In this thrilling episode of Lending Voices, Adam Smith, Children's Assistant at Rutherglen Library, dives into a chilling conversation with acclaimed comic writer John Lees about his latest horror comic, The Nasty. Set in 1994 Scotland, The Nasty tells the story of 18-year-old Thumper Connell, who still has an imaginary friend—the masked killer from his favorite slasher movie. Thumper, along with his group of friends, "The Murder Club," becomes obsessed with a notorious film from the "Video Nasties" era—films so terrifying they were targeted by the British Moral Decency League. But as Thumper’s obsession deepens, the line between fiction and reality begins to blur.

In this episode, John shares the inspiration behind The Nasty, his love for horror, and how growing up in 1990s Rutherglen shaped the eerie atmosphere of the comic. They also chat about the "Video Nasties" moral panic, the love of fandom, and the power of genre storytelling. If you're a fan of horror, VHS culture, or just enjoy a good scare, this episode is a must-listen!

Highlights:

• Thumper Connell and The Nasty: John discusses the creation of The Nasty and its protagonist, who explores the fine line between imaginary horrors and real-life fears.
• Growing Up in 1990s Rutherglen: How John's experiences influenced the setting and mood of the comic.
• The Video Nasties Moral Panic: A deep dive into the impact of the "Video Nasty" controversy on horror films and culture.
• The Power of Fandom: How horror fandom and the need to create art shape the narrative of The Nasty.
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Links:

• Explore John’s Work and Buy The Nasty: John Lees Comics Shop
• Support John on Patreon: John Lees on Patreon
• Follow John on Instagram: John Lees Instagram
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Join us on Lending Voices for a spooky exploration of horror, nostalgia, and creativity, and don’t forget to subscribe for more fascinating conversations!

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