Halloween Countdown 2009: Monster #3

Sailors have spun yarns about mermaids, ghost ships, haunted fog, and assorted sea monsters since the day after we ourselves crawled out of the primordial ocean and turned right around in an attempt to conquer the sea that birthed us.

One such mythic creature, sung in fisherman song and legend for thousands of years, is the ghost crab; a crustacean with claws of human skulls said to be those of men who did not heed the ghost crab's warnings.

Indonesian legend holds that ghost crabs are minions of the demon Noka-ai', and fishermen believe the mere sight of a ghost crab portends certain death if they do not cast off their nets and return immediately to shore. Even then, safety is not guaranteed and the demon Noka-ai' may still take umbrage upon the vessel and sailors that received the demonic warning.



[Illustration of the ghost crab based on ancient legend.]

Halloween Countdown 2009: Monster #2

Known as "Ducktopus" to residents living near seaside Oso Flaco Lake, this strange creature was first mentioned in the Spring 1974 issue of Strange but Really Real Science magazine.

Further reports have been sparse, lending most in the really really real scientific community to posit that the creature was not a monster and, barring a complete fabrication of the story, was in fact an ordinary octopus eating or resting on top of a dead seagull, duck or other local water fowl.


[Artist Sketch of "Ducktopus" based on eyewitness account]

Halloween 2009: Monster #1

Reports of a 6' leech-like creature with long claws and eyes below it's gaping maw began quietly with a one line article in The Heber Springs Tribune Issue 6 Volume 64, March 11th 1926.

Sightings became more frequent as the early century progressed, with at least three a month by the mid nineteen-forties.

Not ironically, these reports also coincided with an ever increasing tourist boon for nearby Greer Lake.

"He done got a mouth on his forehead, an big 'ol glowin' eyes!" Reported Hick Heber, a local restaurateur, in a 1936 sighting. "I thunk I was dunfer."

Later dubbed "Mouthy McGee" by an entrepreneurial local named Rick Heber, "'ol Mouthy" began appearing on billboards, T-Shirts, and even as the mascot for nearby Heber Elementary School.


[Artist Sketch of "Mouthy McGee" based on several eyewitness accounts]

Greer Lake dried up for a few years in the late sixties, and so did the tourist trade. The lake has returned, but the tourists never did.

The last reported sighting of Mouthy McGee was over twenty years ago.

"It's a beautiful lake and a wonderful town," says Nick Heber, current resident. "We'd like to leave "Mouthy" in the past where he belongs. He's dunfer."

Robot Art

Before we roll into Halloween Countdown 2009 I wanted to post my robot art entries in a contest held over at The Attic of Astounding Artifacts. I didn't win, but I had fun.





These are each illustrations of actual toy robots from decades past. The first one is based on a toy called Jupiter Robot, and the second is Smoking Space Man.

I think they'd make nice T-shirt designs.

Halloween Countdown 2009

Starting October 1st and running to October 31st, I will be joining in on the blogosphere wide Halloween Countdown 2009!

I did it last year and it was a scream, and an undeniable challenge to come up with something new for 31 days straight.

My plan this year is simple; I'll post a drawing, sketch, picture, or some other personally created artistic representation of a monster every day.

Stay tuned, boys and ghouls.

Mwuahahahahahaaaaaa!

Sonic Scream

Ollie forgot to put the toilet seat down....again!*



*Non nerd note: Dinah Lance, aka superhero and JLA** member Black Canary, is married to Oliver (Ollie) Queen, fellow superhero and JLA member Green Arrow. Black Canary's super power is a "sonic scream."

**Justice League of America.

Smoked Salmon

Dog on a Post-It

Supercar #10: Tatooine Land Speeder

The last time I added to my supercar series was long ago, in a galaxy far far away. Okay, not the last part.

Fastest Man Alive