Rise of the Horror Comedy
Article by Bindi Lavelle

Horror is a genre that above all is flexible; it can combine and encompass a vast array of subgemres. It is not surprise then that a horror-comedy hybrid formed, but recently it seems that horror comedies are increasing in popularity. Black humour is certainly no stranger to horror, often used as a device to break tension, a small joke can help balance the dynamic of a film. This practice has become ever more promonate, it is almost uncommon to see a gag free scary film. That being said when the horror comedy hybrid comes together well it combines the best elements of both genres. Some like Idle Hands and Shaun of the Dead lean more to the comedy side of things while Scream and Dog Soilders, show more horror. This subgenre, due to the massive differences within its 2 elements allows for a broad specturm of film. Perhaps the popularity of this sub-genre can be attributed to it's ablity to vary horror as a whole, by mixing two very different concepts new rich ones can form. While the increasing presence of comedy in horror does have a negetive side, anything that diversifys and broadens horror film can only be ultimatly good.