Why Cryptids?

The use of cryptids for the characters functions on multiple layers. First and foremost, I have been a fan of these creatures for a long time. Many major parts of my life are followed or marked by the presence of these dubious animals. In college, I finally realized why I loved cryptids so dearly— I found them relatable.

As someone who belongs to many minority groups, and yet doesn’t fit in any clean or neat boxes, I found the idea of a creature that may or may not exist fascinating. As a biracial, invisibly disabled, many-labeled queer person, I often see discussions about these identities of mine, where people almost seem to forget that someone like me actually does exist, and isn’t just a “bad trope” in media. When I see someone say “well the mothman is definitely just an owl,” I feel that I understand the mothman. I know this experience, and I’ll express it through these cryptid characters.