G r a p h i c C l a s s i c s : H . P . L o v e c r a f t

Graphic Classics: H.P. Lovecraft
Richard Corben, Matt Howarth, Maxon Crumb, Gahan Wilson and Others
Published 2002 by Eureka Productions
144pp, perfect bound
Price $9.95
ISBN 0-9712464-4-0

The presentation of HP Lovecraft in comics is wildly variable and frequently very difficult to find. Graphic Classics – HP Lovecraft Special brings together the styles of over two dozen different artists, including Allen Koszowski, John Coulthart and Paul Carrick. This is the fourth volume in a series that already covers Edgar Allan Poe, Conan Doyle and H G Wells.

The opening piece by George Kuchar provides a sensationalist biography of Lovecraft concentrating on death, madness and sex. This will doubtless offend the purists and Lovecraftian scholars amongst us, but you have to bear in mind that this was drawn back in 1975. Fan rumours and distortions were rife and there was comparatively little information about Lovecraft's life available with the exception of L. Sprague De Camp's now controversial biography which seems to have been the artist's main source of reference.

This is followed comic strip and text with pictures adaptations of several Lovecraft tales and poems including 'Herbert West – Re-animator', 'The Terrible Old Man', 'The Shadow out of Time', 'The Dream Quest of Unknown Kadath' and 'The Outsider'. My personal favourite is Lisa K Weber's version of 'The Cats of Ulthar' that is both eerie and childlike at the same time, perfectly matching the tone and grim ending of Lovecraft's story.

The highlight of the book is a full presentation of 'The Fungi from Yuggoth' sonnet cycle with two sonnets to a page that is faced with an appropriate illustration by a different artist. Of all Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos pieces, this is the hardest to find and its presentation here compliments and enhances the prose. This item alone makes Graphic Classics worth the cover price.

From a role-playing perspective Graphic Classics makes a very accessible (and quick) introduction to the world of Call of Cthulhu. There is a wealth a material that can be used in the game to illustrate creatures, personalities and situations. If you've never bought a Mythos related comic before, do yourself a favour and buy this on to see what you're missing.

© Andy Bennison