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August 9th, 2019

Conan (2019), Reviews

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REVIEW: Savage Avengers #4 – Losing Steam Fast

“The one evil wizard to rule them all, Kulan Gath, has succeeded in summoning an ancient evil…and he’s already hard at work on his next terrible plan.

Conan swings his savage symbiotic sword against the forces of darkness…and Frank Castle has the worst day of his life. The Savage Avengers are fighting to save YOU!”

By BOB FREEMAN — PM Library Writer

Prior to Jim Zub and Patch Zircher taking on the storytelling duties on Savage Sword of Conan, Savage Avengers was as close as Marvel was getting to giving us the Cimmerian in a recognizable fashion.

Sadly, in this fourth issue of the popular series, Conan is largely absent, both in character and amount of screen time. While the first two issues were exciting, the third issue began to show a delamination in its steel. Now, we are faced with the threat of a full-on catastrophic failure.

I can’t help but think this would have been a lot better had it been a Bronze Age “What If?” two-parter. You can just feel the padding as they try and stretch this thing to five issues so they can slip us a trade edition in time for Christmas.

While there’s still hope that Duggan and Deodato can stick the landing, its raison d’être is still a mystery. I get that Marvel wanted to utilize Conan as much as possible once they got the license back from Dark Horse, but I still feel that four titles was one too many.

Conan belongs in the Hyborian Age. Period. End of story.

More care should have been given to the three flagship titles: Conan the Barbarian, Savage Sword of Conan, and Age of Conan. Sadly, all three dropped the ball out of the gate.

Thankfully, Zub and Zircher’s new story arc in Savage Sword is a step in the right direction.

We can only hope the Valeria storyline in Age of Conan is a vast improvement over the sorry tale they gave us of a young Belit. It couldn’t be worse. Of that I’m certain.

And we still have four more issues of Jason Aaron’s Conan the Barbarian to slog through.

So, what does all of this have to do with Savage Avengers? Nothing other than, it shouldn’t need to exist. But right now it does. Hopefully it won’t for much longer…

Roy Thomas is coming… and he’s bringing Alan Davis with him.

Dare I give this issue a rating? 6 out 10 skulls of my enemies. My generosity knows no bounds.

August 1st, 2019

Conan (2019), Reviews

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REVIEW: Conan Goes Home – to Find Thoth Amon at Work!

“THE TWISTED SPELL OF THE WIZARD THOTH-AMON! CONAN returns home to Cimmeria! But things aren’t exactly as he remembers them…Is he that out of touch…or is he falling right into the trap of the wizard THOTH-AMON?! “The Life & Death of Conan” continues!”

By BOB FREEMAN – PM Library Writer

I am bone weary. Truly. While the first few pages of Jason Aaron’s narrative had me excited, the feeling quickly evaporated like one’s icy breath on the chill wind.

Here we find Conan returned home to the village of his youth, seeking out his grandmother and bringing gifts for his clansmen, only to find the wizard Thoth Amon has reached out to mentally enslave these familiar faces as the Stygian plots his vengeance against the Cimmerian.

It is all pretty ridiculous, to be blunt about it.

It’s not serviced by the guest artwork of Gerardo Zaffino either. His blocky, muddy inks are mere sketches doing little to bring the Hyborian Age to life.

I am so tired of being negative about this book, but they’re not giving me anything to work with.

Matthew Wilson does an admirable job with the colors. He’s really good at setting mood with his color palette. And Travis Lanham’s lettering is not distracting in the slightest.

I am left to praising the colors and letters. Crom, preserve us.

There have been two consistent praise worthy aspects of Marvel’s Conan the Barbarian relaunch — the first being Esad Ribic’s covers. This one is no different — the muted blue tones, the towering Thoth Amon looking ghostly and fearsome, and Conan surrounded by his kinsmen as he draws his blade is a ‘trapped in amber’ kinetic moment that is never duplicated in the inner pages.

The second item of consistency lies in John Hocking’s Black Starlight. While Hocking continues to write ‘rpg prose’, it’s still an entertaining sword and sorcery yarn and the only thing that keeps me coming back.

Well, that and a completest mentality that I’d really love to squash.

Anyway, enough rambling. This issue gets 3 skulls of my enemies. One for the cover. One for Hocking. And one because I’m feeling generous because I actually enjoyed the first two pages of the story…

—Alba Gu Brath,
Bob Freeman
occultdetective.com

July 10th, 2019

Conan (2019), Reviews

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REVIEW: Zub, Zircher Present Classic Conan in SSoC #7

*Spoiler Alert! A Review of Savage Sword of Conan (2019) #7*

By WALLY MONK – Paint Monk’s Library Editor

It’s taken nearly a half year of hit-and-miss issues from two Conan the Barbarian series; a Belit mini-event that would make even casual Conan fans run for DC Comics like the Flash; and two omnibus releases. But this week, the team of Jim Zub and Patch Zircher seems to finally have nailed down Howard’s vision in an issue reminiscent of comics from years long gone.

“Conan the Gambler” is the first issue in a three-part story arc, and it begins as many Conan comics do – the Cimmerian stumbles across an outnumbered victim being robbed. It doesn’t take a heady plot to create a good Conan story, and in this case, the trope is well-used but effective.

The victim Conan rescues is a man named Maraudus Mathir, a foreign merchant engaged in a trade war with another dangerous peddler named Kero, dubbed “Kero the Callous.”

With Conan serving as Maraudus’ bodyguard, the pair enter the casino/bordello/tavern known as Demon’s Den. The two merchants caustically agree to settle their differences in a game of cards.

But what will happen when the Cimmerian is left “holding the proverbial bag” and all alone?

CAPSULE REVIEW: After the first few pages of dialogue, it’s clear that writer Jim Zub “gets it.” He’s familiar with the world of Conan, and he knows how to write the barbarian effectively even using common themes. It’s a far cry from what we have been served thus far in Conan’s numerous outings this year.

The art of Patch Zircher is a welcome relief and marvelously rendered, with extremely detailed backgrounds that (dare I say) come close to those of the late great John Buscema. That’s high praise, perhaps undeserved at this point, yet I hope his attention to detail continues as the story arc progresses. Colorist Java Tartaglia’s work lends a more modern look to the tale, but it helps strike the perfect balance between presenting a true Classic Conan and a modern barbarian story that draws inspiration from the classics.

If you haven’t picked up any issues of Conan since Marvel reacquired the property in January, I’d heartily recommend starting with this issue. Heck, pick up the variant covers too. Let’s give this creative team all of the support we can, and hope that Marvel recognizes that they’ve finally tapped into the Conan many older fans know and love.

On a scale of 1-10, I’d rate this issue an 8.5. The pacing is slow, and as most modern comics, this tale could have been merely a few pages of a Thomas/Buscema issue. However, the feel is right, and Conan is easily recognizable here to fans of Howard and the original series.

As always, I am – Wally (AKA Paint Monk)

July 3rd, 2019

By Bob Freeman, Conan (2019)

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REVIEW: Stage Getting Cluttered in Savage Avengers

A Review of Savage Avengers #3

“Kulan Gath’s return is no good for anyone who digs being alive. His trap for the deadliest warriors in the Marvel Universe is sprung, and if humanity is to survive, the Savage Avengers must slay a god. Elektra tries to corral Conan, Voodoo and Logan into an effective fighting force, and the Punisher desperately searches for his disinterred family. Plus: Conan hefts a deadly new Savage Sword!”

By BOB FREEMAN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

Savage Avengers has thus far been the strongest title featuring Robert E. Howard’s Conan since Marvel reacquired the license. I know. Let that sink in for a moment.

Everyone’s favorite Cimmerian stars in Conan the Barbarian and Savage Sword of Conan. Another title, Age of Conan (which currently showcases Belit, with a Valeria run waiting in the wings), doesn’t do Conan’s stomping grounds any favors.

This series, despite a premise I am opposed to on a deeply spiritual level, has been the one title that seemingly has gotten Conan right. It feels like a Conan adventure (save for the modern and superhero trappings). It has had great art and dialogue. The pacing has been solid.

It’s been, dare I say it, fun.

That being said, issue three, titled “Crom Whispers”, felt off from the get go.

Maybe it’s because a lot more characters have taken the stage. Joining Conan and Wolverine as the principle antagonists are Frank Castle, Elektra, Brother Voodoo, and Venom.

The pacing, one of the previous two issues’ strong points, was certainly strained, and there are moments where the art and dialogue seem at odds, like the writing was forced to occupy the panels.

Of course, I am only reading this because of Conan’s part in the story, and for the first time, the Cimmerian is not quite himself.

While it’s hard to put one’s finger on the specifics, Conan seems, well, less intelligent, more in line with Schwarzenegger’s barbarian than the formidable rogue found in Howard’s tales.

Is the story still fun? Most certainly, but the stage is becoming too busy. Conan works best as the center of attention. I can only imagine things will get worse from here…

I give this one 5 out of 10 skulls of my enemies. Help us, Roy Thomas, you’re our only hope.

June 26th, 2019

Conan (2019), Reviews

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REVIEW: Conan the Barbarian #7 — Barbarian Love

By BOB FREEMAN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

Those of you who have been following along know I have been no great fan of Aaron and Asrar’s take on Conan the Barbarian. That has not changed, but “Barbarian Love”, the seventh of a twelve issue storyline called the Life and Death of Conan, has been the best in the series to date.

Trust me, though, that’s not saying much.

Without spoilers, the core of the story centers on revenge, and the master plan cooked up by the Cimmerian concerns a handful of prostitutes procured to help him fulfill it.

There are some nice nods to both Howard and Marvel continuity and worldbuilding, but the writing is a mess, with Aaron’s narrative falling flat and his characterization of Conan disingenuous and ringing false.

The artwork is still a muddy mess, too stiff (much like the writing) and lacking of any real primal quality. The women are too posed. Conan uninspired.

Nowhere does this ring more true than in Conan’s battle with a pack of wolves.

One of the first rules a storyteller learns is “show, don’t tell”, something that both Aaron and Asrar fail at in this scene, and in the series as a whole.

This is impotent ferocity, with little to no kinetic energy. Show me a “dance with steel”, not a single, lethargic image

If not for the colorist, there would be little redemption to be found in these pages, and yet, it is quite possibly the best of their run so far.

The plot is at least interesting, filled with promise. I just wish it were handled better.

As for the prose serial, I am becoming less and less enamored with Hocking’s Black Starlight, especially in light of Oden’s far superior work being serialized in Savage Sword.

Hocking is writing a fantasy story, more akin to something you’d find in prose adaptations of an rpg product as opposed to a Conan tale.

It’s well written and I’m invested in seeing where the story is going, but this reads more like fan fiction than a continuation of Howard’s Conan.

All in all, just more ‘status quo’ from the House of Ideas. They’ve delivered a readable story that’s instantly forgettable.

I’ll toss them 5 skulls of my enemies because, frankly, I can’t be bothered to dissect it any further than that. It’s average at best. It doesn’t suck… but it’s not really good either.

June 22nd, 2019

Conan (2019), Reviews

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REVIEW: Strange New Beginnings for Conan in SSoC #6

By WALLY MONK – Paint Monk’s Library Editor

Ron Garney and Gerry Duggan didn’t “wow” everyone with their first story arc in Marvel’s Savage Sword of Conan #1-5, but the story was serviceable enough. Koga-Thun might not go down in a list of famous or memorable Conan enemies, but the story couldn’t be written off as awful.

This month, we’re presented with Meredith Finch and a one-off story titled “The Suitor’s Revenge”. I must admit I really enjoyed her writing. The art, not so much, although it’s light years better than what we’re getting from Kate Niemczyk in the Age of Conan: Belit mini-series.

A press release from the House of Ideas on Savage Sword of Conan #6:

THORFEL’S REVENGE FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE! Brought to you by the creative team of Meredith Finch and Luke Ross, this all-new self-contained story springs from classic Conan mythology as Conan is led to death by the son of a man he had wronged in the past. But stripped of his weapons, his strength, and even his wits, Conan will have to dig deep if he wants to live to see the dawn! Plus: Continuing the all-new Conan novella “THE SHADOW OF VENGEANCE”!
Marvel Comics News Release

There are some goodies in this story, and it’s steeped in classic Conan lore. You’ll see lots of name dropping here, including the hawk city of Harakht, the setting of some classic Conan stories we’ve reviewed here recently in our Classic Conan Countdown.

Thorfel, as regular Conan readers may know, was the leader of a team of Vanir brigands killed by the Cimmerian in “Night of the Dark God”, a story found in the vintage Savage Tales #4 from 1974. This classic story was adapted from Robert E. Howard’s non-Conan tale “The Dark Man” and was written by Roy Thomas with art by Gil Kane and Neal Adams.

Plot Synopsis – SPOILERS AHEAD!

Conan is drinking in a tavern when a man approaches, offering to buy drinks for them both. A silent Conan listens to this man while he indulges in free ale, appearing typically unamused.

What Conan won’t learn until it’s too late is that this man is Thorfel’s nephew – and that his ale is drugged. The barbarian will awaken, sold into slavery and in Akif. The Cimmerian learns that he’s going to be fodder for warriors in the arena, as all of the nobles vie for the hand of the general’s daughter in marriage by combat. Thorfel has paid the guards so that they keep the Cimmerian drugged and nearly helpless.

Trial by combat is right up Conan’s alley, but can he win in his drugged stupor? And will Thorfel exact his vengeance on Conan from beyond the grave?

CAPSULE REVIEW: A good one-shot story here. Although this is certainly not the sort of Conan writing fans got used to in either Roy Thomas’ classic work or in Tim Truman’s DH stories, it’s decent and gets better throughout the issue.

Luke Ross’ art is inconsistent, and while I’m not yet convinced it’s great Conan art, it’s got promise. His facial expressions aren’t good in some of the panels.

**Not sure about the look on Conan’s face, or the prominent gaps between his teeth.**

On the other hand, his combat art and action panels are very effective, and I’ll write the funny looking chopped-off ponytail to the way the colorist completed the page.

On a scale of 1-10, I’d rate this issue a 7.5. That’s a lot better than the debut story arc in the same comic, and I look forward to seeing what’s next for Savage Sword.

As always, I am – Wally (AKA Paint Monk)

May 10th, 2019

Conan (2019), Reviews

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REVIEW: Marvel Should Apologize After Belit #3

By WALLY MONK – Paint Monk’s Library Editor

I have loved Conan since I was a kid of 7 years old. Conan the Barbarian (Vol. 1) #100 – which features the death of Howard’s titular Shemite hellcat – was the first comic book that I found worthy of a “bag and board.”

Having established that I’m an older reader with different tastes than today’s pop culture hungry fans, I’ve made my displeasure clear with Marvel’s recent re-launch of Howard’s Conan property. I’m not saying that I’m a “better” or “more refined” fan, but I will say that some audiences have come to accept mediocrity in comics as the standard. I think that’s a very sad statement about the industry in general and Marvel, the comic book giant, in particular.

The Conan the Barbarian main series is sporadically good at best; Savage Sword, while better, has taken a whopping 5 issues (at $3.99 each, no less) to tell a tale Roy Thomas would have woven in a single comic book. But of them all, Belit is perhaps the biggest abomination and, honestly, all self-respecting Conan fans should give it a hard pass.

I won’t dignify this comic book with a complete review. It’s just not worth it. Sadly, I have read other evaluations that claim the book is great. I would suggest they are enamored with Kate Niemczyk and Tini Howard’s other works – which are good – and they are neither being honest with readers or themselves in their evaluation of this sequential art nightmare.

Synopsis: Age of Conan – Belit #3 (2019)

Belit’s scam is afoot, as the crew of the Tigress and its captain pretend to be “Sea Monster Hunters” as a ploy to extort protection money and covertly hide their raids along the coast. Once again, Belit has back-and-forth arguments with the captain of the Tigress, which result in an unfortunate end for a prominent character and Belit’s continued rise to fill her pirate father’s footsteps.

CAPSULE REVIEW: Artist Kate Niemczyk is perhaps the book’s weakest link. While perfectly suited to work on super hero comics, her weak action sequences leave much to be desired. In the main conflict of the issue, I had to look at the panel transitions several times to confirm who and what Belit actually attacked. That’s not good visual storytelling. The pirates continue to be Caribbean-styled, which many think isn’t a big deal, but it’s more proof that the artist has no clue what the Hyborian Age is supposed to be.

Is this comic a good jumping on point for younger readers? Sure, if you want them to get used to mediocre schlock and acceptance of what the once great House of Ideas has now become in many ways.

Sadly, I rate this book a 3.5 out of 10. If I wasn’t vehemently opposed to Fahrenheit 451-style book burnings, it would be a delight to toss this one into a bonfire as kindling. To the artist and writer : you’re both extremely talented. Stretch your horizons and write and draw a real Conan comic. I’ve seen your work on other titles – it’s something you could do well if you actually made an effort.

May 9th, 2019

Conan (2019), Reviews

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REVIEW: Conan #6 Has Bright Spots, But Still Flawed

By BOB FREEMAN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

Conan is fighting, and surviving, in skirmishes with Stygian assassins while in the service of King Yezdigerd of Turan., climbing the military ladder from mercenary to Great Commander, all the while becoming seasoned for sacrifice to the death god Razazel.

If you’ve been following along, you already know where this review is headed. I’ve not been overly enchanted with Marvel’s relaunch of Conan the Barbarian. While the plot is solid enough, the actual execution has missed the mark, in both words and pictures.

Conan deserves better. Robert E. Howard’s legacy deserves better.

But rather than continue to dwell on the negative, let me point out three things I do like about this book:

Esad Ribic’s Covers

Ribic has produced six covers for Conan the Barbarian thus far and each has been a thrilling depiction of the Cimmerian that compliments the interior tale, though, to be fair, this is my least favorite of the lot.

Overall, it is Ribic’s color pallete that sells it. With a thin line to frame the illustration, it’s the muted, earth tones that bring the pictures to life.

Matthew Wilson’s Colors

If you had told me going into Marvel’s relaunch that the best feature of the comic would be its colorist I would have scoffed, but let’s face facts, Wilson is a force of nature.

With a definitive command of color theory, Wilson makes each and every panel pop off the page, often doing the heavy lifting when the line art falters.

John C. Hocking’s “Black Starlight”

As we encounter the sixth installment in the serialized prose tale from Perilous Worlds, Hocking delivers another exciting chapter in this sequel to his 1995 novel, Conan and the Emerald Lotus.

Conan pastiches are really hit-or-miss (mostly miss), especially those Tor novels from the mid-90s. Hocking was one of the better authors to pen tales of everyone’s favorite Cimmerian and Black Starlight, while not great, is a serviceable addition to the stable of Conan yarns being spun anew.

CAPSULE REVIEW: We’re halfway through Jason Aaron and Mahmud Asrar’s The Life & Death of Conan. So far, their track record is not a good one, but their are flashes of brilliance, more than enough to warrant sticking around to see how it all ends, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I am looking forward to see what creators come along next.

I long for the thrilling days of yesteryear, when the likes of Thomas and Buscema tread the jeweled thrones of the Earth under their sandaled feet.

As for this comic, I rate it 5 of 10 skulls of my enemies.

April 14th, 2019

Conan (2019), Reviews

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REVIEW: A Sick Companion, Undead & A Magical Map

*REVIEW: Savage Sword of Conan (2019) #4*

By TROY CHRISMAN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

Crash! Bang! Wallop!

Marvel’s Savage Sword of Conan title hits its fourth issue and literally cleaves its way through the latest chapter of the five-part “The Cult of Koga Thun.” Our favorite snow-born barbarian is up to his corded neck in foes, mysteries and swordplay as he and his companions, Suty and Menes, continue their quest for magic weapons the Stygian sorcerer Koga Thun seeks to gain absolute power.

The trio is driven by a magical map imprinted in the Cimmerian’s psyche, spurring them onward to either treasure or terror. As Conan and company take to the underground of the vast city, they are beset upon by an army of undead. Conan meets this threat in typical fashion – with sword and savagery, pressing ever onward to his ultimate goal.

Savage Sword #4 follows the unlikely trio’s battle through the undead army in ripping fashion. Enough with the pretenses here – Conan crashes his way into this issue cracking skull after skull and hewing kindling-dry limbs to and fro. Our barbarian and Menes cleave their path clear while Suty battles a injury that grows more debilitating by the minute.

With the undead army crawling ever closer behind them, Conan proves chivalry is indeed alive (in Cimmerian form, at least) as he hefts Menes and Suty to safety on a ledge high above the undead minions. Conan takes a break to enjoy the better things, taking the plug off a centuries-old wine skin that one of the sorry souls was carrying when he met his maker.

While the trio continue their descent into the catacombs, Suty’s wound is getting worse, as is the influence of Koga Thun. The sorcerer is very much aware of Conan and his friends’ actions and uses his foul magic to alter their path. This intrusion not only makes Conan aware of his presence, but also forces the barbarian to make some gut-wrenching choices as the foul sorcerer gets closer and closer, setting up what shapes up as a cataclysmic finale in SSoC #5.

CAPSULE REVIEW: This issue is for those Conan fans who want to skip the intros and background and what to simply charge full bore into action, action and more action. Part four of this tale is jam packed with images of Conan cleaving enemy after enemy and delightfully so. But the coup-de-grace is the ever-tightening grip of Koga Thun behind the scenes. As the trio battles an entire undead army, the threats are both from within and without. This plot twist is the sort of thing that made Robert E. Howard’s character work so well – stories weaved within stories. Enemies are often dispatched only to reappear many times, much to the surprise of Conan and a third party thrown in just for more chaos and intrigue.

While the action is rampant in this chapter, we also see more character building for Menes, Suty and especially our barbarian. Hard choices are at hand for the Cimmerian with even higher stakes to come. I will still nitpick that the overwhelming presence of sorcery, undead and ancient magic just doesn’t seem to faze a character who at the pen of Howard found all things supernatural reprehensible and mind-numbing. I guess this new Conan is made of sturdier stock, or it just hasn’t fit into the story line yet.

I give this issue a frenzied 7.5 out of 10 for the exceptional action, but also the creeping hand that is the foul magic wielded by Koga Thun. This issue carries the story well and sets up a much-anticipated meeting between hard steel and vile sorcery.

Of course, points are also given for another excellent cover from Alex Ross. Conan is resplendent with battle axe and fur, all the while juxtaposed with classic Savage Sword art in the background – brilliant!

Chapter 4 of Scott Oden’s 12-part novella “The Shadow of Vengeance” and a highly enjoyable letters page round out the issue.

Next up: Savage Sword #5 and a face-to-face with that vile Koga Thun!

April 3rd, 2019

Conan (2019), Reviews

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REVIEW: Beautiful Art, But Still Not “Howard’s” Conan

*Review: Conan the Barbarian (2019) #5*

By BOB FREEMAN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

I am growing weary of this book. Five issues in, not even halfway, and I am desperately trying to maintain my objectivity.

I don’t want to dislike Conan the Barbarian. I have loved the character for 40 some years. Marvel’s original run is my all-time favorite comic. I thoroughly enjoyed the majority of Dark Horse’s work on Conan. I am not asking for the singular vision of Roy Thomas from a bygone era. All I’m asking for is a comic that stays true to the character that Robert E. Howard breathed life into.

Dozens of comic creators have accomplished this in the past, many of them in recent memory. I expected the same from Marvel’s relaunch.

You can say that I’m out of touch, that I’m old and curmudgeonly because I do not like what I’ve seen so far from the House of Ideas. My time has passed and comics are different now. You can say that, sure, but maybe, just maybe, Marvel (and the whole comic book industry) is on a downward spiral, hemorrhaging readers because they’ve forgotten how to tell all-ages comic book stories…

Synopsis: Conan the Barbarian #5 (2019)

Conan is alone at sea, trapped on a ship of the dead. Having stolen a wooden idol, Conan booked passage on a ship so he could deliver it to a buyer in Messantia. Pirates, however, attacked, with the sole purpose of stealing the idol.

Conan makes short work of them, but once the idol tasted blood, bad things happened, and the Cimmerian awoke, alone, and was forced to sail the ship as best he could, fighting off mutated monsters from the deep and from the charnel house below decks. Eventually, another pirate ship appears and Conan kills a third of their crew before being named captain.

They set fire to the battered ship and it and the idol sink to the depths of the ocean. As the Cimmerian recants his tale, he realizes that, although he views most men as fools, he is drawn to their company. He was not meant to be alone.

CAPSULE REVIEW: Jason Aaron is an accomplished name-dropper. Here we have the mention of Messantia, the capital of Argos, as well as the characters of Belit and Thoth-Amon. But there’s no weight to it. No emotional resonance. Why? Because this character is simply not Conan.

The writing is just not good. I continue to think the plot is solid enough. It’s salvageable, but the actual words on paper just are not working for me. None of it rings true, largely because Conan’s characterization is off.

I was more enamored with Mahmud Asrar’s artwork in this issue. There were certain panels that were absolutely stunning, and the splash-page in which Conan boards the pirate ship should go down as one of the most iconic interpretations of the character in comic book history, but he continues to be inconsistent.

The colorist, Matt Wilson, delivers some beautiful work that really elevates Asrar’s inked pages.

This run could have been really special. No one is more surprised than me, a Jason Aaron fan, that it is ultimately on his shoulders that the book has so consistently missed the mark.

Black Starlight by John Hocking, the companion serializtion, continues to be the book’s brightest spot.

Conan and his companions fight off another supernatural threat attempting to steal the emerald lotus from Zelandra, this time in the form of a leech like creature with wings and arms, and speaking in crude R’lyehian.

This was the weakest chapter thus far, though I suspect it would have faired better had I been reading the novella in its completed form rather than as a sliver of the whole.

Hocking has some skills as a writer, but his stories always seem a little too “Dungeons & Dragons” for me, and that’s speaking as someone who is a huge D&D fan. What I mean is, Hocking gets Conan as a character, but he puts him in situations that seem out of place. more akin to an adventuring party facing an rpg module than a story culled up from the annals of prehistory as Howard’s tales cam across.

Still, all in all, an entertaining read.

As for the comic itself, on a scale of 1-10 skulls of my enemies, I would rate this issue worthy of 6, mainly because, at least Conan isn’t dressed up like a medieval Punisher.

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Archive for the ‘Conan (2019)’ Category

REVIEW: Savage Avengers #4 – Losing Steam Fast

REVIEW: Conan Goes Home – to Find Thoth Amon at Work!

REVIEW: Zub, Zircher Present Classic Conan in SSoC #7