I first read Elric when I was about 12 or 13 and fell for the character. He was brooding, intelligent, conflicted, it is easy to see how an introverted pre-teen could identify with him. Visually, I have to say that this first volume is extremely impressive. In the notes, the artist talk about how the way the Melniboneans are portrayed is inspired by the Cenobites from Hellraiser. And it works. The reader really gets a sense of the alien nature and cruelty within the Melnibonean realm. This is not a graphic novel for kids, however, as there is a fair amount of nudity and some pretty graphic depictions of violence and torture.
One other visual note I have to comment upon is the Ruby Throne on the Dragon Isle. It looks phenomenal. It could be inspired by the image of the Iron Throne in Game of Thrones but even so, it has an almost organic look to it that is striking.
They do alter the story a fair amount, and I am a bit concerned how that will work going forward. IN particular, I am not a fan of Cymoril being much more involved in sorcery and keeping Elric alive than she is nominally shown.
So I am knocking it down one star, and almost did two, but the incredible artwork makes it a solid recommendation at 4 stars.