There is a bit of a Moorcock / Elric revival going on at Titan Books at the moment. To add to the two volumes of the new graphic novel version (The Ruby Throne, review HERE and Stormbringer, review HERE) we have this older version of Michael Moorcock’s most famous literary creation.
So, to be clear, this is a collection, the first of a proposed series, of the Pacific / First Comics 1980’s adaptation. In an Introduction by Michael Moorcock, Mike explains the background to this version, explaining the differently drawn versions before this one. Originally published by Pacific / First Comics, Mike states of the writers and illustrators, ‘They set about depicting my stories with dramatic, luxurious line, harking back to my own influences from the Gothic and Art Nouveau while Roy Thomas adapted my work very faithfully.’
Writer Alan Moore in the second volume of the newer graphic novel version is a little less generous, saying that this adaptation is “beautifully rendered, lavishly ornate but in my own opinion sharing the same problem that the Druillet work had evidenced, the emphasis on luscious imagery perhaps distracting from the pulp-paced dynamism of the plot and narrative.”
It is perhaps useful, if a little unfair, that I have seen both versions of the Elric mythos recently. It is clear that this one suffers by comparison. It is simpler, limited by the production values of the 1980’s.
And yet there is a certain charm, an energy, that is reflected in these pages. Though the Blondel/Poli version clearly has more to tell of the Elric mythos, this version fairly bounces through the tales, introducing us to a wider range of characters and situations. There is some nudity but not quite as graphic as the new version. It is a tale worth seeing, even with its cruder and more garish printing.
In summary, the reappearance of this version of the Elric story will be a welcome addition to many fan’s libraries, particularly for something that has been hard to get and in such a fine edition. The enthusiasm and baroque ebullience of a version clearly produced with love will win many younger fans, and for them I would recommend this version rather than the rather more adult Blondel/Poli version. Otherwise, think of this as an alternate version in Moorcock’s multiverse.
Michael Moorcock Library Vol 1 Elric of Melnibone
By Michael Moorcock and Roy Thomas, Michael T. Gilbert and P. Craig Russell
Published by Titan Comics, March 2015 (www.titan-comics.com)
ISBN: 9781782762881 (Hardcover)
176 pages
Review by Mark Yon, March 2015
