1) What was your first experience with horror, and at what age?
The first time I remember seeing a horror film, I was 5 years old. My dad showed me [1968's] Night of the Living Dead.
2) What attracted you to horror initially?
I liked being scared. I felt that, growing up when movies were only somewhat original, horror had the most originality. Most comedies seemed tame and boring, I wasn't too big into dramas, and I wasn't a huge sci fi fan. Liking horror also helped me stand out from my friends the most.
3) How did the people you were growing up around react to your blossoming fandom?
People thought I was strange. Most kids my age didn't watch horror, since their parents wee a little more strict than mine were. They didn't understand what I saw in the movies.
4) What is your favorite horror film, star and director?
I have a few favorite films. Day of the Dead, Session 9, Se7en (yes, I consider that a horror film). Directors I like are Edgar Wright, Eli Roth and Adam Green from the new generation. I love Don Coscarelli. George A. Romero has always been a hero of mine. I'm a huge Simon Pegg and Kane Hodder fan. Then there is Reggie Bannister and Bruce Campbell, who I love.
5) Do you have a favorite subgenre?
Since Night of the Living Dead got me into horror, it's only right that my favorite sub-genre is zombies/ghouls/living dead.
6) Are there any films or subgenres you really do not like?
I'm not into action-horror like Van Helsing, Resident Evil or Underworld. I'm also not a huge vampire fan. I enjoy some vampire movies like Let the Right One In and The Lost Boys, as well as some of the older movies, but it's my least favorite subgenre.
7) What is the last horror film you saw? What did you think of it?
Slugs, from, I believe, 1988. It was easily the worst horror film I've ever seen. I had a lot of fun watching it, though. My wife Margaret and I, along with some of our friends, were making fun of it the whole time.
8) How do you express your fandom in everyday life?
I own many t-shirts related to horror. I own close to 1,000 DVDs with a large portion being horror. I have posters and pictures hanging up from horror films.
9) Do you go to conventions or socialize with other fans regularly?
I frequent a horror message board and have grown close to a few people from said board. I like to go to conventions, but I haven't been to one in a while due to monetary constraints.
10) Do you know people in your personal life who are also fans?
Most of the people I know like horror, but only a couple are as big a fan as I am.
11) Describe your horror film/merchandise collection. Do you have a most prized item?
As I stated earlier, I have a lot of shirts, posters and a number of toys. My most prized possession is my Dawn of the Dead Ultimate Edition that is autographed by the entire cast, Tom Savini and George Romero.
12) Do you think there are certain traits horror fans generally share?
Passion. Every horror fan I know or talk to is very passionate about their lifestyle. We know about the actors, directors and crew -- maybe a little too much at times.
13) Can you describe why you are a horror fan?
It's a passion of mine. It's something that entertains me more than almost anything else I know. Plus, it gives me something to be fanatical about.
Want to eat some brains with Brad, or share you love of another subgenre? Just email a request to horror.guide@about.com with your name, age and hometown to become our next Killer Fan!
