James Cawthorn (1929–2008)

It is time after the great destruction of the civilization as we know it. On the ruins of advanced civilizations new ones are raising, most powerful being Granbretan (guess where this is located :)) that starts the conquest of the entire world using their legions led by Wolf Legion and recovered deadly technology (fire lances, flying machines to name the few) arming the soldiers.

On their way (somewhere in France I think) lies Kamarg and Count Brass, warrior, scientist. He also managed to recover some of the ancient weaponry and systems and now represents obstacle that Granbretan wants to overcome. And to overcome it they use Hawkmoon, defeated leader of Koeln resistance.

And thus starts our story. Entire book is full of W40K vibe, only difference being that Emperor is enemy here (he leads the Granbretan).

Art is more golden age style - there are no balloons, but lots of text under the panels. If you ever read Brick Bradford or Prince Valiant you will be familiar with the layout. Art itself is very dark (inline with the overall atmosphere) and at some points might become slightly confusing (it is definitely missing some light). But overall it is very good black and white art. At times art looks little bit stiff but on the good side author manages to create beautiful panoramas, especially of the Emperor's palace.

Very interesting book, definitely brought back some memories. For fans of post-apocalyptic societies and W40K highly recommended.… (more)

Not the best adaptation I've read. Cawthorn's art is frustrating. At times, especially in wider landscape scenes or big battle scenes, it's simply stunning and imaginative. But for the scene-to-scene shots with actual characters, the quality becomes very spotty when it comes to quality. At times, it's beautiful, but mostly, it's sketchy and somewhat stiff.

And then there's the actual pacing and delivery of the adaptation. Someone else mentioned it's choppy, and I can't think of a better description. The reader is thrown from scene to scene with nary a transition to be found. It makes for an extremely disjointed reading experience.

I don't think it helps that the dialogue isn't presented in the standard comic book format (it's more of the 70s magazine style with the words under the panel). This, along with the sometimes confusing artwork, lack of descriptors, and unanticipated jumps, makes this a somewhat difficult read as well.

Hawkmoon has never been my favourite of Moorcock's creations, and this adaptation is okay at best, but it's still worth the read.… (more)

Interesting to read, but an eccentric selection -- perhaps 'Our 100 Favorite' rather than 'The 100 Best' would be more appropriate. There are multiple titles by David Lindsay, A. Merritt, HP Lovecraft, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Thorne Smith, CL Moore, L Ron Hubbard (!), Fritz Leiber (4!), Henry Treece, Poul Anderson... but nothing at all by George MacDonald, L. Frank Baum, Arthur Machen, James Branch Cabell, Ernest Bramah, Evangeline Walton,Peter Beagle. Lloyd Alexander, Gene Wolfe and no trace of numerous lonely gems like Lud-in-the-Mist or Silverlock. Cawthorn and Moorcock do not however omit a selection by, ahem, Michael Moorcock. And Wuthering Heights and Moby-Dick are fantasy novels??… (more)