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PHICTION: Tales from the World of Phantasm
In 1979, filmmaker Don Coscarelli (Bubba Ho-tep, The Beastmaster) wrote and
directed what became one of the seminal sci-fi/horror films of that era,
Phantasm. The film was a worldwide theatrical success and spawned four
acclaimed sequels.
For the first time in the history of horror cinema, a celebrated filmmaker of a
cult-classic horror film series has continued the adventure by swapping mediums
and personally authoring a series of fictional works exploring in detail the
characters he originally created. Coscarelli has now returned to the world of
Phantasm to tell more tales of these inspiring phantasmic heroes.
In association with illustrator Aaron Lea (GHOST, Rob Zombie), Molotov Press
now presents Phiction: Tales from the World of Phantasm.
PHICTION comprises six stories set in the expansive Phantasm world that have
never been told before:
In "Life and Death in the 'Nam" we explore the origin story of our favorite ice
cream vendor/hero Reggie and his first encounter with the supernatural forces
of evil in the jungles of the Vietnam war. It's a two-fisted tale of a young man
enduring the horrors of war and at the same time facing down the horrors of the
unknown.
In "Behind the Mortuary Door" we learn the secrets of the embalming trade
from one of the most memorable characters from the original film.
In "He Was Home Alone" we revisit the young boy Tim, prior to the events
from Phantasm Ill, and how, using only his wits and guile, he survives against
unspeakable horrors.
In "Tobe" we follow the trail of one of Phantasm's forgotten characters as he
witnesses the key events of that film from an entirely different perspective.
In "The Rocky Road" we track the events of one of the Phantasm saga's fan-
favorite characters, the nunchuck-wielding Rocky as she's mustered out of the
armed services and travels the backroads of the rural South in the early 90's. In a
desperate search to find her family she encounters love, vengeance and horror,
frequently reacting in the only way she knows how, with her fists and her feet.
And finally in "Escape From New York" we join another Phantasm fan-favorite
character, the diminutive Chunk from Phantasm Ravager as he attempts to flee
his home in the big city from the horror of an oncoming apocalypse. Along the
way he bonds with some unexpected allies on a thrilling quest for survival.
directed what became one of the seminal sci-fi/horror films of that era,
Phantasm. The film was a worldwide theatrical success and spawned four
acclaimed sequels.
For the first time in the history of horror cinema, a celebrated filmmaker of a
cult-classic horror film series has continued the adventure by swapping mediums
and personally authoring a series of fictional works exploring in detail the
characters he originally created. Coscarelli has now returned to the world of
Phantasm to tell more tales of these inspiring phantasmic heroes.
In association with illustrator Aaron Lea (GHOST, Rob Zombie), Molotov Press
now presents Phiction: Tales from the World of Phantasm.
PHICTION comprises six stories set in the expansive Phantasm world that have
never been told before:
In "Life and Death in the 'Nam" we explore the origin story of our favorite ice
cream vendor/hero Reggie and his first encounter with the supernatural forces
of evil in the jungles of the Vietnam war. It's a two-fisted tale of a young man
enduring the horrors of war and at the same time facing down the horrors of the
unknown.
In "Behind the Mortuary Door" we learn the secrets of the embalming trade
from one of the most memorable characters from the original film.
In "He Was Home Alone" we revisit the young boy Tim, prior to the events
from Phantasm Ill, and how, using only his wits and guile, he survives against
unspeakable horrors.
In "Tobe" we follow the trail of one of Phantasm's forgotten characters as he
witnesses the key events of that film from an entirely different perspective.
In "The Rocky Road" we track the events of one of the Phantasm saga's fan-
favorite characters, the nunchuck-wielding Rocky as she's mustered out of the
armed services and travels the backroads of the rural South in the early 90's. In a
desperate search to find her family she encounters love, vengeance and horror,
frequently reacting in the only way she knows how, with her fists and her feet.
And finally in "Escape From New York" we join another Phantasm fan-favorite
character, the diminutive Chunk from Phantasm Ravager as he attempts to flee
his home in the big city from the horror of an oncoming apocalypse. Along the
way he bonds with some unexpected allies on a thrilling quest for survival.
202 pages, Paperback
First published March 23, 2024
24 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Don Coscarelli
10 books13 followersDON COSCARELLI became the youngest filmmaker ever to have a feature film distributed by a major studio at age nineteen when Universal Pictures bought his first film, Jim The World’s Greatest. The independent, award-winning filmmaker is best known for Phantasm and its sequels, which spawned a dedicated cult of fans worldwide.
His other indie genre hits include The Beastmaster and Bubba Ho-tep. For TV, he directed the premiere episode of Showtime’s acclaimed series Masters of Horror, and his film John Dies at the End premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
Don’s well-received memoir, True Indie: Life and Death in Filmmaking is now available everywhere.
For more information on the world of Phantasm visit the official website at: Phantasm.com
His other indie genre hits include The Beastmaster and Bubba Ho-tep. For TV, he directed the premiere episode of Showtime’s acclaimed series Masters of Horror, and his film John Dies at the End premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
Don’s well-received memoir, True Indie: Life and Death in Filmmaking is now available everywhere.
For more information on the world of Phantasm visit the official website at: Phantasm.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 1, 2024
3.5 Weird little Phantasm stories from the director himself are actually very action-packed little pulp fiction fanfics. He hypothesizes backstories for mostly minor characters, including a nail biting Vietnam action story starring Reggie (before being memorialized by the great Reggie Banister). Unfortunately, I’m only really a fan of the first two movies and Cosacarelli seems weirdly invested in the later lore. But I love him and his other movies, Bubba Ho-Tep and John Dies at the End and this is absolutely his voice. It’s fun to see his style on short story form. To be clear, this is not a ponderous tome, it’s cinematic action. He describes a lot of movement. The Tall Man only shows up a couple times and is actually pretty scary. A non-fan could totally read this but they might ask, what the hell are all these silver orbs?
February 25, 2025
The book is fun but ultimately very forgettable unless you have a deep passion for Phantasm.
May 17, 2024
This was an enjoyable read. It offers some fun backstories for favorite secondary characters from the Phantasm series. I'd definitely read more of these!
June 25, 2024
treat for Phantasm fans
While is never enough for this universe, I’ll take whatever extras I can get now that the movies are done! I hope there will be more, but this scratched an itch, so I’m good!
While is never enough for this universe, I’ll take whatever extras I can get now that the movies are done! I hope there will be more, but this scratched an itch, so I’m good!
August 21, 2024
As a lifelong phan of the Phantasm series, I could not wait to pick up my copy of Phiction. The Phantasm universe is so rich and expansive, I am surprised that Mr. Coscarelli hadn’t thought of the idea sooner. Strangely enough, the subject material may very well lend itself better to the page than it had the film. I voraciously ate the book up in a few sittings and my general opinion is this: some big hits, some near misses, and a couple severely missed opportunities.
First, I would be remiss not to mention the packaging of the book. It’s the first thing you see, and it automatically makes a visual impact. The cover is absolutely beautifully done. That’s half the battle when it comes to selling a book.
Now, for the meat of the project. The two true standout stories of the collection are easily enough the first two we are presented with, Life And Death In The ‘Nam and Behind The Mortuary Door. Don was smart to start off with a Reg story, and he did not disappoint. It is well-written and truly interesting, and provides a worthy backstory to our beloved ice cream man. Dialogue can make or break a story, and in this case Don’s use of it really makes the tale pop off of the page. Behind The Mortuary Door is a genuinely creepy tale based on the caretaker character from the original Phantasm. Full of atmosphere and the sounds of clanking shovels and blazing incinerators! Yum! Next off in the succession of stories comes He Was Home Alone. Who doesn’t love the character of Tim from Phantasm III? The tale wasn’t quite as gratifying as the first two, but still hit the mark in my book. I did begin to notice some mistakes in the editing and formatting department at this point in the book, as well as some interesting choices in sentence structure. This will continue off and on for the rest of the book, unfortunately. As I read the next story, Tobe, I gotta be honest…it really had me scratching my head. It was perfectly understandable…I just had trouble accepting the fact that it was included in the collection. It relies a little too heavily on the old horror tropes of ‘the unending road’ or ‘the town that won’t let you leave.’ And, honestly, it really didn’t add that much to a character from the first film that was only on-screen for a few moments. It worked with the caretaker, but not so much with Tobe. With such a breadth of material to work with and choose from, I think it is an overall miss, and by far the weakest of the six tales. The writing itself felt a little phoned-in, as well. The Rocky Road is entertaining, for sure, and adds insight to one of the most beloved characters in the entire franchise. I don’t think it needs to rely so heavily on Rocky’s race and sexuality, however. I believe her character is strong enough on its own that Don could’ve filled the page with other things more befitting of such an independent juggernaut of a female archetype. The writing is also not as strong on this offering…seems a little rushed. The ender of the collection, Escape From New York, offers a truly strong finale that really brings the book home. I think it focuses on a really great (yet overlooked) side character from Ravager and adds depth to a film that would have obviously benefitted from a much larger budget. It is extremely well-written and perfectly paced. I could see the events unfolding in my mind’s eye as I read. That’s when I know it’s good.
As Don’s first foray into the fiction market, the book is relatively strong. Being a writer myself, however, I could tell when he was writing with true inspiration nipping at his heels, and adversely, simply writing to get the story completed. You can’t trick a trickster. Also, editing is so very important. This book could honestly use more of it. I very much would like to see a second installment of Phiction. Mainly, because I think Don’s just getting started, and has not yet hit his potential in prose. And, also, because I am a greedy phan, and would love him to delve into some other characters/ideas, such as the grandma from the original film or the construction of a sphere. Or maybe even a tale from the perspective of the Tall Man himself! Fingers crossed. Either way, I enjoyed Phiction and I am grateful that Mr. Coscarelli took the time to put it together for us all. Thank you, Don! (Now, get to work on Part II, haha!) ~Matt Martinek~
First, I would be remiss not to mention the packaging of the book. It’s the first thing you see, and it automatically makes a visual impact. The cover is absolutely beautifully done. That’s half the battle when it comes to selling a book.
Now, for the meat of the project. The two true standout stories of the collection are easily enough the first two we are presented with, Life And Death In The ‘Nam and Behind The Mortuary Door. Don was smart to start off with a Reg story, and he did not disappoint. It is well-written and truly interesting, and provides a worthy backstory to our beloved ice cream man. Dialogue can make or break a story, and in this case Don’s use of it really makes the tale pop off of the page. Behind The Mortuary Door is a genuinely creepy tale based on the caretaker character from the original Phantasm. Full of atmosphere and the sounds of clanking shovels and blazing incinerators! Yum! Next off in the succession of stories comes He Was Home Alone. Who doesn’t love the character of Tim from Phantasm III? The tale wasn’t quite as gratifying as the first two, but still hit the mark in my book. I did begin to notice some mistakes in the editing and formatting department at this point in the book, as well as some interesting choices in sentence structure. This will continue off and on for the rest of the book, unfortunately. As I read the next story, Tobe, I gotta be honest…it really had me scratching my head. It was perfectly understandable…I just had trouble accepting the fact that it was included in the collection. It relies a little too heavily on the old horror tropes of ‘the unending road’ or ‘the town that won’t let you leave.’ And, honestly, it really didn’t add that much to a character from the first film that was only on-screen for a few moments. It worked with the caretaker, but not so much with Tobe. With such a breadth of material to work with and choose from, I think it is an overall miss, and by far the weakest of the six tales. The writing itself felt a little phoned-in, as well. The Rocky Road is entertaining, for sure, and adds insight to one of the most beloved characters in the entire franchise. I don’t think it needs to rely so heavily on Rocky’s race and sexuality, however. I believe her character is strong enough on its own that Don could’ve filled the page with other things more befitting of such an independent juggernaut of a female archetype. The writing is also not as strong on this offering…seems a little rushed. The ender of the collection, Escape From New York, offers a truly strong finale that really brings the book home. I think it focuses on a really great (yet overlooked) side character from Ravager and adds depth to a film that would have obviously benefitted from a much larger budget. It is extremely well-written and perfectly paced. I could see the events unfolding in my mind’s eye as I read. That’s when I know it’s good.
As Don’s first foray into the fiction market, the book is relatively strong. Being a writer myself, however, I could tell when he was writing with true inspiration nipping at his heels, and adversely, simply writing to get the story completed. You can’t trick a trickster. Also, editing is so very important. This book could honestly use more of it. I very much would like to see a second installment of Phiction. Mainly, because I think Don’s just getting started, and has not yet hit his potential in prose. And, also, because I am a greedy phan, and would love him to delve into some other characters/ideas, such as the grandma from the original film or the construction of a sphere. Or maybe even a tale from the perspective of the Tall Man himself! Fingers crossed. Either way, I enjoyed Phiction and I am grateful that Mr. Coscarelli took the time to put it together for us all. Thank you, Don! (Now, get to work on Part II, haha!) ~Matt Martinek~
May 29, 2024
As a “Phan” of Don Coscarelli’s long running Phantasm film series, it was exciting news to hear he was releasing a book of short stories he’d written himself returning to that world he first created in 1979. Having now finished this fast paced and spooky fun read, it’s safe to say that every Phantasm devotee should have a copy of this wonderful extension of this classic horror film franchise’s universe.
Aside from a really good opening story featuring everyone’s favorite balding middle aged ice cream man Reggie, the book focuses on some secondary characters, giving them background or expanding their perspective on events from the films. There is not one bad or disappointing story in the bunch as we first join Reggie during the Viet Nam War on his final mission before his tour ends. Let’s just say the horrors of war and the horrors of the supernatural collide for good ole Reg. A really good story giving insight on Reggie’s toughness and resilience behind that cool as ice cream exterior. The second story is a really enjoyable and spooky tale featuring the mortuary attendant who met his fate at the blades of the silver sphere in the first film. Now we know a little about who he was and why he was there. Third story tells a tale featuring Phantasm III’s Tim. It’s a very entertaining story detailing the days before he met Reggie, batting the Tall Man’s minions…and other threats…on his own. Next Coscarelli brings in Tobe, a friend of Jody’s we met briefly in the original film, who witnesses some of the events of that movie when his attempts to leave town go spookily awry. A very fun retelling of original story events from a completely different POV. For the fifth tale, he gives us a great story about Phantasm III’s Rocky detailing her release from the armed services, her first meeting Tanesha and of course, encountering the Tall Man’s heinous activities for the first time. The final story is another delightful and spooky tale of Phantasm Ravager’s Chunk as he flees a Tall Man conquered New York with three orphans in tow. Obviously, things take a disturbing turn for Chunk and co.
Overall, this was simply a great book that gives us six tales expanding and returning to the universe Coscarelli has spent over forty years creating. Every story is a delight filled with the type of sinister goings on and daring heroics we come to expect in a Phantasm tale. That and Coscarelli proves he is just as talented and imaginative as a written word storyteller as he is a filmmaker. Absolutely loved this book! More Please Mr. Coscarelli!
Aside from a really good opening story featuring everyone’s favorite balding middle aged ice cream man Reggie, the book focuses on some secondary characters, giving them background or expanding their perspective on events from the films. There is not one bad or disappointing story in the bunch as we first join Reggie during the Viet Nam War on his final mission before his tour ends. Let’s just say the horrors of war and the horrors of the supernatural collide for good ole Reg. A really good story giving insight on Reggie’s toughness and resilience behind that cool as ice cream exterior. The second story is a really enjoyable and spooky tale featuring the mortuary attendant who met his fate at the blades of the silver sphere in the first film. Now we know a little about who he was and why he was there. Third story tells a tale featuring Phantasm III’s Tim. It’s a very entertaining story detailing the days before he met Reggie, batting the Tall Man’s minions…and other threats…on his own. Next Coscarelli brings in Tobe, a friend of Jody’s we met briefly in the original film, who witnesses some of the events of that movie when his attempts to leave town go spookily awry. A very fun retelling of original story events from a completely different POV. For the fifth tale, he gives us a great story about Phantasm III’s Rocky detailing her release from the armed services, her first meeting Tanesha and of course, encountering the Tall Man’s heinous activities for the first time. The final story is another delightful and spooky tale of Phantasm Ravager’s Chunk as he flees a Tall Man conquered New York with three orphans in tow. Obviously, things take a disturbing turn for Chunk and co.
Overall, this was simply a great book that gives us six tales expanding and returning to the universe Coscarelli has spent over forty years creating. Every story is a delight filled with the type of sinister goings on and daring heroics we come to expect in a Phantasm tale. That and Coscarelli proves he is just as talented and imaginative as a written word storyteller as he is a filmmaker. Absolutely loved this book! More Please Mr. Coscarelli!
July 5, 2025
As a huge Phantasm fan, I had to get this book once I found out about it. I did enjoy most of the character stories, even though they focused on mostly forgettable characters from the franchise.
The writing is entertaining but not great. Despite being a huge fan of the franchise (especially the first two films) I never really yearned to know more about any of these characters. Yet, here we are. There are a few standouts here: the Tobe, Chunk, and Tim stories were my favorites. I enjoyed the others as well and appreciate that Coscarelli offered us fans more depth to these sometimes incendiary characters. It was an easy, quick, and enjoyable read.
If you’re a hardcore Phantasm fan, you’d probably enjoy this just because it offers you more from the Phantasm world. If you’re not, I can’t imagine this book would do much for you.
I would have liked to see more on the Tall Man but I suppose his origin story was kinda laid out in Phantasm 4. Oh well.
The writing is entertaining but not great. Despite being a huge fan of the franchise (especially the first two films) I never really yearned to know more about any of these characters. Yet, here we are. There are a few standouts here: the Tobe, Chunk, and Tim stories were my favorites. I enjoyed the others as well and appreciate that Coscarelli offered us fans more depth to these sometimes incendiary characters. It was an easy, quick, and enjoyable read.
If you’re a hardcore Phantasm fan, you’d probably enjoy this just because it offers you more from the Phantasm world. If you’re not, I can’t imagine this book would do much for you.
I would have liked to see more on the Tall Man but I suppose his origin story was kinda laid out in Phantasm 4. Oh well.
January 4, 2025
Honestly, I’m not a diehard fan of the “Phantasm” films (I’ve seen a majority of them, but it was well over a decade ago), yet I remembered enough of the films to get a kick out of these stories (and, “Bubba Ho-Tep” is a great film based on a great short story that this author directed). This was a super quick read, with some violence (especially in the last one, which I really enjoyed) that was pretty intense. Coscarelli writes with fairly stripped down prose, but he keeps the pedal to the metal. I wish there were a bit more meat to these stories, as they really do only allow brief glimpses into the main protagonists of each story, but these stories have caused me to want to revisit the films.
April 25, 2024
Phiction gave me exactly what I wanted, in a series of short stories about the world of the Phantasm movie series. You can feel how much love Don Coscarelli has for this world and the characters he created, no matter how big or small their part is in his world. Each story was really well done. It was like a series of vignettes featuring things that happened to the characters, before or as the Tall Man came into their lives. I absolutely loved these stories (particular favorite was Behind the Mortuary Door), and it was so nice seeing parts of Chunk, Reggie, and Rocky from the before times.
May 11, 2024
Phiction takes the readers back to the world of Phantasm, featuring 6 stories of some of the fan favorite characters from the series. This book features backstories for Reggie, Tim (Phantasm 3), Rocky (Phantasm 3), The Caretaker (Phantasm), Tobe (Phantasm) and Chunk (Phantasm: Ravager). I highly recommend this book for all fans of the Phantasm movies, I enjoyed every one of these stories and wished there were more. Thank you, Don Coscarelli for the thrilling stories.
June 19, 2024
Reading this was like having late-night drinks with an old friend, re-living a past that seems only half real but wonderfully vivid. My only complaint is that the book is too short.... but then, I have always been one of those phans that can't get enough of the Phantasm universe. I am grateful that Don Coscarelli has maintained control (and thereby maintained the integrity) of his fictional universe for all these years.
September 2, 2024
Often, screenwriters don't make good prose stylists. I'm happy to say that Coscarelli is the exception to that rule. These stories are tight, entertaining, and a wonderful opportunity to dive back into the world of Phantasm. The man has the chops, and I hope we get more short fiction from him in the future.
October 3, 2025
This won't win any awards, and like most prequels, it's carrying the weight of trying to fit into the cracks of an established story and still justify its own existence. And the challenge is perhaps particularly pronounced in the "Phantasm" series, which has always been more about vibes than plot.
But it was still fun to visit with Reggie and the Tall Man this October.
But it was still fun to visit with Reggie and the Tall Man this October.
January 4, 2025
The creator of the Phantasm series gives us even more glimpses into the red world. The stories take place throughout the Phantasm films focusing on some minor characters and fan favorites. A must for the Phanatic
June 9, 2025
Great collection of short fiction for fans of the Phantasm film franchise. Just wish it was longer. Only 6 stories with notes from the author/director. Hopefully there will be a Part Two, as hinted at by the author.
April 22, 2024
If you're a Phantasm phan, this is a must read. Only criticism is that the tales are too short. There is a tease for a sequel at the end, and I hope it happens.
May 6, 2024
A perfect companion/continuation to the films. You can feel the love Coscarelli has for this world and it's characters. I really hope a he writes a second book.
May 8, 2024
не понял, нахера это вообще
May 16, 2024
A fantastic read so glad don decided to return to the world of Phantasm highly recommended
May 18, 2024
A refreshing visit to the world of "Phantasm," giving us a taste of what life was like for some of the movies' characters before the cameras rolled. Highly recommended.
June 8, 2024
Excellent read that gives more depth to the characters from the films. Looking forward to a pt.2!
June 15, 2024
Phantastic!
If you are Phanatic this is a must read! It follows beloved characters from the Phantasm world including my beloved Rocky! I hope there really is a Part 2!
If you are Phanatic this is a must read! It follows beloved characters from the Phantasm world including my beloved Rocky! I hope there really is a Part 2!
October 20, 2024
Double spacings aside, this is a great first step into literature for the franchise. Would like to read more.
October 21, 2024
Great
This is a must read for Phantasm fans. The stories draw you in. Don Cosarelli is a fantastic writer as well a brilliant filmmaker.
This is a must read for Phantasm fans. The stories draw you in. Don Cosarelli is a fantastic writer as well a brilliant filmmaker.
September 7, 2025
My only complaint is this wasn't enough, I could read at least two more volumes of these stories. I really hope there are more.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews