Swords & Sorcery Anthology: Homage, Send-up, And Wonderful Surprise

Please allow us to let our geek flag fly for a few moments. If you've never read a comic book, never participated in a pen-and-paper role playing game, or if you don't know who any of Robert Asprin, George R.R. Martin, Wendi & Richard Pini, or Glen Cook are, maybe just skip to the next entry.

But if any of the above apply to you, please read on.

We've recently encountered the most wonderful comic book anthology -- 16 stories by alternative creators, all taking place in the swords & sorcery genre. They range from hilarious to touching to just plain wrong.

It's called "Elfworld." Among the better-known contributors is Jeffrey Brown, superstar alternative comix writer/artist of stuff like "Clumsy"--he also compiled this anthology. François Vigneault, a San Franciscan, is the editor, a contributor, and the one who brought the book to our attention.

Stories include Matt Wiegle's "Adventures In Mead," about an oafish warrior acting a little too much like a real-life drunk. Martin Cendreda's "An Elf's Lot," about a non-human pathetic loser. Ansis Purins' "Gnome Gatherin': Night Survey," which, frankly, we aren't quite sure how to describe -- perhaps part Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers, part Yogi Bear, and part Hellboy. Perhaps our favorite is the one by Kazimir Strzepek, called "Basilisk," which puts a clever, humorous finish on the book.

In any case: overall great art, very good writing, high quality throughout, and cast of indie darlings that are definitely, definitely deserving of more attention. Order it here, or ask about it at your local sequential graphic story retailer (that is, comic book store).

After the jump: a full list of the contributors with links to their respective sites/works