Solid lineup this year.
The IP slate isn’t quite as exciting as last year’s for me, but on paper I’d place it higher than the other 30’s years in terms of overall strength.
Originals are a bit of a mixed bag. Three of them sound very promising but there’s two that aren’t connecting with me at all.
There’s a pretty sizable gap between my top five and my bottom five, but my hype list and final ranking usually end up being completely different so I’m excited to see which one of my lower hyped houses exceeds expectations.
10. Madlands: Caged Cannibals - Had this kept the abandoned zoo setting and swapped out the cannibals for rabid, starving actual zoo animals this would be way higher. Instead, this feels like two completely different houses crammed into one with an awesome setting ruined by the post apocalyptic and cannibal “twist”. It doesn’t help that this is one of two post apocalyptic houses this year either.
9. Cybergoria - This house feels tonally confused to me. The key art and description make it sound dark and gritty but the stuff they’ve shown off for it so far gives off a completely different, almost comedic vibe instead. Something here just feels off to me for some reason. The Fast location isn’t really helping here either as I’m not sure it can pull off what I think the house is selling? Feels like something better suited for one of the new tents imo.
8. Ozzy Osborne: Prince of Darkness - I generally don’t vibe with music artist houses. This also comes off as borderline distasteful to me and probably should’ve waited a few more years to be done like they did with the Wyatt’s so that this feels more like an actual tribute and a bit like….cynical? Also don’t have much of a read on what exactly this house is supposed to be in terms of tone and overall atmosphere.
7. Evil Dead Burn - It’s great to finally have some WB IP back but….this one’s a pretty lackluster pick for me. I’m sure Uni’s hoping to bank off of the “Evil Dead” name like they did with Exorcist Believer, and I think this one could make for one of the better houses for the year like Believer did. In terms of preseason hype however, there’s really not much to go around here. I’d much rather this have been the original trilogy instead.
6. Stranger Things 5 - I’m still a fan of the show and i don’t have the same level of hatred for season five that others do. That said, I didn’t feel anything when it was announced like I did for 28 and 32 especially. I understand why it’s back, but I guess I’m also burnt out and ready to move on from this IP after this year.
5. Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos and Control - Now we’re talking! Always love an icon house and I think this one has a very strong chance to be one of the standouts this year. This one is at five largely for expectations/hype control to avoid potential disappointment.
4. Sinners - The actually exciting WB IP. Big fan of the film and I love vampire related material, so this one has a built in advantage. I’m a little worried about how well this will actually translate over to a house, but mad respect for making the attempt at all!
3. Invasion: Alien Abduction - This one just oozes with potential to be the next big HHN original franchise! I haven’t felt this way about an original since Wicked Growth. It’s a wonderfully simple, classic concept, and I love that they’re playing it straight. I’ve got a good feeling about this one!
2. H. R. BloodenGutz: A Halloween Fright-tacular! - Been waiting for this for quite a long time! Love everything we’ve heard about this so far and it’s awesome that the original actor for Bloodengutz is back too! Pretty stoked that some of the films are callbacks as well. I’m also thrilled that it’s in an old tent. Perfect location for it!
1. Hellraiser - Feels great to cross one off the “white whale” list! Here’s hoping this is the start of a beautiful new trend (Gremlins next please Mike I beg of you!) Doug Bradley coming back for the house just makes this feel even more special. I think we’re in for a real treat with this one!