Tag: illustration

Chimaera

Another of the bizarre discoveries of Dr. Alter inhabiting the extreme depths of subatomic space, X. chimaera displays a tangle of writhing stalks stemming from a gelatinous central node.

This weird microbe uses a variety of purpose specific appendages to perform a variety of monstrous tasks.

Each of the stalks terminates in a unique, function specific organ. Though no two specimens are identical, and the purpose of most organs is unknown, many examples of X. chimaera exhibit diverse variations upon the following functional elements:

~ grasping and/or adhesive organs. These range from pincher-grabbers to sticky cilia-covered masses

~ ‘touch’-sensory organs. In one specimen (pictured above), researchers found what looked like a human fingertip, complete with prints

~ organs resembling various types of eye in form & function. Though demonstrably sensory in nature, these organs obviously cannot serve in the perception of light as we know it.

~ stingers, cutters, smashers, or other means of defense & attack

~ lures employed to attract prey. These organs frequently resemble macroscopic fruits & vegetables

Though these types are found on many specimens, Alter’s notes stress the great diversity of chimaera morphology. Not all chimaerae exhibit the same means of locomotion: aetheric ‘wings’, flagella, and more have been observed.

Weird Document Discovered in Desk of Miskatonic Professor

Following his disappearance in the Summer/Fall of 1939, a strange document was discovered in the desk of Dr. Hans Peter Alter of Miskatonic University’s Biology Dept. It was a simple anatomical diagram of the kind one would expect among the professional effects of a renowned man of science. Clearly related to subject 20.XI.19, the document stands out for two particular reasons.

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The Lesser Butterfly

This bizarre organism floats through the nanosphere on delicate ‘wings’. With these vascular structures X. fur, known as the lesser butterfly, both eats and breathes.

The reproductive method of X. fur is ingenious and unique. It captures and ingests the globules of other organisms, then slowly converts the foreign genetic material to match its own. Through a process of forced and controlled mutation, the globule becomes a viable egg of the butterfly. Once conversion is complete, the egg, now an entirely different species than before, is ejected to develop on its new course.

Psychophage

Here is the psychophage. It feeds upon the humors, particularly yellow & black bile. Anger and melancholy are to be avoided in order to reduce the risk of infection. The psychophage is so named because physicians at one point believed that the organism somehow ingested these emotions. This is superstitious twaddle and unworthy of scientific consideration.

This microscopic monster almost resembles a Venus fly trap.
The psychophage has teeth which serve the functions of spines, as well as aid in feeding.

I wasn’t sure I was going to keep my little streak of illustrations alive, but I finished without staying up too late. The pointillism on the digestive membrane took a long time. I didn’t want to rush the drawing, and I’m glad I didn’t. I’m happy with this one!

This monstrous microbe is dedicated to my father-in-law Gary, who first introduced me to carnivorous plant husbandry (which I’m more enthusiastic for than capable at).

Lovecraft-Inspired Microbes Everywhere!

I’ve been having fun drawing these little portraits of imaginary microfauna, so here comes another one. These are quick, fun little illustrations I can crank out in a couple of hours. It would be cool to do enough that I have a sort of handmade bestiary of tiny monsters.

An illustration of a germ inspired by Lovecraft's Yog Sothoth.
These globules can pop into existence, seemingly from nowhere.

This one has a pretty obvious Yog Sothoth vibe. He’s cute, but that’s some serious stuff. Don’t want to catch it. Or rather… don’t want it to catch you!

If you’d like to see some WIP shots, I’ve included a few below. Plus a small goodie.

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