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 · 2,316 ratings  · 81 reviews

Get-go your review of Fritz Leiber's Fafhrd and the Greyness Mouser

Feb 25, 2011 J.One thousand. Keely rated information technology really liked information technology

A lot of fun, much like the stories that inspired them. Though Chaykin'south pacing is sometimes choppy, his employ of the language is delightfully in-graphic symbol. Information technology's unfortunate that the series didn't grab on, it could take been a more humorous compliment to the many successful Conan comics.

As usual, Mignola is a delight, though it's amusing to see him at a much earlier stage, where his lines are more sketchy and his angular shading has that definitively early on nineties 'edgy' look then favored in comic

A lot of fun, much similar the stories that inspired them. Though Chaykin'south pacing is sometimes choppy, his utilize of the language is delightfully in-graphic symbol. It's unfortunate that the series didn't catch on, it could have been a more humorous compliment to the many successful Conan comics.

Every bit usual, Mignola is a please, though it'south amusing to see him at a much before stage, where his lines are more sketchy and his athwart shading has that definitively early nineties 'edgy' look then favored in comics and Vampire roleplaying books. I love his draughtsmanship, particularly the buildings and statuary, which manage to be intricate and mysterious without relying on the obsessive miscellany of a Bachalo or Darrow.

It's always interesting to encounter how artists characterize Fafhrd and the Mouser, since they are not as narrowly-defined as Conan or John Carter. The Mouser, in particular, has always been a shifting, undefined figure in my mind, with the sort of average, forgettable face that lets a thief lose himself in any crowd.

Mignola's Mouser is a lilliputian more beefy and heroic, with sharp, Eastern-European features, which I constitute an interesting vision, and fitting for the character. I also appreciated Mignola'south range of expression and the pure personality of his characters, something all likewise rare in comics, where wooden faces scream with an unsettlingly even mixture of joy, hatred, pain, and sorrow.

In the end, in that location'south no replacement for an inspired artist.

...more

Mignola and Leiber were a match fabricated in Leng. It's a shame we didn't get to encounter more of this, and a shame likewise that Chaykin's writing tin't quite go on up. Mignola and Leiber were a lucifer fabricated in Leng. Information technology's a shame we didn't get to see more of this, and a shame too that Chaykin's writing can't quite go on up. ...more

November twenty, 2018 Andrew rated it actually liked information technology

Mignola's called this his favorite pre-Hellboy work, and it's easy to see why. His artwork is fantastic, and the dirtied-upwards high fantasy setting is within his general wheelhouse simply not quite similar anything else he'due south washed before or since. I know people mutter about Chaykin's scripts being choppy or somewhat difficult-to-follow, but that did non carp me. Information technology reminded me of the feeling I got from reading a random Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser short story collection when I was 14-years-old, thrown i Mignola's called this his favorite pre-Hellboy work, and it's piece of cake to meet why. His artwork is fantastic, and the dirtied-up high fantasy setting is within his full general wheelhouse but not quite like anything else he'southward done before or since. I know people complain about Chaykin'south scripts existence choppy or somewhat difficult-to-follow, but that did not bother me. It reminded me of the feeling I got from reading a random Fafhrd and the Greyness Mouser short story collection when I was xiv-years-old, thrown into the deep end of a strange fantasy world total of law-breaking and magic. ...more

I wanted to LOVE this book.

No.

Hither's Fritz Lieber:

"Sundered from us by the gulfs of fourth dimension and stranger dimensions dreams the aboriginal world of Nehwon with its towers and skulls and jewels, its swords and sorceries."

Here's Howard Chaykin:

[No setup any.]

It'southward like that Lieber delights; Chaykin strips everything down to bare bones. Information technology misseth the point, and not fifty-fifty the Mignola illustrations can do annihilation with it.

I wanted to LOVE this book.

No.

Hither's Fritz Lieber:

"Sundered from the states past the gulfs of time and stranger dimensions dreams the aboriginal world of Nehwon with its towers and skulls and jewels, its swords and sorceries."

Here's Howard Chaykin:

[No setup whatsoever.]

Information technology'south like that Lieber delights; Chaykin strips everything down to bare bones. It misseth the indicate, and not even the Mignola illustrations tin can do annihilation with information technology.

...more

Mar 06, 2012 J.M. rated it it was ok

The artwork by Mike Mignola was very practiced, but Howard Chaykin's adaptation of Leiber is just way too choppy. Art: good. Writing: Nonsensical. Not proficient.

I can just requite this two stars.

The artwork by Mike Mignola was very skilful, but Howard Chaykin'southward adaptation of Leiber is only way too choppy. Fine art: good. Writing: Nonsensical. Not good.

I can only give this two stars.

...more

Vii stories adapted for comics by Howard Chaykin and Mike Mignola.
-- "Ill Met in Lankhmar"
-- "The Circumvolve Expletive"
-- "The Howling Tower"
-- "The Cost of Pain Ease"
-- "Bazaar of the Bizarre"
-- "Lean Fourth dimension in Lankhmar" (nice touches of humor here)
-- "When the Sea King's Away…"

Seasonal Reading Challenge Autumn 2022 Task 5.9 - Boggle:
It'south a cheesy victory, merely AND (from

Fritz Leiber's Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser) is in the upper right corner of the given boggle lath.
Vii stories adapted for comics by Howard Chaykin and Mike Mignola.
-- "Sick Met in Lankhmar"
-- "The Circle Curse"
-- "The Howling Tower"
-- "The Price of Pain Ease"
-- "Bazaar of the Baroque"
-- "Lean Time in Lankhmar" (nice touches of sense of humour here)
-- "When the Sea King's Away…"

Seasonal Reading Challenge Fall 2022 Chore five.9 - Boggle:
It'due south a cheesy victory, but AND (from

Fritz Leiber's Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser) is in the upper right corner of the given boggle lath.
...more

November 24, 2013 Craig rated it really liked it

This isn't a graphic novel, simply rather adaptations of vii stories from Fritz Leiber'southward series near Fafhrd and the Grayness Mouser. The archetype series is arguably the second most influential in the sword-and-sorcery fantasy genre (after Conan of grade), and are richly told, subtle tales. Sheelba of the Eyeless Face and Ningauble of the Vii Optics have got to exist the best-named patron wizards ever! Adapting the original classics to this grade is a daunting undertaking, merely Chaykin does pretty well fo This isn't a graphic novel, merely rather adaptations of seven stories from Fritz Leiber's series about Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser. The archetype serial is arguably the second most influential in the sword-and-sorcery fantasy genre (subsequently Conan of course), and are richly told, subtle tales. Sheelba of the Eyeless Face up and Ningauble of the Seven Eyes accept got to exist the all-time-named patron wizards always! Adapting the original classics to this form is a daunting undertaking, but Chaykin does pretty well for the most part. I thought Mignola's fine art was far superior to the text; these stories are from an earlier phase in his career, and seem far more detailed and nuanced than much of his really recent work, with much less of a rushed feeling. (In that location'due south an unfortunate introduction by Chaykin in which he forgets Harry Otto Fisher's proper noun and seems to confuse him with Stanley G. Weinbaum then calls Weinbaum an editor, only that obviously doesn't impact the piece of work itself.) All in all it's a very pleasing volume, and a pretty good representation of Leiber's Nehwon. ...more

Nov 08, 2012 Paul rated it really liked information technology

Characters created past Fritz Lieber, story past Howard Chaykin and fine art past Mike Mignola... how could I possibly NOT like this graphic novel?

I had really read, oh then many years ago, Chaykin's original have on the characters in DC Comics' Sword of Sorcery and had liked it fifty-fifty and so. So yeah, this book was a giddy picayune schoolhouse girl feeling kinda volume for me.

Information technology desperately needs a sequel though.

Characters created by Fritz Lieber, story by Howard Chaykin and art by Mike Mignola... how could I peradventure NOT like this graphic novel?

I had actually read, oh so many years ago, Chaykin's original accept on the characters in DC Comics' Sword of Sorcery and had liked it even so. And then yes, this book was a lightheaded little school daughter feeling kinda book for me.

It desperately needs a sequel though.

...more

Feb 16, 2011 Eric rated it really liked it

This was really fun. I'd never heard of Fafhrd or the Grey Mouser, but I had heard of Lanhkmar (a fantasy version of New York where most of their adventures take place) somewhere distantly in the past. I can see how having a duo to act as foils for each other can really piece of work. Although the differences between the 2 were more than in their backgrounds. They both arrived at the same place in life in very unlike means and found kindred spirits in each other.

The art I actually similar more that some of M

This was really fun. I'd never heard of Fafhrd or the Greyness Mouser, only I had heard of Lanhkmar (a fantasy version of New York where about of their adventures take place) somewhere distantly in the past. I can see how having a duo to act as foils for each other tin really work. Although the differences between the two were more than in their backgrounds. They both arrived at the aforementioned place in life in very different means and found kindred spirits in each other.

The art I actually like more that some of Mike Mignola's subsequently work, since he isn't really distorting the figures here too much, but even so has the great stark shadow piece of work.

I'thousand curious how the original stories compare to this version. There'southward a little chip of a sample at the cease giving an origin story for Fafhrd. The Gray Mouser's past of grade is by and large uknown.

All in all, though there was every bit serious Conan vibe, the feel was much different just by putting this pair together instead of a lone warrior. However small enough that they could feel alone, particularly when separated, but never completely alone.

...more

Sep 23, 2009 Laura rated information technology really liked it

Didn't realize this was a reappearance of 2 characters from previous works by Fritz Leiber. With that said, i tin can completely read and savour this book without previous knowledge virtually these two guys. The trouble they get into is page-turning and Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser are a couple of characters that work really well together in kind of a dear-hate-partner-competition comedic relationship. I picked it upwards because of Mike Mignola's art, the guy behind Hellboy, I admire and bask his work and Didn't realize this was a reappearance of ii characters from previous works past Fritz Leiber. With that said, ane can completely read and enjoy this book without previous noesis nearly these two guys. The trouble they get into is page-turning and Fafhrd and the Greyness Mouser are a couple of characters that work really well together in kind of a dearest-hate-partner-competition comedic relationship. I picked it up because of Mike Mignola'southward fine art, the guy behind Hellboy, I adore and enjoy his work and I was not disappointed by this book.

You do take to stay on your toes with this book, it is a drove of short stories that are basically unrelated to each other, except that they all involve these two main characters. And so they stories sometimes experience a little jam-packed and cramped in here, only with a petty focus it is like shooting fish in a barrel plenty to understand what is going on.

...more than

Chaykin's stilted dialogue is mind-numbing (although I can't entirely say that this quality is far-removed from the source cloth), simply this anthology still stands as an apt abbreviation/introduction to the Leiber series. Obvious highlight: Mignola's and Williamson's fantastic artwork. It makes one regret the aesthetic shift Mignola underwent for the Hellboy serial; the watercolor-like designs blend his standard engraving style with an art nouveau influence with a richness that makes Seed of D Chaykin's stilted dialogue is heed-numbing (although I can't entirely say that this quality is far-removed from the source cloth), but this anthology still stands as an apt abbreviation/introduction to the Leiber series. Obvious highlight: Mignola's and Williamson's fantastic artwork. It makes i regret the artful shift Mignola underwent for the Hellboy series; the watercolor-like designs alloy his standard engraving style with an art nouveau influence with a richness that makes Seed of Destruction wait like a pack of cheap Tarot cards. ...more

Feb 25, 2011 Carl Nelson rated it actually liked it

The artwork and dialog really brings Fafhrd and the Grayness Mouser to life. It's very well-written and a fun adaptation of the series. It lacks the depth of the stories (of course, as any comic adaptation must) just the fun, adventure, and urbane wit carries through. (I wasn't a huge fan of the "Lean Times in Lankhmar" arc, but that'due south a tough story to adapt.)

It really makes me want to go read the Leiber stories again, they are some of my favorite "sword & sorcery" adventures, and the graphic noveliz

The artwork and dialog actually brings Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser to life. It'southward very well-written and a fun adaptation of the serial. It lacks the depth of the stories (of class, as any comic accommodation must) but the fun, risk, and urbane wit carries through. (I wasn't a huge fan of the "Lean Times in Lankhmar" arc, but that's a tough story to conform.)

Information technology really makes me want to get read the Leiber stories over again, they are some of my favorite "sword & sorcery" adventures, and the graphic novelization whets my appetite for more.

...more

Sep twenty, 2009 Charles rated it it was ok

Although I enjoyed the art, the stories didn't make any sense. I recollect the issue is that Leiber's works are too complicated to be translated hands into graphic novel format. Likewise much had to exist left out and the event was a kind of hack and slash approach to the stories. Although I enjoyed the art, the stories didn't make any sense. I think the event is that Leiber's works are too complicated to be translated hands into graphic novel format. Too much had to exist left out and the outcome was a kind of hack and slash approach to the stories. ...more

February 12, 2010 Matt rated it it was amazing

Really fun stuff. Chaykin's view of the original material as fantasy-set noir really shines through, and is great stuff. Plus, BIG Clandestine, I kinda similar Mike Mignola's older stuff better than his current. In some means. Weird, huh? Really fun stuff. Chaykin's view of the original fabric equally fantasy-set noir really shines through, and is swell stuff. Plus, BIG Cloak-and-dagger, I kinda similar Mike Mignola'due south older stuff better than his current. In some means. Weird, huh? ...more than

Jan 05, 2021 Grant rated it information technology was amazing

Easily one of the best, weirdest comics I've read. A slap-up adaptation of a great world. Easily one of the all-time, weirdest comics I've read. A great adaptation of a groovy world. ...more

Oct 21, 2013 Asher Klassen rated information technology it was amazing

It had been far to long since I'd read any good Sword & Sorcery when I picked this volume upwardly at Hemingway's Books in Abbotsford, BC. Mignola's art caught my centre, as it always does. I bought it on a whim, took it dwelling house, and eventually sat downward with a glass of mulled vino and Thanksgiving leftovers to read it.

I loved it.

It doesn't read like a mod comic; I recollect that's part of what endeared it to me. This is old-school Sword & Sorcery to the cadre, the kind of fantasy that has been replaced by sch

It had been far to long since I'd read whatever adept Sword & Sorcery when I picked this book up at Hemingway's Books in Abbotsford, BC. Mignola's art caught my centre, as information technology always does. I bought it on a whim, took it home, and somewhen saturday down with a glass of mulled wine and Thanksgiving leftovers to read it.

I loved information technology.

It doesn't read similar a modern comic; I think that's part of what endeared it to me. This is onetime-school Sword & Sorcery to the core, the kind of fantasy that has been replaced by schlock like that Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunter movie nosotros had to deal with. Entertaining, but schlock. This book is gritty, street-level fantasy full of beer and claret, mud and monsters. It'due south myth built-in out of the age of Noir and Conan where barbarians and swashbucklers reigned supreme. Information technology was an age that I tin wax poetic well-nigh, like I am correct now. Mike Mignola did these stories their due justice, muted colours and loftier contrast, a stark blend of angles and flowing motion. This is Mignola pre-Hellboy, before he reinvented the gritty mod fantasy genre and blew us all away with the BPRD.

Read this book.

That is all.

...more

Mar 27, 2018 Michael rated it liked information technology

Ultimately, I'm glad I borrowed, rather than bought, this book. It looks not bad, some of Mignola's best work ever, I idea. Chaykin does a very good task capturing the word bantering between the ii leads. There are some really nice storytelling techniques, split panels, overlapping dialogue, etc., that I appreciated, but at that place'due south simply not plenty here to get over my complete and absolute lack of interest in Swords and Sorcery as a genre. All of the stories were an absolute drag to get th Ultimately, I'yard glad I borrowed, rather than bought, this book. It looks great, some of Mignola's best piece of work ever, I thought. Chaykin does a very good chore capturing the give-and-take bantering betwixt the two leads. There are some actually nice storytelling techniques, carve up panels, overlapping dialogue, etc., that I appreciated, just there'south just non enough here to go over my complete and absolute lack of interest in Swords and Sorcery as a genre. All of the stories were an absolute drag to get through, with nothing distinguishing (to me, anyway) this prepare of nebulous magical god beings from another gear up of similar archetypes, and I'yard non sure if information technology was Chaykin or Leiber'due south shortcoming, but I found the heroes' true loves to be and then bland that I only managed to exist annoyed past the heroes' proclamations of love after the ladies were killed.

Actually, no, the 2d story wasn't a slog. I enjoyed the brief snippets of quests, lilliputian peeks into their lives, events taken without much context beyond providing some glimpse into the burgeoning bond between the two adventurers. Fun stuff, only none of the other tales work for me at all.

...more

Dec 28, 2012 Matt Sadorf rated it really liked it

Fritz Leiber's stories, Howard Chaykin'southward adaptations, and Mike Midnola's art, that'south a winning combination right in that location.

These are fun and interesting tales that are accompanied past neat art, and I really enjoyed reading them. I wasn't sure what to expect every bit I don't know that much about the source material, but when Mignola is involved, I always want to bank check it out. At the aforementioned time, Chaykin is a revered name in the comic globe, so I knew there was a expert run a risk I would enjoy all of this, and I due west

Fritz Leiber's stories, Howard Chaykin'due south adaptations, and Mike Midnola's art, that's a winning combination right there.

These are fun and interesting tales that are accompanied past great art, and I actually enjoyed reading them. I wasn't sure what to look as I don't know that much virtually the source material, but when Mignola is involved, I always desire to check it out. At the same time, Chaykin is a revered name in the comic world, and so I knew there was a proficient chance I would enjoy all of this, and I was right.

If you like swords and sorcery type stories with some sense of humour involved, then yous should become alee and cheque this collection out.

...more

Jun 27, 2021 Bill Coffin rated it information technology was astonishing

Howard Chaykin, Mike Mignola and Al Williamson'south collaboration on this graphic adaptation of Fritz Leiber's various Lanhkmar stories is a feast. Chaykin's writing, while sometimes criticized here for beingness choppy, suits the quick step of the original tales and loses none of their critical turns. Meanwhile, Mignola'south art is at its pre-Hellboy best, making a meal out of the wondrous and semy details of Newhon and Lankhmar and its favorite anti-heroes. Chaykin and Mignola would collaborate again ar Howard Chaykin, Mike Mignola and Al Williamson's collaboration on this graphic adaptation of Fritz Leiber'southward diverse Lanhkmar stories is a feast. Chaykin'southward writing, while sometimes criticized hither for existence inclement, suits the quick footstep of the original tales and loses none of their disquisitional turns. Meanwhile, Mignola'due south fine art is at its pre-Hellboy best, making a meal out of the wondrous and semy details of Newhon and Lankhmar and its favorite anti-heroes. Chaykin and Mignola would interact over again around the same fourth dimension on Ironwolf: Fires of the Revolution, and while that's a gem, too, this thing they did with Fafhrd and the Grayness Mouser is something special. ...more

Jun 20, 2012 Macha rated it actually liked information technology

dandy job, as befits the best sword & sorcery series e'er. the original stories by Fritz Leiber are artfully rendered - and in that location's a lot going on in Leiber to capture. the best bromance ever conveys the joy they both have in their unlikely clan. and the early Mike Mignola art is very overnice - chip of an oriental fantasy experience to information technology, like maybe Groo fatigued with sharper edges, not quite what you lot might look from the writer of the sometimes very stark Hellboy series. a labour of beloved, this one. great job, as befits the best sword & sorcery series ever. the original stories by Fritz Leiber are artfully rendered - and at that place'southward a lot going on in Leiber to capture. the best bromance ever conveys the joy they both accept in their unlikely association. and the early Mike Mignola art is very nice - bit of an oriental fantasy experience to it, similar maybe Groo fatigued with sharper edges, not quite what y'all might look from the author of the sometimes very stark Hellboy series. a labour of dearest, this i. ...more

Sep 30, 2015 Darnell rated it liked it

Very conventional episodic sword and sorcery, hence I'm non a fair reviewer. Very conventional episodic sword and sorcery, hence I'g not a fair reviewer. ...more than

December xiii, 2021 Joseph R. rated information technology really liked it

Fritz Leiber is one of the more than famous sword and sorcery authors from the age of Conan and other pulp heroes. These weird tales from the world of Nehwon follow the adventures Fafhrd, a northern barbarian who is seven feet tall and red-headed (and red-bearded), and The Gray Mouser, a southern swashbuckler of diminutive size but deadly with his two swords. They start off in the city of Lankhmar. They go swept up into a conflict with the Thieves' Guild leading to disastrous consequences. Then the Fritz Leiber is one of the more famous sword and sorcery authors from the age of Conan and other pulp heroes. These weird tales from the world of Nehwon follow the adventures Fafhrd, a northern barbarian who is seven feet alpine and red-headed (and reddish-disguised), and The Grey Mouser, a southern swashbuckler of diminutive size just deadly with his two swords. They get-go off in the city of Lankhmar. They get swept upward into a conflict with the Thieves' Gild leading to disastrous consequences. Then the duo wanders over the lands having foreign adventures fighting mages, ghosts, and sea beasts. The stories are taken from Leiber'due south writings, then they already have some polish to them.

Mignola's fine art is clearly developing into his Hellboy fashion, with stark lines, shadows and darkness, and fantastical monsters. I savor his visuals a lot, then that fabricated me very happy reading the volume. He has an unerring sense for the weird and eerie, playing to the fantasy parts of the story quite well. The stories are fun with the usual comradery banter between the two heroes. I'm intrigued enough to hunt around for the original stories.

Recommended.

...more than

Nothing stuck out to me in this volume, and non fifty-fifty Mike Mignola art could salve it for me. I understand that Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser is a fantasy classic for a lot of people, but it didn't hit the right notes for me.

Some other trouble was the fridging of the female characters in the first story, the rampant sexism elsewhere, the racism towards people implied to be Romani, and a few other things. Howard Chaykin could accept removed these aspects, I guess, only I'chiliad sure he was trying to stick to the o

Naught stuck out to me in this volume, and non fifty-fifty Mike Mignola art could save it for me. I understand that Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser is a fantasy classic for a lot of people, but it didn't hit the right notes for me.

Another problem was the fridging of the female characters in the first story, the rampant sexism elsewhere, the racism towards people unsaid to be Romani, and a few other things. Howard Chaykin could have removed these aspects, I approximate, simply I'k sure he was trying to stick to the original.

Overall, I'm disappointed that something with Mignola art makes me want to quit reading the book but oh well.

...more

This was written in a very archetype comic way that is simply non really something I personally enjoy so much. I found it besides stripped down and even hard to follow at times for jumping around without explanation, fifty-fifty though every panel seems overly full of dialog.

Jul 01, 2017 Robert rated information technology liked information technology

Good graphic novel that captured enough of the wit and characters that I want to go back and read the original stories.

Aug 13, 2017 Raechel rated information technology it was amazing

A really fun classic fantasy romp brought to the graphic novel format. Reminded me a lot of a D&D campaign with the same kind of humor yous frequently see in it.

Oct 22, 2017 Erik Waiss rated it it was amazing

A magnificent Illustrated Hazard through the worlds of sword and sorcery. It has given me reason to pick up the original novels and short stories to read them for myself.

It'due south skilful, just a little dull.

Jul xi, 2021 David rated it it was amazing

A masterpiece! Must-reading for Mignola fans. Chaykin's accommodation could not exist better. The very best Fantasy graphic novel I've ever read. Perfection, sublime perfection! A masterpiece! Must-reading for Mignola fans. Chaykin's adaptation could not be better. The very best Fantasy graphic novel I've ever read. Perfection, sublime perfection! ...more

Howard Victor Chaykin is an American comic volume artist and author.

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