Law and Chaos: Wendy Pini does Stormbringer

Here's the link: http://www.masque-of-the-red-death.com/law_and_chaos/index.php
Since I first read some Michael Moorcock, I've had a complicated relationship with Elric. It wasn't until years later that I read Stormbringer, but even my first reaction to Elric of Melnibone, his evil runesword, and his tragic Wagnerian fate was mixed. On the one hand, I love well-done operatic drama, and the sweeping war of Chaos and Fate, free will and destiny, life and destruction that is the Elric (and, in broader terms, the Eternal Champion) saga is in many ways irresistable. The themes are staggering, and the coolness of a tall, slender albino hero of an ancient race who relies on a soul-sucking sword to survive is all rock and roll. On the other hand, I found the actual Elric stories rather flatly written, the quality of the prose leaving a lot for the imagination to fill in of the cosmic visions and sweeping landscapes Moorcock portrayed.

My relationship with the work of Wendy Pini's work hasn't been as complicated. I'm unfamiliar with the rest of her stuff, but as a boy, I was awestruck by her work on Elfquest. I remember literally crying when I realized this world would never be as beautiful and good as that world. The boy has become a man, but my affection, tempered by the greater sadness that comes with greater maturity, has only grown stronger.

As such, it was a delight for me to discover that Wendy has put online a collection of art she prepared when she was younger than I am now and working on an animated project based on Michael Moorcock's Stormbringer. It's obvious from the beginning of (somewhat slowly loading) her presentation that she not only got Elric but she connected with him, in a way I feel I haven't been entirely able to do (in that way I dig Conan). The presentation is as much a reflection on her own self forty years ago and a meditation on the creative process as it is a loving memory of the work she put into Elric.

It hardly needs to be said that seeing one of my favorite artists rendering something I really enjoy was mind blowing. It was particularly moving for me to see how involved she got with it. The creative process is endlessly mesmerizing and mysterious, and never so much as when we look back on it from years down the line. She captures the tragic grace of Elric, the drama and the unforgiving angst. Even if you're not familiar with the Stormbringer story, this is a fantastic and enchanting visual representation. And if you are familiar with it, she stays remarkably true to the events of the novel.

Enjoy.