Andrew Newton reviews Elric of Melnibone Vol. 1…
Collecting the first volume of the classic adaptation of Michael Moorcock’s bestselling fantasy saga, Elric of Melniboné marks the perfect introduction to the series’ iconic antihero, his fabled blade, Stormbringer, and his harrowing adventures across the Dragon Isle. Adapted by former Marvel Comics editor, Roy Thomas, and beautifully rendered by longtime comics illustrator, Michael T. Gilbert, and the multiple Harvey and Eisner award-winning P. Craig Russell, this definitive collection marks an essential read for all fans of sword and sorcery and brings the Moorcock’s epic tales to life with luxuriant imagination.
Elric of Melnibone has been going for quite some time. First appearing in the novella ‘The Dreaming City‘ written by Michael Moorcock in 1961. A string of novels followed and then in 1972 Elric first appeared in comic form in a story alongside Conan the Barbarian. Since then he has appeared in many comics as his own character with his own storyline. The latest of these is the collection of Elric’s earlier adventures adapted to graphic novel form by Roy Thomas and published by Titan Comics.
Elric of Melnibone Vol 1 forms an ideal introduction to the character that is Elric and the land in which he lives. This volume defines Elric’s character, his thoughts and his emotions as well as his internal struggle between what he believes to be right and fair and what is expected of him as emperor of Melnibone.
Volume 1 not only introduces us to Elric’s own internal struggles but also to those that are more obvious, namely, the thirst for power possessed by his cousin Prince Yyrkoon. It also focuses on Elric’s love for Cymoril and the lengths he would go for her.
Michael T. Gilbert and P. Craig Russell do an excellent job of illustrating the adaptations. The artwork is classic, colourful and brings to life the world of Melnibone not to mention emphasising the weird and demonic nature of the Netherworlds and its inhabitants.
This is an excellent release by Titan Comics. I was not familiar with Elric prior to reading Volume 1 and so wasn’t entirely sure what to expect but Elric of Melnibone isn’t your standard swords and sorcery affair as you will discover when you buy your copy of Elric of Melnibone Volume 1.
Andrew Newton
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ONsp_bmDYXc&list=PL18yMRIfoszFLSgML6ddazw180SXMvMz5
Originally published April 1, 2015. Updated April 14, 2018.
