blogs.amctv.com:
Onion editor and author Joe Garden (The New Vampire’s Handbook) talks about his latest book, a how-to guide for the newly turned still learning to adjust. He talks to AMCtv.com about his favorite vamps and whether he’s an Edward or a Jasper.
Q: What do you make of the whole Twilight phenomenon? Are you more Edward or Jasper?
Despite having read the first two books and just watched the film, I had to look up Jasper, so I’d say him. We’re both pretty forgettable if you just look at us, and Edward is too cocksure for me to empathize with. One thing I’ve learned is that every vampire author or filmmaker puts his or her own stamp on the legend… but the idea that vampires sparkle in the daylight really seemed ridiculous. If you’re going to deviate so wildly from the basic guidelines, you need to back it up with an intriguing explanation instead of just tossing it off as a quirk. But teenage girls like it, and I can understand why.
Q: When watching old vampire movies, do you think they hold up better or worse than other old horror movies?
A: If I had to make a blanket statement, I think that vampire films do hold up a little better than most other horror films. First of all, there’s a mythology people are familiar with. Good writers and directors can build on that mythology and make it their own. Most importantly, the motives of the vampire are clear. They are predators, and they need to feed on blood. You can try to reason with them, but ultimately, they are motivated by a force as primal as hunger. Who doesn’t understand that?
Q: Can you share your Top Ten Vampire Deaths?
10. Sheriff Eben Oleson in 30 Days of Night — With hours to go until sunrise, the Sheriff chooses to become a vampire to fight the hoard. When he defeats the leader, he faces the rising sun rather than to slip further into vampirism.
9. Dracula in Dracula Has Risen From the Grave — A pointy cross sticks falls and sticks in the ground, and Dracula coincidentally falls onto that cross. And gasps. And struggles. And gurgles. Then he is prayed over for 40 seconds, whereupon he weeps tears of blood and expires.
8. Longshadow in True Blood — Finally, after eight episodes, we see how vampires die. Turns out it’s quite a sloppy process.
Read the complete list here
Love his sense of humor. Based on that alone, I should buy the book. What do you think? Do you like his list? Who would be on your list?
