There was a time when the atomics industry fueled more than political debate—it fueled the growth spurts of God’s creatures, which turned the tables against the domineering species known as man. Giant spiders, towering ants, train-sized gila monsters, praying mantises larger than 747s, and yes, even mutated leeches big enough to swallow you whole.

These were the themes behind the classic Creature Feature films of the 50s and 60s. By the 70s we learned that no amount of atomic radiation would cause a flea to grow so large it could leap across an entire city, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look back on those drive-in films with a sense of fondness. They are as fun today as they were back then. It was, after all, the sight of these giant beasts attacking man that became the catalyst for many of today’s horror writers to pick up a pen.

~ call for submissions @ Permuted Press

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