Over The Marrow & Through The Blood

Kids! Get your masks on! We're almost at Grandmas!

You know, it surprises me just how many different monster designs have been created over the years, and I think it says something about the elasticity of what a "monster" can be that there's been so many unique takes on the concept. For instance, a monster can be a fully black mass with white hot glowing eyes, or a monster could be a tall creature with elongated limbs and sharp teeth that glint in the moonlight, or a monster can be a girl you take out multiple times who in the end ghosts you because despite saying she was looking for love what she was actually looking for was to make herself feel better at the expense of someone else (LAUREN), but no matter what your definition of a monster may be, one thing is certain: there will always be a new version of a monster.

But so rarely do we get a monster that looks more like it's going to bake you cookies and tell you stories about the old days than actually do you harm (I mean, it'll do you generational harm, that's how family works, unresolved inherited trauma and all that, but that's beside the point), and this is one of those times. This mask looks downright welcoming, and I think a good part of why is just because it wasn't necessarily sculpted with any kind of real evil intent to its facial features. Sure it's got a terrifying set of teeth in a slightly menacing grimace, but ultimately it's actually kind of friendly looking otherwise.

Part of that too could be the color.

Just look at this almost peasoup green they've painted onto it and frankly it's hard to be afraid of something that looks like it rose from a nearby bog just to bring you baked goods. I particularly like the ridges on the brow. I think that's a very nice touch, and I also like the warts in the center of the forehead, kind of between the eyes. There's honestly so much going on here that it would really take a few posts I think to break this thing down properly, in terms of visual representation discussion. The teeth are excellent, the little horns that surround the head are a nice touch, and of course the hair. The wig itself looks like primo quality mask hair, which is kind of a rarity. Usually they try and get away with the cheapest thing possible, so when they don't, it's noticeable, and appreciated.

Now sure, it looks like something out of a 50s B horror movie that might steal your girlfriend and try to bring about the end of days for humanity, but I like to think of it more as a sweet tempered creature who only looks out for your best interests. That's how we describe grandmas, right? Unfathomable ancient horrors that love us and wanna feed us instead of feed on us? That's how I describe 'em anyway. The thing is, this mask isn't all that fresh. We've probably seen things a dime a dozen exactly like this. But just because we've seen similarities doesn't mean it's not still worth a bit of admiration. I mean that's what this entire blog is about after all, giving admiration and appreciation to things, regardless of how similar they might be to other things. I've said that a million times.

All that being said, this looks like it'd be a rather comfortable mask to wear for once. Far too often things look too bulky or they look too cramped or they look like the material isn't comfortable, but this one has a pretty good opening for the mouth, making it easier to breath, the eyeholes are a good size, and the only hair is down the back really, not right atop your head, so there's no real weight in that sense. Whoever designed this, actually, did a very good job.

Design wise, in terms of creature looks, it's nothing really original. If anything it's simply a mashup of a million other concepts we've seen before, and done better for that matter, but it also isn't bad by any stretch of the imagination. There's nothing wrong with taking ideas and forming something new from them, even if they've been done a million times. That's what this mask represents most, I think. You may notice I'm even padding, just because there wasn't much to say about it, but I still feel like it was cool enough to be recognized.

So let's give a big hand to Grandma Ghoul, for both baking us treats and ripping the bones from our bullies.

Thanks gramgram.