Coming in just a few short months from indie publishing house First United Church of Cthulhu is their latest horror anthology, Urban Temples of Cthulhu: a collection of tales inspired by the works of legendary author H. P. Lovecraft—specifically the “Cthulhu Mythos” he developed and then expanded upon with the assistance of such writers (and H.P. fans) as Robert Bloch, Conan the Barbarian creator Robert E. Howard, August Derleth, and others during the first half of the twentieth century. In a nutshell, in his stories Lovecraft posited that a race of giant aliens—the Great Old Ones—lurk in the vastness of space, waiting for the day when their crazed human worshippers make it possible for them to rule the Earth. Foremost among these terrifying monsters is Cthulhu, a squid-headed horror who sleeps in the depths of the Pacific Ocean, dreaming of the day when he arises to usher in the age of darkness.
That’s all well and good, you say, but why am I mentioning another publisher’s upcoming release, here at the SWC blog? Well, if you know me by now, it must be due to the fact that I’m involved in some capacity with Urban Temples of Cthulhu—and I am!
“Sects and the Single Girl” is my short story contribution, and tells the tale of Shitaki Cumberbatch, a member of the Elder God–worshipping Church of Starry Wisdom (a religious order that appeared in “The Haunter of the Dark,” the final Mythos story that Lovecraft wrote before his death). Set in the present day, we find Shitaki involved in filing a sexual harassment lawsuit against her former church—even though she was a willing participant in all their hedonistic practices! It’s a character-driven story of faith and soul-searching, lawsuits and reverends, with just a touch of the sarcasm and snark that readers have come to expect from my writing.
It’s very much a Mature Readers story in tone—rife with four-letter cursing and sexual innuendos and the like—but it’s also the latest addition to what I’ve called the “Paniverse”: the fictional universe in which teenaged Goth monster hunter Pandora Zwieback (star of my Saga of Pandora Zwieback novels and comics) and her supporting cast of characters dwell. It’s also home to Lorelei, the soul-stealing succubus found in the graphic novel Lorelei: Sects and the City. (Hey, if Stephen King can have the Dark Tower multiverse that crosses through most of his works, and F. Paul Wilson can have his tales of the Secret History of the World that revolve around his “Repairman Jack” novels, why shouldn’t I have the Paniverse?)
I’ll be spreading the word when Urban Temples of Cthulhu gets closer to its release date, so as they say, watch this space for developing news!
Speaking of anthologies in which I’m involved that feature tales of horror and suspense, are you familiar with SWC’s very own horror anthology comic, Lorelei Presents: House Macabre? In this one-shot special that contains four tales of horror—collected behind eye-catching cover art by fan-favorite artist Louis Small Jr. (Vampirella, Supergirl, Batman 80-Page Giant)—you’ll find:
- “The Old, Dark Manse” is written by me and illustrated by Uriel Caton (JSA Annual, The Ex-Mutants, Heartstopper: The Legend of La Bella Tenebrosa) and “Chainsaw” Chuck Majewski (Harvey Kurtzman’s New Two-Fisted Tales), and has Lori welcoming readers to this special.
- “All in Color for a Crime” is another tale from me, with art by Lou Manna (T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents, Young All-Stars). Two comic book collectors clash over a rare back issue—and only one of them will be adding it to their long boxes!
- “The Basilisk,” from me and artist John Pierard (Graphic Classics: Horror Classics, My Teacher Fried My Brains), is a “Lori’s Feary Tale” that examines the history of a supernatural creature that’s a cross between a deadly snake and a…chicken?!
- Wrapping up the special is “Requiem for Bravo 6,” by New York Times bestselling author and comic writer Dwight Jon Zimmerman (She-Hulk, Steve McQueen: Full-Throttle Cool) and artist Juan Carlos Abraldes Rendo. A special-ops team goes on a life-or-death mission…but will they be prepared for what awaits them at mission’s end?
“This is like a cross between Elvira and House of Mystery, where you’ve got a very sexy hostess who loves the Macabre and tells you stories that are supposed to chill and thrill you…. This whole book is such a pleasant surprise, [and] something that should be sought out by everyone.”—Reading With a Flight Ring
“Any fans of the old-fashioned horror anthology comics (Eerie, Creepy, Tales From the Crypt, etc.) is gonna want to take a look at this one-shot from StarWarp Concepts…. If campy horror fun is your thing, this should be a hit for you.”—The Pullbox
Lorelei Presents: House Macabre is available in print and digital formats, so visit its product page for ordering information, as well as sample pages.
