GRASSMAN, Ohio's Favorite Cryptid : The First Release of Creative Mussel's New CRYPTID COMIC LINE
The elusive Ohio Grassman, a seven-foot-tall, hairy biped, haunts Central Ohio's forests, terrifying campers with his howls and glowing eyes. But is he truly a monster?
Creative Mussel is finding the truth behind the classic Ohioan creature in this comedic segment of their new line of comics: the Cryptid Corner.
Cryptid Corner is Creative Mussel's biggest collaboration yet, with Grassman bringing in FOUR talented comic artists - all within the very first issue!
"Working alongside some of Ohio's most talented artists was a true thrill," says writer Jay B. Kalagayan.
"Bringing Grassman's adventures to life, especially within the nostalgic framework of vintage Hostess comic ads, was an absolute blast."
Story by Jay B. Kalagayan. Art by Tim Fuller, Kevin Necessary, Brandon Wagner and Kat Klockow.
Here's a look at what one of the artists has to say about our favorite forest dweller:
"Ohio is odd. Residents of the Buckeye State take pride in this. We like being odd in our odd state filled with odd things. The Ohio Grassman is an elusive beast, choosing to stay in the deep, dark, forests of Central Ohio away from the prying eyes of human inhabitants. But perhaps we have Grassman wrong?
Perhaps Grassman loves to live hidden in the forest so he can enjoy his own brand of grass? It is in his name, after all. Or, the chilling Ohio Howls that frighten clueless campers in the middle of the night are really him trying out a new hot sauce?
Maybe, just maybe, the oddest thing about Grassman is his love for the great outdoors, defending the environment from ne'er-do-wells, and an immense fondness for snacking.
Maybe that isn’t so odd after all."
-Kat Klockow (Contributing artist to Grassman / Host of the Hometown Haunts podcast / Editor of the Cincinnati Cabinet of Curiosities comics anthology / Author of Ohio’s Haunted Crimes)
"Grassman is basically Ohio’s very own Bigfoot. So, of course Grassman, because of his namesake, gets recruited by an edibles company to be their representative. Get it? Grass-man? It's perfect." Says Jay B Kalagayan.
"We imagine Grassman using his newfound fame to go on all sorts of adventures. First, he buys a nature preserve near Shawnee State Park. Then, Grassman goes on to bond with Mothman over slam poetry, and even offers refuge to some of the sassiest endangered species around. It’s weird, it’s wacky, and it’s exactly the kind of playful storytelling we love.”
Artwork above by Kevin Necessary
Artwork above by Tim Fuller
This is just the beginning of the list of cryptid tales Creative Mussel wants to share with the world.
Ready to jump right in? The first issue of Grassman, Ohio's Favorite Cryptid is OUT NOW on Ko-Fi!
Unfamiliar with Ko-Fi? Here's what you need to know :
We're releasing all of Cryptid Corner EXCLUSIVELY on Ko-Fi. Here, you'll find separate comic issues, as well as product bundles at varying price levels. We are asking for your help to bridge about $1,800 in production expenses as well as the budget to pay the fantastic artists illustrating these comics. Any modest gift or order can really add up!
Here is Creative Mussel’s Ko-Fi page, where you can type in the amount you would like to donate towards our goal:
Regarding the different benefits, we put them in the shop for you to see all the great items that come with support. You can also find the first issue of Grassman, Ohio’s favorite Cryptid, here!
If you would consider one of the higher levels, we would really appreciate the support. If there’s a particular amount you would like to give, please type it in and we’ll graciously adjust our benefits for your kind support.
Want a taste of what the Cryptid Corner has to offer? Here's the first two pages of Grassman, just for you!
Writen by Jay B. Kalagayan, Artwork by Tim Fuller
Don't wait! Show your support for the Cryptid Corner now! Who knows, new things might be coming sooner than you know... ;)
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