From the minds behind Hellboy comes a dark retelling of the DC Universe. The Doom That Came to Gotham blends the worlds of Batman, and H.P. Lovecraft. This alternate look at the Caped Crusader touches on the noir, steampunk, and cosmic horror genres. Aficionados of Mike Mignola will recognize the iconic art and writing style found in his other works. As this Elseworlds title takes place during the early years of Batman and Robin, the graphic novel has a gritty, pulp fiction feel. This iteration of the Dark Knight is closer to Lamont Cranston’s alter ego, than the Batman of today.
Howard Phillips Lovecraft was a horror and science fiction author during the golden age of pulp fiction. Born in 1890 his upbringing was influenced by the waning Victorian age, and vast social changes of the 20th century. While his works were not well received during his lifetime, the various connections and friendships with other writers ensured his legacy. As one of the more famous contributors to the Weird Tales magazine, Lovecraft has long influenced modern pop culture. His Cthulhu Mythos setting has inspired Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, George R.R. Martin, and many others. Lovecraft created a world of scientific horror, in which magic and monsters were reimagined as advanced mathematics and extraterrestrials. It is a cold and dark universe, where mankind is subject to the whims of an uncaring and chaotic cosmos. Many of Lovecraft’s stories were inspired by his trips throughout New England, particularly the North Shore. The city Salem was a favorite, and is frequently mentioned in his narratives.
Mike Mignola and Troy Nixey have created a world consistent with the DC Universe, while at the same time producing an atmosphere that is distinctly Lovecraft. Fans of the Cthulhu Mythos will notice the influences of At the Mountains of Madness, The Shadow Over Innsmouth, The Nameless City, and many others. The Doom That Came to Gotham incorporates many of Batman’s foes, and other inhabitants of Gotham city. The year is 1928, and Bruce Wayne has returned home, two decades after the brutal murder of his parents. He finds Gotham city is under siege by the supernatural. A mysterious cult is attempting to bring forth an alien demigod known as The Lurker on the Threshold. Bruce Wayne is pushed to the very limits his of sanity, in this fight against monsters he struggles not to become one.