“In the light of the flame of a candle”: Juan José Plans and horror on the waves

Abstract

Fiction works produced in Spain have traditionally been attributed a realistic nature. Recent names and works show the inaccuracy of that image and a reconsideration of the canon of past centuries is now taking place. With a growing presence in the academic environment, the studies on the fantastic in the Spanish domain carry out an important work of restoration of key figures of this marginalized line. This study, which is part of a broader research project, pursues the same reinterpretation objective, focusing on one of the authors whose contribution has been crucial for the spreading of the imaginative genres in Spain: Juan José Plans (1943-2014). Through the scrutiny of his radio shows Sobrenatural and Historias, we aim to leave proof of his relevance with regard to the revitalization of this parcel in Spanish contemporary culture.

 Keywords: Juan José Plans, canon, horror, fantastic, radio theatre