Horror Highlights: THE TOXIC AVENGER, MOMO, THE RITUAL HOUSE, AFAR, ‘BIXBY GRANT, PRIVATE EYE’

Toxie Fandom Wipes the Floor with Real-Life Villain, Saving 10,000+ Families from Over $15 Million Dollars in Medical Debt!: "What started as a heroic quest to eliminate $5 million has TRIPLED, thanks to the generosity and passion of The Toxic Avenger fans across the country. Together, you didn’t just meet that goal, you crushed it, helping wipe out over $15 million dollars in medical debt for 10,000+ people in need—a staggering reminder that fandom goes far beyond what takes place on the screen.

This victory belongs to YOU, the fans. Your excitement, your shares, and your contributions have transformed 3x the number of lives we set out to, proving that communities built around storytelling can be a force for real-world good.

But the work isn’t done! For every family who can breathe easier tonight, there are still countless others waiting for help to arrive. If fans and everyday citizens don’t step up, who will? (cue awkward silence).

So let’s keep the fight going. Every contribution—big or small—matters, with every $10 donated erasing $1,000 of medical debt! Together, we can continue turning the joy of fandom into hope for those who need it most. Everyone can be a hero (And you don’t have to fall in toxic waste to do it! Nor should you. It was a movie. We mean it. Don’t.)

https://unduemedicaldebt.org/campaign/cineverses-the-toxic-avenger-campaign-to-eliminate-medical-debt/

This debt relief is possible thanks to a partnership between Cineverse (Nasdaq: CNVS), a next-generation entertainment studio, and Undue Medical Debt, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping families least able to pay burdensome healthcare debt.

Learn more about Undue Medical Debt with their explainer video and FAQ and then check out the official Toxic Avenger campaign page.

The nonprofit leverages donations to purchase qualifying medical debt (for individuals four times or below the federal poverty level or who have medical debt that is 5% or more of annual income) in bulk from providers like hospitals and also collection agencies for pennies on the dollar meaning one dollar donated, on average, erases $100 of un-payable medical debt. Recipients of debt relief then receive an Undue branded envelope in the mail out of the blue with the good news: some or all of their medical debt has been erased. Medical debt relief cannot be requested and is source-based. Cineverse is relieving burdensome medical debt across the country, where needed most.

The Toxic Avenger is now available on digital EST/TVOD, and comes to physical media on October 28, 2025. The physical media includes DVD, Blu-ray (Collector’s Edition), 4K + Blu-ray (Collector’s Edition) which includes a limited edition lenticular O-Sleeve, Steelbook – 4K + Blu-ray (Collector’s Edition), and an Amazon exclusive 4K UHD + Blu-ray Collector’s Edition with bonus The Toxic Avenger (1984) original film on 4K UHD."

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John Cusack and Ignacio Noé Team Up with Mad Cave Studios for MOMO: "John Cusack is stepping into comics with MOMO, his first graphic novel from Mad Cave Studios—a leap as audacious as the roles that made him a cultural icon, with the acclaimed actor and writer once again carving his own path as that restless creative streak spills onto the comics page.

At his side is Argentine master illustrator Ignacio Noé (Jeanne D’Arc, Helldorado), whose lush, hyper-detailed art fuses painterly richness with cinematic scope. Noé’s pages hum with raw energy, each panel alive with shadow, light, and a hint of menace.

Together, they conjure a road trip epic of cosmic stakes. Momo blends political satire, cosmology, magic, and human vulnerability, dragging readers through an utterly corrupt and fractured America. It’s a journey of betrayal and confession, of dark humor and otherworldly danger, one where the final punchline might just crack the world wide open!

Two criminals are thrown together by fate—both running from their pasts—a weathered man and a mysterious young woman who refuses to give her name form an unlikely partnership and take on a mission that could tear reality apart as they make their way through the already decaying, barren wasteland of the American Dream. Their goal? Recover an ancient artifact for Jackie Gleason—yes, that Jackie Gleason, TV legend and rumored connoisseur of all things extraterrestrial. But this isn't just a strange road trip. There are cosmic forces beyond imagination with a taste for chaos and vengeance, and so much more along their route. As their uneasy alliance unravels mile by mile in a world littered by blasted souls and nuclear secrets and Howard Johnson's, betrayals bloom like roadside flowers. And the closer they get to Gleason’s hideaway, the more the lines blur between divine comedy and cosmic horror. Still, the mission cannot be put to a halt, and our wayward strangers, with the help of the most eclectic cast of characters you've ever seen—including occult actors and endlessly powerful mystical beings—must retrieve the artifact at all costs.

John Cusack spoke of the project: “The origin story of Momo I will leave for another time—suffice to say, the brilliantly singular artist Ignacio Noé worked tirelessly through many days and nights, and “decoded” the original classified documents that came to my attention accidentally many years ago, when Damien Hirst and I were researching the Chinese/North American narcotic drug routes of the early 1970s for a well-known restaurateur and art collector—I’m more than delighted to be working with the excellent people at Mad Cave—and have zero doubt this is the first of many creations to come.”

Noé added, “Working on this project with John has been a rare kind (and good kind) of challenge. His script doesn’t just tell a story; it provokes thought. It’s layered, tense, and deeply human. As an artist, that kind of material pushes you to dig deeper and match the intensity on the page. Our creative partnership has been built on trust and curiosity, and we are excited that it’s found a home at Mad Cave.”

“When John first approached Mad Cave's Editor-in-Chief, Mike Marts, about debuting his first project in the medium with Mad Cave, needless to say, we were more than intrigued,” said Chris Fernandez, Publisher at Mad Cave. “When the project's scope was first revealed to us, we knew it was unlike anything anyone was expecting. And when we learned that none other than Ignacio Noé was attached to illustrate, we were over the moon. I think I can speak for the whole team when I say that we are honored to have these two legends in their respective fields trust us with this unrelenting work. It's an honest vision John has for this project, and there is no medium more honest than comics. In that sense, this is the perfect fit.”

Cusack’s debut graphic novel, Momo is slated for release June, 16, 2026.

Mad Cave Studios will be at New York Comic Con 2025, October 9-12, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Stop by Booth #4455 for a first look at Momo and to explore the publisher’s full slate of new releases, creator-owned titles, licensed properties, and other exciting creative partnerships!

Get the latest news on Mad Cave Studios on social media, or visit www.madcavestudios.com.

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THE RITUAL HOUSE: "The upcoming independent fantasy-horror feature The Ritual House, directed by Crystal J. Huang and distributed by ITN, isn’t just another haunted-house film — it may be one of the most unsettling shoots in recent memory.

Filmed almost entirely inside the real home of two of its lead actors, The Ritual House blurred the line between fiction and reality in unnerving ways. Characters were written using the actors’ real names, and during production, both cast and crew began to experience chilling events no script could have staged.

“The Conjuring has nothing on this house,” one cast member remarked after a string of unexplained incidents rattled the set.

Social media star and actress Lauren Francesca (who plays Courtney Cable in the film) described a terrifying moment when she felt an invisible shove in the backyard, sending her tumbling into the pool. Lights flickered and flashed randomly throughout filming. In one late-night incident, the homeowner discovered the basement light blazing — though no one had entered — and reported strange noises echoing from the shadows.

The supernatural activity wasn’t limited to the cast. A longtime housekeeper, asked to stay and care for pets during filming, refused to remain overnight, claiming she saw shifting shadows and felt a “presence” in the halls.

Even visitors weren’t spared. A close friend of director Crystal J. Huang, who came to assist with catering, developed sudden welts and scratches on his legs while quietly working in the bar area. The marks scarred and remain to this day — and he has vowed never to return to the house again.

Props, too, seemed cursed. A clock suddenly toppled and shattered mid-scene. An antique music box, featured prominently in the film, reportedly switched itself on and off at random, unnerving everyone on set.

To heighten authenticity, the production team went further than most. A satanic mural was painted in the basement, and the set was dressed with real crystals, tarot cards, and occult paraphernalia. While many assumed these details were purely theatrical, the unexplained experiences that followed left the crew questioning if they had awakened something far darker.

The Ritual House stars Donna Spangler, Crystal J. Huang, Lauren Francesca, and an ensemble cast who lived through the strange events both on-screen and off.

Will audiences be able to separate the movie’s sinister fiction from the chilling truths behind the walls where it was filmed? Or will they, like the cast and crew, leave questioning what they just witnessed?"

The Ritual House will have its World Premiere on October 24 at The Chabot Theatre in the Bay Area. Address: 2853 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, CA 94546

Distributed by ITN, the film is now available on Roku and will launch on Tubi on October 24, with additional digital and VOD platform releases — including Fandango at Home — to follow later in October.

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PREPARE TO CHOOSE OR PREPARE TO DIE: JASON TROST’S DIY AFAR: AN INTERACTIVE HORROR FILM—LAUNCHING OCTOBER 23 ON DVD, STEAM & PAPERBACK: "What happens when a filmmaker obsessed with survival horror and 90s FMV nightmares decides to  build an entire game alone in the Australian rainforest? You get AFAR: An Interactive Horror  Film—a hybrid horror experiment where film, game, and book collide. 

The Premise: Contestants on a hit survival reality show vanish without a trace in the haunted  expanse of Barlang Valley. You play as Brian Everette, a paranormal investigator sent to uncover  the truth. But here, the nightmare bends to your choices—every decision twists the story into darker  paths. Will you survive the valley’s cursed secrets, or disappear forever like the rest? 

Gameplay: AFAR is a full-length FMV horror game where every click matters. Choices branch the  story, unlocking hidden scenes, lore, and five different endings. Each playthrough takes around 30  minutes, but uncovering the full mystery requires multiple runs—an experimental, bingeable  approach to horror storytelling. 

Key Features: 

• FMV Gameplay – A DIY full-motion video game built entirely by one person. • Five Endings – Your decisions shape who lives, who dies, and what truths are revealed. 
• Quick, Replayable Runs – Each playthrough lasts 30 minutes, but the full nightmare  unfolds across multiple paths. 
• DIY Spirit – Shot for just $5,000 on a prosumer action camera by one person, using  practical effects, in-camera tricks, and hand-built matte work to capture the eerie spirit of  VHS-era FMV games. 

Filmmaker Jason Trost says: 

“With AFAR, I wanted to create something that didn’t exist—a horror experience you can play,  watch, or read. It’s short, sharp, and replayable, but with five endings and hidden lore, it pulls you  back in again and again. It’s part film, part game, part book—a living nightmare built entirely DIY.” 

AFAR will have its World Premiere screening at the 10th Anniversary of the Nightmares Film  Festival on October 18th, as well as a hands-on interactive booth running throughout the fest  (Oct 16–18) where attendees can try the game solo or with friends. 

AFAR: An Interactive Horror Film launches worldwide on October 23rd, 2025 on Steam as a  full FMV videogame, alongside an interactive DVD and a choose-your-own-horror paperback."

Learn more at: https://store.steampowered.com/app/4064520/AFAR_An_Interactive_Horror_Film/?beta=1

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BIXBY GRANT, PRIVATE EYE: FANGS & BRIMSTONE #3: "Harbor City’s favorite immortal mummy detective is back, and this time, he’s in over his bandaged head. Now live on Kickstarter, RNM Press unleashes BIXBY GRANT, PRIVATE EYE: FANGS & BRIMSTONE #3, a pulpy plunge into danger, deceit, and the city’s supernatural underbelly!

This latest chapter by series creator and writer Patrick Coyle (Bixby Grant, Private Eye in Wolf, She Cried) features art by Gonzalo Martínez (Alex Nemo and the Brotherhood of the Nautilus), colors by Arthur Hesli (Thunderbolts, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), and backup story art by Gonzalo Ruggieri (Rumble, Two Moons). It’s wrapped in covers by Craig Rousseau (Batman Beyond, Young Hellboy) and Daniel Caval (From Parts Unknown, The Unreality), edited by Heather Antos (Star Wars, Deadpool).

In addition, each issue delivers a full chapter of the main mystery plus an 8-page installment of Zombietown, a buddy-action detective story with a supernatural twist—gruff, world-weary Bixby as the straight man to Diego’s snarky, sharp-fanged comic relief. Expect occult politics, fast-talking suspects, and a deep dive into the emotional scars Bix has carried for a century.

A  total of 30 full-color pages of supernatural sleuthing!"

“I’m thrilled to throw Bixby and Diego into even deeper trouble in Fangs & Brimstone #3,” said Patrick Coyle. “This time, we peel back the bandages on Bix’s past, and what we find isn’t pretty. The stakes are higher, the danger’s sharper, and the supernatural politics are messier than ever. And yeah, I do know how they’ll get out of it, perk of being the writer. Working with Gonzalo Martínez, Arthur Hesli, Gonzalo Ruggieri, and Heather Antos is a blast; they bring grit, style, and just the right amount of weird to make Harbor City feel alive. Readers are in for one hell of a ride.”

“When you have a well-written script—full of sharp dialogue, memorable characters, action, monsters, and a classic car—it’s a pleasure to bring it to life,” added Gonzalo Martínez. “I’m grateful to be part of this project and to work alongside such an amazing team of comic book professionals.”

Editor, Heather Antos said, “It feels rare these days to find a comic that’s not only unafraid to be fun, but that also tackles the supernatural, family drama, and the messy beauty of friendship with such heart. Bixby Grant does all of this and more, and it does it with the kind of style and energy only this top-notch creative team could deliver. It’s the kind of comic that reminds you why you fell in love with comics in the first place.”

"For horror fans who prefer smarts and style over splatter, Bixby Grant, Private Eye blends noir grit, supernatural intrigue, and pulp-inspired action in the vein of Hellboy (B.P.R.D.), Gotham Central, and The Walking Dead. The Zombietown backup plunges deeper into Harbor City’s decaying underworld, where undead crime families rule and danger lurks around every corner.

Support Bixby Grant, Private Eye: Fangs & Brimstone #3, grab exclusive covers and rewards, and join Bixby on his latest case before the hellmouth opens! Campaign ends October 16, 2025."

To support the Kickstarter campaign, visit: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rnm-press/bixby-grant-fangs-and-brimstone-1-3-a-supernatural-mystery