As Seen On T.V.

by John Wayne Comunale

Artie is a serial killer obsessed with As Seen On T.V. products. Collecting and modifying these items is his only passion outside of killing, which he’s been doing a long time. Far longer than most of his peers, but Artie always took special care to make sure he remained free. Now a strange, small man has moved next door to him, and the smell of popcorn hangs thick in the air. After a few odd interactions with him, Artie starts to wonder if there’s something other than himself that’s kept him from being caught.

Genres: Horror, Fiction

136 pages, Paperback

First published January 18, 2019

Reviews

[Peter Topside · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good deal of fun. Artie is such a truly damaged character, that you can't help but be glued to his experiences, as he fights off his killer instincts, various personalities, nightmares, hallucinations, and just his overall psychosis. He is a fantastic lead character that keeps your attention, bringing you in and out of his delusions. And I really enjoyed the various products referenced and how Artie was obsessed with them. Almost similar to Edward Norton's character from Fight Club, which was a great touch. And I laughed when I saw Stretch Armstrong touched on, too. I was anticipating lots of blood and vulgarities and such, but it was all tactfully used, nothing in excess, which was a really nice change of pace. But this was very enjoyable and I recommend it to all you horror nuts out there, especially ones who love binging all these serial killer documentaries on Netflix.

[Janie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This twisted story of psychopathology - all in good fun, of course - brings back every jingle and commercial for made for tv products. It also brings to mind that aisle in your local store that carries each ridiculously tacky (though perhaps obsessively useful) item on brimming shelves. Surely The Clapper is king in this land of shiny dreck. Artie, a seemingly polite and friendly customer consumed by these material goodies has more on his mind than cleaning and clapping. Where do his murderous urges originate? The possible trigger is unpleasant and even downright repulsive. However, Artie's plight to discover the root of his own evil is not without humour and understandable irritation. Can he overcome his odious rival before the last popular item is sold out? Proceed to Aisle Five. The answers lie beneath cellophane, cardboard and an enormous outpouring of popcorn. A Scrubtastic Extendable Scrub Stick is definitely recommended for backup.

[Vicki Herbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Get the New Hair Degreaser, Straightener and Popcorn Maker As Seen On T.V.

AS SEEN ON T.V. by John Wayne Comunale

No spoilers. 3 stars. Artie has a fascination with all products advertised "as seen on T.V." found at his local pharmacy...

He's also a serial killer...

He usually targets victims who've been rude to him as he's shopping in the pharmacy or the blue haired old ladies who hog the AS SEEN ON T.V. shelves...

... snatching up products before Artie has a chance to go through them himself...

One day...

Artie arrived at the pharmacy early to view the newest items on the AS SEEN ON T.V. shelf only to find one of the items already sold out. Artie drove home fuming...

But...

He noticed his neighbor had a new tenant living above her garage. A disgusting man named Art, which struck Artie as an odd name coincidence...

And the man, Art...

... had the missing gadget from the AS SEEN ON T.V. shelf: a combination hair degreaser, straightener, popcorn maker...

This story started off good, but midway went off into bizarre territory and never seemed to regain its momentum.

[exorcismemily · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I want to make this fun."

As Seen on TV was my introduction to John Wayne Comunale, and I love his creativity. This is a really fun idea about a serial killer who is obsessed with As Seen on TV products (and sometimes utilizes them in his murders).

It sounds awesome, but I think I had different expectations for the book based on the synopsis. I thought it was going to be more focused on the killings and products (which was what I wanted), but it ended up being much more focused on Artie's inner turmoil and odd relationship with his neighbor. It wasn't anywhere near as gruesome as I thought it would be, and it felt sort of anti-climactic overall. There was a pretty slow start, and then I ended up not loving the direction it went in.

I really loved the idea of this story, but didn't really connect with the execution. It wasn't a bad book at all, but I didn't enjoy my time with it that much. I would still try another book from this author, though.

[Kevin Berg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting take on a serial killer story, tying in all the products with catchy jingles that scream at you from the television, and some other uncommon elements that make it truly unique and original. The author does very well with the description of gore, characterization makes the main character stand out, and you will be amped for the kill alongside Artie as he tries to figure out what the hell is going on - in his house, in his head. Some scenes stuck with me but I’m not going to give anything away, so give it a read.

[Jim Coniglio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who does not love those classic "As Seen On TV" household items. From the Clapper to Spray on Hair, they have in one way or another become part of everyone's life and an icon in TV advertising. Now take those wonderful inventions, add a serial killer, buckets of blood and copious amounts of popcorn, and you have AS SEEN ON TV, the new novel from John Wayne Comunale.

I will have to be careful on talking about the story. There are some plot points I do not want to give away as spoilers. So bear with me as we jump around a little bit to keep this review spoiler free.

Artie, our main character, is a serial killer who also has a compulsive addiction to As Seen On TV items. His life revolves around the daily use of these gadgets and of course, his love of killing. Artie has a solid routine and it has kept him safe for many years, but suddenly something has changed and he finds his world upended by the appearance of a strange man. Events start to spiral out of Artie's control and he will begin to question the safety of his anonymity and his sanity.

Artie is a great character. It is not often that you find yourself rooting for the serial killer, but in this story you will find yourself doing just that. Artie could be your average every-man, the person you pass by each day and not think twice about. But he is a killer, and a very creative one at that. The author gives us good background on Artie and really brings him to life as the story moves along. This is really Artie's story. There are a few other characters in the story, but the author keeps it simple and tight with a small cast and only a couple key locations.

The author has fun with the As Seen On TV items. Using existing tools and making up some truly funny combinations. Who wouldn't want a Hair De-Greaser and Straightener with a built in popcorn maker. He might start his own trend and soon Ronco will be making some surprising new items.

The author has fun with the gadgets, but in the end this is a horror novel. As the story progresses, more and more blood is spilt as Artie's world unravels. The last act of the story has a scene that makes any Clive Barker story look tame in comparison.

So plug in your book reading light with optional popcorn maker and GPS, and enjoy AS SEEN ON TV. (Available now in limited quantities, selling fast, first 10 callers get a self-sharpening steak knife with detachable toe-nail clippers)

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4

Comunale certainly has a way with words and worlds that makes my skin crawl. As a horror fan, this is a good thing. I really did have fun with this read, it was even better discussing this with the two friends I read this with.

A serial killer obsessed with As Seen On TV products? Yes, please. I liked what the author did with this idea. Around the halfway point I lost the thread a little. The story takes a turn and the lines of reality blur and I just got a little uninvested. The writing and descriptions are good, but by the end the script had been "flipped" too many times and I was lost and pulled out the story a bit.

I will definitely read more from Comunale. He is a unique writer that seems to tackle bizarre topics and I am here for that.

[Kate Victoria RescueandReading · Rating 2 out of 5]

Going into this one, I had been expecting to see a myriad of As-Seen-On-TV murders (slap chop, whirl mops, donut scrunchie things, etc); these random items being used to kill people is what popped into my mind. It’s not exactly that, and the story is kind of slow and rambles at times.

It wasn’t my cup of tea, but others will probably enjoy it, so give it a go!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Humors inner workings of a serial killer.

Over all this book was hilarious. The serial killer is the narrator and his views on life and his killings were so normal that you couldn’t help but laugh. The murders were never overly gory or grotesque which I prefer in books like this. The last few pages did have more detailed kills (one more sexual than the others, but you could probably skip it quickly if it really got to you) anyway, over all a good funny horror book.

[Lelouch · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's always great when we can follow the villain's perspective. I liked the first half more than the second half since it focused more on his obsessions and daily life. The second half was more of the crazy dream-like state and time jumping. There was a lot more imagery, particularly ch 31 which has a lot of gore, but personally I skimmed through it. I like to read books for dialog and plot, not so much for elaborate descriptions.

[Russell Holbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make some popcorn, get comfortable, and get ready for the As Seen on TV Weird Horror Story with Brain Scrambler and Eyeball Popper!
This is a wonderful, super fun story of an OCD serial killer who ends up getting antagonized by his new next door neighbor. I thought the premise was hilarious and I was really looking forward to reading this book with my friends in the book club I belong to. Thankfully, it was rad, just as I was hoping it would be.
Although a villain, I truly liked the main character, as well as his nemesis, who for some reason I was able to picture vividly in my imagination, and said picture totally cracked me up. (!!) I also enjoyed the pace of the book and it's lighthearted approach to a dude who likes to cut people to bits. The tone and atmosphere were both very dreamy to me, which I also enjoyed immensely, especially when reading it late at night. I thought this was a really great, short, strange book with no filler. Definitely a unique addition to the serial killer horror cannon!

[Josh Martens · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Wayne does it again! As Seen on TV is a super fun read. Kept me hooked from page one.

[Sonora Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5.
Trippy, bizarre, disgusting (in the best way), and weird. I think it would’ve been stronger as a short story than a novela.

[Arachne Valentine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was weird and not how I expected it to go. But I absolutely loved it. Mind fuck.

[Kayla Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super interesting concept for a serial killer book. I did enjoy this book but felt at times it lacked detail to keep my interested fully.

[Paige Ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cover of this book lured me in and the synopsis sounded great but sadly this wasn’t a hit for me personally. I’m left with way too many questions and I’m confused as hell. What even was this?

[Gwen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I never really got into this book. It didn't make much sense, had a slow rambling build, and then, as the main character even says in the book, the ending was anti-climactic.

[Milwaukee Buresss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was quite the read. I loved every second of it. My only complaint was I wish their was more, but nonetheless it was a very creative and fun story to read.

The story itself fits right in with the Bizarro genre that Mr.Wayne has roots in. At first the lighthearted serial killer, Artie, seems to be just another OCD infused, consumer addicted, serial killer. As you read more and more the story grows more bizarre and strange, making you question everything. The story grows even more enticing as you learn more about the antagonist, the motives, and the strange occurrences. Finally the book ends with a perfect dark, strange, and crazy ending that only fits the crazed flow of the book. I mean what an ending, surprising and very, VERY bizarre. I won't spoil it here but hopefully that gives the folks at home enough justification to pick up a copy of their own.

I think another interesting aspect that the author pursues in the novel is the strange As Seen on T.V. The author goes into detail and has some interesting items that pop up. I haven't checked to see if any of the items are actual As Seen on T.V. products, if they were that's hilarious, but it adds a very lighthearted and funny aspect to the book. There is one scene in particular that made me laugh, but was also kind of dark, and it's a scene where the main character, Artie, had modified a certain item to better suit him in his line of work. It is dark and hilarious, two amazing combinations.

Very enjoyable read! Would recommend it to most. It is lighthearted enough to be suitable for those not so in the twisted world of horror but dark enough to keep a huge horror fan as myself entertained.

[IndieAuthorShowcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Seen on TV by John Wayne Comunale is a wild, surreal plunge into one man’s unraveling mind, where reality, fantasy, and late-night infomercials blur into something darkly hilarious and deeply disturbing. It’s a story that grabs you by the remote control and refuses to let go.

At the center is Artie—a man whose life begins to spiral as he becomes increasingly obsessed with the strange, over-the-top world of TV commercials. As the narrative twists and turns, we’re forced to ask: how much of this is really happening, and how much is just in Artie’s head? Comunale walks the razor’s edge between absurdity and horror, crafting a story that feels like a fever dream fueled by paranoia, loneliness, and the endless noise of consumer culture.

The writing is sharp, unflinching, and full of biting satire. It’s a story that pokes fun at the ridiculousness of modern life while tapping into very real fears about identity, isolation, and the seductive escape of media. Think Chuck Palahniuk meets David Cronenberg, with a late-night cable twist.

Winner of the 2024 Indie Author Showcase Book of the Year, As Seen on TV is a must-read for fans of weird fiction, psychological horror, and anyone who’s ever stared too long at a screen and wondered what it’s doing to their brain.

[Dustin Hendrix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met John Wayne Comunale the other day at a book fair (rad dude!), where he told me about his latest book, As Seen On T.V., and I was sold based on the premise alone. A serial killed obsessed with “As Seen on TV” products. Sounded like a fun mixture of grimy violence and commercialized consumerism.

It was a solid read, and kept me turning each page to see what happens next. It started out pretty dark and humorous, and without giving away important details, the story takes a psychological turn, which drastically changes its course.

JWC is great at detailing the various set-pieces of his story in a disturbingly funny and gory fashion. Some of the descriptions had me cringing, especially in the last third of the book. It felt like I was reading a well-made and thought out schlocky Grindhouse-style movie, which also had an underlying social commentary. JWC definitely knows what he’s doing and this was a solid introduction into his writing.

Give it a read if you’re in the mood for something violent and darkly funny.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up, my sister and I were obsessed over infomercials. We would sit there watching tv, memorizing the products and try to convince our mother we NEEDED the items. We still quote some of them to this day and are convinced they would come in handy. Of course, seeing this title triggered me and I had to read it. I had to see where he was going to go with it.
An OCD serial killer who’s obsessed with top of the line cleaning products and popcorn makers. Sign me up! I couldn’t get over the insane names of these items, JWC had me cracking up through the majority of the book. He has the perfect blend of humor mixed with horror and I’m here for it. If you ever thought you didn’t like bizarro horror, might want to try it again and start with John Wayne Comunale.

[Josh Hitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its a very odd book, really enjoy the ideal of a serial killer being obsessed with As Seen on TV products. Using them to clean up his kills and experimenting with all of them to get the best use out of them sometimes using them in the kill itself. He is very successful, though a strange man has moved in next door and odd things are happening. These interactions with the neighbor are making him lose control which is something he can't let slide so he has to go after this strange yet vaguely familiar man or whatever it is.

Recommend for something that is just off the wall. Its well written and is amusing enough to keep your interest, being such a short book.

[Bryan Davenport · Rating 5 out of 5]

Artie has an obsession with As Seen On TV products that consume him. He has to be the first person in the store on release day. He’s not your everyday serial killer as he takes great pride in being clean and never being caught in any of his locations he has lived. Sure he suffers from psychosis as he has two personalities and delusions. But don't be rude to him as he can't stand that, except for Donna.
There is a moment where I couldn't help but think that the JWC watched Real Genius and thought, Popcorn, this is genius.

Be ready to laugh as we get to see the inner workings of Artie and why he became a serial killer.
Clap on clap off the clapper

[Kamie Bettis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something about this book just really grossed me out.
The authors descriptions were top tier. I had a clear mental image of some pretty foul shit. I really enjoyed Artie and the inside look into his thoughts and obsessions.
I remember watching infomercials as a kid. I was OBSESSED with the Magic Bullet. Very nostalgic in a way.

I look forward to reading more from John Wayne Comunale very soon.

[L.M. Kaplin · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Seen on TV by John Wayne Comunale is a story about an obsessed man, fixated on murder and products by the As Seen on TV brand. It’s a good thing As Seen on TV has an array of items ready to clean up any mess, guaranteed or your money back! The MC’s compulsions soon evolve into delusions, blurring the line between fantasy and reality. If you’re looking for a bloody book that is also a bit of a mind fuck and coated in buttery goodness, check this one out.

[Jeff Wait · Rating 3 out of 5]

With a quirky premise and some real disturbing scenes, there’s a lot to like here. I particularly enjoyed the moments of vulnerability that the character has before his mind goes wonky — really made me root for this guy. The bizarro parts lost me a few times, but that might’ve been by design. Overall, I enjoyed the story and will read more by this author.

[HeyyAjj · Rating 4 out of 5]

love the title and cover art of this book. I very much enjoyed this story. It's a little bit of humor relation to a serial killer...or killers. Excellent tone and details. Made such a great read and after reading this I will be digging into to all of the masterpieces from this creative author!!

[Lucille Bransfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was a sick a** book! I loved the serial killer in love with As Seen On TV products mix. Who doesn’t remember Clap on, clap off?! This was a short, quick, sick read. If that’s your thing, then this is your book!

[Veronica Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Wayne Comunale’s originality, plots, and descriptions never cease to amaze me. His imagination is vibrant and he possesses the ability to transfer it so vividly onto the page while maintaining his own personality and voice. This book is grotesque and unhinged and I loved it

[John Mearns · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a fucking ride from beginning to end! Artie was such a fun character to follow and his quirks and obsessions felt so real. The end left me wondering what really happened and what’s to become of him. Ready for more from this guy!