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Review: Where's My Shoggoth?

Cameron Hatheway writes;

You know what was missing from the Best Publication for Kids nominees last year? H.P. Lovecraft. After all, with the impending awakening of Cthulhu and the destruction he'll bring, we need to educate our children of the different monsters they'll eventually come to encounter in this post-apocalyptic wasteland.

Now my knowledge of H.P. Lovecraft is very limited, and I tend to ask my good friend Patrick McEvoy if I ever need recommendations on where to start. And now I have another source to guide me, and that's Where's My Shoggoth? from Ian Thomas and Adam Bolton.

Set in rhyme, we follow a poor boy as he searches far and wide for his missing pet Shoggoth. Along his quest he bumps into several different creatures, but not one of them resembling his beloved pet. With Byakhees, Yog-Sothoths, and Shaggai aplenty, it doesn't look too good for our main character, because this world is vast and full of darkness.

Eventually he does find his tentacled hundred-eyed Shoggoth, named Blinky, and all is well as they dine upon buttered scones and tea. It's the several Old Ones and demigods that he meets along the way that really make this book fun, and truly an all ages titles (there's even a board game included on the inside covers).

The rhymes by Ian Thomas remind me of a dark-yet-funny blend of Shel Silverstein, Tim Burton, and Dr. Seuss. It never gets scary, but always remains lighthearted throughout. Thomas always keeps you on your toes for what monster might be highlighted next, and warms the cockles of your heart when both owner and "pet" reunite.

Adam Bolton's art is twistedly beautiful, and really captures the personalities of the monstrosities. The creatures looked scary, but weren't too scary. Even the simplistic art in the transition scenes was top-notch, especially that demonic looking telescope towards the end. His style reminded me slightly of Lukas Ketner of Witch Doctor fame. Gorgeous use of colors and design, Bolton delivers some great eye-candy with this book.

So whether you're a longtime fan of all things Cthulhu, or want to get your kids hooked on horror at an early age, Where's My Shoggoth? is a delightful read for all ages. It'll make for a good transition to other comics like Witch Doctor, Gravel, and eventually Neonomicon.

Where's My Shoggoth? by Ian Thomas & Adam Bolton (Archaia)
All Ages
56 Pages, $11.95

Cameron Hatheway is the host of Cammy's Comic Corner, an audio podcast. You can help him find his Nightgaunt on Twitter @CamComicCorner.

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