Insert evil laugh here…

Yep! That’ll do.

Welcome nerds to another week of ghoulish glee, of fearful fun, of…you get the point. We are quickly approaching Halloween and this week we are dedicating to monsters of the world!

Make sure to keep an eye out for our posts this week from Jams’ creepy cosplays inspired by international monsters, a nightmare inducing list from Rachel and a foodie post of the strange and unusual variety from Jen! To cleanse your palette this week, we had a lovely guest on Nerds ‘R Us we know you’ll love. Here’s a hint, he’s spectacular artist. I’m not giving you any other hints, it’s more fun this way. (Insert evil laugh). Ok, I’ll stop with the gifs already.

As a teaser, I wanted to share some information about a creature I just learned about while preparing for this week. So sit back and enjoy.

Monsters of the World

Philippines: Aswang (Demon)

When it comes to the most versatile monster, the Aswang may take the bloody horror cake! It is defined as “a shapeshifting monster usually possessing a combination of the traits of either a vampire, a ghoul, a warlock/witch, or different species of werebeast in Filipino folklore or even all of them together. It is the subject of a wide variety of myths and stories” perhaps dating earlier than the 16th century. Immediately with that description, I wonder how the hell you’re meant to beat this thing when you don’t even know what it’s going to look like. Also, unlike vampires, they are daywalkers but are repelled by garlic, salt, and religious artifacts. Decapitation is the way to destroy an aswang.

Check out these two stories.
A person remembers being a child and their encounter with an Aswang.

A couple is bothered by an Aswang for a while before they take a stand.

If you’re a nerd like me and would like to learn more, there’s a documentary for you to watch. Yes, it’s creepy. You’re welcome.

Oh, and by the way, it seems the only way to tell is by looking at the reflection in their eyes. If it’s upside down, then you know the person or animal is not normal. Good luck getting close enough, though. Stay tuned this week and make sure to follow us on all the social medias and subscribe!

Cover art by Ubermonster Deviantart

Nerd On!