Cthulhu and Hobbes -- Roomies Forever

A number of years back, a thoughtful friend sent me a cute little Cthulhu stuffed doll.  He sits on a shelf guarding books from booknappers.  I think everybody who has had a childhood, had a figure, doll, stuffed animal or the like to play with and cuddle.  Many people still have fond memories of their special friend from childhood.  Mind you, mine was not Cthulhu.

I had a collection of Calvin and Hobbes books I had picked up here and there and enjoyed the adventures of Calvin and his stuffed tiger, Hobbes.  Anyway, I got thinking about the life of two stuffed dolls and their interactions, when people were out of the house.  I ended up with these two pseudo book covers in 2007. 

I expect the personality of a very small stuffed Cthulhu figure trying to live up to the image of Dread Cthulhu would be amusing.  Even more fun would be a sidekick like the stuffed tiger Hobbes, who has already lived with a megalomaniac previously.  Stuffed Cthulhu: “I have awoken and will feast upon the souls of this tiny planet”.  Hobbes: “Oh, brother”.
                               
                                                                                                         CoastConFan

Cthulhu Mythos: Brown Jenkin and Dreams in the Witch House

Dreams in the Witch House is one of H. P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos stories which features inter-dimensional travel, a witch and her familiar.  This is one of my favorite stories from the mythos, because of the horror minimalism and psychological suggestiveness.  The tale is told in period mainstream settings, rather than far-off ruins in obscure lands making you believe it might be possible and is right here in modern America. 

                                                                                       CoastConFan

Brown Jenkin, Keziah Mason’s familiar, is drawn directly from the imagery of Hieronymus Bosch and medieval depictions of twisted, mis-natural creatures classically associated with demons, during that era.  By having human features and hands, Brown Jenkin is drawn directly from nightmares and makes the perfect go between from Dreamlands or nightmare worlds and our plane.

I can’t quite agree with learned literature specialists who consider Dreams in the Witch House a minor effort.  The work bridges his earlier works and his science fiction stories and has great impact.  Anyone who has had a nightmare or held a location or house in horror can connect with this story.  Next time you hear a strange scratching in your bedroom ... consider Brown Jenkin.

Great Caesars Ghost – Jackie Cooper Passes Away

Better know to older folks as an irrepressible child star, Jackie Cooper made dozens of films when he was a child, but also remembered by younger fans as Perry White, editor of the Daily Planet and Clark Kent’s boss in the 1970s and 1980s. He passed away 3 May, 2011 at age 88, starting his career in silent film and making a place for himself in film history.

To paraphrase Jackie Cooper in his role as Perry White, “a good actor doesn’t get great parts – a good actor makes them great”.
                                                                                                CoastConFan

Jackie Cooper Filmography Link

Mobicon 14 is this Month

Mobicon is a science fiction, fantasy, anime, horror and gaming convention held each year in Mobile, Alabama. This year it is held 20-22 May, 2011 at the Ashbury Hotel, 600 W I65 Service Road South.

I have attended off and on for a number of years now and enjoy its laid back atmosphere and southern fan feeling. Above is the official Mobicon 14 commercial and below is a video I did a couple of years ago using Mobicon stills. Additionally I have added a Marian Call video, which uses some Mobicon stills along with other photos taken at southern conventions. Come on down and support this southern convention in laid back Mobile.

                                                                            CoastConFan

TinTin Adventures in Pakistan

Given the news from the Middle East, I posted this pseudo-TinTin book cover as topical.  I generally don’t do new items or politics, generally. We will resume our regular posting tomorrow.