“It’s a Hyborian game of thrones, as opposing factions vie for control of Asgalun. Meanwhile, Belit, the Queen of the Black Coast, plots her final revenge against Nim-Karrak, the current ruler of the city and the man who usurped her father, Atrahasis. Will the Shemite hellcat finally send Nim-Karrak to the fate he deserves?“

(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, #93. )

By BOB FREEMAN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

“You’ve got too many animals on the covers.”

In 1970, Conan the Barbarian came out of the gate swinging. Marvel printed over 200,000 issues of the debut comic and they moved nearly 60% of them. Very respectable. However, each issue after sold a little less than the one before and the title was in danger of being cancelled after just seven books (doled out over fourteen months).

That’s when Stan Lee asked to see the covers and commented on there being too many animals. “Get some more humanoid menacing-looking villains instead of these animals,” he had said.

Issue eight featured Conan and a beautiful damsel in the midst of a treasure horde as two skeletal warriors menacingly approached from behind. Sales ticked upward and the title flourished for the next two decades.

That’s the kind of genius Stan Lee was.

Review: Conan the Barbarian #93

Under Ptor-Nubis’s magical control, Conan, Belit, Zula, and M’Gora are commanded to fight to the death. Zula, however, is able to break free of the sorcerer’s spell, as he recalls that it was Ptor-Nubis who had sold him into slavery as a child. Zula strikes out at the wizard, killing him instead of his comrade, and ending Ptor-Nubis’ hold on them.

Zula, M’Gora, Conan, and Belit turn their attentions toward the surrounding Stygian soldiers, handling them easily. After, Zula and M’Gora set out to announce Belit’s return to the people of Asgalun.

As word of Belit’s return reaches the ears of Nim-Karrak, the king is convinced that Ptor-Nubis has been slain and thus goes into hiding as Prince Khamun takes command of the castle.

Seeking to consolidate his power, Khamun has the merchant Uriaz taken into custody, despite the growing unrest of the citizens of Asgalun. The High-Priest of Ishtar, Bal-Yamm, crowns Khamun as king and, as part of the ceremony, Urias is brought before the executioner.

The merchant begs for his life as the hooded executioner lifts his ax — but instead of taking Uriaz’ head, instead hurls the blade into Khamun’s chest, killing the newly crowned ruler. The executioner removes his hood, and is revealed to be Conan who calls Belit forth and proclaims her as the true and rightful queen.

Belit calls for the Asgalun to rise up against the Stygians, but they are poorly matched, until the arrival of Hyrkanian mercenaries.

As Belit observes the battle between the Shemites and Stygians, Nim-Karrak emerges from a secret door, slinking toward Belit with a dagger and venomous intent.

Zula reaches out with his magic and Nim-Karrak, believing that a stone lion has come to life, plummets to his death in fright, enraging Belit.

Belit’s claim to the throne is secured, but she refuses the crown, granting it to Uriaz instead, much to his horror.

Conan, Belit, and Zula leave the city as Akhirom approaches with a sizable army. Belit, having avenged her father, is eager to put this all behind her and return to plundering the Black Coast, with Conan at her side.

CAPSULE REVIEW:  This was a big issue with a lot going on but it was so perfectly paced that it never felt crowded or too busy. Buscema and Chan bring a ton of kinetic energy to each and every page, but it’s the facial expressions that carry the weight of the story. They really outdid themselves.

Roy’s script is tight as he deftly maneuvers the political intrigue, brilliantly juggling the story and never letting it get bogged down in too much exposition.

This was a perfect marriage between the writer and artists that puts an endcap on Belit’s revenge arc and sets up the endgame for the Queen of the Black Coast storyline.

From the sweltering jungle action to the politically charged city-streets of Asgalun, Conan, while virtually a secondary character in the story, is still a dominate physical force, fluid and visceral.

That, in and of itself, is a neat trick, and one the creators should be applauded for.

On a scale of 1-10, I’d rate this issue a 9.5. On eBay, this issue generally is available for less than $10, and often as low as $7.

Alba Gu Brath – Bob Freeeman (aka The Occult Detective)