Every week, I’ll be bringing you a comic book cover that I feel eclipses others out there—to the point I might just have to own it!
The BadAss Comic Book Cover for this week is for Elric: The Balance Lost #10. Elric is one of the most recognized characters in the fantasy genre. Created by Michael Moorcock in 1961, Elric is the quintessential anti-hero, an emperor whose greatness is tempered only by his curse. Both blessed and cursed with the sword Stormbringer, Elric has appeared in countless novels and collections. Recently, Moorcock authorized Boom! Studios to create all new tales for the character in Elric: The Balance Lost, a 12-issue series overseen by Moorcock and written by Chris Roberson. The series has had some of the best representations of Elric I’ve seen. And the story itself is great too.
Why do I love this cover though? It’s the mood it sets. Elric is best when he is realized for the dark character he is—and the above cover depicts him perfectly. The grays used denote the rolling storm that is about to be unleashed. Hand on Stormbringer, Elric prepares to battle, standing fast against his enemies. He waits, white hair flowing. The standards and weapons all slant toward him, the piece’s central figure, while the red glow of Stormbringer craves blood.
Something tells me that the cursed sword will be feasting on souls a few moments after this painting takes place!
Here is a bit more about Elric: The Balance Lost #10:
Writer(s): Chris Roberson
Artist(s): Francesco BiaginiThe Story: AN UNMISSABLE ISSUE! The four incarnations of the Eternal Champion – Elric, Hawkmoon, Corum and Eric Beck – find themselves facing off in a war against an ancient enemy from the Champion’s past as this final arc hurtles toward its explosive conclusion. But this enemy’s not done playing our heroes yet… Join legendary fantasy author Michael Moorcock and New York Times bestseller Chris Roberson (iZOMBIE, STAN LEE’S STARBORN) in this critically-acclaimed fantasy series being called “one of BOOM!’s best!”
Elric: The Balance Lost #10 is in fine comic book stores now!
More next Saturday! In the meantime, go visit your local comic book store…
