Loudwire reported on June 23, 2022 that Megadeth had released a new song: The first new Megadeth song from their imminent sixteenth album, The Sick, The Dying… and the Dead! arrived early on Thursday (June 23). The rippin’ track is called “We’ll Be Back,” and fan reactions — both glowing and otherwise — have started coming forth. Still, […]
Megadeth is Back with “We’ll Be Back” Read More »
Image by Oleg Gamulinskiy from Pixabay Running through the atmosphere, lost, tired and bewildered, the traveler moves to another time. Pulling aimlessly at his memory, he stands alone and lonely, watching the stars and moon fall around him. His ship filters his reality and buffers his soul from the elements that wreck his stranded
The Traveler by Joseph B. St John Read More »
Image by Petra Tant from Pixabay The Woman wiped the blood from her thighs and sat on the folded feed-sack sheet to absorb the flow. She took the Child who had been inside her for about three months and held her in the palm of her hand; she was less than three inches long. The
Tomato Soup by Alan Caldwell Read More »
CBR announced that Marvel Comics would return to publish the Planet of the Apes franchise. Marvel Comics has announced that Planets of the Apes is returning with new stories launching in 2023. Having first published Planet of the Apes comics’ stories in 1974, the property is now returning to Marvel with a line of new stories beginning early next
Planet of the Apes Returns to Marvel Read More »
Image by S. Hermann & F. Richter from Pixabay Change a world before my eyes. Change the color of the stars. Stare off into the sun and rhyme a lullaby. The cold ice drops off every word. A cool ridge climbs your mountain walls. Xanadu sits neatly in the frozen caves– a feast for
Change A World Before My Eyes by Joseph B. St John Read More »
This “Golden Era” comic transports us back to time when America was preparing for war in Europe and beyond. It’s the winter of 1941 and Fawcett Comic’s Spy Smasher is already fighting Nazi Germany. Like all the superheroes of that era, Spy Smasher was ready to fight for truth, justice and the American way. In this
Spy Smasher No. 2 (Winter 1941) Read More »
Image by Trinh Nguyễn from Pixabay The Man shook the blue Ball Mason jar and watched the small clear bubbles form and then quickly dissipate. The Man knew that strong whiskey could never hold its bubbles and that weak men needed strong whiskey to hold. The bubbles never made the Man forget. Even when the
Bubbles By Alan Caldwell Read More »
Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay Caress the morning rain. Surrender to the moisture’s cool comfort. Expression and time moves toward continuum. The dampness erases the burdens of the soul. Pull yourself toward the heavens. Feel your skin dance so alive. Remove your outer layers. Let the wind dry your gentle hair.
Morning Rain by Joseph B. St. John Read More »
This week’s classic comic is Plastic Man in the Game of Death created by the legendary Jack Cole. This is a true “Golden Age” tale from one of the Masters. This story shows all the humor and creativity that comics of the 1940s were known for. Take the time to read this fascinating yarn and
Plastic Man in the Game of Death (1943) by Jack Cole Read More »
Image by Martyn Cook from Pixabay The Girl used her index finger to strike the center key over and over again. The solitary note rang out through the empty country church. Every Sunday, while the bulk of the congregants lingered in the church yard, the Girl waited for just a few moments alone with that
Middle C by Alan Caldwell Read More »
The Black Terror 01 – Feb 1943 In keeping with SGC’s commitment to the “Golden Age of Comics,” this edition will introduce a very popular 1940s superhero, Black Terror of Nedor Comics. Published in 1943, this comic focuses on the Black Terror and his sidekick, Tim. Known as the “Terror Twins,” these Super Heroes face
The Black Terror 01 – Feb 1943 Read More »
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has eclipsed anything that DC Comics has done in the movie business and Marvel’s domination has a strange deja vu quality to it. It happened before in the 1960s-70s, when Marvel overtook DC Comics as the leader of the comic book industry. And, as easy as it would be to give
No… His Name is NOT Shazam Read More »
Image by Mrexentric from Pixabay Gothic sunrise sitting prone, alone– mesmerized by life’s encouragement. Water, cool and easy, reflecting the light of a still dawn. Colors, purple, blue and orange, calling from the sun. A wet mist covering the earth’s shiny coat. Mysterious morn, defender of the new day, awaking all of nature. Standing
Gothic Sunrise by Joseph B. St. John Read More »
Black Mountains roam across the sky. The moon hides its distance shore in a bask of remembrance. A man clothed in deep blue and gray walks purposefully through the night. Steel eyed and gaunt, his pale reflection stands in contrast to his surroundings. A shallow heartbeat fills the air. It’s a small but steady
Desire by Joseph B. St. John Read More »
#60s, #70s, #babyboomer, #Marvel, #MCU, #CaptainAmerica, #Comicbooks, #Comics Marvel Rules! Just like the old days, Marvel was Number 2 and then kicked DC Comics’ #$^%*&a% butt. The following link will help you follow along: Comic Books – They Never Were for Kids Our other websites: 40+& Fit Website SGC Entertainment 2 Avg. Joes
The Marvel of Marvel Comics and Culture (Video) Read More »
#60s, #70s, #NFL, #Rogue, #TVcommercials, #babyboomer If you were raised in the 1960s or 1970s, you understand that the good old days were not always good, but they were fun. They were also damn rogue. The following videos will help you follow along: 1970 Tom Dempsey 63yd. Field Goal HD The Era of the Barefoot
SGC: Robert and Joe talking about Missing our World, 1960-70s – It was so Rogue (Video) Read More »
#marvelcomics, #DCcomics, #MarvelUniverse, #MCU, #Comicbooks Today’s Episode will discuss Marvel Comics and movies and living long enough to understand it all! Maybe? The following links will help you follow the program: True Crime: True Crime Comics (1947-48) Comic Books – They Never Were for Kids America’s Obsession with True Crime: It is Not as New
Southern Gothic Creations: A New Beginning – Lets Talk About Culture Read More »
One of the fascinating things that happen when you begin to report on “True Crime,” is that whether or not you want to admit it or not you start to become an “Armchair” profiler. Even after 30 plus years of police experience and knowing better, I can fall into the trap. So, I don’t want
Edward Edwards: “To Tell the Truth” and the Ultimate Conman By Joseph B. St. John Read More »
by Joseph B. St John Continuing our “True Crime” series on SGC, I have compiled a list of nine books to get anyone started on their true crime journey. These are not just books that I consider to be classics, but they are books that I have actually read. These are works that impressed and
Nine Classic True Crime Stories Everyone Should Read Read More »
By Joseph St. John There is no denying that America is obsessed with true crime, but it is nothing new. Also, it is not necessarily bad. People should be interested in the legal system and how criminals are affecting our day-to-day lives. We also need to be cognizant that our legal system should be working
America’s Obsession with True Crime: It is Not as New as You Think Read More »
By Joseph B. St. John As SGC kicks-off its series on true crime, I am including one of the classic True Crime comics for our readers to review. It is an eye opener. It is True Crime Comics from 1947-48 Thanks to Digital Comic Museum for the PDF. (Page controls are at the bottom of
True Crime: True Crime Comics (1947-48) Read More »
Photo by Khamkéo Vilaysing on Unsplash Do not be afraid of the dark Even if it rains, And you have no one to hold Or anyone to hold on to Do not be afraid of the dark Do not embrace the sorrow Or the “something wicked this way comes” Hold on to your triumphs Keep your dignity
Above: Vickie (left) with her dear friend, Ashley Vallette Over the years, you have the opportunity to meet many people, but only on a rare occasion do you meet someone who shares your creative flair. Vickie was one such person. She had a gift of wanting to share nature and create wonderful photography. She saw
In Loving Memory of Vickie Reed Read More »
Photo by giuseppe Peppe on Unsplash An essay of time and water, a celebration of memory intertwined through our minds and riding a crafted sunset. Life passes easy from time to time. A colorful dream eased in to a peaceful sleep – rest assured. A sunrise quick to follow a lighted twilight. Riding the waters of forgiveness, A
An Essay of Time and Water Read More »
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash When the clock reaches zero, Whisper quietly. Move in close divine. Breathe a gentle kiss- in rhythmic time. Joseph St John
The Clock Reaches Zero Read More »
It is easy to see a project like SGC or 40+&Fit and think that is a one-man show. However, there are many people in the background who help to make the operation run. As with all my media adventures, the behind-the-scenes people work very hard to make me look good. Without them there is no
In Defense of Conspiracy Theories Read More »
Photo by Hans-Jurgen Mager on Unsplash Sun, like water- colors are vivid, pink and green, hallow blue. The prince rides the yellow tiger. One eyed and valiant, the beast sets boldly against the sunset. Strong and vibrant, the golden man glides across the desert sand. The warm air beats hard upon his face. Lips, dry, chapped, parched for
The Prince, The Yellow Tiger Read More »
Last week, I had an opportunity to teach at the Hampton Roads Criminal Justice Training Academy and it is always great to be teaching new recruits. The men and women I meet every time at the academy make me proud to be involved in the law enforcement profession. These dedicated people are more than willing
The Officer Survival Creed: A Tool For Life Read More »
(Green Corn by Vincent Van Gogh) Swirling blue on canvas. Images appear vaguely through the paint. Faces through the clouds look over the field of corn green. Cypress impale the morning air Rolling hills move toward the west. A subtle movement of the brush stroke creates a slight energy of alive. An impression of reality
The Field Of Corn Green Read More »
Lost next to the Earth’s highway the stranger stands firm, unscathed hunting the American Night. He pulls off his shirt. The hot air breathes life on his tired skin. Abandoned, lonely, he walks defiantly across the black asphalt. A road cuts through the pale desert. Dry and angry, he counts his losses. Diamond backed and
Jim and The American Night Read More »
“Red, White and Blue” first appeared on the Vicious Cycle album by Lynyrd Skynyrd and was written by Johnny Van Zant, Donnie Van Zant, Brett Warren, and Brad Warren in 2003. It is one of my favorite songs by Skynyrd and one of my favorite songs, period. I have always loved the track and after
“Red, White and Blue” – Lynyrd Skynyrd Read More »
Photo by Ivan Diaz on Unsplash Riding through the plains, Outlaws and Rebels locked in gold’s quest. Sunshine abandoned- Horses pull and force their way onward. Colt steel stands firm blazing a harden trail. The riders move toward the Mexican Line. They cut a path of sorrow leading to their only true goal. Widows mourn their losses. A
On this 4th of July, let’s take the time to read the Declaration of Independence. Yes, take the time to read the original content. If you love America, take the time to understand America. Download a copy here: Declaration-of-Independence Happy Independence Day. JBS
Happy 4th of July, Americans! Read More »
A little art now for the art site: Photo by Chad Peltola on Unsplash Raging through the Heartland in a cream-colored Cadillac, I saw the light’s ray illuminate the dust from my dashboard. Running through Nowhere, Midlands, I lost my innocence somewhere between Routes 85 and 95. I meet a dirt-poor farmer there who told me what he
From time to time, SGC and our sister publications will take the time to honor our Vets. The men and women who have served our country should be honored every day in our hearts and in our minds. Freedom is never free. America was built on people who were willing to give the ultimate sacrifice.
by Joseph B. St John There is always a battle between being forceful and being passive. It is always part of any equation when dealing with work or your personal life. When do you push and when do you pull? It seems easy but it is not. One of the major problems is understanding that
Don’t Confuse Compromise with Surrender Read More »
by Joseph B. St. John Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action. University of Louisville It is time to evaluate the importance of Critical Thinking. It is
A Little Critical Thinking Will Go A Long Way Read More »
Freedom. It is a strange word and means many different things to many different people. For some, freedom is a freedom from responsibility and for others it is having a few hours for themselves. This word has a strange nuance. Others see freedom as a way of life. Over the last several years, I have heard
Freedom – It Sounds Good To Me Read More »
An Open Letter from SGC: Be Smart One of the interesting things about the Internet is that anyone can be anything. Sometimes, it is done innocently. Sometimes, not so much. Knowledge is good but understanding the knowledge you have inquired about is even better. It is important to understand that I am a skeptic. I
Photo Credit: Yuichi Kageyama on Unsplash by Joseph B. St. John In the space of one morning, I saw the tiny doves fly into the sunrise. One after another, they disappeared into the brightly colored coat of the sky. Dew laid like mist on the earth’s green carpet. And the moisture made a pearl cover in the
Upon Butterfly Wings Read More »
by Mark Poe The distant glow of flood lights gave a point to follow through the thin path amongst the underbrush of the swampy surroundings. The chorus of the creatures of the night was joined by the crackling speakers blaring a rendition of Church in the Wildwood. As the low call to “come, come, come,
Church in the Moonlight Read More »
Growing up in the late 1960’s and 70’s, superhero comic books were a big part of my life. It was a weekly pleasure to pick up my preferred titles: Batman, Spiderman, the Fantastic Four and my personal favorite, Captain America. I loved all the superheroes, but Marvel Comics were my first choice. As a matter
Comic Books – They Never Were for Kids Read More »
by Ron Parlato Pilgrimage is an event held in many towns in the Deep South to celebrate the antebellum period of cavalier manners, graceful elegance, and spacious homes. It is a time for the owners of these homes to show them to the public, and romantics from Maine to Michigan come down to experience the
Photo by Max Kleinen from Unspalsh Unfortunately, there can be no doubt that man is, on the whole, less good than he imagines himself or wants to be. Everyone carries a shadow, and the less it is embodied in the individual’s conscious life, the blacker and denser it is. If inferiority is conscious, one always has a chance to correct it. –
Why Monsters Matter Read More »
by Ron Parlato My name is Earl Hutchins and I own the Hutchins Run B&B in Linings, South Carolina. It’s about as much of a bed and breakfast as Hadley’s Rest, a sorry piece of lumber that’s only good for pussy and sour coffee. There’s not much reason to stay at my B&B, either, unless
Everyone knew it as the Deep Hole. It was a spot on the edge of a sandbar in the St. Francis River that had washed out over time. The water was still and deep. The bottom was soft and sandy. Cool water, with a glassy surface like a window, would reveal a dark, green-tinted world
Continuing our tradition of supporting Independent music artists, SGC is proud to support Violent Vickie’s latest track. Over the past several years, SGC has made a commitment to independent artists. The number of outstanding performers that exist outside the mainstream is staggering and too large to ignore. Writers, musicians, and surrealist painters have been locked
Violent Vickie Attacks the “CIRCLE SQUARE” Read More »
by Ron Parlato My name is Elizabeth Bolen and I own the Owens Mill B&B in Natchitoches, Louisiana. My guests come here for the Christmas Festival of Lights, an event a lot like Mardi Gras, with krewes, floats, and music. They also come for marriages and anniversaries or to study the history of the region
by Mark Poe The emotions swirled in his head, as the tires thumped on Highway 18 leading Tommy home again. It was the same path he had driven many times, but never before for this purpose. His grandfather had visited Ms. Eudora many times and stories had been told to him by his father about
Long before I arrived in Columbus, MS, over 10 years ago, I had heard of Tennessee Williams. The Glass Menagerie was one of the plays I read in freshman Literature class in college. I enjoyed the play and my professor was an obvious Tennessee Williams fan. I found the play to be exciting, but I
The Dark and Light of Tennessee Williams Read More »
by Ron Parlato Amanda Leigh, like most little girls, liked playing with Barbie dolls. She liked to dress them, comb their hair, and strut them around in their high heels. “Barbie sends the wrong message”, said a feminist critic. “She symbolizes everything that is wrong with gender roles today.” Amanda Leigh turned out fine. She
by Mark Poe The first time I saw the old man he was sitting in a ragged armchair on a drooping front porch that matched his persona. Weather-beaten and worn down by time, the boards of the floor and the overhang was gray, twisted and split. To his left side was a small table that
Have you missed reading exciting, well-written stories with a Southern Gothic theme? Looking to enjoy some stimulating artwork, photos, and videos? Well, hopefully your wait will soon be over! After numerous requests from loyal readers and our talented contributors, we are once again accepting submissions. You can submit stories to sgcinquiries@gmail.com. Stories must be submitted
Submissions Are Now Open! Read More »
William Crute draws upon a background ranging from the FBI to the Special Forces, from classroom English teacher to artist and gallery owner. His new novel, Rainbow Isle, joins three previous novels — Morgan Makes Money, The Greenhouse Near Loveville, and Nineteen and Mia. All four stories are fast-paced and entertaining. The author is
The “Green House Near Loveville” Is An Exciting Read Read More »
Welcome to the way back home Welcome to a soft afternoon’s rain Did you see the heartache? Did you see my back break? Did you see the blood race down my swollen face? And did you see the glory? Did you see my glory reign all over the place? Welcome to the Hill of Sorrow
WELCOME TO THE WAY BACK HOME Read More »
We invite you to enjoy the photography of Addie Talley.
“Welcome to the Circus” Read More »
A Dream Within a Dream – Edgar Allen Poe Joe MacGown creates a world that balances the real with the fantastical. His artwork streams a new consciousness that is neither locked into the surrealism of Salvador Dali nor the spiritual awakenings of William Blake’s Romantic age. It stands alone, a world created by a
The Artwork of Joe McGown Read More »
Anger, envy gluttony, greed, lust, sloth, and vanity – How we love you all! How we love the sweet taste of vengeance inside your soft soul reign! Each one gives a reason for the reasons that we love – being bad with all that’s good. A mixture in our mourning, before our daily dose
By Joseph B. St. John I sat alone waiting for the fright of night to begin, alone like always in the summer’s warm charm. I stared over the concrete barricades of my fortress. Putting my wildness aside for a short moment, I let the breath fill my tired lungs. Throughout the night, I stood plastered
Bulltrogg’s Parade Read More »
by Mark Poe I have a lawn chair named Matthew. Matthew is as much a part of my family as the rest of this farm. Just as every pecan tree or chicken coop or storage shed that sits on it. He’s really nothing special to look at. He’s weather-beaten and life-battled. Rust holds the spots
by Mark Poe The next morning, the addiction tree had grown to almost six feet tall and the buds were already beginning to show signs of opening. I took the chainsaw and broke the morning silence with the grinding of the chain. Two cuts and I had a two-foot section of the trunk that Cherokee
“The Pharm” – Part Two Read More »
by Mark Poe His name was Hezekiah Adams. Ol’ Hez. That was the moniker he would answer to. He was a hard man. A man of the woods and river. Some had referred to him once as a river rat. Only once to his face, mind you. The gentleman that called out to him had
“Ol Hez” – Part One Read More »
by Mark Poe The cold air of the pre-dawn November morning burned the throat as the hum of the outboard motor was lulling me back into any outdoorsman’s dreamland. The boat ride down Maddox Bay to the dropping-off spot of the deer hunters of the Poe family was cold but quick. The morning discussion covered
“The Cypress Altar” Read More »
by Mat McCarter The sky looked like it might snow but just didn’t give a shit. Everything seemed eternally dreary and dismal – damned, even. The weather was insolent and bitchy, like it was on its winter rag. The streets were bare and nothing stirred on this cold winter afternoon, except for the frigid wind
“A Piankashaw Lunch” Read More »
by Mark Poe My hands cradled my head as I stared at the black starlit night, searching for answers to questions I was terrified to ask. I had escaped the guilty barrage of vulgar insults into the rural quietness of my yard. The small towns were pinpointed by the lights within glow distance of my
“The Pharm” – Part One Read More »
by Steven Anthony George 450 lbs. Why did God make the insects change themselves from one form to another? Why do they begin as a worm, crawling and eating and crawling and eating, and after, it goes to sleep for a little while and wakes up as something different ─ sometimes something beautiful, like when
“Infirmary” – Part Two Read More »
by Steven Anthony George “Beauty is truth, truth beauty,—that is all Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.” At ten. 140 lbs. Once, at a time when I was smaller, I explored an enchanted kingdom in the few acres of woodland behind our house, where the sunlight dripping down through the leaves
“Infirmary” – Part One Read More »
by Trista Hurley-Waxali My field isn’t improving, even after the fancy fertilizer and the engineered-to-spray irrigation. My books show this week to be the lowest crop yield, which means I have to do something quick before I have to worry. I have to find a solution that gives me a field of profit, rather than
“Ritual Space in Nebraska” Read More »
by Emily Gaither (Edtior’s Note: This is Part Three of this short story, which we are publihing in serial form. You can find Part One at southerngothiccreations.com/unwanted-wishes-part-one and Part Two at southerngothiccreations.com/unwanted-wishes-part-two.) Zelda took a slightly meaningful breath and glanced at Meredith – any hint of an accent, gone. “What do you want, little girl?
“Unwanted Wishes” – Part Three Read More »
by Emily Gaither Editor’s Note: This is part two in a series. Part one may be found at https://southerngothiccreations.com/unwanted-wishes-part-one/. It was almost like meeting a rock star or celebrity that you’ve built up in your mind, only this one was probably simultaneously more and less ostentatious. She was shorter than Meredith had envisioned, for one
“Unwanted Wishes” – Part Two Read More »
by Emily Gaither Meredith awoke suddenly and realized how hot it was. It was sticky, and the Mississippi air was thick. It sounded like the air conditioner was still running, but her slick skin and wet hair told a different story. She also remembered, as she came out of her sleepy fog, that it was
“Unwanted Wishes” – Part One Read More »
by Robert Feldman two alleycats sprang from their overhanging courtyard perch, startling the broken glass predawn midst, interrupting the occasional moans from a half-open 4th floor window, astonishing the quietude, but not my tell-tale heart busy pounding loudly enough to signal the dead for it was that distinct odor emanating from a wooden cellar
by Paddy Wight “What do we have here?” I’d had this job for going on three years. Not easy, always being self-employed, but it was better than either alternative – either fielding a-thousand-and-one questions about past employers and references, la, la, la, or being out on the street. So, the local cops were short a
“So Long, Mary Anne” Read More »
by Dee Burton For all of history, Grandma’s been saying that when her ship comes in or when I turn twelve – whichever comes first – she’ll get me a horse. This summer, first thing when I got to the farm, I reminded her: “One more year to go,” I said. “When my ship comes
“The Magic Talking Voice Box” Read More »
We hope that you will enjoy the latest work by Thomas Reynolds, a poem entitled “Do Not.” Do not be afraid of the dark Even if it rains, And you have no one to hold Or anyone to hold on to Do not be afraid of the dark Do not embrace the sorrow
By Emily Gaither The drink had stopped helping, and I felt dizzy, not from the wine, But from feeling small and insignificant. I felt like wives Whose husbands leave them for younger women must feel. Places like that make me feel uneasy, like someone prone to seasickness. The only thing I could think to say,
By Thomas Reynolds What does my little eye spy? The flicker of the Serpent’s tongue? Mosquitoes fluttering near the lake? A Hum? A Buzz? It is the sizzle of the night Tales as old as Antiquity Hush little baby don’t you cry By why would you want a mocking bird? Peace on earth is
“What Does My little Eye Spy?” Read More »
By Adele Elliott The office of Dr. Otis Anderson, DDS, was a calm oasis separate from the world. A huge tank, a replicated tropical reef, hugged one of the muted pastel walls. Crayon-colored fish with spiky fins glided in and out of sand castles and skirted around the bubbles that floated from the tiny
by Emily Gaither Sarah woke up suddenly, jolted out of a good dream, or maybe just a sleepy memory. She pulled on her robe and went into the kitchen to start the coffeepot. She knew she was smiling, but couldn’t seem to shake it as she doled out the coffee and the water. Surprisingly, her
“The Artist’s Smile” Read More »
Image by wurliburli from Pixabay “They Have Arrived’ By Joseph B. St. John Lost without a trace Wandering the night time alone The spell is never broken and the sunshine never glows Waiting so patiently to devour what belongs to her She enters neither sleep nor consciousness She is holding the dark to find her
“They Have Arrived’ By Joseph B. St. John Read More »
