Splatterpunk
Splatterpunk is a subgenre of horror that emerged in the 1980s and is characterized by its graphic depictions of violence, gore, and bodily mutilation. The genre often focuses on extreme or taboo subjects, such as sexual violence, torture, and cannibalism, and is intended to shock and disturb its audience.
Splatterpunk stories often feature antiheroes or morally ambiguous characters who engage in violent and brutal acts. The genre also frequently incorporates elements of the supernatural, such as demons or other supernatural creatures, to further heighten the sense of horror and violence.
One of the key themes of Splatterpunk is the idea of transgression, or breaking societal norms and boundaries. The genre often challenges the conventional boundaries of taste and decency, and is intended to push its audience to their limits.
Some of the most famous examples of Splatterpunk include Clive Barker's The Books of Blood, Bret Easton Ellis's American Psycho, and Jack Ketchum's The Girl Next Door. The genre continues to be a controversial and divisive form of horror, with some critics condemning it as gratuitous and exploitative, while others see it as a legitimate form of artistic expression.