Elric: The Making of a Sorcerer

by Michael Moorcock and illustrated by Walter Simonson

208 pages

Publisher: DC Comics

ISBN 1401213340

Amazon Info

The origin story of Elric has always been hinted at in Michael Moorcock’s Elric saga but never fully told. With Walter Simonson in tow, in the fall of 2005, the story was told as a 4 part DC comic. I have read the graphic novel that was compiled from them , and I believe re-colored.

The origin story is more about the education and formation of Elric’s skills. When we meet Elric in the novels, he is the next in line for the thrown and a powerful sorcerer In Melnibone, the Kingdom where Elric’s ancestors have rules for a thousand generations. We assume he has these skills. There are hints throughout the Elric saga of these methods and education.

The method chosen by Moorcock is very Native American in nature. He has Elric go on drug induced dream quests that are outside the normal time. His last quest, as example, is 10 years long in the quest but only days in the real world. This allows him to educate him without aging him.

I think the writing overall was pulpy and I think the comic/graphic format may have hindered the story some. Because of page counts and production in a comic book it has its restrictions. I would have like to seen some parts fleshed out more.

That brings us the art. Walter Simonson is best known for his work on Hawkgirl. I think the art was dated and not great. Everyone looked like they were in a hair metal band. Elric had this crazy long (think mid-calf) hair that also poofed and feathered back. HELLO Aqua-net. I always picture Elric differently and with other artists having portrayed him in the past, there were some initial ideas. There may have been a decision to ignore the other works (some official, others not and concentrate on a look. I just wish they went with a more progressive artist. I looked so “comic booky” . I would have wanted the art to be more abstract and dark.

The trouble with prequels is that you know how they have to end. Certain characters have to get to point “B” so that the origianl work can proceed. I think the story does a fine job filling in a hole that I was not so sure needed filling. I think the art is a let down.