Chas. Balun (R.I.P.)

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of legendary gorehound historian and cult illustrator Charlie "Chas." Balun (1948-2009). Long before the advent of the internet and every chump on the block fancying themself an "expert/critic" with unlimited information at their fingertips, Mr. Balun fought the good fight for HORROR! He championed the most obscure flicks and waved a black flag in the struggle for uncompromising creative autonomy! He also cut through industry bullshit with his machete-sharp wit and unbridled enthusiasm. I first met him way back in 1988 at Fantacon in upstate New York where his massive presence and hilarious slideshow of gore made a lasting impression. Years later, in 2000, I interviewed Chas. for Destroying Angels #3 and he declared our epic conversation his "definitive interview!" More recently he was looking forward to taking part in my 2008 Entartete Kunts exhibit but had to gracefully bow out at the last minute due to escalating health problems. He had been quietly struggling with cancer for several years and finally let go on Friday December 18, 2009. To honor his legacy I've dug up the original cut & pasted pages of our interview to share with you here. Pull out a good Fulci flick this weekend (or better yet, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, which Chas. often boasted seeing 25 times!). Rest in Pieces, Blood Brother.

Click the images below and they should fill your screen at a legible size:

"Here's blood in your eye!"