Here's another mythic sword bearer - the much more well-known Elric of Melnibone, created in the mid-20th century by British author Michael Moorcock. Elric was an albino, his genetic weakness supported by sorcerous spells and drugs. He carried the terrible magic sword "Stormbringer," which ate the souls of its victims. He exiled himself from the empire he was supposed to rule, and had all sorts of adventures with various companions human or magical or monstrous.
Elric had a fantastic suit of black armor which I have drawn many times. This rendering uses details from Renaissance parade armor, which is decorative and not meant to be worn into battle. The model for Elric is Russian ballet dancer and movie player Alexander Godunov, whose rugged blonde looks were perfect for any number of fantasy heroes.
I never thought I'd be able to rescue this image, which was poorly photographed and faded. But the sorcery of Photoshop came to my aid and Elric poses again. It's one of my own favorites.
Original art is ink, pencil, and acrylic on grey paper, 7" x 10", June 1994. Klik for larger image.
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