All
The Terror
Thats Fit
To Print

Issue #5, June 2009
Issue #4, May 2009
Issue #3, April 2009
Issue #2, March 2009
Issue #1, February 2009
A Word From the Editor:
             Publishing
Great Monster Movies
             on DVD
Death Sentence
The Finger
Bitch's Brew
Grey Wolf
The Lair
Monster
The Night Watchman
Some Enchanted Evening
An Interview with
             Melanie Jackson
Artist of the Month:
             Drew Jackson

Issue #1, February 2009

Welcome to the premiere issue of Dark Realm Review, an online magazine dedicated to bringing you the best in short horror and suspense literature. It is the belief of the staff here at DRR that there is something on this site for everyone from observations on the future of publishing and horror and suspense shorts to interviews and even some truly imaginative visuals.

Since this is the premiere issue, and we need something to throw rocks at, we've decided to dedicate the entire issue to the work of the Jackson family. All stories in this issue are by Brian Jackson. The bulk of the art is by brother Drew Jackson. And the interviews are with Drew and author Melanie Jackson. Future issues will open the doors wide to publishing the works of people outside the immediate family.

So, let us tarry no longer. Scroll down to view the contents of this issue or use the navigation bar links at the top of the page to learn more about the site or even submit your own works for consideration in future issues.

As is always the case, the material at this site is copyrighted by the artists. Feel free to contact us with questions and comments regarding the contents of this site.

A Word From the Editor: Publishing by Brian Jackson

Like the music industry before it, and the movie industry to follow, the publishing industry is entering a new era that involves dramatic changes to how the printed word is distributed to the reader. While the Internet and TV news sources continue to thrive, such prestigious bulwarks of the printed press as the New York Times and the San Francisco Chronicle have seen advertising revenues decline to the point that the future of these papers is now in serious doubt ¹.

We enjoy monster movies -- since we don't get out much.

A monster movie is different than a horror movie. We don't like slashers and maniacs, or anything else that is too real. We prefer fun horror movies which usually include monsters and a lot of adventure.

Please allow us to recommend a top ten list of titles you may not have seen that we think are fun.

Death Sentence by Brian Jackson

Robert Buchanan sat in a wooden chair with his back to a cold cinder block wall awaiting his end. He knew this end would be neither delayed nor suspended. As he waited, he began to recall happier times, before the insanity of these final days had consumed him.

At first, the dank smell of his surroundings interfered with his ability to fully escape into his memories, but eventually all awareness of his cramped quarters dissipated and he found himself a child again, lying within his mother's comforting arms.

The Finger by Brian Jackson

Nobody wants to spend their morning in a police station being interrogated, but it's even worse when you know that you're guilty and feel that you deserve the experience. Take this morning for example.

I was sitting in a rather uncomfortable chair in a brightly lit room being stared down by a beefy lieutenant who looked like he'd enjoy nothing more than tearing my limbs off and throwing me on the floor to watch me squirm while I die.

Bitch's Brew by Brian Jackson

Gazing over this field of meat, I find patience awaits my special attention -- the bite of my true love. Please, please, my subjects cry, don't stick that needle in my eye. Don't drink my inky life away -- let flow through wicked fingers. For I am special, I am unique, that one star amongst the multitude worthy of concern.

What care need I for one so small, so weak, so naīve, and afraid. Were I to care, I'd find such need that care is all there'd be.

Grey Wolf by Brian Jackson

It was under a chill winter sun over freshly powdered snow that Grey Wolf led the hunting party out of camp in search of the prey. Like the ones left behind, the party was composed of blood relations or those so close as to be considered members of his extended family. All were familiar, trusted, and would react to any situation as he would react--following orders without question. This last was an important quality for each member of the party to possess considering their inexperience and the danger of this hunt. Though all were in need of food, not having tasted fresh meat in weeks, Grey Wolf was less concerned with failure to find sustenance then he was exalted to be leading this group of hunters, on this glorious day, in search of this prey.

The Lair by Brian Jackson

Billy Bright was disgusted. He was disgusted with his wife, his job, and his life in general. As usual he had begun the day by having a fight with Lucille which started promptly at five o'clock as he rolled out of bed. It was as if the alarm bell was sounding the opening round in a heavy weight bout the way she had lit into him. And again it was the same old thing. She was beginning to sound like a broken record. You stayed out too late, Billy. You drink too much, Billy. When are you going to loose some weight, Billy? Why don't I just shoot myself in the head, hey Billy?

Monster by Brian Jackson

Jason watched in fright as his parents prepared to leave for the evening. Tonight was another special showing at his mother's gallery which meant that he would be left alone until the early morning hours; well, not entirely alone, and that was the problem. So, he watched nervously as his parents pulled their winter coats on over their elegant formal wear and prepared to leave. As usual, his father was in a surly mood in response to being dragged out on such as wicked night.

"I don't understand why we always have to host these things," he hissed, "After all, you took on a partner for a reason didn't you?"

The Night Watchman by Brian Jackson

Vincent, the night watchman, strolled the grounds of the old town cemetery carrying a hooded lantern in one hand and cradling Daisy May, his trusted double barrel, in the other. Knowing that tonight was likely to be a busy one, he kept his eyes peeled and tried hard to maintain a keen awareness of his surroundings. As with the previous nights, a low, dense fog had crept onto the grounds making it difficult to keep track of all the goings on. Of course, Vincent knew from experience that this only meant that he would have to depend more heavily upon his other senses, particularly his sense of hearing, to ferret out trespassers. Because that's what he was here to do this night, to protect the grounds from outsiders, those who did not belong, and in that he was determined.

Some Enchanted Evening by Brian Jackson

Henry was drunk, again. Only this time he had at least waited for evening to fall, and incidentally for the rain to begin, before starting in on the Jim Beam. Of course, that soon lead to the first dead soldier of the night, and then it was time to start in on the Stoli. No matter how bad things got, Henry always managed to get wasted on the good stuff, this thanks to parents still guilt ridden over having thrown him out of their house. And this was a good thing, considering that wasted had become Henry's steady state, the state to which he returned for comfort and peace of mind; hell, to discover himself anew. The in-between time was spent vomiting, sleeping, and trying to keep the dicks of the world from hassling him.

An Interview with Melanie Jackson

Melanie Jackson is a top selling author of paranormal fiction. She is published by Dorchester Publishing and as of this date has some 20 odd works in print. Mrs. Jackson was gracious enough to provide us with a short interview for this issue

If you want to learn more about Melanie Jackson's books, please visit her home page at http://www.melaniejackson.com.

Artist of the Month: Drew Jackson

Drew Jackson is an amateur photographer who shots like a professional. It's for that reason that we are thrilled to have his images gracing the pages of our web site. Drew is anxious to share information with members of his photography club and the general public at large. This interview contains additional information about the artist and his work.

For additional examples of Drew's art, which is for sale, please refer to his home page at http://www.drewjackson.net.