298. Graphic Classics: H.P. Lovecraft edited by Tom Pomplun

Graphic Classics: H.P. Lovecraft edited by Tom Pomplun

Graphic Classics, Vol. 5

Rating: (5/5)

(US) - (Canada) - (UK)

1997, 2007 . Eureka Productions, 144 pgs

Age: 10+ 

"The Shadow Over Innsmouth — one of HPL's greatest stories, adapted by Alex Burrows, and illustrated by Simon Gane
• Dreams in the Witch-House — witchcraft, mathematics and a talking rat by Rich Rainey and Pedro Lopez
• Sweet Ermengarde — a rare Lovecraft comedy, scripted by Rod Lott, and illustrated by Kevin Atkinson
And returning from the first edition:
• Herbert West: Reanimator — presented in four chapters by Richard Corben, Rick Geary, J.B. Bonivert and Mark A. Nelson
• The Cats of Ulthar — illustrated by Lisa K. Weber
• The Terrible Old Man — illustrated by Onsmith Jeremi
• The Shadow Out of Time — adapted and illustrated by Matt Howarth
• Plus illustrations by Jim Nelson, Gerry Alanguilan, Skot Olsen, Maxon Crumb, and a terrific cover painting by Italian artist Giorgio Comolo"

Borrowed a copy from the library through Inter-Library Loan.

I went into this one a little hesitantly as Lovecraft and I have not got along too well up to this point.  I have only read a handful of his stories, here and there, as found in anthologies.  This is actually the first time I've read a collection specifically of him.  In the past I just really didn't "get" his stories, or really understand why he was so well-loved.  I did read one recently that I loved, though.  I had already discovered DC Comics homage to Lovecraft in the naming of their Asylum,  Arkham Asylum, and here we find a collection of stories that all take place, if not in, then near, Arkham, Massachusetts.  This is a fabulous collection of tales and just perfect for the Lovecraftian newcomer as I can attest.  I loved every one of them.  None of the illustrations particularly jumped out at me to be of particular note; however, they are all well done and by artists from "Graphic Classics" usual stable: Matt Howarth, Lisa K. Weber, Onsmith Jeremi, etc. and Rick Geary even puts in a short piece.  A fantastic read and a great introduction to Lovecraft.