Here we find a visual depiction of the central horror from H.P. Lovecraft’s 1936 novella, The Shadow over Innsmouth. The story follows a young man’s visit to the strange, decaying seaport of Innsmouth, Massachusetts, where he uncovers a terrifying secret that has corrupted the town and its inhabitants for generations.
The transition from apparently normal, if somewhat sullen, human to Deep One is innovatively done by Nottsuo.
The monstrous figure on the far right is a Deep One, a member of an ancient, immortal race of amphibious humanoids that dwells in the dark depths of the ocean. The story reveals that the people of Innsmouth made a pact with these creatures: in exchange for bountiful fish and strange golden jewellery, the townsfolk agreed to interbreed with the Deep Ones.
As shown in the progression, this change accelerates through their twenties and thirties until the individual’s humanity has entirely eroded, leaving them a fully transformed Deep One. At this point, they abandon the surface world forever, drawn by an irresistible call to join their kin in ancient, cyclopean cities beneath the waves. The image serves as a chilling chronicle of a human life slowly and inevitably succumbing to a monstrous, sub-human lineage.
It is worth noting that the author H.P. Lovecraft was born 135 years ago, on August 20th. While his influence on the horror genre is undeniable, it is also necessary to acknowledge that his work is deeply marred by his personal, virulent racism, which is often reflected in his stories.
