Scan barcode
mtzfox's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
It's really hard to totally sum up what this graphic novel means, because it really wasn't what I expected and there is just so much to digest. I'd recently finished Alan Moore's From Hell Master Edition (which I loved) and have read many of H.P. Lovecraft's stories, so I was genuinely excited to see what he did with it.
For fans of Alan Moore, there's no doubt that the guy really likes to go deep. This graphic novel is absolutely steeped in literary references, not just to Lovecraft, but also to his contemporaries. It works hard to build a case for the effect this work has had on the broader culture and question and commercialization of characters like Cthulhu. I recommend Alan Moore's own provided annotations (Facts in the Case of Alan Moore's Providence on WordPress) as you read to get a fuller picture. Many details in the panels that may not make immediate sense often refer to details of Lovecraft's work that Moore is nodding to in order to get the reader to dig into the lore.
As with many of Moore's major works, it's really hard to compare this to other graphic novels just due to the depth; this really isn't light reading, and in fact I found it more difficult than any of his other novels to get through.
The handwritten sections between each chapter were often grueling, especially considering they're often just the main character's reactions (in the format of a commonplace book) to the events he's experiencing. I'm not sure exactly why Moore chose to do this, but it could be to slow the reader down or to feel a first-person perspective of the main character sinking into madness and trying to make sense of what's happening. It's an interesting device, but still difficult to get through and really demotivated me at times. The handwriting was hard to read at first, though I got used to it.
It should be noted, this book includes an undercurrent of bizarre homoeroticism and turns a critical eye towards the homophobia of the time. It also has a scene of strange incestuous rape that I could see bothering people. There are also some gruesome panels of gore and disturbing images. Pretty par for the course for Alan Moore, but be warned that this is horror and a very adult novel.
In many ways, this book is a masterpiece, and far beyond the depth of your average graphic novel. It makes me want to delve further into H.P. Lovecraft's larger universe, as well as his influences and contemporaries (i.e., 'The King in Yellow'). The art is great, and there is so much that will stick with me. That said, it still has its flaws, and I'm many people will find it difficult to digest due to the mountain of references and uneven pacing. This book really makes you work for it, but it's ultimately rewarding. 4 1/2 stars.
For fans of Alan Moore, there's no doubt that the guy really likes to go deep. This graphic novel is absolutely steeped in literary references, not just to Lovecraft, but also to his contemporaries. It works hard to build a case for the effect this work has had on the broader culture and question and commercialization of characters like Cthulhu. I recommend Alan Moore's own provided annotations (Facts in the Case of Alan Moore's Providence on WordPress) as you read to get a fuller picture. Many details in the panels that may not make immediate sense often refer to details of Lovecraft's work that Moore is nodding to in order to get the reader to dig into the lore.
As with many of Moore's major works, it's really hard to compare this to other graphic novels just due to the depth; this really isn't light reading, and in fact I found it more difficult than any of his other novels to get through.
The handwritten sections between each chapter were often grueling, especially considering they're often just the main character's reactions (in the format of a commonplace book) to the events he's experiencing. I'm not sure exactly why Moore chose to do this, but it could be to slow the reader down or to feel a first-person perspective of the main character sinking into madness and trying to make sense of what's happening. It's an interesting device, but still difficult to get through and really demotivated me at times. The handwriting was hard to read at first, though I got used to it.
It should be noted, this book includes an undercurrent of bizarre homoeroticism and turns a critical eye towards the homophobia of the time. It also has a scene of strange incestuous rape that I could see bothering people. There are also some gruesome panels of gore and disturbing images. Pretty par for the course for Alan Moore, but be warned that this is horror and a very adult novel.
In many ways, this book is a masterpiece, and far beyond the depth of your average graphic novel. It makes me want to delve further into H.P. Lovecraft's larger universe, as well as his influences and contemporaries (i.e., 'The King in Yellow'). The art is great, and there is so much that will stick with me. That said, it still has its flaws, and I'm many people will find it difficult to digest due to the mountain of references and uneven pacing. This book really makes you work for it, but it's ultimately rewarding. 4 1/2 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Body horror, Pregnancy, Rape, Blood, Incest, Violence, Gore, Suicide, and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Antisemitism and Homophobia
sanrodsara's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I don't know what I was expecting from this graphic novel, but it wasn't this. Lovely art style and that's the only reason it gets 2 stars instead of 1.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Body horror, Rape, Adult/minor relationship, Gore, Religious bigotry, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Hate crime, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Transphobia, Antisemitism, Homophobia, Incest, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Pedophilia, Violence, War, Genocide, Sexual violence, Trafficking, Xenophobia, Blood, and Pregnancy
Please do yourself a favour and read the trigger warnings
More...