The Dreaming City

The Michael Moorcock Library: Elric #3

by Roy Thomas, P. Craig Russell, Michael Moorcock

Following his triumphant return to the city of Imrryr, The Dreaming City chronicles the Eternal Champion’s most epic adventure to date as he attempts to reclaim the Ruby Throne, rescue his beloved, Cymoril, and reconcile with his damaged psyche.

Genres: Fantasy, Comics, Graphic Novels, Sword and Sorcery, Comic Book, Graphic Novels Comics, Dark Fantasy

65 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

Roy Thomas was the FIRST Editor-in-Chief at Marvel--After Stan Lee stepped down from the position. Roy is a longtime comic book writer and editor. Thomas has written comics for Archie, Charlton, DC, Heroic Publishing, Marvel, and Topps over the years. Thomas currently edits the fanzine Alter Ego for Twomorrow's Publishing. He was Editor for Marvel comics from 1972-1974. He wrote for several titles at Marvel, such as Avengers, Thor, Invaders, Fantastic Four, X-Men, and notably Conan the Barbarian. Thomas is also known for his championing of Golden Age comic-book heroes — particularly the 1940s superhero team the Justice Society of America — and for lengthy writing stints on Marvel's X-Men and Avengers, and DC Comics' All-Star Squadron, among other titles.

Also a legendary creator. Creations include Wolverine, Carol Danvers, Ghost Rider, Vision, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, Valkyrie, Morbius, Doc Samson, and Ultron. Roy has also worked for Archie, Charlton, and DC among others over the years.

Reviews

[Drew Canole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This came out before P. Craig Russell did the adaption of the first novel of Elric of Melnibone. It's a bit bewildering if you haven't read that book or comic adaptation - as it just thrusts you into this world and characters without much context.

I really like P. Craig Russell's art in this one especially his faces for Elric and the evil cousin Yrkoon and when ever he's depicting architecture and magic. Some of Russell's coolest artwork is in this book and I think it's an excellent adaptation of the novella.

It's a great followup to Russell's other work on the character.

[Sud666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a comic adaptation of Michael Moorcock's famous Elric story :The Dreaming City. Here the adaptor is Roy Thomas who was known for his Conan the Barbarian stories. This is a very faithful adaptation and the artwork, while from the early 80's is still quite stylish and beautiful.

The basis of the story is that Elric, the Last Emperor of Melinbone is leading a group of human invaders to ransack his city, Immyyr. But his true intention is to rescue his love Cymoril from her mad brother and current Emperor Yyrkoon. This is a tale of Elric's ennui, his almost fated destruction of his homeland and his betrayal of all those who would have been his friends. More than that I will not say as this would be spoiling the story. Read it.

The artwork has a dreamlike quality to it that enhances the strange world created by Moorcock. While this may not appeal to everyone, most fans of high fantasy will appreciate this old school classic. Also the artwork is something to behold. All in all a great adaptation of an even greater original story.

[Juho Pohjalainen · Rating 4 out of 5]

P. Craig Russell experiments like a Lord of Chaos himself - this volume looks distinctly different from the last one he illustrated, yet you can still tell it's the same guy. I think it looks better here. Even Yyrkoon doesn't stand out so badly, red hair or not.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Elric. 5 bleak stars.
Missing last lines:
Elric looked from the dark waters to the dark skies, past the dark faces of all who remained and in into eternity.
“Fuck you” he said.

[Shannon Appelcline · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first of Roy Thomas' Eternal Champion adaptations has been long-lost, since it was written for Marvel before Thomas took the series over to Pacific and First. It's great to see it finally returned.

This is one of the most iconic Elric stories, with its deep anti-heroism and its tragedy. It's also very beautifully illustrated here by P. Craig Russell. Even the coloring is exquisite.

It's great to see this back in print, and if there's any Eternal Champion comic that you'd want as a first dip into the mythology, it's this one.

[Jemir · Rating 5 out of 5]

A worlds spanning fantasy adventure epic that those that may not like worlds spanning fantasy epics may still enjoy is the best way I can think of to describe this book. Point of interest: though I've known of the character Elric for years I did not know much about him other than his name, the fact that there were "alternate timeline" versions of him ("Our Elric" meeting up with some of his "other selves" propels major aspects of the plot this time around) and that he had a mystic sword with one of the coolest names in the history of fictional swords (Stormbringer) that may or may not have inspired the look, sound and design of the George Lucas created 'Light Saber'. With that said this is a great gateway into the fantasy realm of Elric that gets the reader up to speed with the ins and outs of the mystical realms traveled (think "Lord Of The Rings" settings mixed with a "Game of Thrones" grit) yet laser focused on the characters and circumstance that make this time quest journey a read that can be enjoyed on its ownm merit.

[Little Timmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good comic adaptation of Moorcock's book. Very recommended

[Carlos Nouaille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este 18 de diciembre, Michael Moorcock cumple 81 años. «Pienso que soy un mal escritor con grandes ideas, pero prefiero eso a ser un gran escritor con malas ideas.» Después de toda una vida dedicada al Fantástico, la capacidad creadora de Moorcock sigue deslumbrando. Una vitalidad inagotable, como si procediera de una espada negra devoradora de almas… Elric, el príncipe trágico, es su personaje más famoso, y no sorprende que fuera el primero en ser adaptado al cómic. Roy Thomas salda una deuda que tenía pendiente desde aquel cameo indigno en 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘯 14 y 15 (¡ese gorro!) y Philip Craig Russell despliega todos sus recursos con una ambientación que le venía como anillo al dedo. Esto era Marvel en 1982… Durante años, mi única copia fue un tomo viejo y amenazando ruina que encontré de casualidad en un rastrillo. Enhorabuena a Yermo Ediciones por la reedición. Y felicidades al maestro.

[Richard Guion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 1982 adaption of Michael Moorcock's first Elric story, The Dreaming City, is very faithful to the source material. Roy Thomas and Craig Russell figured out how to translate Elric from prose to comics form. Russell's rendering here is very detailed and his layouts for the story are superb. He opens up on double page splashes to make it feel like a widescreen shot when the attack on Imrryr occurs. You really feel the horror at the end when Elric's attack on his cousin goes wrong. Russell also did some psychedelic rendering of Yyrkoon in his battle with Elric that I loved. I have to say that Thomas did a fine job with the adaption as well.

BTW, I am reviewing this off the original graphic novel that was published in 1982: Marvel Graphic Novel #2, which at the time cost $5.95. The pages are in great condition and the colors still hold up today. Glad I kept it all these years!

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Another one from the Marvel Graphic Novel line. This is No. 2. Love these books. This one was pretty cool. If you couldn’t tell by the cover, this is a sword and sorcery kind of story. Elric is leading a charge to the Dreaming City to take out his cousin who is the only other person who practices sorcery like Elric and wields a demonic sword. Elric also wants to rescue the love of his life who is also his cousin. I know, weird right? The artwork has a specific feel to it that fits this story perfectly. Some big battles and some tragic situations. Pretty solid book that ends on a note that makes you want to read more.

[StrictlySequential · Rating 3 out of 5]

P. Craig Russell Op. 10

The art is sumptuous!

[Tony Calder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume of the Marvel Graphic Novel series is Roy Thomas' adaptation of one of Michael Moorcock's Elric stories - The Dreaming City.

Roy Thomas has made his name at Marvel as the premier writer of Conan, so adapting another author's creation is something he has some familiarity with. However, there are some difficulties, as this is not the first Elric novel, so Thomas is required to fill in some backstory for characters that casual readers may not be familiar with. While his adaptation of the story is pretty good, he doesn't do a great job of properly conveying the importance of some of the characters.

P. Craig Russell's artwork, however, is excellent, and fits particularly well into this story. He does a great job of emphasising the otherworldliness of the Melniboneans, and this graphic novel is top notch from an artistic point of view.

[Rick Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roy Thomas and P. Craig Russell adapt Michael Moorcock's fantasy novella that featured the long recurring character of Elric of Melniboné. Thomas' and Russell's adaptation of "The Dreaming City" was my first exposure to Moorcock's work, and also to P. Craig Russell's artwork - which remains the chief highlight of this adaptation. The fantastical dreamscapes, settings, character designs, etc. all remain immaculate and even Roy Thomas shows substantial restraint from his typical verbose writing to allow Russell's artwork to breathe. The story here follows Elric and a group of companions looking for Imrryr, the Dreaming City, in hopes of sacking it. The inherent magical defenses of the city require Elric's expertise to crack them, and it's revealed that Elric has vengeance as part of his motivation for this journey. Elric is presented very much as an atypical hero, one who has an awkward demeanor to him along with a gaunt and creepy design. It's this deviation from the fantasy tropes that sets the series apart, and Russell realizes this aspect of the story capably with his artwork.

[Bradford D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvel Comics second foray into the graphic novel format, this 1982 adaption of Michael Moorcock's first Elric story is full of dark magic and swords, including a certain one with a taste for human souls, be they foe or friend. Roy Thomas is faithful to the source material and P. Craig Russell's art is outstanding as usual. The art is not what was typical for comic books of that time and really served the story well.

[The_J · Rating 3 out of 5]

This actually reaches back through time to resurrect the First Comics adaptations. Strong work from Roy Thomas in adaptation managing to capture the strength of the novel and blend it with the power of the graphic novel.

[Jo Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful art, for sure, but not adjusting the script to accommodate the events of the prequel stories was a poor choice in my opinion. Thomas had the benefit of hindsight Moorcock did not, but did nothing with it.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great graphics. Very surreal story.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fantastic artwork. Weird story.

[Katelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much smaller than other volumes I'd read prior, and maybe done without those volumes in mind. Still a very good story and pivotal to Elric's story.

[Angela Murat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most visually stunning graphic novels I have ever read.
The thin pen strokes, the simple outlines, and the detailing create such an appealing style. The illustrations are bursting with colour. You find pink oceans, blue skin, and orange trees. The entire colour spectrum is explored on each page. Not to mention the characters are drawn into such elegance and beauty. There is so much imagination wielded into the making of this world and its images; it absorbs you like you're really there. As for the scenes depicted in the panels, they are so cinematographic it's like watching a movie.

Usually, I find it really hard to settle into a fantasy graphic novel. The beginnings are usually very slow due to all the world-building and the complex connections you have to make between characters and their pasts, etc. This graphic novel is extremely short. The storytelling is fast-paced and straight-forward. It only took me around an hour to read through the whole book, so it is a very quick read that is easy to pick up. The narration had really beautiful descriptions at times and it was really easy to follow. It especially allowed me to really "be" the character.

Great read! It really highlights the importance of visuals and how much it impacts story-telling. Very inspiring to the inner artist in me!

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was 1982 and this was my first graphic novel. The artwork made a tremendous impression on me. No other artist quite captures the bleak arcane mystery and inner turmoil of this archetypal character as does P. Craig Russell. 30 years after first reading this novel I still see Russell's art in my mind when I think of the Elric of Melniboné stories. Roy Thomas is likewise masterful in condensing the story line to its purest essence. I couldn't recommend this graphic novel more highly.

[Hugo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sigue sin atraparme la historia de Elric, creo que no es mala, y hay partes muy interesantes, pero el arte tampoco me gusto mucho, no me gusto el diseño de las armaduras y los colores tan chillones, aparte que Elric no tiene mucha presencia en estos dibujos.

[Chris Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art in this one suddenly jumps up a gear, so much so that I thought it was a different artist.

I would have preferred it if this was part of a larger book as the whole thing was over in what felt like a few pages, but that’s not a criticism of the story obviously.

[JJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent adaptation. Thomas' words are true to Moorcock's original story and Russel's art is fantastic. A great addition to any Eternal Champion collection.

[Adam Sweeny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now quite dated, especially in the color palette, but a great anti-hero story, as always.

First time I've read in Graphic Novel format.

[Reyel2107 · Rating 5 out of 5]

my first elric tale !!!!!!

[Peter Melancon]

Third book is much smaller than the last one. The story is still good, I am looking forward in reading the actual novels after the graphic novel series.