H.P. Lovecraft: The Alchemist

Worlds Of H.P. Lovecraft #1

by Steven Philip Jones, Gary Reed (Editor), Octavio Cariello (Illustrations)

For over 600 years the male descendants of the Chabrillane family have all inexplicably perished on their 32nd birthday. The legend of the curse began the night Henri Chabrillane, killed the alchemist Michel Mauvis. Michel's son, Charles, Le Sorcier cursed the Chabrillanes. Henri was 32 years old that night, and no male descendant has lived to see age 33. Now, the last Count de Chabrillane is about to turn 32. In addition to the comic adaptation of the story, the original H.P. Lovecraft story is also included in this volume.

Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Lovecraftian

51 pages, Paperback

First published November 17, 2014

About the author

Steven Philip Jones (born March 20, 1960) is an American writer. His best known works include the horror-adventure comics series Nightlinger, the mystery novel King of Harlem, and the non-fiction books The Clive Cussler Adventures: A Critical Review and Comics Writing: Communicating with Comic Books.

Reviews

[Andrew “The Weirdling” Glos · Rating 3 out of 5]

It isn’t exactly the strongest of Lovecraft’s tales to start with. It gets points for being tight and straight forward. Back in the day, it was a new trope to be sure, but it’s brilliance has been copied so many times since that it’s become cliche. It isn’t really a mark against “The Alchemist”. In fact, it’s a mark in favor of it’s genius and originality. But it makes it come off as tired now to folks who can’t appreciate what it is and represents.

The main deduction of stars for me is that the art work isn’t really very good. Maybe it just isn’t my style, but really I think it just wasn’t very good. I expected more. I will keep reading to see how this series goes from here. I love Lovecraft and think he translates well into visual media like comics and graphic novels.

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

It told of a certain ancient man who had once dwelt on our estates, a person of no small accomplishments, though little above the rank of peasant; by name, Michel, usually designated by the surname of Mauvais, the Evil, on account of his sinister reputation. He had studied beyond the custom of his kind, seeking such things as the Philosopher’s Stone, or the Elixir of Eternal Life, and was reputed wise in the terrible secrets of Black Magic and Alchemy.

I do love graphic novel adaptations of iconic horror stories and this is up there with the best for me.

Lovingly adapted into a classic black and white style, the story tells of a Count trying to break the family curse. A curse that strikes down the male heirs before their 32nd birthday.

A nice added extra is the original text from H.P. Lovecraft which, upon reading, leads you to going back over the artwork and enjoying the adaption a little more.

A thoroughly deserved 5 stars.

[Jakob Zelinka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sure it's just a adaptation, but it's good. Also the backstory is done a lot better than just reading about it. In the original I was a bit confused.

[BlackCatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read a TON of Lovecrafts stories, but so far this is one of my favorites. Such a good ending and a unique plot. So short too, and easy to read!

[Nev Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness gracious XD

I’m not the biggest H.P. Lovecraft fan, but this story. It’s such a funny thought of the sorcerer and everything that goes along with it. My favorite part is when it describes the sorcerers forehead as “far beyond normal dimensions”
🤣🤣🤣


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