I will begin with visual interpretations of the classics. Cinematically, they can be summed up with two releases–Iron Lung (limited theatre run beginning Jan 30) and Dreamlands. The former is about surviving the deep oceans and the other, well, the title speaks for itself. While the latter is a crowdfunded release and passion product, it’s tough to say if this work be ready for this year’s H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival.
In part two will be a look at Gou Tanabe’s slate of works and offer a checklist. Last will be the videogames to put fans of H.P. Lovecrafts works straight into the forefreont. After RailGods of Hysterra (review link) stalled due to some design issues, I’m still curious what other titles might pick up the pace.
In this preview, here’s what’s expected to roll out in 2026.
The Manga Master Returns:
Gou Tanabe’s The Dunwich Horror
The Dunwich Horror Japanese Edition
For many of us, the gold standard for Lovecraftian art is Gou Tanabe. After his Eisner-nominated runs on At the Mountains of Madness and The Shadow Out of Time, Dark Horse Manga is expected to bring the English translation of “The Dunwich Horror” to North American fans in 2026. The news is not official, but that is what industry insiders are saying. Without this, Necronomicon cannot make its proper debut in Tanabe’s world of horror.
His ability to draw the “indescribable” is unmatched in the manga world. Nearly everyyone is excited to see how the Whateley family will spring to life, and also depict what Wilbur will transform to. And along with the invisible terror of Sentinel Hill stalking the land, there’s plenty of expectations to craft in the minds of every reader.
A Dreamlike Departure:
The Last Day of H.P. Lovecraft
IDW & Top Cow:
The Thing on the Doorstep
The Masters of the Macabre
Bernie Wrightson & François Baranger
For those who prefer their horror with a “classical” dark aesthetic, 2026 offers two heavy hitters:
- Creepy Presents: Bernie Wrightson (Dark Horse Comics): Releasing February 3, 2026, this collection is a must-have. While it spans several horror tales, it features Wrightson’s legendary adaptation of “Cool Air.” Seeing Wrightson’s meticulous ink work on high-quality modern paper is the closest thing to a religious experience a horror fan can have.
- The Shadow Over Innsmouth (François Baranger): Following the massive success of his illustrated The Call of Cthulhu, French artist François Baranger is finishing his cinematic take on the fish-folk of Innsmouth. The English edition via Design Studio Press is expected in mid-to-late 2026. These are oversized volumes that feel more like “concept art for a movie that doesn’t exist” than a traditional comic.
Cosmic Horror in 2026 Checklist
- January 14: The Last Day of H.P. Lovecraft #3 (BOOM! Studios)
- February 3: Creepy Presents: Bernie Wrightson (Dark Horse)
- February 11: The Thing on the Doorstep #1 (Image/Top Cow)
- February 11: The Last Day of H.P. Lovecraft #4 (BOOM! Studios)
- Late 2026: The Dunwich Horror (Dark Horse Manga)
- Late 2026: The Shadow Over Innsmouth (Design Studio Press)
Which of these are you adding to your pull list? Let us know in the comments if you’re team Tanabe or team Wrightson!