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Michael Moorcock's Elric #2
Stormbringer
When his people are mercilessly massacred, Elric, the albino former Emperor of the ancient island of Melniboné is cast out into the world. However, fate brings him into the possession of Stormbringer - the fabled, bloodthirsty demon-sword that will sustain him and dominate his destiny.
Elric Vol. 2: Stormbringer is the second installment of the stunning graphic novel adaptations of Michael Moorcock's most famous work, Elric of Melniboné.
Elric Vol. 2: Stormbringer is the second installment of the stunning graphic novel adaptations of Michael Moorcock's most famous work, Elric of Melniboné.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published September 24, 2014
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719 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
July 29, 2022
4.5/5 Stars
Another short review for this brilliant comic book.
Stormbringer is the 2nd volume graphic novel adaptation of Elric book series written by Michael Moorcock. Since Elric were published in 1972, you can say that Michael himself is one of the first few people who created the genre Dark Fantasy or maybe even the pioneer. Its origin is dated back longer than the Black Company written by Glen Cook.
Stormbringer retained the quality from the previous book, it is as stunning, bloody, dark, gritty, andmorally ambiguous. as before. No, scratch that. Elric of Melnibone is a complete anti-hero, he's an evil dude who's going to eradicate a greater evil or just kill anything for the heck of it. There's nothing morally ambiguous about him, he will literally sacrifice anything to achieve his goal. The comic have gripping story, contained a lot of graphic images, brutal and savage. Julien Blondel's artwork is a work of excellence, it's on par with some manga I really loved and definitely better than most.
The con I have on this graphic novel is the same as before, the length and price. It's even shorter than volume 1 and the price is too expensive, at least in my country anyway. I finished reading the book within 10 minutes. With a total of 25 minutes of reading these two volume, you will have to spend $30 for the hardcovers. I really don't think it's worth spending $30 of your money for 25-30 minutes of reading but in the end it's up to you.
If by any chance you were interested in reading Elric but still not sure about it, this is a really great place to start. Michael himself said this adaptation is even better than his own book. You can read and see for yourself if you're going to continue with the books or not after. I definitely will read the entire Elric series one day after reading this, not soon but I will. I definitely have to see more of his journey with Stormbringer.
Highly recommended for dark fantasy and comic book fans. Again, these graphic novels are definitely designed for adult audience.
Another short review for this brilliant comic book.
Stormbringer is the 2nd volume graphic novel adaptation of Elric book series written by Michael Moorcock. Since Elric were published in 1972, you can say that Michael himself is one of the first few people who created the genre Dark Fantasy or maybe even the pioneer. Its origin is dated back longer than the Black Company written by Glen Cook.
Stormbringer retained the quality from the previous book, it is as stunning, bloody, dark, gritty, and
The con I have on this graphic novel is the same as before, the length and price. It's even shorter than volume 1 and the price is too expensive, at least in my country anyway. I finished reading the book within 10 minutes. With a total of 25 minutes of reading these two volume, you will have to spend $30 for the hardcovers. I really don't think it's worth spending $30 of your money for 25-30 minutes of reading but in the end it's up to you.
If by any chance you were interested in reading Elric but still not sure about it, this is a really great place to start. Michael himself said this adaptation is even better than his own book. You can read and see for yourself if you're going to continue with the books or not after. I definitely will read the entire Elric series one day after reading this, not soon but I will. I definitely have to see more of his journey with Stormbringer.
Highly recommended for dark fantasy and comic book fans. Again, these graphic novels are definitely designed for adult audience.
June 17, 2025
"Tempestosa. Cosa vuoi da me?"
"Nulla.Tutto. Che tu mi renda fiera. Che ti mi renda bella. Che tu mi renda unica... Non è ciò che desideriamo tutte?"
"Parli come se tu fossi..."
"Viva? Sono ben più... Sono eterna. Nutrimi, ed io nutrirò te. Uccidi per me... ed io lo farò per te. Insieme... costringeremo in ginocchio uomini e dèi... Io e te... mio bianco lupo... fino alla fine dei tempi."
Brividi.
"Nulla.Tutto. Che tu mi renda fiera. Che ti mi renda bella. Che tu mi renda unica... Non è ciò che desideriamo tutte?"
"Parli come se tu fossi..."
"Viva? Sono ben più... Sono eterna. Nutrimi, ed io nutrirò te. Uccidi per me... ed io lo farò per te. Insieme... costringeremo in ginocchio uomini e dèi... Io e te... mio bianco lupo... fino alla fine dei tempi."
Brividi.
August 30, 2023
With the second Volume of the series a lot of freedoms have been taken diverting from the original story, but it works for the better since a lot of the pacing issues the first volume had, are now gone.
Overall it felt more refined but also kept the tragedy, that made elric so special, alive.
4.0 of 5.0 stars
Overall it felt more refined but also kept the tragedy, that made elric so special, alive.
4.0 of 5.0 stars
March 7, 2017
A dark and adventurous story combined with brilliant and dark artwork. One of the best Elric graphic novels I've read.
February 23, 2019
A strong intense second volume laying the foundations of the relationship between Elric and his iconic weapon, the deadly souls-eater Stormbringer.
Lots of differences from the novels, but this is still the best graphic novels adaption of Moorcock's doomed albino prince saga.
And the ending of this volume just gave me chills down my spine.
February 19, 2015
WOW. Wow. Wow. This one gave me major goosebumps.
Nothing short of spectacular.
Nothing short of spectacular.
August 3, 2015
Bullet Review:
Sick. Twisted. Graphic. Violent. Bloody.
And way too short for the hard cover price.
I enjoyed this about as much as the first one. I wouldn't be opposed to continuing the series - the art is nice, and the story/characters are interesting enough. But I sure as hell won't be buying any of these - they are just too expensive and too short!
Sick. Twisted. Graphic. Violent. Bloody.
And way too short for the hard cover price.
I enjoyed this about as much as the first one. I wouldn't be opposed to continuing the series - the art is nice, and the story/characters are interesting enough. But I sure as hell won't be buying any of these - they are just too expensive and too short!
April 19, 2024
Concludes the first Elric novel. Unfortunately it's quite condensed and loses a bunch of my favourite scenes and elements from the novel. Still it has fantastic artwork and does tell the story well enough. I was hoping the novel would be told over the 4 books and not just the first two.
December 13, 2020
Όταν η φρεσκάδα και το ταλέντο νέων δημιουργών σμίγει με το όραμα του αρχικού δημιουργού, μένοντας πιστοί στο ύφος του υλικού που διαχειρίζονται, δίχως να το καταστρέφουν παρά να το εξελίσσουν μέσα από το πρίσμα ενός μοντέρνου σχεδιασμού, έχουμε αυτό το καταπληκτικό αποτέλεσμα που αναδεικνύει τόσο το παλιό, όσο και το νέο. Για μένα η απόδειξη για το πόσο ψηλά μπορεί να φτάσει μια καλλιτεχνική ομάδα αν συνεργάζεται με αρμονία. Αναμένω με αγωνία και τα υπόλοιπα!
Υγ: Επίσης, απολαυστικός Άλαν Μουρ στον πρόλογο!
Υγ: Επίσης, απολαυστικός Άλαν Μουρ στον πρόλογο!
April 15, 2015
Back in September 2014 I reviewed Volume 1 of this series, The Ruby Throne which introduced us to a new graphic novel version of Michael Moorcock’s most famous literary creation.
This series is the retelling of Mike Moorcock’s famous Elric books through the graphic medium, the story of albino Elric, Emperor of Melniboné and his betrayal by his brother-in-law Yyrkoon and the consequences of this on Elric, the Ruby Throne and the Kingdom of Melniboné. In Volume 2 we start to get really interesting, building on the events set up in Volume 1:
‘The ruby throne stands empty. The soldiers are amassing: Elric the albino Emperor of Melniboné, is marching on the Young Kingdoms in search of what has been stolen from him. Aided by the great Lord of Chaos, Arioch, he will wreak his revenge on those that dare to challenge the White Wolf… ‘
This time around, the book is shorter, yet more intense. Having shown the alienness of the Melnibonéan race in Volume 1, here we see the ferociousness of a king determined. With his cousin Yyrkoon in hiding, Elric leads the Sea Lords to the Young Kingdoms in order to find Yyrkoon and Elric’s lost love Cymoril who Yyrkoon has kept in slumber there. The need for Elric to save his lover is so important that Elric has summoned the Lord of Chaos, the great Arioch to help them.
A tale of war, mystical gods, arcane power, blood, vengeance and love – there’s a lot here to love for fans of Epic Fantasy. Readers of the original books (Elric of Melniboné, Stormbringer, Weird of the White Wolf) will be pleased to also find that, despite some changes to the original stories, it is here that we have one of the key revelations of the Elric mythos appear, that of the true nature of Elric’s mystical sword Stormbringer. One of the biggest (and coolest!) ideas of the series is that Stormbringer is a sword that in return for its use demands living souls for Lord Arioch. Elric is duty-bound to provide them.
Moorcock’s original tale shows a multi-layered tale of imagination and depth and this graphic version manages to convey that very well. Elric is now the encapsulation of a tortured soul, angry and vengeful, torn between his love of a woman and his duties as King to the people of Melniboné, addicted to whatever Stormbringer provides and restrained by his destiny. His obsession with bringing back Cymoril means that he makes inappropriate decisions and deals with the Gods that are expensively bought, and which will have eternal consequences. It’s clearly not going to end well.
Comparing the book with the first volume, it is evident that although the roster of people involved has varied slightly (Jean Bastide added to with Jean-Luc Cano and Julien Telo, although Didier Poli from Volume 1 is on the first 12 pages), the elegant style, detail and elegance of The Ruby Throne has been continued here. Pictures are fluid and memorable, the world of Elric supremely realised. As with the first volume, though, Stormbringer is quite graphic (appropriately), with sex and nudity (although I think tastefully done myself) and the violence may not be for younger readers.
Whereas in the first volume there was an introduction by Mike himself, this time the honours go to Alan Moore, the graphic writer known for his creations The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, V For Vendetta and Watchmen. It is as gloriously literate, lively and as lyrical as you would expect from this noted fan. He tells of his initial teenage interest and tries to explain the importance of Elric both in the context of an iconic character as well as a graphic novel character. Alan does not give plaudits out liberally, so when he writes
‘I’d like to join with Moorcock in declaring this to be the most successful, true-in-spirit re-imagining of his fate harrowed icon.’
you know that it comes from the heart.
At the end of this book, as last time, you get an insight into the series with the artists, writers and colourists giving an insight into the production of the graphic novel. Though Stormbringer was hinted at in this part of Volume 1, I’m pleased to see it in its full glory here. This time around the section gives some nice detailed drawings of Elric and Stormbringer and The Dragon Caves (yet to appear fully in this tale.).
In summary, the series continues to develop and expand on what has gone before. The quality of the artwork is as fine as ever and the story is developing nicely – there is more to come! I’m pleased that Volume 2 continues the standard set by Volume 1.
I loved it. Recommended.
This series is the retelling of Mike Moorcock’s famous Elric books through the graphic medium, the story of albino Elric, Emperor of Melniboné and his betrayal by his brother-in-law Yyrkoon and the consequences of this on Elric, the Ruby Throne and the Kingdom of Melniboné. In Volume 2 we start to get really interesting, building on the events set up in Volume 1:
‘The ruby throne stands empty. The soldiers are amassing: Elric the albino Emperor of Melniboné, is marching on the Young Kingdoms in search of what has been stolen from him. Aided by the great Lord of Chaos, Arioch, he will wreak his revenge on those that dare to challenge the White Wolf… ‘
This time around, the book is shorter, yet more intense. Having shown the alienness of the Melnibonéan race in Volume 1, here we see the ferociousness of a king determined. With his cousin Yyrkoon in hiding, Elric leads the Sea Lords to the Young Kingdoms in order to find Yyrkoon and Elric’s lost love Cymoril who Yyrkoon has kept in slumber there. The need for Elric to save his lover is so important that Elric has summoned the Lord of Chaos, the great Arioch to help them.
A tale of war, mystical gods, arcane power, blood, vengeance and love – there’s a lot here to love for fans of Epic Fantasy. Readers of the original books (Elric of Melniboné, Stormbringer, Weird of the White Wolf) will be pleased to also find that, despite some changes to the original stories, it is here that we have one of the key revelations of the Elric mythos appear, that of the true nature of Elric’s mystical sword Stormbringer. One of the biggest (and coolest!) ideas of the series is that Stormbringer is a sword that in return for its use demands living souls for Lord Arioch. Elric is duty-bound to provide them.
Moorcock’s original tale shows a multi-layered tale of imagination and depth and this graphic version manages to convey that very well. Elric is now the encapsulation of a tortured soul, angry and vengeful, torn between his love of a woman and his duties as King to the people of Melniboné, addicted to whatever Stormbringer provides and restrained by his destiny. His obsession with bringing back Cymoril means that he makes inappropriate decisions and deals with the Gods that are expensively bought, and which will have eternal consequences. It’s clearly not going to end well.
Comparing the book with the first volume, it is evident that although the roster of people involved has varied slightly (Jean Bastide added to with Jean-Luc Cano and Julien Telo, although Didier Poli from Volume 1 is on the first 12 pages), the elegant style, detail and elegance of The Ruby Throne has been continued here. Pictures are fluid and memorable, the world of Elric supremely realised. As with the first volume, though, Stormbringer is quite graphic (appropriately), with sex and nudity (although I think tastefully done myself) and the violence may not be for younger readers.
Whereas in the first volume there was an introduction by Mike himself, this time the honours go to Alan Moore, the graphic writer known for his creations The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, V For Vendetta and Watchmen. It is as gloriously literate, lively and as lyrical as you would expect from this noted fan. He tells of his initial teenage interest and tries to explain the importance of Elric both in the context of an iconic character as well as a graphic novel character. Alan does not give plaudits out liberally, so when he writes
‘I’d like to join with Moorcock in declaring this to be the most successful, true-in-spirit re-imagining of his fate harrowed icon.’
you know that it comes from the heart.
At the end of this book, as last time, you get an insight into the series with the artists, writers and colourists giving an insight into the production of the graphic novel. Though Stormbringer was hinted at in this part of Volume 1, I’m pleased to see it in its full glory here. This time around the section gives some nice detailed drawings of Elric and Stormbringer and The Dragon Caves (yet to appear fully in this tale.).
In summary, the series continues to develop and expand on what has gone before. The quality of the artwork is as fine as ever and the story is developing nicely – there is more to come! I’m pleased that Volume 2 continues the standard set by Volume 1.
I loved it. Recommended.
February 3, 2023
This is a great continuation graphic adaptation of Titan Comics Elric Saga. It relates Elric's search for Yyrkoon and Cymoril in the Young Kingdoms. Just like volume 1, the art is gorgeous and even more brutal (truth be told--some images crossed the line for me--hence, the 4 for some tasteless/excessive violence [and I have a high tolerance for such imagery]). One thing I find interesting is how Elric is much more of a monster in this series than in the source stories/novels. In fact, Elric is often compassionate in the original stories. In this, he is unadulaterated evil at times. The battle between Yyrkoon and Elric is epic. The rendering of Grome, the earth elemental, was really artful and even sublime (in its scale, it kind of reminded me of Doré's Inferno illustrations). This definitely clarifies how evil Melniboné is and makes Elric's ultimate alienation and betrayal somewhat excusable.
July 31, 2025
⋆.˚✮ 4 stars ✮˚.⋆
continuing this graphic novel series is making me want to read the original Elric series more and more. i still didn't understand every little thing that went on in this book, there's certainly some references that would make more sense if i'd read the series, but it's still enjoyable. Elric seems to be an interesting character, and i continue to like the worldbuilding and art style. considering this ending as well, i'm intrigued to see where the rest of the graphic novels go, and if it will have a solid conclusion or not- due to each edition being so small.
↬ trigger warnings: death and murder, nudity, blood and gore, bodily torture
continuing this graphic novel series is making me want to read the original Elric series more and more. i still didn't understand every little thing that went on in this book, there's certainly some references that would make more sense if i'd read the series, but it's still enjoyable. Elric seems to be an interesting character, and i continue to like the worldbuilding and art style. considering this ending as well, i'm intrigued to see where the rest of the graphic novels go, and if it will have a solid conclusion or not- due to each edition being so small.
↬ trigger warnings: death and murder, nudity, blood and gore, bodily torture
December 14, 2018
Po meni,da je štampana kao više tomova odjednom (2 recimo) bio bi bolji ugodjaj.Bez obzira na kratke epizode, delikates za čula
April 8, 2020
Πόση μαγεία μπορεί να χωρέσει σε 64 σελίδες; Πριν τελειώσω έλεγα όχι αρκετή, μια και όπως είναι αναμενόμενο πολλά πράγματα και λεπτομέρειες του (πρώτου) βιβλίου του Έλρικ δεν υπάρχουν εδώ. Αυτό είναι ίσως το μοναδικό αρνητικό της έκδοσης. ΟΛΑ τα υπόλοιπα είναι απίστευτα. Το σχέδιο είναι πανέμορφο. Το feeling του Λευκού Λύκου είναι εδώ. Οι διάλογοι είναι όπως τους είχαμε φανταστεί διαβάζοντας το πρώτο βιβλίο (που ολοκληρώνεται σε αυτόν τον δεύτερο τόμο) Η Καταιγίδα που μιλάει στο μυαλό του "αφέντη" της είναι... Ααααααρρρρργκ. Μέχρι και ο λόγος που ο Ελρικ αφήνει την αυτοκρατορία του γίνεται πλέον πιστευτός. Και αν βάλουμε και τα υπέροχα σχέδια στο τέλος από διάφορους σχεδιαστές, τότε η μαγεία που χωράει γίνεται όση μπορεί να αντέξει ο ανθρώπινος εγκέφαλος. Αργεί το επόμενο της σειράς;
February 24, 2022
Άλλο ένα έπος! Είναι λίγο παραπάνω "μελνιομπονιος" ο Ελρικ στο Graphic novel, αλλά οκ!
August 29, 2021
Elric's final decision in the first prequel book was, often, seen as profoundly foolish and naive and optimistic - but having re-read the story recently, I could see Moorcock make it work pretty well. It was justified decently, and the characters involved in the choice really seemed to have changed to the better.
None of that was allowed in this comic, however. There was none of the growth - no suggestion that anything had changed anywhere - and Elric didn't even begin to try and justify it. It felt more like a sudden whim out of nowhere for him.
So, as with the first comic, these adaptations continue to look spectacular but are slightly hollowed in content. It really is a shame.
None of that was allowed in this comic, however. There was none of the growth - no suggestion that anything had changed anywhere - and Elric didn't even begin to try and justify it. It felt more like a sudden whim out of nowhere for him.
So, as with the first comic, these adaptations continue to look spectacular but are slightly hollowed in content. It really is a shame.
April 23, 2023
Didn`t have a lot of expectations from this volume, but, the ending was quite unexpected and surprising, so I`m kind of hooked to see where the story will go from here.
The artwork was great like tin the first one, and the madness was all over.
There isn`t much attention on developing the characters more, but overall, I felt that the story made all the introduction needed to get a better grasp on them.
The artwork was great like tin the first one, and the madness was all over.
There isn`t much attention on developing the characters more, but overall, I felt that the story made all the introduction needed to get a better grasp on them.
March 24, 2019
Much more interesting than the first one. Violence (thankfully) toned down with a nice plot twist at the end.
Spoiler : I don't know but I really like the twist about him giving up his throne in the end. Plus I liked the trap Yrikoon (?) pulled, it was rather intelligent but how this situation came to a resolution was disappointing. So much could have been done there.
Spoiler : I don't know but I really like the twist about him giving up his throne in the end. Plus I liked the trap Yrikoon (?) pulled, it was rather intelligent but how this situation came to a resolution was disappointing. So much could have been done there.
March 26, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
April 15, 2025
"The glory of Melniboné is a cruel mistress. Would you give your life for your empire?"
In one sentence, the writing and art are good, yet if this is faithful to Moorcock's story, I probably won't attempt to read the original material.
Since I don't know how faithful this is to Moorcock's book, I'm interested in the dark Chaos of it, partnered with the brutal landscape, the ever-present threat of Law (depending on who you ask), and the mythology afoot. And then I'm disconnected to the oppressive and debaucherous nature of the Melnibonéans, who are enslavers of humans or elitist rulers, and may even feast upon their flesh or sacrifice humans to the causes, desires, and traditions of Melniboné hierarchy. The further I read, the more I kinda lean into wanting to see the chaos take over, if for no other reason than to destroy the questionable characters. Don't take that too serious, the interest is there and the authors are compelling me forward, but the artists have brought the words to life well, assuming they gave it all their own dark interpretation of the cultures and environments.
An ancient battle between
#1, The Ruby Throne
#2, Stormbringer
#3, The White Wolf
#4, The Dreaming City
#5, The Necromancer
In one sentence, the writing and art are good, yet if this is faithful to Moorcock's story, I probably won't attempt to read the original material.
Since I don't know how faithful this is to Moorcock's book, I'm interested in the dark Chaos of it, partnered with the brutal landscape, the ever-present threat of Law (depending on who you ask), and the mythology afoot. And then I'm disconnected to the oppressive and debaucherous nature of the Melnibonéans, who are enslavers of humans or elitist rulers, and may even feast upon their flesh or sacrifice humans to the causes, desires, and traditions of Melniboné hierarchy. The further I read, the more I kinda lean into wanting to see the chaos take over, if for no other reason than to destroy the questionable characters. Don't take that too serious, the interest is there and the authors are compelling me forward, but the artists have brought the words to life well, assuming they gave it all their own dark interpretation of the cultures and environments.
An ancient battle between
#1, The Ruby Throne
#2, Stormbringer
#3, The White Wolf
#4, The Dreaming City
#5, The Necromancer
October 18, 2022
The dread fear older fantasy readers have is going back to things they loved as a kid and thinking WTF was wrong with me? This is in that pile. I adored Elric passionately in my teens. Looking at this with adult eyes I'm thinking why do I remember him as a tragic, if emo, character when he's obviously a heartless, arrogant and outrightly foolish psychopath?
While there are deviations from the novel judging by other reviews (because I haven't reread the novels in 30 + years and don't remember), Alan Moore's overblown intro claims this is the best graphic novel adaptation of the stories and Moorcock himself seems to agree.
The cover alone tells you there's going to be misogyny in this and there is but not as much as feared simply because women are only present briefly as things to be slaughtered (and if you're wondering about my psychopath statement we first see Elric in a pool of blood and bodies while babies are torn from their mothers and sacrificed for I'm not even sure what, a way to find the villain of the piece, Cymoril's (Elric's queen) brother who wants the throne. (And I'm not putting that under a spoiler cut, it should serve as a trigger warning).
Elric shows his concern and love for Cymoril by moving mountains and calling on the gods for help (which the god of chaos is happy to do) but he slaughters everyone sometimes for the littlest of reasons (spoiler alert/trigger warning more dead kids) so it becomes impossible to root for him.
This is not how I remember this story. I think I prefer my obviously imperfect memory. And boy Cymoril is a piece of work too. Honestly not worth going to war over. This takes place before he meets Moonglum I think.
The art is really well done so that's a plus. Bonus points if you can tell me why Cymoril (and every woman) needed to be naked though. (like she couldn't be stabbed through clothing? but like i said women are here to be killed, nothing more).
I'm rather afraid to read any more and maybe just keep Elric as a happy memory
While there are deviations from the novel judging by other reviews (because I haven't reread the novels in 30 + years and don't remember), Alan Moore's overblown intro claims this is the best graphic novel adaptation of the stories and Moorcock himself seems to agree.
The cover alone tells you there's going to be misogyny in this and there is but not as much as feared simply because women are only present briefly as things to be slaughtered (and if you're wondering about my psychopath statement we first see Elric in a pool of blood and bodies while babies are torn from their mothers and sacrificed for I'm not even sure what, a way to find the villain of the piece, Cymoril's (Elric's queen) brother who wants the throne. (And I'm not putting that under a spoiler cut, it should serve as a trigger warning).
Elric shows his concern and love for Cymoril by moving mountains and calling on the gods for help (which the god of chaos is happy to do) but he slaughters everyone sometimes for the littlest of reasons (spoiler alert/trigger warning more dead kids) so it becomes impossible to root for him.
This is not how I remember this story. I think I prefer my obviously imperfect memory. And boy Cymoril is a piece of work too. Honestly not worth going to war over. This takes place before he meets Moonglum I think.
The art is really well done so that's a plus. Bonus points if you can tell me why Cymoril (and every woman) needed to be naked though. (like she couldn't be stabbed through clothing? but like i said women are here to be killed, nothing more).
I'm rather afraid to read any more and maybe just keep Elric as a happy memory
December 31, 2021
The second novel and conclusion of the first arc in these volumes sees Elrich haste after his traiterous cousin.
Again the visual format and the artist's skill bring forth how powerful (and powerfully allied) the line of melnibonéan kings truly is, while showing the arrogance and cruelty Elric and his followers possess towards normal human people.
This volume also starts the fateful relationship between Elric and the demon blade Stormbringer, and soon teaches him not to trust the blade.
Again the visual format and the artist's skill bring forth how powerful (and powerfully allied) the line of melnibonéan kings truly is, while showing the arrogance and cruelty Elric and his followers possess towards normal human people.
This volume also starts the fateful relationship between Elric and the demon blade Stormbringer, and soon teaches him not to trust the blade.
October 12, 2017
En este álbum tenemos la historia de cómo Elric viaja en busca de su amada Cymoril, en el punto álgido del relato seremos testigos de un enfrentamiento por el favor de Arioch un señor del Caos, que concederá a Elric el poder de una de sus espadas, la tormentosa, un regalo envenenado.
June 22, 2023
ptn incroyable
March 24, 2017
La segunda entrega de la saga nos trae una introducción al compañero de viajes de Elric, que una vez más presenta una historia muy distinta a las de J.R.R. Tolkien donde al héroe lo acompaña un ser vivo valiente de gran corazón como Sam para con Frodo, para Elric su compañero es una espada negra creada por las fuerzas del Caos llamada "La traedora de Tormentas" o también "La Tormentosa". EL arma encantada forma parte de una raza de demonios que toman la forma de una espada, y como tal es una fuerza de caos y maldad. El filo de Stormbringer posee tal poder que es capaz de atravesar virtualmente cualquier material que no esté protegido por algún hechizo igual de poderoso. Sus características más distintivas son la conciencia que tiene de su propio ser, además de poseer una mente y voluntad propias, y que se alimenta de las almas de aquellos a quienes mata. Elric odia la espada pero está casi indefenso sin la fuerza y la vitalidad que esta le confiere.
El hambre de "La Tormentosa" por las almas es tal que frecuentemente traiciona a Elric creándole en su mente un deseo frenético de matar obligándolo a asesinar a amigos y seres queridos. La naturaleza maldita de la espada acrecienta el sentido de culpabilidad de Elric y el odio hacia sí mismo aún cuando siente placer en los momentos en que las fuerzas vitales usurpadas entran en su cuerpo.
Leyendo los dos tomos de la saga de forma continua se podría decir que es una única historia contada en dos partes. Sacando la adición de la espada como "personaje", el resto del comic mantiene un aire muy similar al primero sin grandes novedades o suspenso (aunque hay una parte donde visitan a la tierra de los humanos que es imperdible).
Ambos libros me entretuvieron por igual y considero que los creadores mantuvieron el buen nivel de principio a fin en ambas partes.
Recomendado!
El hambre de "La Tormentosa" por las almas es tal que frecuentemente traiciona a Elric creándole en su mente un deseo frenético de matar obligándolo a asesinar a amigos y seres queridos. La naturaleza maldita de la espada acrecienta el sentido de culpabilidad de Elric y el odio hacia sí mismo aún cuando siente placer en los momentos en que las fuerzas vitales usurpadas entran en su cuerpo.
Leyendo los dos tomos de la saga de forma continua se podría decir que es una única historia contada en dos partes. Sacando la adición de la espada como "personaje", el resto del comic mantiene un aire muy similar al primero sin grandes novedades o suspenso (aunque hay una parte donde visitan a la tierra de los humanos que es imperdible).
Ambos libros me entretuvieron por igual y considero que los creadores mantuvieron el buen nivel de principio a fin en ambas partes.
Recomendado!
September 19, 2017
As I wrote in the review of the previous tome, Moorcock affirmed that this version of Elric is what he would have liked to envision. It is much darker, unapologetic and downright nasty at times, especially when it comes to the interaction of Melniboneans and humans.
This volume also boasts an introduction by Alan Moore, who puts into perspective the creations of writers and artists in his generation, the reflection of the End of Empire (which is also evident and much more prominent in the work of Bryan Talbot, also Moorcock's friend).
However, in putting forth a darker vision of Elric and his world, the writers stray from some important parts of the narrative, as relate to characterization, making the already anti-hero Elric even less likable. And although I like the depictions of the elemental gods, such as Straasha and Grome, I am not sure I like the shift in their personality.
At any rate, it is a good Elric story and close to the spirit of the original tale, illustrated in excellent detail.
At the same time, this, along with the aforementioned reasons, is why I have given it a 4. The Titan Editions album's size is quite smaller than the average Franco-Belgian, whereas the art is evidently made with that in mind. In effect, with all there is to see in each panel, sometimes it tired my eyes.
However, that is really all I have to remark on this amazing new take on Elric.
*MILD SPOILER ALERT*
This volume covers the journey to reclaim Cymoril from Yrkoon's hands and Elric's first contact with Stormbringer, albeit in a different manner than the original book.
This volume also boasts an introduction by Alan Moore, who puts into perspective the creations of writers and artists in his generation, the reflection of the End of Empire (which is also evident and much more prominent in the work of Bryan Talbot, also Moorcock's friend).
However, in putting forth a darker vision of Elric and his world, the writers stray from some important parts of the narrative, as relate to characterization, making the already anti-hero Elric even less likable. And although I like the depictions of the elemental gods, such as Straasha and Grome, I am not sure I like the shift in their personality.
At any rate, it is a good Elric story and close to the spirit of the original tale, illustrated in excellent detail.
At the same time, this, along with the aforementioned reasons, is why I have given it a 4. The Titan Editions album's size is quite smaller than the average Franco-Belgian, whereas the art is evidently made with that in mind. In effect, with all there is to see in each panel, sometimes it tired my eyes.
However, that is really all I have to remark on this amazing new take on Elric.
*MILD SPOILER ALERT*
This volume covers the journey to reclaim Cymoril from Yrkoon's hands and Elric's first contact with Stormbringer, albeit in a different manner than the original book.
December 6, 2018
Second book in the series. Elric seeks his rebellious cousin Yyrkoon in order to punish him for fighting and conspiring against Elric and especially for threatening Elric's lover Cymoril (she is - to complete the entire tragedy setup - Yyrkoon's sister who Yyrkoon plans to take for his wife after Elric is thrown and Yyrkoon made the Emperor of Melninbone).
Following is possible spoiler (but only if you never read anything about Elric before) so I will mark it as such because I do not want to spoil anything to anyone.
Art is excellent as in previous issue (although different artist did the job). Again this is dark fantasy (sometimes very dark - especially scenes of the human village Elric and his warriors come across while chasing Yyrkoon) so keep that in mind.
Highly recommended to Moorcock's and Elric's fans and fantasy fans in general.
Following is possible spoiler (but only if you never read anything about Elric before) so I will mark it as such because I do not want to spoil anything to anyone.
Art is excellent as in previous issue (although different artist did the job). Again this is dark fantasy (sometimes very dark - especially scenes of the human village Elric and his warriors come across while chasing Yyrkoon) so keep that in mind.
Highly recommended to Moorcock's and Elric's fans and fantasy fans in general.
April 2, 2015
First off, this is the best adaptation of Michael Moorcock's Elric ever. Yes, ever. In the 50+ years Elric has existed, this is the best since the original. This second volume, Stormbringer, following The Ruby Throne, has Elric and crew (literally a crew as they board a ship gifted to them by the Lord of the water, Straasha) venture out and explore more of the world, including a human village and one utterly taken over by chaos. This makes for even more visually mind-blowing art cells, as seen in Vol. I. Seriously, the artwork is some of the best comic book art out there. Vol. I highlighted the sheer hedonism of the Melnibonean's, the race the title character is emperor of, and gave readers insight into the decadent, chaos-worshipping kingdom that Moorcock himself did not do. In fact, he stated this as the main reason why he said this comic series is better than his books. Vol. II gives readers a taste of the world outside of Melnibone, the very world that the Melniboneans themselves shun as unworthy, and who has largely forgotten of the powerful race of dark sorcerers who used to rule nearly all of the land. While the cool BDSM, Hell-raiser looking stuff is pretty much absent in this volume, there's plenty of blood and death here to make up for that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2020
7.5/10 stars
Actually, a much better entry than the first. As the setting/worldbuilding is already done, we can focus on the story - and it's so much more interesting and ambiguous than the opening issue suggested! Here Elric finally becomes his fabled self, broken and driven, contrarian, cursed and self-loathing, utterly amoral and retaining only a vestige of humanity (though upon hearing this assertion he would surely cut off my head and eat my liver or whatnot, as he doesn't seem to value humans much).
The art is intriguing and dark, as befits the subject matter - Blondel and his team did a great job reimagining Elric and his doomed world for our modern sensibilities. My only gripe is that they could've easily gone for bigger panels - it would make the comic even better, clearer and more engaging, and at 64 pages a good few more would've probably be welcomed by fans with open arms.
Actually, a much better entry than the first. As the setting/worldbuilding is already done, we can focus on the story - and it's so much more interesting and ambiguous than the opening issue suggested! Here Elric finally becomes his fabled self, broken and driven, contrarian, cursed and self-loathing, utterly amoral and retaining only a vestige of humanity (though upon hearing this assertion he would surely cut off my head and eat my liver or whatnot, as he doesn't seem to value humans much).
The art is intriguing and dark, as befits the subject matter - Blondel and his team did a great job reimagining Elric and his doomed world for our modern sensibilities. My only gripe is that they could've easily gone for bigger panels - it would make the comic even better, clearer and more engaging, and at 64 pages a good few more would've probably be welcomed by fans with open arms.
July 22, 2015
Stormbringer is the continuation of the story that started in The Ruby Throne. I still find this interpretation immensely interesting, and the art is still entirely lovely. I enjoy flipping through just to look at the illustrations.
Here we see the ruthlessness and violence inherent to the Melnibonéan idiom, in part perpetrated by Yyrkoon in his bid for power, and in part by Elric himself in his quest to find and rescue Cymoril from her brother’s mad clutches. I find the authors have come up with a slightly more sensical reason for Elric to leave the kingdom at the end of this arc (which marks the end of the first book of the Elric Saga itself), which is to say that, in exchange for Cymoril’s life, Arioch demands Elric give up his throne.
I look forward to reading more! Each book is so lovely, but so short…
Here we see the ruthlessness and violence inherent to the Melnibonéan idiom, in part perpetrated by Yyrkoon in his bid for power, and in part by Elric himself in his quest to find and rescue Cymoril from her brother’s mad clutches. I find the authors have come up with a slightly more sensical reason for Elric to leave the kingdom at the end of this arc (which marks the end of the first book of the Elric Saga itself), which is to say that, in exchange for Cymoril’s life, Arioch demands Elric give up his throne.
I look forward to reading more! Each book is so lovely, but so short…
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