Providence Compendium

5+ STARSAlan Moore, creator of Watchmen, V for Vendetta, From Hell, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and the groundbreaking run on Swamp Thing, among other amazing projects, gives us Providence, a fresh look at Lovecraft's mythology. Providence, originally released as a 12 issue standalone comic book series by Avatar Press, is finally collected here in a beautiful edition that also includes the artwork for all 12 covers.Each of the 12 issues is another "chapter" in the story, split between traditional comic storytelling and detailed journal entries of the protagonist, Robert Black. There are so many hidden - and not so hidden - Lovecraftian gems throughout this book, I was in awe of the author's research and depth to every element, beautifully weaving fact and fiction together in a seamless narrative. I honestly have not enjoyed something this immersive and masterfully crafted in a long time. The reader is even gifted with HP Lovecraft himself in the tale, along with his biographer, S. T. Joshi. While not everyone will catch all the nuances and details in the story, there is so much to enjoy here that I find it almost impossible for genre fans not to find a lot to like about Providence.The detailed and atmospheric artwork by Jacen Burrows is easily the best of his already impressive career, complimenting the story nearly perfectly. I found myself thinking back on scenes and moments throughout the book over the few days I spent reading it, and know I will return to this story again in the future. The locations, characters, dialogue, and undertones of this macabre, eerie world was truly a fulfilling read. This gets my highest recommendation.

After reading each chapter I tried to predict where the story was headed, and I failed miserably each time... which makes me very reluctant to supply any hint of the plot, for fear of spoiling things for the next reader. Basically, in January of 1920 a young reporter with ambitions to become a writer of fiction leaves his newspaper job and sets out to investigate a mysterious religious cult known as Stella Sapiente, and the equally mysterious book it uses as Holy Writ. Alan Moore has said in interviews that he thinks the comics medium is unique in the way it can tell two simultaneous and possibly contradictory stories, by making the drawn panels inconsistent with the dialogue. This could be done on three levels if you used the early 1950s EC comics format of caption-balloon. Instead of captions, Moore has the former reporter keep a "commonplace book" which is a combination of diary and collection of ideas for stories as they pop into mind. Again, often enormous contradictions between what we see in the panels and what the diary entries relate are possible and common and vitally important to the plot. The art by Jacen Burrows is fantastic, and fantastically detailed. He always gets an excellent likeness of the story's real, historical figures. This is a horror story, and the horrors build steadily throughout. In the end a casual remark by one of the characters, "that's not the sky," is just as frightening in itself as what the artist can depict. I strongly suspect the average comic reader today is neither intelligent nor literate enough to comprehend this comic. Be warned that it is very much for adults. Educated adults, at that.

So I read this right after Neonomicon, which one should definitely do. After the absolute insanity of Neonomicon, this book seemed extremely slow at first - but that didn't make it unenjoyable. And, to my delight, it was absolutely worth the trip.Without getting into spoiler territory, I will simply say that the way this shapes the Cthulhu Mythos is downright brilliant. The mystery reveals itself and unravels at just the perfect pace. As we follow our protagonist through this downward spiral, we can't help but become invested and be driven mad along the way. It all builds up to a very satisfying payoff. But it still makes me hope we someday get a continuation of this story.For anyone who enjoyed Neonomicon or has an affinity for Lovecraftian horror, I would very much recommend this.

Great book in good condition and arrived promptly. Review loses one star because the other book I ordered was not packed and now Amazon is telling me that the package arrived. I'm sure it's simply an oversight and I look forward to it being quickly resolved.

After reading Necronomicon, which is amazing, I couldn't wait for Providence to come out and I pre-ordered it. Now that I have it in my hands I have to be honest that it's very different than what I expected and I'm having a hard time getting through it. Not because of the art or the "graphic" parts, but because of all the written journal pages that seem to come up after every 15-20 graphic pages through the entire book! And I'm not talking one page if it, there's always about 6 or 7 written pages. If I wanted to read a novel, I would've bought one. The fact that it's in what is supposed to be handwriting also makes it difficult to follow. I know it's in there to build the story and plot, but there's just a bit too much. I'm trying to be fair in my review, because I know this comes down to personal preference. Overall the story is interesting (I love Lovecraft) and the art well done, I just wish it was all graphic novel like I had expected.

Providence does for Lovecraftian Mythos, what Watchmen did for Superheroes. A brilliant tour through the works of Lovecraft and Chambers, reading the appropriate HPL stories based on the upcoming covers really made this series a treat during it’s run. I’d recommend doing the same as you read the collected volume. Burrow’s art really blossoms with Providence, delivering Moore’s plot brilliantly and with an attention to detail equal to Eddie Campbell or Dave Gibbons. Fans of Lovecraft won’t be disappointed, and fans of Moore already know how good this is!

Unveiling Cosmic Horrors: Providence CompendiumPrepare for a mesmerizing descent into the unknown realms of horror and cosmic intrigue with the Providence Compendium. This compendium isn’t just a graphic novel; it's an astonishingly intricate and mind-bending journey that delves into the darkest corners of cosmic horror.Masterful Narrative UnfoldingThe compendium introduces readers to a meticulously crafted narrative that weaves together elements of Lovecraftian horror, cosmic mythology, and existential dread. Through the eyes of protagonist Robert Black, readers traverse a landscape of eerie and disturbing revelations that gradually unravel the mysteries of the occult.Immersive Visual SpectacleAlan Moore's visionary storytelling is perfectly complemented by Jacen Burrows' evocative and haunting artwork. The visuals are a feast for the eyes, encapsulating the eerie and otherworldly essence of the narrative in each panel, drawing readers deeper into the cosmic horror.Layered Themes and Provocative ExplorationProvocative and layered, Providence delves into themes of identity, the occult, sexuality, and the fragile fabric of reality itself. Moore's exploration of the human psyche amid cosmic horrors is both thought-provoking and chillingly immersive.Unforgettable Reading ExperienceThe compendium isn’t just a read; it's an experience that lingers long after the final page. Its blend of intricate storytelling, breathtaking artwork, and thought-provoking themes ensures that it resonates deeply with readers, leaving an indelible mark on their minds.ConclusionIn conclusion, the Providence Compendium is a magnum opus of cosmic horror. With its masterful storytelling, immersive visuals, layered themes, and unforgettable reading experience, it's an essential addition for fans of Lovecraftian horror and those seeking a mind-bending journey into the abyss of cosmic terror.The Providence Compendium isn’t just a graphic novel; it's a mesmerizing odyssey through the realms of cosmic horror and existential intrigue. Its intricate narrative, evocative artwork, and thought-provoking themes make it an indispensable read for enthusiasts of Lovecraftian tales and those intrigued by the depths of cosmic terror.

Excelente producto, llegó en tiempo y sin problemas

PROVIDENCE COMPENDIUM é quase tudo que um trade paperback se propõe a ser, com a exceção do preço. 30 dólares por menos de 500 páginas é um valor excessivo pelo ​volume, que reúne 12 números da série homônima de Alan Moore e Jacen Burrows, uma das HQs finais do escritor.PROVIDENCE é o desfecho de uma trilogia iniciada por THE COURTYARD e seguida por NEONOMICON, na qual Moore transita por elementos de terror da obra de Lovecraft oferecendo uma nova perspectiva e reinterpretando a elaboração do Mythos, um autêntico exercício de engenharia reversa. Trata-se de algo bastante similar ao que Moore já havia feito com a ficção e literatura em LIGA EXTRAORDINÁRIA.A qualidade do volume é excelente. Algumas falhas editorias foram corrigidas para esta edição, mas não há extras. O volume é bem enxuto.A leitura deve ser precedida pelo exemplar de NEONOMICON, que reúne THE COURTYARD e o NEONOMICON propriamente dito.

Cards on table, I'm a huge Moore fan and a huge Lovecraft fan. Both men are such gifted writers, with such incredible imaginations. Picking this up was a no brainer.Providence and the earlier volume Neonomicon (read that first) are, together, a superb reinterpretation of Lovecraft's entire mythos. This review pertains to them both. Without spoiling too much, Moore goes where Lovecraft himself dared not. Lovecraft, famously, contented himself with allusions to "nameless horrors" and the "unspeakable" without getting into lurid descriptive depth. While a compelling narrative technique in itself (you might even say "that's the point") sometimes it feels a bit like Lovecraft was so overwhelmed by his own notions that he couldn't bring himself to vividly express them. Maybe this speaks to the conservatism of the man and/or his era? In any event, these ideas in Moore's hands are dynamite. The kind of horror that bothers you for days.The only criticism I can offer concerns the alternation, in Providence, between graphic novel and handwritten recollection. For what it's worth, the handwritten sections are interesting, providing a first-person retrospective on the events we've just encountered. This resonates nicely with the theme of a "hidden America", letting us in on our protagonist's real feelings otherwise hidden behind his polite dissimulations. They also serve as a tidy recollection of what we've just experienced. As with any solid piece of literature it requires some reflective piecing-together, a certain level of engagement from the reader. The whole thing is positively saturated with stunning ideas which demand a bit of rumination. These retrospective portions certainly help with that. However they sometimes tend to drag a little, even interrupting the rhythm of the narrative. Perhaps they might have been trimmed some without harming things?Nevertheless this is a must for any Lovecraft, Moore, comic book, or horror fan. But reader beware, the old knowledge only goes one way...

Gut und klar gezeichnet, witzige Idee mit den eingefügten "handschriftlichen" Notizen.ABER die Story ist chaotisch und nicht wirklich ausreichend interessant oder spannend.Das Buch ist für mich kein absolutes Kauf-Muss - aber jetzt habe ich es halt - nach langer Wartezeit darauf.