In April 2024, I posted an interview with artist J.B. Lee (see "A Graveside Chat with J.B. Lee"), showcasing a variety of his works, most of them in the cosmic horror and/or Lovecraftian mode. Just the other day, he posted one of his illustrations, which was based on my 1987 story, "Threnody," It perfectly captures the atmosphere and horrific elements of the tale, and I most heartily approve.
I originally published "Threnody" in Deathrealm issue #2, and it was subsequently reprinted in Robert M. Price's anthology, The New Lovecraft Circle (Fedogan & Bremer, 1996) under the title "The Spheres Beyond Sound." Now, I had used the title, "The Spheres Beyond Sound" for entirely different (though related), but Mr. Price liked it so much, he wondered if I'd allow "Threnody" to be published under that title. I reluctantly agreed, and to be sure, it's fitting for the story. Later, "Threnody" appeared, with its original title, in my collections The Last Trumpet (Wildside Press, 2000) and Fugue Devil: Resurgence (Black Raven Books, 2022).
Here is Mr. Lee's description of the art: "A scene from Stephen Mark Rainey's 'The Spheres Beyond Sound' ('Threnody'). And before any Stranger Things fans get started, that giant arachnoid critter is copyright 1987. Painted with the usual digital tablet. NO A.I."
Now, I don't know about any Stranger Things comparisons, but I will tell you that when I wrote "Threnody," I had never seen either The Evil Dead or The Evil Dead 2. However, it wasn't long after I wrote the story that I did, and I was mortified that a few of the plot elements corresponded a bit too closely for comfort (although, in all these years, I've never heard anyone make that comparison, for which I am relieved).
"Threnody" is not the first of my stories for which J.B. has created a lovely
piece of art. His interpretation of my story "Stalker of the Wild Wind," which
originally appeared in Robert M. Price's The Ithaqua Cycle (Chaosium, 1999) also does the tale more than justice. That's it below. (Click on the photos to enlarge.)
Thanks, J.B.
