Cliffourd the Big Red God by Kenneth Hite

Capitalizing on the success of humor in the Cthulhu Mythos, Kenneth Hite's new tome, Cliffourd the Big Red God, is one more illustrated oddity to add to a Lovecraftian collection. The book takes its name from the popular children's character, a big red dog, and adeptly parodies the concept. Humor and horror fall into the mix equally. The book is not quite as in depth or original as Hite's earlier work, Where the Deep Ones Are, but Lovecraft fans with a kick for Mythos laughs won't be disappointed.

The faux children's volume is right in line with the Cutethulhu phenomena too. For years, Kenneth Hite has been a leading observer and arguably an instigator of the Lovecraftian parody that tries to soften the Great Old Ones into Great Cartoons. With the popularity of similar art and fiction online, the Cutethulhu movement shows no signs of slowing.

Consider Cliffourd the Big Red God as the latest installment in Lovecraftiana's curious transition. Fortunately, these comedies turn out better when they are in capable hands like Hite's, and there's certainly more to appreciate in this book than in LOLthulhu like web memes.

-Grim Blogger