Horror Legend John Carpenter headlines Midsummer Scream in Long Beach

Legendary horror film director, writer, composer and actor John Carpenter sat down for an exclusive interview with KTLA while headlining this year’s Midsummer Scream – Halloween & Horror Convention in Long Beach.

Considered one of the most influential voices in the horror genre, Carpenter first carved his name into cinema history and onto the Hollywood Walk of Fame when he directed and composed the original “Halloween” back in 1978.

Asked how he felt being referred to as the King of Halloween all the years after the film, the 77-year-old didn’t hesitate.

“It’s nice. I’ve been called worse,” Carpenter told KTLA’s Omar Lewis. “I love it.”

The creative mastermind continues to stay busy and innovate, jumping into the world of horror comics alongside his wife Sandy King, founder of Storm King Comics.

“What I did was make it more like the movies we make,” King explained, “and bring in writers from novels, cinema and comics.”

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Appearing at this year’s Midsummer Scream – Halloween & Horror Convention is not just about promoting Storm King Comics but about enjoying the event itself and speaking with the fans.

“Connecting with horror fans, that’s my favorite part,” Carpenter said of the event. “I love to see them. They’re really nice people. And they love horror and they love what I’ve done hopefully.”

KTLA Photojournalist Christopher Gierowski contributed to this report.

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