ELRIC: THE SLEEPING SORCERESS #1 / Based on the Novels by MICHAEL MOORCOCK / Adapted by JULIEN BLONDEL & JUAN-LUC CANO / Script and Dialogue by JULIEN BLONDEL / Art by VALENTIN SECHER / Translated by MARC BOURBON-CROOK / Letters by JESSICA BURTON / Published by TITAN COMICS

Long has it been since Elric of Melniboné left his homeland to explore the Young Kingdoms. Accompanied by the rogue Moonglum, and wielding the cursed storm Stormbringer he is both warrior and wizard. However, with his true love lost forever, he finds little joy in life or his role as a champion of Chaos.

Given his role, Elric is perplexed by a summons delivered by the Red Archer, Rackhir. He speaks of danger in the paradise city of Tanelorn and the need to rescue the sorceress known as the Empress of the Dawn – a champion of Law. He accepts the quest having no reason but suspicion to refuse, little knowing that this mission of mercy will bring him into battle with his old enemy, the sorcerer Theleb K’aarna. It will also bring him into conflict with Stormbringer, who starts to think someone else may be a more worthy wielder…

The latest chapter in Julien Blondel’s graphic novel adaptation of the Elric saga is as worthy a work as the previous ones. It must be to have the full endorsement of Michael Moorcock himself. Indeed, in the introduction to the first volume of this series, The Ruby Throne, Moorcock said that Blondel’s changes improved the story immensely and that he considered this comic the definitive interpretation of Elric’s adventures. I can add little to that praise, so I will not.

The artwork by Valentin Secher shows similar craft and cunning. The world of Elric is dark and drab, yet with vibrancy and life beneath the doom and gloom. The original stories’ themes of decay and a world in decline are well echoed in the imagery here.

The only real flaw to Elric: The Sleeping Sorceress #1 is that it is inaccessible to those who have not been reading the series to date. I would strongly suggest anyone interested in this book go pick up the recent hardcover collector’s set of the first four Elric graphic novels then hurry back to read this one. As a stand alone adaptation, however, it is a good one.

Elric: The Sleeping Sorceress #1 arrives in comic shops on April 29, 2026.