Deadman Humour: Thirteen Fears of a Clown

Name: Deadman Humour: Thirteen Fears of a Clown
Price: 7.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781912674060

✍️ David R Higgins

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$7.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Thirteen stories where clowns confront supernatural threats instead of causing them.

This anthology reimagines the clown archetype by positioning them as protagonists rather than antagonists. David R Higgins explores thirteen distinct scenarios where these figures face supernatural entities. The work challenges the standard horror trope of the malevolent clown by presenting them as victims or heroes. This shift allows for a deeper examination of fear and identity within the genre. The stories avoid typical slasher elements, focusing instead on the psychological and physical struggles of clowns against otherworldly forces. The collection offers a fresh perspective on a well-worn horror subject.

Key Themes

clown victims supernatural threats malevolent parodies

Literary Context

Published in 2019 by Abstruse Press, this work engages with the modern cultural fear of clowns. It addresses the trend of painted grins covering fanged maws and baggy costumes concealing horror. The book responds to the urban legend of the clown as a demon by reversing these roles entirely.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Clive Barker · Stephen King · Poppy Z. Brite

🗡️

Dark Fantasy

🏛 Abstruse Press 📅 2019 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781912674060

📝 Description: Deadman Humour: Thirteen Fears of a Clown

David R Higgins presents a collection that flips the script on traditional horror tropes. His anthology features thirteen stories where clowns are not the monsters but the victims or heroes confronting supernatural forces. This approach challenges the modern narrative of painted grins hiding fanged maws and baggy costumes concealing unspeakable horror. Instead, these malevolent parodies of nature become the protagonists in tales of fear rather than laughter. The book draws on various traditions to explore how clowns face the unknown. It moves away from the role of demons in urban legend to focus on their struggles against otherworldly threats. Readers will find a distinct shift in perspective that recontextualizes the clown archetype within the horror genre. The stories are organized to highlight this inversion, offering a fresh take on familiar fears. This volume suits readers who enjoy supernatural fiction with unconventional character roles. It may not appeal to those seeking classic slasher narratives or straightforward demonology. Higgins qualifies as an author who examines the darker side of performance and identity through the lens of the macabre. The collection stands as a unique entry in the field of gothic and horror literature, published by Abstruse Press.

💎 Our verdict on Deadman Humour: Thirteen Fears of a Clown

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🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

David R Higgins successfully flips the script on the traditional clown monster trope, presenting thirteen distinct scenarios where painted grins confront genuine supernatural horrors. The work excels in its psychological depth, avoiding cheap scares to focus on the protagonist's struggle against otherworldly forces. It is best suited for readers of dark fantasy and gothic fiction who appreciate unconventional character roles and a fresh take on well-worn subjects. While it may not satisfy those seeking classic slasher narratives, it offers a compelling recontextualization of fear. The anthology stands as a thoughtful exploration of the darker side of performance, making it a valuable addition for enthusiasts of cosmic and psychological horror.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a departure from conventional horror narratives will find this collection refreshing and intellectually stimulating. It appeals to those who enjoy deconstructing familiar archetypes and exploring the psychological depths of fear. By positioning clowns as victims or heroes, the book offers a unique perspective on supernatural threats without relying on slasher elements. This approach suits audiences interested in dark fantasy and gothic literature who appreciate nuanced examinations of identity. Those weary of standard demonology or straightforward horror tropes will gain insight into how performance masks can reveal deeper truths about the human condition when faced with the unknown.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

David R Higgins successfully flips the script on the traditional clown monster trope, presenting thirteen distinct scenarios where painted grins confront genuine supernatural horrors. The work excels in its psychological depth, avoiding cheap scares to focus on the protagonist's struggle against otherworldly forces. It is best suited for readers of dark fantasy and gothic fiction who appreciate unconventional character roles and a fresh take on well-worn subjects. While it may not satisfy those seeking classic slasher narratives, it offers a compelling recontextualization of fear. The anthology stands as a thoughtful exploration of the darker side of performance, making it a valuable addition for enthusiasts of cosmic and psychological horror.