Comic Book Review: Cthulhu Is Hard to Spell edited by Russell Nohelty
I hope you’re not tired of Lovecraftian cosmic horror yet, because I’ve got more to come. In this case, it’s an anthology of Cthulhu Mythos-related comics, focused on the “gods” of that cycle, and new critters that fit in with that theme. Despite what the cover might suggest, this is not a children’s anthology. Only a few of the stories are child-friendly. There’s a mix of straight-up horror, action and comedy.
This was a Kickstarter project, and begins with “signing pages” so that you can have fun tracking down all the creators at conventions and such. Thirty-five stories means you won’t run out of this project quickly!
The stories open with “Nora” by Angela Oddling. Nora is an Iceian, living in a frozen world. She goes on a journey to confront her world’s god and learn how to become strong enough to endure the cold, but finds that strength may be something else entirely with the people she meets along the way.
“Azatoth’s Slumber” by Russell Nohelty and Erik Lervold closes the volume with the band that’s been playing soothing music that keeps the mindless god Azatoth asleep at the center of the universe coming to the conclusion that they’re not really needed. Recording and broadcasting technology has advanced to the point where you can just use your smartphone to play tunes that will keep Azatoth asleep and the universe intact. He’s mindless, he can’t tell the difference. But smartphones have other uses….
And some other standouts…
“The Eternal War” by Eric Young goes all-out with the imagery as it tells a creation myth. Stunning art.
“Flycatcher” by Frank Martin and Dan Scalisi takes us to a doomed planet with a bit of a visual twist to the usual destruction of worlds.
“The Rally” by Mary Bellamy is a comedic piece with the gods about to go to war with the universe. But Cthulhu is not just hard to spell, but to pronounce, so he may not be invited.
“The Art of Losing” by Nathan Lueth is set as the world is about to end. Rel has decided that she wants to go out singing, because now she realizes that her world already ended and she can help other people deal with the last moments. Notable for there still being at least one conservative radio bloviator who insists on denying reality to the last moment, because that’s how he deals with trauma.
“The Eyes of Yba’Sokug” by Michael R. Martin and Jonathan Hardin goes topical with a hostile (?) god whose eyes are glowing rectangles. Those glowing rectangles.
Content note: It’s Lovecraftian horror, take a guess. No racism, though, that’s nice.
Overall: These are all very short pieces, so if you don’t like one, it’s over quickly. There’s some good art, and some art I don’t like. A mixed bag, but you’re supporting independent creators, especially if you buy it from one of them at a convention. Plus, there’s two more volumes if the first one tickles your fancy. Recommended to horror comics fans.
