In this episode of Horror Heals, Corey and Kendall welcome Eisner Award-nominated horror comic book writer Jim Ousley. From his love of Universal monster movies to creating stories that tackle societal issues, Jim takes us on a journey through his lifelong connection to horror, comics, and the creative process. The episode explores the intersection of horror, healing, and humor, with anecdotes from Jim and Corey’s time in a sketch comedy troupe, insights into the dynamics of horror conventions, and the profound impact of art on personal and societal healing.

From Shy Kid to Eisner Nominee: The Healing Power of Monsters

Jim also teases his upcoming appearances at the Days of the Dead Horror Convention in Chicago, where he’ll be showcasing Butcher Queen Vol. 2 - Planet of the Dead. Plus, Corey reminisces about Jim’s unforgettable performance in the comedy sketch Bye-sie Bye!

Key Themes and Topics:

The Early Days of Horror Love:

• Jim’s childhood fascination with classic Universal monster movies.
• How the themes of being an “odd man out” resonated with his own experiences of shyness and bullying.
• The role of horror as a gateway to kinship and self-discovery.

Horror and Community:

• The camaraderie and acceptance found at horror conventions.
• The difference between fandom in-person versus online spaces.
• Why conventions are a safe space where cultural divides and prejudices disappear.

Comedy Meets Horror:

• Corey and Jim’s time in the Non-Prophets comedy troupe and the hilarious sketch Bye-sie Bye!
• The shared DNA of horror and comedy—both thrive on timing, tension, and emotional release.

Creating Stories That Matter:

• Jim’s journey from lyricist and music writer to horror comic book creator.
• How projects like The Atonement Bell reflect his personal experiences with societal and cultural divides in St. Louis.
• The importance of balancing fun and social commentary in horror stories.

Upcoming Work and Convention Appearance:

• Jim teases a new comic project inspired by family dynamics and memories of his mother.
• His excitement for showcasing Butcher Queen Vol. 2 at the Days of the Dead Convention in Chicago.

The Power of Art in Healing:

• How creativity can illuminate societal issues and foster understanding.
• Jim’s perspective on using horror to process pain, connect with others, and inspire change.

Why Should You Tune In?

This episode dives deep into the healing potential of horror and the magic of fandoms, offering relatable and heartfelt insights for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. Whether you're a horror enthusiast, a comic book fan, or simply someone who finds comfort in creative expression, Jim’s story will resonate. Plus, his behind-the-scenes look at crafting horror comics and navigating conventions is a treat for fans of the genre.

Jim’s personal anecdotes and thought-provoking reflections make this a must-listen. Stick around for Corey’s and Jim’s nostalgic comedy memories, Kendall’s heartfelt observations, and Jim’s pick for an underrated final girl: Jess from Black Christmas!