Joe Chiodo is a name not unknown to comic book aficionados. The youngest of four boys, Chiodo would grow up to be one of the comic book industry’s most sought after cover illustrators and colorists. His popularity rose during the 1990’s as he contributed cover illustrations for the group of artists who would form the indie publishing, creator-owned company of Image Comics (especially the Wildstorm and Cliffhanger brands).
Chiodo’s pin-up style lends well to the so-called “bad girl” style of comic book characters such as Vampirella, Lady Death, Witchblade and a host of others. His pin-up style was reminiscent of classic pin-up and cheesecake artists such as Dave Stevens and Gil Elvgren. He would add a certain Disney cartoon-style to the mix that would become the unique Chiodo-style fans have come to admire and love.
Joe Chiodo continues to do cover illustrations and coloring for comic book artists and companies. He has also released his own series of artbooks that focuses on his cover works and original art and painting throughout the years.
Part two of this week’s bonus-sized edition of Lisa Marie’s Favorite Grindhouse and Exploitation trailers actually kinda sorta has a theme or two. One unintentional theme is that most of the movies highlighted here have not been released on DVD in the U.S. However, the other intentional theme is that, to quote the old song, “the female of the species is deadlier than the male.”
“They swore never again to let a man hurt them…” See, the grindhouse has a lot more to teach us than many realize. The Female Bunch was released in 1969 but it was actually filmed a year earlier at the Spahn Movie Ranch which was also the home of Charles Manson and his followers at the time. It’s rumored that members of the Manson Family can be spotted in the film as extras. It was directed by Al Adamson who, 30 years later, would be murdered and buried in cement.
Is it even necessary for me to state that this film came out in the 60s? 1969 to be exact. Some girls do? I certainly know I do.
3) Danger Girls
Yes, this one is from 1969 too. It was directed by the one and only Rene Cardona, Jr. For those keeping track, this one is about a “sinister organization of beautiful girls … driven by a lust for blood.”
4) Scorpions and MiniSkirts
This (as opposed to The Graduate or Bonnie and Clyde) was apparently the most surprising production of 1967. It says so right in the trailer. I just like the title, perhaps because I’m a Scorpio who likes to show off her legs.
By 1968, scorpions were no longer in fashion but the miniskirt was still très chic. “They ride hard…no matter what they’re mounted on!”
6) 7 Golden Women Against Two 007
This is from 1966 and I really don’t know what to say about it other than … well, 1966. If any of you men out there want to know why the female of the species became deadlier than the male, the answer is to be found in this trailer here. Call it self-defense. That said, this trailer fascinates me because, seriously, what the Hell’s going on? I fear I may never know as this film has apparently never been released on DVD.
Through the Shattered Lens 