Based outta the USA and Canada, The Cultural Gutter stepped up to the plate in 2003, founded by crafty vet (and triple threat: writer, filmmaker, game designer) Jim Munroe, and slugging comics critic and artist Guy Leshinski to give the ol’ disreputable arts a little high hard one of clear-eyed, thoughtful writing. No chin music, just straight talk down the middle. Since then, we've cycled through thirteen editors in two countries and eight cities to write on comics, genre films, Indian b-movies, tv, science fiction, fantasy, horror, wrestling, romance, video games and more. In all that time we paid everyone who stepped into the batter’s box - writers, both our editors, and every kid off the bench.

Then came the curveball: our funding grant dried up faster than a Texas leaguer in a rain delay! But wouldn’t you know it, a small, scrappy crew of donors rallied around the ol’ Gutter to keep the lights on and the paychecks rounding the bases. That’s how the Gutterthon got its legs and stepped up to the majors. And with help from fans like you, we're hopin' to knock 'em outta the park for all of 2026 without ads, subscriptions or a nickel-and-dime paywall!

This year the Gutterthon tips its cap to those early heavy hitters, rag-tag champions who put some pepper on it, and made the Cultural Gutter the storied franchise it is today. Without their moxie, determination and grit, The Cultural Gutter would be just another can of corn floating in the outfield. We’re still swingin’ in 2025, and we need that moxie more than ever to keep dishin’ em out. That’s where you come in, champ, to keep the Gutter at bat and serving up hit after hit from a real Murderers’ Row: Alex "Mr. Blue Sky" MacFadyen, Beth the Sultan of SWatkins, Sachin "Scoops" Hingoo, and Say Hey Carol Borden. Plus, a string of superstar pinch-hitters. At the Gutter, we gotta believe in what we’re throwin’ — we’re proud of our lineup, and we think you will be too .

The Gutter is bringin’ the heat with thoughtful, well-written articles with a lotta heart that go deep in the count on topics like: "Actually, It's Mr. Frankenstein"; "REOWRR! An Incomplete History of Cats in Professional Wrestling"; "When Robots Dream of Love"; "An Exotic Gem from the 1970s Treasure Chest: Shalimar!"; "Story First Games: From Southern Gothic to Steampunk"; "We're So Screwed: Some Thoughts on Farscape, Heroes and Bad Plans"; " Commando : Bollywood with Ninjas!"; " The Twentieth Century , Universal Language , and Matthew Rankin's Contorted Canadiana"; and "This Game Kills Fascists!" Plus reports from the Toronto International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, Fantasia, the Overlook Film Festival and more! 

Even if you can only throw in a buck, that helps so much. We are asking for $1800 and it breaks down to $250/year/editor or about $20/article; $250/year for the Evil Overlord for publishing, promoting, and updating the site, finding new writers, day-to-day site management, and making sure the perks are shipped out. Approximately $200 will go towards website hosting and domain registration. The remaining funds will go toward perks, shipping, promotional materials, Crowdfundr and Paypal fees, and paying guest writers.

In return, you get our undying and eternal thanks, your choice of some sweet perks, and thoughtful writing about disreputable art.

We have a lot of swank rewards!

Time to hydrate, Sport, with an 11 oz mug featuring this year's Gutterthon art designed by Gutter Aesthetic Director Brian Kirby! 

Cultural Gutter Deluxe Membership Package including a CG button/badge/pin, a CG Sticker, a Green Schreckmark Decal and a numbered and dated CG Membership card!

Become a Verified User of The Cultural Gutter for just $2 and receive a digital Classic or Orlock with Ball Cap Green Schreckmark--all the thoughtful writing available at the Gutter, plus the satisfaction and personal validation of being Verified by the Gutterthon Team. The Green Schreckmark will be tweeted, skeeted, or even tooted out with your first name or online handle. Get Schreckmarked NOW!

This year the Gutter has sporty caps of our own! Choose from two designs a classic "G" designed or a delightful image of the Gutter mascot hitting a homer, both designed by Brian Kirby! The images look like patches but they are heat transfers printed on 100% cotton, 5 panel ball caps. There is an adjustable buckle, ensuring that one size fits most.

3 Grand Slam Postcards designed by Brian Kirby. Beautiful Gutter's themed postcards—team photo! Baseball Cards! An image of a vintage pack of bubblegum cards! All with team stats on the back. Cards are 4 x 6" / 10 x 15 cm!

An Art of the Gutterthon postcard set of 8 cards each with different Gutterthon poster art designed by Brian Kirby! Images include: Blade of the Gutterthon; Voyage to the Bottom of the Gutterthon; Gutterthon Funnies; Hellcats of the Gutterthon; Murder at the Gutterthon; The Gutterthon Cosmic; Sunday in the Park with Gutterthon; and, Beach Party Gutterthon! Cards are 4 x 6" / 10 x 15 cm!

A copy of the new edition of The Cultural Gutter book from Play Story Press signed by the Gutter's own Evil Overlord, Carol Borden! There isn't new material, but maybe you haven't seen it yet or only know our most recent line-up of editors:

"Science fiction, fantasy, comics, romance, genre movies, games all drain into the Cultural Gutter, a website dedicated to thoughtful articles about disreputable art—media and genres that are a little embarrassing. Irredeemable. Worthy of Note, but rolling like errant pennies back into the gutter. The Cultural Gutter is dangerous because we have a philosophy. We try to balance enthusiasm with clear-eyed, honest engagement with the material and with our readers. This book expands on our mission with 10 articles each from science fiction/fantasy editor James Schellenberg, comics editor and publisher Carol Borden, romance editor Chris Szego, screen editor Ian Driscoll and founding editor and former games editor Jim Munroe."

A print advance, proof copy of Amy Coombe's Stay For A Spell (2026): “A cursed princess must discover what her heart truly longs for in this charmingly cozy romantic fantasy for everyone who’s ever lost – or found – themselves in a bookshop.

Princess Tanadelle of the Widdenmar is disillusioned with life as a princess. She longs for real conversation, the chance to build a life of her own making, and uninterrupted reading time. During a routine royal visit to the town of Little Pepperidge, Tandy’s dream comes true when she finds herself cursed to remain in a run-down bookshop until she unlocks her heart’s desire. Certain that someone will figure out how to break the curse eventually, and delighted by the prospect of an entire bookstore of her own, Tandy settles into life among the stacks. She finds it easy to exchange balls and endless state dinners for teetering piles of books and an irritatingly handsome pirate who seems bent on stealing her stock. She even starts to believe she's stumbled into her very own happily ever after.

There's just one, minor problem: as Tandy's royal duties go unfulfilled, her frantic parents start sending princes to woo her, each one of them certain their kiss will break the curse. After all, what more could a princess want but a prince?”

A print copy of EJ Swift's hot-off-the-press book, When There Are Wolves Again! The extraordinary speculative novel of past, present and future, by the Clarke Award-shortlisted author of The Coral Bones.

Decades from now, two women sit beside a campfire and reflect on their life stories. Activist Lucy's earliest memories are of living with her grandparents during the 2020 pandemic and discovering her grandmother's love of birds. Filmmaker Hester was born on the day of the Chornobyl explosion and visits the site years later to film its feral dogs in the Exclusion Zone. Here she meets Lux, the wolf dog who will give her life meaning.

Over half a century, their journeys take them from London to the Highlands to Somerset, through protests, family rifts, and personal tragedy. Lucy joins the fight to restore Britain's depleted natural habitats and revive the species who once shared the island, whilst Hester strives to give a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves.

Both dream of a time when there are wolves again.”

A physical copy of Ethics of The Fantastic Four, the latest book by friend of the Gutter Mark D. White. Reed Richards, Susan Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm: four adventurers transformed by a cosmic accident into Mr. Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, the Human Torch, and the Thing, together known as Marvel Comics’ first family, the Fantastic Four. From their first appearance in 1961, these four heroes became not only the foundation of the Marvel Universe in the comics but also the stars of numerous animated series and live-action movies. Ethics of the Fantastic Four continues the team’s tradition of exploration into the philosophical realm by delving into the moral philosophy behind the main characters, their friends and fellow heroes, and their enemies, based on over sixty years of comics history. After an introduction to the team and the ethical concepts used in the book, we take a closer look at specific features of the four key members, including Reed’s oversized sense of responsibility, Sue’s multifaceted strength, Johnny’s dangerous powers, and Ben’s self-loathing. In later chapters we discuss how each of the four reacted differently to the superhero Civil War; the moral status of Galactus and the complicity of his herald, the Silver Surfer; and the team’s greatest and most complicated foe, Doctor Doom, who combines great insecurity and vanity with a presumption to honor and generosity.

Written in an easygoing style that can be read by newcomers to either philosophy or comics, Ethics of the Fantastic Four is a marvelous companion to the adventures of the team in comics, animation, and film."

5" x 7" / 12.7 cm x 17.78 cm Visionary Fuel notebooks of your choice from friend of the Gutter Kate Laity . Choose between four designs, blank or lined. Spiral-bound available on request! Designs include the Hand of Sabazios; The Star, based on a design from Les XXII Lames Hermétiques Du Tarot Divinatoire Reconstituées d'Après Les Textes Sacrés (1896); The Tower, based on a 19th Century Minchiate Deck; and spectres, revenants and fantômes, based on card 68 from the 1911 Tarot de la Reyne; Neurospicy & Haruspicy; and The Devil's Manacles, featuring a sassy devil in pink socks! 

Cute li'l felt guys made by Static White's Stitchery ! Her stitches are like sutures and these perfect little guys include a chain you can use to hang them for festive decorations or from a bag so you'll always have their adorable and often evil (in a good way) love.

• Iä! Iä! A tiny perfect stuffed felt Cthulhu with purple wings and nefandous yellow beaded eyes. Cthulhu could adorably hang from your festive Solstice Tree, from a back pack as you research forbidden texts at Miskatonic University, or clutched in your hands as you try to stop the dreams. Summoned by Maya Bowen of Static White's Stitchery. 3.5” / 7 cm tall w/a wingspan of 3.5” / 7 cm.

• This Lil Red Devil is just looking for some fun. And look at their little red arms stretched out. We're sure it's just for a hug. Its devil skin is ridged and its tummy is embroidered. Summoned by Maya Bowen of Static White's Stitchery. Stands roughly 3” x 1.5” / 7 x 4 cm from horns to feet.

• This Lil Mermaid is beautiful, but she might be deadly. Are her eyes red? Is that blood on her lips? Who cares? Her delightful tail is sparkly and blue! Made by Maya Bowen of Static White's Stitchery. She is roughly 6" / 15 cm tall.

• This Lil Batling looks just like a pumpkin. Look at its little orange body! Look at its little green wings! But it bites. Look at its deadly fangs. Let it protect your festive tree holiday tree or your keys or even your bag--adorably. Release the batlings! Includes ball chain. Approximately 2.5" / 6.4 cm tall with a wingspan of 4 " / 10 cm.

• This Lil Crow would make an excellent sorcerous companion. Its eye is blue and its demeanor is adorable. It's made by Maya Bowen of Static White's Stitchery. It stands roughly 4 " / 10 cm tall.

2 stylish knitted beanies created and donated by Huge Shark ! The beanies are handmade in assorted patterns and sizes. All are mostly wool; some may have a little nylon or microfiber mixed in. They are knit in a household that has cats, but washed before sending. They are fairly stretchy but will fit the indicated sizes best:

First up, a soft black wool colorwork beanie/cap with blue/multicolored waves and lime green aliens detail, fits medium adult head. Alien faces glow under black light! 75% wool/25% nylon. Hand wash, roll in towel, line dry or dry flat. Note: Knit in a household that has cats. Washed after knitting.

And a s oft black wool handknit colorwork beanie/cap with lime green skulls detail, fits large to medium adult head. Skulls glow under black light! 75% wool/25% nylon. Hand wash, roll in towel, line dry or dry flat. Note: Knit in a household that has cats. Washed after knitting.

• SOLD OUT: Signor Squalo returns this year reprising his glorious role from Blade Of The Gutterthon! Adventure together as bosom companions and make your enemies flee before you! Made by Maya Bowen of Static White's Stitchery! Roughly 3" x 1.5"/7 x 4 cm with a little chain from perhaps a time when a foolish tyrant attempted to restrain his might and discovered that Squalo Invicto cannot be contained. You can use it to ensure he is securely attached to your bag or to display his glory as an ornament.

• SOLD OUT: Mothman wants to fly straight--well, more all wobbly--into your heartlight! Hand-made by Static White Stitchery, this white cryptid has sparkly pink eyes and a fluffy white ruff. Discovered by Maya Bowen of Static White's Stitchery. Stands roughly 3” x 1.5” / 7 x 4 cm from antennae to feet.

• SOLD OUT: This Lil Felt Zombie might have blood on her face, an exposed brain and an exposed humerus, but she had a cheerful glint in her red eye, little pigtails and a pink leopard print dress. Designed by Tilda Bowen and made by Maya Bowen of Static White's Stitchery. It is stands roughly 3” x 1.5” / 7 x 4 cm
• SOLD OUT: Friend of the Gutter Jared Shurin has donated a copy of a collection he has edited, The Big Book Of Cyberpunk (Vintage, 2023), this one is the UK edition in two volumes! "Award-winning anthologist Jared Shurin brings together over a hundred stories from more than twenty-five different countries that both establish and subvert the classic cyberpunk tropes and aesthetic--from gritty, near-future noir to pulse-pounding action. Urban rebels undermine monolithic corporate overlords. Daring heists are conducted through back alleys and the darkest parts of the online world. There's dangerous new technology, cybernetic enhancements, scheming AIs, corporate mercenaries, improbable weapons, and roguish hackers. These tales examine the near-now, extrapolating the most provocative trends into fascinating and plausible futures....William Gibson is joined by cyberpunk stalwarts such like Bruce Sterling, Neal Stephenson, Philip K Dick, Eileen Gunn, Richard Kadrey, John Shirley and Pat Cadigan, as well as exciting voices such as Janelle Monáe, Maurice Broaddus, qntm, Pepe Rojo, Madeline Ashby, and T.R Napper, translated classics by Victor Pelevin, Gerardo Horacio Porcayo and Yun Ko-eun, and many, many more."

We will be revealing more perks as the campaign continues, but even $1 gets our Undying Thanks! (Really, a buck does make a difference).

If we don't reach our goal, we'll use the funds to print and ship your perks and see how much we can pay each editor. If we exceed our goal, we would use the extra funds to print promotional materials or hire more guest writers. If we significantly exceed our goal, we will use our funds to give the writers some extra money.

We like to think that the Gutter offers something special: Clear-eyed, thoughtful and thought-provoking writing on disreputable art. If you donate or support our campaign by sharing it, you will help keep the Gutter online and running; support our particular take on disreputable art; and help support writers at a time when large platforms would really like to replace thoughtful writing by writers with "free" AI-generated copy.

The Cultural Gutter's survival depends on Gutterthon and on you. We ran a successful fundraiser last year, and, thanks to everyone's help, we kept the Gutter going. We look forward to a future of thoughtful articles and intriguing takes on art. But things remain challenging. Since we have left Twitter for Bluesky, it's harder to reach our readers. And it's harder to get support. With your help, we hope to keep the Gutter up on a dedicated website where you can always find our writing and know it was written by real live writers. We know it's a bad time for writers and artists of all kinds and writing and art are increasingly devalued, but we believe with your help we can keep paying writers for their work and keep the Gutter flowing with thoughtful writing on disreputable art.

Even just sharing our campaign helps us out. Please consider doing so even if you can't contribute. Anything you do to help is appreciated.

Thank you from all of us at The Cultural Gutter! People like you make weirdos like us possible!