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A review by fossen
Neonomicon by Alan Moore
1.0
This is an interesting reconceptualization of the Cthulhu Mythos, particularly The Courtyard. Yes, the main character is a racist anti-semitic monster, but he is just that: a character. It's a strong plot with good buildup to a well-earned "ah-ha" moment.
Then we get to The Neonomicon, which squanders so much promise and devolves into Moore's favorite trope: rape and abuse of women. Even more than deconstructing superheroes, Alan Moore loves using violent rape as a plot device. The main difference here is that what was hinted at in other works is now explored in excruciating, detailed, lurid, sexual detail. Not that those details ultimately matter too much, but it fills the bulk of multiple issues.
However, for all the exploration of the physical details, the emotional life of a rape victim is completely ignored. Moore builds himself an "out" by establishing the victim is a sex addict, almost literally "asking for it" and ultimately accepting it.
There is so much of interest here, so many smart contextualizations, so clear a vision of Lovecraft's world ... all wasted by Moore's misogyny which becomes more apparent over time.
Then we get to The Neonomicon, which squanders so much promise and devolves into Moore's favorite trope: rape and abuse of women. Even more than deconstructing superheroes, Alan Moore loves using violent rape as a plot device. The main difference here is that what was hinted at in other works is now explored in excruciating, detailed, lurid, sexual detail. Not that those details ultimately matter too much, but it fills the bulk of multiple issues.
However, for all the exploration of the physical details, the emotional life of a rape victim is completely ignored. Moore builds himself an "out" by establishing the victim is a sex addict, almost literally "asking for it" and ultimately accepting it.
There is so much of interest here, so many smart contextualizations, so clear a vision of Lovecraft's world ... all wasted by Moore's misogyny which becomes more apparent over time.