Review of the two-part comic At the Mountains of Madness

We are not alone. The universe that surrounds us, which we perceive only with our limited senses, hides forces that transcend our understanding. Entities and beings for whom even death is not the final fate wait in the darkness. In the name of science, we foolishly ventured into places where no human foot had trod before. What we discovered changed the perception of this planet's history forever. But we paid a high price for it…

The original Lovecraft's short story from 1936 has already seen several comic adaptations, but this version by Japanese illustrator Gou Tanabe is undoubtedly a work of art. Impressive drawings and the ability to capture the dark atmosphere and horror elements of Lovecraft's stories are Tanabe's main strengths. At the Mountains of Madness is created as a two-part manga and brings a new dimension to the classic Lovecraft tale. This comic is a great introduction both to Japanese manga (read from right to left, which is the opposite of the standard reading direction in Western books) and to Lovecraft's horror universe.

The story describes a research expedition to Antarctica led by Professor Dyer from Miskatonic University. The year is 1931, and technological advancements have allowed the use of airplanes to explore vast areas for the first time, so Dyer and his team reach previously undiscovered parts of the frozen continent. Geological surveys reveal traces of unknown life forms, and Professor Lake, driven by a hunch of a significant discovery, separates from the main group and, accompanied by volunteers, penetrates deep into the Antarctic wilderness. He becomes one of the first to see mysterious ancient ruins and artifacts suggesting the existence of an ancient civilization. Significant discoveries follow quickly, and Lake's radio reports never cease to amaze the members of the base. Until the moment Lake's team goes silent and Dyer has no choice but to follow in their footsteps.

Comic seamlessly builds an atmosphere of tension and the desire to find answers to questions posed to the expedition as it uncovers layers of mysteries in the Antarctic wasteland. The omnipresent feeling of anxiety and fear is amplified by detailed illustrations that deepen the perception of events. The black-and-white rendering of the comic is absolutely crucial for this purpose and creates the impression that you are diving directly into the world of Lovecraft's narrative. Tanabe authentically depicts the emotional states and reactions of the expedition members. Their psychological battle with terrifying realities is presented comprehensively and with depth, which enhances the dramatic moments of the story. The comic contains many panels that span two pages, creating breathtaking scenery. Uncertainty and fear of the unknown gradually creep into the reader's mind.

Attentive connoisseurs of the genre will find certain inspiration and parallels with the work of Edgar Allan Poe, who is considered a precursor to modern horror. Lovecraft, just like Poe, works with psychological horror, dark atmosphere, and unknown forces. However, Lovecraft goes even further, creating a complex mythos of old gods and cosmic entities endowed with unimaginable power, against whom we humans are completely insignificant. At the Mountains of Madness has its firm place in the so-called Cthulhu Mythos and deepens the story of the "Elder Things," the first civilization of planet Earth.

For lovers of Lovecraft's work, this masterfully crafted comic is an absolute must. For newcomers to the genre or casual readers, it represents an ideal gateway into this vast and fascinating literary mythology.

Our desire for the unknown has led us to the very edge of human imagination. In the depths of darkness, we have awakened something that should have remained hidden forever, and in doing so, we have endangered the entire world. Knowing too much can be dangerous. Knowledge leads to horror. Horror leads to madness…

author Petr Eller