Growing up as a fan of horror in the 1970s there was little by way of exploration of this genre in magazines. Of course there was FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND, but that was largely written for the kid monster fan. I was surely that, but even as a child, and later as a teen fan, I wanted to explore horror, and its cousin genres of science fiction and fantasy, in more depth. Today the situation is quite different in that there are a number of different print magazines, as well as Internet fan zines. They are of differing emphasis and quality, but for the fan as well as the scholar who wants to explore horror deeply, there are few options.

One of the publications that fills this need and niche is DIABOLIQUE. I have had the opportunity to read Issue 5 in a PDF format, and I was impressed. The magazine not only includes an exploration of significant topics by good writers, but also includes an impressive layout, and breathtaking photographs.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Gregory Petaloudis, Director of Marketing and Promotion for DIABOLIQUE, to learn more about the publication.

TheoFantastique: With so many horror magazines available at the present time, what went into the decision making process for creating DIABOLIQUE?

Greg Petaloudis: Actually, this was a decision we made over a year ago. Granted, the modern digital age has given the opportunity to the average person to become a so-called ” Horror magazine publisher.” However, let’s see how many are still in business a few years from now. Most of them only do it on a part-time basis and have little experience as to what it really takes to publish a successful horror genre magazine for the long term. Even the established Horror publications are not what they used to be.

TheoFantastique: How is it unique?

Greg Petaloudis: DIABOLIQUE is unique in a number of ways: 1) The layout and graphics are better than any current horror magazine sold on newsstands. 2) DIABOLIQUE is full color, lavishly illustrated with well written articles from established journalists. 3) We also review films from around the world, not just the new horror films released in America, which are not that good and every horror magazine reviews anyway. 4) DIABOLIQUE is professionally printed and our staff pays attention to every little detail.

TheoFantastique: The magazine takes an in-depth look at various aspects of horror, probing it beyond its surface entertainment value. Do you find more fans and academics interested in exploring horror in this way?

Greg Petalouis: Definitely! The reviews from different critics and loyal fans alike clearly proves we are on the right track, especially for a publication like ours that’s only at issue 5. Let’s not forget the top distributors already want to distribute our magazine internationally! We listen carefully to what they say and improve each issue, always evolving and changing for the better. Additionally, adolescent kids are no longer the target audience for horror magazines. Now, people between the ages of (18-55) are actively reading and collecting back issues of DIABOLIQUE.

TheoFantastique: What are the backgrounds of some of your contributors, and what types of topics are they addressing?

Greg Petalouis: All of our contributors are established journalists who have interviewed countless celebrities, authors, etc and written articles for other periodicals. Every month, new journalists are joining our team of growing contributors! Additionally, they also write blogs and some even have their own websites. Most of them try not to address the same issues like every other horror magazine, rather with more in depth articles on the past, present and future of both classic, modern and foreign horror films.

To learn more about DIABOLIQUE, and what’s included in Issue No. 5 (July/August 2011) visit the website and Facebook Page.