Horror stories can be found in every corner of the world, even in the frozen expanses of the Great North, as demonstrated by *Le Gouffre des Résurrections*. This graphic novel shows how a celebrated U.S.-based artist can seamlessly adapt to a new cultural landscape.

A Key Arrives in Canada

In 1841, a crew of sailors becomes stranded on a frozen Canadian island, transforming into zombies. The narrator hints at yet another eerie metamorphosis. Without warning, the story shifts to England, where Sir Haven Greenwood, a nobleman returning from a mission in Tasmania, settles into a Greenwich manor as the head of an observatory. His family, including his new wife, hopes for a quiet life after his many expeditions. However, Haven is soon drawn to a perilous journey in Canada.

He meets Dr. Mattock, a Navy surgeon and the sole survivor of the doomed expedition introduced at the beginning of the story. Intrigued, Haven sees this as an opportunity to secure his place in history by uncovering the fate of the lost crew. But he vanishes along with his ship. Two years later, Lady Pearl Greenwood embarks on a mission to find her husband, accompanied by an elderly admiral and her clairvoyant niece.

*Le Gouffre des Résurrections* surprises from the first page. In *Locke & Key*, Gabriel Rodriguez mastered a blend of manga and horror comics. Here, his dense, richly detailed illustrations lean toward traditional European graphic novels. His meticulously rendered settings transport readers to a bygone era, reflecting the grandeur of English civilization. The straightforward panel layout—rectangles and squares—eschews dramatic angles, yet Rodriguez masterfully conveys horror reminiscent of his collaborations with Joe Hill.

The depiction of decomposing, frostbitten bodies thirsting for human warmth is chilling. Rodriguez elevates the terror by introducing zombie polar bears. The edition by Les Humanoïdes Associés highlights these striking visuals, complemented by a stunning cover: a matte foreground conveys the grim reality of the *gouffre*, while the glossy backdrop of gothic northern lights amplifies its fantastical atmosphere. A comprehensive bonus section details Rodriguez’s preparatory work.

Le Gouffre des Résurrections: A Journey Through Genres

The calm European scenes initially set the stage, but once the characters reach the frozen island, the battle against supernatural forces becomes intense. *Le Gouffre des Résurrections* evolves into a gripping adventure, where humans face not only the deadly cold but also supernatural threats. The crew encounters zombies and magical landscapes, with the pace accelerating through numerous action sequences.

Yet, the graphic novel also serves as a period piece. It critiques societal norms, such as the acceptance of older husbands with younger wives, while scrutinizing their lack of offspring. Despite the era's scientific advancements, the story explores lingering taboos and family secrets. Bloodshed precedes afternoon tea, as Sir Haven Greenwood embodies colonial violence, having suppressed a convict uprising in Tasmania. Additionally, he hides personal secrets, including a private study above the stables and unresolved tensions with his mother, who blames him for his first wife’s death.

Writer Hirodjee skillfully contrasts the supernatural with realism. The story shifts from horror to historical drama, with serene picnics at the Greenwich estate juxtaposed against the paranormal. In this world, men are pragmatists, while women embrace spiritualism. Pearl Greenwood hones her magnetic abilities at an institute, while her niece experiences visions during bouts of sleepwalking.

However, *Le Gouffre des Résurrections* transcends patriarchal norms. A woman leads a mission to save her husband. Initially mocked by journalists, Pearl's bravery and her niece’s psychic gifts eventually earn the respect of the crew—and readers.

Published by Les Humanoïdes Associés, *Le Gouffre des Résurrections* begins as a zombie horror in an isolated setting but culminates in a deeply personal tale. While zombies seek warmth, one man yearns for the searing embrace of love.

Explore more of Gabriel Rodriguez’s spine-chilling work with Ciel et Terre and *L’Âge d’Or*.