Are You in the Loop?

Tales From the Loop by Simon Stalenhag

In Sweden, in the countryside of  Malaroarna, deep under ground there is the world's largest particle accelerator.  The local people call the compound The Loop.  Strange things happen there.

This book is equal parts strange science fiction tale and art book.  The artwork is beautiful and at a quick glance can be taken for photographs.  But at the same time the images are slightly eerie.  Taken together with the recollections of a man who lived above The Loop it has an unsettling feeling, in the very best way.  It is told in short memories of various things that happened in the area. At the end you are left not knowing if the childhood was happy or scary, or if The Loop was a power for good or not.  I really enjoyed it and plan to look for more work by Stalenhag.

 Tales From the Loop starring Daniel Zolghadri

Under the townspeople's feet is a machine used to explore the mysteries of the universe.  Above the ground the townspeople experience many strange and unexplainable events.

This is an eight episode mini-series.  The cast of characters stays the same throughout the series, but each episode focuses on a different odd incident.  It is a science fiction series that actually takes place in the past.  Which, I think, gives it an interesting feel.  Like all these things are out there right now and we just don't know about it.  The stories are not scary exactly.  They are more creepy and unsettling. Even though they all revolve around The Loop, they all have different, interesting concepts that make you come back for more.  This was a very entertaining series that made me wish there were more episodes.  

Series vs. Book:

There were things in the book that you do not see in the series but there are also things in the series that you do not see in the book.  I think the series does a really good job of keeping the eerie feeling of the book.  Many of the images in the series are exactly the same as the art in the book.  Although there are some big differences between the two, I think the series did a really good job of bringing the book to the screen.  This is a rare occasion where I can't say which one I liked better.  I enjoyed them both.  I will read more books by Zolghadri, and if there is a second season (which I hear there will be) I will definitely watch it.