Dark Empty Void #1

The Difference Between Depression and Cosmic Horror In Effect

You know, a song was playing in my head as I was reading this. This one:

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=OYPAM_XblG4&si=4Kun4BLf2RThw61a

But this isn’t a love story. It’s cosmic horror meets the battle with depression.

Admittedly I’m a fan of cosmic horror so I might be a little biased. It’s just that these stories are often about the limits of humanity. And Zack Kaplan gives a bold challenge what those limits actually are.

Much like the King in Yellow and lore of the Cthulhu Mythos, depression drives people into obsessions that can consume them. You can have all of the knowledge to keep them at bay and it still might not be enough.

Depression Is Not Alien

Just look at our lead Joy. She’s a psychology lecturer who gives people insights on the treatments of depression. All while communicating with people on a level they can understand about what the texts don’t say. Because it looks like she’s tried everything to cope with her immobilization. But it’s just not enough.

This is probably one of the most current looks at depression in recent times with the polyvagal theory. Basically stuck in an immobile, defensive, state to keep the stress away. Especially when it comes to shame in modern times. That feeling of not belonging until social connection is made.

Cosmic Horror Is A New Reality

Now when it comes to the obsessions of cosmic horror, that’s a different story. Depression is a biological security measure whereas indifferent forces beyond human comprehension tears securities apart.

When Joy speaks to what seems to be a teenage human girl, it almost looks like possession horror. Not just with how this Artemis is talking but how she…they(?) know more about Joy than she should. But instead of a demon reflecting Joy’s greatest stressors, Artemis is overwhelmed by the sensations of a humanoid form close to a breaking point. Not unlike the black hole she came out of.

Even the way Artemis connects to Joy to convince her to go back in the hole is something else. But it’s unknown if this is because Artemis is manipulating Joy by looking like they’re depressed or if they’re using Joy’s lectures in a way only they can express. Because what is a “burning light” to an other worldly being?

Final Grade

I think I’m seeing why I thought of a Rascal Flatts song in that moment. Not just because the visuals would look good in a video, but the blissful release of Cosmic Horror. I’ve dealt with immobilization so many times usually over choice paralysis or the dread that comes with trying to prepare for anticipation. I just needed to feel something despite knowing the dopamine migraines I could get. But Cosmic Horror does away with those structures, never giving that rush and just giving me a new perspective.

Like here, making a reaction gives me a new look at depression. Not as this state of helplessness that leads to self-destruction or hypocrisy. But a way of showing resilience to panic and petty violence.

So until the rest of this series is seen I’ll give this 9/10.