What are the characteristics of underground horror novels?

Underground graphic novels often feature edgy and non - mainstream content. They might have unconventional art styles that break away from traditional comic aesthetics. For example, some use rough sketches or abstract illustrations to convey their unique stories. These novels also tend to explore taboo or controversial topics like social inequality, drug use, and alternative lifestyles, which mainstream comics usually avoid.

An underground novel often challenges the mainstream. It might deal with taboo or controversial topics that are not commonly explored in mainstream literature. For example, it could have a very unorthodox view on society, politics, or culture. It might also use experimental writing styles that are not easily accepted by the general public.

One of the main characteristics is the exploration of the power dynamics within the criminal underworld. It shows how hierarchies are formed, how power is gained and lost among criminals. There's also a focus on the moral ambiguity. In underground crime fiction, the lines between right and wrong are often blurred. For example, a character might be stealing to feed his family, making readers question traditional moral concepts. Moreover, it usually has a fast - paced plot with a lot of twists and turns as the characters try to outwit each other in the dangerous world of crime. This keeps the readers on the edge of their seats.

A key characteristic would be a disregard for traditional literary norms. This could include using non - standard grammar, or a narrative style that jumps around and isn't linear. Their stories might be more focused on the individual's internal struggle against a repressive or unforgiving society.

Another one is 'The King in Yellow' by Robert W. Chambers. This collection of short stories contains some really creepy and atmospheric horror elements that have influenced many modern horror works. It delves into themes of madness and the supernatural in a very interesting way. For example, the eponymous play within the stories is said to drive those who read it insane.

Many of them play with the sense of the unknown. For example, they might have settings like abandoned asylums or old, haunted houses where there are things lurking in the shadows that the characters (and readers) don't understand at first.

Many of them would likely play on the psychological fears of the readers. This could include things like the fear of losing one's mind, or the fear of being alone in a menacing situation. They might also use elements of the supernatural in a way that was believable within the context of the story, blurring the lines between the real and the otherworldly. This was a time when horror was exploring different ways to terrify its audience, and these novels from 1976 were part of that exploration.

These horror novels also had a strong sense of mystery. In 'The Fireman', the origin and nature of the spore that was causing people to combust was a mystery that drove the plot forward. The readers were constantly trying to figure out what was going on, which added to the overall sense of unease and horror. There was also a trend towards more complex characters who had to deal with the horror in different ways, adding depth to the stories.

The 2019 horror novels had several characteristics. A lot of them had a strong sense of atmosphere. Whether it was the oppressive heat in a southern setting or the cold isolation of an old mansion, the settings added to the horror. The use of unreliable narrators was also common. This added an extra layer of mystery and unease as the reader couldn't always trust what they were being told. Moreover, these novels often had a moral or ethical underpinning, making the horror not just about scares but also about deeper human concerns.

One characteristic of horror novels is the creation of a menacing atmosphere. Authors use things like dark settings, strange noises, and gloomy weather to make readers feel uneasy. Another is the presence of terrifying characters, such as vampires, ghosts or deranged killers. Also, horror novels often play on the fears of the unknown, leaving readers in suspense and making them constantly wonder what's going to happen next.