Most-Wanted Monsters: Know your monsters before they GET you!

Monster Monday: Demons

2012-03-12T13:42:00.000-07:00

Today’s Demon (or daemon) is described as a sinister creature from Hell or the underworld, a beast with ‘divine power’ and the ear of Satan himself.

But it hasn’t always been that way.

Demons were once considered celestial beings, capable of helping others as well as causing harm. Not so much now.

During the Middle Ages, the demon was delegated as an evil creature from Hell by Christians and it all went underground from there.

Now, these inhuman supernaturals are a pop culture phenomena, particularly when it comes to exorcising them. Perhaps the most famous exorcism is that of Linda Blair in the Exorcist. In fact, if you adjusted for inflation, the Exorcist would be the top grossing R-Rated film of all time.

In more recent references, possessed humans have black, blank eyes and do bad things. Like, really bad.

Survival Tip: When a demon enters the human body, the only way to get them out is through exorcism. Thankfully, the Catholic Church is still performing them. So...who you gonna call?

More about demons daily on Twitter: @MWMonsters. Follow us...before they GET you.

Monster Monday: Mad Scientists

2012-03-05T09:09:00.002-08:00

“Madness in great ones must not unwatch'd go.”

~William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616), Hamlet, Act III, sc. 1

The modern incarnation of the shaman, witch doctor, or wizard – men with supernatural knowledge and the ability to conjure magic, heal or curse at will, as well as create life, often in the form of monstrous beasts - is the Mad Scientist.

AKA: Monster Maker.

Mad Scientists are noteworthy for many reasons. They walk among us, equally feared and celebrated for their innovations. In the Victorian era we had Mary Shelley’s Victor Frankenstein and his reanimated, piece-meal monster, as well as, H.G. Well’s and the vivisection performing, human-animal hybrid creating Doctor Moreau. These men walk the line of insanity and reason, blending alchemy with science, such as the controversial claims of Paracelsus, an alchemist who created homunculus, an artificial human.

We must keep our MWM’s eyes on them…for they breed some of the monsters we hunt.

Most watched were men like the brilliant Nikola Tesla. Tesla sparked the invention of electricity, wireless communication, and constantly rivaled with his nemesis, Thomas Edison until the end of his career and his eventual production of a “death ray.”

In popular culture we have the powerful Doctor Doom from Marvel Comics, and the evil genius of Lex Luthor. While some Mad Scientists may have good intentions, the road to hell, as we all know, is paved with those babies. Friendly Mad Scientists just might be the most dangerous of all. Take the earnest, bumbling Doc Brown from Back to the Future, Vincent Price as “The Inventor” from Edward Scissorhands, “The Scientist” from 9, or Doctor Horrible from Joss Whedon’s Doctor Horrible’s Sing Along Blog.

Survival Tip: Mad Scientists have an unofficial uniform: lab coat, wild hair, goggles, and may be wearing gloves and holding beakers. If you see an individual matching this description – KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN – they may lead you to one of the other Most-Wanteds on our hit list.

We leave you with the first act (of three) from Doctor Horrible’s Sing Along Blog:

Monster Monday: Hellhound

2012-02-27T07:13:00.000-08:00

Dog may be man’s best friend, but there’s one pooch you definitely don’t want to greet you at the front door – the Hellhound.

Known for its black fur and glowing red or yellow eyes, supernatural strength and extraordinary speed, the Hellhound is often assigned to guard the entrances to the world of the dead, such as graveyards and burial grounds.

In European legends, a Hellhound sighting is much more ominous. Its howl may be either an omen of or even a cause of death. Surely, staring into one of the beast’s eyes three times or more will kill you…dead.

Perhaps the most famous of these creepy mutts is Cerebus from Greek mythology, a multi-headed hound charged with guarding the Underworld; but these supernatural creatures are a pop culture staple. From the fictional minds of Rick Riordan and J.K. Rowling, through to regular appearances in movies like the Omen and TV shows like Supernatural, the Hellhound is definitely more bite than bark.

Survival Tip: No one knows for sure if these beasties can be killed, but voodoo-powder goofer dust, an extract from the Devil’s Shoestring plant, and plain old table salt are known to keep them at bay.

Monster Monday: Clowns

2012-02-20T07:38:00.000-08:00

From heartless Cupid, out to get the lovelorn, we cover the horrific, evil Clown.

“Where are the clowns?” The opening phrases from the Julie Collins 1975 version of “Send in the Clowns” can strike terror through the heart of many individuals afflicted with coulrophobia – the fear of clowns. This phobia is nothing to laugh at and effects adults as well as children. Wikipedia sites: “A study by the University of Sheffield concluded that clowns are universally disliked by children. Some found them quite frightening and unknowable."

So parents, please skip the clown motifs you may have planned for your child’s bedroom or birthday party – you don’t want them to end up like Bart Simpson.

From serial killer John Wayne Gacy’s day job as Pogo the Clown to the shape-shifting creature from Stephen King’s It, often taking the form of Pennywise the clown - the idea that a playful, trickster character such as a clown has turned into an evil, psycho killer is a relatively new metamorphosis. But we’re finally on to this monstrous ploy – the mask hides a monster.

Whether it is that relentless grin, maniacal, cruel laughter, the oversized red shoes, or those exaggerated, slap-happy painted faces – there’s nothing comforting about a clown in the dead of night.

SURVIVAL TIP: Clowns are not fast moving (would you be, in those shoes?) and tend to lure / trap their victims. Your best bet is to show no fear in front of one of these jokers. Your lack of reaction might have it seeking more interesting game. The moment its attention wanders – RUN, FOREST, RUN!

Monster Monday - Cupid

2012-02-13T10:51:00.000-08:00

Ifyou’re one of the millions waiting for Cupid to shoot an arrow through yourheart this week, chances are you’re looking for love in all the wrong places.

Surethat chubby cherub is a Hallmark staple, but the real Cupid has gone throughmany transformations over the years. From the god of desire in Roman mythologyto the crass, fat guy on last year’s Valentine’s Day episode of Supernatural, one thing remainsconsistent – Cupid’s arrows pack a powerful punch.

InLatin literature, Cupid’s ability to compel love and desire plays aninstigating role in several myths. Even Ovid gives Cupid a role as the patronsaint of love poets.

Butcontrary to popular belief, not everyone is looking forward to a shot throughthe heart this Tuesday.

While perhaps never depicted as a monster, a Cupidsighting for the unloved,unrequited and the just plain desperate can be downright terrifying.

Survival Tip: More than happy to staysingle? Stay in, order pizza, and watch your favourite movies. But stay clearof romantic comedies, or you’ll be wearing your heart on your sleeve before youcan say, "Back off, Cupid."

Monster Monday: The Monster Hunters

2012-02-06T09:53:00.000-08:00

“Be careful when you fight the monsters, lest you become one.”

~ Friedrich Nietzsche

Since the dawn of recorded history there have been those lone souls charged with the impossible task of ridding the world of its monsters. The ultimate soldiers in the fight of good vs evil. We call these warriors, Monster Hunters and without them, the world would be a vile place indeed.

From Appolonius of Tyana, the Greek magician who banished evil sprits, Hercules and his defeat of Hydra, the snake-headed beast, and the legendary Beowulf and Grendel. From the Victorian era classics such as Van Helsing to the mod squad hunters like Buffy, the Frog Brothers, Hellboy, Blade, the Watchmen, and of course Sam and Dean Winchester.

And one can’t forget the original video game ghosthunter, PAC Man.

There is one unifying aspect to monster hunters which contributes to their success. Each has a dark past or inner darkness that often helps them identify with the creatures they hunt. It is this underlying struggle that makes them killer at their thankless, mostly anonymous jobs. Monster hunters go beyond knights in shining armor, these hunters are gritty, raw and that’s why we can’t help but love them.

Even the Most-Wanted Monsters crew, four young monster hunters in training, is in danger of falling prey to their inner demons. Take Hope, for instance, her survivor’s guilt might just push her to the dark side:

OLD QUEBEC CITY. PRESENT DAY.

Hope was used to being the only freak in town.

But here, amid the street performers with their elaborate costumes and awkward acrobatic tricks, she felt almost normal.

The candlelit lanes teemed with frenzied adults enacting a medieval fantasy. Their urbane suits, peacock dresses, and sunshine blonde wigs stood out against the gothic Old Quebec architecture. The city’s historic district at the edge of the Saint Laurence River, with buildings dating back to the 1500s, was a mélange of stone and spire, winding streets, cafes and boutiques. The perfect backdrop for the fall Festival.

Where thousands of souls gathered -- the living and the dead.

Festival kicked off with a Danse Macabre—a grandiose parade to launch the annual celebration where for thirteen nights the old city square was blocked off from cars and other modern conveyances. Thirteen nights to invoke the spirits.

Hope drew in a slow breath. She’d known as soon as she left the modern part of the city and travelled the cobblestone streets of Lower Town that she’d be entering the heart of the beast. Spirits abounded in this region, Festival or not; however, this night attracted more than the usual monsters.

So where were all the zombies?

Hope scoured the night for the flesh-eating ghouls she’d tracked here. With every red flash of undead eyes, her skin prickled in unease. Hundreds of them lay in wait – in the shadows of dark alleys, or behind the massive trunks of elm trees.

How could she confront them alone?

How could she not?

She pulled her hood over her head to deflect the curious stares of the drunk and disorderly, and those oblivious to the creatures amongst them, the dangers lurking in every corner. Being on the outside, walking on the fringe, this was how she lived her life. As a child she’d questioned and tested her parents. Why couldn’t she take dance lessons? Learn to play the piano? Why must she train for hours in gyms and dojos? Her dances were ones of death, the repetitive patterns of the kata where she visualized enemy attacks.

She wielded words, crossbows, even shot guns, if necessary.

But she was untried. She’d never made a kill -- had never really believed she’d have to. Yet here she was, seeking out monsters, attempting the impossible. She’d made a promise she intended to keep. The fate of her mother’s soul depended on it.

If you liked this excerpt of Hope’s story, you’ll want to keep your eye out for information on our first Most-Wanted Monsters fiction tale: Killer’s Instinct.

Monster Monday: Night Mare

2012-01-30T13:13:00.000-08:00

Image: The Nightmare by Henri Fussli.

Have you ever had a horrible, terrifying dream from which you were unable to awake? Or experienced the dreadful sensation of trying to wake from a bad dream, only to discover you’re unable to move, or that a heavy weight presses down on you?

You may have had a visitation from an ancient creature known as the night mare. These demons or goblins sit or “ride” upon a person’s chest while they are sleeping, inspiring the bad dreams we call nightmares.

The night mare is similar to its cousins the succubus and incubus, both of which haunt the dreams of men and women while syphoning away their lives. Victims experience insomnia, stress, weakness, difficulty breathing and if plagued by persistent visits - even death.

Scientists believe the origin of the night mare to be an explanation for the disorder known as sleep paralysis in which upon waking, a person experiences a sense of danger, hallucinations and yet is unable to move. This immobility usually lasts several seconds, but can be endured for several minutes and in extreme instances – hours.

Survival tip: Don’t sleep on your back, or indulge in sleeping in too late in the morning as you may be unwittingly offering an open invitation to a night mare.

Monster Monday: Dragons

2012-01-23T12:27:00.000-08:00

With the start of the Chinese New Year, there’s bound to bea few more dragon sightings over the next 15 days – especially since it is the year of the dragon.

For those who follow the Chinese zodiac, dragons are a bigdeal. Known as the most noble animal symbol representing the Chinese emperors,dragons are thought to be born leaders and masters of ceremonies. And becauseof this, every Chinese parent is hoping to have a dragon child.

But for monster hunters – and trapped fairy tale princesses– the dragon is much more feared than revered. And a worthy Prince must slaythe beast if he hopes to win the heart of his beloved bride. No easy task.

Often depicted as reptilian with a giant lizard-like bodyand a forked tongue, the most-popular dragons have large eyes, scaly, featheredbodies, and the ability to breathe fire. These fire-breathers, known as FireDrake, make frequent appearances in literature. In addition to Puff the MagicDragon (who lived by the sea), you may be aware of Smaug, the last of the fire-breathingdragons in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth, or Norbert, the green Fire Drakehatched by Hagrid, the groundskeeper of Hogwart’s College in the Harry Potterbooks.

Of course, as with most legendary creatures, these beastiestake on a different form depending on were they’re from. Chinese Dragonsresemble large snakes. European Dragons have bat-type wings growing from theirbacks. And in the New Testament, the Devil himself morphed into a red dragonwith seven heads and ten horns for his battle with Archangel Michael.

Regardless of culture, the Dragon is steeped in lore, itsexistence foretelling everything from power to prosperity. Keep your eyes open– this is the dragon’s year.

Survival Tip: Getthee to a sword shop and then watch ThePrincess Bride. A few times. Wesley may not have to do battle with adragon, but his sword-wielding techniques are legendary.

Monster Monday: Giants

2012-01-16T11:44:00.000-08:00

Fairy Tales such as Jack and the Beanstalk often depictgiants as stupid or violent monsters, frequently said to eat humans, especiallychildren. They can roar like thunder, make the earth shake, and have akeen sense of smell…fee fi fo fum.

And known for their prodigioussize and strength, these beasties have shared more than their fifteen minutesof fame.

With over three dozen known “groups”, the giant is a storybook and popculture favorite. From the one-eyed Cyclops to the Hundred-Armed monsters (yes,with 100 arms and 50 heads each), this creature of giant proportions has mademany appearances in classic fiction and on film.

Even some over-large ogresand trolls are classified as giants.

Regardless of their size andshape, this beastie has been around a longtime.

Indeed, the most famous maybe Goliath. Standing 6 feet, 9 inches tall, this biblical giant faced offagainst young David, and lost – giving hope to the universal underdog.

Survival Tip: What to do if you’re faced with a giant that isn’t jolly and green? Useyour wit. While not all giants are violent, the majority are a few bricks short of a full load. Outsmarting them may be yourbest chance of escape – unless of course, you’re channeling your inner David.But for goodness sakes, never wake a sleeping giant.

Monster Monday: Kelpie

2012-01-09T14:06:00.000-08:00

Kelpie artwork credit

Horse myths go back to ancient times when Helios and his chariot, pulled by four stallions, charged across the sky, dragging the sun along behind them. Horse cults spread throughout Britain and Ireland, including those who worshiped the goddess Epona.

These wild creatures have served man for thousands of years, carrying our warriors into to battle and safely home again. Yet not all ponies are created equal. One of the most famous creatures of Celtic mythology is the water horse known as Kelpie. Kelpie are usually beautiful young mares or stallions discovered calmly grazing by rivers or lakes. Weary travellers are fooled by their gentle appearance and once upon the backs of these beasties…the Kelpie goes dark side - bolting for the water and to drown their unwanted riders in its depths.

It's said you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. Or can you? Legend has it if you fasten a bridle around a Kelpie’s neck, you can bend the beast to your will. If the bridle is removed, however, watch out…the Kelpie will seek vengeance!

SURVIVAL TIP: Identification in this instance can save your life. The timid, wandering horse you stumble upon may appear innocent enough...BEWARE... if it has a dripping wet mane or tail – let this dark horse RUN – without you.

BONUS: Combining last week’s post about witches with today’s horse mythology, the folksong “Witch of the Westmorland” featuring the artwork of Matthew Westberg and performed by the late, great, Canadian folksinger, Stan Rodgers:

Monster Monday: Witches

2012-01-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

“Only bad witches are ugly,” Glenda the Good Witch of theNorth often proclaimed, and she may have a point – at least in books and onfilm. Certainly, her Wizard of Oz sibling,The Wicked Witch of the West, has inspired many a child’s nightmares over theyears.

Might have something to do with that infamous green skin.

Indeed, it is Glenda’s sister often portrayed at Halloween –children and adults alike flock to all-black costumes including tall-pointedhats and striped stockings. Their well-practiced cackles echo on busytrick-or-treat streets.

But not all evil witches can be characterized by thisstereotypical look. In fact, most modern witches don’t conform to anycommercial stereotype at all.

According to anthropologist Phillips Stevens, Jr., forcenturies, witches have been seen as something far more terrifying thananything found in Harry Potter or The Wizard of Oz. A quick look at theSalem Witch Trials of 1692 demonstrates societies long-standing fear of witches– way before Disney and the like jumped on the “evil” bandwagon.

Thankfully, in recent literature, the idea of white magic has becomemore popular, recognizing wicca as religion like any other, including ritualsand a doctrine. Unlike most Western religions, though, Wiccans worship agoddess and a god.

As Stevens points out, “witch” and “witchcraft” are amongthe most loaded words in anthropology, conjuring images not only popularized byfiction, but also the idea of pagan religious practices, the persecution ofinnocent people, mysterious night time rituals, and mass murders.

While the word “witch” is still synonymous with evil, theconcepts of good witch vs bad are still under much debate. The most commoncharacteristics – on either side of the argument – include the ability tochange shape, the power of flight, use of animals as familiars (such as a blackcat), nocturnal behaviors and the ability to cast a spell – either by wavingher wand, mixing up a powerful potion, or simply twitching her nose.

Of course, we’ve merely scratched the surface on this "supernatural" –keep watch for more posts about witches in 2012.

Survival Tip: Wedon’t recommend setting out on a witch hunt. As one of the most camoflaugedparanorms, you could stumble come across a witch anywhere and there’s notelling which side of the good vs evil parallel she stands.

Monster Monday: Father Time and the Grim Reaper

2011-12-28T07:47:00.000-08:00

While the approaching of January 1st is a time for reflecting and making resolutions, it is also a reminder of our own mortality. We’ve survived another year – but when will our time run out?

Father Time may know. Usually depicted as an elderly, bearded and robed man, carrying a scythe and an hourglass, Father Time has various roles - from a scribe of sorts, chronicling the major events throughout the year, to an overseer of the changing seasons. He must pass along his duties to the New Year Baby – who in turn ages rapidly throughout the year of his rein and meets the next as an old man. Best not to aggravate Father Time as he has the power to cut your time short.

A power not unlike his kissing cousin – or perhaps his son – the Grim Reaper, aka Death. Heck, they even sorta dress the same. Scythe, hourglass, hooded robe. The poisoned apple really doesn’t fall far from the hanging tree. The Grim Reaper is a figure that has featured in stories from people across the globe and, of course, across time. Some cultures suggest the Reaper is female and darkly angelic, while others perceive Death as a terrifying male skeleton.

Like the Grim Reaper, Father Time reminds us that we can’t escape our fate. We will all meet Death in due Time.

Survival Tip: Unfortunately meeting the ominous duo of Father Time and the Grim Reaper is inevitable for us all, unless you decide to cheat Death by becoming what we hunt…a monster such as the vampire, ghoul, etc. Beware, we will get you before you GET us!

Monster Monday: Krampus

2011-12-19T13:45:00.000-08:00

If you've found yourself on Santas' naughty list this Christmas,you're gonna want to batten down the hatches - you may be in for a bumpy ride.

According to some Greek mythology, Santa Claus doesn't travelwith elves, but with Krampus, a creepy St. Nick who rides shotgun and doles outpunishment to bad children. And when the traveling duo stumble upon aparticularly naughty child, Krampus stuffs the kid in its sack and carries thefrightened rug rat to its lair - presumably for Christmas dinner.

Yummy!

Though Krampus appears in many variations, most share somecommon spine-chilling physical characteristics - long brown or black hair,cloven hooves, the horns of a goat, and a long pointed tongue even Gene Simmonswould envy.

Not quite the Jolly Old Fellow you might be expecting to slidedown your chimney this year.

Inthe words of Santa himself, you'd better watch out.

Survival Tip: It's a little too late to atone for your sins this year. Our best advice? Dampen the chimney and duck for cover. And maybe add "being nice" to this year's list of resolutions.

You Better Watch Out: 13 Christmas Horror Films to DIE for

2011-12-11T06:42:00.000-08:00

Nothing makes a heart seize with terror more than the Christmas holiday season. Family dramas enacted around the dinner table, crowded malls filled with the desperate and the ruthless, and the relentless pep of carols wherever one wanders. Thankfully Hollywood has a little tradition called the Christmas Horror Film to provide some much needed perspective. You think your Creepmas is stressful, well, it could always be worse.

Here's a list of 13 Christmas Horror flicks we think will help you survive the holidays. Have yourselves a scary little Christmas:

Jack Frost (1977): "A serial killer dies, comes back as a snowman, and wreacks havoc."

Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984): "After his parents are murdered, a young tormented teenager goes on a murderous rampage dressed as Santa, due to his stay at an orphanage where he was abused by the Mother Superior."

Gremlins (1984): "A boy inadvertantly breaks 3 important rules concerning his new pet and unleashes a horde of malevolently mischievous monsters on a small town."

Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber (2007): The infamous story of Benjamin Barker, a.k.a Sweeney Todd, who sets up a barber shop down in London which is the basis for a sinister partnership with his fellow tenant, Mrs. Lovett. Based on the hit Broadway musical." Released December 2007, this is a classic example of horror during the holidays.

Child's Play (1988): "Young Andy Barclay gets the doll he wanted. However, he did not know it was alive!"

Elves (1989): "A young woman discovers that she is the focus of an evil nazi experiment involving selective breeding and summoned elves, an attempt to create a race of supermen."

Saint (2010): "A horror film that depicts St. Nicholas as a murderous bishop who kidnaps and murders children when there is a full moon on December 5."

Black Christmas (1974): "A sorority house is terrorized by a stranger who makes frightening phone calls and then murders the sorority sisters during Christmas break."

Silent Night, Zombie Night (2009):"A week before Christmas a viral outbreak turns the citizens of Los Angeles into the walking dead."

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): "Jack Skellington, king of Halloweentown, discovers Christmas Town, but doesn't quite understand the concept."

Dead End (2003): "Christmas Eve. On his way to his in-laws with his family, Frank Harrington decides to try a shortcut, for the first time in 20 years. It turns out to be the biggest mistake of his life."

Christmas Evil (1980): "A psycho in a Santa suit gets to decide who's been naughty and who's been nice."

Scrooged: (1988) "A cynically selfish TV executive gets haunted by three spirits bearing lessons on Christmas Eve."

All summaries quoted from imdb.com.

Survival Tip: Make sure you leave the tree lights on while you watch these films, no one will know it's because you're scared of the dark. You could also avoid the mall for one item on your Christmas list. Check out these amazing gothic Chrismas cards available from Ginger Dead on Etsy.

Monster Monday: Elves

2011-12-05T09:15:00.001-08:00

Cheery elves with pointy ears and long noses may very wellbe frantically busy in the North Pole polishing off the last of the toys tocomplete Santa’s extensive Christmas wish list.

But deep in the underground caves, there lives a darkerelven species, known for their aggression, deceit and stealth – and believe us,these beasties look nothing like Snap,Crackle and Pop.

Dark elves are ugly, with long-bulbous noses, and dirty-brownskin. Said to have come into existence as maggots produced by the decayingflesh of the Norse giant Ymir, they were then endowed by the gods with a humanform and great skill as an artificer.

They work with metals and wood, and boast Thor’s hammer as theirgreatest achievement. Ironic, as the hammer can produce natural weather changes– and excessive heat or rain have proven to be an elven weakness.

As with most monsters, pop culture has created both good andevil depictions – the good often used to brand product such as Keebler cookies(believed to be baked by happy elves in a hollow tree), or Dobby the house elf of J.K. Rowling’s,Harry Potter series. The dark species are popular in video games and fictionwhere elves can be wise, beautiful, and deadly, particularly in the work ofJ.R.R. Tolkien whose elven characters inspired an entire language still used byLord of the Rings fans today.

While Christmas elves are still associated with good cheer, thetide may be shifting. Some parents have long-used the “Elf on a Shelf” methodof ensuring their children stay off Santa’s naughty list – wooden or stuffedelves are strategically placed around the house to “keep an eye on little boysand girls.” * shudder *

How creepy is that?

Survival Tip: Elvenweakness depends upon legend and may include excessive heat, rain, nettles orblossoms of some plants and trees.

Slaying fictional monsters this November

2011-10-31T09:16:00.000-07:00

You know what's more terrifying than Halloween?

National Novel Writing Month, or otherwise affectionately known as NaNoWriMo, NANO for short. If you're not in the know about this annual ~~torture~~ challenge, it's where writers from all over the world attempt 50,000 words before the November 30 deadline.

We're among those ~~lunatics~~ scribes.

And to honor NANO, or perhaps just give us a fighting chance, we're going to focus on slaying monsters of the fictional kind. YOU SHOULD TOO!

Most-Wanted Monsters is going dark for November. No tweets. No blog posts.

But we'll catch you on the flip side - where we can all tally up our undeads and see how many of the beasties remain on our hit list.

Happy Halloween, and for all of you courageous NANO writers, get out there and kill it.

Monster Monday: The Crossroads

2011-10-24T04:00:00.000-07:00

Pop culture TV shows like Supernatural, currently in its 7^th season, and films like Crossroads (1986), starring Ralph Macchio focus on the mythology suggesting humans barter their souls with crossroads demons for wealth, talent, fame or whatever their heart's desire. However, there is plenty of ghostly lore surrounding crossroads as well.

Back in the day, crossroads were where villages intersected, forging the belief that the spirit realm and our world also collided here. Murderers were put to death and then buried at crossroads, as were suicide victims denied burial in consecrated ground. These restless souls are said to haunt crossroads, so beware! Crossroads are also thought to be places of great magic and power - the go-to location for complex spells.

Survival tip: German lore says if you’re being chased by a demon, lead it to a crossroads where it will be sent back to its world with a shriek of terror. Of course, then you’ll have to out wit any crossroad ghosts that might be lingering.

Speaking of spirits, don’t forget to put your ghosthunting skills to the test and follow the Spirited anthology launch contest on Twitter: @Spirited13

And for a bevy of crossroads goodness, follow the Crossroads Blog Tour (@TheCrossroadsBT on Twitter) to win SWAG, ARCs and meet 15 of today’s hottest paranormal young adult authors.

Most-Wanted Monsters: Wem Fire Ghost

2011-10-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

In honor of Leap Books' October 31, 2011 release of Spirited, Most-Wanted Monsters is dedicating October to all things ghostly.

November 19, 1995 - Shropshire, UK
While firefighters battled a giant blaze of the Wem Town Hall, a local man snapped pictures of the fire from across the street.

When he developed the film days later, he was shocked to find an image of a young girl emerge from the smoky haze. No one remembers seeing the child on the night of the fire - and no bodies were recovered from the blaze.

Town folk believe the image is that of Jane Chum, a 14-year-old girl whose accidental spark spread into a fire that destroyed the whole town.

The photograph was reputed to be fake, until inspected by Dr. Vernon Harrison, past president of the Royal Photography Society who stated, "The negative is a straight-forward black and white work and shows no sign of being tampered with."

Indeed, the infamous picture remains one of what is believed to be the best examples of genuine ghost photography.

Survival Tip: Though the locals fully embraced this ghost story, even changing the welcome sign to read Ghost Town, Jane Chum isn't known as a haunting trouble-maker. Stick to the outskirts of the hall and you should be just fine.

Monster Monday: The House of the Seven Gables

2011-10-11T04:38:00.000-07:00

In honor of Halloween and the upcoming launch of theSPIRITED anthology by Leap Books, Most-Wanted Monsters is dedicating the monthof October to all things ghostly. From haunted castles, we bring you to one of the most haunted houses in the United States. The House of the Seven Gables, built in 1668 and resting along the harbor in Salem, Massachusetts, was the inspiration for the famous Nathaniel Hawthorne gothic novel of the same name. Books, spirits and witches – of course we had to share our intel on this historic home with you.

Hawthorne’s ancestors held key roles in the Salem Witch Trials. His great, great grandfather mercilessly sentenced many people to death for practicing witchcraft. The monsters Hawthorne faced were from his family’s ominous past – evil, greed, revenge. The house was once owned by his cousin, Susanna Ingersol, it is her spirit sighted the most in the house and drifting through the gardens. The spirit of Hawthorne’s son, Julian, is said to play in the upper levels. Once a stop on the Underground Railroad, secret rooms and staircases within the house are said to be walked by slaves seeking their freedom.

Visitors report sightings and photographs of The House of the Seven Gables’ spirits can be found on numerous websites.

Survival Tip: If you visit The House of the Seven Gables and encounter young Julian in the attic, be sure to leave a toy for him to play with…then RUN before he decides to make you his new plaything.

___

Looking for ghosts this Halloween? We’d bet you’d find them at the House of the Seven Gables.

And while you’re at it, leap on over to Leap Books or Bridge Social Media for a chance to win a copy of SPIRITED, an anthology filled with hauntingly good stories by chilling talent pool of paranormal young adult authors.

Monster Monday: Leap Castle

2011-10-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

In honor of Halloween and the upcoming launch of theSPIRITED anthology by Leap Books, Most-Wanted Monsters is dedicating the monthof October to all things ghostly.

Starting with Leap Castle in Ireland, because really, all ofthose specters gotta hang out somewhere, right?

Apparently more than a couple spirits make their home atLeap Castle. Considered one of the most haunted houses in the world – and mostcertainly Europe – the castle features a gruesome oubliette. Hundreds of peopleare rumored to have met their death in this dungeon; if you didn’t impaleyourself on the spiked floor, you would succumb to the powerful stench of decayand lack of food. Lovely.

How many people are we talking? Three cartloads of boneswere trucked out of the oubliette when it was discovered.

There have been numerous reports of specter sightings, andeven attacks. The most popular, though, is the story of an Elemental, a type ofmystical spirit that attaches itself to one particular haunting. The LeapCastle Elemental is described as a grey sheep-like humanoid with a decayingface.

Looking for ghosts this Halloween? We’d bet you’d find themat Leap.

And while you’re at it, leap on over to Leap Books or Bridge Social Media for a chance to win a copy of SPIRITED, an anthology filled withhauntingly good stories by chilling talent pool of paranormal young adultauthors.

Monster Monday: Sasquatch

2011-09-26T06:03:00.000-07:00

Sasquatch are ape-like, hairy humanoids often thought of as wild men and may also be referred to as Bigfoot. Some tales suggest the Sasquatch are fearful of man and seek only to remain hidden and live out their lives peacefully, while others tell of larger-than-life monsters who carry off victims to suffer unknown horrors.

Next to UFOs, Sasquatch sightings or footprint impressions are one of the most commonly reported unexplained encounters. They are also the subjects of numerous hoaxes, with the truth discovered via video and photo analysis, fossil comparisons, or the debunking of anthropologists and zoologists. However, the Sasquatch remains a scientific possibility. So if you’re traipsing through the foothills or hiking in the mountains – BE VIGILANT! You may want to practice your observation skills by conducting this Selective Attention Test:

Survival Tip: Yelling, act your age, not your shoe size, may not be the best way to reprimand a Sasquatch who has wandered into your camp. Try RUNNING AWAY instead. Once you’re too far away to record any solid details, do take a few blurry pictures or indistinct video footage.

Monster Monday: Medusa

2011-09-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

Sticksand stones may break your bones, butMedusa’s stare will smite you.

Or so the legend goes.

Overthe years, Medusa’s lore has twisted and turned as much as her slithering,serpentine locks of hair. But one thing remains consistent – she’s got looks thatkill.

Andat the heart of it all? Jealousy. In Greek mythology, Medusa was the onlymortal sister of the Gorgon family, a chthonic monster, as in a beast from the underworld, and thedaughter of Phorcys and Ceto. Some believe she was transformed into a truemonster by the Goddess Athena as punishment for sleeping with Poseidon.

Butearly Greek writers simply portray her as a monster born of a monstrous family, kind of the equivalent of a poor little rich girl -except for all the killing. Some descriptionsdepict Medusa as a winged woman with a broad round head, serpentine hair, largestaring eyes, wide mouth, lolling tongue, flared nostrils and sometimes a shortcoarse beard.

However,another myth suggests that Medusa’s powerlay not in her monstrosity, but rather in her beauty – a beauty that paralyzedall who dared to look into her eyes.

I don’t know about you, but I know which beastie I’d rather meetin a dark alley.

SurvivalTip: No head, noundead…but good freaking luck. Medusa can stop anything in her tracks – and hergaze will turn you into stone, even if you come across her by accident. Onemyth suggests Medusa defeated herself by looking into a mirror and turningherself to stone. Carrying a compact in your backpack or purse might not be abad idea.

Monster Monday: Screamers

2011-09-12T05:44:00.000-07:00

When terror builds, sometimes all you can do is scream. Humans may scream in rage, despair, fear, pain or even in moments of joy. Ironically monsters also utilize their voices, pleasant or otherwise, in a variety of ways to attract, warn, stun or even kill. We call them the screamers.

Sirens hum or sing enticing melodies drawing humans to their deaths. Banshees wail and weep, warning that a family member is about to die. Shapeshifters can mimic the voices and appearances of humans or other creatures, making them the ultimate chameleons and most difficult to track. If you hear fairy music, you may be compelled to dance without rest and eventually meet your death.

Survival Tip: The expression "music soothes the savage beast" may apply in some situations. Monsters may be distracted, appalled or entranced by a human's singing voice, or perhaps the unexpectedness of music piped through an iPod or a cell phone ring tone. However, this technique meets with mixed results. Use at own risk.

Most-Wanted Monsters Monday - Leprechauns

2011-09-05T19:29:00.000-07:00

The Leprechaun is a type of fairy in Irish folklore, known for busily making shoes and squirreling away his gold in a hidden pot at the end of the rainbow. Cute, right?

Unless you dig a little (or a lot) deeper. This green, bearded “short stuff” has a reputation for practical jokes that in some cases are more than just mischievous – they’re downright evil. At least in pop culture.

A great myth of Leprechaun legend is their ability to grant 3 wishes to any mortal who caught them. Full of blarney, the Leprechauns were of course, lying through their teeth to escape captivity. Many a Leprechaun has fallen off his drinking stool laughing at the trickery they've performed on hapless mortals. Indeed, the 'I'll grant you 3 wishes if you let me go' trick is the oldest in the books of most Fae, but humans never learn.

Unconvinced? Check out the serial killer fairy in the Leprechaun movies. (*shudder*) Them’s are some creepy fairies you don’t want to mess with, no matter how big the pot of gold.

Life saving tip: Leprechauns rank high on our Most-Wanted Monsters hit list – and not because we’re looking to get rich quick. They’re creepy little buggers. To avoid them, stay the heck away from the end of the rainbow.

Monster Monday: Mermaids

2011-08-29T06:18:00.000-07:00

Contrary to popular culture depictions of fair in looks and fair of voice do-gooding, starry-eyed mermaids, these mystical sea creatures may have a malevolent agenda. A mermaid's kiss can heal and her tears might hold magical powers, however, her voice and otherworldly beauty are weapons she uses liberally. Mermaids are often grooming their long flowing locks and singing captivating melodies while perched, scantily clad, upon sunbaked rocks.

Entrapment much?

If merely seen from afar, mermaids are harbingers of devastating storms or nautical disasters. A close encounter can lead a young man to his watery grave wherein the mermaid will feed upon his soul. Mermen are more reclusive, yet are equally as ravenous as their female counterparts, capable of consuming their own young in fits of hunger.

Fair thee well as you journey along rocky shores, or peruse the beach for pretty little sea shells - for these horrific creatures remain AT LARGE.

Life-Saving Tip: One way to defeat a mermaid is to ensure it has NO access to water as it will soon dry up and die.

Monster Monday: Mummies

2011-08-22T07:14:00.000-07:00

Today, mummies rank high on our Most-Wanted Monsters hit list, but ancient folklore speaks of a more sentimental, if not romantic past for these bandaged undeads rather than monstrous intent.

Unwilling to leave their loved ones in the hot desert to decompose, early Egyptians practiced embalming techniques that preserved soft body tissue long after death. Corpses were wrapped tightly in strips of linen soaked in resin – a process that took several hours. Impressive to be sure, but in most cases the bandaging did little to stop decomposition.

Modern mummies should be handled with extreme care – (hello – they’re crumbly!) They are also considered dangerous, some are even classified as cold-blooded killers. No, really – a common preservation method is burying the body in ice.

LIFE-SAVING TIP: Proceed with caution. An Egyptian pharoanic curse states that whoever disturbs the tombs or mummies of ancient Egypt’s Pharoah’s will be struck down with bad luck, or worse – death!

Monster Monday: Windigo

2011-08-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

Windigo is a shapeshifter canibal creature of Algonquian, Cree and Ojibwe lore with the ability to assume multiple forms, mimic voices and has a heart of ice. Residing in the North it is the face of winter, famine and isolation. Many believe windigo began as human, perhaps woodsmen lost in winter storms and resorted to cannibalism to survive - only to find themselves burdened with a never ending craving for human flesh. They are often described as gigantic creatures with supernatural strength and speed. They are cunning hunters and dwell in dark, Northern forests.

Just as the windigo can take on many guizes, there are many variations in spelling and pronunciation of its name: weedigo, wehndigo, wetigo, etc.

Do not be fooled. These are all the same creature and they are hungry for you.

Be warned, to dream of windigo is to become windigo, this canibal spirit can possess humans via the dreamworld. Arm yourselves with silver, as with most shapeshifters, the windigo can be killed by silver to the heart.

Windigo join our ever growing, ravenous list of Most-Wanted Monsters.

Monster Monday: The New Jersey Devil

2011-08-08T07:43:00.000-07:00

On a dark and stormy night (no really!), more than 3,000 years ago in New Jersey, Mother Leeds gave birth to her thirteenth child - a deformed, winged monster said to have climbed out of her womb, up the chimney and into the beautiful Pine Barrens forest.

The line between legend and superstition is sometimes blurred, but for the people of New Jersey, the local “devil” is deeply rooted in history. More than 2,000 sightings of this infamous cryptid have been reported, including the 10 encounters published in the New York Times – in 2008. That’s not ancient history, folks.

Though there are fewer pictures of the creature than other popular international cryptids, the New Jersey Devil has made the pop culture rounds, landing roles in shows like the X-Files and Extreme Ghosthunters. Bruce Springsteen devoted an entire song to it, and the monster even lent its name to the National Hockey League.

The beastie may not be good luck for the local livestock, but the New Jersey Devils boast a Stanley Cup hat trick – 1995, 2000 and 2003.

He’s an Ace in our Most-Wanted Monsters Deck of cryptids.

Life-Saving Tip: Get outta Dodge, er, Jersey!

Monster Monday: Werewolves

2011-08-01T05:04:00.000-07:00

Evolution and sophistication may have stifled man’s bestial nature, but every now and then it rises to the surface to reclaim its skin. The werewolf is one of the most ferocious of the shapeshifters, and though pop culture may suggest it nothing more than an oversized, best-in-show, domesticated wolf – a creature that can shift at will…beware the moon.

The silver orb has control over more than the ebb and flow of the sea - she calls to werewolves, bringing the beast out of the civilized man. Worried you might be taking nightly walks on the wild side?

Do you….

- have hairy palms? (and not for the reason you’re thinking…oy!)
- have a recent allergy to silver?
- wake with blood in your mouth and no clothes upon your person?
- have a hankering for raw meat?
- experience memory gaps around the full moon?

If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, consider yourself WARNED. You are AT LARGE and join the others on our list of Most-Wanteds.

Tall fish tale or real-life water monster?

2011-07-25T07:06:00.000-07:00

In 865, a lone fisherman was casting for salmon when he saw a huge snake-like head rise from the deep Scottish waters.

More than 1400 years later, a London traveller was sailing those same waters when he claimed to have seen a prehistoric creature gliding across the black surface with a small animal dangling from its mouth.

These were the first documented accounts of the Loch Ness Monster, today considered the most famous of the water beasts – and one of the elusive. Seriously. Evidence of her existence is mainly anecdotal, backed only by a few (very) sketchy photos and a half dozen sonar readings.

Tales of actual Loch Ness attacks are few, but don’t let her cute nickname fool you. Experts say"Nessie" most closely resembles a plesiosaur, a type of aquatic carnivore – chances are there’d be little left of you to share the tale.

Old Nessie remains AT LARGE (some reports claim 20-feet long large) and ranks high in the Most-Wanted-Monsters book of Cryptids.

Life Saving Fact

Stay close to shore! Lake monsters like their water deep and cold.

Monster Monday: Vampires

2011-07-18T03:02:00.000-07:00

Vampires: Masters of Reinvention

From Bram Stoker’s classic fiction debut, based on real life Vlad the Impaler, to teen heartthrob and de-fanged Edward, no other monster has enjoyed such pop-culture, Madonna-esque transformations as the vampire.

But don’t be a sucker. While he may have charmed his way into our homes via breakfast cereals and his progeny may smile dreamily from Twilight pillowcases - the original Dracula has eluded capture and remains one of the deadliest, sexiest monsters known to man.

Dracula tops our MOST-WANTED list from the Not-Quite-Dead category.

After-Life-Saving Fact: Want to ensure you don’t come back as a blood sucking fiend? Plan aHEAD. Request to be decapitated before burial (and good luck with that), or settle for a simple cremation. Dust doesn’t come back.

Can't get enough Vampire action? Follow us on Twitter where this week, we'll be doling out six facts about the infamous creatures. @MWMonsters

Monster Monday: Frankenstein

2011-07-11T06:42:00.000-07:00

The Patchwork Monster

Frankenstein is the most sophisticated of the Not-Quite-Dead. He can speak, learn, reason, feel emotion – his story is considered the genesis of the science fiction genre and his influence is profound, even today. In this age of stem cell research and advances in cloning, etc, this creature is extremely dangerous.

Frankenstein disappeared at the end of the first-hand account of his tale, right after murdering his re-animator, Victor Frankenstein. The creature said he was going do himself in, but no body was ever found and countless pop culture references to him continue to emerge. He is considered AT LARGE. Literally. The guy is huge – 7 feet tall or something.

Life-Saving Fact: The chemical and electrical forces believed to give Frankenstein his strength also form his weakness: his chemically-treated body is extremely flammable.

Can't get enough Frankenstein? Follow us on Twitter where this week, we'll be doling out six facts about the infamous monster. You won't believe your eyes - some of this stuff is downright spooky!

Having monster issues?

2011-04-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

Who, or what, are the monsters hiding under your bed? Are you prepared for the zombie invasion? Know your monsters, before they GET you.

Welcome to the monster series of monster books. Each volume in our Most-Wanted Monsters series will arm you with the knowledge you need to exist – and fight – in a world crawling with paranormal creatures. We’ll divulge key facts to help level the playing field and give you a monster slayer’s chance. Feast your eyes on the mythology, lore, and pop culture references for more than a dozen supernatural creatures – zombies, vampires, specters, werewolves, shapeshifters, faeries, witches, warlocks and more!