REVIEW: The Final Battle with the Beast King of Abombi!

“In an incredible role-reversal of the “damsel in distress” tale, Belit races against time to rescue her beloved barbarian from the clutches of the deadly Ajaga. Conan could breathe his last at the hands of this new and deadly foe if Belit is not in time, as even the beasts of the jungle obey the command of the Beast King of Abombi!”

(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 were published from 1970 to 1993. This is a review of Conan the Barbarian Vol. 1, #97.)

By ANDY MAGLOTHIN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

We’re closing in on the 100th issue of Marvel’s Conan the Barbarian and nearing the end of Roy Thomas’ memorable adaptation of Robert E. Howard’s “Queen of the Black Coast” story. This issue concludes the “Beast King of Abombi” quartet (#94-97), and only two stand-alone yarns remain before the double-sized Conan extravaganza published originally in July 1979.

This issue is not just a good story by itself – in these pages, Roy Thomas subtly foreshadows the events to come as readers see the extent to which Belit will go to save her beloved. It’s something we will see again very soon, but the second occasion will be far more poignant.

Review: Conan the Barbarian #97

Conan the Barbarian #97

The opening scene shows Conan chained to a sacrificial rock in Abombi, as Ajaga stands ready to kill our Cimmerian, a leopard and serpent standing by to finish the job! Ajaga’s call beckons animals of all species to journey to the site of the barbarian’s sacrifice.

Waiting on the offering, Krato, Beeya and Ajaga’s other followers remain safely behind the symbol of Jhebbal Sag (which, as we learned in Conan the Barbarian #95, is used to control the animals).

Bêlit and Sholo, the black lion, travel through the catacombs of Abombi searching for Conan. Bêlit is concerned Sholo will attack her at any point, but her desire to find Conan outweighs her fears. She believes the lion is drawn to Ajaga’s call and following him will lead her to Ajaga and her beloved. As Bêlit and Sholo journey onward, she hears Ajaga’s chants echoing through the tunnel.

Bêlit and Sholo quietly sneak above Ajaga and leap into action to attack! Bêlit’s assault knocks Ajaga to the ground and he strikes his head against a rock as he falls. Sholo’s attack is rapidly halted by the sign of Jhebbal Sag.

Bêlit rushes over to release Conan as the Kushite warriors hurl spears at them with the (in)accuracy of Stormtroopers from the Galactic Empire, but then suddenly stop their assault. Conan and Bêlit discover they are surrounded by Kushites and the groggy Ajaga is surrounded by the animals he summoned.

Conan uses a potion to wash away part of the sign of Jhebbal Sag, which breaks the spell holding the animals at bay. The animals savagely attack Ajaga, and since the spell keeping them under control is gone, they savagely attack each other.

The melee confuses the Kushite warriors, allowing Bêlit to seize the opportunity to attack once more. Beeya and Krato attempt to retaliate, but Conan takes the offensive, knocking Beeya to the ground. Krato lunges at Conan but the lightning fast Sholo pounces on Krato.  Krato shoves his spear deep into the lion’s chest but with his dying breath, Sholo clamps down on on Krato’s head.

Beeya urges the Kushite army to continue their attack against Conan, Bêlit and the Corsairs but to no avail. As the battle begins, Beeya understands the Kushites are outmatched and he escapes through the caves. A grieving Conan and Bêlit build a cairn of stones over Sholo’s body as they recall his loyalty to both Amra and Conan.  Conan, Bêlit, and the Corsairs sail away on the Tigress leaving Abombi to the scattered Kushites.

CAPSULE REVIEW: An eye-catching cover features Ajaga, poised to slaughter a bound Conan as Bêlit springs into action to save her lover. The textures of the rock, flames, steel and animal skins make this scene come to life. John Buscema once again outdoes himself with background and detail.

This issue is an action packed, fast paced end to Ajaga’s torment of Conan and company. Roy Thomas pushes the reader into the tense action and soon to be final confrontation between Conan, Bêlit, and Ajaga. The author’s description of Ajaga’s call to the wild along with the animals’ focused journey paints the picture of the Beast-King’s power and influence over his environment. Thomas’ skill to switch scenes and characters quickly while still keeping a reader engaged once again confirms that he is a top-tier writer.

One of the most touching moments in this issue was Conan’s response to Sholo’s death. Conan states he does not understand why Sholo was so devoted to him and declares he will launch an arrow into the air anytime their ships pass by the cliffs of Abombi. A very powerful scene to those of us who have pets and love animals. 

The Buscema / Chan team maintains the high level of artwork readers have come to expect. Their ability to provide shadow, texture, proportion, and depth are featured here. The fight scenes provide intensity and as much brutality as possible while still complying with the comic code. The scene where the animals turn on Ajaga has an Alfred Hitchcock air, and Buscema draws facial features well, relaying a character’s emotions in support of Thomas’ text.

This is a very good issue providing closure to the arc and a must have for any Conan fan. My minor gripes are the brevity of the fight scenes and inaccuracy of the Kushite warrior illustrations. I give it 8 Aquilonian Luna out of 10.

Living life my own way – Andy from Aquilonia

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Matt

This is a great review. It should be noted the cover is John Buscema riffing on the Frazetta painting for Conan the Avenger…. http://frankfrazetta.org/viewimage.php?loc=frank_frazetta_sacrifice.jpg