I am a nerd, haha, I was listening to Lethal Comics’ new YouTube show. These are some Canadians making some of the best comics out there. Welp, I got carried away and this was my reply… Why not make it a post? Hope you all enjoy.
What is the genre of Sword and Sorcery?
I’m going to name what I think makes this genre. It’s high pulp adventures. Solo to small group, no more than three. Rarely use magic, if so, don’t comprehend it. Wizards and magic users are common in the story, but rare in the world. Better to rely on your own strength than on others. Giant monsters and creatures. The Heroes are more for personal gain, such as money or fame. Rarely involved in giant wars. I would agree, not real places, but more ideas. Like Stygia isn’t Egypt… but it is. A lot of lonely towers and forgotten kingdoms.
The Lord of the Rings is High Fantasy. A group trying to battle a giant force for good. More about morals than money. Now, the gore… this opens an interesting idea, and I wish I were there. Sword and Sorcery is punk rock. It’s quick stories, not usually overarching stories. In and out, fast and fun. Dark Fantasy is heavy metal. Dark Fantasy is the world is fucked and at best we are doomed. One of my favorite comics of all time is Berserk. That comic has some of the most violent images I have ever seen. It is not for the weak of heart, but damn does it have a message.
Like I said, I can see not having too much violence and some nudity makes Sword & Sorcery. It’s some bite, but not enough to be dark fantasy. You can have blends and mixes of the genre. Such as the Misfits would work with a Metal venue or Punk.
Some deep cuts I would recommend? First off is Gotrek and Felix from Warhammer. I wish this were a comic or show. Gotrek is a slayer, a dwarf who has committed such a terrible crime, the only hope for redemption is death by killing some terrible monster. The bigger the creature, the more honor. Felix is just a human who made the mistake of getting drunk and agreeing to write his doom. These two have such fun adventures and very pulpy stories. Like they all relate, but can read alone.
Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser is the next comic. Especially this has peak Mike Mignola. More with each adventure could be described, but more about Mignola doing fantasy.
Not Sword and Sorcery, but Vinland Saga. It is a relatable Viking manga, and it is that good. I would put it up there with Berserk, well, right below Berserk. Recommend these two manga.
A manga made for Andy, BASTARD!! All the spells and castles are named after ’80s and ’90s metal bands. The Main Wizard is Dark Schneider, not even joking, haha. The plot is that this was the worst Wizard who almost took over the world. They trapped his soul in a young boy. Now, the worst evil is here, and they depend on him to save them. He is a pure bastard and a lot of fun. This is more Dark Fantasy, but has that Sword and Sorcery feel.
Last is Bang: The Ballad of the Tiger, a kung fu fantasy. This one is mine. Instead of a guy with a sword, it is a chick with a boot. A new government has taken over, banning Bang and a small boy named Eddie from the village. She teams up with a swordswoman to get Ed to the capital to study. This has a ton of action, crazy monsters, and more. Can read it for free at www.joshgreathouse.com.
That is my TED talk. Thank you, haha. This is a genre I love.
-Greathouse