I know it’s not a movie, and I apologize, but I was wondering if you all could help me identify a sci-fi/horror short story I read decades ago (probably early 80s but it likely was in an anthology of older stories I checked out from the school library). The story was basically about some sort of blotch/spot/ink splotch sort of thing that someone encounters (perhaps in a book or on a wall), which gradually grows each time it’s noticed, and is implied to consume a couple of people at the end. What was interesting about it was that the story used little drawings of the changing splotch in-line with the text if I recall correctly… not like a typical illustrated story… It was an unusual approach, and stuck in my head.
Sorry if these sorts of requests are forbidden, I just thought there may be some overlap and someone else may have encountered that one before.
Thanks!
Inksplot, AKA Blot, is perhaps Gahan Wilson’s best known short story, appearing first in 1972 in Harlan Ellison’s Again, Dangerous Visions. The story is only 15 pages long with 1.5 of those pages as graphics. The story appeared again as the first story featured in Unnatural Creatures by Neil Gaiman.
That definitely seems like it! I haven’t been able to find the full text of it online so I’ve ordered a used copy of that Ellison book online. Man, I tried to find it using search terms like “ink splotch”, “blotch” etc. I was so close. Didn’t realize it was Gahan Wilson, I believe he just passed away at the end of last year. Thanks for your help!
You’re welcome! There’s an interesting documentary about Wilson available on Prime right now if you’re curious. He was a favourite of mine.
That sounds cool, I’ll definitely check it out. Thanks!
Solved (even though it wasn’t a movie).
And thanks for letting my question slide even though it was about a short story. I appreciate it.