Hawkmoon: The Battle of the Kamarg Review

 

Hawkmoon: The Battle of the Kamarg Review

Story: Michael Moorcock

Writer: Jérôme Le Gris

Artists: Benoît Dellac & Didier Poli

Colorist: Bruno Tatti

Letterer: Lauren Bowes

Translator: Marc Bourbon-Crook

Assistant: Angélina Rodrigues

Editor: Ibraheem Kazi

Designer: Oz Browne

Publisher: Titan Comics

Hardcover Price: $19.99

Release Date: March 17, 2026

 

Baron Meliadus doesn't fight fair. But then, he can't afford to. He wants to retain his position in the Granbretan Empire at any cost. Count Brass could ensure Meliadus' future. But after a life spent propping up weak leaders and tearing down kingdoms, the weary soldier wants to care for his beautiful and serene province.

 

So, the Baron hatches a plan. Dorian Hawkmoon, the former Duke of Köln, will be his tool to secure the Count's agreement to become Meliadus' military advisor. But will Dorian Hawkmoon play along? And if Dorian resists, will the enchanted stone in his forehead destroy the man who lost his family and his country to Baron Meliadus? Let’s grab our swords, leap into Hawkmoon: The Battle of the Kamarg, and see!

 

Story

When Lieutenant Von Villach brings Count Brass to inspect their uninvited guest, the ruler of this final outpost of freedom asks Hawkmoon about his family. After Baron Meliadus’ attempted abduction of Yisselda, Count Brass refuses to accept foreign visitors at face value. Still, Von Villach worries when Count Brass dismisses the guards.

 

Count Brass does not welcome the news of Lyon's recent downfall. Nor does he dismiss his advisors' warnings about the Granbretan Empire's Human Rights violations. Unifying their divided world cannot justify nearly losing Yisselda and Lyon's destruction. And then there is the Black Jewel fixed upon Dorian Hawkmoon's forehead, another symbol of the Empire's ruthlessness.

 

Jérôme Le Gris’ adaptation of Michael Moorcock’s novel takes place in a distant future. Nuclear war has destroyed all the old nations of Earth. Smaller principalities squabble over resources. All the accumulated knowledge of the old world has passed away. And as science rises again, so does magic.

 

Few people understand the forces that rule their world. So as Count Brass prepares for war with the Granbretan Empire, Councilor Bowgentle devotes his limited knowledge of Magience to grant Hawkmoon a reprieve from Kalan's control. Count Brass needs to ensure that Kalan, Baron Meliadus, and King-Emperor Huon cannot monitor events via the Black Jewel. But unless Hawkmoon can find someone better schooled in Magience, the former Duke of Köln will lose his mind and suffer an agonizing death in Hawkmoon: The Battle of the Kamarg.

 

Art

Giant flamingoes soar over a majestic city arising from the surrounding wetlands. As the camera descends through towers, pillars, and elevated walkways, soldiers surround Dorian Hawkmoon on a circular platform over a pool. The deposed Duke, hands bound behind him, kneels before Count Brass and his advisors. From a landing, Yisselda gazes down past the immense statues as soldiers in sculpted plate armor guard Hawkmoon with spears.

 

Benoît Dellac and Didier Poli’s detailed art conveys the historic grandeur that Count Brass strives to protect. The Count’s advisors and daughter wear sturdy clothing that would serve them well in battle as they dine. Count Brass, Yisselda, Hawkmoon, and the Baron's advisors regard each other with guarded expressions in the sweeping, open-air dining room. Later, Hawkmoon and Yisselda stand atop the palace, looking out over the city and surrounding moors. Small moments—Yisselda and Hawkmoon’s gazes, their hands placed near each other but not touching—bespeak their frustration over being tools in Baron Meliadus’ schemes, and perhaps something more.

 

Surrounded by the blue-and-green wetlands, Bruno Tatti applies a restrained palette of greens, reds, browns, and golds on Count Brass’s stronghold. After suffering torture in Baran Kalan’s dark tower, Hawkmoon braves the black columns and monochromatic stone tiles dominating Bowgentle’s laboratory. The black stone glows purple when Bowgentle tinkers with forces he doesn’t completely understand. And in a vision, gold runes shine on a dark staff.

 

Beige parchment banners denote time and space, while black uppercase letters in white balloons and boxes portray dialogue. The words grow bold with intonation, swell for raised voices, and shrink for lowered voices. The balloon arrows often arc like lightning, while sound effects heighten the conflict threatening Count Brass’s redoubt of peace. Thanks to Titan Comics for providing a review copy.

 

Final Thoughts

In Jérôme Le Gris’ adaptation of Michael Moorcock’s novel, Count Brass realizes Baron Meliadus no longer seeks his advice and leadership. As the ruler of the Kamarg prepares the city of Aigues-Mortes for war, the Count mobilizes his forces, hoping to hold off his overwhelming enemy. Yet while King-Emperor Huon mobilizes a fleet of ornithopters, Councilor Bowgentle utilizes the machinery of a past age to defend their tiny principality in Hawkmoon: The Battle of the Kamarg.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Hawkmoon: The Battle of the Kamarg. 

 

For how this series began, see my review of Hawkmoon: The Black Jewel. 

Elric: The Sleeping Sorceress #1 Review

 

Elric: The Sleeping Sorceress #1 Review

Writer: Julien Blondel

Artist & Colorist: Valentin Sécher

Translator: Marc Bourbon-Crook

Letterer: Jessica Burton

Cover Artists: Valentin Sécher, Norm Konyu & Florent Maudoux

Editor: Ibraheem Kazi

Designer: Matt Bookman

Publisher: Titan Comics

Price: $4.99

Release Date: April 29, 2026

 

Elric feels an absence where his heart should be. As the emperor of a fallen empire travels through the Young Kingdoms, he mourns his beloved Cymoril. Nor can he forget that Stormbringer, the sword that sustains his life, killed her. Queen Yishana might have loved him. But like Shaarilla of Myyrrhn, Elric will not give Stormbringer the chance to drink the soul of another woman he cares about.

 

When most people see Elric, they regard him as an oddity. They associate his white skin with sickness and weakness. But some crave his power. Theleb K’aarna, who summoned the Singing Citadel to Queen Yishana’s kingdom, burns with ambition. Will the Pan Tangian find a way to harness Elric's link with Chaos? And can Elric protect the Young Kingdoms from the ambitious sorcerer? Let's leap into Elric: The Sleeping Sorceress #1 and see!

 

Story

Queen Yishana banished Theleb K’aarna from Jharkor for his treachery. But the sorcerer doesn't care about being the chief sorcerer to any ruler. He believes he's entitled to command the forces of Chaos. Despite how Arioch disregarded him, Theleb wants to be the champion of Chaos in the Young Kingdoms. And he doesn't care how many people die as he strives to achieve his goal.

 

Chaos and his black sword destroyed Elric’s world. Now, Elric yearns for peace. Perhaps one day, he can find Tanelorn, where he can enjoy a reprieve from the lords of Law and Chaos. Yet in Elric: The Sleeping Sorceress #1, a messenger finds him. If he wishes for the Young Kingdoms to survive, Elric must aid the Empress of the Dawn.

 

Julien Blondel's story forces Elric to contemplate his relationship with lord Arioch. The former Emperor of Melniboné must choose between his past and his future. Like Arioch, Elric regards the Young Kingdoms as children. With the fall of Melniboné, all the accumulated knowledge and wisdom of his former kingdom is gone. He cannot share it with the younger cultures. By serving Law, perhaps Elric can balance the Chaos Theleb K’aarna is unleashing. But as the messenger warns, the gods never tell you what they really want.

 

Art

As the robed figure walks down a cobblestone street, tall, decaying wooden buildings rise on either side. Rats perch on wooden posts as the figure approaches the city gates. Despite the rain, yellow and green light fills the air and tinges the tenements. Then more figures appear, brandishing weapons in Elric: The Sleeping Sorceress #1.

 

When Valentin Sécher introduces Elric and Moonglum, orange fills the night sky. Yellow mixes with brown as the two face warriors in the forest. Later, after finding refreshment in a tavern, warriors find them again. The yellow from the city that Theleb K’aarna entered links with the gold spilling from coffers and heaped around the man he visits. The Pan Tangian’s red face paint finds echoes in a tavern sign, the ring Elric wears, the messenger who meets him, and the fire that burns from the words inscribed on Stormbringer. Yet just as orange begins Moonglum's story, it also illuminates his climactic actions in Elric: The Sleeping Sorceress #1.

 

Amid the detailed art and luminous colors, Jessica Burton fills rectangular balloons and narrative boxes with small uppercase black letters. Stormbringer fills black boxes with larger, white letters as Elric contemplates the messenger’s words, and unwittingly follows the man’s advice to Moonglum. Thanks to Titan Comics for providing a review copy.

 

Final Thoughts

Moonglum of Elwher is the opposite of Elric. Like Stormbringer, Moonglum sustains Elric. His buoyant spirit helps Elric carry on after losing his world. Arioch may have claimed that the Lords of Law were easier for mortals to understand. But as Moonglum remains by Elric's side, the bouncy, ever-cheerful man must tame his thoughts, lest he end up forever lost and unable to help his friend or his world, in Elric: The Sleeping Sorceress #1.

 

Rating: 9.3/10

 

To look inside, see my preview of Elric: The Sleeping Sorceress#1.

Elric: The Sleeping Sorceress #1 Preview

 

COVER A: VALENTIN SECHER

Elric feels an absence where his heart should be. As he travels through the Young Kingdoms, he cannot forget his beloved Cymoril. Nor can he forget seeing a stately tower topple as Imrryr fell. While Cymoril returns to him in his dreams, his country of Melniboné is lost to him forever.

Elric recently braved a tower that appeared and disappeared throughout Queen Yishana's land. Now, he seeks Theleb K'aarna, the sorcerer who summoned the Singing Citadel. Will Elric's black sword Stormbringer drink Theleb K'aarna's soul? And can Elric find love again, and a new place he can call home?

Here's all the info from Titan Comics:

 

Elric: The Sleeping Sorceress #1

Writers: Julien Blondel, Jean-Luc Cano
Artist: Valentin Sécher
FC • 32pp • $4.99
On Sale April 29, 2026 

MICHAEL MOORCOCK’S EPIC ELRIC RETURNS!

Lavishly illustrated, this comic adaptation has been produced with the full endorsement of Michael Moorcock himself!

After love was taken from him, Elric of Melniboné is tasked with finding and aiding the Empress of the Dawn, though others also seek her out. An army plots to steal Elric’s Ring of Kings as well as the mighty Stormbringer all in order to create a new Champion of Chaos.

But with grief chipping away at his resolve, can Elric really subdue the deadly Stormbringer that claws at his mind—or will he succumb to his impulses and become Chaos incarnate?

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

Here are more cover options:

 

COVER B: NORM KONYU

 

COVER C: FLORENT MAUDOUX

  

COVER D: MAP CARD STOCK

  

FOIL COVER: VALENTIN SECHER

 

Thanks to Titan Comics for sharing this preview with us. 

 

Hawkmoon: The Battle of Kamarg HC Preview

 

Baron Meliadus doesn't fight fair. But then, he can't afford to. He wants to retain his power in the Granbretan Empire at any cost. Count Brass could ensure Meliadus' future. But after a life spent propping up weak leaders and tearing down kingdoms, the weary soldier wants to care for his beautiful and serene province. 

So, the Baron hatches a plan. Dorian Hawkmoon, the former Duke of Köln, will be his tool to secure the Count's agreement to become Meliadus' military advisor. But will Dorian Hawkmoon play along? And if Dorian resists, will the enchanted stone in his forehead destroy the man who lost his family and his country to Baron Meliadus?

Here's all the info from Titan Comics: 

HAWKMOON: THE BATTLE OF KAMARG   

Author: Jerome Le Gris

Artist: Benoît Dellac and Didier Poli

Publisher: Titan Comics

HC, 72 pages, FC, $19.99

ISBN: 9781787744172

On sale March 17, 2026

 

Hawkmoon returns in this transformative graphic novel of Moorcock’s epic dystopian series.

 

Experience the post-apocalyptic future where Dorian Hawkmoon strives to fight against his Granbretan captors.

 

Moorcock’s Battle of Kamarg sets the stage for an iconic war! Hawkmoon: The Battle of Kamarg adapts Moorcock’s novel with stunning artwork that highlights the amazing worldbuilding in this epic series.

 

Set in a post-apocalyptic age of primitive technology and strange magic, Europe has been conquered by the tyrannical Granbretan empire led by King-Emperor Huon. When the city of Köln falls under the empire’s iron ire and its Duke, Dorian Hawkmoon is captured, it’s up to one of the last strongholds of civilization to rescue him and end the Granbretan’s evil rule.

 

Under the thumb of Baron Meliadus and the King Emperor due to the black jewel entombed in his forehead, Dorian Hawkmoon infiltrates the land of Kamarg in order to steal away the Lady Yisselda. But the only man standing between him and his mission is his former ally and leader of Kamarg, Count Brass.

 

From writer Jérôme Le Gris and artists Benoît Dellac and Didier Poli, Hawkmoon: The Battle of Kamarg is the second in a four-volume epic.

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Order now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and Forbidden Planet for the UK & Europe.

 

 

Thanks to Titan Comics for sharing this preview with us. 

Hawkmoon: The Black Jewel Review

 

Story: Michael Moorcock

Writer: Jérôme Le Gris

Artist: Benoît Dellac & Didier Poli

Colorist: Bruno Tatti

Letterer: Lauren Bowes

Publisher: Titan Comics

Hardcover Price: $19.99

Release Date: July 15, 2025

 

After scientists unlock the power of the atom, nuclear warfare ushers in a new Dark Age. But from the shadows of the Old World, a new one arises. Small kingdoms vie for power among their neighbors until a unifying force emerges. As the Romans who once planted their flag on Britain’s shores, the Granbretan Empire sweeps across the land like a relentless machine of conquest, harvesting small countries and devouring their captured resources to take over more.

 

What happens when Baron Meliadus leads imperial forces against the duchy of Köln? And how will Dorian Hawkmoon, the Duke of Köln, factor into the Baron’s insatiable bid for power? Let’s grab our swords, leap into Hawkmoon: The Black Jewel, and see!

 

Story

As a general of the Granbretan Empire, Baron Meliadus of Kroiden serves as the strong right arm of King-Emperor Huon. But he recognizes that it is one thing to take power, and another to hold it. So, the Baron sets his sights on gaining an advisor who has spent his life commanding armies and upholding smaller kingdoms.

 

When he visits the Duchy of Kamarg, Count Brass welcomes his esteemed visitor. Baron Meliadus seeks a peace treaty between the Empire and Kamarg. But Count Brass distrusts formal relations. Although he longs for a unified world, Count Brass has seen enough of international conflict and governments flawed by power-hungry leaders in Hawkmoon: The Black Jewel. Unlike his advisors, Count Brass doesn’t condemn the Granbretan Empire’s Human Rights abuses. Still, he prefers to keep Kamarg strong and fiercely independent.

 

Baron Meliadus didn’t get where he is by taking no for an answer. After Count Brass refuses to forge an accord with him, he seeks a way to gain power over the Count. His thoughts turn to Dorian Hawkmoon, who is now his prisoner. But the way the Baron conquered Köln doesn’t incline Hawkmoon to work with Meliadus either. So, the Baron consigns Hawkmoon to Baron Kalan’s care. He knows that Kalan, his chief scientist, can convince Hawkmoon to work for him.

 

In Hawkmoon: The Black Jewel, science and magic have merged into a powerful tool for rebuilding society. While a master of Magience, Baron Kalan admits that he still has much to learn. But he knows how to make Dorian Hawkmoon his puppet. By implanting a black stone in Hawkmoon’s forehead, Baron Kalan can see everything he does via his Magience Mirror. And if Baron Kalan sees the slightest disobedience, he can jerk Hawkmoon’s strings and force the Duke of Köln to dance in accordance with Baron Meliadus’ desires.

 

Art

In Benoît Dellac and Didier Poli's future world, cavalry clad in blood-splattered plate armor wield swords and lances. The knights carry shields and raise their heraldic flags as they charge past the burning buildings of Köln. Ornithopters fly above the elevated streets as Dorian Hawkmoon leads his troops toward a medieval cathedral.

 

After the battle, Baron Meladius visits the city of Aigues-Mortes, with its grand white and gold buildings topped by green domes. Inside the palace, Count Brass rests an arm on Lieutenant Von Villach's shoulder as he studies a mural charting the European world. As Meliadus, clad in his leather dress uniform, argues for unification, Councilor Bowgentle peers over glasses equipped with magnifying lenses and frowns in Hawkmoon: The Black Jewel.

 

Bruno Tatti portrays the dark empire's destruction of Köln with yellows, oranges, and brown. Vibrant greenery greets the bright, clear skies over the Kamarg, filling the city with radiance. But even more than Köln, the dark towers rise above Londra to pierce a brown sky. Green glowing windows fail to dispel the pervading darkness, while yellow streetlamps evoke spears. Instead of reclining in a plush apartment, Hawkmoon hangs from his wrists and lower legs in a windowed room filled with black and green.

 

Beige parchment banners locate us in time and space, while black uppercase letters in white balloons and boxes portray dialogue. The characters’ conversations grow bold with intonation. Words swell for raised voices, and shrink for lowered voices. Sound effects heighten battles and arguments as Dorian Hawkmoon watches a device descend, clamp onto his forehead, and implant a stone in his bloodied forehead. Thanks to Titan Comics for providing a review copy.

 

Final Thoughts

Once, Britain was a land ruled by warring tribes. Cities vied for dominance among their neighbors, and would-be kings struggled to unite the island through bloody conquest. Michael Moorcock charts the abuses of power that, over time, craft nations capable of compassionately addressing the needs of their citizens in his novel, The Jewel in the Skull. While drawing on the darker aspects of Moorcock's Elric saga, Jérôme Le Gris portrays Dorian Hawkmoon as a warrior fueled by anger and vengeance while adapting the early chapters of Michael Moorcock's novel in Hawkmoon: The Black Jewel.

 

Rating 9.2/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Hawkmoon: The Black Jewel.

Elric: The Balance Lost Vol 2 Preview

 

Last year at San Diego Comic-Con, I asked writer Jim Zub if Titan's decision to publish Conan was related to their long association with Michael Moorcock's comics. While he didn't know, Jim expressed interest in repeating history, and writing another Conan and Elric teamup. 

I'm working on a review for Hawkmoon, a graphic novel that adapts the beginning portion of Michael Moorcock's novel The Jewel in the Skull. And earlier this year, I picked up several of Titan's earlier Eternal Champion graphic novels at a comic shop. Hopefully, I review all those before this year ends! One thing is for certain: Michael Moorcock's heroes rock!

Here's all the info on this latest Eternal Champion volume:

 

THE MICHAEL MOORCOCK LIBRARY ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST VOL. 2

Author: Chris Roberson

Artist: Francesco Biagini

Publisher: Titan Comics

HC, 144 pages, FC, $29.99

ISBN: 9781787745186

On sale September 9, 2025

 

With the fate of the multiverse hanging in the balance,

Eternal Champions Elric, Corum and Dorian Hawkmoon unite with newcomer Eric Beck in a climatic batle to save very source of the great balance at the centre of the multiverse.

 

The concluding volume of the Elric: Balance Lost saga.

 

Their quest to the Lost Universe has revealed the shocking truth as to who the true architects behind the war between Law and Chaos are, and nothing could have prepared the four eternal champions for the shocking truth. Now they find themselves pitted together in an epic war of unimaginable scale between both sides for the very source of the Cosmic Balance leading to a climatic showdown between the original Eternal Champions and Eric Beck against his twin brother, the sinister Garrison Bow, and the immortal masterminds behind the cosmic war.

 

Written by New York Times Bestseller, Chris Roberson, this all-new adventure redefines the word ‘epic’. With a cast of hundreds and featuring all of Moorcock’s most famous characters, this saga, drawn by Italian artist, Francesco Biagini is a thrilling and powerful epic that brings Elric crashing into the 21st Century and beyond!

 

Collecting issues #7-12 of Elric: The Balance Lost.

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

Pre-order now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and Forbidden Planet for the UK. 

 

Thanks to Titan Comics for sharing this preview with us.

 

 

For how this series began, see my preview of Elric: The Balance Lost Vol 1. 

 

For more on the Dorian Hawkmoon book, see my preview of Hawkmoon: The Black Jewel. 

 

Hawkmoon: The Black Jewel Preview

 

 

I've always been a fan of Dorian Hawkmoon. I collected the DAW paperbacks before I bought all the novels in Michael Moorcock's Elric series. Here's all the info on the upcoming adaptation:

 

HAWKMOON: THE BLACK JEWEL

Author: Jerome Le Gris

Artist: Benoit Dellac & Didier Poli

Publisher: Titan Comics

HC, 64 pages, FC, $19.99

ISBN: 9781787744165

On sale July 15, 2025

 

Hawkmoon returns in this transformative graphic novel of Moorcock’s epic dystopian series.

 

Experience the post-apocalyptic future where Dorian Hawkmoon must fight against the tyrannical rule of the Granbretans.

 

Moorcock’s Jewel in the Skull comes to life in this graphic novel adaptation. Hawkmoon: The Black Jewel adapts Moorcock’s novel with stunning artwork that highlights the amazing worldbuilding in this epic series.

 

Set in a post-apocalyptic age of primitive technology and strange magic, Europe has been conquered by the tyrannical Granbretan empire led by King-Emperor Huon. When the city of Köln falls under the empire’s iron ire and its Duke, Dorian Hawkmoon is captured, it’s up to one of the last strongholds of civilization to rescue him and end the Granbretan’s evil rule.

 

From writer Jérôme Le Gris and artists Benoît Dellac and Didier Poli, Hawkmoon: The Black Jewel is the beginning in a four-volume epic.

 

Let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 

Hawkmoon: The Black Jewel is on sale July 15, 2025 at bookstores, comic shops and digital. Pre-order now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million and Forbidden Planet for UK. 

 

Thanks to Titan Comics for providing a copy for review.

Elric: The Balance Lost Vol 1 Preview

 

Finding the balance in your life can seem an impossible task. So how much more difficult is it to make a civilization work harmoniously? This beautifully told story evokes all the wonder of Michael Moorcock's magical prose. Chris Roberson and Francesco Biagini's comic tale speaks to what's going on in the world around us, and how we navigate the difficult decisions we must make each day. 

All hail, Prince without a kingdom! Welcome back, Elric of Melniboné!

Here's all the info from Titan Comics: 

 

THE MICHAEL MOORCOCK LIBRARY ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST VOL. 1

Author: Chris Roberson

Artist: Francesco Biagini

Publisher: Titan Comics

HC, 160 pages, FC, $29.99

ISBN: 9781787745179

On sale June 10, 2025

 

The very fate of the multiverse hangs in the balance, and only the combined might of the three Eternal Champions can save it.

 

For the first time ever, Elric, Corum and Dorian Hawkmoon must unite to save the cosmic balance between law and chaos.

 

When the delicate balance between the forces of Law and Chaos are by threatened by a powerful malevolence of unimaginable power, Michael Moorcock’s enduring Eternal Champions, Elric of Melniboné, Corum of the Scarlet Robe and Dorian Hamkmoon must unite and do battle to save the Multiverse. From their ancient realms to modern-day New Orleans and across the Moonbeam Roads in search for the Horn of Fate, a device that will open portals to other dimensions the heroes set forth. Added in their battle by a new Eternal Champion from present day Earth, the heroes embark on a quest to find weapons powerful enough to defeat Beelzebub and together they journey to the very physical heart of the Universe in search of Ko-O-Ko, the Lost Universe, on a mission to restore the balance before all is lost.

 

Written by New York Times Bestseller, Chris Roberson, this all-new adventure redefines the word ‘epic’. With a cast of hundreds and featuring all of Moorcock’s most famous characters, this saga, drawn by Italian artist, Francesco Biagini is a thrilling and powerful epic that brings Elric crashing into the 21st Century and beyond!

 

Collecting the first six issues of Elric: The Balance Lost and also the 10 page Free Comic Book Day prelude. 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Michael Moorcock Library Elric: The Balance Lost Vol. 1 is on sale April 29, 2025 at bookstores, comic shops and digital. Order now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million and Forbidden Planet for UK. 

 

Thanks to Titan Comics for sharing this preview with us.