Nuclear Site’s Shadowy Past Leads To Present-Day Horrors In Snitchland By Tim Mulligan

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Snitchland by Tim Mulligan exposes the hidden dangers of Richland, Washington, through a graphic novel that blends family drama, political intrigue, and the supernatural, all rooted in real whistleblower accounts of the Hanford nuclear plant’s unsettling legacy.

Snitchland

Richland, Washington, a locale inextricably linked to the Hanford nuclear plant, serves as the unsettling backdrop for Tim Mulligan’s latest graphic novel, Snitchland. This work, the second installment of the Witchland Trilogy, delves into the complex and often troubling realities faced by residents living in the shadow of nuclear industry.

Mulligan’s intimate connection to Richland, where he spent his formative years, imbues the narrative with a palpable sense of authenticity. The 2017 tunnel collapse at Hanford, a stark reminder of the potential hazards inherent in the plant, prompted him to investigate the town’s history and the experiences of those who have witnessed its inner workings. Snitchland is the culmination of this investigation, drawing upon firsthand accounts from whistleblowers who have risked their livelihoods to expose concealed truths.

The narrative follows a family relocating from Seattle, their lives irrevocably altered by a catastrophic nuclear accident. The loss of a family member serves as a catalyst, prompting a deeper exploration of the systemic issues plaguing Richland. Mulligan’s work transcends the boundaries of a simple ghost story, weaving together elements of family drama, political intrigue, and the uncanny.

The graphic novel format, enhanced by the evocative illustrations of Pyrink, provides a powerful medium for conveying the emotional weight of the narrative. The artwork serves to amplify the sense of unease and tension, immersing the reader in the unsettling atmosphere of Richland.

Snitchland is not merely a work of fiction; it is a social commentary. Mulligan utilizes the narrative to shed light on the potential consequences of corporate negligence and the suppression of dissenting voices. The novel underscores the importance of transparency and accountability, particularly in industries with significant environmental and public health implications.

The Witchland Trilogy, which also includes immersive theatrical productions, represents a multifaceted approach to storytelling. This convergence of mediums allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the themes and characters, creating a compelling and thought-provoking experience.

With the forthcoming release of Twitchland, the concluding chapter of the trilogy, Mulligan continues to explore the complexities of life in Richland, a town grappling with its past and present. Snitchland stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to expose hidden truths and raise awareness of critical societal issues.

Tim Mulligan

There is plenty of reporting and history about this nuclear cleanup site — and it’s a pretty dark history. My goal here is to tell a story about what it’s like to live in this type of town, near this real-life place — and make it provocative, scary, thrilling and, hopefully, really funny as well.

I wanted to put my own fictionalized spin on the plight of the whistleblower — one of many who have made safety complaints for years, and suffered retribution — and make it a ghost story, guided by the ghosts of people who have suffered the consequences of this dangerous place. The Witchland Trilogy takes this real-life toxic location and throws scary scenarios into the mix. Perfect for a series of graphic novels!

It’s amazing that it [Richland] hasn’t made its way into pop culture, and people don’t know that there’s this place that has such a bizarre and scary reputation.

-Tim Mulligan

Tim Mulligan, author of the Witchland Trilogy—inspired by his childhood experiences in the region—has expanded the Witchland universe with plays and graphic novel adaptations.

His diverse portfolio also includes the acclaimed plays Point Loma and Bitchland, as well as the bestselling Perfect 10 cookbooks.

A passionate devotee of pop culture, particularly horror, Mulligan splits his time between homes in Palm Springs, San Diego, and Los Angeles with his partner, Sean.