The Dark Fantasy Aesthetic: Struggle Amidst Shadows

The dark fantasy aesthetic is a timeless medium which blends elements of high fantasy and ever-present existential horror. Amidst the setting of fantastical creatures and constructs, it envelops the medieval set pieces with themes of decay, despair, and moral ambiguity, leading to a world which is simultaneously captivating and unsettling. As an aesthetic which has been seen in mediums dating centuries back, it has deep historical roots and persists in modern media, from literature to cinema and even video games. Certainly, its mysterious allure has resulted in characteristics lending it an enduring appeal.

Disney’s The Black Cauldron, 1985

The dark fantasy aesthetic has roots that go as far back as the Gothic literary movement of the 18th and 19th centuries; writers like Mary Shelley (Frankenstein, 1818), Bram Stoker (Dracula, 1897), and Jules Verne (The Voyages Extraordinaires, 1863 -1905) introduced themes of horror, decay, and existential dread that later became hallmarks of the genre, effectively serving as its foundation. The most notable aspects of these stories, which became apparent in later mediums as well, was the enigmatic combination of fantastical settings with deeply human fears, often primal and gruesome, creating a foundation for the later rise of the aesthetic which came to be known as dark fantasy.

Entering the 20th century, dark fantasy took on a more distinct identity born within the works of authors like H.P. Lovecraft, who wrote tales of cosmic horror and further intensified themes of existential insignificance with greater frequency than before. On the other hand, J.R.R. Tolkien’s high fantasy introduced richly detailed worlds through his famous works such as The Hobbit, inspiring later creators to reimagine these fantastical worlds with darker, more grotesque undertones, a notable example being George R.R. Martin’s book series The Game of Thrones. Fast-forwarding many decades, the 1970s and 80s saw an explosion of interest in fantasy and horror, particularly through cinema and art, which maintained a heavily pervasive influence over the aesthetic’s visual vocabulary.

Excalibur, 1981

The 1980s especially were a golden era for dark fantasy and heavily responsible for the way it is remembered today, with dark fantasy cinema establishing many now essential visual elements of the aesthetic used today. For example, Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal (1982) is a popular reference for the aesthetic and remembered for its portrayal of past worlds filled with eerie, grotesque creatures and shadowy landscapes. Films like this created rich visual tapestries that combined the wonder of fantasy with the terror of the unknown.

Theatrical release poster of The Dark Crystal by Richard Amsel, 1982

The modern era of dark fantasy is emulated by countless writers, artists, and more. Among them are authors like Steven King with his Dark Tower book series beginning with The Gunslinger (1982). However the widespread influence of the aesthetic in recent years is owed largely due to Kentaro Miura’s manga Berserk, a series that began serialization in 1989. Miura’s world of Midland is a brutal medieval landscape plagued by grotesque monsters, morally ambiguous characters, along with constant hopelessness and existential despair. Guts, the protagonist, embodies the resilience of humanity in the face of overwhelming darkness, with his metaphorical struggle being set alongside the tangible horrors of terrifying and malicious creatures. The intricate artwork paired with the philosophical depth of Berserk have influenced countless creators in Eastern and Western media alike, and its influence has contributed greatly to the re-ignited recognition of dark fantasy as an aesthetic.

Manga Panel from Berserk, 1989

In the most recent years, the rise of a new medium in the form of videogames arose. With it, of course, the aesthetic of dark fantasy persisted in various titles and series. Some of the most beloved and well known examples belonging to this group are the works of Hidetaka Miyazaki and FromSoftware, which brought the aesthetic to the forefront of gaming with Demon’s Souls (2009), and its spiritual successors, the Dark Souls series. Bringing together the lush history of the aesthetic from all previous genres and forms, Miyazaki’s games draw heavily from Berserk, Gothic architecture, and the existential horror of Lovecraft’s works. The games are characterized by their oppressive atmospheres, fragmented storytelling, and, once again, morally ambiguous worlds.

Screenshot from Demon’s Souls, 2009

Players navigate decaying kingdoms filled with monstrous creatures and cryptic NPCs, where even survival is uncertain. These games use the environment itself as a storytelling device, combining breathtaking visuals with deep, philosophical themes of loss, despair, and perseverance. The influence of FromSoftware’s games is evident in titles like Hollow Knight and Elden Ring, which continue to explore the dark fantasy aesthetic in new ways.

Promotional Art for Hollow Knight, 2017

Its continued presence in mediums as new and evolving as videogames cements the dark fantasy aesthetic as a testament to the everlasting appeal of the contrasting themes of light and darkness. From its origins in Gothic literature and 1980s cinema to its modern iterations in Berserk and FromSoftware’s games, the aesthetic continues to evolve, inspiring creators to this day. Its exploration of existential themes, paired with haunting visuals, ensures that the dark fantasy aesthetic will remain a powerful and resonant form of storytelling for years to come.

The appeal of dark fantasy lies in its ability to blend beauty with horror, despair with resilience, creating worlds that feel both haunting and captivating. The grotesque elements—twisted landscapes, monstrous creatures, and decaying civilizations—aren’t just for shock value; they serve as metaphors for existential struggles, the corruption of power, and the inevitability of decay. These unsettling visuals and themes resonate because they reflect deep-seated fears and anxieties, yet within them, there is also a strange allure—the triumph of perseverance, the search for meaning in chaos, and the contrast between fleeting hope and overwhelming darkness. This tension between horror and grandeur, suffering and strength, is what makes dark fantasy so compelling, drawing audiences into its eerie, yet strangely beautiful, embrace

The Black Cauldron (1985), Disney
https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/The_Horned_King’s_Castle

Poster for Excalibur (1981), Warner Bros.
https://www.dexerto.com/tiktok/what-is-the-dark-fantasy-aesthetic-on-tiktok-2817106/

Henson, J. (1982). The Dark Crystal. Universal Pictures.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dark_Crystal

Berserk (1989), Kentaro Miura
https://en.as.com/meristation/2022/06/07/news/1654609502_163890.html

Demons Souls (2009), Fromsoft Games
https://foreverclassicgames.com/reviews/2021/1/demons-souls-playstation-5-review

Hollow Knight (2017), Team Cherry Games
https://store.steampowered.com/app/367520/Hollow_Knight/

 

2 Comments. Leave new

  • I really liked how you went into depth about the history of the dark fantasy aesthetic and how different medias (from stories/novels to cinema/art to video games) have influenced throughout its history. It was fascinating to learn about the themes that define this aesthetic. Something that I would be interested in learning more about is if there was anything specific that could defined the theme. For instance, where there reasons the creatures, landscape, and stories were/felt grotesque? Additionally, I think it would be really interesting if you expanded on what parts of this aesthetic made it appealing to others (yourself included).

    • Danny Vesselovskii
      January 28, 2025 8:32 pm

      Hi Annie, I’m glad you found the historical depth and cross-media influences of the dark fantasy aesthetic interesting. The grotesque elements often stem from themes of existential despair, decay, and humanity’s struggle against overwhelming forces, reflecting fears and anxieties about mortality and the unknown. As for its appeal, I think the aesthetic resonates because it blends beauty and darkness, offering an exploration of resilience in bleak settings. I’ll consider expanding on these aspects in the post, thanks for the great suggestion!

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