T h e D i s c i p l e s o f C t h u l h u 2

THE DISCIPLES OF CTHULHU 2
Edited by Edward P. Berglund
Published in February 2003 by Chaosium Inc.
219pp, perfect bound
Price £8.99 ($13.99)
ISBN 1-56882-143-3

Ed Berglund's original 1976 Disciples of Cthulhu collection was a landmark in Cthulhu Mythos publishing. Aside from Panther's reprints of Lovecraft, Howard, Clark Ashton Smith and Frank Belknap Long, your only opportunity to read Cthulhu Mythos stories was the occasional short story in the occasional horror collection. The Disciples of Cthulhu was different – nine tales in the one book. This sequel is published under different circumstances. Although the market isn't yet saturated, the small press is thriving and there seems to be no shortage available material. Can Disciples of Cthulhu 2 have the same impact as its illustrious predecessor?

Probably not, but it does give a good try. Walter C. De Bill Jnr is the only author from the original book to be represented in both volumes. 'The Book Seller's Second Wife' appropriately leads off the collection with De Bill's traditional take on the Cthulhu Mythos. The first few stories carry a similar theme, but as the collection progresses the stories begin to push the boundaries and break into new territory.

'Special Order', the first printed story from Henry Lee Forest proves that there is still life in the Mythos. Here there is a freshness and excitement to the writing. Stories like this are much more rewarding to read than retreads of pastiches. They are essential to prevent the genre from stagnating. C J Henderson's 'The San Francisco Treat' underlines this with a story free from the usual Mythos trappings. There aren't any of the usual trappings, but it is true to Lovecraft's bleak vision.

Mention must also be made of Robert M Price's 'Acute Spiritual Fear'. It has a wonderful premise that turns certain concepts on their head and leaves the reader pondering “why didn't I think of that?” The whole premise cries out to be converted into a Cthulhu Now scenario.

Disciples of Cthulhu 2 manages to present stories true to the style and spirit of its predecessor. It shows how Cthulhu Mythos stories have developed since the 1970s. Let's hope that we don't have to wait over twenty-five years for volume three!

© Andy Bennison