A tell-all book about the cult horror series Maniac Cop has been released by Harker Press.
In 1988, audiences were introduced to Officer Matt Cordell, a wronged cop turned slasher-avenger who stalked the streets of New York City and carved out a permanent place in horror history. Two sequels and nearly four decades later, Cordell’s status as a genre icon remains firmly cemented.
Now, author Paul Downey takes readers deep inside the making and legacy of the Maniac Cop series with his new book, This City is Going to Hell: The Making of Maniac Cop. Drawing on extensive research and exclusive interviews, Downey delivers the most comprehensive chronicle of the trilogy ever assembled.
“It’s exciting to me that the Maniac Cop franchise is finally getting such a long-overdue examination,” says Harker Press owner Dustin McNeill. “This is the first book of its kind and, as such, it’s brimming with new information that fans are going to love. If you’re ready to explore this franchise down to the tiniest minutiae, then this book is for you!”
Author Paul Downey added,
“I hear so many people tell me how much they enjoy the Maniac Cop series, so it’s been a pleasure to put together this definitive account of the films and beyond. It was amazing to speak to director William Lustig and so many other people who shared their unique experiences on these films.”
Packed with never-before-seen photos, untold stories, and firsthand accounts from the filmmakers and cast, the book offers an unflinching look at the creative triumphs, behind-the-scenes conflicts, and enduring appeal of one of horror cinema’s most unique franchises. The volume also features a capstone discussion with legendary trilogy director William Lustig, reflecting on the films’ origins, challenges, and legacy.
Highlights of the book include:
- Newly uncovered info on the films’ effects and makeup
- Harrowing stories of stunts gone wrong
- Revealing details on deleted scenes and alternate endings
- An exploration of the original, unmade version of Maniac Cop 3
- Coverage of the long-developing Maniac Cop remake
- A close examination of the recent Maniac Cop novelizations
- A warm and heartfelt tribute to genre icon Robert Z’Dar
- A look at the Psycho Cop franchise, including a rare interview with star Robert R. Shafer
Order your copy of The City is Going to Hell: The Making of Maniac Cop on Amazon.
Watch the trailer for The City is Going to Hell: The Making of Maniac Cop below –
Bloody Flicks 