We Do Need Another Hero

For this foray into fantasy, I went back once more to my good friend Mr. Barker. We've already discussed his influence on bizarre horror. But lately there has been a novel of late that has struck me less of a Horror novel and more akin to a high epic fantasy with all the trappings of Joseph Campbell's wisdom. This is a novel called The Scarlet Gospels.
Much of the fame for Gospels will come from the fact that this is the much awaited return to the famous horror icon Pinhead of Hellraiser fame. To see the old master back at work with one of his most cherished creations is an adventure not to be taken for granted. Returning too is Harry D'amour of Lord of Illusions fame. Though not nearly as famous as Pinhead, this classic neo-noir creation of Barker's has enough of a following to make this showdown of literary giants worth reading.
What makes the story so compelling is that there are two journeys being taken, one by Pinhead, the other by D'amour and both contain variations on Campbell's formula. Harry is the traditional alcoholic detective who refuses the call but ends up following through with it, that sort of thing. Pinhead however is the (Anti) hero who is constantly at odds with the world he inhabits and rises to a level never before imagined when falling to his lowest point.
Both characters encounter pitfalls and victories within the fantastical vision of Hell that Barker has constructed. Many of the creatures and obstacles could easily go against the most spectacular of Tolkein, had Tolkein not been such a clean christian. The Hero's Journey is universal, and moments when the journey goes beyond an epic quest in a world derived of old european mythology is when it can be most rewarding.