71. Mike Mignola (The Hellboy Comic Books) / H.P. Lovecraft (with Christopher M. Cevasco)
Oct 17, 2012
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Comic book creator Mike Mignola discusses his collaboration process and adapting books into comics with Christopher Golden. They also explore the challenges of adapting Lovecraft's work and discuss their first encounters with his stories. The podcast delves into Lovecraft's personal life and controversial views, as well as the influence of August Derleth on his works. They also talk about Lovecraft adaptations in film and the possibility of Guillermo del Toro directing a Mountains of Madness movie.
Lovecraft's cosmic perspective emphasizes the insignificance of humanity in the grand scheme of the universe.
Lovecraft's unique upbringing, health issues, and exposure to his grandfather's library shaped his worldview.
Lovecraft's writing style, characterized by fictional elements intertwined with real references, captivates readers through vivid descriptions and haunting depictions of New England.
Deep dives
Lovecraft's Influence: Cosmic Perspective and Indifference of the Universe
Lovecraft's importance lies in his cosmic perspective, highlighting the insignificance of humanity in the grand scheme of the universe. This fear of indifference rather than a fear of evil is what haunts the modern age.
Early Life: Poverty, Overbearing Mother, and the Influence of His Grandfather's Library
Lovecraft grew up in poverty after his father's mental illness took a toll on the family. He was raised by his mother and aunts, but his sheltered upbringing, health issues, and exposure to his grandfather's library shaped his worldview.
Lovecraft's Style: Influenced by the Past and Archaic Spellings
Lovecraft's works had a distinct 19th-century style, heavily influenced by the past. He had aristocratic pretensions and longed for an era he considered better. He favored archaic spellings and resisted modern trends.
Importance and Legacy: Lovecraft's Influence on Horror and the Shared World of Mythology
Lovecraft's influence on horror fiction is immense. He is considered the most important horror writer ever. His mythology and themes have been adopted and expanded upon by other writers, creating a shared world of mythos.
Influential Writing Style and Themes of Lovecraft
Lovecraft's writing style is lauded for its combination of fictional elements like the Necronomicon with real references to history, architecture, spirituality, etc. Critics often highlight his use of overly descriptive and purple prose, but this deliberate choice aims to emulate older writing styles he admired. Lovecraft's ability to craft captivating opening lines and vividly describe settings, particularly the dark and foreboding New England landscape, has left a lasting impact on readers.
Lovecraft's Personal Life and Legacy
Lovecraft's personal life was marked by unique experiences, including his eccentric marriage and his aversion to change and new environments. His sheltered upbringing and fondness for nostalgia influenced his troubling views on race and immigrants. However, towards the end of his life, as Lovecraft traveled and matured, his perspectives started to soften. Lovecraft's untimely death at the age of 50 limited the potential of his writing career, but his legacy lives on through the works of other authors who continue to be inspired by his fusion of horror and science fiction, as well as his creation of the Cthulhu mythos.
