ALTOONA, Pa. — Penn State Altoona faculty members Brian Onishi, associate professor of philosophy, and Jeff Stoyanoff, assistant professor of English and women's, gender, and sexuality studies, released a new episode of their podcast, "Horror Joy," titled "Vampires: Dracula, Salem's Lot, and Midnight Mass." Stoyanoff and Onishi are joined by special guest Christ McAuley of StokerVerse.
From the gothic castles of Transylvania to the sleepy towns of Maine, vampires have captivated imaginations for centuries. This episode explores the evolution of the vampire mythos, from Bram Stoker's iconic “Dracula” to modern interpretations like Stephen King's “Salem's Lot” and F. Paul Wilson's “Midnight Mass.”
Topics will include the following:
- The Vampire's Enduring Appeal: Why this ancient creature continues to fascinate us.
- Dracula's Dark Legacy: The cultural impact of Stoker's masterpiece "Dracula" and its influence on subsequent vampire stories.
- Small-Town Horror: How "Salem's Lot" reimagines the vampire myth for a suburban American setting.
- Faith, Fear, and the Undead: The religious undertones of "Midnight Mass" and its exploration of community and belief.
The full episode can be accessed on podcast providers or on Red Circle. Learn more about the "Horror Joy" podcast.