I always make big plans for Halloween month and am sad to see it end. How does one handle the transition into cold, sad winter? Go see The Greatest Show on Earth!
November 6 – 8, Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey will bring a special circus performance to Chicagoland, featuring aerial artistry, bicycle tricks, acrobatic dance and more. Say goodbye to spooky season and hello to indoor entertainment by checking out these creepy books with circus settings.
First published on Webtoon and now in print, Marionetta, Volume 1 is the ultimate creepy circus comic. Julia Lazarrett, described by her peers as a “stick in the mud,” would never join a traveling circus – but she can’t let her best friend, Kamille, run away! When a disaster traps Julia within the circus, her life and worldview are turned upside down. Bonastre Tur’s ornately illustrated comic is energetic, thrilling, and deeply disturbing.
At le Cirque des Ombres, the entertainment is literally magical. Led by Enchanteur Jean-Pierre, each performer’s natural ability is enhanced by “le Lien,” a bond with Jean-Pierre himself. Each year the Enchanteur chooses 12 performers for The Game of Oaths, a bloody competition that only one will survive. Trapeze artist Falan knows she’ll be chosen – in fact, she’s counting on it. Last year her sister died in the game, and this year she’ll get revenge.
Anna is a psychic in name only. In truth, she’s an engineer, and calculates predictions through her conjecture engine. Despite fifteen years of employment at Samson Brothers Circus she does not believe in magic. However, Anna has to disavow her disbelief when her murdered sister’s ghost latches onto Anna’s physical form. Spectacle’s vibrant illustrations, extravagant backgrounds and snarky dialog lighten the tone of this graphic novel.
At the Hellfire House, everyone wants to be dazzled by the masked magician. Kallia, the girl behind the mask, yearns for more. When the Conquering Circus advertises a contest to select their next star performer, Kallia runs away to compete. Where Dreams Descend follows her journey into a wider world of magic and peril.
Bonus content: Do you play Dungeons and Dragons? Rolled & Told has a fun one-shot called Ghost Carnival that I highly recommend. If you want a full creepy circus-themed campaign try The Wild Beyond the Witchlight!
What are your favorite books and games about spooky performances?
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