With the release of several 70’s blaxploitation films on Blu Ray this year, it’s no wonder that the genre is seeing an increase in popularity. Racial tension is running high due to the current political climate and titles like Blacula, Blackenstein, and Dolemite have paved the way for a more ironic look at the genre. The time has finally come for Smoothen Silky: Demon Fighting Pimp, the first installment in writer Derek Slaton’s Grindhouse Chronicles!
If the title doesn’t immediately slap you in the face and grab your attention, the cover art will. A comic style design reminiscent of old blaxploitation movie posters, Smoothen Silky makes you stand up and take notice. The story itself begins in a bar room where a woman named Rose is being harassed by a pack of stereotypical frat bros who happen to be demon spawn, hell-bent on rape and stealing souls. Enter Smoothen Silky with a nine iron and a sidekick whose only job is to bring in a fan so the pimp can strike a “hero pose” and you’ve got something unique for sure.
Smoothen Silky and Rose are agents for an organization working to stop these hell beasts from consuming the world. While Rose is thorough, professional, and meticulous, Smoothen Silky is a flamboyant pimp who draws attention to himself wherever he goes. The story reads a lot like a grindhouse or exploitation horror flick and, while modern, has a retro 70’s feel that blurs time all together.
If I had a complaint, and I always have a complaint, it’s the writing style. The dialogue is perfect, especially for the overall feel of the story, but at times the narrative style is hard to follow. That said, the story moves quickly and there’s rarely a dull moment. Derek Slaton has written a character worthy of a gritty, gory exploitation thriller in Smoothen Silky.
Smoothen Silky: Demon Fighting Pimp is a must read for blaxploitation fans and horror fans alike. Painting descriptive images within short, punchy paragraphs you can easily close your eyes and picture the story playing out on the screen. Add to that lines of dialogue and characters you’ll never find anywhere else including a demon with “hypnotic hooters” and you’re looking at a book that will easily entertain any reader. Smoothen Silky blends some of the best aspects of blaxploitation and exploitation cinema style with horror-comedy elements and memorable dialogue.
Click here to find out more about The Grindhouse Chronicles!