The Future That Never Was

Bradley W. Schenck is one of the most amazing artists I've ever stumbled across. I initially found him when I was looking for some Celtic knotwork designs a few years ago, then I found his Retropolis site, which hearkens back to the days of Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon.

You know, back when science fiction was cool.

Filled with faithful robot companions, space cadets, rocketship plans and space-age products, Retropolis is a must-see site for those who long for the future that never was.

Oh yeah, and his Celtic stuff kicks major ass as well.

Best Florida Guide Ever

Christmas is right around the corner, and if you're looking for an offbeat gift, or plan to visit Florida and want to know about cool stuff off the beaten path, this is the book for you.



Written by a Florida native, William Moriaty's FLORIDA has a little bit of everything, from history to pop culture to local ghosts and legends. Check it out!

Kyle

Kyle Chiang is one of the few denizens of the Circus who bears his real name, and proudly.

Born in San Francisco, to Chinese-American parents, his mortal life proceeded in a decidedly normal fashion. But one night he went to the wrong club, flirted with the wrong girl.

Normal fled screaming, never to return.

He discovered Carmilla's by chance, overhearing whispers of a roaming haven for those like himself. Kyle doesn't talk much, and never speaks of his former life, except to Cecelia.

He is the head of security for the Circus, and troublemakers either become dinner, or join the Circus for all time.

Cecelia

Cecelia is more of a mystery than her comrades, even to herself.

She awakened one cold night on a highrise rooftop in a large American city, naked and nameless. A laughing, lunatic monster hovered over her, gleefully chortling over his newest creation. When he saw her awaken, he leaned close, whispering, "Stay out of the sun." He straightened, and with one final insane cackle, threw himself off the roof.

Too stunned and disoriented to move, Cecelia lay still for over an hour, trembling and staring at the cold light of the stars. She had no idea who or where she was, what had happened to her.

She only knew that she was very, very hungry.

When she was able to move, prodded by her hunger, she made her way into the city, managing to survive on instinct alone. Two weeks after her rebirth, she was discovered in an alley near St. Cecelia's Cathedral by Kyle Chiang, whom she mistakenly tried to attack.

Once the snarling died down, he took her to Carmilla, and she has been with the Circus ever since. Partnered with Kyle, who suggested her new name, she is the front line of security for the Circus.

Her true name and origins remain a mystery.

Mr. Jones

Despite his fearsome appearance, Mr. Jones is the gentlest of souls. He leaves the human prey to his comrades, preferring sustenance gleaned from lesser lives.

He is the Ringmaster of the Circus, his rich, mellow voice putting the audience at ease with his hideous visage. It is, they tell themselves, only a freakshow after all, and therefore a sham.

Because everyone knows there are no real monsters.

Mr. Jones was the first to join Carmilla in her venture, and has been her strong right arm and more ever since. He is the Circus' secret-keeper, and even more importantly, Carmilla's secret-keeper.

If Mr. Jones has a first name, he has never revealed it to anyone, not even Carmilla.

Carmilla

Carmilla is not her real name, of course. It was given to her by her creator.

He thought it was funny.

After her transformation, she spent several months slinking through the back alleys of her hometown, preying on the homeless and helpless, hating herself for doing so, but unable to find another way to survive.

Then one night, the circus came to town.

She saw a way to protect herself and others of her kind, a shelter always on the move ... and the prey would come to them, even pay them for the privilege.

Because she was in a fight for her mortal life before being gifted with eternal (if damned) life, her dark beauty was marred by the loss of her hair. So every night, before the show, certain members of the troupe come to her wagon and paint colorful designs on her bare scalp. To be chosen to do so is a great honor, for Carmilla does not care to be touched--except for one man, with whom she shares all her secrets.

This is a dark ride ....

Carmilla's is a haven for the different. A sanctuary for those with nowhere left to go. Filled with ancient wonders and modern plagues, Carmilla's exists in a time outside our own, in a place that looks familiar but isn't, really.

Do not look for standard circus tricks here. There are no clowns, no poodles in sparkling finery, no cotton candy. Instead, you will find unexplainable mysteries, feats of skill beyond the grasp of human understanding, and a compendium of the bizarre and surreal.

Its denizens are freaks, of a sort, but this is not the usual freakshow. After the show, these freaks of inhuman nature might follow you home.

The Circus is eternal, always changing, always on the move from town to town, always on the outskirts, never staying long enough to raise suspicions. For those who seek shelter inside its canvas walls are both the hunter and the hunted.

The origins of the Circus are shrouded in mystery, as are the origins of its founder. Carmilla does not care who you are, or were. She has secrets of her own. As long as you're special, as long as you can entertain the crowds, you have a home in the Celestial Circus.

So step right up, ladies and gentlemen, don't be shy! Prepare to be dazzled and amazed! See astonishing feats of skill and daring! Thrill to the bizarre wonders of Carmilla's Colossal Compendium and Celestial Circus!