House-ad for Enigma (1993) #6. Art by Duncan Fegredo.

Enigma (1993) #1-8 cover gallery. Art by Duncan Fegredo.

Looking at a gay couple: so. Which one of you is the most painfully normal guy ever and which one of you is the insane omnipotent lizard eater?

Source “Mission: Enigma (September 1993)” by Alexis Janson (1993) Published by: Software Visions [ENIGMA.ZZT] - “>2< Fortress Entrance” {🔫: 0} Play This World Online

Next meeting, the 22th of July, we will talk about the queer indie comic Enigma by writer Peter Milligan and artist Duncan Fegredo. This Vertigo comic about a guy falling in love with a comic book character, is probably one of the most delightfully weird comics and most intersting ways of handeling queer representation.

Feel free to join the server, new people are always welcome

Of all the enigma's on earth, this is the one that keeps awake at night: is grief a reckless friend or a soothing foe? 🌚 🌝

Summer 1993 (2017), directed by Carla Simón

Enigma - "Return To Innocence" [1993]

What are some underrated horror films? I have watched all the popular ones and need more! Thanks!

mentally prepare yourself because im ready to give a gumbo list (this has been sitting in my inbox because i had to ask all my friends and this is the list we came up with):

curse of the demon (1957) the serpent and the rainbow (1988) paranoiac (1963) the old dark house (1932) countess dracula (1971) golem (1920) haxan (1968) island of lost souls (1932) mad love (1935) mill of the stone women (1960) the walking dead (1936) the ghoul (1933) tourist trap (1979) the seventh victim (1943) ganja & hess (1973) dead of night (1945) a bay of blood (1971) let's scare jessica to death (1971) alice sweet alice (1976) the deadly spawn (1983) the brain that wouldn't die (1962) all about evil (2010) black roses (1988) the baby (1973) parents (1989) a blade in the dark (1983) blood lake (1987) solo survivor (1984) lemora: a child's tale of supernatural (1973) eyes of fire (1983) epitaph (2007) nightmare city (1980) slugs (1988) death smiles on a murderer (1973) intruder (1989) short night of glass dolls (1971) the children (2008) alone in the dark (1982) end of the line (2007) the queen of spades (1949) the housemaid (1960) tormented (1960) captain clegg (1962) the long hair of death (1964) dark age (1987) the crawling eye (1958) the kindred (1987) the gorgon (1964) wicked city (1987) baba yaga (1973) 976-evil (1988) bliss (2019) decoder (1984) amer (2009) the visitor (1979) day of the animals (1977) leptirica (1973) planet of the vampires (1965) lips of blood (1975) berberian sound studio (2012) a wounded fawn (2022) matango (1963) the mansion of madness (1973) the killing kind (1973) symptoms (1974) morgiana (1972) whispering corridors (1998) dead end (2003) infested (2023) (this just came out but im adding it) triangle (2009) the premonition (1976) you'll like my mother (1972) the mafu cage (1978) white of the eye (1987) mister designer (1987) alison's birthday (1981) the suckling (1990) graveyard shift (1987) messiah of evil (1987) out of the dark (1988) seven footprints to satan (1929) burn witch burn (1962) the damned (1962) pin (1988) horrors of malformed men (1969) mr vampire (1985) the vampire doll (1970) contracted (2013) impetigore (2019) eyeball (1975) malatestas carnival of blood (1973) the witch who came from the sea (1976) i drink your blood (1970) nothing underneath (1985) sauna (2008) seance (2000) come true (2020) the last winter (2006) night tide (1961) the brain (1988) dementia (1955) don't go to sleep (1982) otogirisou (2001) reincarnation (2005) mutant (1984) spookies (1986) shock waves (1977) bloody hell (2020) the den (2013) wer (2013) olivia (1983) enigma (1987) graverobbers (1988) manhattan baby (1982) evil in the woods (1986) death bed: the bed that eats (1977) cathy's curse (1977) creatures from the abyss (1994) the dorm that dripped blood (1982) the witching (1993) madman (1981) vampire's embrace (1991) blood beat (1983) the alien factor (1978) savage weekend (1979) blood sisters (1987) deadly love (1987) playroom (1990) die screaming marianne (1971) pledge night (1990) night train to terror (1985) the devonsville terror (1983) ghostkeeper (1981) special effects (1984) blood feast (163) the child (1977) godmonster of indian flats (1973) blood rage (1980) the unborn (1991) screamtime (1983) the outing (1987) the being (1983) silent madness (1984) lurkers (1988) forver evil (1987) squirm (1976) death screams (1982) jack-o (1995) haunts (1976) a night to dismember (1983) creaturealm: demons wake (1998) the curse (1987) daddy's deadly darling (1973) nightwing (1979) the laughing dead (1989) the severed arm (1973) the orphan (1979) not like us (1995) prime evil (1988) the monstrosity (1987) dark ride (2006) antibirth (2016) iced (1988) the soultangler (1987) twisted nightmare (1987) puffball (2007) biohazard (1985) cameron's closet (1988) beast from haunted cave (1959) the she-creature (1956)

Can I get a HC about Billy pretending to drown while his coworker jumps in to save him and its all a ploy to get her to kiss him! Maybe she smacks him after but he's into it? Thanks!

Thank you so much for asking this! This reminds me so much of that scene from The Sandlot (1993) and I can't help but love it! Again, thank you so much!

Billy has been eyeing you since he first came to this shit town.

First it was in school, being seated next to you in class (when he would attend) and watching you as you did your work like the studious little thing you are.

Then it was in town, working after school at the local diner and serving up food left and right no matter what customer came in.

And always with that smile.

That smile alone drove him mad.

But now here you are, clad in a tight red swimsuit with the words “Lifeguard” scrawled across your chest, sitting up in your chair and watching diligently over those partaking in the summer heat.

It always pissed him off, seeing you here in the chair and not him, all because it meant that when his shift ended, yours started.

He never got to have the same shift as you. He wanted to admire, watch, and take in everything that is you.

And every part.

The way the suit clings to your body, he could pop a boner just at the view of such.

And your skin, glistening from a mixture of sweat and sunscreen, looking so inviting to touch. To grab?

You did things to him he couldn’t possibly explain.

And you ignored all his advances.

He’s tried to figure you out, the enigma that you are, and he’s come to the conclusion that you don’t hate him…

Just dislike his…”conquest”.

Perhaps you didn’t want to be another notch in his belt, but that just makes this game all the more fun.

“Let’s see what I can do today to make you fall head over heels for me.”

He loved playing it, but progress was at a near halt with these shifts, and he cursed the owner of the pool for not assigning you both to be working together.

So here he is, relaxing in the pool near the lifeguard stand after his shift and simply watching you.

How the whistle you wore settles on your chest, between breast he would kill to hold and fondle.

How the suit rides up your thighs and nearly over your hips with the way you sit, having to adjust constantly for comfort and modesty.

And how that cute little face of yours is getting all red from constantly having to yell after kiddo’s to stop running and abide by the rules.

He knew he wasn’t the only one staring, taking in all the middle aged men as their kids run around watching you just as he is. Taking in every view just as he does.

He knew the kids around his age wanted you. You were the one everyone rumored about.

“Is she secretly dating someone?”

“Is she really that innocent? Or is it just a rouse?”

He aimed to find out, maybe corrupt you along the way.

But for now, he would simply aim to watch and listen to your sweet voice as it yelled at another child to slow down, glaring the kid down until they slowed to a halt and apologized.

“You better listen, or you’ll end up cracking your head and drowning!”

Drowning, huh?

That could be a way to get you down from your little tower and finally give him the attention he yearned for.

But he was an experienced swimmer, knew what to do and never needed help getting back up from the water, so how could be fool you?

What better way than to break one of the golden rules of the pool? No diving in the shallow end.

He climbs out, swim shorts clung to his hips snugly and body glistening in the sunlight. Over his shades, he peaks up at you, watching how your gaze averts in an attempt to not connect with his own.

Ah, a hint of interest, he can play on that.

With a smirk, he strides over to the shallow end of the pool, diving in without hesitation and hearing you yell out through the muffle of the water.

He keeps his body as flat as he can, as subtly as possible making sure he doesn’t rise to the surface just yet.

And then a splash. He closes his eyes when that familiar red suit comes into view under the water, feeling your hands grip around his chest and drag him back up from the flow.

Everyone gasp when you get him to the cement, struggling with his stature, before proceeding to press on his chest.

He holds his breath, feeling your head rest over his chest and checking for his breath before placing your fingers near his lips.

Nothing, nada, he was gonna make you work for it.

“You fucking idiot.” You mumble softly, and it takes everything in him not to smirk when you move your fingers to his lips, spreading them.

Sucking in a breath, you lean forward and press your lips to his, pushing the air into his mouth.

He pauses for a moment, and this his lips are pressing back against yours, and you freeze at the contact.

What the fuck?

What in the ever-living fuck!?

You don’t register for a moment how your lips feel slotted to his, how warm and inviting his mouth is, but you quickly jerk back when you do, feeling ashamed for having fallen for the playboy’s trick.

And then his cheek starts stinging.

“Fucking asshole!” You squeal, yanking your body away from his own and storming off like a child throwing a tantrum.

“Hello to you too, sweetheart!” Billy calls after you with a lick to his lips.

His hand rises to his cheek and for a moment, he has to resist everything in him to chase after you, pin you against the closest wall, and show you just how badly he’s been pinning for you.

But all in due time.

This was just the next step in getting you to want him.

Leave you with the feeling of his lips and remind you that there is more where that comes from, but he wants you to beg for it.

A smirk rises to his lips as he stands, shaking his head due to the damp locks and making his way to the men’s shower room.

Your little blush, maybe from anger, maybe from something else, hadn’t gone unnoticed before you left the scene in a hurry, and it only fueled his ego.

Next time he knew he needed to take it a step further, but for now he’ll leave you squirming.

All apart of the game to get you on your knees for him.

Needing him.

Wanting him.

Just like any other chick in this shit town.

All in due time.

I had the amazing opportunity of attending a private viewing of the new Heroes: The British Invasion of American Comics exhibition at the Cartoon Museum in London before its official opening tomorrow. It was a fantastic event and I got the chance to talk to some industry pros I've admired for a long time now but the exhibition itself is something special -- featuring highlights from The Yellow Kid to All-Star Comics to Jack Kirby's Mister Miracle to Vertigo's Enigma and beyond. The exhibition runs for six months so be sure to check it out if you're around! (25/04/24)

As an interlude from Hozierposting, I bring you a song I listen to when I feel really scattered:

Sliver was not a good movie. I read the book, and it wasn't too great either, pardon me for saying so. However, you may remember the UB40 cover of "Can't Help Falling in Love," which was #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks in 1993. I was there, Gandalf, and it was inescapable. It was also the lead track on the Sliver soundtrack, despite really not fitting the movie's tone in any way that I recall. The album itself only got as high as #23; most people slept on the soundtrack as a whole, which also featured Enigma, Verve, Massive Attack, Shaggy—and this Neneh Cherry song.

It's also on her Homebrew album, which I slept on. I'm going to catch up this week on her first two albums, that one and, before that, Raw Like Sushi, because I've always liked "Buffalo Stance." Like, yeah, it came out in 1988 and I was maybe nine years old, but let's pretend I had good taste even then and wasn't just drawn like a moth to dance-beat flames. How old was Neneh Cherry at the time, 24 years old? "Buffalo Stance" is a debut with incredible confidence, and I think I associate that assertiveness, that power, with her style as a whole.

But there's a bridge in "Buffalo Stance" where the song slows down and hints at something more existential:

Wind on my face, sound in my ears Water from my eyes, and you on my mind As I sink, diving down deep Deeper into your soul

"Move With Me," I feel, takes the spirit of that bridge and slows it down to something meditative—the words are firm in their sense of self, but the melody verges on mournful:

Into a world I plunge through my headphones Escape into the streetlight I begin to believe in destiny When my surroundings in rhythm with me

I'm not very good at describing the technical aspects of music—I write about it from a place of enthusiasm, not expertise, so I'm guessing at what I'm hearing, really. But: her vocals here alternate between riding the wave of the synth melody, and a rap style that is sometimes soft-edged, sometimes harder, declarative, bringing out the crisp drumbeats. The heart of the song is the chorus:

So move with me, I'm strong enough To be weak in your arms Move with me, I'm strong enough To be real in your arms

I think what I find so grounding about "Move with Me" is the confidence of Neneh Cherry's voice, soft and hard by turns, and the solidity of that beat against the wistful melody—like the chorus, vulnerability entwined with strength. But the words themselves are also Really Something, and just contemplating the whole thing—well, it'll make you think about why you're here and where that is, in a way that makes you (or at least me) feel more certain of both. And it's the end of the song that really does that for me. When I looked up the lyrics to be sure I was quoting them correctly, I found that most online versions don't have the final verse, which ends with:

I'm washing through the whole, saw through the one I fell I plunge into myself, now I'm the story that I tell For another grain of sand that we'll nurture in our shell In our allotted place between heaven and hell.

Source “Mission: Enigma (September 1993)” by Alexis Janson (1993) Published by: Software Visions [ENIGMA.ZZT] - “>3< Main Floor” {🔫: 1} Play This World Online

So you know that post about Enigma's "Sadeness" going round, where everyone in the 90ies was into Gregorian Chants for a month?

It was NOT just a month.

The 90ies is a whole decade of unexpected and weird bangers which were based on combinations of synth, traditional instruments, traditional music, choral work and religious music. This is why there was always a whole section in shops called "New Age" (which pretty much meant "weird music we can't classify").

So Enigma releases "Sadeness" in 1990 and it becomes wildly popular in Europe. The band is still going strong apparently, though I haven't heard of any of their other music.

In 1993 in France, another Gregorian Chant banger came out: the soundtrack from a (terrible) comedy called Les Visiteurs.

If the theme sounds familiar, it's because in 1996 the composer Eric Lévy formed the band Era (also still going to this day) and the song "Ameno" was another banger. The album was apparently France's biggest musical export in 1996.

In 1994, another choral banger hit the charts. Written phonetically in a language that sounds like Latin, it was used in adverts and the album generally sold really well.

Okay so how was it possible for this many Latin-sounding choral work weird-ass bangers to get so popular? Well, IMO, someone paved the way for them.

Enya topped the charts for weeks in 1989 with her album Watermark and single "Orinoco Flow". Her music heavily relies on choral work, is heavily inspired by religious and classical music, with her own Irish spin on it. While "Orinoco Flow" sounds quite far from that dark Gregorian style, a number of lesser-known tracks definitely have a feel of it. This is my favourite from 1995, all in Latin (other notable ones are "Cursum Perficio" and "Tempus Vernum"):

And if you're one of those snobs poo-poohing Enya as "just cutesy ambient music", she is still Ireland's bestselling solo artist 35 years later, in spite of the fact that she doesn't tour and only releases an album every 5 years or so. She has influenced many artists, been used in soundtracks and sampled into several songs which themselves became hits. Her music is complex and varied - if you care to dig further than her singles.

And since it's Christmas, it's only appropriate for me to end with this gorgeous adaptation of a Christmas hymn:

Sharkman.EXE 🦈🤖

Back in 1993 at a CompUSA (remember those?), I got a copy of what I thought was Mega Man 3 for our old Compaq family computer. What I didn’t realize, is that I got a game that I could only describe as a fever dream from someone who had NO IDEA what Mega Man was. From nothing but organic enemies, weird recolored Mega Man 2 bosses, and NO soundtrack, it was a real enigma. Hilarious that they pulled Sharkman out from obscurity, and gave him a place in the EXE universe though.

What to watch during the ongoing WGA strike

As the WGA strike keeps going, put the pressure where it belongs: on big companies, not the writers working for better conditions.

While we wait for new content (after an equitable agreement), here are some lesser-known movies, along with the (US) streaming services where they can be found. Feel free to add on with a title, short description, and where it can be found!

(Television show version here!)

Films listed under the cut!

Netflix:

The Gray Man (2022) - Rated R. A CIA spook known only as Sierra Six (Ryan Gosling) is assigned to kill a former Sierra member... only to find himself at the center of a conspiracy. At the same time, he becomes the target of a sadistic ex-CIA mercenary (Chris Evans).

Genre: Action/thriller. There are likely to be more Gray Man films coming in the near future, along with a television show based on Chris Evans's chillingly villainous Lloyd Hansen.

Rocky (1976) - Rated PG. Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) is a washed-up boxer who works as a Mafia enforcer. He gets an unexpected chance at glory when boxer Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) wants to fight an unknown.

Genre: Drama/sports. If you don't know the story behind Rocky, it's almost as good as the movie itself!

The Imitation Game (2014) - Rated PG-13. The story of Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch), particularly his work in World War II to decode Enigma transmissions intercepted from the Axis powers.

Genre: Biographical drama. The Imitation Game is the story of Alan Turing's life, both triumphs and tragedies. It contains themes of hidden homosexuality, cruel and unusual punishment, and suicide.

Max:

Triple Frontier (2019) - Rated R. An ex-Delta Force soldier (Oscar Isaac) asks his prior teammates to come on one final mission, with the promise of an incredible payout.

Genre: Action/adventure. Triple Frontier is a typical action/adventure movie with some interesting effects and a cast (Isaac, Ben Affleck, Pedro Pascal, Charlie Hunnam, and Garrett Hedlund) that elevates it a little further.

Parasite (2019) - Rated R. The Kim family struggles to make ends meet until Ki-woo is referred to tutor a rich teenager. Through manipulation and daring, the entire Kim family ends up employed by the unknowing Park family.

Genre: Black comedy/thriller. Full of fascinating dynamics and an interesting look at divisions of wealth in South Korea, it's clear to see why Parasite gained such acclaim.

Casablanca (1942) - Rated PG. Casablanca, Morocco is a popular departure point for people fleeing the Nazis. Jaded nightclub owner Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) must decide whether to risk his life to help his ex (Ingrid Bergman) and her husband escape.

Genre: Romance/drama. Casablanca is considered by many to be the greatest movie ever made. If you haven't seen it, try it. Keep an eye out for dry humor and the way the director uses shadows to keep the black and white film interesting!

Ex Machina (2014) - Rated R. Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson) wins an office lottery to help the company's CEO (Oscar Isaac) test his new AI (Alicia Vikander).

Genre: Sci-fi/psychological thriller. With incredible effects, a labyrinthine plot, and uncomfortable questions about what makes us human, it's easy to see why Ex Machina is considered one of the best sci-fi films of the last decade.

Hulu:

The Last Action Hero (1993) - Rated PG-13. Film fan Danny (Austin O'Brien) goes to see the latest in his favorite franchise, he finds himself pulled into the movie, working alongside his hero Jack Slater (Arnold Schwarzeneggar).

Genre: Fantasy/action/satire. Think of every action trope you associate with Arnold Schwarzeneggar, mix it with a vibe like Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and add some self-aware humor, and you have The Last Action Hero. This is not a popular film among internet aggregators, but I enjoyed it!

Palm Springs (2020) - Rated R. Reluctant maid of honor Sarah (Cristin Milioti) is fascinated by a wedding guest (Andy Samberg) who seems to know more than he should. When she follows him from the wedding, she finds herself stuck with him in a time loop.

Genre: Sci-fi/rom-com. Though Palm Springs has some real COVID-19 quarantine vibes, the plot keeps it from feeling like a time capsule.

Whiplash (2014) - Rated R. Talented drummer Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is identified for an elite jazz band by sadistic and manipulative conductor Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons).

Genre: Drama. Though Whiplash is not a horror movie, it is partially produced by Blumhouse Productions. That darkness really shines through in Fletcher's abusive behavior.

Role Models (2008) - Rated R. After a disastrous, drunken day at work, Danny (Paul Rudd) is assigned community service in a big brother program. He is assigned to awkward teenager Augie (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) and accompanies him during his favorite activity: LARPing.

Genre: Humor. Though Role Models can get a little close to cringe comedy, it's got enough genuine humor and heart to get away with it... and even be a little sweet.

Amazon Prime:

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) - Rated R. An author tells the story of Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori), the owner of a once-grand hotel in the former country of Zubrowka, using several frame stories.

Genre: Drama. Wes Anderson's films have a very characteristic style. The Grand Budapest Hotel features stunning sets, a ton of cameos, and enough quirky humor to keep you entertained!

Hot Fuzz (2007) - Rated R. London police officer Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) is reassigned to the small town of Sandford. He's frustrated by the small town at first, but a string of murders make him suspect something more is going on...

Genre: Action/comedy. Hot Fuzz is the second installment of the Cornetto Trilogy. It is a satirical look at the cop film genre - and thus has a lot of overdramatic violence - but it manages to stand on its own at the same time.

Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989) - Rated PG. Bill (Alex Winter) and Ted (Keanu Reeves) are two teens more interested in their band than their studies. But if they don't pass their history final, Ted will be sent to military school. A mysterious stranger gives them a time machine, sending them off to write the best essay of all time!

Genre: Comedy/sci-fi. If you're used to Keanu Reeves as a broody hero, you're in for a shock and a treat to see him at his surfer/stoner/slacker best!

The Iron Giant (1999) - Rated PG. In 1957, 9-year-old Hogarth Hughes finds a 50-foot tall robot in the woods. He befriends the giant and the two work to evade the government, who suspect it is an attack on the United States.

Genre: Family/adventure. The Iron Giant is one of the most recognizable and emotional animated films of the 1990s - extra impressive considering it's a Warner Bros film that came out in the middle of the Disney Renaissance!

Disney+

The Boondock Saints (1999) - Rated R. Irish Catholic brothers Connor (Sean Patrick Flanery) and Murphy (Norman Reedus) living in 1990s Boston are sick of the crime on the streets. They decide to take matters into their own hands.

Genre: Crime/drama. The Boondock Saints has low scores on almost every film aggregator site, but is widely considered a cult classic. (Edit: warnings for insensitive portrayal of homosexuality and transgenderism.)

Feel free to reblog this and add your own lesser-known film suggestions! Support the WGA strike!

The Reluctant Dragon (1941) - Rated G. Robert Benchley wants to sell a movie idea to Walt Disney. As he searches for Walt, he wanders through the studio and sees how many of the magical movie effects are done.

Genre: Family/fantasy. I'll admit, this film was included on purpose. Not because it's amazing (it's interesting at best), but because of the story behind it. The Reluctant Dragon was released three weeks after the majority of the animators went on strike. (And most of the "workers" in the film are actually actors, another sore spot.) Disney fired all of the strikers before eventually agreeing to let them unionize and rehiring those who wished to return. (You can read more about the strike here.)