31 Days of Nerd Horror: Day 10
Welcome to day 10 of the 31 Days of Nerd Horror, a master list you can use to delve into nerd horror through books, movies, games, and creepy legends. Today, we have an exciting roster of titles to share with you. To kick off, we have the 1987 cult classic The Monster Squad. Next up is an exciting novel written by Steve Rasnic Tem called Blood Kin, covering some generational trauma. Let’s not forget the game of the week, which is the 2023 remake of System Shock, taking a dive into sci-fi. And last but certainly not least, we have the lore we have all been warned about: the White Vans.
THE MONSTER SQUAD (1987)
The 1987 film The Monster Squad isn’t just a cult classic for monster lovers, it’s a true nerd horror masterpiece and favorite. Directed by Fred Dekker, this film is a beloved mashup of classic monster movie nostalgia, ‘80s adventure, and underdog coming of age drama, making it a quintessential nerd horror film. The movie follows a group of young misfits who are obsessed with horror movies and monsters. That knowledge comes in handy when they have to band together with Frankenstein to stop Dracula, Wolfman, and the Mummy from taking over their town. The blend of humor, horror, and heartfelt moments, the film captures the spirit of the era while paying homage to Universal’s classic monster movies.
The film is nerd horror gold as it is packed with mystery eggs and clever nods to monster lore. The film highlights a group of kids who are one of the OG nerd squads—obsessed with horror films and ready to face off against supernatural threats. The mix of light-hearted adventure and genuine scares hits that sweet spot, making it a timeless favorite for fans of both ‘80s nostalgia and classic horror tropes. The film’s celebration of classic monsters and fun, and its accessible approach appeals to horror nerds of all ages. Its unique blend of adventure, humor, and iconic horror figures makes it a perfect getaway for young nerds and a nostalgic trip for genre veterans. Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned fan, The Monster Squad is a must-watch during our 31 Days of Nerd Horror.
BLOOD KIN BY STEVE RASNIC TEM (2015)
Blood Kin by Steve Rasnic Tem takes a dive into generational dread, Southern Gothic Horror, and supernatural forces. The story flips between two timelines—one follows Michael Gibson, who heads back to his Appalachian hometown after his grandmother’s death, and the other tells his grandmother Sadie’s story as she battles dark forces tied to the family. As secrets unravel, the story reveals how trauma and supernatural elements have shaped the Gibson family for generations.
For all the nerd horror fans out there, Blood Kin is a goldmine of rich folklore, Southern Gothic aesthetic, and psychological terror. The novel takes a deep dive into the family's eerie history with an creepy rule setting. The novel immerses you in a world where ancestral trauma and supernatural elements are tightly woven together. Tem’s atmospheric writing and exploration of generational curses make Blood Kin an intellectually engaging horror tale and that is what makes it stand out in the nerd horror realm. These tales ignite the same thrill for intricate, dark storytelling.
SYSTEM SHOCK (2023)
System Shock (2023) is cyberpunk horror for the tech-savvy nerd who love a challenge. The 2023 remake brings the cyberpunk survival horror experience into the modern age with its blend of nail-biting suspense and eerie sci-fi vibes. The gameplay follows a hacker trapped on a space station controlled by SHODAN, a rogue AI turning the crew into terrifying cyborgs and mutants. For us nerd horror fans, System Shock sounds like a dream come true with its tech-driven horror and deep, lore-rich world building that keeps you hooked.
What cements System Shock as a nerd horror classic? It nails the atmosphere and complexity. Staying true to the original, the remake invites you to dive deep into its world, hacking systems, uncovering logs, and surviving SHODAN’s twisted creations. So get ready, because System Shock is another must add in our 31 Days of Nerd Horror.
WHITE VANS (USA)
Okay nerd horror fans, I’m sure you’ve all heard about this one. This urban legend is about a white van that abducts children. While many have claimed the drivers are just pedophiles, some versions of the legend claim the drivers are from a cult that performs ritual sacrifices on children. Others say the vehicle is driven by government agents or interdimensional beings who perform genetic experiments on those they kidnap. Sightings have been reported in various parts of the U.S specifically in New York and California from the 1980s to the present day.
