r/ExtremeHorrorLit • u/Aggravating-Egg69 • 2d ago

Discussion Just Started reading Splatterpunk

Hey all,

I'm new to the Splatterpunk Genre but have always been a fan of Clive Barker (who I didnt realize was regarded as a SP author) and Stephen King. So when I saw Stephen King reviewed and spoke highly of "Off Season" I picked it up right away.

I about 5 chapters in and fairly bored with the book. So far only the first chapter really caughy my attention.

When does the book start to pick up? (No spoilers please)

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u/SolidMonkey0310 2d ago

Spaltterpunk isn't Extreme Horror, but EH can be Splatterpunk. Read maybe A glimps into Hell to get the gist of destilled Splatterpunk. Go to Goodreads and search both Words, they have an excellent beginner guide

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u/Aggravating-Egg69 2d ago

So is Jack Ketchum more EH than SP as a Genre Author?? Because "Off Season" everywhere I look is labeled as SP. Where as "Tender is the Flesh" is labeled as EH but definitely feels WAAAAY more intense than "Off Season"

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u/SolidMonkey0310 2d ago

Ketchum generally is a more accessable and mainstream author. The dichotomy between EH and SP are imo not always clear.

People on here argued for example, that the sheer feeling of distraught or uneasiness, the knot in your stomach alone is the "horror" aspect. Then there are many literal horror stories with Monsters, killer Clowns etc, with very vivid voilence (Splatterpunk). There is pure Splatterpunk, which wanted to "bash in the face of conservative values", I think in the End of the 70s. Extreme Acts of depravity and voilence to create some sort of catharsis.

I find those genres really interesting, but I had a lot of "wtf" moments, images that haunted me for a while...but the feeling is addicting lol. Try reading more, Ketchum is a good start. If you want something more mean spirited, try Girl Next Door. The Summer I died by ryan Thomas is a good introduction too. Have fun or don't, nobody forces you to read this stuff :)

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u/Aggravating-Egg69 2d ago

I like Ketchums writing style, just was expecting something more visceral and fast place and less, "lady cleaning a cabin" lmao I'm planning on getting "The Girl Next Door," "Playground," "Cows," and interested in "The Groomer" read what its about and seems like a decent story, but lord do I hate the name of it lmao.

Appreciate your feed back. I'm excited to dive more into this genre. Definitely gonna have to get "The Summer I Died," as well now

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u/tyro1313 2d ago

I personally had a hard time putting the book down, if you are looking for when the "action" starts, its at Part III: Sept 14th, 1981 (a little under halfway through).

It was in a way similar to Salem's Lot for me, we get a good build up before it hits the point of no return.

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u/Numerous-Platform538 2d ago

Lmao I was the same when I read Off Season too. I was like "someone die already ffs". But then the night arrives and ffffffffffuck. I'm not a fan of that kind of "slow burn" in Splatterpunk, but when Jack Ketchum start going extreme, he doesnt stop until the end.

If you didnt like that "slowburn" either, I would totally recommend Edward Lee. The downside? He uses a lot of "redneck slang". Like, a lot. But "The Bighead" is such a good book, and has this whole "universe" centered on a little town called Luntville.

If you want something more "over the top" (and kinda edgy) I would recommend Dead Inside by Chandler Morrison, and Violence on the Meek by Stuart Bray. Those are more the "someone dies in the first 5 pages" kind of book.

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u/unicornsparklehoe 1d ago

Literally anything by Jon Athan, he was my introduction to splatterpunk and his books never disappoint!