Another "way of thinking" or philosophy opposite to the nihilism of cosmic horror is what I would call "Cosmic Wonder" or "Cosmic Significance". This would refer to stories where readers follow humans, mainly an individual or pair of individuals, who are exploring and taking significant actions in a universe that is filled with diverse life, ancient mysteries, ancient races, god like aliens, a few legitimate cosmic horror entities you don't want to come across and a few hints that the universe itself is somewhat alive and has a consciousness of it's own. Unlike in a cosmic horror stories the protagonists in a cosmic wonder story aren't random people that die or lose their minds at the end but established individuals that take center stage in different stories that may be seen as separate stories but at some point it becomes clear that they have been taking part in a larger and grander narrative. And while in cosmic horror stories humans are insignificant in the universe, their actions in a cosmic significance/wonder story actually have meaning and have an actual effect on the universe as a whole; sometimes it is hinted that they have being guided (not controlled) and protected by some superior force like unseen god like aliens or an actual will of the universe/ a legitimate god. Another factor would be that while cosmic horror works better through literature in order to let the reader's imagination fill the horrifying details, a cosmic wonder story would have to be through a medium with visuals that would fill the eyes with great art and sublime imagery. One good example of this type of story is the movie Cloud Atlas, wich is a great movie regardless of if what most people say. However the best example I know is the french comic Valerian and Laureline, a story which contains all the previously mentioned factors which after reading lead me to come up with this concept, highly recommend the read. Ironically I read the comic right after reading Alann Moore's Providence, the man's take on lovecraftian horror wich helped made the parallels between this types of stories hard to ignore.
I've definitely seen that type of genre (Cosmic Wander) in shows, and one of the things I talked about Supernatural actually seems to fit in with that description pretty well. Also thank you for the description and the suggestions I'll definitely look into them.
To start, fantastic video! A lot of people truly miss the point of Cosmic Horror. You nailed it in all three examples. And I have to say I'm really pleased to see someone else use Supernatural as an example of Cosmic Horror. Despite its flaws, the series has always had a special place in my heart due to it's depictions of Angels and other entities as being these incomprehensible monsters. While the show does kind of lose some of its CH edge as it goes, the early seasons really nail it with many creatures being totally unexplained, thus adding layers to the fear they inspire. I look forward to seeing more from you.
Thank you so much, Yeah I totally agree, I haven't seen supernatural really be referenced when talking about Cosmic Horror. It's easily one of my favorite shows so I wanted to give it some spotlight in this genre. Thank you so much for watching!
Excellent vid, glad I found your channel! And I especially appreciate how you take the time to point out very specifically that these cosmic horrors arent evil or malicious as we understand it - I feel like that point gets missed sometimes.
Azathoth here. I certainly care about humans. Tge others might not. But i do.
I definitely don't
I care about Azathoth's mom.
Care about them as in medium or rare?
Amazing video. Subscribed.
realy good video. You got my attention
Another "way of thinking" or philosophy opposite to the nihilism of cosmic horror is what I would call "Cosmic Wonder" or "Cosmic Significance". This would refer to stories where readers follow humans, mainly an individual or pair of individuals, who are exploring and taking significant actions in a universe that is filled with diverse life, ancient mysteries, ancient races, god like aliens, a few legitimate cosmic horror entities you don't want to come across and a few hints that the universe itself is somewhat alive and has a consciousness of it's own.
Unlike in a cosmic horror stories the protagonists in a cosmic wonder story aren't random people that die or lose their minds at the end but established individuals that take center stage in different stories that may be seen as separate stories but at some point it becomes clear that they have been taking part in a larger and grander narrative. And while in cosmic horror stories humans are insignificant in the universe, their actions in a cosmic significance/wonder story actually have meaning and have an actual effect on the universe as a whole; sometimes it is hinted that they have being guided (not controlled) and protected by some superior force like unseen god like aliens or an actual will of the universe/ a legitimate god.
Another factor would be that while cosmic horror works better through literature in order to let the reader's imagination fill the horrifying details, a cosmic wonder story would have to be through a medium with visuals that would fill the eyes with great art and sublime imagery.
One good example of this type of story is the movie Cloud Atlas, wich is a great movie regardless of if what most people say. However the best example I know is the french comic Valerian and Laureline, a story which contains all the previously mentioned factors which after reading lead me to come up with this concept, highly recommend the read. Ironically I read the comic right after reading Alann Moore's Providence, the man's take on lovecraftian horror wich helped made the parallels between this types of stories hard to ignore.
I've definitely seen that type of genre (Cosmic Wander) in shows, and one of the things I talked about Supernatural actually seems to fit in with that description pretty well. Also thank you for the description and the suggestions I'll definitely look into them.
To start, fantastic video! A lot of people truly miss the point of Cosmic Horror. You nailed it in all three examples. And I have to say I'm really pleased to see someone else use Supernatural as an example of Cosmic Horror. Despite its flaws, the series has always had a special place in my heart due to it's depictions of Angels and other entities as being these incomprehensible monsters. While the show does kind of lose some of its CH edge as it goes, the early seasons really nail it with many creatures being totally unexplained, thus adding layers to the fear they inspire. I look forward to seeing more from you.
Thank you so much, Yeah I totally agree, I haven't seen supernatural really be referenced when talking about Cosmic Horror. It's easily one of my favorite shows so I wanted to give it some spotlight in this genre. Thank you so much for watching!
Excellent vid, glad I found your channel! And I especially appreciate how you take the time to point out very specifically that these cosmic horrors arent evil or malicious as we understand it - I feel like that point gets missed sometimes.
Awesome video bro!
Thank you!
We are either the meaningless creations of an uncaring universe or the special creations of a loving god. Both ideas are terrifying.
Good stuff you should consider doing longer format going deeper into each story .
I've been thinking about doing that, I just haven't thought of a good enough idea to warrant a like 30+ minute video on.
I hope that in the future there will be twin content.
I guess i need to not be like chuck. I have to care more about people than just stories.