H.P. Lovecraft’s The Dunwich Horror #2
“The Dunwich Horror”
Written by Joe R. Lansdale
Art by Peter Bergting
Lettering by Shawn Lee
“The Hound”
Script by Robert Weinberg
Art by menton3
Lettering by menton3
Covers by Nick Percival, menton3
IDW Publishing
Release Date: November 9, 2011
Cover Price: $3.99

Joe R. Lansdale and Peter Bergting do it again as a writer and artist team. A spectacular rendering of the eighty-year-old short story The Dunwich Horror is to be found in H.P. Lovecraft’s The Dunwich Horror #2. Additionally, The Hound is expertly envisioned and beautifully illustrated, a work of true craftsmanship.

In The Dunwich Horror, we watch as our small group escapes death by a hairs breadth. They also use modern research tools to unveil a link to the famed Necronomicon. Arguments and heated discussions lead to the downloading of this most evil of texts. Even a slight glance at the screen shows unimaginable horrors and raises the group’s fear of the consequences of their actions. My favorite part of the story is a small panel featuring a book entitled The Book Of Doches, which I’m guessing is an homage to the city in which both Joe R. Lansdale and I reside. I’ll have to ask him next time I see him. The art was again very helpful in setting the mood of the story, an excellent job by Mr. Bergting.

The Hound is beautifully delivered in white script on dark backgrounds. It enhances the story and feeling of gloom that speaks volumes to the reader. I’m very impressed with the art of menton3. As I may have mentioned in the past, his art is akin to a charcoal sketch that seems perfectly suited to the script that Robert Weinberg has given us. This issue involves much pondering and travel, to say more would be to spoil the surprise at the end.

This is another home run for IDW Publishing. I love the teams they picked for both of these stories, just as I’m sure you will, too. As with most adaptions and retellings, there is always a little input on the part of the modern author. Unlike most, however, this time it seems to enhance and not detract from the originals. The tales set forth in this comic are classic Lovecraft but the manner in which they are delivered is inventive and original. Two things stand out here: Lansdale’s brilliance and menton3’s skills. These factors make this purchase a no brainer. Buy the comic, it rocks.