Meet Harold Mothman. Far from his usual West Virginia haunts, he’s spent some time cataloging his fellow cryptids in a place already known for unusual nightlife: Los Angeles. Oh, he may venture out to places like Joshua Tree and Catalina Island, but it’s Los Angeles where he knew he’d find his people. Or rather, his not-people.
Thus his findings in a book called Mothman’s Compendium of Southern California Cryptids. Mothman got a little help from cartoonist/filmmaker/podcast host Kaveh Taherian. In truth, Los Angeles isn’t much known for cryptids, perhaps because the lighting always seems a little too bright. But Taherian has created a fair number that show he knows this city/area pretty well, and where to begin to give himself verisimilitude.
That means Circus Liquors in North Hollywood. It might be perfectly nice as liquor stores go, but any movie that uses it as an establishing shot strikes a certain tone. Under the glare of that neon clown, you’ll find “North Hollywood Nightcrawlers.” Having briefly lived in North Hollywood, I can vouch that Taherian has observed them carefully, right down to the drinking of black sesame boba.
The gently sharp deflation of L.A. lifestyles continues through several regions. Some cryptids bear a striking resemblance to better-known cousins, such as Silver Lake Nesseigh. Since the actual lake in Silver Lake sometimes seems mythical, it makes sense that a Nessy would settle there. And when you see where the Culture Condor roosts, you’ll nod that yes, that seems reasonable.
If you’re not a resident of Greater Los Angeles (I almost wrote native, but I’ve met very few natives), some of the jokes might not work as well. But if you are a local or know a local, this book would make a great gift. Sure, it’s late for Christmas, but everybody has a birthday coming up sometime.
The best way to get it is to go directly to Taherian at his website, Permafriendsforever.com. Fanboy Planet is not affiliated. This was just another unexpected surprise picked up at L.A. Comic Con. (Also the uptick in Mothman cosplay — could someone explain how 2023 became Mothman’s year? Thanks.)
