Memes, Monsters, and the Digital Grotesque

Memes, Monsters, and the Digital Grotesque explores the emerging and thriving new genre of digital horror, examining digital cultural production during the Arab Winter and revealing concealed narratives underlying the digital lives of artists and ordinary people.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 16 May 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Memes, Monsters, and the Digital Grotesque: An Innovative Perspective on Emerging and Thriving Digital Horror
Memes, Monsters, and the Digital Grotesque is a groundbreaking book that explores the emerging and thriving new genre of digital horror from an innovative perspective. Authored by Moreno-Almeida, the book examines digital cultural production during the period known as the "Arab Winter" and delves into the memes, animated cartoons, music videos, and expressive cultures that emerged between 2016 and 2020.

Moreno-Almeida's book reveals concealed narratives underlying the digital lives of artists and ordinary people, exploring how memes, horror, and the grotesque capture a moment infused with political and affective significance, characterized by despair, alienation, and anomie, alongside opportunities for creative experimentation made possible in the postdigital era.

The book begins by examining the historical and cultural context of the Arab Winter, which was marked by political instability, social unrest, and the rise of extremist groups. Moreno-Almeida argues that this period was fertile ground for the emergence of digital horror, as it provided a platform for marginalized voices to express their fears and anxieties in a way that was both accessible and impactful.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of memes in digital horror. Moreno-Almeida argues that memes are a powerful tool for conveying complex ideas and emotions, and that they have become increasingly prevalent in the digital age. He explores the various types of memes, including political memes, pop culture memes, and horror memes, and how they have been used to create fear and anxiety.

Moreno-Almeida also examines the role of animated cartoons in digital horror. He argues that animated cartoons have become increasingly popular in recent years, and that they have been used to create a range of horror genres, from horror comedy to horror drama. He explores the various techniques used in animated cartoons to create fear and anxiety, including the use of dark humor, gore, and surreal imagery.

Music videos are also a significant part of digital horror, and Moreno-Almeida explores the various ways in which music videos have been used to create fear and anxiety. He examines the use of music videos to convey political messages, to create a sense of tension and suspense, and to create a sense of horror and dread.

Expressive cultures, such as fashion and urban subcultures, are also explored in the book. Moreno-Almeida argues that these cultures have become increasingly influential in the digital age, and that they have been used to create a range of horror genres, from horror punk to horror cosplay. He explores the various ways in which expressive cultures have been used to create fear and anxiety, including the use of clothing, makeup, and body modification.

One of the key challenges of digital horror is the issue of censorship. Moreno-Almeida argues that censorship is a major threat to the development of digital horror, as it can limit the ability of artists to express their ideas and emotions. He explores the various ways in which censorship has been used to limit the distribution of digital horror, and how artists have responded to these challenges.

In addition to examining the historical and cultural context of digital horror, Moreno-Almeida also provides a range of practical tips for artists and creators. He discusses the importance of storytelling, the use of visual effects, and the importance of creating a sense of immersion in the digital world. He also provides a range of case studies of successful digital horror projects, including the "Creepypasta" series and the "Slender Man" meme.

One of the strengths of Moreno-Almeida's book is its ability to blend academic research with practical advice. He provides a clear and concise explanation of the various themes and techniques used in digital horror, and he provides a range of examples to illustrate his points. He also provides a range of resources for artists and creators, including online courses, workshops, and conferences.

However, there are also some limitations to Moreno-Almeida's book. One of the main limitations is that it focuses primarily on the Western world, and does not provide a comprehensive overview of digital horror in other parts of the world. This is a significant limitation, as digital horror is a global phenomenon that is being created and consumed by people from all over the world.

Another limitation is that the book can be quite dense and difficult to read. Moreno-Almeida's writing style is complex, and he uses a lot of technical terms and jargon. This can make it difficult for readers who are not familiar with the field of digital horror to understand his arguments.

Despite these limitations, Memes, Monsters, and the Digital Grotesque is a valuable book for anyone interested in digital horror. It provides a clear and concise explanation of the various themes and techniques used in digital horror, and it provides a range of practical tips for artists and creators. It is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and culture of the Arab Winter.

In conclusion, Memes, Monsters, and the Digital Grotesque is a groundbreaking book that explores the emerging and thriving new genre of digital horror from an innovative perspective. Authored by Moreno-Almeida, the book examines digital cultural production during the period known as the "Arab Winter" and delves into the memes, animated cartoons, music videos, and expressive cultures that emerged between 2016 and 2020. Moreno-Almeida's book reveals concealed narratives underlying the digital lives of artists and ordinary people, exploring how memes, horror, and the grotesque capture a moment infused with political and affective significance, characterized by despair, alienation, and anomie, alongside opportunities for creative experimentation made possible in the postdigital era. While there are some limitations to the book, it is a valuable resource for anyone interested in digital horror.

Weight: 706g
Dimension: 240 x 163 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197267714