Sometimes I like to browse through antique stores and thrift shops. Often I go with my parents (who enjoy going through these stores and finding some bargains) because I like to look for interesting and/or strange items. You’d be surprised at just how much weird junk is out there when you really start looking for it. I was once at a huge antique store, and I found a picture of these two clowns opening up an old chest, with the ghost of a clown popping out of the chest, and I have regretted not purchasing that picture ever sense. Although not at an antique store (it was at a comic book convention), I also once passed up the chance to purchase a picture of Poppin’ Fresh (a.k.a., the Pilsbury Doughboy) walking along a beach with the Golden Age Green Lantern (both were created by the same artist, Martin Nodell). Yes, it was as excellent as it sounds. (Sorry for all of the parentheses. I have to use my quota for the week).
However, I have to say that I hit the jackpot on a recent trip. Check out this creepy TV tray.
How creepy is this thing? I gotta tell you, I love stuff like this. The weirder and creepier, the better. And I find that the more you look at this thing, the creepier it gets. Let’s look at this cast of characters (going clockwise starting at the top left).
OK, to be honest, there isn’t too much creepy about this guy. Still, it is strange that there is such an odd menagerie of creatures all crammed into this picture. In addition, this is one of only two animals in this picture who is not dressed in human clothing, possibly denoting that he is an actual animal as opposed to an anthropomorphic creature. Is this bird there of his own accord, or is he owned by the bear sitting in the chair? Who knows?
The bear is obviously the patriarch and central figure of this group. He has the position of authority as the only beast sitting in furniture with his own food and drink. He is wearing glasses, possibly to give him an appearance of wisdom. He is staring off to the left, possibly at the bird perched on his chair. But is he smiling, or growling? I love over-analyzing crap like this, so bear with me. If this isn’t your thing, then stop reading now, because it’s just going to get more ridiculous.
The wolf is likely another authority figure, denoted by the tie. He has one of the creepier expressions of the figures depicted with his broad grin. He is holding a glass of milk and appears to be indicating something about it, as he isn’t looking at anyone else in particular. His almost feminine look may represent him as the maternal figure in this image.
The rabbit is one of the creepiest figures in the picture. The look in his eyes is maniacal, almost menacing. He is smiling about something, but he doesn’t look happy at all. He is yet another authority figure as well, but he is placed next to the TV, as if he is in charge of it. Is this possibly a joke about “rabbit ears” on the television? Is he forced to stand in that position to ensure that the television gets good reception?
The clown on the television is what the eye is drawn to on the far right of the picture. Now, I have always thought clowns are creepy (downright scary in some settings), and this clown is no exception. Look at that smile! He appears to only have one tooth on the bottom of his mouth. His ears are much too large for his head. And his eyes are staring right out of the picture and into your soul. He knows your darkest fears, and it makes him laugh.
The dalmatian is the other animal in the picture that is not dressed as a human, possibly indicating that he is indeed an animal and not some strange fairy-tale half-human, half-beast hybrid. He appears to be crouched in a defensive posture, as if he is barking at something. Following his gaze, he is probably barking at the clown on the television (or possibly the rabbit standing next to the television). Animals are often aware of danger that humans miss. Does the clown pose a danger to this assembled gathering of creatures? Of course he does. And the dalmatian knows it.
The monkey is the only child-like figure in the picture, indicated by his clothing. He is strangely hairless for a monkey, possibly emphasizing his position as the child of the group. He is wearing a dopey expression of joy, and is no doubt very happy to be watching the clown on the television. Strangely enough, he is the only figure in the picture who is watching the television (other than the dog of course). Perhaps, like most young children, he is too young to fear the clown. He is to naive to perceive of the threat and the terror that the clown represents. But he will learn. The clown will make sure he learns.
The tv tray…well, it isn’t really creepy. However, I just love the thought of a tv tray being included in an image placed on a tv tray.
Well, that caps off my admittedly self-indulgent analysis of this creepy tv tray. Do you know of any other creepy images similar to this? If so, I’d love to see them. Please comment on this blog and let me know about it! Thanks for reading, and, as always…beware the clown.
