Elric of Melnibone

Digital

Of the influences of current fantasy, few people mention the anti-hero Elric. Elric tales are great, breaking free from earlier fantasy tropes. The fact that he is sickly, "cursed", and a loner makes him the perfect hero for your teenage years. 

I painted this for the cover of the Saga, a zine I publish for gaming and fandom.

About the Artist:

Michael Bielaczyc has been working professionally in the art field since 2001 when he founded Aradani Studios with his brother Paul. Together they have exhibited across America selling both their artwork and costuming. He works in many mediums from oil paint to latex prosthetics, video to graphite.

In 2012, Michael started Lone Wanderer Entertainment with his long time friend Dane Clark Collins to publish books based in their dark fantasy world – Atheles. Since then he has authored 4 books and created the SagaBorn RPG system.

You can see his complete work at www.michaelbielaczyc.com .

Artist Statement:

True myth has slowly been destroyed by modern culture. We have found light in the darkness, and with it shut the door to true belief in the unbelievable. We are left only with personal mythologies, views which can only really be understood by our solitary self.

I feel my only option is to share my myths and hope it sparks a little bit of belief in something beyond ourselves.