Elric of Melniboné sat high on the ruby throne in the great city of Imrryr as Emperor, but not all were satisfied with his rule. As an albino, Elric was mistrusted and weak, using the blood of human slaves to give him strength. Cymoril, his cousin, lover and queen, ruled by his side, though her brother Yyrkoon was full of contempt for Elric and plotted to overthrow him. Failing to do so, Yyrkoon kidnapped Cymoril, and in his rage, Elric summoned the Lord of Chaos, Arioch, paying for his service with the souls of his slaughtered people. Using Arioch to guide him, Elric took an army across the Young Kingdoms to search for Yyrkoon and his beloved Cymoril. But their party was manipulated by the elemental Kings of the Sea and the Earth, and most died at their hands. Resolute in his goal, and intent on defying prophecies that he would destroy his people and kill the woman he loves, Elric found Yyrkoon, who immediately murdered Cymoril. To save her life, Elric defeated Yyrkoon with the sword Stormbringer, given to him by Arioch. But there was a price. Elric was consumed by the cursed sword, needing souls to feed on. Fearing the prophecy would now come true, he left Melniboné in the hands of Yyrkoon, with Cymoril distraught and cursing his name. For years, the White Wolf lived in a self-imposed exile. With his trusted companion, Smiorgan, Elric sought to reunite two ancient spirits, which led him to a desolate and destroyed Melniboné. Before he could understand what had happened, the arrival of dragons revealed the oncoming fleet of the new Empress, his former love, Cymoril…

A stunning comic adaptation of the classic Elric of Melniboné novels by Michael Moorcock! The albino emperor, Elric of Melniboné, is exiled from his home and cursed to walk the land under the influence of the god of chaos, Arioch. With his sword Stormbringer, Elric must find his way through the unknown, unaware he is being sought by his long-lost love. But is she looking to re-kindle their love, or something far more sinister?

Collecting the third volume of the classic 1980's comic adaptation of the Elric of Melniboné novels by Michael Moorcock! Adapted from Moorcock's eponymous first story featuring Elric of Melnibone and originally published by Marvel Comics, this world-spanning fantasy epic chronicles Elric's return to the Dreaming City of Imrryr, and his battle to reclaim his throne and lost love Cymoril.

“The stories here are the raw heart of Michael Moorcock. They are the spells that first drew me and all the numerous admirers of his work with whom I am acquainted into Moorcock’s luminous and captivating web.” –from the Foreword by Alan Moore, creator of V for Vendetta When Michael Moorcock began chronicling the adventures of the albino sorcerer Elric, last king of decadent Melniboné, and his sentient vampiric sword, Stormbringer, he set out to create a new kind of fantasy adventure, one that broke with tradition and reflected a more up-to-date sophistication of theme and style. The result was a bold and unique hero–weak in body, subtle in mind, dependent on drugs for the vitality to sustain himself–with great crimes behind him and a greater destiny ahead: a rock-and-roll antihero who would channel all the violent excesses of the sixties into one enduring archetype. Now, with a major film in development, here is the first volume of a dazzling collection of stories containing the seminal appearances of Elric and lavishly illustrated by award-winning artist John Picacio–plus essays, letters, maps, and other material. Adventures include “The Dreaming City,” “While the Gods Laugh,” “Kings in Darkness,” “Dead God’s Homecoming,” “Black Sword’s Brothers,” and “Sad Giant’s Shield.” An indispensable addition to any fantasy collection, Elric: The Stealer of Souls is an unmatched introduction to a brilliant writer and his most famous–or infamous–creation. “The most significant UK author of sword and sorcery, a form he has both borrowed from and transformed.” –The Encyclopedia of Fantasy From the Trade Paperback edition.

After much wandering and seeking Elric finally discovers the location of the sorcerer who had earlier inconvenienced him. A meeting of old friends and scattered brothers evolves into a union of vengeance. A demon sent hoping to devour an albino is thwarted, but it's master's aim's are met with Elric's capture. A bargain made with a well intentioned merchant wins Elric his freedom, but only half of him is allowed to escape. Elric restored with his symbiotic blade calls upon unholy aide to finally vanquish his meddlesome sorceress enemy. The final assault brings a grievous death as the dragon caves will no longer have a master. A promise broken and an unwanted soul taken by Elric's hungry companion. Another hollow victory causes Elric much discomfort.

From World Fantasy Lifetime Achievement Award winner Michael Moorcock comes the first book in his famous Elric of Melniboné series, brought to vivid new life with stunning illustrations. In one of the most well-known and well-loved fantasy epics of the 20th century, Elric is the brooding, albino emperor of the dying Kingdom of Melnibone. With Melnibone’s years of grandeur and decadence long since passed, Elric’s amoral cousin Yrkoon sets his eyes on the throne. Elric, realizing he is his country’s best hope, must face his nefarious cousin in an epic battle for the right to rule. Elric of Melnibone is the first in Michael Moorcock’s incredible series, which created fantasy archetypes that have echoed through the genre for generations. The beautiful, vivid illustrations bring new life to the story and are sure to captivate fans, new and old.