Slashers Podcast officially kicks off 2026 with a wickedly fun new theme, Novel January, our month-long celebration of horror films born from the pages of terrifying books. And we’re starting strong with clowns, curses, and a dark carnival straight out of your childhood nightmares.

In this episode, Mikey, Ade, and Lance sit down with horror author Joe Benner (who may or may not secretly be his own sinister creation, Jesper the Clown) to talk about his chilling new novel Klaun. We dive into the twisted inspiration behind the story, the blurred lines between creator and character, and what makes killer clowns such an enduring nightmare fuel icon.

Then, the Slashers crew rewinds to the 1980s to review Disney’s surprisingly dark cult classic Something Wicked This Way Comes. A sinister tale of a cursed carnival, stolen youth, and the creeping realization that growing up is its own kind of horror. We unpack its eerie atmosphere, unforgettable villain, and why this literary adaptation may not vibe well with some viewers...

🎠 In this episode:

• Interview with horror author Joe Benner / Jesper the Clown

• Inside the nightmare world of Klaun

• Killer clown lore and modern horror storytelling

• Full review of Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983)

New year. New nightmares. Welcome to Novel January. 🩸📖