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“Ripped To Shreds”: The Lost 80’s Slasher – Original screenplay from Michael Johnson, adapted by Writer Scott Alan Gregory with artwork by Thiago Motta
Synopsis: What originally began as a screenplay in the 1980’s and unfortunately never hit the big screen has been adapted into a full-cover graphic novel bringing us all back to the glorious slasher days of times long gone.
Aah, when an opportunity presents itself there’s no more perfect chance to kick the door open and let the blood spray…then regretfully there are those times when all of the planets do not align in the favor and we’re left wishing what was and what could have been. However, thanks to some massively creative souls and a lot of effort, one of those chances has once again managed to wrap its bloody mitts around the throat of occasion and we’re all the benefactors. Now tightly affix your splash-guards because this review may very well leave some of you very wet…in a clean way, of course.
When financing didn’t come to fruition back in the 80’s, Screenwriter Michael Johnson had to shelve his long-thought out slasher movie idea, “Ripped To Shreds”, essentially leaving it to gather dust and always be attached to the “what if” question. Now in the year 2026, fans can get their hands on the “what if”, painstakingly crafted into a graphic-novel that was funded by hundreds of faithful followers on its Kickstarter platform, and now it’s currently available at Apostrophebooks.bigcartel.com in THREE different versions. First up is the standard trade paperback version for $35 and comes with special features at the end of the book containing interviews with Screenwriter Michael Johnson, and Friday The 13th Part II stars Russell Todd (Scott) and Lauren-Marie Taylor (Vickie), both of whom have been made into characters in the book.
Next up is the deluxe hardcover version, which will run you $65 and comes with the aforementioned special features PLUS concept art galleries and an essay on the killer’s weapon (interestingly enough, crafted after the 1980’s TV product “The Garden Weasel”), and a page-by-page commentary from Project Director Scott Alan Gregory.
Lastly is the big enchilada: the slipcase edition that will run you $150 dollars – it comes inside an absolutely beautiful slipcase showing off insane artwork by Colin Murdoch – numbered to only 200 copies (hand-numbered and signed by Scott Alan Gregory) – it’s in a leather texture hardcover with red-foil stamped logo, and all the previous special features mentioned above.
I had a chance to check out the graphic-novel, so generously offered up by Apostrophe Books, and let me tell you this: as someone who grew up in the 80’s and cut my teeth HEAVILY on the slasher sub-genre, the ONLY unfortunate thing is that this screenplay missed its chance to be immortalized on celluloid – the book is a powerhouse of punishing carnage and will make any gorehound howl at the moon. Bursting with colors that pop off the pages and a story that screams “let the crimson fly!”, it’s a tribute to what may have been a stapled slasher back in the day. You simply must dive into your wallets and get this book, regardless of which option you choose – you will NOT be disappointed.
