Note: This volume reprints Grimm Tales of Terror presents: The Bridgewater Triangle and the short story “Curse of the Wampanoag” published by Zenescope Entertainment.
The Swamp called Hockomock
Swamps have always been places of mystery and foreboding. The ominous mixture of mist, trees and murky water adds to their sometimes fear inspiring ambience. However, for those of an adventurous spirit, or those who feel the scientific mysteries of the swamp calling them, it is a preferred destination. Such is the case at the beginning our the story. The swamp known as Hockomock called out to those types of people. Located in the heart of the infamous Bridgewater Triangle, it was the “place where spirits dwell.” And most importantly for Danny, a great opportunity to get some extra college credits for his “Folklore and Mythology” Class.
That is why Danny was going to the Swamp. The rest of his entourage had far less scientific or noble motives. Jeff, Terry, Blake and Sam basically just wanted some adventure and more importantly, “Tent Sex.” However, such high minded plans would need to be put on hold while they stop for breakfast. As they eat, the waitress asks the group why they have come to the swamp. Danny explained about his field research on the myths and legends associated with the Hockomock and the Bridgewater Triangle. Also mentioning his interest in the Cryptids.
Liminal Spaces
She understood, mentioning creatures like hairy hominids, thunderbirds and pukwudgies. When asked by the waitress why he thought such creatures might exist in the swamp, he explained about the theory of Liminal Spaces. Being neither land or water, the swamp and its liminality was ripe for unusual or strange phenomena. Before they left the diner, one of his friends asked the waitress if she would like to go with them. She declined but warned them about camping in the Swamp itself. Can’t say they haven’t been warned.
Pukwudgies
As they drove on, his friends ragged on him for his apparent lack of game with the ladies. No chick wanted to hear about “lemons” or whatever he was droning on about. Although his shotgun partner Rachel seemed to find liminality interesting. So they drive on until they find a perfect place in the swamp to camp, obviously ignoring the warnings from the waitress. Kids will never learn. While they sat by the fire, Danny continued to explain the legends and myths about the Hockomock and the creatures thought to be there. One of those was what the Waitress had mentioned, the Pukwudgies. He described them as “little people of the woods.” Gnome like creatures who were usually more mischievous than dangerous. Later, after the campers went to their tents, it wasn’t long before Jeff and Terry thought about THEIR reasons for being there. However, Terry was reluctant to do so with the others being so close. So she lead him outside the tent and they headed into the swamp. “Swamp Sex” is even better than “Tent Sex” as far as Jeff was concerned.
A Deserted Summer Camp
So as they venture further, they find a deserted Summer Camp, full of cabins. Talk about ignoring just about every scary films premise. They find themselves a cabin and consider continuing what they started in the tent. At least until they hear some noise from outside. That should have been enough of a danger sign, but when Jeff didn’t see anything outside. He dismissed it. Bad idea. So what would they find if they continue to linger? Are there such things as Pukwudgies? The answers to that are revealed and so much more. Multiple stories, all tied in to the same narrative. All more intense and scary than the last. By the time you are finished, you will know the complete curse of the Hockomock and the Wampanoag and how man’s greed started it all. At least you will when you read the rest of Grimm Tales of Terror Presents – The Bridgewater Triangle.
Thoughts
This story was more than a little bit intense. The further it progressed, the more it escalated. All tying into the main narrative with some clever changes of viewpoints by writers Brian Studler, Joe Brusha, and Billy Hanson. It all combines to a tale that encompasses about every type of creature, fear and grotesque imagery you could hope to find. And speaking of imagery… Zenescope’s record of high quality artwork for their books continued with artist Deivis Goetten. Fantastic swamp splash pages as well as masterful monster images and some of the most gruesome medical mash-ups you would ever hope to see. Supplemented by colorist Maxflan Araujo, this was some A+ work. Not that you would expect anything less when it comes to Zenoscope.
Zenescope’s Grimm Tales of Terror Presents – The Bridgewater Triangle TPB comes out on October 6th.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
