Character complexity is a crucial element in storytelling, capturing the interest of readers and audiences alike. One particularly appealing aspect of this complexity is the presence of morally ambiguous characters, especially in the world of dark urban fantasy. In this article, we will delve into the definition and characteristics of morally ambiguous characters, the rise…
Urban fantasy offers an irresistible setting for darker and more disturbing narratives, as it combines the familiar urban landscape with supernatural and magical elements. The genre’s inherent appeal lies in its ability to merge our everyday reality with the fantastical, transforming the mundane cityscapes into sinister and enigmatic worlds full of hidden dangers and secrets….
John Constantine, the chain-smoking, streetwise magician and anti-hero, has become a cultural icon in the realm of comic books and urban fantasy. Since his first appearance in Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing, Constantine has evolved into a complex and compelling character that has left an indelible mark on the genre. In this retrospective, we will explore…
Urban fantasy has captivated the hearts of countless readers, transporting them into magical worlds intricately woven into familiar cityscapes. The genre’s unique blend of supernatural elements and real-world settings creates a thrilling reading experience that transcends the boundaries of reality. However, beyond the enchanting realms and mystical creatures, there lies a darker side to urban…
I don’t really write that many short stories, preferring the longer novel form, but this is one I wrote a while back. It’s urban fantasy, but with a big Lovecraftian horror element to it… When Sasha Benedict first saw the portal, she was trying not to scream in pain as the man who was supposed…
For as long as I can remember, urban fantasy movies have held a special place in my heart, long before the term was even coined. Enthralling audiences with their magical blend of contemporary settings and fantastical elements, these films have shaped the genre and paved the way for the urban fantasy stories we know and…
“I have seen the future of horror…and it is named Clive Barker.” So says Stephen King in a very famous quote that graced the cover of just about every Clive Barker book in the eighties and nineties. At that time, Barker was highly celebrated as one of the best horror novelists of his generation. Today,…
Urban fantasy with a male lead–or tough guy urban fantasy as it is sometimes known–has seen something of a resurgence in the last few years. Once upon a time, the urban fantasy genre was dominated mostly by books featuring female protagonists from authors such as Kim Harrison, Laurel K Hamilton and Patricia Briggs to name…
When I was a kid, I read a lot. I read classic books like Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland, the Hardy Boys detective novel series and whatever else I could get my hands on. I loved reading and I loved escaping into the worlds created in those books. When I hit my teens, my reading habit…