant Milizia. He gets caught and seems to repent. However, when they try to cure Tesla with blood transfusions from Edelmann, Tesla reverses the process, turning Edelmann into a vampire, and then he turns Milizia. Edelmann revives Talbot and (apparently) cures him. But not long after, Edelmann succumbs to the new evil within him. The monster is revived as well, and, well, there’s a lot of fighting. The Monster (apparently) dies when a building collapses on him and burns. Dracula flees. Talbot (apparently) shoots and kills Edelmann.

Notes: This film follows House of Frankenstein and is followed by Bud Abbott Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein.

ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN (FILM)

Release Date: June 15, 1948 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Abbott and Costello (Non-Horror); Frankenstein (Universal)

Horror Crosses: Dracula (Universal); Wolf Man (Universal); Invisible Man (Universal)

The Story: Bud and Lou are now working as shipping clerks in La Mirada, FL under the assumed names of Chick Young and Wilber Grey. Two crates arrive for a wax museum, containing Dracula (in coffin) and Frankenstein’s monster. But in reality, it is Armand Tesla and Henry Frankenstein’s monster. Tesla, using the alias Leighos, has come to seek the aid of Doctor Mornay, to get a docile brain put into the monster. She has the perfect candidate: Wilber. Meanwhile, Larry Talbot (the Wolf Man) has arrived in La Mirada in pursuit of this Dracula. To make matters worse, Wilber and Chick are accused of thievery when the wax models they were supposed to deliver disappear (because they got up and walked away, naturally.) This brings insurance investigator Joan Raymond to town. In the end, everyone ends up on the island of Doctor Mornay. (Really.) Mornay’s assistant Dr. Stevens realizes his boss is up to no good and joins in on the heroics. Mornay is turned into a vampire. Wilber keeps his head. Apparently Tesla flees when chaos ensues, while the monster and the Wolf Man end up in suspended animation. The bumblers flee on a boat that just happens to have the Invisible Man Geoffrey Radcliffe in it, who was coming to play but missed all the fun.

Notes: I know there are entries before this one in this chronology, but from a real world perspective, this is where the Horror Universe begins. I know this film is preceded by other films with the three main monsters, but this one has Lugosi as Dracula, adds in the Invisible Man, and has my favorite comedy pair. This is absolutely one of my all time favorite films. So lets talk continuity and canon. Bud Abbott and Lou Costello are always the same characters in everything they do. But here’s the thing. They show up four times in this book. In Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy, we have the best clue that they are the same guys. First, their characters are Freddie Franklin and Pete Patterson, but when they get flustered they forget and call each other Bud and Lou, and at one point, Lou yells for “Abbooooooott!!!!” So we need to assume the film titles are accurate, and that we are talking about two characters, not actors, named Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, who are flim flam artists, thus always moving and changing names. But let’s talk about Abbott and Costello meet Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. That takes place in the 1880s. No way that could be them. Well, I propose that it is Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, and that the other films feature Bud Jr. and Lou Jr. Now for the monsters. Dracula here is Armand Tesla, from Universal’s Dracula. (The name comes from the unofficial sequel with Lugosi Return of the Vampire.) He is not the infamous Count, but it’s likely he is one of the soul clones. Count Dracula from time to time turns others into vampires. Some of these he makes his agents while he rests. He controls them mentally, and grants them a limited amount of his powers, and memories. Often, because of the imposed personality, these clones begin to think they are the Count, and even reenact his former schemes. (Many end up in London trying to steal back their “true love”.) Tesla will later also use the alias of Doctor Leighos, but often refers to himself as Count Dracula. The Frankenstein Monster here is the original creature of Henry Frankenstein from Universal’s Frankenstein. The Wolf Man is Larry Talbot, from Universal’s Wolf Man. Geoffrey Radcliffe is the Invisible Man from Universal’s Invisible Man Returns, which is part of Universal’s Invisible Man series. Another note: Tesla casts a reflection in this film, while he cast none in previous films. This may be due to the human blood transfusions he received in his previous appearance. Also, Talbot’s cure from his previous appearance apparently didn’t take, and neither did Radcliffe’s. This film follows House of Dracula and is the final in the Universal Dracula/Frankenstein/Wolf Man franchise. The scene in this film where Lou keeps seeing the monsters move but Bud doesn’t is spoofed in The Best of Bert and Ernie, featuring the Sesame Street characters.

SCARY MONSTERS MAGAZINE # 51 “THE FRANKENSTEIN MONSTER VS. THE WOLF MAN” (DENNIS DRUKTENIS PUBLISHING)

Release Date: June 2004 (Setting is sometime between 1948 and 1998, more likely closer to 1948)

Series: Frankenstein (Universal); Wolf Man (Universal)

The Story: The two monsters are revived briefly and continue their battle, before going back into suspended animation.

Notes: This takes place between Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein and Return of the Wolf Man.

THE ABC SATURDAY SUPERSTAR MOVIE “THE MAD, MAD, MAD MONSTERS” (ANIMATED FILM)

Release Date: September 23, 1972 (See Notes regarding setting)

Series: Mad Monster Party?

Horror Crosses: Frankenstein (Universal); Frankenstein (Rankin/Bass); Dracula (Universal); Wolf Man; Mummy (Universal); Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Universal); Invisible Man (Universal); Creature from the Black Lagoon; King Kong

The Story: When Dr. Henry von Frankenstein creates a bride for his monster, he decides to throw his creations a wedding.

Notes: Dear God, Henry! What have you done? Playing God. Reanimating the dead. Creating a Phyllis Diller. So this is a prequel to Mad Monster Party?, which came out in 1967, so this must take place before then. See my notes for Mad Monster Party? for my notes on the individual characters involved.

MAD MONSTER PARTY? (ANIMATED FILM)

Release Date: March 8, 1967

Series: Mad Monster Party?

Horror Crosses: Frankenstein (Rankin/Bass); Dracula (Rankin/Bass); Invisible Man (Universal); Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde (Universal); Frankenstein (Universal); Hunchback of Notre Dame (Universal); Mummy (Universal); Wolf Man; Creature from the Black Lagoon; King Kong

The Story: Dr. Boris Frankenstein summons the members of the Worldwide Organization of Monsters to announce he has come up with the final solution for world destruction. He also invites his nephew, who is oblivious of his Frankenstein heritage, because Boris plans on passing everything on to him.

Notes: This is a fun homage to the Universal monsters, even with putting up with Phyllis Diller as the Bride of Frankenstein. However, it’s unlikely any of the monsters here can really be the original versions from the classic movies. Dr. Frankenstein here is Dr. Boris Frankenstein, and at least the storyline acknowledges the family legacy theory. The story also names him as the creator of this monster and bride. However, in the prequel, The Mad, Mad, Mad Monsters, it is a Henry von Frankenstein who is shown to have created them. This is not the same Henry from the 1931 Universal film. Henry and Boris seem identical, and may be twins, or perhaps the same person (Henry Boris von Frankenstein). This helps explain the appearances of a Universal style monster (and sometimes bride) during the period of 1948 - 1998 when the actual Universal Monster is trapped in La Mirada. The werewolf is unnamed here, but in the prequel is named Ron Chanley , a tribute to the actor who played Lawrence Talbot, Lon Chaney. The Invisible Man here could be Geoffrey Radcliffe, though if so, he’d be a bit older (though sure doesn’t look it). In the prequel, he is shown to have settled down and has an invisible family. The Doctor Jekyll here is likely one of the many of the Jekyll family over the years to continue the research of the Hyde formula. This mummy isn’t Imhotep or Kharis, but it might be Klaris. Or it may just be another mummy. The Gill Man is likely another of the same species, and not the same from Creature from the Black Lagoon. The Hunchback also can’t possibly be the original. And the giant ape referred to as “It” can’t be the late King Kong, but is likely another of the same species. In the prequel, he is named Modzoola. Dracula is the only one who could be the same, if not for being so damn goofy. Let’s call this a soul clone. The prequel shows that this Dracula has a son. All the monsters die at the end, but that’s never stopped a good monster before from making a comeback. This film has been “non-cross” referenced in The Nightmare Before Christmas, Cleavagefield, and Hewy’s Animated Movie Reviews.

MARVEL SPOTLIGHT # 2 “NIGHT OF FULL MOON -- NIGHT OF FEAR!” (MARVEL COMICS)

Release Date: February 1973 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Werewolf by Night

Horror Crosses: Wolf Man (Universal)

The Story: The morning of Jack Russell’s eighteenth birthday, he awakes having dreamt he was a werewolf. Then he notices a scar from where a police officer shot him in the dream. That night, Jack turns again, and the next morning learns that his mother had been in a car accident while out looking for him. He finds his mother in the hospital, and she reveals that Jack’s real father was Baron Russof in Transylvania, a werewolf. She also reveals that Jack was cursed to become a werewolf on his 18th birthday, which she was trying to warn him about. Before she passes away, she makes Jack promise never to lift a hand against his stepfather, whom he hates. He agrees. After, he learns that his step-father paid someone to fix the brakes and have Jack’s mother killed, but Jack keeps his promise. Jack goes off to find a way to stop his curse.

Notes: The mother quotes the famous poem, “Even a man who’s pure of heart…”, which originated in the film The Wolf Man from Universal. Since that poem is a true gypsy lore poem about werewolves in both that film and this comic, that provides the link to bring Werewolf by Night into the Horror Universe.

CAPULINA CONTRA LOS MONSTRUOS (FILM)

Release Date: August 22, 1974 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Capulina; Dracula (Universal); Frankenstein (Universal); Wolf Man; Mummy (Universal) -- See Notes

The Story: Capulina is a newspaper and magazine salesman who finds himself having to fight many resurrected monsters under the control of Dr. Who.

Notes: Don’t get excited. It’s not that Dr. Who. The monsters here are meant to be the classic Universal versions from Universal’s Dracula, Frankenstein, Wolf Man, and Mummy series of films. It’s very possible for this Dracula to be Armand Tesla. Frankenstein’s Monster and the Wolf Man are in suspended animation in La Mirada at this time. This is likely another monster, as there are so many, and Lawrence Talbot Junior. Likewise, based on the timeline of the Mummy series, this isn’t Kharis. However, it could be Klaris. Klaris was seemingly blown up in Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy, but he does resurface in Return of the Wolf Man. Capulina was a very famous comedic character in Mexico during that time period.

THE MONSTER SQUAD (FILM)

Release Date: 1987 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Monster Squad

Horror Crosses: Dracula (Universal); Frankenstein (Universal); Wolf Man (Universal); Mummy (Universal); Creature from the Black Lagoon (Universal); Dracula (novel) [see Notes for all]

Non-Horror Crosses: Back to the Future

The Story: In 1887, Van Helsing uses an amulet to try to banish Dracula into the void. He failed. Exactly 100 years later the talisman ends up in an unnamed town that appears to be Hill Valley, California. So does Van Helsing’s notebook, that is needed to perform the ritual again. A group of kids must work together to stop Dracula, who has come to town as well, with a group of monster lackeys, to perform his own ritual and bring Hell on Earth, with him as ruler.

Notes: The monsters are all meant to be the Universal monsters (based on the director commentary). This was also the case with Van Helsing, and as with Van Helsing, we have to assume they are not. But at least in the case of this film, we are closer to the original film versions. The Dracula of this film uses the alias Alucard, as did the Dracula from Son of Dracula. Thus, I presume that this is the same vampire from that film, rather than Armand Tesla. The Frankenstein Creature of this film can’t be the one from the Universal series, who is in suspended animation in La Mirada, Florida at this time. But there certainly have been plenty of other creatures out there created by the Frankenstein family. The Wolf Man of this film claims to be Larry Talbot, but since the Universal Wolf Man is also in suspended animation in La Mirada, this must be his son, Larry Talbot Junior. The Mummy here likely isn’t Kharis, but it might be Klaris who did survive the events of Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy as revealed in Return of the Wolf Man. On the other hand, the Gill-Man present could be the same from the original films, or at least the same species. The Van Helsing in this film only appears in an 1887 scene. It may be Abraham from Bram Stoker’s novel. The downtown set used for the town setting is the same used for Back to the Future. There’s nothing to contradict it indeed being Hill Valley. That would bring the Back to the Future trilogy into the Horror Universe. A remake of this film is in development at this writing. This film has been referenced as fiction or paid homage to in numerous other films and on television.

SCOOBY-DOO AND THE RELUCTANT WEREWOLF (ANIMATED FILM)

Release Date: October 25, 1988 (Contemporary Setting...maybe. See Notes.)

Series: Scooby-Doo (1980s animated film series)

Horror Crosses: Frankenstein (Hanna-Barbera); Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde; Dracula (Hanna-Barbera); Wolfman

Non-Horror Crosses: Peanuts

The Story: Dracula’s plans to hold an annual road race in Transylvania for his monster friends is temporarily foiled when the Wolf Man declines the invitation. Dracula however decides the solution is to create a new werewolf, and he chooses race car driver Shaggy Rogers.

Notes: See my previous notes from Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School for the 1980s Scooby films, and the Hanna-Barbera versions of Dracula and Frankenstein. Though called Jackal and Snyde, this is another member of the Jekyll family (but not the one from Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!). The Wolf Man here must be Larry Talbot Junior. In the opening scene, cheering in the stands is an old bald man wearing Charlie Brown’s famous shirt and baseball cap. If Charlie Brown had aged normally from his first appearance up to the time of this film, he would likely be the same age and fit the description of the man in the stands. Thus, this film brings in the original Peanuts comic strip, under the assumption that the characters aged normally after their initial appearance rather than remaining children for decades. This film follows A Pup Named Scooby-Doo and is followed by Scooby-Doo in Arabian Nights.

RETURN OF THE WOLF MAN (NOVEL BY JEFF ROVIN)

Release Date: 1998 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Wolf Man (Universal)

Horror Crosses: Frankenstein (Universal); Dracula (Universal); White Zombie; The Deadly Mantis; The Monolith Monsters; Werewolf of London; Creature from the Black Lagoon; Man Made Monster; The Mad Monster; Night Key; Invisible Man (Universal); Mummy (Universal)

Non-Horror Crosses: Abbott and Costello

The Story: Caroline Cooke inherits a castle in LaMirada, Florida. The town ends up soon being threatened by a monster as Larry Talbot has returned, after having been frozen in suspended animation for 50 years.

Notes: This novel brings together pretty much all of Universal Horror into the Horror Universe, and is a sequel to Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein. Both Talbot and the Frankenstein monster had been in suspended animation in LaMirada for the past 50 years, negating the possibility of any Talbot or Monster appearances being related to the Universal characters during that time frame.

ONI DOUBLE FEATURE # 6 - 8 “ONLY THE END OF THE WORLD AGAIN” (SHORT STORY BY NEIL GAIMAN)

Release Date: 1998 (Contemporary Setting, on a Halloween with a full moon)

Series: Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos

Horror Crosses: The Wolf Man (Universal); A Night in the Lonesome October

The Story: John Lawrence Talbot is in Innsmouth, trying to stop the end of the world while dealing with trying to not hurt people as a werewolf

Notes: John Lawrence Talbot is the son of Larry Talbot from the Wolf Man, and has inherited his father’s lycanthropy. John has at least one brother, Lawrence Talbot Junior. This story was written as both an homage and a sequel to A Night in the Lonesome October. Though the story was published in 1998, it was written in 1994.

THE DEVIL’S BROOD (NOVEL BY DAVID JACOBS)

Release Date: 2000 (Contemporary Setting)

Horror Crosses: Werewolf of London; Frankenstein (Universal); Dracula (Universal); Wolf Man (Universal); Invisible Man (Universal); Black Cat

Non-Horror Crosses: Fantastic Four

The Story: All the monsters rise...

Notes: Sequel to Jeff Rovin’s Return of the Wolf Man. Note that Latveria is mentioned, the nation ruled by Doctor Doom, foe of the Fantastic Four. We can assume that a version of the Fantastic Four must exist in the Horror Universe, though they likely operated only for a brief period in the early 1960s.

DISNEY ADVENTURES # 200008 “SOCIETY OF HORRORS: THE WRAITH NEXT DOOR” (DISNEY)

Release Date: August 1, 2000 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Society of Horrors

Horror Crosses: Creature from the Black Lagoon; Legend of Sleepy Hollow; Dracula (Universal); Frankenstein (Universal); Wolf Man; Mummy (Universal)

Non-Horror Crosses: You Can’t Do That On Television

The Story: A Gill-Man, a headless horseman, and an alien are roommates, who have to deal with a wraith neighbor.

Notes: The monster roommates have portraits of the Universal versions of Dracula, the Frankenstein Monster, the Wolf Man, and the Mummy hanging in their apartment. They also have green slime, like that used on Nickelodeon shows but first introduced on You Can’t Do That On Television.

DEAD ROSES FOR A BLUE LADY “THE NONESUCH HORROR” (NOVELLA BY NANCY A. COLLINS)

Release Date: 2001 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Sonja Blue (Sunglasses After Dark)

Horror Crosses: Wolf Man

The Story: Sonja is in New Mexico where she has trouble with both the local authorities and the local skinwalkers.

Notes: There is a reference to the power of the Wolf’s Head cane.

BONEYARD # 1 - 28 (NBM)

Release Date: 2001 - 2009 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Boneyard

Horror Crosses: Frankenstein (Boneyard); Creature from the Black Lagoon; The Raven; The Screwtape Letters; Buffy the Vampire Slayer; Dracula (novel); Evil Dead; Frankenstein (novel); The Wolf Man; Zatanna; Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos; Friday the 13th; Hellboy (comics); King Ghidorah; Mothra; Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!

Non-Horror Crosses: The Tempest

The Story: Michael Paris inherits a graveyard inhabited by friendly monsters. Hilarity and adventure ensue.

Notes: One of the inhabitants is Brutus, who is a creature of the Frankenstein model. Brutus’ wife is a Gill-Woman named Nessie. Edgar is a raven who claims to have been the inspiration for Edgar Allan Poe’s story. The Boneyard has its own elected official, Mayor Wormwood. Mayor Wormwood is supposed to be Satan, but this Satan is kind of an idiot. I’ve stated elsewhere in this guide that not all appearances of the devil are the same guy. The name carries weight, and so it seems that many lesser demons may pose as the top dog. In the Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, Wormwood is a poor excuse for a demon who is eaten by his uncle. But of course, what happens when a demon dies? They return to Hell. So this may be the same Wormwood. The vampire named Abby seems to be of the vampiric variety seen on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Remember that in the Horror Universe, there are several strains of the “vampire virus”, which create varying types of vampires with different traits, strengths and weaknesses. Abby refers to Michael as her “Renfield”. That could be a pop culture reference, but considering the number of other horror crosses, and that Dracula is real in the Horror Universe, I’m inclined to count it. There are “Xandorian” demons which I believe to be an intentional misspelling of Kandorian demons from the Evil Dead series. Somebody refers to the original Dr. Frankenstein. That same person makes a reference to that guy with the stick which may be Larry Talbot, whose cane is famous. At a bar is Zatanna Zatara and a Gill-Man. An Old One appears, who is friendly! His name is Haz’aroth, which may be an intentional misspelling of Azathoth, but I’m not sure Azathoth would be so nice. Perhaps he’s a nicer guy around other monsters. Abby is hired by the government to stop a slasher at a summer camp called Camp Waterlake. Though the slasher turns out to really be Lilith, she has taken the form of Jason Voorhees. This isn’t the first time Camp Crystal Lake has changed its name. In the film series, it did so to try to avoid the bad reputation it has gained. When Abby has to attend a banquet for supernatural beings, she takes Michael as her date. The waiter is Ariel from Shakespeare’s the Tempest. Hellboy is in attendance. So are King Ghidorah and Mothra. The Space Kook is also there. Though the Space Kook was just a man in a mask in Scooby Doo, Where Are You!, most of those villains took on the identities of figures from legends and folklore. So this must be the real Space Kook that inspired the man in the mask who was exposed by Mystery, Inc.

ELDRITCH BLUE: LOVE AND SEX IN THE CTHULHU MYTHOS “STACKED ACTORS” (SHORT STORY BY PETER A. WORTHY)

Release Date: 2004 (Setting begins on October 17, 2004)

Series: Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos

Horror Crosses: Hellboy; Wolf Man

Non-Horror Crosses: Sandman Mystery Theatre

The Story: Group 13 agents Xavier Albert Wilmarth and Alison Engels investigate the Shan, who love to enslave people and torture them for sadistic pleasure.

Notes: The Shan come from the Cthulhu Mythos. The Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense is mentioned, which is who Hellboy works for. Lawrence Talbot is mentioned as a former agent of both Delta Green and G13. Larry Talbot is of course the Wolf Man. Wesley Dodds is also said to be a former G13 member. Wesley Dodds was the golden age hero called the Sandman from DC Comics, but considering the date and tone of this story, I am assuming that the version being referred to here is the Vertigo version from Sandman Mystery Theatre, which is more fitting for the Horror Universe.

SCARY MONSTERS MAGAZINE # 53 “THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON VS. THE WOLF MAN” (DENNIS DRUKTENIS PUBLISHING)

Release Date: January 2005 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Creature from the Black Lagoon; the Wolf Man (Universal)

Horror Crosses: Werewolf of London

The Story: Larry Talbot continues to search for a cure. After failing to find any ancestors of Wilfred Glendon, he heads to the amazon and encounters the Gill-Man.

Notes: The Gill-Man of this story may be the original Creature from the Black Lagoon, or another of the species. This Larry Talbot is the original Wolf Man, not one of his sons, since this occurs after Return of the Wolf Man. Wilfred Glendon was the Werewolf of London.

SCARY MONSTERS MAGAZINE 2005 YEARBOOK # 13 “THE WOLFMAN VS. DRACULA: FINAL BATTLE” (DENNIS DRUKTENIS PUBLISHING)

Release Date: March 2005 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Wolf Man (Universal); Dracula (Universal)

Horror Crosses: Frankenstein (Universal); Dracula (Hammer)

The Story: Larry Talbot works with Jessica Van Helsing to stop Dracula from once again trying to revive Frankenstein’s monster.

Notes: This is the original Larry Talbot of the Universal Wolf Man series of films, having been revived in Return of the Wolf Man. Likewise, this is the Dracula of the Universal series, who I’ve identified to actually be Armand Tesla, who was transformed into a soul clone by the real Count Dracula of Bram Stoker’s novel. Likewise, this isn’t Victor Frankenstein’s creature from Mary Shelley's novel, but rather Henry Frankenstein’s creature from the Universal series, with Igor’s brain, and having recently also revived in Return of the Wolf Man. Jessica Van Helsing is of the famous monster hunting family, and was previously seen in Hammer’s Dracula A.D. 1972 and the Satanic Rites of Dracula. The Hammer Dracula series also has a cross with the Black Forest. Thus this cross confirms that the Hammer Dracula films are in the Horror Universe, and that Dracula must be yet another soul clone. Perhaps the alias he uses of Denrom in those films is a hint of his real name.

MONSTER WAR # 1 - 4 (TOP COW COMICS)

Release Date: June - September 2005 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: The Magdalena; Dracula (Top Cow); Tomb Raider; Wolf Man; Witchblade; Frankenstein (Top Cow); The Darkness; Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; Eva, Daughter of Dracula

Horror Crosses: Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos

The Story: Serving the Old Ones, Mr. Hyde gets split from Jekyll, and plans on creating an army of vampire Hydes using the soulless Frankenstein Monster as a conduit to communicate with his masters.

Notes: The Magdalena, Witchblade, and the Darkness have all had team-ups with Vampirella, thus their existence in the Horror Universe is already confirmed. Lara Croft has already had a Lovecraftian adventure. The Dracula here is likely the Top Cow soul clone, and likewise the Frankenstein Monster would be another creation. Though there’s no connection to Larry Talbot, the werewolves of this story are officially called Wolf-Men, implying a connection to the Universal film. Jekyll in this story is likely yet another of the descendents to have continued the curse. And Lovecraft. The glue of the Horror Universe. This story also marks the first appearance of Eva, Daughter of Dracula, who will spin off into her own series.

ARMY OF DARKNESS # 8 - 11 “ASH VS. DRACULA” (DYNAMITE PRESS)

Release Date: 2006 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Evil Dead

Horror Crosses: Dracula (Top Cow); Frankenstein (Top Cow); Wolf Man; Eva, Daughter of Dracula

Non-Horror Crosses: My Name is Earl

The Story: In New York City, Ash does battle with Dracula, the Frankenstein Monster, and Wolf-Men.

Notes: This is the same group of monsters last seen in Top Cow’s Monster War, despite this being published by Dynamite Press. Meanwhile, Earl Hickey is seen. Why would he be in New York rather than Hamden County? Surely to cross something off his list. So this crossover cameo brings the television series My Name is Earl into the Horror Universe. This story continues directly from Monster War, happening one day later, and is the second story appearance of Eva, Daughter of Dracula, who will spin off into her own series.

SUPERNATURAL LAW # 42 “WEREWOLVES...AND THE WOMEN WHO LOVE THEM”

Release Date: 2006 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Supernatural Law

Horror Crosses: Wolf Man

The Story: The law firm represents a werewolf named Larry T.

Notes: Supernatural Law is already in via a cross with Vampirella. The client is clearly Lawrence Talbot. He’s even drawn to resemble Lon Chaney, Jr.

HOUSE OF THE WOLF MAN (FILM)

Release Date: 2009 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Wolf Man (Universal)

Horror Crosses: Frankenstein (Universal); Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos; Dracula (Universal); Creature from the Black Lagoon

The Story: A mad scientist invites five guests to his home to hold a contest to see who will inherit his estate by a process of deadly elimination.

Notes: This film was made as an homage to the classic Universal films and acts as a sequel to the series. The mad scientist is Dr. Bela Reinhardt, but that’s his assumed name. He is really Bela Frankenstein, the son of Peter Frankenstein (from Ghost of Frankenstein) and a gypsy girl who was sister to Bela Blasko, the werewolf who bit and turned Larry Talbot. Reinhardt possesses Larry Talbot’s famous wolf’s head cane. The poem that beings “Even a man who’s pure of heart…” is recited. A Frankenstein monster is released in the home during the contest, probably a new creation of Reinhardt based on family notes. The lab contains one of Dr. Pretorius’ homunculi from Bride of Frankenstein. The library contains a copy of Alhazred’s Alchemy of Transmutation. This may be a reference to the Mad Arab who also authored the Necronomicon. Dracula and his brides also show up. The lab also contains a fossilized hand of a gill-man.

DAN VS. (ANIMATED SERIES)

SEASON 1 EPISODE 2 “DAN VS. THE WOLFMAN”

Release Date: January 1, 2011 (Contemporary Setting, takes place over several months time)

Horror Crosses: Wolf Man

The Story: Dan seeks revenge after the Wolfman scratches his car.

Notes: Though he’s never named Larry Talbot or any other name, Dan refers to the Universal film to identify this particular werewolf’s traits. As I’ve stated elsewhere, many of the Universal films exist in the Horror Universe, considered fiction by many, but really based on the true events. If this is Larry Talbot, he’s really let himself go at this point.

CABIN IN THE WOODS (FILM)

Release Date: April 13, 2012 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Cabin in the Woods

Horror Crosses: Alien; Half-Life; Evil Dead; Poltergeist; Frankenstein (Universal); Child’s Play; Creature from the Black Lagoon; Corpse Bride; Killer Klowns from Outer Space; Stephen King Universe; Killjoy; Devil’s Rejects; Clownhouse; Drive Thru; Funhouse; Amusement; Circus of Fear; Clown Camp; Demonic Toys; Demons; Night of the Demons; Supernatural; Charmed; Gremlins; Ghoulies; Creeps; Troll; Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; Frankenstein (novel); Dr. Giggles; The Human Centipede; House on Haunted Hill; The Dead Pit; Buffy the Vampire Slayer; The Strangers; Underworld; Attack of the 50 Foot Woman; Troll Hunter; Anaconda; Python; Mega Snake; Snakes on a Plane; Resident Evil; Hellraiser; Cannibal Holocaust; Creepshow; Legend of Sleepy Hollow; Attack of the Jack-O-Lanterns; Pumpkinhead; Frankenfish; The Mummy! Or a Tale of the Twenty-Second Century; The Mummy (Universal); The Hills Have Eyes; Wrong Turn; Chernobyl Diaries; 28 Days Later; Signal; the Works of Quentin Tarantino; Left 4 Dead; Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos; Re-Animator (film); Siren; The Exorcist; The Exorcism of Emily Rose; Reptillicus; Jurassic Park; Abomidible Bigfoot; The Legend of Boggy Creek; Ape Canyon; Curse of Bigfoot; Night of the Bloody Apes; Wendigo; Night Beasts; Night of the Scarecrow; Scarecrows; Husk; Scarecrow Gone Wild; The Scarecrows Walk at Midnight; The Town that Dreaded Sundown; The Craft; Witches of Eastwick; Hocus Pocus; Jack Frost; Hellboy (film); Rumplestilskin; Lephrechaun; Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters; Gingerbread Man; The Vampyre; Dracula (novel); Nosferatu; The Wolf Man; An American Werewolf in London; The Howling; Wolf; Texas Chainsaw Massacre; Friday the 13th; Night of the Living Dead; Return of the Living Dead; F.E.A.R.; The Blob; Feast; Horrors of the Wendigo; Frostbiter; Ghost; Bram Stoker’s Dracula (film); The Cyclops; Cyclops Giant; Nightbreed; Leeches!; Attack of the Giant Leeches; Rows of Teeth; The Birds; Killing Birds; Birdemic: Shock and Terror; Silent Hill; Attack of the Killer Lane Gnomes; Alligator; Lake Placid; Them!; Legion of Fire: Killer Ants!; Ants; Empire of the Ants; King Kong; Centipede Horror; The Giant Claw; The Ring; Attack of the Giant Gila Monster; The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms; Tarantula; Eight Legged Freaks; Jaws; Frogs; Lord of Darkness; House of the Dead; The Grudge; Chopping Mall; BlinkyTM; The Kraken; Kraken: Tentacles of the Deep; Octopus; The Beast; Deep Rising; It Came From Beneath the Sea; Tentacles; Eye of the Beast; Mega Shark; Giant Octopus; Castle Freak; Tokyo Gore Police; Septic; Mutants; Ogre; Blood Pool; Legend of the Ogre; Killing Floor; Little Shop of Horrors; The Breed; Hatchet; Phantasm; See No Evil; Thinner; Monster House; Attila; Dead Snow; Frankenstein’s Army; Manhunt; The Monster in the Closet; Killer Eyes; Demomata; CSP-682; Parasite Eve 2; Dead Space; Night of the Lepus; Creature from the Haunted Sea; Tremors; Hostel; The Collection; The Butcher; Dead Rising; My Bloody Valentine; The Exterminator; Willard; War of the Worlds; Signs; Lollipop Chainsaw; Ghost Ship; Curse of the Pirates; Jolly Roger; Lead Soldiers; Vampire Vikings; The Witch; Blair Witch Project; The Village; The Thing; Vampire Breath; Goosebumps; Angel; King Cobra

Non-Horror Crosses: Harry Potter; Wizard of Oz; Great Expectations; Batman; Labyrinth; Land of the Giants; The Wrath of Paul Bunyan; Dreamscape; Last of the Mohicans; Blood Meridian; Scalps; Savage Sam; Sin City; Kevin Spencer; We Need to Talk About Kevin; Jacob’s Ladder; Doctor Who; Black Swan; Pan’s Labyrinth; Nutcracker; Blade Hunter; The Chronicles of Narnia; Time Bandits; The Princess and the Frog; Pirates of the Caribbean; Futurama; The Incredible Shrinking Man; Pee-Wee’s Playhouse; Red Planet; Terminator; Zathura; Hardware; Robot Wars; Bacterial Contamination; Firefly; Clash of the Titans; Team Fortress; Man from Planet X; Starship Troopers; Silence of the Lambs/Hannibal; Twisted Metal

The Story: A group of teens head out for a weekend in a cabin in the woods, not knowing that they have been chosen as sacrifices to an ancient deity in order to save the world from his wrath.

Notes: This film exposes the secret truth behind modern horror. Behind it all is a secret organization, chosen to sacrifice youth to ancient gods. All of the above named crossovers have been linked in this film, and revealed to be part of this secret conspiracy. Most of the crossovers above come from the monsters and artifacts contained in the facility. While some of the monsters and artifacts are clearly from certain films above, many are based on certain types of horror films, in which case I included the more well-known of these film types. I recommend the well-researched Cabin in the Woods Wiki for a more detailed listing of the monsters and their inspirations. Note that I included in the above crossovers some monsters that only appeared in the official novelization and the official Universal Theme Park attraction tie-in. With this film, I break one of my major rules of crossover connecting. Though some of the crosses are direct crosses, like Evil Dead and Left 4 Dead, most of them are only connected because the films represent the more well-known films of the trope from which a certain monster comes. Normally, I would not count something that is “like something from”, but there is dialogue within the film that makes me break my rule. In one scene, referring to the monsters, security officer Daniel Truman says “They’re like something from a nightmare.” Lin, a head scientist, responds, “No, they’re something nightmares are from.” She goes on to explain that these monsters are the creations of the Ancient Ones, having been around since the beginning, and different cultures have told stories that interpret them in different ways. Thus, in the instance of this film, “like” is enough because of the author’s intent. And thus my love/hate relationship with Joss Whedon, for expanding the Horror Universe dramatically but making me do a lot of work to write this entry. Note that this film ends with the start of an apocalypse, so the end must veer into a divergent timeline. We must presume in the main Horror Universe, the virgin shot the fool. And if you haven’t seen the movie, that last sentence probably seems very bizarre. This film has been referenced as fictional in South Park, The Cinema Snob, Scary Movie 5, and Doc of the Dead. It is also paid homage to in Red Dawn when Chris Hemsworth and his friends once more wind up in a cabin in the woods. The film has also been spoofed in Robot Chicken and Scary Movie 5.

PLAY WITH FIRE & MIDNIGHT AT THE OASIS “MIDNIGHT AT THE OASIS” (NOVELLA BY JUSTIN GUSTAINIS)

Release Date: March 26, 2013 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Morris & Chastain Investigations

Horror Crosses: Dracula (novel); Gravel; Felix Castor; Nightside; Wolf Man; Fright Night; Hellraiser; Anita Blake

Non-Horror Crosses: Dexter; American Gods; Dresden Files

The Story: Terrorists summon a djinn to help their cause.

Notes: Quincy Morris, the lead character, is a descendant of the character from Bram Stoker’s Dracula. A mention of a sergeant major in the SAS who is also the greatest living combat magician is a reference to William Gravel, a comic character from a series of graphic novels by Warren Ellis. There is also a reference to occult detective Felix Castor, a creation of author Mike Carey. Castor lives in a world where magic is public knowledge, so his regular stories must take place in a divergent timeline of the Horror Universe. He must have a counterpart in the main Horror Universe timeline as well. Likewise Anita Blake lives in a world where vampires are public knowledge. The same notes for Castor apply to Blake as well. There is a mention of a London bar called Strangefellows, which is from the Nightside series. Werewolf Larry Talbot appears. This is of course the famous Wolf Man from the Universal films. Another reference is to a teen vampire named Jerry who was staked. This is Jerry Dandridge from Fright Night. One of Morris’ associates can’t assist in the djinn case because he’s dealing with Pinhead, who is from Hellraiser. The FBI receive a report that includes blood splatter analysis from some guy named Morgan. That would be Dexter Morgan. There is a reference to an Afreet that drove a cab in New York City, which is a reference to American Gods. Finally, the terrorist discuss others who might interfere in their plans, including Dresden.

See also the other series connected to Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein:

Abbott and Costello

Frankenstein

Dracula

The Invisible Man

Also, check out my post on the precursor to the Wolf Man, the Werewolf of London!

And finally, for more horror crossover goodness, you can purchase the Horror Crossover Encyclopedia in paperback or Kindle editions here!

And for even more crossovers, be sure to check out the list of topics previously covered in the Television Crossover Universe over in the right hand column!