The Haunting Beauty of 'Tales from the Loop'

[@SomewhatCorrect]

I'm sorry but as a Swede, the image of the two dinosaurs attacking the ice-cream van is somehow the funniest thing i've seen in so long. You see the vans from that company all the time and the idea of one of them not arriving due to a dinosaur attack just cracks me up.

[@russmiddleton5486]

Paleontology's best kept secret, dinosaurs love ice-cream.

[@Googledeservestodie]

"sorry kid, we don't have any more Looney Toons popsicles. I had to throw the box to the dinosaurs in order to make my escape."

[@Kill6ixBillionDemons]

Imagine getting eaten while delivering ice-cream

[@thefourhorsemenofapocalypse]

reminds me of the movie Land of the Lost

[@SomewhatCorrect]

@@Googledeservestodie More like: "Sorry kid, the dinos ate all the Ice cream from GB, is Triumf okay?

[@alvi-mo3fp]

As a Swede this art is really exiting and its increddible how accurate the landscape, the cars, houses... everything is. I could really se myself in every one of these pictures!

[@swedishgrizzly6506]

My house is in there

[@chedar5947]

Bruh it's so accurate

[@HonestlyYeet02]

de känns så surrealistisk att se sverige i populära arbeten när vi är ett sånt smått land

[@itsaffechop1827]

ikrrrr

[@helloimweird8860]

Yeah!!

[@Skorpychan]

I think some of the 'this shouldn't be' suspense was lost on me in the first book. I grew up in britain in the 90s, where you could stumble across bits of WW2 architecture randomly in the woods. Literally, sometimes. Even now, it's not unusual for building works to be suspended because 'whoops, found a WW2 bomb'. My mother once found a sea mine washed up on a beach.

[@drunkpunkrat5764]

The WW2 'discoveries' are pretty common in Poland. Sometimes it's a bomb, sometimes a helmet or a rusty gun, sometimes human skeletons. You never know.

[@ckl9390]

Similarly with me the "remnants of industry" didn't give off the aura of "this shouldn't be" because of how normal it is. Where I live was all mines, logging (still logging), industrial orchards, and associated industry as little as 50 years ago. Many homes were build in abandoned orchards, broken lines and sporadic grids of decrepit fruit trees long overgrown and rotted hollow. Forgotten logging and mine haul roads, now only traces, leading to rusting hulks of vehicles and machinery not worth the cost or effort of removal slowly being absorbed by the forest.

[@Manie230]

Germany was absolutely blasted by bombs. So it’s so common that a construction site is temporarily closed because another bomb, grenade or what ever was found. We Germans are very desensitized to the concept of finding bombs in your garden because it happens so often. If I remember correctly Germany is very high on the list of countries with old bombs etc. rotting in the ground.

[@junoniathesilkwing4221]

There’s this one town in California where they had an old ordinance testing range in a valley, which happened to be behind the local school. Some kids were playing catch with what turned out to be an old mortar. It went off, killing one kid and seriously injuring the other two. That’s the only old bomb-related incident I’ve heard of on this side of the pond.

[@Manie230]

@@junoniathesilkwing4221 Must be nice to not worry about any old bombs lying dormant in your construction area. But I need to add some regions in Germany have it way worse when it comes to bombs. Dresden is one city I remember that was bombed into oblivion so I think you will find way more duds there then here near the Dutch border. But on the other hand you have problems we don’t have. I don’t need to worry about gun violence.

[@solocandy6271]

Asking for 'Tales from the loop' 6 years ago for my 14th birthday was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Glad to see Stålenhag's work joining the archive.

[@europaaugust9598]

Haha what about the electric state?

[@shgds]

jesus freaking christ you're 20???? jesus you're old man. are you still alive?

[@vice.nor.virtue]

What an amazing book to get as a 14 year old. Your head must've nearly exploded!

[@shgds]

you're so ancient that's why im wondering if you're still alive. it'd be shocking for someone as old as you to be alive.

[@peachsncream5808]

@@shgdstrust me …before you know it you will be there … old 😉. it will pay you to start NOT CARING ABOUT AGE , it’s been my experience that people who stir people up about being older , are the same people who struggle with accepting it once they get to around 30 years old . It’s funny to watch it happen , when I was 20 and my cousins were teenagers Trying to stir me up …. Fortunately ageing never bothered me 🤷 …. But now I’m over half a hundred 😉 and they are in their late 30s …. 🤣😂🤣 . .they are really struggling with accepting their age . Tinting their hair - layers of makeup … stacking on the weight due to sitting at an office job … I’m actually 55 and work outside … still physically fit - sure I’m older 🤷 but I’m happy they are younger and stressed about it . I’m sure you won’t be one of them 🤣😂🤣😂 . Mabe you should try one of those aging app’s to see what your in for as you age 🤔🤔 no actually…. Your better of not doing that …. You at least want to be happy between now and 40+ … if you do the age app thing you will be miserable from now until it happens , and that will eat you up inside . good luck Youngster 🤣😂 your going to need it 😉

[@KillR000Y]

The Book was absolutely Incredible, happy to see it gain a place in the Archive

[@europaaugust9598]

The electric state is better in my opinion

[@KillR000Y]

@@europaaugust9598 That's an opinion I can get behind.

[@keithc.5764]

I have such high hopes for his work coming alive in the upcoming film(s). the potential is mindboggling. hope they dont screw it up.

[@DiggitySlice]

As if this channel matters

[@leociresi4292]

0:24 Great Tit:”should we make our nest in this skull’s mouth, honey?”

[@bobmcbob9856]

The atmosphere of stalker reminds me of this one park in my neighborhood. It’s a beautiful lush forest in a ravine around a large creek. All seems very normal and natural. It’s full of animals like squirrels, songbirds, hawks, deer, raccoons, possums, snakes, frogs, coyotes, and more, sometimes it’s all forest, with massive trees on top/at the edge of the ravine and thinner, younger trees and shrubs closer to the creek, sometimes the area around the creek is a meadow of tall grasses, and the sedimentary rock of the cliffs at the ravine’s edge forms a majestic view. But then every once in a while you find the cars. First it’s not cars but massive empty, rusted gas tanks. Then cars show up. Far from the nearest street or overpass, amid tall, old trees that no car could have passed through, a full car, seats and all, lies rusting sunken into the dirt and covered in graffiti. If you go further, you’ll find more cars, further along in their decay, sometimes just a frame and half an engine, a couple other parts lying not far off, hidden in the grass and brambles. I’ve always found it more cool than unnerving thouh

[@ryugray5281]

Do you know how they got there?

[@anthonymorris9061]

@@ryugray5281 the way he describes it sounds like they continued to drive along as they shed parts behind them until they couldn't go any farther. 😏

[@Voice_of_p]

That was a vivid description. Ever thought about writing?

[@gregantus595]

@@Voice_of_p I second that.

[@bobmcbob9856]

@@Voice_of_p I have though I never thought I’d be particularly good at it. I can describe a place just fine but I’m not great at conveying human emotion. I guess it’s something I could practice but that’ll be a long process. I do occasionally write articles for a magazine but they’re not in English

[@wildspirewarrior211]

Seeing videos like this encourages me to continue working on my fictional biography. I'll likely never share it because it's a personal hobby but it never ceases to amaze me the things other people create

[@THExRISER]

You never know how people will receive it, I'd say share it.

[@eksprolek2924]

@@THExRISER same, fixtional biography sounds awesome

[@BackRoadsBandit]

I’m in the same boat. I’ve been adding random ideas to my notes app for 2 years but have trouble fleshing the story out.

[@MikeMozzaro]

Cripes: I cannot figure out how you have that mindset. Every time I watch these videos I always get *discouraged* cause the worlds shown are always infinitely more interesting then mine...

[@scrvaw00]

@@MikeMozzaro think of it as what yours could become with more time, it’s like inspiration. At least for me

[@AkuTenshiiZero]

The vagabonds are just such a fascinating concept, and something about the image of a gangly robot draped in a Jurassic Park banner is so strange to me. Like...I know that banner, it's something intensely familiar from my childhood, but here it is in this bizarre and alien context. I think that it really encapsulates, to me at least, the overall theme here of familiar nostalgia that has been polluted by the unfamiliar and unknowable.

[@AxiomApe]

Great comment. Sums up my feelings as well when I saw the vagabond wrapped in the Jurassic Park banner

[@codegeass7260]

There are even more of these, easier to spot when you've grown up in Sweden. The vagabond wearing what seems like a pink blue and orange cape is actually a banner from popular ice cream brand GB Glace. You can also find images of other vagabonds in the book, one referencing the cartoon character "Bamse". Stålenhag is fantastic!

[@nugboy5701]

I think it's also a reference of the "Life finds a way" theme of Jurassic Park.

[@pokemonparty101]

Simon’s by far one of my fave artists out there. The world building is immaculate

[@europaaugust9598]

One of the best really, I own tftl and the electric state and I love them so much. The electric state is better I think.

[@brianstanton2721]

​@@europaaugust9598 yeah electric State video brought me here, they both seem like god tier quality works

[@DarthBiomech]

I'm surpised you saw the tales from the loop so darkly and ominously. For me it was in vein of soviet naive optimistic scifi fiction that was given a sombre nostalgic coat, for the most part. There were ominous happenings, like the gore infection, but overall I'd say it's melancholic more than threatening.

[@nocontextwhatever]

I loved this series immensely! It was so strange and atmospheric, and unlike anything I've ever seen. I'm so disappointed there isn't more!

[@vgames1543]

Well, there are different stories with similar style by Stalenhag, each could be made into a series.

[@nocontextwhatever]

@@vgames1543 yes, and they should!!!

[@vgames1543]

@@nocontextwhatever Absolutely!

[@europaaugust9598]

The electric state is better I think

[@nathanbrammer8471]

Absolutely agree

[@sharkray3938]

I love how nostalgic it is to see these landscapes and structures that embodies Sweden to me as a swede compared to the fantastical futuristic contrasts. I am grateful this art exists and I have been a fan for a long time. As a child when I were bored in a car ride I would sometimes imagine things like this along the road and I feel like Simon's art takes me back to that.

[@JH-lo9ut]

For our friends from more southern latitudes: Those orange poles you see in some of the pictures are road markers. They are put up alongside roads so that snow plowers know where the edges of the road are. They are made from plastic or before that, bamboo. They are distributed by the millions by some unseen government entity. Every kid has picked one up to use as a fishing pole or to whack your brother in the ass or as a spear to slay dragons. It just love this detail, especially when you see a child throwing one of those orange poles at a giant robot. As strange as they are: the paintings of Simon Stålehag is the most accurate depiction of my childhood that I have ever seen.

[@Pulapaws]

Wow, you had a beyond strange child hood if it just like those painting, lol. I know what you mean, just playing.

[@blakemcmillan5680]

How common are dragons in Sweden that the children have to slay dragons

[@jakobeliasson5972]

​@@blakemcmillan5680Not so common anymore. Those orange poles really pack a punch, it turns out. I remember using them to slay Balrogs in the early 80's.

[@ZarHakkar]

There's a game called Generation Zero about 1980s Sweden being invaded by machines. The Steam community page often has people referencing Simon's artwork.

[@teslashark]

Stalenhag himself said GZ ripped off his style, but I think he's more angry at the bots not spherical enough

[@cybervand]

Its a pretty sad game compared to what it could have been if the artist was involved, i played it extensively and its just...a shell of what could have been

[@teslashark]

@@cybervand The game is just "local Skynet in Sweden, Russia has sent over some AKs to help"

[@moonlitegram]

@@cybervand I still love the game though. I play it with my regular gaming group often, although I loved playing through the story on my own the most. I found it to be a really atmospheric and engrossing game if you allowed yourself to RP through it.

[@dangernoodle3343]

@@cybervand Yeah my biggest issue with GZ was how it always felt like an empty game with like 1 hour worth of interesting content. Anything past that was DLC locked which just made me drop the game entirely

[@paulkanja]

You and Biblaridion are the reason I started worldbuilding,, thank you for these great pieces of inspiration

[@hex_1733]

Simon Stålenhag is my favourite artist! So happy to see his artbook featured on this channel. His art is so damn good, it's incrredible.

[@VeritasQuasitor]

The artstyle of these drawings feel so fitting for the content of them. Really cool. For another peice I think you would enjoy making a video on: Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky. The way the author explores the evolution of the spider species and society, as well as the other species in that book and it's sequel, is super interesting and would probably make a great video

[@teo5339]

Its an exceptional book

[@chaomatic5328]

got a epub file?

[@darthhunter69]

Hasn't he already reviewed this piece?

[@dylanb2990]

@@darthhunter69 he hasn’t, at least I looked it up and couldn’t find anything

[@thomasfisher4833]

Got that book for Christmas, and it was a delight to read. Although, it's difficult to comment on my favourite parts without giving away spoilers.

[@notaporcupine3693]

This is just something, I'm just getting so many feels from this, future, post-apocalyptic, and I would be lying if I didn't say I got some Stranger Things and Lost in Space vibes from some of these pictures. You're really going all out with the spooks, horrors, and unnerving things this month, and I love it. If you're going to keep this theme up for the rest of the month, why not take a crack at Trevor Henderson's frightening monstrosities?

[@MeltingWall]

I'd love to see a video from you covering either Rain World or In Other Waters, two incredibly underrated games with great story and worldbuilding, as well as speculative evolution. Keep up the good work!

[@ZarHakkar]

What I like about Rainworld is that it doesn't _give_ you anything. You can play through the game as no more than an animal, just focusing on surviving one day after another, and be just fine. Or you can choose to reach higher, to painstakingly piece together the story of the ruined world around you.

[@keterpatrol7527]

agreed

[@sharkray3938]

Rain World represent!

[@georgexcreate5357]

Rain World needs more love

[@thelradame5508]

Got your wish.

[@itsaffechop1827]

As a swede myself, Tales of the loop just get this other layer of familiarity added to it in which i just love

[@redfilms710]

I remember seeing the images from this book for school, and I remember how blown away I was from how realistic they looked. It’s good to see where they really came from now.

[@Entikai]

This concept art looks really awesome. Some of the best that we have seen so far on the channel.

[@Cavemanner]

Wow. I've had several images from The Electric State in my wallpaper rotation for years after getting high res versions from a random 4chan thread. It's so cathartic finding out that not only are they from a respected artist, they're part of a complete world-building project! I can finally have some resolution to the 4 images I have! Also to discover they're part of the world that inspired Generation Zero, which I love, is just whipped cream and cherries on top!

[@europaaugust9598]

You should get the book the electric state, it's one of my favorite books ever even if it's just pictures.

[@teslashark]

Stalenhag himself said GZ ripped off his style, but I think he's more angry at the bots not spherical enough

[@Cavemanner]

@@teslashark after diving into his works a bit, I would call it far from "ripping off". There are general story beats that run in parallel but at no point does it feel like they straight ripped anything from his work.

[@Chyronn]

@@Cavemanner I agree; it's more of an "inspired by" vibe rather than "ripping off"

[@MuffinCapBackBlue]

So glad you're doing a video on this guy, the way he conveys a story through his artwork is amazing!

[@UKDagnar]

The live action Series 1 Episode 8 @ 42:35 has me in pieces everytime I see it. You have to have watched the full series to understand the heartbreaking moment but it is so worth it. Amazing artwork that inspired a brilliant TV Programme.

[@mustardsauce5201]

oh dude i love simon stallenhag. not just his sci fi art, but his paleoart too. its actually such a beautiful style.

[@nathanwindom3978]

I found Tales From the Loop in my local library in rural WV around 2016 or so. I read it, returned it and ordered my own copy within the same week. I was in awe of Simon Stålenhag’s fantastic landscapes and I have collected all of his books since.

[@milic5749]

The first time I saw art from these series was when a sequence of images that included the one at 16:24 was posted on an art blog I follow. The blog gave no explanation, only the artist's name and title of the piece, "We Need to Talk About Annika." I spent so much time examining the pictures, trying to imagine what the full story was behind them. I've been obsessed with Stålenhag's art ever since. Thank you so much for covering it! Even as a fan I still learned a lot of new lore here.

[@lukapogo]

I've watched the Amazon series. One of the most human, yet alien series i've ever seen. Incredibly sad they've decided not to continue it.

[@lukapogo]

@Hubert Jasieniecki hope you enjoy it, i still think about it years after watching. Truly made an impression on me

[@Calamity_Jack]

@@lukapogo It was beautifully shot and well-acted, so it was thought-provoking. But ultimately, it was hobbled by stilted writing and a meandering plot. Ultimately, I was disappointed in it, particularly when I found out Netflix wasn't going to do any more with it. Kind of like a beautiful babushka nesting doll that's never opened.

[@CodingPhase]

Yes very sad show

[@ilianaveltcheva9080]

@@Calamity_Jack​​⁠​⁠ A babushka is not a nestling doll. It’s an old lady. The series was produced by Amazon, not Netflix. The plot meandered because the timeline did. That’s the point. The writing was deliberately minimalistic to let the ambiance shine, and the ending closed the loop neatly enough for the series to need no additional seasons. Adding to the trite matryoshka metaphor you attempted: this one very much did get opened along with the 8 smaller ones in it. You just missed most of it.

[@Calamity_Jack]

@@ilianaveltcheva9080 Hit a nerve on this one, huh? I did watch them all, and although I still need to check, I believe I'm still entitled to my opinion. But hey, thanks for your pedantic response!

[@wulfleyn6498]

His art actually inspired me to get into art again.

[@mrmadmaxalot]

I remember when I first discovered Stålenhag’s work back around 2013 or 2014. It was fairly early into his progression, so there were no dinosaurs or androids yet. However, having spent a summer in Sweden in 2011, I was really struck by how well he captured the Swedish light in his paintings. It actually gave me a weird twisted sense of nostalgia. There was low yet bright sunlight of the high latitudes that took me back to my summer there, but there were also all the weird out of place things which seemed to provoke my own creativity to explain. I was hooked. I noticed that in his pictures set in America (The Electric State..mentioned at the end of the video) the light is appropriate for the southwest. Stålenhag is a spectacular artist, and has a great attention to details like this. Glad to see him covered in a video.

[@FeeshUnofficial]

Simon is easily my favorite artist

[@Hustle-bones]

Being a swede I can say that this is rly awesome to see. It looks so accurate to everything here and it just feels so nostalgic

[@jacksonglenn1075]

If you’re doing more worldbuilding projects like this I hope you’ll feature the works of Jakub Rozalski. Particularly his 1920+ series which evokes a similar feeling to these “Tales From The Loop”

[@sargeantgamerful]

A bit salty that Jakub did it first and somehow this tales from the loop artist became famous way faster, or maybe it just feels that way. Maybe its because the dieselpunk aesthetic doesnt attract many or something but hey. Anyways both are great.

[@MindMaelstrom]

I fell in love with him and I had to buy Scythe boardgame 🙌

[@SmuwuthE]

@@sargeantgamerful They are very different thematically, imo. Tales from the Loop isn't really violent at all, just uncomfortable. I don't really know 1920+ but just from looking at it now, it's very clearly got a lot of WW1 stuff going on, lots of militarization.

[@sargeantgamerful]

@@SmuwuthE thematically yeah I agree bit aesthetically the composition of the pieces is similar.

[@justicegutierrez6847]

Artists like this make me realize we may be coming upon a new golden age of Sci Fi.

[@ominous-omnipresent-they]

I contend that we're already there.

[@thecandlemaker1329]

The art is nice, but actual modern sci-fi is all about strong lesbian black wymyns, so have fun with that.

[@sunshineskystar]

its already here, just 40 years you, a nobody, typing that comment and somehow being liked by 87 people across the world was incomprehensible.

[@leociresi4292]

11:50 giant Mechanoid looks like Sonic!

[@puffinthefish]

@@sunshineskystar please leave :D

[@aidanwhite5631]

Your narration of these projects lends them so much credit and you too! You add to the images with your narration but still leave them to be fun to explore. I bought the book A Teeming Universe after watching your video and loved it. I got it nearly a month ago but have paced myself and still have nearly half left. it’s so good I can’t rush it.

[@teejaykaye]

Simon Stalenhag is one of my favorite concept artists and these two books are some of my favorite sci-fi works, so glad to see a nice deep dive into them!

[@XwX1001]

Thanks for this! I hope this gets the guy more of the attention he deserves. He really is an incredible artist, and you've managed to make other artists and works more popular in the past (again, like Alex Ries), so hopefully this does the same. It really is an insane experience getting to see videos on these obscure artists and projects I used to follow in middle and high school who inspired so much of what I like and want to do now as an adult. Again, thank you for this. From a fan of these projects, it really does mean a lot.

[@andrewkawam2603]

The TV show based on this art book is a masterpiece as well.

[@CockatooDude]

It's definitely above average, but I'm not sure I'd call it a masterpiece. Many of the narratives were overly simplistic. There were definitely a couple of stand-out episodes though.

[@veronicaosowski6240]

Love this artist! A true master of his craft.

[@halseywalker5015]

It is one of the best shows I have ever watched , it reminds me of my hometown which also has lots of facinating stories. I also love that unique piano background music , so beautiful . I would love a season 2 of this magnificent show.

[@jennieivins]

I remember finding this artist years before the TV series. I instantly LOVED the surrealness and liminalness of the art. It just feels real and wrong in the best kind of way.

[@the_Googie]

As a big fan of Stalenhag, you covering his books is so awesome. I preorder every book. Get some tea made, listen to a CyroChamber longplay, and then just enjoy the movie experience that his art is. All handpainted, no 3d (he rarely uses 3d geometry for perspective guides) It's wonderful.

[@ChiChi76458]

This makes me feel so calm, yet so on edge. Amazing video as always!

[@leociresi4292]

This is like a precursor of what will become as Muiltimedia and AI take over

[@itsd0nk]

The lighting in these images is so accurate. This artist has an extremely good understanding of light transportation as seen through a physical camera.

[@fancifuldevices]

I thought the Loop series showed a deep sense of quiet peace. Reminded me of how fresh snow absorbs sound. Thank you for showing me this amazing art I would never have seen otherwise.

[@leonicle4473]

This is such a phenomenal project, I’m so glad you covered it

[@nartsadiku8249]

This project could really be a film! And I would watch it

[@daeviant]

There's a TV show. It's on Amazon I think.

[@scottgarriott3884]

Wow. The light captured in these fantastic paintings is absolutely beautiful, not to mention their haunting imagery. Masterfully done! Really well reviewed too.

[@lovesick_loser]

i've always been obsessed with simon stålenhag's artwork, to the point where i own two of his books (including tales of the loop lol)... my life goal is to maybe one day create something that makes someone think "oh this is similar to simon stålenhag!". his art just has this unique impact on ppl that is to be envied

[@surfdocer103]

I’m 71 and am really moved by these dystopian renditions. I like things that pull me out of my comfort zones.

[@HCG]

It was really thoughtful for you not to spoil the ending. I know many people would have viewed it and moved on without ever supporting the original artist.

[@Kachelator]

Thanks, I already know these books, and I appreciate that you announce their greatness to the peoples who didn't have the joy already.

[@MoonlightHorizon-ev7ev]

I'm not swedish/norse. But his art hits me where I exist. Melancholy, atmospheric, surreal, and cold. His art just captures what I feel. It's like taking an urban walk on a stormy winter night, watching the patterns of rain in the streetlights, and soaking up the cold air, wind, and rain to feel alive. The sound of the occasional car driving by on a wet road to reassure you that you're not the only one in this world. Or standing alone on the beach shortly before nightfall on an overcast day, with the chill air and the entrancing sound of the restless sea. You can smell the saltwater, kelp and shoreline detritus as you look out and survey the sea in the dimming grey light. It's dark, lonely, but your mind finds peace as your cares are washed away in rhythm with the waves.

[@Zaprye]

Amazing, what a pleasant surprise to see you cover the work of Stålenhag! Great video, please keep at it! ♥

[@BeautifulGazelle06]

What surprised me most about this art is how similar a lot of the landscapes are to stuff I see here in the US, the countrysides seem like something id see on a daily basis (i'm currently living in southern Appalachia), the suburbs remind me of visiting my grandma when I was younger, and even the urban environments from "things from the flood" remind me of growing up in Richmond.

[@happynihilist2573]

That image of the fathery raptors by the street and the giant sifi arches looming overhead Looking at it you get such a strong sense that something doesn't belong, but with how integrated the sifi elements are into the landscape I can't shake off the filing that it's *us* that don't belong..

[@oceanheartsart8998]

I'm so glad you made a video on Stålenhag’s works -- he's amazing! The thing that really grabbed me about his art is how he almost always paints it from the view of ordinary citizens who have developed their habits and lifestyles around the anomalies (in contrast to, say, the scientists'/government's perspective who are trying to contain the issues which often happens in sci-fi). So much so that when reading his book I felt as if this was a real place and these were real events. Real people who, for them, this is just another part of reality. How much of our own reality would look like Tales from the Loop from the perspective of a reader from another alternate reality? I cannot recommend reading his books enough!! If you have the chance, do it!

[@kerosene247]

I absolutely love these videos, and the slightly unsettling world's are just so interesting. I love these rabbit hole type world building projects and would definitely wait longer to get a 1-2 hour video going into minute detail on these absolutely amazing things. you are awesome 👍

[@AznPanduhs]

Was soo stoked to see Stålenhag join the archive! I’ve been following his work via social media for years and it was so cool to see him share pictures he took during his road trip across the US, taking inspiration for Electric State. Seeing scenes from the state/area you grew up in painted by him as a dystopia with dilapidated robots scattered about- feels like an alteration of your own childhood and reality. Really love the man’s work and this video does a great job introducing his mythos. Hopefully this draws him even more supporters.

[@pedrobrunodeandrade]

I can't believe you found Simon's work! This is like having David Attenborough cover Jurassic Park's velociraptors.

[@johnbidwell2393]

The reason I enjoy these projects so much is that they drive my imagination to fill in the details, so I'm always wary when somebody provides 'their take' on them. In this case however I think you've shown great awareness of the ambiguity behind the images while at the same time provided a satisfying narrative. Well done!

[@housewilma4904]

always love timebending phenomenon including my favourite the Worm In Waiting the casuality paradox who uses a similar "loop" concept even the same feeling of uncanny valley oddness.

[@Simply_here1]

I just discovered this artist and i am amazed, this art is so unbelievably amazing

[@midnight5895]

Simon Stalenhag is a mastermind! I love his pictures so badly! Bought all of his books ^~^

[@rezonantsarachnids5351]

This is the very first artist you've covered that I actually knew about before seeing one of your videos. Huge fan of Simon's work

[@jacobb8531]

I'm not only intrigued by the lore but i absolutely adore the art style, it is by far my favourite style and i hope i can adopt it into my own :)

[@jordanpedder3233]

"Familiar landscapes, rendered unfamiliar through quiet abnormalities" Such a great phrase and a way to put it..... Great video

[@theascendancy664]

I'm so happy that you also included Things from the Flood! I had only just read it a few days ago, and here we are. Edit: I also realised that there may be some missing piece in the puzzle that connects the Loop era to the Labyrinth... possibly the way that they disposed of the flooded machines?

[@europaaugust9598]

I have only read the electric state but I'm pretty sure I've figured out the whole story. His works are very vague.

[@ATruckCampbell]

If you look hard enough there are likely many works that you could string it too, but we will never know because Simon is very vague.

[@pinetorch7876]

Cool to see you explore other genres that are pretty obscure. Nice breath of fresh air after a lot of spec bio.

[@ZachJ-0]

I just wanted to say, I've never heard of this artist before this KZbin video. Now I just bought the electric state. I just bought my first book in 10 years. Thanks for this video and exposing me to this. My life feels enriched.

[@Jaszi007]

It reminds me of an SCP where tldr someone struggles for months to get to a device that can save the world but is given the choice to either make time loop back to (I think) 1,000years ago and hope something changes to save it or let the world finally perish. The guy ends up thinking he doesn’t know how many times it’s been looped but hopefully this time it changes. It’s a pretty good SCP story and definitely very captivating. *IMPORTANT REMEMBERED INFO* The guy from the beginning of his journey is in a protective suit and part way through ends up getting stuck in it.

[@thesorrow4664]

What's the scp #?

[@Jaszi007]

@@thesorrow4664 I’m sorry. I REALLY wish I could remember it but I can’t. I just know I read it years ago when I tried to read through a bunch of them but I only ever got to about 190~195 so it’s definitely somewhere in the first 200SCPs.

[@theterminaldave]

@@thesorrow4664 I bet you could ask in the SCP subreddit and find out.

[@carv0]

This sounds like SCP-5000, I suggest checking it out to see if that’s what you’re talking about. It’s a great story either way.

[@Axolotls677]

Maybe scp 2000?

[@PowerHouseProdigy]

Every single one of these videos I watch is inspiring to me. I'm not a great artist, but I do love some good ol world building.

[@embasorangiratina36]

I think one of my favorite parts of Stålenhag's works are often just how mundane most scenes generally are. Like sure there may be things that seem alien and inscrutable in otherwise unremarkable scenes. But to the people in universe, they're are all just those unremarkable things that are just familiar landmarks you dont really question or scenes you'd pass by on the way to work or read about in a minor article in the morning paper you encounter everyday in your normal life.

[@vazak11]

A fascinating concept and brilliant art; I always love your work here it always feels like you really read and engaged with the material.

[@warframeees8013]

Feels like I’ve seen and been to every one of these pictures, most accurate portrayal of Sweden I’ve seen (the architecture I mean).

[@diogene_s8032]

This is possibly one of my favourite fictional universes. Thank you for doing this video!

[@LoveBbyJay]

Generation Zero is one of my all time favorite video games! I didn't realize that Simon Stålenhag was the art direction's inspiration! Your video has given me even more love for the game! Many thanks for the video, and I'll be back for the next one!!

[@HallowLiar]

I’ve had this book for a very long time, would recommend. The sequel is equally great!

[@christinejones6065]

Thanks to Your nteresting video, I decided to buy 'Tales from the loop' for my Brother"s recent birthday and thus was able to appreciate it first! Please continue to share the Amazing Creativity of many varied artists with us! 😊

[@BrunoMaricFromZagreb]

What was the book like?Is it any different to the online version?

[@at0mic_cyb0rg]

I think some of the uneasiness in Tales From The Loop comes from the overall theme of childishness. Especially when it comes to the wandering machines, as the intelligence they possess (when they possess intelligence) seems to be akin to a human child. It makes them seem curious, but in a very threatening way, like they will pick you up and fold you and squeeze you simply because they're curious what will happen if they do that. And the human children in this world play with the things they find in much the same dangerously curious way (not always dangerous to themselves, but often to others or to reality itself). Something else I just realised the kids and the robots have in common is this subtle sense that, while they are ultimately the responsibility of their creators, the stories in this world take place while they are unattended and unsupervised. The kids are evidently free to roam and encounter dangerous paranormal artefacts, which I attribute to a combination of the parents' ignorance to their surroundings and their single-minded focus on "adult things" (some of which is the Loop itself, ironically). The machines are also left to behave autonomously, which adds to the unease because it doesn't feel like they are reporting to anyone or that, if they were to injure you, any alarms would go off. Imagine one of these machines noticed you in the woods and stopped what it was doing to approach and scan you. You would be worried at first that it might report you for some accidental trespass, or mistake you for its objective and "harvest" you. But, it completes its scan, and returns to what it was doing, seemingly curious enough to study you but finding you ultimately insignificant. Does a scientist somewhere know it scanned you? Was it programmed to? Or does it have its own infantile agenda, and scanning you was the equivalent of a child staring at a new face? If the latter, what would have happened if the metaphorical child had disliked the new face? Where a child would cry and flail, what does a hulking, infantile robot do?

[@alundrajehuthy1801]

I was researching to run tales from the loop for some friends, but this, this got me so much more excited to dive deeper into the author's work. You got me convinced to buy the books! thank you for this video!

[@germanomagnone]

17:32 The "monsters" of this Image, let me think of many things from movies, cartoons that I have seen "mixed" together; I see: 1) An alternative phase the life cycle of the Graboids of the film series "Tremors" 2) The "Mega-Bugs" of Starship Troopers 3) An anime entitled Shinzo ("Mushrambo" in Japan), which raises Yakumo's adventures in this new world. 4) In Jurassic Park 2, when "Mommy Rex" and "Daddy Rex" threw the caravan down and eat poor Eddie Carr. (is almost the same) 5) Evolution (2001 film) possible "alien insects" of the film.

[@robertwagner9265]

The colours in all his artwork is always spot on. Makes it look almot real...

[@space_1073]

The kid holding the gun to the teddy bear freaked me out the most to be honest. I might have mis-interpreted, but it felt like paranoia in the wake of objects coming to life at random.

[@JBinFL]

Yeah. The feeling of something innocuous and associated with children that has to be taken outside and put down is pretty bleak.

[@erickschusterdeoliveira2662]

reminded me of Stasis: Bone Totem

[@kirillwulkitin8038]

Whew, my wife and I took a look at Beyond the Black Rainbow after watching your video here given the sense of mystique YOU were able to evoke with some very curated sampling from the film and your very generous discription of it. It was, simply put, one of the most miserable film experience we have ever had. Derivative, unnecessarily slow, unintentionally funny in moments that are meant to evoke tension and with a resolution to the overarching conflict that is a direct spit in the face of the audience. Please, if anyone else is considering giving it a watch after consuming this actually good piece of media, DON'T. Its basically we have Stanger Things at home, but without starpower, story, direction or any sense of iteration on this type of concept. Its vapid emulation.

[@OrionBright]

I love your entire channel, and especially this and the last video. They fit the Halloween season very well. If it weren't for you highlighting fantastic speculative biology projects I wouldn't have been inspired to make my own. Hopefully a few years from now I'll have it developed enough to be on your channel- that's my dream. Hope you have a great day :-)

[@cassidyrenno8596]

YESSS TALES FROM THE LOOP! These latest videos have been so good! Great choices, amazing videos!

[@tatianitsaful]

Simon’s art reminds me of Jakub Rozalski’s paintings. Although the second also features mythical creatures.

[@GuiSeppe_Rae]

I stumbled across the series and I'm soo happy that I did. This is absolutely AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL !!! Hopefully we'll get a series on Things From The Flood.

[@armok409]

It's probably just because of the shared theme of "menacing robots in sweden" but I can't help but be reminded of the video game known as Generation Zero, set in an alternate 89'/90' in which rogue machines (and invading soviet ones) have overrun sweden. Hell the thumbnail used here (and a similar image featuring the cooling towers in the video itself) remind me a lot of some of the promotional images used for that game. Can't help but feel that the devs may have been inspired by tales from the loop and things from the flood. Actually kinda neat.

[@speakingofman5062]

I believe it’s actually inspired by his work

[@Nyambui]

It reminded me of that too. Aside from a few other things, it reminds me of another game but my memory is failing me at the moment, you play as a red haired girl in a post apocalyptic future with rogue robots doing their thing.

[@Baneyyy]

This is a underrated channel for sure

[@Coldwater-sw6me]

Fucking Simon stålenhag😳❤️❤️ I’m subscribed for your channel for quite some time now, but I never EVER would have expected that. Hopefully (for me) You consider making a video of „the electric state“ too. Thanks for this. I’m a huge fan of his work.

[@och70]

I have never heard of these books before. Thank you for introducing me to this artist's work!

[@asspimples]

this project reminds me a lot of the art installation/experience Omega Mart

[@yungquaker6637]

Simon Stalenhag is prolly one of my favorite artists of all time

[@auggie_swaglord]

thank you for putting simons work onto my radar!! definitely going to get his artbooks for christmas i think!! is there any chance of you perhaps covering the electric state and the labyrinth anytime soon? id love to see you make a similar video about those two books as well!!

[@urcrazycutie]

As a child I would find these images from this artist, and loved them with irrevocable passion. I grew up, 10 years give or take. When I watched the video things became more familiar and I realized I never left.

[@cktheone]

Oh, cool! I just bought and read "The Labyrinth" by the same author. I am definitely looking forward to reading more of his work!

[@exile5678]

I always found the tales from the loop art very comforting for some reason. I think it might be that out of place feeling you talk about that I feel a connection to. that feeling you get while you're growing up and everything is strange and different from how you imagined but wonderful if you simply enjoy the novelty of how strange everything is from expectation.