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(EDITOR’S NOTE: Welcome to The Classic Conan Countdown, a series of reviews focusing on the original 275 issues of Marvel Comics’ Conan the Barbarian, which was published from 1970 to 1999. This is a review of Conan the Barbarian Vol. 1, #18. )
By JOESEPH SIMON – PM Library Associate Editor
Welcome to the another adventure of Robert E. Howard’s Conan the Barbarian and Fritz Leiber’s Fafhrd from Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser stories, AKA “Fafnir” in Marvel’s Conan! This issue is written by Roy Thomas (adapted from “The Gods of Bal-Sagoth,” a Turlogh Dubh O’Brien story) with art by guest artist Gil Kane.
We’re into the 18th issue of Conan’s first run in comics and what remains, even decades after being published, is not specifically new to the series. Fafnir already appeared in Conan the Barbarian #6 (along with Blackrat, AKA Gray Mouser) and Roy Thomas has previously adapted Howard’s Turlogh Dubh O’Brien stories in Conan the Barbarian #3 and #17, which continues into this issue. Gil Kane already had the inside move to being a guest artist above others, as he had tackled cover art for several issues already.
It is interesting how Thomas, through unusual means, is creating a world in which Conan can adventure. While buried in the world that Howard created, Thomas expanded, creating a Marvel version of the Hyborian Age without it being part of the Marvel universe. Should we expect any less?
This is the same creator whose long stretch on DC’s All Star Squadron utilized a mix of Thomas-created new characters with DC’s golden age characters in an retroactive continuity (Retcon), rewriting the already established history of DCs super heroes during the period of the 1940s. As a result, he eliminated continuity errors, improved character origins and other problems DC had with its older heroes.
Librarian Dean Plakas reviewed the first part of the story that we now continue. If you’re not caught up, you might consider reading his review of Conan the Barbarian #17 before proceeding!
Review: Conan the Barbarian #18
At the end of the last issue Conan, Fafnir and Kyrie stand victorious with Kyrie (now known as Aala) as the ruler of Bal-Sagoth, and our barbarous heroes as her bodyguards. Those who were dethroned ran away and are now at large.
After much exposition and recapping of the previous issue, we discover that while protecting Aala during her new-found rule of Bal-Sagoth, Conan and Fafnir’s appearance is a close similarity to the actual legends of Bal-Sagoth; this Aala deems very fortunate. Conan prefers that the legends are simply stories.
Stating that Gothan and Ska remain a danger (even in hiding!) Aala decides to retire for the night while Conan and Fafnir take turns standing guard outside her bedchamber, an obviously inexperienced and naive choice for all involved. Acknowledging the prospect of danger and not securing safely anything more than the outside of your bedchamber is not the greatest decision for anyone, especially the people she rules.
Perhaps it is due to Aala’s decision, but Conan and Fafnir don’t even secure the room before Aala enters. Given that this was likely by the queen’s choice, it was by their own choice to not secure their own room.
The lack of securing the area does allow Conan and Fafnir time to have a conversation, albeit a short one. Fafnir remarks how things have changed when Conan was his captive and he the captain of a pirate band (and Fafnir on drums! No, not that kind of band)! He also tells the “coy” Conan that Aala has eyes for the Cimmerian before falling asleep. Then, in turn, Conan falls asleep also.
Conan wakes to a demonic creature about to attack. Narrowly missing a quick return to sleep (the kind from which you never awaken), Conan with effort kills the creature through strength, resources, his sword and flame. Despite Conan’s attempts to wake Fafnir, the red bearded Vanir warrior stirs only due to the smell of the demonic creatures smoke-charred carcass burning.
Both Conan and Fafnir’s battle- honed senses detect movement behind a nearby curtain and Conan quickly spears whatever caused the disturbance without much of a thought.
Conan remarks as a man drops to the ground that the now dead man must be a priestly lackey of Gothan. Not only that, but the lackey must have put a sleep spell on both Conan and Fafnir.
While Gothan’s lackey and creature both got the drop on our heroes (through the use of the sleep spell and the demonic creatures almost successful attack) it was Conan’s quick reaction that saved both himself and Fafnir.
It’s Fafnir, well-rested by now, who after hearing Aala screaming from her room, uses his body to break through her bedchamber doors. Inside, to his horror, he sees a massive man-bat looking creature attempting to take Aala by force. Fafnir attacks the creature and continues to press his attack. Conan attempts to help, but Fafnir claims this battle alone.
She even indicates that the direction Fafnir took, chasing the bat creature out of her bedchamber (only one entrance) leads to Gothan’s black hell and essentially gives up on Conan’s companion. Aala doesn’t wish the Cimmerian to “share his fate.”
If I was Conan, I would be furious at the lack of being told that their enemy, the very enemy Aala warned still lurked, was 1) within the kingdom that she now ruled, and 2) just down the hall from her bedchamber!
Conan does get angry, but for not being able to help his friend and other problems that knowing Aala has brought to him. He throws her down and takes off to help Fafnir. This does not sit well with the Queen. She throws a tantrum and as she does her guards come to her – she instructs them to find and kill Conan and Fafnir.
How will this fare for our heroic duo? Will Conan find Fafnir in time? If they survive the Bat creature, they still have to contend with Gothan as well as Aala and her guard. It just doesn’t pay to be loyal royal security. Conan has been in similar situations in the past. If only dreams of gold, being a king and lust didn’t cloud his vision!
CAPSULE REVIEW: Conan has always had a supporting cast. But unlike most comics, where you can depend on them to frequent the life of the star that they support, Conan’s cast members are transitory. While only seen on occasion, they are likely to reappear at some point in the future (given they are not killed. This is Hyboria after all and Conan’s battles are more in line with life and death struggles than super hero slugfests.)
If your curiosity as a Fritz Lieber or Fafhrd and Grey Mouser fan ever caught you day dreaming about Fafhrd teaming up with Conan (or at least a more capable and able-bodied fighter) look no further. There is a great chance you will enjoy this three-part tale!
Dean inquired last issue if Conan would realize his dreams of being a King in this very issue. The answer, sadly, is no. But I believe this is a good thing.
A good ruler, which I believe Conan would want to be (aside from his dreams of gold aplenty) is partially defined by experience and wisdom. Conan, as a fierce Cimmerian fighter, is very experienced. As a leader, much less so. He continues to be gullible and makes many poor choices. His rule, this early in life, would likely have be a short one.
On eBay, this issue is readily available for less than $10 in ungraded condition.
