Joe Bob Fights for the Drive-In rare writing unseen for decades
The drive-in spirit is far from dead, and it’s ready to be printed. Joe Bob Briggs is stepping into a new era of legacy with the upcoming release of Joe Bob Fights for the Drive-In, an art book-sized hardcover that promises to unlock decades of rare writing and forgotten cinematic treasures.
This ambitious new collection, published by Dark Horse Books, gathers unique material from the cult movie host, author, and actor, Joe Bob Briggs. It pulls together columns and letters from his earlier works, Joe Bob Goes to the Drive-In and Joe Bob Goes Back to the Drive-In, while digging up exclusive reviews and commentary that have remained unseen for decades. It is a genuine treasure trove for anyone who loves exploitation cinema and the strange history behind it.
The visual aesthetic is equally compelling, featuring striking cover art by Eric Powell, known for works like The Goon, and illustrations by Mike Norton, whose work includes Battlepug and Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: 1957—From Below. The book is further enhanced by an introduction from Wayne Newton, bringing together a rich tapestry of voices from the world of film criticism.
Briggs himself captured the excitement surrounding this project, noting that the book brings together material that has never seen the light of day since its initial publication in newspapers and magazines. He described it as bringing the “ultimate drive-in testament to a whole new generation of mutants,” inviting readers to experience his unique blend of movie criticism and dark humor.
While this book offers a deep dive into the past, Joe Bob Briggs is clearly far from slowing down. He is currently preparing for the end of his celebrated television run, including the conclusion of The Last Drive-In on Shudder. This final chapter will culminate in the special Joe Bob Conquers Christmas, a holiday horror celebration featuring legends Briggs and Darcy the Mail Girl.
Beyond the screens, Briggs remains deeply engaged in the world of media. He is actively pursuing new projects, including an audiobook version of his classic work, a collaboration with shock-rock icons GWAR for an album, and a new MonsterVision comic book featuring him and Darcy. Furthermore, he is exploring a potential new television series focused on forgotten films, aiming to explore cult cinema from the 1969 to 1977 era.
Briggs’ ongoing creative pursuits demonstrate that the drive-in spirit lives on through new forms. Whether through rare literary collections, dynamic comic adventures, or explorations of forgotten cinematic history, Joe Bob Briggs continues to offer fans a unique and endlessly entertaining journey into the world of horror and cult cinema.