Pygmalion and the Image series which dates back to 1867–1870, used harsher tones, darker colours and less fluid lines – as may be seen in the Gallery below. This second version, despite being painted in oils, has the sheen and soft tones of chalk. The story tells of Pygmalion, a sculptor of Cyprus, the birthplace of Aphrodite. It was first related in Ovid's "Metamorphoses", although by the time of this series, William Morris had written his own version of the story. Pygmalion is seen here in his studio, pondering his lonely life, having chosen to remain celibate in disgust at what he saw as the
Island of the Lizard King other monsters across the island whilst collecting information as to the Lizard King's weakness, which will be required during the final confrontation. Marcus L. Rowland reviewed "Island of the Lizard King" for the May 1984 issue of "White Dwarf", rating the title 8 out of a possible 10. Rowland claimed that "Island of the Lizard King" "seemed to contain more monsters and less traps than others in the series, and most of the traps seemed to be fair", concluding that this was "probably the toughest adventure of this series, since few options allow the adventurer to avoid a fight". A