There is also the character of Pinhead from Barker's works. He is the leader of the Cenobites, a group of beings that exist in a dimension beyond our own. Pinhead is characterized by his pins - studded head and his cold, calculating nature. He represents a different kind of horror, one that is more about the perversion of pleasure and pain, and the exploration of the darkest aspects of human desire.
Rawhead Rex is a very memorable character. He is a terrifying and primitive force, a sort of ancient evil that is unleashed upon an unsuspecting world. His brute strength and lack of any sort of civilized morality make him a truly menacing presence in the stories he appears in.
Pinhead from the Hellraiser series is extremely memorable. His iconic look with the pins in his head and his cold, calculating demeanor make him stand out. Another is Candyman, a menacing figure with a tragic backstory that adds depth to his horror. And there's also Rawhead Rex, a terrifying and brutish character.
Often, there are ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary situations. For example, a regular person might move into an old house and start experiencing ghostly phenomena. There are also sometimes characters with a bit of a dark past, like someone who has done something wrong and now the ghosts are coming back to haunt them.
Another great one is 'In the Hills, the Cities'. This story is quite complex and thought - provoking. It uses Barker's unique imagination to explore some really strange and fascinating concepts. The vivid descriptions make it a standout among his works. It makes you question what is possible in the realm of horror and the surreal.
The Candyman is the main character. He is a menacing figure with a hook for a hand, emerging from the urban legends. And there's the protagonist who is often an ordinary person that gets caught up in the Candyman's world, usually through some form of curiosity or disbelief in the legend at first.
A prevalent theme is the concept of the hidden or the forbidden. His stories often take the reader into places or situations that are not meant to be explored, whether it's a locked room in an old house that holds a terrible secret or a forgotten realm that exists just beyond our normal perception. This sense of the forbidden adds an extra layer of mystery and danger to his tales.
One of the well - known short stories by Clive Barker is 'In the Hills, the Cities'. While not explicitly 'gay' themed in a traditional sense, Barker's works often explore complex and diverse relationships. Another could be 'The Forbidden' which has elements that can be interpreted in various ways regarding human relationships. However, it's important to note that Clive Barker's works are known for their horror and the grotesque, and the exploration of 'gay' themes might be more in the subtext or in the way he portrays relationships that are outside the norm.
Well, 'In the Hills, the Cities' is also quite remarkable. It plays with the idea of colossal, living structures made up of people. Barker's vivid descriptions really make this strange and disturbing concept come to life, making it a story that's hard to forget.
Clive Barker's short stories are known for their dark and fantastical elements. While he may not be predominantly known for 'gay' short stories in a mainstream sense, his overall body of work contains stories that could be relevant. For example, his ability to create complex characters and their relationships means that there could be stories where the exploration of same - sex relationships is part of the larger tapestry of his narrative. His stories often deal with the human condition, and in that exploration, aspects of gay relationships might be found and could be considered among the best in terms of their depth and uniqueness.
One of the highly regarded Clive Barker short stories is 'The Forbidden'. It's a chilling tale that delves into the dark and the unknown. Barker's vivid descriptions and unique take on horror make it stand out. The story has a sense of creeping dread that builds throughout, and the characters are well - drawn, making the reader feel as if they are truly in that eerie world Barker has created.
Some of the best Clive Barker stories include 'The Hellbound Heart'. It's a dark and disturbing tale that introduced the Cenobites and the concept of the Lament Configuration. Another great one is 'Cabal', which has a really interesting take on werewolves and the idea of an underground society of outcasts.