Get your Freak On!

The Gothic eZine is dedicated to exploring alternative culture, fashion, fantasy/horror, existentialism, alternative religion (ie. paganism and wicca), sexuality, and all things gothic! Enjoy your stay!

Gothic Art
Neo-Gothic Art Manifesto
The History of Gothic Art
William Blake
Jonathon Earl Bowser
Stefanie Lynn Evans
Caroline Folkenroth
Candice Raquel Lee
Jasmine Maddock
Charles Moffat
Elizabeth Moisei
Emilia Noris
Rachel Stone
Victoria Van Dyke
Judith Weratschnig
Antoine Wiertz
The Mirage Freak Show Series
Nightmares in the Morning
Neo-Gothic Sculpture or the Lack Thereof

Gothic Books
Hell Hounds - A Gothic Adventure
Hell Bound - Is your Soul Bound to Hell?
The Lilith Bloodstone Series

Gothic Dance
How to Dance Gothic I
How to Dance Gothic II

Gothic Fashion
The Gothic Fashion Directory
Gothic Accessories
Gothic Bikinis and Swimwear
Gothic Clothing
Gothic Corsets
Gothic Footwear
Gothic Makeup
Goths on the Job
Chastity Belts & Corsets
The Corset: Is it Feminist?
Gothic Lolitas
Emily the Strange Fashion
Gothic Hair and Makeup
Handy Guide to Making Yourself Look Dead Sexy
Advanced Corset Design
Corsetry Glossary
Corset Wearing and Care

Gothic Culture, Myth & News
Zombie Reanimation Theory
Killer Goth in Montreal
The Lilith Library
Art, Cannibalism & Vampirism
Biography of Victoria Van Dyke
Suicide Entertainment
Gothic Culture & Post-Modernism
Thats Soooo Chinky!
Witches & Pagan Religious Practices
Stephen King, the King of Horror

Gothic Movies and Music
Accolade
The Fallacy
Cradle Of Filth
Inkubus Sukkubus
Sisters Of Mercy
Siouxsie & The Banshees
Switchblade Symphony
The Bauhaus
Type O Negative
Rise: Blood Hunter
Zombie Movies from Hell
List of Gothic Bands

Hell Hounds
Take a Bite Out of this Gothic Adventure

Heroes in Hell is a series of shared world fantasy books, within the genre Bangsian horror/fantasy, created and edited by Janet Morris and written by her, Chris Morris, C. J. Cherryh and others. The first 12 novels in the saga were published by Baen Books between 1986 and 1989, and stories from the series include both Hugo Award winners and Nebula Award nominees.

The series was resurrected in 2011 by Janet Morris with the thirteenth book and eighth anthology in the series, Lawyers in Hell, followed by six more anthologies and two novels between 2012 and 2016.

Keep reading by visiting Hell Hounds, A Gothic Adventure...

The Lilith Bloodstone Series takes
necromancy to a new level

You may have noticed the ads on the side broadcasting the release of the first 3 books of "The Lilith Bloodstone Series" on Amazon Kindle. Why are we broadcasting it? Because the books are freaking zombie-rific awesome.

If you love zombies, vampires, ghosts, basically anything to do with undead, the afterlife, necromancy or the occult then you will probably love the world created by Canadian fantasy author Charles Moffat. The kingdom of Korovia that Lilith Bloodstone lives in is richly detailed with background bits that are slowly revealed to the reader, like the Three Demon Wars and hints at a Fourth Demon War in Lilith Bloodstone's future, as well as historical and geopolitical information about feuding warlords to create a backdrop. But ignoring the warlords and the demons, there is always the undead, evil necromancers, murderers, creatures from other planes of existence... and Lilith Bloodstone, although young, is quick to prove that necromancy can be a source of power to destroy undead instead of creating them.

To make it easier on us Moffat has bypassed the usual routine of authors publishing novels. Each book in The Lilith Bloodstone Series is an anthology of 3 short stories with a continuing storyline which is a bit like a soap opera, but in truth it follows in the footsteps of the old pulp fiction magazines of the 1920s and 1930s... from which Conan the Barbarian got his chops. However The Lilith Bloodstone Series is only available on Amazon Kindle right now, which means you need to either buy a Kindle, download the app on your smartphone, or download the Kindle program to your laptop, tablet or desktop. (Update - As of 2013 the Lilith Bloodstone series is also available on Kobo.)

But if you do you will get to enjoy every zombie-rific, vampire-slaying, undead bashing, demon banishing story that Lilith Bloodstone has to offer.

Gothic bites in land of Dracula

Transylvania - Bram Stoker's over-active imagination has twisted Transylvania into the equivalent of a Dracula theme park. But this former principality of the Austro-Hungarian Empire overflows with history, architecture and culture.

So much so, that one of Transylvania's main cities, Sibiu, has been anointed this year's cultural capital of Europe, along with Luxembourg.

Acclaimed by travel books as Romania's friendliest city, and resembling a mini-Prague, Sibiu is a great starting point for Transylvanian journeys.

This still-inhabited medieval Germanic citadel, almost 1000 years old, sits near the feet of the spectacular Carpathian mountain range.

The old town is full of cobblestoned streets and gothic and baroque stone structures that provide beautiful sights for those strolling on one of the many warm evenings in summer.

And when it rains, there are always the centuries-old cellar bars, where solace from the wet and cold can be found surrounded by beautiful stone walls, with a cup of coffee or a glass of tuica (pronounced tsu-eeka) – the colourless spirit Romanian peasants distil from plums and other fruit.

One such establishment is among my favourite bars in the world: Sibiu's beloved Crama (meaning traditional restaurant) National.

Tucked in a stone cellar, furnished with wooden tables and dimly lit, this place serves the best hot tuica and mulled wine in Sibiu. Its home-made sandwiches, including bread spread with dripping, onions and paprika, are an ideal accompaniment to such beverages.

Crama National is usually filled with university students and professors, and is friendly, cheerful and cheap – very few dollars will get you fed and merry.

But there are also plenty of upmarket clubs, pubs and cafes, where you can sip cognac in lush surrounds, with a little jazz or piano music, or groove to the latest hits into the early hours.

For those craving culture and history, the area in which Sibiu lies has had archaeological finds dating from the Stone, Bronze and Iron ages. A tribe called the Dacians lived there hundreds of years before the birth of Christ.

The Romans established a settlement called Cibinium (hence the name Sibiu), which was abandoned by their retreating legions about 270AD.

Saxons arrived at the site about 1150AD – sent to Transylvania with Hungarians by Hungarian King Geysa II to clear the heavily forested land, in order to protect the borders of his empire. Trans in Latin means "the other side" and silva means forest.

The territory joined Romania in 1918, after it was annexed from the Austro-Hungarian Empire – hence the Germanic or Hungarian character of its cities.

The Saxons called Sibiu Hermannstadt – Herman's city – a name its mainly Romanian residents still proudly use in recognition of its long heritage.

More recent history is also preserved, with some beautiful old homes still scarred by bullet holes from the revolution that overthrew communism in 1989.

Walking on the stone paths of the old town area, surrounded by the brightly painted Saxon houses and grand administration buildings (Prince Charles has had a role in renovating some of these) you breathe in fresh air from the surrounding mountains.

It's this air that I blame for my inability to resist the numerous street stands, which serve the likes of covrigi, a skinny version of the German pretzel. Gogosi – Romanian doughnuts filled with vanilla cream, or chocolate or jam – are great for something sweet and stodgy.

Sibiu's central meeting point is the Piata (pronounced "piazza") Mare, which means literally "big square". It hosts summer festivals and concerts, against a backdrop of historic towers.

For reasonably priced, yet authentic, Romanian food, visit a crama, because, apart from buildings and archaeological relics in the famous National Brukenthal Museum, most things German have gone.

Most of the Germans fled to Germany during the 1970s, and particularly after communism fell. Munich is full of Transylvanian Saxon families who are still reconciling themselves with a motherland that hasn't really been theirs for 900-odd years.

Back to the Romanian food, at a crama you'll find great portions of typical Romanian dishes such as cabbage rolls filled with pork.

There's also what Westerners might consider more exotic fare, such as ciorba de burta – tripe soup. This is mild-flavoured and really tasty with sour cream – an essential accompaniment to many Transylvanian soups.

Sibiu is full of well-stocked supermarkets that are open late, but for fresh produce, including incredibly delicious cheese, meat and sausages, displayed by the peasants who produce them, visit one of the markets on the fringes of the old town.

There, you'll also find plenty of small, organic fruit and vegetables, just as nature intended them, that will delight any gourmet.

For those curious about the Dracula story, Vlad the Dracul (meaning the dragon or devil), was a Wallachian (southern Romanian) prince who was most likely born in the Transylvanian city of Sighisoara.

Stoker based his character on Vlad because of the prince's fondness for impaling his enemies, such as invading Turks, on stakes.

Among Romanian peasants, Vlad is remembered as a prince who defended his people from foreign aggression.

In fact, vampires play no role in the local mythology.

Sibiu is also surrounded by beautiful (and often almost deserted) old Saxon villages.

Classical neighbouring cities, such as Cluj and Brasov, are also easy to access with trains and buses.

Is Goth Dead?

By Monique Bellamont - May 2014.

There are a plethora of other sub-cultures that now exist in North America. Emo. Vamps. Trench Coat Hosers. Steampunk. Cyberpunk. Gone is the late 90s / early 2000s heyday of goth when Marilyn Manson was still embedded in the social subconscious and in the minds of every parent who thought their teenager was wearing too much black and becoming too existential.

No, now parents have different worries - like "Is my kid trying to emulate Justin Bieber?" More than just the haircut that makes him look like k.d. lang, parents now have many other worries and goth teenagers is not a top priority any more.

What has happened since the decline of goth culture has not been a removal of it. Goths are still out there. The goth shops in Toronto are all - or almost all - gone. Instead the businesses have moved online and many goths are now older, wiser, and have credit cards, a mortgage and rising / falling debt. The point is they have money - and they can spend it online and order clothing and other goth accessories online as they see fit.

Although I admit, I much prefer being in an actual store where one can browse. Especially when it comes to corsets and boots. It helps to be able to try things on physically.

However there are sometimes one or two teens in a school who choose to go the goth route. Emo and other sub-cultures are not for them. This has made goth even more rare - and arguably even more elitist, as goth attracts the most intellectual, non-conformist group of conformists (we all wear black...?) who ever dared to call themselves existentialists.

So is goth dead?

Non, mon cherie. Nous sommes plus ιlitiste que jamais. (No, my sweetheart. We are more elitist than ever.)

The Future of Gothic Culture: A Continuation of Dark Beauty and Subversive Expression

By Chaz G. T. Patto - June 2023.

Gothic culture, with its distinctive aesthetic, music, fashion, and subcultural identity, has captured the imagination of individuals worldwide for decades. While its origins can be traced back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, gothic culture continues to evolve and find new expressions in the modern era. This article explores the future of gothic culture, envisioning its ongoing influence and its potential to embrace new forms of creativity and subversive expression.

Evolving Aesthetics and Artistic Expression:

The future of gothic culture lies in the evolution of its aesthetics and artistic expression. Gothic art and design have always been known for their dark and moody atmosphere, drawing inspiration from themes of horror, romanticism, and the macabre. As technology advances, we can expect gothic artists to embrace new mediums such as digital art, immersive installations, and interactive experiences to create captivating and thought-provoking works.

Moreover, gothic culture has always celebrated individuality and nonconformity. In the future, we may witness the fusion of gothic aesthetics with other subcultures and genres, resulting in innovative and boundary-pushing expressions of art, fashion, and music.

Digital Communities and Global Connectivity:

The advent of the internet and social media has revolutionized subcultural communities, allowing gothic culture to transcend geographical boundaries. Online platforms provide spaces for gothic enthusiasts to connect, share their passions, and collaborate creatively. The future of gothic culture will likely see an even greater interconnectedness, with digital communities fostering global collaboration and the exchange of ideas.

Virtual events, streaming concerts, and online marketplaces enable gothic artists, musicians, and fashion designers to reach a wider audience. This digital landscape opens doors for the creation of immersive virtual experiences and innovative collaborations that push the boundaries of gothic expression.

Sustainability and Ethical Practices:

As society becomes more aware of the environmental and social impacts of consumerism, the future of gothic culture may embrace sustainable and ethical practices. Conscious fashion choices, such as upcycling, repurposing, and using eco-friendly materials, can align with gothic aesthetics and values. The gothic community may champion independent designers who prioritize ethical production methods and support local craftsmanship.

Moreover, gothic culture has long celebrated individualism and non-conformity, which can extend to questioning societal norms and advocating for social justice. The future of gothic culture may involve more active participation in social and environmental causes, using its platform to raise awareness and promote positive change.

Intersectionality and Inclusivity:

Gothic culture has always thrived on embracing diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives. The future of gothic culture will likely continue to emphasize intersectionality and inclusivity. This means welcoming individuals of all backgrounds, genders, and ethnicities into the gothic community and amplifying their voices and creative contributions.

The promotion of inclusivity will enrich gothic culture by fostering a more diverse range of experiences, aesthetics, and narratives. It will challenge stereotypes and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all who identify with or are drawn to gothic culture.

Final Thoughts:

The future of gothic culture holds exciting possibilities for artistic expression, digital connectivity, sustainability, and inclusivity. As technology advances, gothic aesthetics will find new forms of expression, embracing digital mediums and immersive experiences. Sustainable and ethical practices will align with gothic values, contributing to a more conscious and responsible approach to fashion and consumption.

Furthermore, gothic culture will continue to celebrate individuality and nonconformity while embracing intersectionality and inclusivity, creating a community that welcomes diverse identities and perspectives. With its enduring allure and subversive spirit, gothic culture will thrive and inspire future generations to embrace their unique darkness and create their own paths of artistic expression and self-discovery.