The tale of Halloween 2025 began months ago during the dead of winter, actually. You see, through my day job, I became acquainted with a young Englishman named Dominic. We enjoyed discussing the similarities and differences of our respective countries, and learned that we each had an interest in video games and comics. Through the course of one of our early conversations, Dominic revealed that he’d never toured a haunted attraction. I looked at him dumbstruck and then smiled as I informed him that we’d be changing that this fall.
AN AMERICAN AND AN ENGLISHMAN WALK INTO A HAUNTED HOUSE
So it was that last night a scruffy, midwestern American and a clean-cut, adventurous Englishman hit the road for both Eloise Asylum in Westland and Deranged in Romulus. The experience was an absolute hoot as Dominic laughed, yelled, and audibly gasped at the sensational sights and colorful characters. In what was perhaps my favorite moment of the night, my mild-mannered friend was assailed by a monstrous puppet in the darkness of Eloise’s Sub-Level. The reaction was everything you would hope for from a first-time haunted attraction attendee and left yours truly gleefully amused.
LET’S GET DERANGED
Positively wowed by the set design and special FX at Eloise, Dominic was later equally impressed with the improvisation and banter of the cast at Deranged which included a distressed and hyperactive ringmaster, a devilishly inquisitive Mr. Sinister, and one belligerent hillbilly who begrudged us some bread!
REFLECTIONS BENEATH A HALLOWEEN MOON
Indeed, Halloween 2025 was yet another fun-filled chapter in the ever-evolving book of Horrorlust. And, for those who may be curious, yes, I do believe I made a convert of Dominic. For me, this Halloween was a reminder of the joyful magic that can be forged through fun-filled fright. May memories and friendship live on in the annals of haunt lore for many moons to come.
As usual, stay tuned for full reviews on both Eloise Asylum and Deranged.
