Step back into the mists of Avalon and the golden age of Marvel’s black-and-white magazines, where John Buscema’s powerful linework and Doug Moench’s mythic storytelling collided in an Arthurian vision unlike any other. In Marvel Preview Presents #22 (1980), these legendary creators turned their talents to the wizard of legend—crafting a tale of kings, knights, and destiny that shimmered with painterly grace and raw heroic energy.
Come explore this forgotten masterpiece of sword and sorcery, where Merlin rises in smoke and spellcraft beneath the brush of Earl Norem and the pen of Buscema himself.
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This Week’s Rediscovered Realms Theme Song:
From the mists of Avalon comes a song of hope reborn. Spell of the Once and Future King is a sweeping ballad that conjures the timeless promise of Arthur’s return. Through ethereal choirs, solemn strings, and heroic drums, the song carries Merlin’s enchantment across ages — a prophecy echoing in every age of darkness that light will rise again.
Well, maybe, but in this case, as the magnificent Norem cover of this time capsule of Arthurian sword & sorcery calls out, it truly is “A Saga of Epic Beauty”.
What was the origin story behind this masterly piece? Check out Ralph Macchio’s intro below to find out how they asked Buscema what he would like to work on and how they gave him carte blanch to do whatever he wanted.
Is it me, or did it seem that big companies like Marvel gave creators a bit more creative license back in these heady days of fantasy to put their wholehearted quality into things rather than just churn out weekly quotas with vanilla-like consistency?
Or maybe that’s just survivorship bias addling my brain. (Along with writing about another Marvel Buscema/Moench masterpiece of the era, “Warriors of the Shadow Realm.)
Instantly, I am reminded of the old Prince Valiant comics I would see in my grandparents’ newspaper during weekend visits.
(Loving fantasy even back then, I would seek out the only fantasy-related things I could find in the mostly boring newsprint - Prince Valiant, Hagar the Horrible, and The Wizard of Id!)
But seriously, you HAVE to check out how masterfully Buscema illustrated this special edition. Probably some of the best fantasy comic artwork ever.
Almost any of these panels would fit right in with classic Dungeons & Dragons modules and materials!
Speaking of D&D, that panel above reminded me of Caruso the Bard from “The Forest of Enchantment” a 1983 Marvel D&D storybook with artwork by Earl Norem!
Seriously - how cool is this full-paged monster-infested Merlin illustration?!!!!
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My photos don’t really do justice to how impressive the artwork, lettering and calligraphic narration are!
I have to say that I love this story, just reading it for the 1st time this week.
Beyond the artwork, it was very well written and really a perfect blend of Arthurian mythos and Conanic sword & sorcery with some darker unexpected elements. (remember, this predates by a year the “Excalibur” movie which put a modern grimdark feel to the Arthurian legends!)
The quality was self-evident in every aspect.
I haven’t looked yet to see if there were ever any additional Arthurian comics by Buscema, but if there were, I’m 100% adding them to my wish list.
A cool bonus feature beyond this fanfiction Arthurian story is the inclusion of a couple of different takes on the historical Arthur.
I’m sure there has been dragonloads of new findings & interpretations since these were written (1980), but I can’t help but find them fascinating!
The first article brought to mind the 2004 movie, “King Arthur” (with Clive Owen), which took that dark-age post-Roman slant.
(And what a cool illustration by Marie Severin!)
Another fascinating view about the “Real Arthur” - and another impressively cool illustration by Marie Severin!
From Norem’s glowing spellcrafted (and Merlin-muscled!) cover to Buscema’s audacious imagination & linework, Marvel Preview Presents: Merlin stands as a shimmering relic of fantasy’s silver age - a bridge between the grandeur of Camelot and the raw power of Conan. As these pages remind us, magic isn’t always found in wands and words, but in the imagination of those who dare to unleash it.
Until next time, Knightly Adventurer, Keep the Adventure Going Strong!
Have you ever read Marvel Preview or other special edition fantasy Marvel magazines from the ‘70s and ‘80s?
Do you prefer your Merlin as a mythic sorcerer, a tragic mentor, or a mysterious wanderer?
Which version of King Arthur fascinates you more - the romantic legend or the historical warrior?
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Spell of the Once and Future King When the moon crowns the hill in silver flame, A voice calls forth the old king’s name. Through ancient vows and shadowed years, The spell is cast through hope and fears. [Chorus] Wake, O King, in Avalon’s keep, Dreams of glory shall not sleep. When the world forgets its song, Your sword will rise, the lost made strong. [Verse 2] The tower cracks, the stars grow dim, But faith still burns — a sacred hymn. Through storm and time, through crown and ring, Awake once more, the future king. [Chorus – reprise] Awake, O King, in Avalon’s keep, Dreams of glory shall not sleep. When the world forgets its song, Your sword will rise, the lost made strong. [Outro – whispered] The spell remains… the king shall rise again.
My college application essay question was, “What person would you like to have dinner with?” My answer was Merlin, which was both genuine and apt since I was applying to the Medieval Studies program. I got accepted, and a lovely welcome letter from the head of the program who later became my advisor. He recommended I read Mists of Avalon, but I never heard of these comics before!
I am definitely more interested in the romantic myth than the (hypothetical) historical reality. Though I find the supporting cast and the world they inhabit more intriguing than Arthur himself.
Also, I loved the song! Who wrote the lyrics and composed the score?
My college application essay question was, “What person would you like to have dinner with?” My answer was Merlin, which was both genuine and apt since I was applying to the Medieval Studies program. I got accepted, and a lovely welcome letter from the head of the program who later became my advisor. He recommended I read Mists of Avalon, but I never heard of these comics before!
I am definitely more interested in the romantic myth than the (hypothetical) historical reality. Though I find the supporting cast and the world they inhabit more intriguing than Arthur himself.
Also, I loved the song! Who wrote the lyrics and composed the score?