#flatwoods-monster — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #flatwoods-monster, aggregated by home.social.
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Finally snagged one of the Flatwoods Monster lanterns at the Flatwoods Museum. Last time I visited they didn't have any and didn't know when they would have more. So stoked to have one!
#flatwoodsmonster -
Finally snagged one of the Flatwoods Monster lanterns at the Flatwoods Museum. Last time I visited they didn't have any and didn't know when they would have more. So stoked to have one!
#flatwoodsmonster -
Finally snagged one of the Flatwoods Monster lanterns at the Flatwoods Museum. Last time I visited they didn't have any and didn't know when they would have more. So stoked to have one!
#flatwoodsmonster -
Finally snagged one of the Flatwoods Monster lanterns at the Flatwoods Museum. Last time I visited they didn't have any and didn't know when they would have more. So stoked to have one!
#flatwoodsmonster -
Been traveling! We visited West Virginia to visit Flatwoods, Weston and then Point Pleasant. The Cryptid and creepy hot spots you know.
I love the area and can't wait to visit again. The woods are just...different in WV. Anyway, some highlights from the trip
#Cryptid #Cryptids #FlatwoodsMonster -
Been traveling! We visited West Virginia to visit Flatwoods, Weston and then Point Pleasant. The Cryptid and creepy hot spots you know.
I love the area and can't wait to visit again. The woods are just...different in WV. Anyway, some highlights from the trip
#Cryptid #Cryptids #FlatwoodsMonster -
Been traveling! We visited West Virginia to visit Flatwoods, Weston and then Point Pleasant. The Cryptid and creepy hot spots you know.
I love the area and can't wait to visit again. The woods are just...different in WV. Anyway, some highlights from the trip
#Cryptid #Cryptids #FlatwoodsMonster -
Been traveling! We visited West Virginia to visit Flatwoods, Weston and then Point Pleasant. The Cryptid and creepy hot spots you know.
I love the area and can't wait to visit again. The woods are just...different in WV. Anyway, some highlights from the trip
#Cryptid #Cryptids #FlatwoodsMonster -
My original artwork featuring the mysterious Flatwoods Monster, now available as a personally signed 11x17" print for only $15 at shawnlangley.myshopify.com .
This piece was originally created by hand using a combination of Pentel brush pens, Posca paint pens and Sakura Microns. I experimented with my own take on this creepy beastie, combining equal parts alien and organic. With just a dash of barn owl tossed in. ;)#cryptid #cryptids #WestVirginia #flatwoodsmonster #fallout76
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My original artwork featuring the mysterious Flatwoods Monster, now available as a personally signed 11x17" print for only $15 at shawnlangley.myshopify.com .
This piece was originally created by hand using a combination of Pentel brush pens, Posca paint pens and Sakura Microns. I experimented with my own take on this creepy beastie, combining equal parts alien and organic. With just a dash of barn owl tossed in. ;)#cryptid #cryptids #WestVirginia #flatwoodsmonster #fallout76
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My original artwork featuring the mysterious Flatwoods Monster, now available as a personally signed 11x17" print for only $15 at shawnlangley.myshopify.com .
This piece was originally created by hand using a combination of Pentel brush pens, Posca paint pens and Sakura Microns. I experimented with my own take on this creepy beastie, combining equal parts alien and organic. With just a dash of barn owl tossed in. ;)#cryptid #cryptids #WestVirginia #flatwoodsmonster #fallout76
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My original artwork featuring the mysterious Flatwoods Monster, now available as a personally signed 11x17" print for only $15 at shawnlangley.myshopify.com .
This piece was originally created by hand using a combination of Pentel brush pens, Posca paint pens and Sakura Microns. I experimented with my own take on this creepy beastie, combining equal parts alien and organic. With just a dash of barn owl tossed in. ;)#cryptid #cryptids #WestVirginia #flatwoodsmonster #fallout76
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My original artwork featuring the mysterious Flatwoods Monster, now available as a personally signed 11x17" print for only $15 at shawnlangley.myshopify.com .
This piece was originally created by hand using a combination of Pentel brush pens, Posca paint pens and Sakura Microns. I experimented with my own take on this creepy beastie, combining equal parts alien and organic. With just a dash of barn owl tossed in. ;)#cryptid #cryptids #WestVirginia #flatwoodsmonster #fallout76
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Let's go #Cryptid crazy!! Check out my huge selection of cryptid artwork, featuring all your favorite creepy beasties on personally signed 11x17" prints! All available now at shawnlangley.myshopify.com .
Find art of #mothman, #bigfoot, #chupacabra, #flatwoodsmonster, the #hodag, #fresnonightcrawler, #skinwalker and MORE! Some even in 3D!
This particular piece might still be my favorite Mothman illustration I've ever done, originally created using Pentel brush pens, Copic markers & Posca pens. -
Let's go #Cryptid crazy!! Check out my huge selection of #cryptid artwork, featuring all your favorite creepy beasties on personally signed 11x17" prints! All available now at shawnlangley.myshopify.com
Find art of #mothman, #bigfoot, #chupacabra, #flatwoodsmonster, the #hodag, #fresnonightcrawler, #skinwalker and MORE! Some even in 3D! -
🌲 I made a little forest in which some of my mini cryptids could frolick and/or menace as desired. 🌲
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🌲 I made a little forest in which some of my mini cryptids could frolick and/or menace as desired. 🌲
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🌲 I made a little forest in which some of my mini cryptids could frolick and/or menace as desired. 🌲
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🌲 I made a little forest in which some of my mini cryptids could frolick and/or menace as desired. 🌲
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🌲 I made a little forest in which some of my mini cryptids could frolick and/or menace as desired. 🌲
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Adding a little gold sketch to one of my #Mothman: Blood Moon prints! Go get yours now at shawnlangley.myshopify.com & shawnlangleyart.etsy.com
#cryptidart #flatwoodsmonster #WestVirginia #creepycute #fallout76 #FALLOUT76COMMUNITY #mothmanart
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Adding a little gold sketch to one of my #Mothman: Blood Moon prints! Go get yours now at shawnlangley.myshopify.com & shawnlangleyart.etsy.com
#cryptidart #flatwoodsmonster #WestVirginia #creepycute #fallout76 #FALLOUT76COMMUNITY #mothmanart
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Did you know the Flatwoods Monster was said to release a noxious gas that made witnesses sick—possibly the first cryptid with built-in tear gas?
🛸 Alien… or swamp-born biological weapon?#ParanormalFacts #FlatwoodsMonster #DidYouKnow #CryptidHunter
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Did you know the Flatwoods Monster was said to release a noxious gas that made witnesses sick—possibly the first cryptid with built-in tear gas?
🛸 Alien… or swamp-born biological weapon?#ParanormalFacts #FlatwoodsMonster #DidYouKnow #CryptidHunter
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👽 It glows. It floats. It gasses the air like a cryptid Taco Bell employee.
The Flatwoods Monster might be the weirdest thing we’ve ever covered—and we did a whole episode on the Loveland Frog.🎧 Come for the chaos. Stay for the theories. https://open.spotify.com/episode/2c3FBesonIJobdbggHrPQB?si=8f31715a556d4b60
#FlatwoodsMonster #CryptidHunter #HypotheticallySound #WeirdAndWild -
👽 It glows. It floats. It gasses the air like a cryptid Taco Bell employee.
The Flatwoods Monster might be the weirdest thing we’ve ever covered—and we did a whole episode on the Loveland Frog.🎧 Come for the chaos. Stay for the theories. https://open.spotify.com/episode/2c3FBesonIJobdbggHrPQB?si=8f31715a556d4b60
#FlatwoodsMonster #CryptidHunter #HypotheticallySound #WeirdAndWild -
🛸 A UFO crashes. Locals report a floating creature in a metal dress. Everyone gets sick.
Welcome to Flatwoods, West Virginia, 1952.
The Flatwoods Monster is more than a cryptid—it’s a case wrapped in panic, mystery, and mist.🎧 Listen to our deep dive on Cryptid Hunter. You won't believe the theories. https://open.spotify.com/episode/2c3FBesonIJobdbggHrPQB?si=ac31d599f95d44f3
#FlatwoodsMonster #ParanormalPodcast #HypotheticallySound #CryptidHunter -
🛸 A UFO crashes. Locals report a floating creature in a metal dress. Everyone gets sick.
Welcome to Flatwoods, West Virginia, 1952.
The Flatwoods Monster is more than a cryptid—it’s a case wrapped in panic, mystery, and mist.🎧 Listen to our deep dive on Cryptid Hunter. You won't believe the theories. https://open.spotify.com/episode/2c3FBesonIJobdbggHrPQB?si=ac31d599f95d44f3
#FlatwoodsMonster #ParanormalPodcast #HypotheticallySound #CryptidHunter -
🛸 The Flatwoods Monster was described as 10 feet tall, wearing a cloak, with glowing red eyes…
What do YOU think it was?
👽 Alien
🦉 Owl
🧪 Government experiment
😱 Something we’re not ready to understandDrop your theory below ⬇️
#FlatwoodsMonster #CryptidHunter #ParanormalPoll #HypotheticallySound #WeirdAndWild -
🛸 The Flatwoods Monster was described as 10 feet tall, wearing a cloak, with glowing red eyes…
What do YOU think it was?
👽 Alien
🦉 Owl
🧪 Government experiment
😱 Something we’re not ready to understandDrop your theory below ⬇️
#FlatwoodsMonster #CryptidHunter #ParanormalPoll #HypotheticallySound #WeirdAndWild -
👽 If the Flatwoods Monster landed in your backyard tonight… what would you do?
A) Run
B) Try to talk to it
C) Snap a photo
D) Offer it antacids 😬
#FlatwoodsMonster #UFOEncounters
https://www.podbean.com/ep/pb-kcwsb-188aaf1 -
👽 If the Flatwoods Monster landed in your backyard tonight… what would you do?
A) Run
B) Try to talk to it
C) Snap a photo
D) Offer it antacids 😬
#FlatwoodsMonster #UFOEncounters
https://www.podbean.com/ep/pb-kcwsb-188aaf1 -
🛸 1952. Small town. Glowing red eyes. A sickening mist.
The Flatwoods Monster wasn’t just spooky—it might’ve been the creepiest alien encounter in U.S. history.
https://www.podbean.com/ep/pb-kcwsb-188aaf1
🎧 New Cryptid Hunter episode is out now. Hear the theories. Decide for yourself.
#FlatwoodsMonster #HypotheticallySound #CryptidHunter #ParanormalPodcast #WeirdAndWild -
🛸 1952. Small town. Glowing red eyes. A sickening mist.
The Flatwoods Monster wasn’t just spooky—it might’ve been the creepiest alien encounter in U.S. history.
https://www.podbean.com/ep/pb-kcwsb-188aaf1
🎧 New Cryptid Hunter episode is out now. Hear the theories. Decide for yourself.
#FlatwoodsMonster #HypotheticallySound #CryptidHunter #ParanormalPodcast #WeirdAndWild -
🛸 A floating alien. Glowing eyes. A mist that makes you sick.
The Flatwoods Monster showed up in 1952 and never really left 👽
🎧 New episode of Cryptid Hunter is live! https://www.podbean.com/ep/pb-kcwsb-188aaf1
#FlatwoodsMonster #HypotheticallySound #CryptidLore #ParanormalPodcast -
🛸 A floating alien. Glowing eyes. A mist that makes you sick.
The Flatwoods Monster showed up in 1952 and never really left 👽
🎧 New episode of Cryptid Hunter is live! https://www.podbean.com/ep/pb-kcwsb-188aaf1
#FlatwoodsMonster #HypotheticallySound #CryptidLore #ParanormalPodcast -
🦇 Our latest episode took us deep into the jungle chasing the Ahool—a giant bat-like cryptid with a scream that'll haunt your dreams.
Next up? 🛸 The Flatwoods Monster—a glowing-eyed, floating something that terrorized a WV town in 1952. Alien? Robot? Owl in cosplay? 👀
🎧 Catch up now before things get weirder. https://open.spotify.com/episode/0aeHT4vbiWLS4iUsyprPEv?si=f310dc86c6f941a0
#Ahool #FlatwoodsMonster #CryptidHunter #HypotheticallySound #ParanormalPodcast #WeirdAndWild -
🦇 Our latest episode took us deep into the jungle chasing the Ahool—a giant bat-like cryptid with a scream that'll haunt your dreams.
Next up? 🛸 The Flatwoods Monster—a glowing-eyed, floating something that terrorized a WV town in 1952. Alien? Robot? Owl in cosplay? 👀
🎧 Catch up now before things get weirder. https://open.spotify.com/episode/0aeHT4vbiWLS4iUsyprPEv?si=f310dc86c6f941a0
#Ahool #FlatwoodsMonster #CryptidHunter #HypotheticallySound #ParanormalPodcast #WeirdAndWild -
The Flatwoods Monster, first sighted in West Virginia in 1952, sparked fascination amid Cold War anxieties. Eyewitness descriptions depict a large, hissing creature with a spade-shaped head and glowing eyes. #flatwoodsmonster https://connectparanormal.net/2025/04/01/the-flatwoods-monster-history-and-theories/
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The Flatwoods Monster, first sighted in West Virginia in 1952, sparked fascination amid Cold War anxieties. Eyewitness descriptions depict a large, hissing creature with a spade-shaped head and glowing eyes. #flatwoodsmonster https://connectparanormal.net/2025/04/01/the-flatwoods-monster-history-and-theories/
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a little watercolor that I made #art #watercolor #painting #illustration #drawing #drawings #watercolour #flatwoodsmonster #cryptid
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a little watercolor that I made #art #watercolor #painting #illustration #drawing #drawings #watercolour #flatwoodsmonster #cryptid
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a little watercolor that I made #art #watercolor #painting #illustration #drawing #drawings #watercolour #flatwoodsmonster #cryptid
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a little watercolor that I made #art #watercolor #painting #illustration #drawing #drawings #watercolour #flatwoodsmonster #cryptid
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I needed some practice drawing creepy things, so I decided on the Flatwoods Monster, famous cryptid of Braxton County, West Virginia, US. It is a tall creature with a hooded head, glowing red and green eyes, gangly limbs, and areas of cloth. It was first reported in the 1950s, in which it floated towards the eyewitness, scaring him off.
More info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flatwoods_monster
#Sketch #Monster #MonsterArt #Cryptid #FlatwoodsMonster #BraxtonCountyMonster #GreenMonster #Extraterrestrial
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I needed some practice drawing creepy things, so I decided on the Flatwoods Monster, famous cryptid of Braxton County, West Virginia, US. It is a tall creature with a hooded head, glowing red and green eyes, gangly limbs, and areas of cloth. It was first reported in the 1950s, in which it floated towards the eyewitness, scaring him off.
More info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flatwoods_monster
#Sketch #Monster #MonsterArt #Cryptid #FlatwoodsMonster #BraxtonCountyMonster #GreenMonster #Extraterrestrial
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I needed some practice drawing creepy things, so I decided on the Flatwoods Monster, famous cryptid of Braxton County, West Virginia, US. It is a tall creature with a hooded head, glowing red and green eyes, gangly limbs, and areas of cloth. It was first reported in the 1950s, in which it floated towards the eyewitness, scaring him off.
More info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flatwoods_monster
#Sketch #Monster #MonsterArt #Cryptid #FlatwoodsMonster #BraxtonCountyMonster #GreenMonster #Extraterrestrial
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I needed some practice drawing creepy things, so I decided on the Flatwoods Monster, famous cryptid of Braxton County, West Virginia, US. It is a tall creature with a hooded head, glowing red and green eyes, gangly limbs, and areas of cloth. It was first reported in the 1950s, in which it floated towards the eyewitness, scaring him off.
More info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flatwoods_monster
#Sketch #Monster #MonsterArt #Cryptid #FlatwoodsMonster #BraxtonCountyMonster #GreenMonster #Extraterrestrial
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Hi everyone, this is Sharon A. Hill, the owner of this Modern Cryptozoology site. Originally, the site was developed as an annotated bibliography. With the help of Matt Bille, we added mentions of many older books. As time permits, I will add new ones. I have a slew of backlog books, old and new, to add. But my goal now is to really focus on what the title suggests – what is modern cryptozoology. So, content will include more links and discussion about what’s going on in cryptozoology today.
What IS going on with modern cryptozoology?
A lot. Possibly more than ever before.
I was in a local Pennsylvania garden center last weekend when I overheard two of the employees discussing Mothman. I think they were talking about either buying or selling items related to mothman for Halloween. This was just one of many instances of mothman fluttering into mainstream talk. If you are under 30, there is a good chance that you have come across a mention of mothman, dogman, or the chupacabra via social media or consumer content.
Thinking back to the dawn of the field of cryptozoology, from the 1950s to the 1980s, none of those creatures were considered by founders Heuvelmans and Sanderson. Now, they are the most popularly cited cryptids behind Bigfoot and lake monsters. This is a big shift!
A small core group of scholarly-minded colleagues and myself regularly discuss the latest on cryptids: from their far-back history to current pop-cultural trends. Again, a BIG change is obvious in the past thirty years.
Celebrity cryptids
Chupacabra was the first digitally-publicized and Internet-famous monster. And, wow, did that work out well! It became a sensation. Bigfoot and Nessie both benefitted immensely from web forums, cable TV shows, YouTube content and webpages, merchandising and promotional advertising, podcasting, and social media. The Mothman festival, The Mothman Prophecies movie, and the resurgence of interest in Keel’s work propelled Mothman to unexpected, new heights of notoriety. Another popular cryptid, the Flatwoods Monster, or Braxxie, started out described as an alien-robot. Now, it’s depicted as a fantastical, glamorous, female creature, or “Momster” and a well-known figure appearing throughout video game history. A grainy, rather ridiculous video of creatures that looked like walking pants became a beloved cryptid; the Fresno Nightcrawler was “cutified” into plushies and put on stickers. And the current top dog is the dogman/werewolf creatures, who were legendary in only a few parts of the country, but have in the past 15 years overrun most of the Bigfoot circles.
As I look more into the popular cryptids of today, I have SO many thoughts. Some of those thoughts I’ve written up in the Pop Goes the Cryptid section. I’m not the only one seeing the excitement surrounding discussion of cryptids. See the News and Views category, and watch for more to come.
Cryptids expanded and diverse
Cryptid town festivals are everywhere, with more organized every year. As small towns realize that people love their local monsters, weekend events with vendors and speakers attract a diverse crowd. The diversity of the audience is especially interesting. In the early 2000s, cryptid-centric events could be characterized as the domain of older, white males. But, today? Well, visit a local cryptid festival and see young kids spotting their favorite monster merch, young adults with various body art, modifications, and hair color enjoying the dark, spooky or horrifying tales and aesthetic. People bring their families to enjoy weird creatures. It’s so much fun to imagine and believe.
It’s an amazing thing – how the concept of cryptids has spread across generational boundaries. In that process, the concept and idea of cryptids has changed. Since there are no longer scientists as figureheads or gatekeepers, cryptids can become whatever we choose for them to be. Generally, they have become more supernaturally- and spiritually-associated. Some have become cute or sexy. Others gained reputations as dangerous or violent. A few have become positive symbols of “otherness” and, in this way, help kids and teens embrace their own individuality and cope with social rejection.
We now truly have post-cryptid cryptozoology where the aim of identifying the zoological basis of a creature is diminished and, instead, the value of cryptids lies in identifying WITH the creature. Cryptozoology of the 21st century exploded the previous boundaries that originally oriented the field in the scientific context of zoology. Today, cryptozoology is a socio-cultural phenomenon. I argue, it’s an important one that we should be exploring.
Please subscribe to the posts (see sidebar to “Follow”), follow on Mastodon, RSS feed or visit often. If you like the posts, please share. Send me comments, books to review, or tips on news and other great content.
#Braxxie #cryptids #Cryptozoology #FlatwoodsMonster #monsters #mothman #mysteriousCreatures #popCulture #zoology
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Hi everyone, this is Sharon A. Hill, the owner of this Modern Cryptozoology site. Originally, the site was developed as an annotated bibliography. With the help of Matt Bille, we added mentions of many older books. As time permits, I will add new ones. I have a slew of backlog books, old and new, to add. But my goal now is to really focus on what the title suggests – what is modern cryptozoology. So, content will include more links and discussion about what’s going on in cryptozoology today.
What IS going on with modern cryptozoology?
A lot. Possibly more than ever before.
I was in a local Pennsylvania garden center last weekend when I overheard two of the employees discussing Mothman. I think they were talking about either buying or selling items related to mothman for Halloween. This was just one of many instances of mothman fluttering into mainstream talk. If you are under 30, there is a good chance that you have come across a mention of mothman, dogman, or the chupacabra via social media or consumer content.
Thinking back to the dawn of the field of cryptozoology, from the 1950s to the 1980s, none of those creatures were considered by founders Heuvelmans and Sanderson. Now, they are the most popularly cited cryptids behind Bigfoot and lake monsters. This is a big shift!
A small core group of scholarly-minded colleagues and myself regularly discuss the latest on cryptids: from their far-back history to current pop-cultural trends. Again, a BIG change is obvious in the past thirty years.
Celebrity cryptids
Chupacabra was the first digitally-publicized and Internet-famous monster. And, wow, did that work out well! It became a sensation. Bigfoot and Nessie both benefitted immensely from web forums, cable TV shows, YouTube content and webpages, merchandising and promotional advertising, podcasting, and social media. The Mothman festival, The Mothman Prophecies movie, and the resurgence of interest in Keel’s work propelled Mothman to unexpected, new heights of notoriety. Another popular cryptid, the Flatwoods Monster, or Braxxie, started out described as an alien-robot. Now, it’s depicted as a fantastical, glamorous, female creature, or “Momster” and a well-known figure appearing throughout video game history. A grainy, rather ridiculous video of creatures that looked like walking pants became a beloved cryptid; the Fresno Nightcrawler was “cutified” into plushies and put on stickers. And the current top dog is the dogman/werewolf creatures, who were legendary in only a few parts of the country, but have in the past 15 years overrun most of the Bigfoot circles.
As I look more into the popular cryptids of today, I have SO many thoughts. Some of those thoughts I’ve written up in the Pop Goes the Cryptid section. I’m not the only one seeing the excitement surrounding discussion of cryptids. See the News and Views category, and watch for more to come.
Cryptids expanded and diverse
Cryptid town festivals are everywhere, with more organized every year. As small towns realize that people love their local monsters, weekend events with vendors and speakers attract a diverse crowd. The diversity of the audience is especially interesting. In the early 2000s, cryptid-centric events could be characterized as the domain of older, white males. But, today? Well, visit a local cryptid festival and see young kids spotting their favorite monster merch, young adults with various body art, modifications, and hair color enjoying the dark, spooky or horrifying tales and aesthetic. People bring their families to enjoy weird creatures. It’s so much fun to imagine and believe.
It’s an amazing thing – how the concept of cryptids has spread across generational boundaries. In that process, the concept and idea of cryptids has changed. Since there are no longer scientists as figureheads or gatekeepers, cryptids can become whatever we choose for them to be. Generally, they have become more supernaturally- and spiritually-associated. Some have become cute or sexy. Others gained reputations as dangerous or violent. A few have become positive symbols of “otherness” and, in this way, help kids and teens embrace their own individuality and cope with social rejection.
We now truly have post-cryptid cryptozoology where the aim of identifying the zoological basis of a creature is diminished and, instead, the value of cryptids lies in identifying WITH the creature. Cryptozoology of the 21st century exploded the previous boundaries that originally oriented the field in the scientific context of zoology. Today, cryptozoology is a socio-cultural phenomenon. I argue, it’s an important one that we should be exploring.
Please subscribe to the posts (see sidebar to “Follow”), follow on Mastodon, RSS feed or visit often. If you like the posts, please share. Send me comments, books to review, or tips on news and other great content.
#Braxxie #cryptids #Cryptozoology #FlatwoodsMonster #monsters #mothman #mysteriousCreatures #popCulture #zoology
-
Hi everyone, this is Sharon A. Hill, the owner of this Modern Cryptozoology site. Originally, the site was developed as an annotated bibliography. With the help of Matt Bille, we added mentions of many older books. As time permits, I will add new ones. I have a slew of backlog books, old and new, to add. But my goal now is to really focus on what the title suggests – what is modern cryptozoology. So, content will include more links and discussion about what’s going on in cryptozoology today.
What IS going on with modern cryptozoology?
A lot. Possibly more than ever before.
I was in a local Pennsylvania garden center last weekend when I overheard two of the employees discussing Mothman. I think they were talking about either buying or selling items related to mothman for Halloween. This was just one of many instances of mothman fluttering into mainstream talk. If you are under 30, there is a good chance that you have come across a mention of mothman, dogman, or the chupacabra via social media or consumer content.
Thinking back to the dawn of the field of cryptozoology, from the 1950s to the 1980s, none of those creatures were considered by founders Heuvelmans and Sanderson. Now, they are the most popularly cited cryptids behind Bigfoot and lake monsters. This is a big shift!
A small core group of scholarly-minded colleagues and myself regularly discuss the latest on cryptids: from their far-back history to current pop-cultural trends. Again, a BIG change is obvious in the past thirty years.
Celebrity cryptids
Chupacabra was the first digitally-publicized and Internet-famous monster. And, wow, did that work out well! It became a sensation. Bigfoot and Nessie both benefitted immensely from web forums, cable TV shows, YouTube content and webpages, merchandising and promotional advertising, podcasting, and social media. The Mothman festival, The Mothman Prophecies movie, and the resurgence of interest in Keel’s work propelled Mothman to unexpected, new heights of notoriety. Another popular cryptid, the Flatwoods Monster, or Braxxie, started out described as an alien-robot. Now, it’s depicted as a fantastical, glamorous, female creature, or “Momster” and a well-known figure appearing throughout video game history. A grainy, rather ridiculous video of creatures that looked like walking pants became a beloved cryptid; the Fresno Nightcrawler was “cutified” into plushies and put on stickers. And the current top dog is the dogman/werewolf creatures, who were legendary in only a few parts of the country, but have in the past 15 years overrun most of the Bigfoot circles.
As I look more into the popular cryptids of today, I have SO many thoughts. Some of those thoughts I’ve written up in the Pop Goes the Cryptid section. I’m not the only one seeing the excitement surrounding discussion of cryptids. See the News and Views category, and watch for more to come.
Cryptids expanded and diverse
Cryptid town festivals are everywhere, with more organized every year. As small towns realize that people love their local monsters, weekend events with vendors and speakers attract a diverse crowd. The diversity of the audience is especially interesting. In the early 2000s, cryptid-centric events could be characterized as the domain of older, white males. But, today? Well, visit a local cryptid festival and see young kids spotting their favorite monster merch, young adults with various body art, modifications, and hair color enjoying the dark, spooky or horrifying tales and aesthetic. People bring their families to enjoy weird creatures. It’s so much fun to imagine and believe.
It’s an amazing thing – how the concept of cryptids has spread across generational boundaries. In that process, the concept and idea of cryptids has changed. Since there are no longer scientists as figureheads or gatekeepers, cryptids can become whatever we choose for them to be. Generally, they have become more supernaturally- and spiritually-associated. Some have become cute or sexy. Others gained reputations as dangerous or violent. A few have become positive symbols of “otherness” and, in this way, help kids and teens embrace their own individuality and cope with social rejection.
We now truly have post-cryptid cryptozoology where the aim of identifying the zoological basis of a creature is diminished and, instead, the value of cryptids lies in identifying WITH the creature. Cryptozoology of the 21st century exploded the previous boundaries that originally oriented the field in the scientific context of zoology. Today, cryptozoology is a socio-cultural phenomenon. I argue, it’s an important one that we should be exploring.
Please subscribe to the posts (see sidebar to “Follow”), follow on Mastodon, RSS feed or visit often. If you like the posts, please share. Send me comments, books to review, or tips on news and other great content.
#Braxxie #cryptids #Cryptozoology #FlatwoodsMonster #monsters #mothman #mysteriousCreatures #popCulture #zoology
-
Hi everyone, this is Sharon A. Hill, the owner of this Modern Cryptozoology site. Originally, the site was developed as an annotated bibliography. With the help of Matt Bille, we added mentions of many older books. As time permits, I will add new ones. I have a slew of backlog books, old and new, to add. But my goal now is to really focus on what the title suggests – what is modern cryptozoology. So, content will include more links and discussion about what’s going on in cryptozoology today.
What IS going on with modern cryptozoology?
A lot. Possibly more than ever before.
I was in a local Pennsylvania garden center last weekend when I overheard two of the employees discussing Mothman. I think they were talking about either buying or selling items related to mothman for Halloween. This was just one of many instances of mothman fluttering into mainstream talk. If you are under 30, there is a good chance that you have come across a mention of mothman, dogman, or the chupacabra via social media or consumer content.
Thinking back to the dawn of the field of cryptozoology, from the 1950s to the 1980s, none of those creatures were considered by founders Heuvelmans and Sanderson. Now, they are the most popularly cited cryptids behind Bigfoot and lake monsters. This is a big shift!
A small core group of scholarly-minded colleagues and myself regularly discuss the latest on cryptids: from their far-back history to current pop-cultural trends. Again, a BIG change is obvious in the past thirty years.
Celebrity cryptids
Chupacabra was the first digitally-publicized and Internet-famous monster. And, wow, did that work out well! It became a sensation. Bigfoot and Nessie both benefitted immensely from web forums, cable TV shows, YouTube content and webpages, merchandising and promotional advertising, podcasting, and social media. The Mothman festival, The Mothman Prophecies movie, and the resurgence of interest in Keel’s work propelled Mothman to unexpected, new heights of notoriety. Another popular cryptid, the Flatwoods Monster, or Braxxie, started out described as an alien-robot. Now, it’s depicted as a fantastical, glamorous, female creature, or “Momster” and a well-known figure appearing throughout video game history. A grainy, rather ridiculous video of creatures that looked like walking pants became a beloved cryptid; the Fresno Nightcrawler was “cutified” into plushies and put on stickers. And the current top dog is the dogman/werewolf creatures, who were legendary in only a few parts of the country, but have in the past 15 years overrun most of the Bigfoot circles.
As I look more into the popular cryptids of today, I have SO many thoughts. Some of those thoughts I’ve written up in the Pop Goes the Cryptid section. I’m not the only one seeing the excitement surrounding discussion of cryptids. See the News and Views category, and watch for more to come.
Cryptids expanded and diverse
Cryptid town festivals are everywhere, with more organized every year. As small towns realize that people love their local monsters, weekend events with vendors and speakers attract a diverse crowd. The diversity of the audience is especially interesting. In the early 2000s, cryptid-centric events could be characterized as the domain of older, white males. But, today? Well, visit a local cryptid festival and see young kids spotting their favorite monster merch, young adults with various body art, modifications, and hair color enjoying the dark, spooky or horrifying tales and aesthetic. People bring their families to enjoy weird creatures. It’s so much fun to imagine and believe.
It’s an amazing thing – how the concept of cryptids has spread across generational boundaries. In that process, the concept and idea of cryptids has changed. Since there are no longer scientists as figureheads or gatekeepers, cryptids can become whatever we choose for them to be. Generally, they have become more supernaturally- and spiritually-associated. Some have become cute or sexy. Others gained reputations as dangerous or violent. A few have become positive symbols of “otherness” and, in this way, help kids and teens embrace their own individuality and cope with social rejection.
We now truly have post-cryptid cryptozoology where the aim of identifying the zoological basis of a creature is diminished and, instead, the value of cryptids lies in identifying WITH the creature. Cryptozoology of the 21st century exploded the previous boundaries that originally oriented the field in the scientific context of zoology. Today, cryptozoology is a socio-cultural phenomenon. I argue, it’s an important one that we should be exploring.
Please subscribe to the posts (see sidebar to “Follow”), follow on Mastodon, RSS feed or visit often. If you like the posts, please share. Send me comments, books to review, or tips on news and other great content.
#Braxxie #cryptids #Cryptozoology #FlatwoodsMonster #monsters #mothman #mysteriousCreatures #popCulture #zoology
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Hi everyone, this is Sharon A. Hill, the owner of this Modern Cryptozoology site. Originally, the site was developed as an annotated bibliography. With the help of Matt Bille, we added mentions of many older books. As time permits, I will add new ones. I have a slew of backlog books, old and new, to add. But my goal now is to really focus on what the title suggests – what is modern cryptozoology. So, content will include more links and discussion about what’s going on in cryptozoology today.
What IS going on with modern cryptozoology?
A lot. Possibly more than ever before.
I was in a local Pennsylvania garden center last weekend when I overheard two of the employees discussing Mothman. I think they were talking about either buying or selling items related to mothman for Halloween. This was just one of many instances of mothman fluttering into mainstream talk. If you are under 30, there is a good chance that you have come across a mention of mothman, dogman, or the chupacabra via social media or consumer content.
Thinking back to the dawn of the field of cryptozoology, from the 1950s to the 1980s, none of those creatures were considered by founders Heuvelmans and Sanderson. Now, they are the most popularly cited cryptids behind Bigfoot and lake monsters. This is a big shift!
A small core group of scholarly-minded colleagues and myself regularly discuss the latest on cryptids: from their far-back history to current pop-cultural trends. Again, a BIG change is obvious in the past thirty years.
Celebrity cryptids
Chupacabra was the first digitally-publicized and Internet-famous monster. And, wow, did that work out well! It became a sensation. Bigfoot and Nessie both benefitted immensely from web forums, cable TV shows, YouTube content and webpages, merchandising and promotional advertising, podcasting, and social media. The Mothman festival, The Mothman Prophecies movie, and the resurgence of interest in Keel’s work propelled Mothman to unexpected, new heights of notoriety. Another popular cryptid, the Flatwoods Monster, or Braxxie, started out described as an alien-robot. Now, it’s depicted as a fantastical, glamorous, female creature, or “Momster” and a well-known figure appearing throughout video game history. A grainy, rather ridiculous video of creatures that looked like walking pants became a beloved cryptid; the Fresno Nightcrawler was “cutified” into plushies and put on stickers. And the current top dog is the dogman/werewolf creatures, who were legendary in only a few parts of the country, but have in the past 15 years overrun most of the Bigfoot circles.
As I look more into the popular cryptids of today, I have SO many thoughts. Some of those thoughts I’ve written up in the Pop Goes the Cryptid section. I’m not the only one seeing the excitement surrounding discussion of cryptids. See the News and Views category, and watch for more to come.
Cryptids expanded and diverse
Cryptid town festivals are everywhere, with more organized every year. As small towns realize that people love their local monsters, weekend events with vendors and speakers attract a diverse crowd. The diversity of the audience is especially interesting. In the early 2000s, cryptid-centric events could be characterized as the domain of older, white males. But, today? Well, visit a local cryptid festival and see young kids spotting their favorite monster merch, young adults with various body art, modifications, and hair color enjoying the dark, spooky or horrifying tales and aesthetic. People bring their families to enjoy weird creatures. It’s so much fun to imagine and believe.
It’s an amazing thing – how the concept of cryptids has spread across generational boundaries. In that process, the concept and idea of cryptids has changed. Since there are no longer scientists as figureheads or gatekeepers, cryptids can become whatever we choose for them to be. Generally, they have become more supernaturally- and spiritually-associated. Some have become cute or sexy. Others gained reputations as dangerous or violent. A few have become positive symbols of “otherness” and, in this way, help kids and teens embrace their own individuality and cope with social rejection.
We now truly have post-cryptid cryptozoology where the aim of identifying the zoological basis of a creature is diminished and, instead, the value of cryptids lies in identifying WITH the creature. Cryptozoology of the 21st century exploded the previous boundaries that originally oriented the field in the scientific context of zoology. Today, cryptozoology is a socio-cultural phenomenon. I argue, it’s an important one that we should be exploring.
Please subscribe to the posts (see sidebar to “Follow”), follow on Mastodon, RSS feed or visit often. If you like the posts, please share. Send me comments, books to review, or tips on news and other great content.
#Braxxie #cryptids #Cryptozoology #FlatwoodsMonster #monsters #mothman #mysteriousCreatures #popCulture #zoology
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More work on the teeny dark ride today! I sculpted and baked the model for the flatwoods monster (did I mention the theme of the ride is the flatwoods monster??). The scale is a bit larger than I meant but it should work. (Scarier that way anyway)
The arms and a bunch of trees are in the 3d printer right now. I also cut some foam core into the footprint of the ride.
Next step is laying things out to make sure everything sits how I'd like it too. Then add some elevation and cutting walls from I think plasticard.
#MiniaturePainting #ModelMaking #sculptingminiatures #DarkRide #flatwoodsmonster
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More work on the teeny dark ride today! I sculpted and baked the model for the flatwoods monster (did I mention the theme of the ride is the flatwoods monster??). The scale is a bit larger than I meant but it should work. (Scarier that way anyway)
The arms and a bunch of trees are in the 3d printer right now. I also cut some foam core into the footprint of the ride.
Next step is laying things out to make sure everything sits how I'd like it too. Then add some elevation and cutting walls from I think plasticard.
#MiniaturePainting #ModelMaking #sculptingminiatures #DarkRide #flatwoodsmonster
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More work on the teeny dark ride today! I sculpted and baked the model for the flatwoods monster (did I mention the theme of the ride is the flatwoods monster??). The scale is a bit larger than I meant but it should work. (Scarier that way anyway)
The arms and a bunch of trees are in the 3d printer right now. I also cut some foam core into the footprint of the ride.
Next step is laying things out to make sure everything sits how I'd like it too. Then add some elevation and cutting walls from I think plasticard.
#MiniaturePainting #ModelMaking #sculptingminiatures #DarkRide #flatwoodsmonster
-
More work on the teeny dark ride today! I sculpted and baked the model for the flatwoods monster (did I mention the theme of the ride is the flatwoods monster??). The scale is a bit larger than I meant but it should work. (Scarier that way anyway)
The arms and a bunch of trees are in the 3d printer right now. I also cut some foam core into the footprint of the ride.
Next step is laying things out to make sure everything sits how I'd like it too. Then add some elevation and cutting walls from I think plasticard.
#MiniaturePainting #ModelMaking #sculptingminiatures #DarkRide #flatwoodsmonster
