Death Runs in the Family
A splatterpunk road trip featuring a zombie grandfather and a Frankenstein friend.
Jason Stryker’s Death Runs in the Family presents a splatterpunk narrative centered on Gary, an overweight elementary school student who faces constant bullying. His life shifts dramatically when his old-fashioned grandfather transforms into a member of the living dead. This event triggers a journey that becomes a bizarre family adventure. They are joined by Nazm, a Frankenstein creature described as their brand-new friend. The trio encounters gangs, demon librarians, and themes of underage drinking while searching for answers. Stryker blends black comedy with gore to create a story that touches on love and friendship amidst the turmoil. The narrative avoids traditional horror tropes in favor of absurd situations. It appeals to cult fans who enjoy sick humor and demented gorehounds. Sean Yseult, bassist of White Zombie, describes it as a rollicking family adventure for those who slay together. Verhoskan, creator of The Zombie Movie Database, notes the combination of over-the-top absurdity and hilarious situations alongside zombies. The book suits readers seeking unconventional horror with heart. It may not suit those preferring serious or traditional gothic fiction without comedic elements.
Published by Skelty Press in 2011, this work sits within the splatterpunk tradition. It draws on gothic and supernatural fiction conventions while incorporating black comedy elements. The narrative appeals to cult fans of horror and gorehounds seeking absurd situations.
📝 Description: Death Runs in the Family
💎 Our verdict on Death Runs in the Family
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Readers seeking unconventional horror with a heart will find this book particularly appealing. It is ideal for cult fans who enjoy sick humor and demented gorehounds looking for an escape from serious or traditional gothic fiction. The narrative offers a rollicking adventure that blends black comedy with visceral violence, making it suitable for those who appreciate absurd situations over conventional horror tropes. It provides entertainment through its unique combination of over-the-top absurdity and hilarious scenarios involving undead family members. Those who enjoy stories about love and friendship amidst turmoil will appreciate the emotional core wrapped in the grotesque package.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Stryker successfully blends black comedy with gore to create a bizarre family adventure that defies traditional horror expectations. The narrative avoids standard tropes in favor of absurd situations, featuring an overweight student, a zombie grandfather, and a Frankenstein friend. This combination appeals strongly to readers who enjoy sick humor and demented gorehounds. While it may not suit those preferring serious gothic fiction without comedic elements, it shines as an unconventional horror story with heart. The book offers a unique tone that balances violence with themes of love and friendship, making it a distinct choice for fans of splatterpunk who want entertainment that is both hilarious and horrifying.
