What do you think?
Rate this book
Richard Corben Obras Completas #7
Bloodstar
This is a graphic novel by Richard Corben, based upon work by Robert E. Howard, specifically the short story "Valley of the Worm."
It is sometimes referred to as the first "Graphic Novel."
It is sometimes referred to as the first "Graphic Novel."
112 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
About the author
Robert E. Howard
3,079 books2,700 followersRobert Ervin Howard was an American pulp writer of fantasy, horror, historical adventure, boxing, western, and detective fiction. Howard wrote "over three-hundred stories and seven-hundred poems of raw power and unbridled emotion" and is especially noted for his memorable depictions of "a sombre universe of swashbuckling adventure and darkling horror."
He is well known for having created—in the pages of the legendary Depression-era pulp magazine Weird Tales—the character Conan the Cimmerian, a.k.a. Conan the Barbarian, a literary icon whose pop-culture imprint can only be compared to such icons as Tarzan of the Apes, Count Dracula, Sherlock Holmes, and James Bond.
—Wikipedia
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
He is well known for having created—in the pages of the legendary Depression-era pulp magazine Weird Tales—the character Conan the Cimmerian, a.k.a. Conan the Barbarian, a literary icon whose pop-culture imprint can only be compared to such icons as Tarzan of the Apes, Count Dracula, Sherlock Holmes, and James Bond.
—Wikipedia
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 7, 2024
Loose adaptation of Robert E Howard's Valley of the Worm.
This has a completely different set-up to the original story but ends up telling a similar tale but much expanded. The character of Bloodstar is way better than Niord in the original. I cared way more about him. Instead of REH's lost ages set-up, this is told as a post-apocalyptic tale where mankind has reverted once again to barbarism.
There's a few chapter breaks with lots of text telling the tale. In 1976 they're really trying to create a graphic novel. I think it'd be better without the text and just let Richard Corben's art tell the tale, but its not bad. Possibly the first comic to call itself a graphic novel in print (2 years before A Contract with God).
The scene of Bloodstar going through a tribal punishment is brutal.
Presented in black and white. It's also in color in Heavy Metal 45–52.
This has a completely different set-up to the original story but ends up telling a similar tale but much expanded. The character of Bloodstar is way better than Niord in the original. I cared way more about him. Instead of REH's lost ages set-up, this is told as a post-apocalyptic tale where mankind has reverted once again to barbarism.
There's a few chapter breaks with lots of text telling the tale. In 1976 they're really trying to create a graphic novel. I think it'd be better without the text and just let Richard Corben's art tell the tale, but its not bad. Possibly the first comic to call itself a graphic novel in print (2 years before A Contract with God).
The scene of Bloodstar going through a tribal punishment is brutal.
Presented in black and white. It's also in color in Heavy Metal 45–52.
April 7, 2020
Bloodstar is one of those rare relics of a bygone era that remains just as fresh as it was yesteryear. Its a piece of history yet is still an eminently fun read with action that holds up remarkably well to modern standards. Just as it binds science fiction to the world of sword and sorcery, the past and the present have been tightly bound in a binding that connects us here to the manly-man epics from time immemorial.
In fact, for yours truly I was beyond amazed just how smooth the transition from the world of the apocalypse melted into that of the world reborn. From the far end of the primeval oroborous to the steps following the end of ends, merely the next step gives way to what once was. Strongly dosed with the fantastic, fantastical prehistory of yore has been veneered with a dose of bladed violence to keep us engaged and excited
In a world in which brawn trumped first and bashed brains second with tradition overruling all, Bloodstar remains a fierce tome of fictional prehistory just as it will remain a piece of excellence fantasy for eons to come.
In fact, for yours truly I was beyond amazed just how smooth the transition from the world of the apocalypse melted into that of the world reborn. From the far end of the primeval oroborous to the steps following the end of ends, merely the next step gives way to what once was. Strongly dosed with the fantastic, fantastical prehistory of yore has been veneered with a dose of bladed violence to keep us engaged and excited
In a world in which brawn trumped first and bashed brains second with tradition overruling all, Bloodstar remains a fierce tome of fictional prehistory just as it will remain a piece of excellence fantasy for eons to come.
July 27, 2011
Possibly the best graphic novel I have ever read. For a solid storyline, outstanding artwork and gripping plot: 5 stars all the way.
I think the combination of storytelling via typed pages and illustrations makes it stand out more than if it had just been illustrated, as most graphic novels are.
Corben's art is unbeatable. I am a fan of the Conan-type sword & sorcery genre, and in my opinion Corben's artwork is on par with John Buscema. There are none better, and this book demonstrates that.
I think the combination of storytelling via typed pages and illustrations makes it stand out more than if it had just been illustrated, as most graphic novels are.
Corben's art is unbeatable. I am a fan of the Conan-type sword & sorcery genre, and in my opinion Corben's artwork is on par with John Buscema. There are none better, and this book demonstrates that.
February 10, 2013
Free preview:
http://fr.scribd.com/doc/69497401/eBo...
The story is an adaptation of Robert E. Howard’s original short story "The Valley of the Worm", which appeared for the first time in Weird Tales (Feb. 1934 issue). This story had been previously adapted to comics in a version written by Roy Thomas and Gerry Conway, pencilled by Gil Kane and inked by Ernie Chan for Supernatural Thrillers #3 (1973). This version gave the name "Helga" to the unanmed character of a "naked tousle-headed girl" described by Howard. In Bloodstar she became "Helva" and is the romantic interest of the protagonist. Since he pencilled this first comics version, it may have been Gil Kane's idea to turn "The Valley of the Worm" into a longer format sequential adaptation. Originally Bloodstar was going to be titled "King of the Northern Abyss". The first chapter of Bloodstar appears to be inspired by H.G. Wells' short story, The Star. According to an interview with Corben in Heavy Metal magazine, Armand Eisen and Gil Kane contacted Corben and asked him if he wanted to work on the book. Gil Kane changed the hero's name from "Niord" to "Bloodstar" and the created design for a star mark on his forehead. Kane edited the book with Armand Eisen. Originally The Morning Star Press was going to publish adaptations of two other Robert E. Howard stories: Skull-Face and Swords of the Red Brotherhood. John Jakes expanded the story adding much material to it and then Richard Corben revised, rewrote it and added further content. A latter edition (1979) was rewritten by John Pocsik.
Although Corben stated in 1981 that Bloodstar was his favorite story up to that point, he initially hesitated to take the assignment, finding the characters in "The Valley of the Worm" lacking in depth. Corben’s adaptation of the story adds humanity and romance to Howard’s brutal fights and action sequences.
Bloodstar is a post-apocalyptic sword and sorcery tale of the life of a mythical hero and his heritage. It is illustrated in black and white in mixed media in startlingly three-dimensional looking images rendered in airbrush, markers and colored pencils and features some ground breaking narrative sequences. The artwork took about nine months to complete, and according to Berni Wrightson, Corben painted the cover in less than 24 hours, while Wrightson and Bruce Jones were visiting him in Kansas City. Corben was later commissioned to color the story, but had assistants do it following his method, provably Herb and Diana Arnold. This color version appeared serialized in Heavy Metal 45-52, but was never collected in English.
http://fr.scribd.com/doc/69497401/eBo...
The story is an adaptation of Robert E. Howard’s original short story "The Valley of the Worm", which appeared for the first time in Weird Tales (Feb. 1934 issue). This story had been previously adapted to comics in a version written by Roy Thomas and Gerry Conway, pencilled by Gil Kane and inked by Ernie Chan for Supernatural Thrillers #3 (1973). This version gave the name "Helga" to the unanmed character of a "naked tousle-headed girl" described by Howard. In Bloodstar she became "Helva" and is the romantic interest of the protagonist. Since he pencilled this first comics version, it may have been Gil Kane's idea to turn "The Valley of the Worm" into a longer format sequential adaptation. Originally Bloodstar was going to be titled "King of the Northern Abyss". The first chapter of Bloodstar appears to be inspired by H.G. Wells' short story, The Star. According to an interview with Corben in Heavy Metal magazine, Armand Eisen and Gil Kane contacted Corben and asked him if he wanted to work on the book. Gil Kane changed the hero's name from "Niord" to "Bloodstar" and the created design for a star mark on his forehead. Kane edited the book with Armand Eisen. Originally The Morning Star Press was going to publish adaptations of two other Robert E. Howard stories: Skull-Face and Swords of the Red Brotherhood. John Jakes expanded the story adding much material to it and then Richard Corben revised, rewrote it and added further content. A latter edition (1979) was rewritten by John Pocsik.
Although Corben stated in 1981 that Bloodstar was his favorite story up to that point, he initially hesitated to take the assignment, finding the characters in "The Valley of the Worm" lacking in depth. Corben’s adaptation of the story adds humanity and romance to Howard’s brutal fights and action sequences.
Bloodstar is a post-apocalyptic sword and sorcery tale of the life of a mythical hero and his heritage. It is illustrated in black and white in mixed media in startlingly three-dimensional looking images rendered in airbrush, markers and colored pencils and features some ground breaking narrative sequences. The artwork took about nine months to complete, and according to Berni Wrightson, Corben painted the cover in less than 24 hours, while Wrightson and Bruce Jones were visiting him in Kansas City. Corben was later commissioned to color the story, but had assistants do it following his method, provably Herb and Diana Arnold. This color version appeared serialized in Heavy Metal 45-52, but was never collected in English.
April 25, 2026
Regalo di Natale '82, recuperato 43 anni dopo ha ancora tutto il suo fascino per un fan di Corben: se non è potente come "DEN", è comunque meno "camp" di "Mondo mutante".
Una trama ben costruita, ricavata da un racconto di R. E. Howard e arricchita con temi fantascientifici; personaggi non piatti; Corben che spazia tra erografo, tempere e matite alternando vari, dal grandioso paesaggistico all'orrido all'anatomia iperrealista..
Che bell'editore è stato Milano Libri!
Una trama ben costruita, ricavata da un racconto di R. E. Howard e arricchita con temi fantascientifici; personaggi non piatti; Corben che spazia tra erografo, tempere e matite alternando vari, dal grandioso paesaggistico all'orrido all'anatomia iperrealista..
Che bell'editore è stato Milano Libri!
November 26, 2021
Story: ****
Much better than I assumed. It's not too outlandish- even though you can pick it apart here and there things all jive within the context of the narrative. Grom, the narrator for the majority of the plot, does well in that capacity and is by far the best character overall. He's just so endearing and interesting.
Art: *****
Fantastic all around but especially the bodies which are awe inspiring and as true-to-flesh as you will get in this country. Globally, he's basically tied with Libertore of Italy.
Much better than I assumed. It's not too outlandish- even though you can pick it apart here and there things all jive within the context of the narrative. Grom, the narrator for the majority of the plot, does well in that capacity and is by far the best character overall. He's just so endearing and interesting.
Art: *****
Fantastic all around but especially the bodies which are awe inspiring and as true-to-flesh as you will get in this country. Globally, he's basically tied with Libertore of Italy.
January 21, 2021
The lose of Richard Corben is easily among the most tragic to strike the comics industry since King Carlos a few years back, he truly was a visionary unto himself and a talent unlike any other.
I must admit to not really being massively into REH, but that's mostly my fault as high fantasy just isn't my bag, yet the marriage between the two creatives here offers a truly gorgeous, grotty little fantastic fable.
I should probably give RAT KING reread this year huh...
I must admit to not really being massively into REH, but that's mostly my fault as high fantasy just isn't my bag, yet the marriage between the two creatives here offers a truly gorgeous, grotty little fantastic fable.
I should probably give RAT KING reread this year huh...
January 4, 2009
This is a graphic novel by Richard Corben, based upon work by Robert E. Howard, specifically the short story "Valley of the Worm." Pretty enjoyable.
It is sometimes referred to as the first "Graphic Novel."
It is sometimes referred to as the first "Graphic Novel."
February 12, 2014
Desenele lui Corben sunt foarte atragatoare si se potrivesc ca o manusa cu atmosfera post apocaliptica a benzii.
Din pacate eu ma asteptam ca povestea sa fie un pic mai lunga si mai stufoasa.
Nu a fost sa fie chiar asa, dar oricum orice volum desenat de Richard Corben are un impact vizual deosebit a si poate fi o experienta fantastica pentru oricine.
Din pacate eu ma asteptam ca povestea sa fie un pic mai lunga si mai stufoasa.
Nu a fost sa fie chiar asa, dar oricum orice volum desenat de Richard Corben are un impact vizual deosebit a si poate fi o experienta fantastica pentru oricine.
June 28, 2018
Fantastic comic adaptation of Robert E Howard's story, Highly recommended
July 17, 2016
the best Robert E. Howard comic book adaptation !!!!!
July 21, 2022
I first read this in about 1980. My absolute favorite artist, Rest In Peace Richard Corben!
November 1, 2020
Riecheggiando il mito di Chtulhu...
Il volto di Bloodstar
era privo di espressio-
ne mentre studiava
il percorso. Mi
chiedevo se avesse
paura. Ricordavo
quel che mi aveva
detto un giorno
"Molte battaglie
vengono vinte o
perse nella mente
e nel cuor ancor
prima che venga
sferrato il primo
colpo."
(47)
La leggenda e la realtà sono una cosa sola.
L'uomo e il mito sono inseparabili per sempre.
L'ombra di Bloodstar ci protegge.
E la stirpe di Aesir è viva!
(103)
[image error]
Il volto di Bloodstar
era privo di espressio-
ne mentre studiava
il percorso. Mi
chiedevo se avesse
paura. Ricordavo
quel che mi aveva
detto un giorno
"Molte battaglie
vengono vinte o
perse nella mente
e nel cuor ancor
prima che venga
sferrato il primo
colpo."
(47)
La leggenda e la realtà sono una cosa sola.
L'uomo e il mito sono inseparabili per sempre.
L'ombra di Bloodstar ci protegge.
E la stirpe di Aesir è viva!
(103)
[image error]
April 7, 2023
Easily one of my favorite Corben works. Corben working on a post-apocalyptic sword and sandals series is quite literally a match made in heaven, and nearly eveything about this book just worked for me. REH's pulp stories always work really well as adapted comics, and Bloodstar is as seamless a transition as there can be. The mixture of soft sci-fi elements with deep mythologies and gory action set pieces is just great. If you want to read a Corben comic at the height of his powers there is not many better starting places than Bloodstar.
July 13, 2023
Richard Corben has been a favorite artist of mine for 4 decades. His use of colors and in this volume, black and white, are beyond beautiful. I hope dark horse comics, which is going to put his works back in print for a new generation of readers includes this.
December 17, 2017
An amazing comicbook adaption of Robert Ervin Howard´s short story "The Valley of The Worm" illustrateded super talented Richard Corden. My copy of book: Ariel Books, September 1979, softcover.
October 27, 2016
Corben en estado puro, desatado, una adaptación canónica y espectacular del relato de Howard, páginas y páginas de nivel excelso en narrativa, emotividad, fuerza y emoción. El trabajo pleno de un maestro absoluto q se concreta en una obra redonda. Me ha encantado, de mis preferido de Corben.
April 14, 2008
Science Fiction
November 24, 2013
I've only read a little part from an magazine but I like what i see and will try to find this one in complete version.
February 2, 2019
My favorite postapocalyptic sword-and-sorcery comic tale. Marvelous! The story is based on Howard's work, with a Lovecraftian touch.
August 26, 2018
a perfect Robert E Howard adaptation !!!!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews