Fangoria Launches ‘First in Fright’ Horror History Book and Digital Archive Kickstarter Campaign

Fangoria, a prominent name in horror journalism for over four decades, has announced the launch of its “First in Fright: The Fangoria Compendium” Kickstarter campaign. This initiative aims to preserve the magazine’s rich legacy and a significant portion of horror history through a limited-edition hardcover book and a comprehensive digital archive. The project invites horror enthusiasts to contribute to the creation of a lasting resource that chronicles the evolution of the genre.

A Legacy Preserved: The “First in Fright” Compendium

The “First in Fright: The Fangoria Compendium” is designed as a substantial, 300-page hardcover book that delves into Fangoria’s history since its inception in 1979. This collectible volume will feature curated stories from the magazine’s extensive archives, alongside contemporary commentary, previously unreleased content, and rare behind-the-scenes photographs.

The compendium is set to include full-color images, in-depth analysis pieces, and interviews with a diverse array of voices from the horror sphere. Notable contributors include industry figures such as Joe Bob Briggs, Sandy King, Ernest Dickerson, Neil Marshall, David Dastmalchian, Bryan Fuller, Don Mancini, Mike Flanagan, Barbara Crampton, Devon Sawa, Jeffrey Reddick, Tom Savini, and Clive Barker. The foreword to the book will be penned by acclaimed director John Carpenter.

This project intends to unite past and present Fangoria editors, journalists, artisans, and horror filmmakers, fostering a collaborative exploration of the genre’s history and its progression over time.

Unearthing History: The Fangoria Digital Archive

Beyond the physical book, the Kickstarter campaign marks the debut of the Fangoria Digital Archive. This ambitious undertaking will provide a fully searchable, indexed, and interactive collection encompassing the magazine’s complete original print run, spanning issues 1 through 344.

Each of the more than 25,000 pages has been meticulously scanned and enhanced, offering fans restored content that can be viewed in both its original layout and text-readable digital formats. This initiative aims to create a definitive academic resource, allowing users to search by keyword, issue number, or month/year to easily access specific articles, interviews, or features.

Meredith Borders, Senior Editor at Fangoria and the lead for this project, emphasized the significance of this digital resource. She stated that the archive will make “tens of thousands of pages of genre knowledge, history and insight” accessible to fans, acknowledging their role in making it possible.

Curating Horror’s Evolution

The “First in Fright” project is positioned not just as a retrospective but as an active effort in cultural preservation. By compiling decades of horror journalism and visual content, Fangoria aims to document how the genre has evolved, reflecting societal shifts and technological advancements in filmmaking. The insights from both historical archives and contemporary commentary offer a layered understanding of horror’s impact and its enduring appeal. The inclusion of diverse voices ensures a broad perspective on the genre’s past and future.

What the Campaign Offers

The Kickstarter campaign provides various backing tiers with exclusive rewards for supporters. These can include custom first editions and signed copies of the “First in Fright” hardcover book, foil slipcases, and other collector-oriented merchandise. Other offerings may feature a remastered reprint of Fangoria’s inaugural issue and a poster showcasing the magazine’s top 100 covers from its 45-year history. Backers who pledge for the book will also receive access to the comprehensive Fangoria Digital Archive.

Conclusion

The “First in Fright: The Fangoria Compendium” and accompanying digital archive represent a significant undertaking by Fangoria to honor its legacy and provide an invaluable resource for horror aficionados and scholars alike. By consolidating nearly five decades of horror journalism into both a curated book and an accessible digital database, the project offers a detailed look at the genre’s history and its cultural footprint. This campaign aims to ensure that Fangoria’s extensive contributions to horror media remain accessible for future generations.