Edgar Allan Poe (Del Rey)

    (Del Rey, 2005)
™ and © 1974-1975, 1984-1985 Richard Corben, 1974 Warren Publishing

Long before Stephen King and H.P. Lovecraft, Edgar Allan Poe was a master of the macabre. His work has become legendary and inspired (and/or frightened) writers, artists, and readers for more than a century. In this volume by Richard Corben and Richard Margopoulos, four of Poe’s most famous works come alive. “The Raven,” “The Oval Portrait,” “Shadow,” and “Usher” are painstakingly rendered for maximum effect.

The art by Corben jumps out at the reader, whether in black and white or airbrushed color. His use of heightened expressions and image juxtapositions is masterful and clearly conveys the suspense Poe’s words suggest. Images like the haunting Lenore from “The Raven,” the youthful beauty from “Oval Portrait,” the death imagery on pages 22 and 24, and the hauntingly, lonely House of Usher linger in memory.

The work of Poe is legendary; Corben’s art is lush, evocative, and tantalizing. Combined, their work evokes a standard by which horror should be judged. Fans of Poe should not be without this one!

— Tim Lasiuta
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