Fernando Fro Reza's "Mother's Day" Movie Poster

The gents at Skuzzles are at it again in their quest to bring us more deliciously schlocky Troma goodness, this time in the form of a beautifully crafted Mother's Day screen print by artist Fernando Fro Reza. Behold!

Mother's Day Movie Poster
Fernando Fro Reza (Fro Design Co)
18" x 24" - Numbered
$32 - Limited to 75

I really dig this poster for two main reasons. First and foremost, it's a great looking print. That much is obvious, but more specifically, Fernando's incredibly classy artwork serves as strangely perfect counterpoint to the low budget hillbilly horror fest that is Mother's Day. Up until now, Skuzzles has mainly worked with artists who I feel are perfect at capturing the gonzo insanity that lies at the heart of most Troma productions, but by commissioning Fro and utilizing his cleaner, more minimalist approach to design, a sort of cognitive dissonance occurs that makes the work even creepier and more disturbing than it may have been in the hands of another artist. Second, it's a Fernando Fro Reza screen print! I know that may not seem like much, but the vast majority of his work is in giclée form, and while there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, in my mind, a screen print feels just a bit more unique and handcrafted. It's a brilliant poster and I'd love to see more like it!

Fernando Fro Reza's Mother's Day movie poster will be available tomorrow (5/4) through Skuzzle's site at a random time. The poster measures 18" x 24", will cost $32, and is limited to an edition of 75. To get the drop on the poster drop be sure to follow @skuzzlescan on Twitter and visit their Facebook page. To see and purchase more of Fernando's artwork, be sure to visit frodesignco.com, the Fro Design Co Store, and follow him on Twitter @frodesignco. Watch out for Queenie!

Fernando Fro Reza's "The Man from Gallifrey" Art Print

I remember being a youngster in the Bay Area and staying up late on school nights watching PBS. I know, badass, right? We didn't have cable, meaning there wasn't much in the way of channels, and I didn't have a computer in my room, so the Internet wasn't easily accessible after the bell tolled midnight, but I did happen to have an old TV set. Every once in a blue moon, KQED (at least, I think it was KQED) would host a telethon with some pretty amazing programming. Occasionally the on-air fundraiser would yield a disappointing evening filled with British sitcoms that clearly weren't aimed at my demographic, like Are You Being Served, As Time Goes By, and the Canadian handyman series, The Red Green Show. But sometimes, the planets aligned and I was introduced to some spectacular science fiction, like Neon Genesis Evangelion, Red Dwarf, and the focus of tonight's post, Doctor Who. I was immediately taken with The Doctor. Now keep in mind, this wasn't the new Doctor Who, this was the older series, the 1963 to 1989 series. And I loved every corny, weird, cost-effective minute of that show. I mention all this, because when I first saw Fernando Fro Reza's impressive Doctor Who inspired print, I was immediately reminded of just how much the series meant to me when I was younger, and the indefatigable nature of the Who franchise.

"The Man from Gallifrey" Art Print
Fernando Fro Reza (Fro Design Co.)
11" x 17" - Signed and Numbered
$60 - Limited to 150
Inspired By: Doctor Who

Fernando Fro Reza's "The Man from Gallifrey" art print features not only the newer Doctors (Eccleston, Tennant and Smith), but all the Doctors past (even Paul McGann). And while the fact that it covers the entirety of the Who-niverse is great, the print also offers a ton of smaller Easter egg-type touches for all us Who-ligans (please, somebody stop me). I had the opportunity to ask Fernando why he was such a fan of the series, but even more importantly, who his favorite Doctors were - here's what he had to say:

"I've heard from a few people that your favorite Doctor is always the one you came in with, and for me that was Eccleston who did an amazing job. But after watching all of the new series and a bit of the older ones I think it really comes down to David Tennant and Tom Baker. Something that Doctor Who does really well is treat incredible situations in a very real and grounded way and as zany and stylized as Baker's and Tennant's portrayals could get, they still felt very real. I really like the idea that for 50 years there has been a lineage of men playing the same person, each actor adding more layers and quirks to the character. And based on its success it's poised to continue for a 100 more. Which is why I hope this tribute is fitting, in a way it features all the Doctors past present and future."

For the record, I totally agree with his opinion of Tennant and Tom Baker. And when asked to point out a few of the hidden gems this print features, Fernando was nice enough to share a secret or two:

"As for the Easter eggs there's a few little things thrown in, if you look closely the broken spring in the top left is actually the spinning flight trail of a small Tardis. At the bottom there's a group of Doctor Who villains, the character on the far right has two hearts and is supposed to represent the Master."

It's a fantastic design, but I think the coolest thing about the poster, besides Tom Baker's colorful scarf of course, is that Fro Design Co has "future proofed" the print. Here's the basic concept: every time a regeneration takes place, Fernando will send you a vinyl press-on of the new Doctor along with instructions on where to place it. It's a pretty novel idea, and one that I think is incredibly inspired and totally in line with the themes of Doctor Who. So, there you have it. The print is a bit more expensive than many of Fro Design Co's past offerings, but the idea of having an always up-to-date Doctor Who picture is pretty awesome.

Unique Certificate that Comes with Each Poster

Fernando Fro Reza's "The Man from Gallifrey" art print is currently available from Fro Design Co's website for $60. The giclée measures 11" x 17" and is limited to 150. To learn more about the artist and his work, be sure to visit frodesignco.com and follow Fernando on Twitter @frodesignco. EX-TER-MIN-ATE!

Giveaway - "Possibly With Dynamite" Art Print by Fernando Fro Reza

UPDATE (12/17): Random.org has picked a winner and it's Gonzalo Carbajosa! Congrats Gonzalo! He'll be receiving the "Possibly With Dynamite" art print later this week. Thanks for entering everyone! I've got a lot more posters to hand out, so be on the lookout for another giveaway next week. Most importantly, thanks for reading!

It's time for another giveaway! I'm a huge fan of Wes Anderson's The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and I'm a huge fan of artist Fernando Fro Reza, so this seemed like a no brainer. If you're interested in Zissou-related free stuff look no further, as this month's giveaway is Fro Design Co's amazing "Possibly With Dynamite" art print.

"Possibly with Dynamite" Art Print
Fernando Fro Reza
11" x 17" - Signed and Numbered
Limited to 20

(1) "Possibly with Dynamite" art print by Fernando Fro Reza

Unfortunately, since I'm the one paying for shipping this contest is only open to readers in the US (sorry everyone else, international shipping can be expensive and complicated). The rules are pretty simple: the only thing you have to do to win is leave a comment on this post with your email address and name and on December 17th I will randomly pick and email the winner to get his or her shipping address. Entries are limited to one person per household. Good luck!

Fernando Fro Reza's "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" Movie Poster

I've sung Fro Design Co.'s praises before, and sure enough, the man has created yet another wonderful print, this time for the creepy Guillermo Del Toro penned Don't Be Afraid of the Dark.

Don't Be Afraid of the Dark Movie Poster
Fernando Fro Reza
11" x 17"
$30 - Limited to 100

I was a big fan of this film. Now I'm not saying it was a perfect story, but I had a lot of fun with the movie and there were some great scares! And the house, my god the house, is probably the most sinister character in the entire flick. I wanted to preface my review of Fro Design Co.'s artwork with a quick review of the film to underscore just how perfectly the artist has recreated the atmosphere of the movie. Fernando's print captures the macabre setting complete with clandestine homunculi and is, in my humble opinion, his most accomplished work to date. Unlike a lot of his other prints, which I love and admire, this poster reminds me more of a painting that tells a story (a dark story) than a clever minimalist aggregate of cinematic fragments. I've got more than enough room in my heart for both approaches, but I absolutely adore this poster.

Yes, it's a great poster, a beautiful poster even, but there's more! This print was commissioned by CHUD, and as part of that commission, Fernando has been offering a VERY generous BOGO deal that is sure to elicit joyful joy. To read more about the Fro Design Co. Don't Be Afraid of the Dark deal visit CHUD's article on the poster and be sure to mention it during the PayPal checkout process. Fernando Fro Reza's Don't Be Afraid of the Dark poster is available through the Fro Design Co. store at frodesignstore.blogspot.com. The giclée measures 11" x 17", is limited to an edition of 100 and costs $30. And when it comes to the film, while I may not be able to wholeheartedly recommend a blind buy (I'm sure I'll be buying it though), the film deserves, at the very least, a blind rental (is that even a phrase? it is now).

Fernando Fro Reza's "They Live" Movie Posters

I'm not entirely sure if the title I gave this post is accurate or if both prints presented below can be described as They Live movie posters, proper, but I have a feeling you'll forgive me once you feast your eyes on tonight's artwork du jour. Earlier today Fernando Fro Reza, probably known better under the Fro Design Co flag, released two spectacularly awesome prints that can only be rivaled by his previously reviewed and recently re-released The Thing prints. Put the glasses on! Put 'em on!

"All Outta Bubble Gum" They Live Movie Poster
Fernando Fro Reza
11" x 17"
$30 - Limited to 100

I love this movie. I love the patience-testing fight scene between Nada and Frank. I love the fact that underneath the ridiculous aliens-among-us narrative there are some pretty inspired anti-establishment flashes of genius. The bottom line is this: They Live is a fun, infinitely quotable movie, that I'm not sure I'll ever grow tired of. Now onto the real reason you're here - the artwork! I definitely prefer this poster between the two prints included in tonight's post, not because I dislike the other poster, but because I have such an affinity for the film and its myriad of strange characters and creatures, including "Rowdy" Roddy Piper's George Nada and of course our not-so-friendly alien overlords, the formaldehyde faces. This poster has everything one could want, and was executed to perfection with Fernando's usual expertise. The red color palette is particularly striking and I'm a huge fan of the way he presented the extraterrestrial policeman. The only negative I can think of is Fernando's method of printing. His style seems perfectly suited for screen printing, but to the best of my knowledge all of his prints have been giclées. It's a pretty small complaint overall, and it definitely didn't stop me from ordering one the moment he announced their release earlier today. Fro Design Co's "All Outta Bubble Gum" They Live movie poster is available right now through his online store for $30. The print measures 11" x 17" and is limited to an edition of 100.

"These Glasses Get You High But You Come Down Hard" They Live Movie Poster
Fernando Fro Reza
11" x 17"
$30 - Limited to 100

For the They Live fan with a sense of humor, and let's be honest, you've kind of got to have a sense of humor to love a film like They Live, Fernando has also created an epic Mario-themed print. I'm not sure what else to say other than the fact that I'm glad this poster, against all odds, somehow exists. I love all of the characters thrown in here, but to be honest, it's the little things that really wow me like the pixelated They Live logo - just awesome. Fernando's "These Glasses Get You High But You Come Down Hard" print costs $30, measures 11" x 17" and is limited to an edition of 100. If that's not impressive enough, they're available right now! To see more of Fernando Fro Reza's excellent work be sure to visit his store, follow his Tumblr and Twitter account @frodesignco.

Fernando Fro Reza's "Brazil" Movie Poster

I haven't covered every Fernando Fro Rezza print to date (although I have written about his work before), but it's safe to say I'm pretty much floored by everything the man comes out with. His newest release, honoring the cult classic Brazil, is no different. Much like Brazil, a very strange and unique film, there's something quite off kilter and disquieting about this print.

Brazil
Fernando Fro Reza
11" x 17"
$30 - Limited to 50

I like Fernando's work for many of the same reasons I like Olly Moss' work. They're both great at using and manipulating iconic images, often transforming them into multiple-layered masterpieces. They both also happen to use simple color palettes, but almost always end up creating something quite complex. Fernando's Brazil poster captures that strange Terry Gilliam magic by employing jutting angles, creepy baby masks (seriously, Jason's hockey mask and Michael Myers' halloween disguise have nothing on Gilliam's creation), and a well honed sense of the bizarre. It's ultimately the artist's mix of day dreams and nightmares, and of symmetry and disproportion, that clearly show Mr. Reza knows exactly what he's doing.

This signed and numbered poster is currently available through the website Uber Cool Stuff for $30. The print measures 11" x 17" and is limited to an edition of 50. I have a feeling this is a giclee and not a screen print, but I'm not certain. To learn more about Fernando be sure to visit his portfolio and blog, where you can purchase a bunch of his prints, which runs the gamut from The Dark Knight Rises to Rugrats to Doctor Who. Good night everyone! I'm off to file a complaint with Central Services.

Fernando Fro Reza's "The Thing" Movie Posters

Fernando Fro Reza, better known as Fro Design Co on the web, has been creating and selling film / television inspired prints since early 2010 through his Fro Design Co blog. He's created prints based on shows like Lost and The Walking Dead, to movies like Inception, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (my favorite Wes Anderson film) and now, John Carpenter's legendary The Thing. In collaboration with CHUD.com, Fernando has been, and will continue to, create monthly movie posters for Cinematic Happenings Under Development (also known as CHUD). Here's a much more eloquent summary of this union than I could ever produce (copied, pasted, and then slightly edited / paraphrased from Nick Nunziato):

"Every month for as long as we’re able to keep on keepin’ on, we will be saluting two films with glorious and beautiful posters that should get your gears turning real nice. What qualifies for a CHUD SALUTES honor? It’s a weird combination. Some of these will be great movies. Some will be horrible movies. Some unsung classics. Some pretty obvious flicks. The end result is that when this man [Fernando Fro Reza] graces them with his eye, they’re all unified in their delightfulness."

Now onto the fun stuff!

The Thing: MacReady

Fernando's The Thing "MacReady" movie poster is my favorite of the two. It's very Olly Moss, in that there's so much going on and yet it's so minimal. I'd actually recommend clicking on the image to get a better look at a larger version, you might be surprised at all of the hidden elements he's thrown in. This poster is of course an image of The Thing's resident badass / protagonist R.J. MacReady (played to perfection by Kurt Russell). My favorite details are the hanging light that acts as MacReady's eye and the petri dish filled with alien goo and reacting to the heat under the cast and crew credits. If like me, you never had the chance to grab one of Stout's amazing The Thing posters, then you'll no doubt be picking this one up to fill that deep, dark, vacuous void in your soul. The "MacReady" poster measures 11" x 17", costs $25 and is limited to an edition of 50. There also happens to be an amazing buy one get one free deal through CHUD, so I HIGHLY recommend heading over there ASAP (hint: read the first two paragraphs) - you won't be sorry. These will sell out quickly, so act fast!

The Thing: The First Week of Winter

The Thing "The First Week of Winter" print is a bit more traditional, but definitely highlights the kick-ass-ness of Kurt Russell much more prominently, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. In a lot of ways these posters fit together perfectly. The "MacReady" print features fiery red hues, and seems to give off heat and represent action, while "The First Week of Winter" print represents the colder and more isolated atmosphere of the American Antarctic research station by using shades of blue; together these prints seem to create a whole picture. Much like the previous The Thing print, "The First Week of Winter" poster costs $25, measures 11" x 17", is limited to an edition of 50 and is available through the Fro Design Co store. Again, please be sure to check out the CHUD post before buying either one of these prints to take advantage of the BOGO offer.

Now it's time for the self serving aspect of this post, where I remind everyone who hasn't already done so (US only) to enter themselves in Posterocalypse's The Fighter print giveaway. I'll be giving away The Fighter movie poster by Alan Hynes and a mystery print on February 28th to one lucky person who leaves a comment with their name and email address in last Saturday's blog post (it was titled "Giveaway - The Fighter by Alan Hynes"). ¡Bueno suerte!