Wagner's, Kane, is magnificent. Every one of the books and stories are worthy of your time if you like swords and sorcery .
I don't think you have ever met a character like Kane. He is cursed to live forever (although he can be killed by losing his head or burning up), and boredom is his worst enemy besides his own dreams of grandeur and ruling vast kingdoms if not the world.
the novels all have their great parts. The Short Stories are some of the best insights to Kane and the man or semi God he is. My personal favorite is Cold Light. Some hunters tracking Kane through a village get several surprise bitch moments.
Frank Frazetta and Ken Kelly do some great cover art for the books which is just an added treat.
Not since Harry Flashman has there been a more greedy, selfish, scheming, backstabbing and interesting character in fiction. Keep in mind the time period of the stories make them barbarian tales like, Conan. I don't like Kane as much as Conan. I do enjoy these Kane stories though, as they are very close in excitement as the R.E.H. fiction. Both are classic swords and sorcery.
I had a chance to see all the Frazetta covers in person in 8/06 and was blown away. Bloodstone was such a small piece and Darkness Weaves was cracking around the top and the sail.
Seeing, Nightwinds and Dark Kingdom (Dark Crusade) in person was a thrill. The Paintings were just outstanding and only serve to make me love Kane that much more. Below is the much sought after Book of Kane hardback. It has Jeff Jones art plates and cover. I found one at Goodwill auctions for 12 bucks. Hell Yeah.
Sadly, Karl Edward Wagner left us to early. I raise a Tankard of Grog to his memory and Kane.
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