Just So We’re Clear

While on the prowl for werewolf news, I find that lately, every second article, post, photo or link has something to do with the Twilight phenomenon. With a film on the way and more to come, the deluge of tween-dreamy vampire pap is going to get a lot worse before it gets better, so I want to be upfront about a few things:

  1. There are no actual werewolves in the Twilight series.
  2. Werewolf-News.com will not be providing coverage of any Twilight-related news (see Point 1).
  3. Remus Lupin could kick Jacob Black’s ass with both hands tied behind his back.
  4. Vampires are not cool.

That is all.

Nov. 14th 2008

“Sin The Wolf” by Shoksyu

Sin The Wolf By Shoksyu
[click for full version]

A month is a lot longer than a week, I know. That’s how long it’s been since the last Weekly Werewolf Art, and I hope you’ll accept my apology in the form of this latest entry, Sin The Wolf by Shoksyu. This smooth, powerful image was provided by Roukas, so I’ll let him provide the commentary, too:

I often find that a sane, cool-headed werewolf is more pleasing than the typical, snarling, feral type. This gentleman wolf is a perfect example, with his tailored, cool blue coat and his tactician’s scowl. Plus, his human-like hair (head-fur?) gives him an interesting, recently-changed feel.

If you’re a fan of Sin, be sure to check out Shoksyu’s FurAffinity page (danger, there’s some definite NSFW content there).

Nov. 14th 2008

Studying Werewolves

Derek Newman-Stille, a senior tutor at Ontario’s Trent University and M.A. graduate in Anthropology, has made monsters and werewolves the subject of his academic research for the past three years. “Studying something like this reveals a lot about how people of the past define themselves because monsters embody everything that is not human,” he said in a recent interview with the Peterborough Examiner. In an article posted on Trent University’s web site, he goes on to explain that people are simultaneously fascinated and repulsed by the idea of the werewolf (and not just its fearsome appearance) because the creature is a mixture of human and animal: “Werewolves are the perfect symbol for liminality – occupying a transitory state and not fixed as either human or wolf but able to fluctuate between the two states.”

I find it extremely encouraging that the pursuit of this sort of research is gaining credibility in the acedemic world. A subject as deeply woven into history and psychology as this ought not to be dismissed simply because it’s fantastic… or frightening.

“When people see monsters we are both repulsed by it and we find it really fascinating,” Newman-Stille tells the Examiner. “The fear response is the same as a pleasure response. People really like things that scare them.”

Nov. 13th 2008

Music, Morricone, and Jack Nicholson’s Voice

Lesley Chow has written an eloquent and evocative essay about the music, moods and textures of 1994’s werewolf film Wolf. In it she discusses the ways in which director Mike Nichols, cinemetographer Giuseppe Rotunno, actor Jack Nicholson and musician Ennio Morricone use their respective crafts to create a “masochistically elegant” motion picture rife with winter colours, erotic textures and slow, melancholy power. Read it at Bright Lights Film Journal— it’s well worth your time, and it may give you a new respect for one of the oddest werewolf films of the 1990s.

Nov. 12th 2008

CHUD’s Jon Abrams Reviews The Wolfman

Jon Abrams, a man whose opinion on werewolves I have previously praised, recently posted a review of The Wolfman. This is the novel we’re talking about, not the film remake. The Wolfman first gained national attention earlier this year, when its author, Auxiliary Police Officer Nicholas T. Pekearo, was shot and killed by a suspect in March 2008. Now the book is generating buzz for a much happier reason: according to Jon Abrams and other reviewers, The Wolfman is really quite a good book. It’s a shame that the talent behind it isn’t still around to write more. I’ll be picking up a copy myself before Christmas– have any of you read it, and if so, what’d you think?

Nov. 12th 2008

The Wolfman 7″ Action Figure

ArcLight just sent in word that Mezco Toyz is now taking preorders for a 7″ Wolfman action figure. For $18.00 US, you can secure a figure that has “intense film accurate detail, 12 points of articulation, and sculpted clothing”. It ships in April 2009, just in time for the realease of the film. I don’t know about you, but I’ve already placed a preorder for this sharp little guy, and I’m seriously considering the 12″ version as well.

Nov. 12th 2008

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans – Trailer

If you haven’t already seen it, there’s an official trailer out for Underworld: Rise of the Lycans. There’s a lot of blue filters, eye makeup, improbable armour and clumsy sword-ballet… but there’s also an army of werewolves and a particularly vicious-looking Bill Nighy. Take a look for yourself.

Of additional interest is this review (yes, a trailer review) by Jason Roestel of Movie Examiner. Among other things, Roestel opines that “the werewolves in costume… look so 1955.” While you can kind of tell they don’t have as big a budget as the previous two films, I thought the werewolves looked great. What do you think?

Nov. 10th 2008

Werewolves For Obama

Today is Election Day in the United States. I’m Canadian, but my significant other is American, so I can still say that we voted for Barack Obama. Aside from being the best candidate for the job, Obama has established a clear pro-lycanthrope record. On the other hand, John McCain has gone out of his way to spite the werewolf community by choosing some kind of a vampire-harpy creature as a running mate.

Among Obama’s werewolf-centric initiatives:

  • A minimum of one full moon every week.
  • Private transformation booths to be installed at all national and city parks.
  • An annual clothing expense rebate of up to $1,000 to cover the cost of clothing ripped, shredded or otherwise destroyed during a transformation. Receipts required.
  • A ban on the import or sale of all silver artifacts, with the exception of wolfshead cane toppers.
  • A reduction in wages and support infrastructure for dog catchers and animal control workers.

So remember, folks, a vote for Obama is a vote for Werewolf Rights. So get out there and vote!

Nov. 4th 2008

Happy Halloween!

It’s the best day of the year– Halloween! From all of us here at Werewolf News (okay, it’s just me, but you get the point), have a happy, safe and werewolf-centric Halloween! And don’t forget… Day of the Dead is coming up too!

Oct. 31st 2008

Sinfest: Uncle Sam’s Little Problem

Tatsuya Ishida’s comic Sinfest is a Good Thing of the Internet. Today’s comic is relevant to those who like werewolves, democracy and exploiting the innocent masses like a slavering beast (or not). Note what happens to the stars on his hat when he transforms… nice touch, Tatsuya. Thanks to Jason Friesen for the link.

Oct. 30th 2008