However, the movie isn’t just a gelatinous mass of content given form and structure. It explores themes of reality, identity, and the nature of existence, but it does so under the guise of over-the-top, gross, and equally funny comedy horror. As stated above, John Dies at the End is based upon the same-name novel, initially published online as a web serial beginning in 2001, evolving into an edited manuscript in 2004 and a printed paperback in 2007. Interestingly enough, we can easily compare it to 50 Shades of Grey since it’s also an exercise in marketing.