Like all of you – I awoke this morning to the horrible news that SFX legend John Carl Buechler had lost his battle with cancer. The horror community quickly joined forces a few weeks back when the sobering news that John Carl was bravely battling stage four cancer was made public – and today we all mourn this trailblazer’s passing.
A huge part of Charles Band’s Empire Pictures – Buechler brought to life some of Band’s most iconic creations. Troll, Trancers, Gingerdead Man, Ghoulies, Dolls, Robot Jox – it is an impressive and daunting list. Needless to say, Buechler knew how to deliver the goods inexpensively and memorably. Most of his creations that were built for Empire are as iconic today as the day they debuted in the theatre or home video.
While his work with Charles Band certainly kick-started his career – he would go on to work on most of the iconic horror franchises of the era. In Friday the 13th Part 7 – Buechler went behind the camera to direct Kane Hodder in his first outing as Jason Vorhees – forever cementing a look to the character and the franchise. He also had a hand in the Halloween and A Nightmare on Elm Street franchises, handling the FX duties on Halloween 4 and A Nightmare on Elm Street 4. If I were to list all the man’s accomplishment – we would be here a while but, I think you get the idea.
John Carl Buechler was a titan in the genre and his craftsmanship, energy, and love for the genre will be sorely missed. All of us here at Gruesome Magazine send love and condolences to his family, friends, and fans.
