Written by John Reppion

Art by PJ Holden

Published by Liminal 11  

A unique way to learn about everything folklore

One of the few remaining highlights of the social media experience is #folklorethursday on Twitter. This is a chance for people to share stories and information from folklore across the world and it’s brilliant fun. A few years ago, writer John Reppion and artist PJ Holden got talking and did some work for it. That expanded and now, this collection has arrived just in time for the sort of dark, cold months perfectly suited to stories like this.

The format here is streamlined, friendly and accessible. A page of comics from Holden, a page of essay from Reppion. Holden is one of the best and most versatile artists working today and his style shifts here from Mignola-esque to exuberant cartoons and a dozen other styles. One of my favourites is the extended section on Halloween, which includes a longer essay from Reppion and a two page comic from Holden. Both are still literate, information heavy and wryly funny but there’s an honest, sincere sweetness to this one in particular that I really responded to.

The book’s format doesn’t just showcase the considerable talents of its creators, it lets them cover a lot of ground. Holden’s fantastic, loose yet precise style and Reppion’s deeply researched, and still accessible prose take in everything from individual cryptids to festivals and places. Each is given the same friendly, respectful treatment and you’ll find yourself fascinated by things you never expected. For me, it’s the practice of placing shoes in walls and the discovery of The Concealed Shoe Index at Northampton Museum. For you, who knows.

Verdict: There are wonders on every page here, go find them. 10/10

Alasdair Stuart

Click here to buy from Liminal 11

John Reppion: https://www.moorereppion.com/johnreppion/

PJ Holden: https://www.pauljholden.com/

The Northampton Museum Concealed Shoe Index: https://www.northamptonmuseums.com/info/3/collections/61/shoes-2/3