One of the best is 'Conan the Barbarian'. It has all the classic elements of sword and sorcery. The art is great at depicting Conan's adventures in a brutal and magical world. Another good one is 'Elric of Melniboné'. It tells the story of a tragic anti - hero with a cursed sword, full of dark and moody atmospheres. And 'Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser' is also great. The duo's escapades in a fantasy realm filled with magic and danger are really engaging.
One of the best is 'The Sword of Shannara' by Terry Brooks. It has a richly detailed world filled with magic and adventure, and the sword in the story is a central and powerful element. Another great one is 'Elric of Melniboné' by Michael Moorcock. The main character's runeblade sword is both a weapon and a source of dark power. Also, 'The Belgariad' by David Eddings features a magic sword that plays a crucial role in the epic quest.
The 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien can also be considered. Although it is mainly high - fantasy, it has elements of sword and sorcery. The epic battles, the magic swords like Andúril, and the fight against the forces of evil are all hallmarks of this genre. Hobbits, humans, elves, and dwarves all use swords and magic in their quest to save Middle - earth.
One way is to look at lists of recommended graphic novels on websites dedicated to comics and fantasy literature. For example, sites like Goodreads or Comic Book Resources often have lists curated by fans or experts. Another approach is to follow graphic novel artists and writers on social media. They sometimes promote their own sword and sorcery works or recommend others.
One of the best is 'The First Law' trilogy by Joe Abercrombie. It features a gritty and complex world filled with morally ambiguous characters. Another great one is 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' by Scott Lynch. It has a clever protagonist and a richly detailed world of thieves and magic. Also, 'The Kingkiller Chronicle' by Patrick Rothfuss is highly regarded, with its beautifully written prose and a story full of mystery and adventure.
Well, 'Red Sonja' is a well - known sword and sorcery graphic novel. Red Sonja is a fierce warrior woman with a sword, and her tales are full of action and magic. 'The Witcher' graphic novels also fall into this category. They are based on the popular Witcher series and have great art and engaging stories set in a world of monsters, magic, and swordplay. And 'Berserk' is a very popular one too. It has a very dark and gritty story with amazing art, centered around the character Guts and his battles in a world of demons and magic.
Good ones often have a strong hero with great sword skills. For example, Conan in 'Conan the Barbarian' is super strong and his sword fighting is a big part of the story. Another characteristic is a well - built magical world. In 'The Elric of Melniboné', the world of Melniboné has its own rules of magic and a unique culture.
The 'Earthsea' series has a lot to offer. Ged's growth as a wizard, his struggle with his own power, and the unique magic system in the Earthsea world are all fascinating. 'The Chronicles of Amber' with its mind - bending concepts of different worlds and the main character's journey using sword and magic is quite special. 'The Belgariad' is also wonderful, with its epic prophecy, the use of magic by different characters, and the exciting battles throughout the story.
I think 'The Sword of Shannara' was very popular. It was one of those books that really captured the imagination of readers with its detailed world - building and the classic good - vs - evil story. The magic system was also quite appealing.
Erotic sword and sorcery novels often have more focus on sexual relationships and themes. Regular sword and sorcery are more about battles, magic, and heroic quests. For example, in a regular one, the plot might revolve around a hero slaying a dragon. But in an erotic one, there could be a relationship between the hero and a sorceress that has an erotic aspect.