Here we are given two stories of Elric - one set at the very end (Stormbringer) and other set when Elric returned back to Melnibone to regain his throne.

Stories are given in a completely different visual format by two illustrators from 1960's and 1970's - first being grimy, dark and foretelling the Elric's final destiny. We see Elric tired of war, confronting the very creatures of Chaos that give him power, tired of daemonic entity of Strombringer sword and his schemes to kill everyone dear to Elric. Tone is dark, everything is foggy, Chaos transforming the world into horrific landscapes - it truly makes even thinking difficult.

Second is also nightmarish, Melnibone presented as it is - strange and horrifying kingdom of Chaos worshipers and wizard-kings bent on dominating the younger races of the age. When you see the palaces, weird monuments, dragons and sheer size of the palace gates and keeps it is impossible not to be awestruck. Everything looks monumental. Clear, crisp black and white lines truly pop up from the pages but it is clear that behind all of this grandeur Melnibone is a sick, perverted empire where people might look like humans but definitely aren't.

Art aside, story wise book is lacking (in my opinion) - first story is created as a strip collection (not unlike Prince Valiant for example), not many clouds with dialogue but text of the story following the illustrations. and all of this would be fine if the story does not look rushed - veni, vidi, vici would be the best description for it. Only thing that has something more to it is the very end of the story, death of the old world and birth of the new one. For me this is just indicator that this way of presenting stories might not aged well and could be found wanting today.

Story of Elrics return on the other hand reads like a introduction chapter - nothing much happens but ominous prophecies and Shakespearean predictions of [almost Greek in nature] tragedy in making. And then it ends. Weird....

All in all interesting book, with additional piece on artists that worked on Elric comics and illustrations.

Recommended to fans of the White Wolf and dark fantasy in general. Just be aware that art style might be a little bit older so it might not be everyone's cup of tea. ( )