Interesting book. I enjoyed the chupacabra story. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book. Receiving the book in this matter had no bearing on my thoughts.

An interesting and visually stunning collection of folktales, legends, and accounts of the paranormal. This book catalogs monsters, cryptids, unusual locales, and unexplained happenings from throughout history and around the world alongside Richard Diseño’s vibrant and trippy artwork, recognizable in style from his Classic Horror Oracle. Each entry features a short intro to the phenomena, a longer narrative (1-1.5 page) of its history, a full-page multifaceted illustration of the thing in question, and a page-long piece of horror writing (mostly short fiction) based on it. Most interesting to me is the Loab entry and most entertaining is the Krampus spoof of The Night Before Christmas poem. I also enjoyed reading about the Paris Catacombs having visited them myself.

Eerie Legends is a mesmerizing exploration into the world of cryptids and other iconic paranormal phenomena. Each entry includes a stunning full-page illustration, two pages of background and origin information, and a one-page micro story starring the character or legend. The original stories are haunting and creatively written, making for a highly immersive read. I thought I knew a fair bit about cryptids, but there were quite a few in here that were brand new to me. I especially loved learning about the Japanese ones!

Diseño's art style is vibrant and trippy, blending surrealism and abstraction with a splash of pulp. His use of bold, dynamic lines and a vivid, shocking color palette create a sense of movement and depth in each of his pieces. I'm truly obsessed with their art now and plan on picking up their Horror Oracle asap.

Thanks to NetGalley & Chronicle Books for the digital ARC!

Another book I finished recently was "Eerie Legends" with art by Ricardo Diseño and writing by Steve Mockus. The book includes old favorite legends and even new spooks like Loab. The art is eye-catching and provocative and the writing is just enough to tickle the imagination.

With beautiful illustrations and a easy to understand writing style, this was a good, short read. Enjoyed learning about the various creepy legends around the world through this particular lens.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Chronicle Books for an advanced copy of this illustrated guide to things that make life interesting and fun, even as they scare us when the lights go out.

Many people, like myself, are comforted by things that go bump in the night. Deserted places, are like doughnuts on a table with a big old free sign, we love to poke around every, chew through every nook and cranny of the place, looking for people standing in corners, or strange noises to come from empty rooms. The undead to us are just friends we haven't had the chance met in life. Spider creatures sound like a fun night out, and sure the spider might leave one with the check, but it will be worth it. Loch Ness, seems less crowded than Crystal Lake, but a lot more interesting, if not magical if one adds Aleister Crowley to the guest list. Like so many others I have loved these kind of stories about the things that live beyond the walls of sanity or belief since I started reading about them in books I took out of the library. Some heard these tales around the fire, some from X-Files. Even podcasts. Books like these are never too much. Especially when the art is so good inside. Eerie Legends: An Illustrated Exploration of Creepy Creatures, the Paranormal, and Folklore from around the World is illustrated by Ricardo Diseño with text by Steve Mockus and is a guide book to the imaginary world, featuring the familiar and the unfamiliar, the spooky, the odd, and the ones we would all love to meet someday.

The book is an alphabetical lists of creatures, places and events with a brief introduction that is fictional, a longer section about a page or two about the subject, discussing dates, notable appearances, disappearances, and maybe even a little bit of violence, if warranted. The entry concludes with a fictional work, bringing together facts, legends and more to round out what is presented. The book not only features cryptids or monsters. The experience of Betty and Barney Hill and their missing time with aliens is an entry. Haunted houses, real and imaginary are looked at with an entry about the famed Winchester House The universal classic monsters werewolf, Vampir, even zombis are looked at, as are the new creatures du jour Slender Man, Mothman, even Krampus who is starting to make inroads. Legends and myths from other lands, Japan, Latin America and others are looked at, along with a creature that seems to only exist on the Internet. Each entry is also wonderfully illustrated in a way that is unique to each one, and can cause a little bit of missing time just because there is so much to admire on the page.

This was a fun book as the illustrations really are wonderful. The entries are interesting and informative, I just wish there was a little bit more entries, and a bit less fiction. Still this is a good guide for those new to the world, and the bibliography is pretty complete and those interested can easily find more if they like. The art is a mix of underground, Latin American influences, with a level of skill that is quite amazing to see. I joked earlier, but one could spend hours looking at these and find something new, or a technique that one missed earlier.

Comic fans will enjoy this as will role players as there are a lot of good ideas for adventures and ways to include some of these creatures in adventures. A lot of fun, and a good gift for someone new to cryptids and the paranormal, but would like to know more.

Love the artwork! Reminds me of vintage horror comics.
I appreciate the inclusion of first hand accounts when possible.
Could have done without the micro- stories.

Huge fan of the art style, the colors are so eye-catching. This book compiles legends, phenomena, and even real life places (like the Paris Catacombs) from different cultures and regions of the world. The expositions are brief, but to the point. I enjoyed the breadth of information here and will probably actually purchase this for my personal collection, particularly for the diversity and the magnificent illustrations.

Eerie Legends: An Illustrated Exploration of Creepy Creatures, The Paranormal and Foklore Around The World
by: Ricardo Diseno
due 9-3-2024
Chronicle Books
5.0

Frightful and delightful......haunting and strange.
These stories will lurk on the edge of your samity and take you to dark places. Along with the spooky stories of ghosts, monsters, demons, aliens, crytids and other inexplicable curiosities are a full page image of the creature in the story, in neon glow-in-the-dark colors. The vivid illustrations pop, and the pictures borders are amazing.
The illustrations and story merge for a terrifying and fascinating experience.

Loved every page-definite purchase.

Eerie Legends is an absolutely gorgeous book which combines the stunning art and design of Ricardo Diseño with the eloquent, well-researched words of Steve Mockus. Mockus opens by stating his intent and the significance of frightening creatures in our lives and our stories, and from there I was hooked. I wasn't sure what to expect, and this book ended up being a thoughtful and riveting study of a multitude of legends.

Ricardo Diseño has a graphic and eye-catching art style that utilizes high-contrast colors in combination with more implied and suggestive linework. It is inspired by elements from folklore to traditional tattoo art, so it may not be to everyone's taste, but I really appreciated it. The resulting artwork was riveting, and held my interest on every page. I spent hours lingering over the pieces of art after reading each passage. I want to buy prints of some of the illustrations, they're seriously that great! I will be seeking prints of the Jersey Devil and El Silbón (The Whistler) in particular.

When it comes to Steve Mockus' passages about each legend, he first included a 'factual' first person account, then explained the creature or phenomena, and finished with his own original scenario. I feel I got a pretty full picture of the legends I didn't already know about, and was truly invested even when I had read and watched media about them before. He writes in a way that compels the reader, catching my interest quickly, and maintaining it with the personability and confidence of his writing.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun I had with Eerie Legends. I went into this almost blind, only knowing that I loved the art and synopsis provided on NetGalley and Amazon. This book is great, and I already look forward to consecutive readings. My thanks to the illustrator and author, publisher, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy.

I thought this was a fun read covering legends and folklore from around the world. The illustrations were trippy & the most delightful part of the stories. The Chupacabra story and art was particularly fun. The stories themselves were very short, which made for a quick and easy read. However, I found myself wanting the plot to be fleshed out a bit more.

Thanks to NetGalley, Ricardo Diseno, and Chronicle Books for the chance to read and review! This would be a great read for anyone that loves folklore.

⭐4

As someone who is really into the paranormal and supernatural side of things, I knew a lot of these stories already but, there were some I didn’t and I found them interesting. I love the illustrations. they were a gorgeous asset to the stories. I really enjoyed how the information is sandwiched by stories! While the information about these creatures and occurrences is short, they give a great synopsis to the legends. I can see this being the kind of book a child finds in the library and sparking their love for the paranormal.

Both the author and illustrator did amazing work on this book.

Extra Praise:

👽I absolutely LOVED the illustrated page for Betty and Barney Hill Abduction, it is gorgeous, something I would love to get a print of.

🎄I loved the ending story for Krampus, what was done was quite clever.

👩‍🦳 The ending story for Loab was so creepy, I loved it.

🦋The Mothman illustrated page is beautiful.

I received an uncorrected proof, advanced reader copy of this book.

If you’re into the spooky and supernatural, Eerie Legends is worth checking out. The book dives into a variety of paranormal folk tales, monsters, ghosts, and all those creepy things that lurk in the shadows. It has a good blend of intriguing lore from around the world and spine-chilling legends that fans of the eerie will appreciate.

The short stories included in the book didn’t quite hit the mark for me. They were a bit hit-or-miss, and I didn’t find them as gripping as I hoped. But here's the real star of the show: the art. The illustrations in Eerie Legends are awesome. They're trippy and vintage. I’d even consider buying a print or two to display at home if they were available.

So, if you’re a fan of paranormal folklore and appreciate fantastic art, Eerie Legends is still a solid pick. Just temper your expectations a bit with the stories and enjoy the visual feast.

If you are a person who lives in an era who loves legend, you will like this illustrated exploration of creepy creatures, the paranormal, and folklore from around the world. I hope you will take a time to read this book. Really good.

I enjoyed SOME of these stories! Some of them were written fairly well others I struggled to get through. They were a creepy collection, just had several different preferences.

I read this courtesy Net Galley and Chronicle Books. It’s one thing to read about the strange things that go bump in the night, but having the stories illustrated with weird images bumps the effect higher. This is a delightful, absorbing book, the fantastical stories and lore enhanced by the equally fantastical illustrations. I reviewed a digital copy, but apparently the print cover glows in the dark! Included are entries about Mothman and the Jersey Devil, not to mention Enfield Poltergeist and the Skunk Ape, and much, much more. Some of the strange things are familiar, but some are not. A guaranteed winner if you read it by candlelight and it’s a dark and stormy night.

#EerieLegends #ChronicleBooks #NetGalley

Absolutely floored by the bold, captivating illustrations in EERIE LEGENDS. Between the detailed descriptions of the legends and the accompanying snippets of brief fiction, this book is masterful in its storytelling. The inclusion of diverse, less well-known folklore makes the book a fascinating read. Really brilliant. Thank you to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the advance copy. All opinions are entirely my own.

This is a brief collection of legends and stories from around the world. It's a nice mix of cryptids, a couple of events, and even a few haunted places. It's really barebones in its information. It's more of an introduction to these stories than anything substantial. The information aspect is a three stars, but the illustrations are pretty cool, so that's what bumped it up to four stars.

"Eerie Legends* by Ricardo Diseño is a mesmerizing journey into the shadows of our world, where the line between reality and imagination blurs into something both terrifying and fascinating. This hauntingly illustrated book delves into the eerie stories and creatures that have captivated the human imagination for centuries, weaving together folklore, paranormal encounters, and the inexplicable into a single, spine-tingling collection.

From vengeful ghosts and cryptid curiosities to internet-born nightmares and alien abductions, *Eerie Legends* covers many eerie subjects from around the globe. Each chapter immerses readers in tales of the mysterious and the macabre, featuring iconic figures like the Mothman, La Llorona, the Jersey Devil, and the infamous Loch Ness Monster. These stories are not just retellings; they are brought to life with Diseño's electrifying artwork, which captures the essence of each creature or event in vivid, sometimes unsettling detail.

But the true strength of *Eerie Legends* lies in its ability to do more than just recount these tales. Diseño pairs each illustration with evocative descriptions, historical context, and flash-fiction narratives that place readers amid the action, making them feel as if they’re encountering these dark presences themselves. The result is an immersive experience that goes beyond mere folklore—it invites readers to confront the unknown and consider the deep-rooted fears and beliefs that these stories reflect.

The book covers well-known legends like the Headless Horseman and Slender Man, but it also introduces readers to lesser-known but equally chilling figures, such as El Silbón, the whistling ghost of Venezuelan folklore, and Loab, an internet-conjured nightmare. This blend of familiar and obscure ensures that *Eerie Legends* will appeal to both seasoned paranormal enthusiasts and those new to the world of creepy folklore.

What makes *Eerie Legends* particularly compelling is the way it connects these stories to the broader human experience. Each tale, no matter how bizarre or terrifying, is presented as a way for people to make sense of their world, to grapple with the fears and uncertainties that have always been a part of the human condition. This thematic thread adds depth to the collection, transforming it from a mere catalog of creepy creatures into a reflection on the power of storytelling and the role of myth in our lives.

For fans of the paranormal, folklore, and eerie art, *Eerie Legends* is a must-have addition to your collection. Ricardo Diseño's passion for the subject matter shines through on every page, making this book not only a visual feast but also a thought-provoking exploration of the strange and supernatural. Whether you're reading it by the light of a campfire or curled up at home on a stormy night, *Eerie Legends* promises to transport you to the dark spaces that lurk just beyond the edge of our understanding.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for an advanced copy to review.

**Eerie Legends** by Ricardo Diseño is a masterful exploration into the realm of folklore, myths, and the supernatural, captivating readers with its chilling tales and breathtaking illustrations.

From the eerie glow of the cover to the final, haunting page, this book immerses readers in a world where folklore and the supernatural collide. Diseño, celebrated for his artistry and fascination with eerie tales, brings to life a range of unsettling figures—from well-known entities like the Jersey Devil and the Loch Ness Monster to the more obscure, such as the Brazilian sleep paralysis ghouls and Japanese spider-women. Each entry is not only accompanied by a vivid full-page illustration but also a detailed description and a spine-tingling flash-fiction story, making the book a complete sensory experience.

The diversity of subjects in **Eerie Legends** is one of its strongest features. By incorporating global legends and contemporary horrors, including internet-born phenomena like Slender Man and Loab, Diseño offers a rich tapestry of terrifying beings that span cultures and eras. This approach not only broadens the scope of the book but also highlights the universal nature of fear and the imagination's power to conjure the unknown.

Designo's illustrations are nothing short of spectacular. Each page showcases his talent for capturing the essence of fear and mystery, with intricate, hand-drawn details that bring the stories to life. The book’s design is thoughtfully executed, featuring hand-illustrated borders and spot illustrations that enhance the overall aesthetic. The glow-in-the-dark cover adds a playful yet eerie touch, perfect for a book about the macabre.

The inclusion of flash-fiction stories that end with a direct encounter with the monster or a narrative from its perspective adds an extra layer of engagement, allowing readers to experience these legends in a more personal and immersive way.

**Eerie Legends** is an essential addition to the library of anyone intrigued by folklore, horror, and the supernatural. It’s a perfect gift for fans of the genre, a delightful treat for Halloween, or a fascinating read for anyone looking to explore the dark corners of global myth and legend. Ricardo Diseño’s latest work is a testament to his skill in combining art and storytelling to create a truly memorable experience.