Official "MANIAC" (1980) Novelization Slashes Its Way to Bookshelves!
French publishing house Editions Faute de Frappe has just unleashed the official novelization of William Lustig’s 1980 slasher classic, “MANIAC”—because what’s better than reliving all the grimy, blood-soaked terror in literary form? If you’re itching to get your fiendish fingers on a copy (hopefully without leaving fingerprints at a crime scene), we’ve got all the details below!
We’ve been eager to share the news that the 1980 cult classic slasher film “MANIAC” has been resurrected in literary form, thanks to the French publishing house Editions Faute de Frappe. Now, you can experience the chilling tale of Frank Zito in a whole new medium—because who wouldn't want to dive deeper into the mind of a deranged serial killer?
The novelization, penned by esteemed writer Stéphane Bourgoin, looks to be packed with gory details and insights into a killer's mind. Set against the seedy backdrop of 1980s New York City, the story explores themes of loneliness, obsession, and the blurred lines between reality and delusion. The novel also has a foreword by the director of the film William Lustig, so you know it has his blessing.
Amazon has an amazing feature that lets you check out a full excerpt from the novel. This is just one small section of the novel, but you can read a sample HERE.
For those eager to get their hands on this spine-chilling adaptation, the “MANIAC” novelization is available for purchase through Editions Faute de Frappe’s official website, Amazon, and a few other online retailers. The novel is very reasonably priced on Amazon at either $18.95 for the hardcover or $14.95 in paperback. Be sure to check their shipping options, especially if you're ordering from outside France.
If you’re a fan of the 1980 classic, you might also want to check out the 2012 remake of “MANIAC” starring Elijah Wood. Unlike the original, which puts you in the grimy world of Frank Zito from a third-person perspective, the remake takes a bold approach—filming almost entirely from Zito’s point of view. While the remake modernized the story and changed some of its details, it still retained the raw, disturbing essence of the original, making it a worthy companion piece for anyone diving into “MANIAC” lore.
Whether you're a die-hard fan of the original film, a fan of the remake, or a newcomer looking for a terrifying read, this novelization of “MANIAC” promises to deliver the horror in spades. Just remember to keep the lights on and maybe avoid looking in mirrors for a while—you never know who might be watching.
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