A.V. Pull List: H.P. Lovecraft through Gou Tanabe’s manga is the perfect starting point

Let me be upfront: I haven’t read H.P. Lovecraft’s original novels. I’ve always been intrigued by his reputation as the father of cosmic horror, but his old-fashioned writing style and long descriptions seemed like a challenge. Then I stumbled upon Gou Tanabe’s manga adaptations, and suddenly, Lovecraft’s terrifying universe felt accessible and completely captivating.

Gou Tanabe’s manga adaptations were my first real exposure to Lovecraft’s stories, aside from some Lovecraftian horror movies like “Re-Animator,” “The Thing,” “In the Mouth of Madness,” and “Event Horizon.” However, when it comes to Lovecraft on the written page, these manga were my gateway into the world of eldritch horror. I can’t compare these to the original novels but I can say that Tanabe’s art makes Lovecraft’s world come alive. You don’t need to be a Lovecraft scholar to be pulled in; the manga does the heavy lifting by capturing the essence of these tales visually, letting you experience the horror without the need to read the original stories.

What stands out in Tanabe’s work is how it captures the mood of Lovecraft’s universe. His illustrations are haunting and detailed, drenched in shadows and filled with a sense of foreboding. Tanabe’s panels bring the cosmic horrors to life—from the desolate Antarctic landscapes in “At the Mountains of Madness” to the unsettling, fish-like inhabitants of “The Shadow Over Innsmouth,” which just came out in English. It’s a sensory experience that immerses you directly into the story, bypassing the need for any prior knowledge of Lovecraft’s style or themes.

With “The Call of Cthulhu” up for preorder, there’s more to look forward to, and that’s exciting for anyone who, like me, is more comfortable jumping into a graphic novel than a traditional one. If you’re like me and haven’t read a word of Lovecraft, you’re in good hands. Gou Tanabe’s adaptations are not just companion pieces—they’re an invitation. So, if you're curious about Lovecraft's world but hesitant about diving into his work, Gou Tanabe might just be the perfect starting point. It's hooked me, and who knows, it might be your gateway to the cosmos too.

-Brad McBoom