Unknown Killer (The Prowler, 1981))
Watercolor on 8.5 x 11 in. art paper
Created: October 22, 2025
Original and prints available — contact for availability.
Part of the 31 Days of Horror 2025 series
In Joseph Zito’s The Prowler, the unknown killer is a silent, masked figure dressed in World War II combat gear, returning to a small town decades after a tragic wartime breakup and murder. This portrait captures his chilling presence in the shadows — bayonet and pitchfork in hand — a vision of vengeance frozen in time. The muted greens and grim textures echo the film’s gritty atmosphere, pulling the viewer back into a post-war nightmare where trauma and violence refuse to stay buried.
Fun Facts:
The film’s unforgettable gore effects were created by Tom Savini, who has called The Prowler some of his most impressive work of the era.
The killer’s costume was inspired by actual WWII military attire to ground the slasher in a realistic, haunting visual style.
Behind This Artwork:
I wanted to focus on the killer’s stillness — that eerie, unbroken calm just before the violence erupts. The image that stuck with me wasn’t just the mask, but the cold intention behind it, like a ghost carrying unfinished business. Even if The Prowler isn’t as mainstream as other slashers of the 80s, horror fans know this image well from late-night VHS hunts and Savini highlight reels.
Explore More:
This piece is part of my 31 Days of Horror watercolor series. If you love masked slashers, practical effects, and cult 80s deep cuts, check out the other paintings in the collection.
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