H.P. Lovecraft's Call of Cthulhu [Paperback]

Michael Zigerlig (Adapter)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 5, 1998

An adaptation of one of H.P. Lovecraft's most influential works. Staying true to the original work, Swiss writer/artist Michael Zigerlig, narrates the tale with the original prose of three points of view describing the horror of Cthulhu. Generally regarded as Lovecraft's masterpiece, this tale, as with many of Lovecraft's work, influenced generations to come in literature, film, and other mediums. H.R. Giger, famed biomechanical artist and creator of the look of Alien, was also heavily influenced by Lovecraft and he was impressed with this graphic novel that he provides the introduction to this edition. Film director, Brian Yuzna had this to say about Call of Cthulhu. "In his hallucinogenic interpretation of the Lovecraft 'mythos' Michael Zigerlig has realized a fantastic visual obsession. Terrifyingly beautiful. Mesmerizingly decorative. Horror has never looked so good. This Call of Cthulhu stands out as an essential work of Lovecraftian and a visual treat for lovers of art and comics." ---Brian Yuzna

Editorial Reviews

Review

Comic of the Month...ferociously funny -- I-D Magazine

About the Author

Michael Zigerlig visited the School of Art in Berne, Switzerland where he grew up and still lives. He served an apprentice as a graphic designer and has a passion for Chinese martial arts which he has practiced the last ten years. Always interested in drawing, he brings a sense of design to his artwork. H.P. Lovecraft's The Call of Cthulhu is his first graphic novel project and Michael chose to use Lovecraft's original prose for much of the story rather than adapting the story. Abridged for space considerations, the book allows readers to get a true sense of Lovecraft's voice which Zigerlig does a wonderful job of illustrating. H.R. Giger, the famed biomechanical artist who gave the look to the Alien creatures from the films, was also an influence on Michael and via the Necronomicon I and II, introduced Michael to Lovecraftian lore, wrote the introductory notes and had this to say regarding Zigerlig's graphic novel. "Michael`s artwork has a closed atmosphere which is full of details but kept in simple shapes and forms at the same time. When Michael sent the first pages to me, I was really positively surprised by all it... the drawings, the layout and how he handled one of Lovecraft`s most regarded tales." -- H.R. Giger

Product Details

• Paperback: 76 pages
• Publisher: Transfuzion Publishing (October 5, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0941613895
• ISBN-13: 978-0941613897
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,151,594 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Newest comic version of HPL's classic story, February 4, 2011

By 

Matthew T. Carpenter (Peoria, IL, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: H.P. Lovecraft's Call of Cthulhu (Paperback)

Transfuzion Publishing continues to do excellent work in printing graphic novels of special interest to Cthulhu mythos fans. The latest offering is a graphic novel version of Call of Cthulhu with art and abridgement by Michael Zigerlig. Mr. Zigerlig is from Berne, Switzerland and has just recently begun pursuing his interest in art. He has an original Lovecraftian story, Five Swords from Outer Hell, he is working on and which may see print from Transfuzion Publishing in the future. The introduction is provided by HR Giger.

We all know the story The Call of Cthulhu. Mr. Zigerlig has edited out the more racist elements (nautical looking man for nautical looking Negro, for example). The main attraction of course is the art. The benchmark has to be John Coulthart's magnificent version, available in the 1994 publication Starry Wisdom as well as his own book The Haunter of the Dark: And Other Grotesque Visions. While Mr. Coulthart's version remains my favorite, there is plenty of room on the shelf for this new book. In some ways Mr. Zigerligs drawings are more classic (no anime here!) but I liked the depictions of R'lyeh and of Cthulhu well enough. Certainly fans of Lovecraftian comics will want to take a look.

The price is a bargain at $9.99 for a 70+ page book. I hope we get to see more of Michael Zigerlig's work soon. Keep up the good work, Trasfuzion Publishing!

PS: The book is for sale at Amazon but there has been a problem. Search via ISBN: 9780941613897. After almost a year, Amazon has mostly corrected the improper listing of the author and blurb, but one customer review remains for a different product. Just make sure you get the product you ordered.

2 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fun and wicked!, October 21, 2000

By 

punk head (who cares) - See all my reviews

This review is from: H.P. Lovecraft's Call of Cthulhu (Paperback)

garth ennis rocks!no other author,except neil gaimen and john irving,makes me feel all giddy inside when i read their books.ennis is hilarious and very creative when he comes up with jokes. read this wacked out tale of two best friends and explore the zaniness of ennis' world.