Hellish science fiction or Lovecraftian science fiction is a sub-genre of fantasy science fiction and horror, which often draws upon Gigeresqe imagary and Lovecraftian horror in a space opera setting.
Themes Hellish science fiction is a genre which combines science fiction with supernatural horror, particularity themes involving demons, demonic possession, hellish imagery, and other themes typically associated with horror rather than science fiction. The difference between science fiction horror and hellish science fiction is the former genre is one in which horror is scientifically plausible (e.g. Alien), whereas the latter uses supernatural themes in an otherwise futuristic science fiction setting (e.g. Event Horizon).
Typically, hellish science fiction uses the theme of malevolent alternate dimensions or planes of existence, to explain how supernatural entities can exist in a universe governed by the laws of physics. One example of this the Warp in the Warhammer 40,000 setting, an alternate dimension through which spacecraft have to travel in order to move between the vast distances separating stars, but which does not obey the laws of physics and is home to malevolent gods. A similar theme can be found in the cult motion picture Event Horizon or the video game Doom.
H. P. Lovecraft's horror fiction was a departure from traditional horror because rather than the monsters being mythological in origin, they were instead god-like entities from the depths of space, which played on fear of the vast unknown. Hellish science fiction often takes this concept further, instead creating alien entities which are god-like in power but purely malevolent, i.e. demons. The genre is often inspired by the art of H. R. Giger, (which combined sexual imagery with religious and mechanical imagery), sado-masochistic themes, fetish fashion, Gothic architecture and by the classical art of Hieronymus Bosch.
Notable works In the popular Warhammer 40,000 setting, the only means by which a spaceship may travel at faster than light speeds, is by entering another dimension known as 'the Warp', a plane of existence in which the laws of physics do not apply, and which is also the home of several god-like entities - Khorne, god of hate, Tzeentch, god of manipulation, Nurgle, god of decay, and Slaanesh, god of pleasure. The dark forces of these gods, known as Chaos, wage a series of almost unstoppable crusades on the dystopian Warhammer 40,000 galaxy, perticularily the Imperium, a human empire composed of millions of stars, and dominated by religious zealotry and gothic imagery.
In the classic Doom series of computer games, an army of demons from a similar alternate plane of existence are allowed to enter the material universe when a scientific experiment accidentally opens a portal to their realm. In Clive Barker's Hellraiser, most notably Hellraiser 4, it is implied that technology can be used to access an alternate plane of existence in which sadistic demons known as Cenobites, torture people using pleasure and pain. H. P. Lovecraft's Great Old Ones, while not technically malevolent, are said to be incomprehensible entities from 'beyond the stars', which are worshipped by secretive cults, and which would drive any normal person insane if seen. See:
