Fritz Leiber's Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser

It's probably been 15 or 20 years since I read the Fritz Leiber books on which this graphic novel adaptation is based. I didn't have a very well developed critical faculty then, but I remember enjoying them a great deal, although I have a sense that the series seemed to me a bit weaker as it went on. That seems to be the case here as well, where as the books go on motives grow murky, friendships strained, and events increasingly bizarre.

But you know, that's ok. Because this is still a well written and beautifully drawn set of tales about two supremely capable swordsmen/thieves, getting through life however they can, in and out of the magnificent cesspool that is the great city of Lankmar. There's a reason so many people have called show more these stories the great swords-and-sorcery takes of all time; they have it all: lords and ladies, thieves and whores, wizards and gods, friendships and feuds... If I go on any more I'll be quoting from the Princess Bride. All in all, Chaykin did a fine job of capturing the spirit of the books (as I remember them, anyway), and Mignola and Williamson put together some very solid artwork, including some breathtaking panels.

If you're a fan of the books, I bet you'll enjoy this quite a bit. If you haven't read Leiber, though, don't start here. Read the real thing first, then come back to this afterwards. show less

I'm sorry to say that I have not read any Fritz Leiber yet, but I am familiar with the sword and sorcery genre of the 1930's and 40's, and I must say that they make perfect source material for comic adaptations. Chaykin parses down the long-winded imagery of original style into quick, snappy, and funny dialog which perfectly complement Mignola's art, which is both whimsical and dark. His art is in many ways superior to that he did in his Hellboy series. If you are in for some slinging of blades and tongues, try out this stunning, sexy volume.

1 star for including the phrase "squidgy death." Great art by the awesome Mike Mignola, perfect for weird old Lankhmar, and an awesome selection of some of the very best Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser stories. If you haven't read any of the books, this might convince you to give them a go. If you have, an awesome companion to the originals.

Not bad. I don't really like the pair - fascinated somewhat, but I spend too much of my time saying 'What?' when I'm reading their stories to actually enjoy them. This is a very nice adaptation - true to the stories, especially the parts that make me say 'What?'. I don't remember if any of these stories are actually in the books - I'm pretty sure I haven't ever read the story in the back, which is a prequel of sorts - Fafhrd as a boy. The others seem vaguely familiar, but not distinguishably so - I don't know if they're Leiber stories or just good imitations. It's been a while since I read a Lankhmar story. Interesting but not absorbing. I'll look for other books, if this series goes on. Fafhrd looks right but the Gray Mouser keeps show more surprising me - I figure out after the fact that that picture is supposed to represent him. Generally nicely drawn, though - good representations of Lankhmar, Sheelba, Ningauble, etc. show less

A really fantastic collaboration between Howard Chaykin and Mike Mignola. Great adaption of great stories with great artwork.

Fafhrd, a burly barbarian from the North, and The Gray Mouser, a lanky thief from the innercity befriend and encomrade each other [and ladies of the night] one drunken night. Whilst bonding and collecting further means of intoxication, the lives of their newly met women-folk are stolen along with the material treasures of The Gray Mouser's thievely den. Bosom buddies they instantly become, and through thick and thin rage side-by-side in the grueling quest to avenge their women. Sorcery and witchcraft are thier enemies -- charm, luck, and skill their allies. To what ends will these heroes climb to have their hearts stilled?

A sympathetic comics adaptation of Fritz Leiber's witty seminal swords & sorcery series.