Gummy Vampires

I think this one — a photo of “Gummy Vampires” candy that I took at the grocery store the other day — speaks for itself. I don’t associate gushing or oozing or even “gumminess” with vampires…but with their victims. Indeed, the first thing I think of when I think of vampirism is “teeth” not gums. Although this product is clearly targeting children, it still reflects the typical transference we see in uncanny packaging, where the act of consumerism is projected into the product, fraught with contradictions and fantasy.

This has been in the back of my mind lately. Inspired a creepy twitter poem, even:

“Vampire Gums”: he looked down with strange relief and terror — / a loose tooth left behind / weirdly twitching / still gnawing in her neck

— Michael Arnzen (@MikeArnzen) January 20, 2013

• Bio
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Google+
• Latest Posts
• Subscribe

Michael Arnzen

Michael Arnzen is an award-winning author of horror fiction and an English professor at Seton Hill University, where he has taught writing since 1999. His trophy case includes four Bram Stoker Awards and an International Horror Guild Award for his often funny, always disturbing stories. Join his social network at michaelarnzen.com.

@MikeArnzen

Follow @MikeArnzen

+Michael Arnzen

Latest posts by Michael Arnzen (see all)

• VIDEO: Arnzen Lecture on The Popular Uncanny at Neumann University - 03/14/2013
• The Vampire Reborn - 01/26/2013
• Gummy Vampires - 01/15/2013

The Goreletter is my free e-mail newsletter rich in strange microfiction, offbeat humor, horror poetry, reviews, surprises, contests, and tiny oddities. Recipient of the Bram Stoker Award! Subscribe today.