A great podcast that talks about all things Fist of Khonshu. Worth checking out!
Our friends who host the Conan Podcast! Check out their other podcasts here.
The Paint Monk uses CBCS to grade all of his key comics. Check out their prices - lower than CGC and just as good.
A podcast featuring titles from the Golden Age of comics.
Keep up-to-date on all the comics coming out that are based on the works and worlds of Robert E. Howard!
All you ever wanted to know about the short-lived Atlas Comics of the 1970s and its equally short-lived revival in 2011-2013.
Our friends at "Diversions of the Groovy Kind" take a look at many different Bronze Age comics! Check them out.
Do you enjoy Marvel's beloved superhero "non-team?" This is a nice blog for Defenders fans!
Get Marvel Unlimited - and access to over 20,000 of the best comic books in the industry - for only $9.99 a month!
Digital INDY comic subscription service with some Marvel and DC Comics, too.
May the warmth of family and good friends fill you with good cheer as we begin the Christmas season. And hearty wishes for your favorite comics under the tree, of course!
Blessings to you as we approach the new year, and as always, thank you for your support of this monk’s humble library.
As always, I am – Wally (AKA Paint Monk)
July 23rd, 2019 
Commentary, Editorial 
Comments Off on COMMENTARY: This Month’s New Comics – 42 Years Ago 
By WALLY MONK – PM Library Editor
There seem to be disagreements on when the “Bronze Age” of comics officially began. But for the intents and purposes of my brief musings here, we’ll use 1977 as the starting point for this occasional series of retrospectives. 1977 is also the year I grabbed my first comic books off the shelf at the local convenience store for “Still Only 35 Cents,” so I’m literally starting at my “beginning” as a comic hobbyist.
July of 1977 saw the release of several iconic issues and even more that rate high on collector’s lists these days. If only my eight year old self knew enough to hermetically seal these books and stash them away for later…
I can vividly remember seeing many of these issues on the shelves. Writing this brief walk down memory lane reminded me of just how old I am – these comics were on sale 42 years ago.
One of Marvel’s summer premiere issues that year would prove to be from science-fiction’s most enduring franchise. This was the summer that Marvel released Star Wars #1.
Written by PM Library favorite and Conan scribe extraordinaire Roy Thomas, Howard Chaykin provided the pencils for the comic book installment of George Lucas’ futuristic vision. Marie Severin colored his artwork, with lettering by Jim Novak.
Some of the comics released that month are still available – although in revised form and new series – like Avengers, Black Panther and the Champions.
In total, 52 releases were offered up by the House of Ideas this month those many years ago. Can you spot any issues from your collection below?
Marvel Comics Releases – 7/1/77 thorough 7/31/77
As always, I am – Wally (AKA Paint Monk)
I am continuing to update old posts that didn’t survive the port from Blogger to our new home at WordPress. Conan the Barbarian #18, #19 and #20 are now in a readable format waiting for new fans to enjoy them.
Click on the links below to re-visit the days when Barry Windsor-Smith drew tales of Fafnir the Vanirman and Conan’s travels to the City of Makkalet, home of the Living Tarim!
As always, I am – Wally (AKA Paint Monk)
(EDITOR’S NOTE: PM Library Editor Wally Monk had a friend drop off six comics with a CBCS representative on June 1st, 2019 at the Lost Nation Comic Con. All six comics were set for pressing, and four of them also required some sort of signature authentication. This continuing article will follow the experience with CBCS from start to finish, the last installment being pictures of the slabbed and shipped comic books.)
It’s been 39 days and nothing is showing as active in my dashboard, but I did exchange a private message with Steve Ricketts, the head presser at CBCS and a friendly guy, Cody Lockwood, who submitted my comics at Lost Nation Comic Convention in June. (Thanks again to my pal in Cleveland who took them to the con on my behalf!)
Apparently, the concensus is that NOTHING will be showing up in my dashboard until the comics are back from pressing. That’s a small consolation, as really, I have no idea where my books are (I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume they have them) and right now it seems as if all is in Limbo.
As I said in my previous posts, I know pressing, grading and signature verification take time. I’m OK with that. However, seeing my order placed and listed in my dashboard will make me feel much better – this submission was literally ALL of my valuable comic books.
My friend who submitted the books graciously put the fees for everything on his credit card, and it has not been charged at this point, which is another cause for concern. Why would they begin “work” on my books if they haven’t been paid? Another small cause for alarm.
I’ll leave it at that, because my first experience with CBCS was overall pretty good. But darn it, they really should do some data entry at the pressing level so we can see where our books are in the process.
Not quite biting my nails yet, but a little leery.
As always, I am – Wally (AKA Paint Monk)
(EDITOR’S NOTE: PM Library Editor Wally Monk had a friend drop off six comics with a CBCS representative on June 1st, 2019 at the Lost Nation Comic Con. All six comics were set for pressing, and four of them also required some sort of signature authentication. This continuing article will follow the experience with CBCS from start to finish, the last installment being pictures of the slabbed and shipped comic books.)
It’s been 31 days and nothing is showing as active in my dashboard.
I understand that things take time, but a representative told me last week that the FOUR WEEKS it’s taken to process my book will now be IN ADDITION to the 6-8 weeks pressing and additional 6-8 weeks for grading and signature verification. That means basically that my timetable doesn’t even begin until the books are entered into their computers.
All I ask is for my comics to show up in my dashboard, so I know they’ve been received. Then I’m willing to be patient. Until then, however, I’m not happy.
It shouldn’t take four weeks for simple data entry, now matter how busy they are.
Disappointed at the moment, but remaining optimistic.
As always, I am – Wally (AKA Paint Monk)
June 18th, 2019 Commentary, Editorial Comments Off on The Paint Monk Sends More Books in to CBCS – Signature Verification and Pressing, Too – I Will Keep You Posted! 
Last year, a friend of mine in Northeast Ohio dropped off one of my “grails” – Conan the Barbarian #1 – with a CBCS representative at the Lake Effect Comic Con. Let me tell you, handing a comic like that over even to a good friend was nerve-wracking to say the least.
Despite some hiccups and a long (very long) wait, Marvel’s premiere issue of the perennial Cimmerian from 1970 came back to me with a 4.5 grade and was perfectly shipped, to boot. I was beyond happy even with the low grade, having acquired a lot on FB Marketplace containing that Conan #1 (plus issues #2-7) for a mere $40 US.
One of the things I’m noticing online is that many people are quick to complain about CGC, CBCS and PGX, but not often do people explain why or exactly what happened to make them so dissatisfied. I’m going to remedy that, documenting the entire CBCS process here at the PM Library blog.
This time around, my friend dropped off not one, but SIX different comics, with lots of different add-ons. Here are the books, as well as what other options I selected.
The comics were accepted in person by a CBCS rep on 6/1/19 and as of today, they’re not showing up on my dashboard. Realistically, I expect 14-16 weeks until they’re back in my hands.
I will update weekly as CBCS processes my order. So far, I’m pleased with their service and communication. We’ll see if that continues!
How have your CBCS experiences been? Please share them in the comments below!
As always, I am – Wally (AKA Paint Monk)
As many of you with hobbies know, when life comes a-calling, it’s usually not just one thing, it’s many. As a religious working throughout the Midwest and deep south, the past month has been tremendously busy with important ministry work, meetings, and the annual gathering of my religious community.
Now, as we move into Summer in earnest, I’ve got a little more time at my disposal between obligations (which, as I have said, will always take priority over my humble blog). I do owe an apology, however, to our prolific Classic Conan Countdown writers Andy Maglothin and Bob Freeman. They both have been working hard to make sure we’re dozens of issues ahead of schedule, and I’m the one who has been remiss in editing these installments in a timely manner, hence the gap in posted reviews. That’s entirely my fault and not the writers. Mea culpa.
On June 1-2, Paint Monk’s Library Editor Joeseph Simon hosted his own booth at Ohio’s new Lost Nation Comic Con, where he promoted both his own work writing and selling collectibles and Paint Monk’s Library. Legendary Marvel editor Jim Shooter was in attendance, and thanks to a mutual friend, he signed some of my classic Marvel comics.
The same friend also dropped of said books and four others with a CBCS representative who was present at the con. I’ll be doing another “CBCS Comic Update” as things on those comics progress.
Joeseph expressed that the con was a very good “first” convention and looks forward to attending future Lost Nation cons. A few new readers may have even checked out our humble library here…
This month, we’ll be running a two-part interview with Donald F. Glut, a former creator for Gold Key Comics and pop culture entrepreneur. Mr. Glut reveals lots of interesting info about these classic comics, including his vision for the end of Tragg & The Sky Gods and Dagar The Invincible, two series cancelled before their time.
In addition, there are more installments of Dollar Bin Adventures with the Paint Monk in the pipeline – you wouldn’t believe some of the finds in Kentucky and Indiana bargain bins…
Tomorrow, I’ll hopefully be editing the next half-dozen installments of the Classic Conan Countdown.
As always, I am – Wally (AKA Paint Monk)
By WALLY MONK – Paint Monk’s Library Editor
I’m not ashamed to admit that this monk is as addicted to HBO’s Game of Thrones as most fans of swords-and-sorcery. As we approach the epic “Battle of Winterfell” in Season 8, Episode 3, some characters are bound to be sent to the great blue beyond.
Who will it be? Share your thoughts below (here on the blog, not on our Facebook page) and win a chance to get a free copy of Giant-Sized Conan the Barbarian #1.
Here is the list of characters I believe are doomed this weekend when Thrones goes live on Sunday, listed in order of the likelihood they’ll meet their untimely demise in a few days. This is all speculation, of course, but I’m betting that I got a few of them right.
WARNING: Season 8, Episode 1 and 2 spoilers ahead. If you haven’t seen the first two episodes, you might want to skip this article.
The Kingslayer, or the Lannister that we used to hate but has now grown a conscience, is likely to be one of the fatalities on GOT this weekend. Broken, one-handed and having left his beloved-but-bat-guano-crazy sister Cersei, he’s in for the fight of his life. He is surrounded by people who don’t trust him, and I believe he’ll go down in an incredible act of heroism – perhaps saving newly knighted Ser Brienne of Tarth from a White Walker. Or maybe the episode ends with a surprise, as Jaime helps kill the Night King only to be shot in the chest at the bitter end with an arrow from Cersei’s newly commissioned assassin, Ser Bronn of the Blackwater.
Brienne’s knighting in Season 8, Episode 2 could be a bitter foreshadowing of her impending doom in Episode 3. It would be truly bittersweet, as she has always longed to be a knight, and finally obtained this life dream just one installment earlier. Brave and certainly no coward, there’s no doubt she will see her fair share of heavy combat. Will she survive? I’m betting not.
Brave, honest and habitually intoxicated, wildling Tormund knows little fear. He’s just survived the tumbling down of the Northern Wall and managed to maneuver around an army of White Walkers to get to Winterfell. He’s eager to fight, and very likely to throw himself into the thick of things. My thought is that if Brienne dies, Tormund will probably die first in his attempt to save her. I can imagine Tormund’s last words, telling Ser Brienne that she should have *CENSORED* him when she had the chance as he dies in her arms.
I have always felt bad for actor Alfie Allen. The character he portrays, Theon Greyjoy, has been a mess since Season 2’s takeover of Winterfell and later, Ramsay Bolton’s foul removal of the Greyjoy heir’s crown jewels. How many episodes did he think his name was Reek? Good grief, Theon has been through more than any film character should have to suffer.
None the less, Theon is at Winterfell for redemption, and I predict that he gives up his life to save Bran Stark from the Night King. He dies nobly under the shelter of the foliage in the Godswood.
And finally…wait for it…this one makes me really sad as she is one of my favorites….
It’s the biggest battle Winterfell – and perhaps the Seven Kingdoms – have ever seen, and one Stark will fall. It can’t be Jon Snow, unless the producers want people to quit watching before Episode 6. It won’t be Sansa, as she’s not a fighter and far too wily to put herself on the front lines. Bran is a possibility, but as he said, if he is eliminated, so is “life” and memory. So who does that leave? I’d say “poor” Arya, but she’s not a little tomboy anymore.
She’s just experienced love for the first time with Robert Baratheon’s illegitimate son Gendry and had a dragonglass weapon custom-built for some plans she may have during the battle. Plus, watching Arya fall would drive Jon Snow into a rage. I’m guessing she is killed by the Night King’s hand.
By JOESEPH SIMON – PM Library Associate Editor
Marvel is skirting the dangerous entry into licensing hell with the new Savage Avengers and other story lines where Conan might partake in the Marvel Universe.
It’s a lesson learned many years ago that Marvel will apparently have to learn again. If you enjoy Conan’s adventures in the mainstream comics universe, buy now or forever hold your peace. Jump on those trade collections unless you want to pay later for a custom hardcover.
Shang-Chi, ROM, the Micronauts and others have experienced the same dilemma. Marvel buys the license and introduces the concepts into the Marvel Universe only to, in time, lose the license and with it the ability to publish the stories with the characters. Special arrangements were made for Shang-Chi reprints recently. Perhaps they could be with Conan. Perhaps there is a provision in the licensing contract. Perhaps.
What may seem like a good idea to those who will buy these for enjoyment (versus the obvious investment) will turn into disappointment later down the line. Ask fans of ROM and Micronauts of their displeasure of the massive trade collections they need to buy to collect the comics they cherish. You’ll understand.
The big difference between these past missteps and today is the availability of digital comics. Marvel might not be able to sell the digital editions of the Micronauts and ROM, but they do exist, as surely as there will be digital editions of Conan and his time in the Marvel Universe.
I like Duggan as a writer. He has some interesting ideas for certain. The Savage Avengers, though, is a team made to support Conan. We’re promised a lot of stabbing and death. This is a team with Conan, Wolverine, Venom, Electra and Brother Voodoo after all. It is nice to see the Savage Land pop up again, but again, the entire idea is built around and iintentionally built upon Conan in a tongue-in-cheek fashion.
While people can lay claim to the strength of Disney getting their way (Hello Fox!), Death (ala murder and lots of it, by a perceived team of heroes) is one of the things the Mouse tends to stay away from and may want to distance themselves from at a point in the future. It is true. I am only going on guesses from press releases.
Do you enjoy Robert E. Howard's classic Cimmerian in comic book form? Join Paint Monk's Library bloggers, as we review all 275 issues of Marvel's original Conan the Barbarian series. New installments added regularly!
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EDITORIAL: What’s All The Fuss? Division Over “Conan”
“Some people think Marvel’s new Conan comics are great. Others think they are mediocre and don’t reflect the barbarian they know and love. Whatever the opinion, they’re all OK. We don’t have to agree and we can still be friends. The PM Library Editor-in-Chief shares his thoughts on polarization in the comics hobby.”
By WALLY MONK – PM Library Editor
Since Paint Monk’s Library began covering Marvel’s new Conan the Barbarian comic, I’ve received a slew of emails and private messages, mainly from people agreeing with our reviewers about the direction the House of Ideas has taken with such an iconic property.
But for every five or six encouraging emails, I get one message from an angry reader telling me that I’m out of touch and if I don’t like Marvel’s new comics to quit reading and “go back to the nursing home to read Bugs Bunny” (Yes, I really did receive that email last month).
The thing about reviews is that they’re entirely subjective. If you share a like mind with the reviewer, you’re more likely to believe that based on that reviewer’s thoughts, you might or might not enjoy that same comic book yourself.
The natural conclusion to the above is that if you think a reviewer is an old “fuddy duddy,” you’re probably going to disagree with his or her reviews and buy a comic anyway. That’s the nature of reviews – it’s also why some people watch certain news networks instead of others. They may sympathize with certain narratives and really don’t care about the opinion offered by someone with whom they do not agree.
But this isn’t an article about politics – but it could be about how identity politics has crossed over into our hobby. I’m concerned about the nastiness currently abounding in the industry – both from the fans and the creative teams, and it applies to more than just a Conan story. If one person is unhappy about changes to major characters, they’re automatically “a jerk”, “old-fashioned” or a “judgmental idiot”. If another person applauds a companies decision to change a beloved character in some new, unexplored manner, they’re a “crazy ‘SJW’ who is out to destroy everything”, “incompetent” or simply “clueless”.
Come on, everybody, we’re better than this.
It’s true that I am not a fan of Marvel’s latest experiments with Conan. My reviews are based on the mindset of a 50 year old who has collected comic books for decades, with an eye on sword-and-sorcery and classic storytelling. Google Analytics and blog statistics here and on our Facebook page indicate that the bulk of our readers are over 30 and under 65. That would make them early to late middle-aged comic collectors, much like the writing team here.
My criticisms and book reviews are never intended to go after a new generation of writers for trying something new. Rather, much of my criticism lately comes from the seeming inability of creators these days to respect the past while boldly re-presenting and re-packaging classic characters for a new generation of readers.
Fellow Paint Monk’s Library blogger and author Bob Freeman refers to this as a writer’s ability to “play in the sandbox without breaking the toys” left there by a previous creator. It seems to me that is the crux of the problem.
Jason Aaron, in my opinion, has dropped the ball on Conan the Barbarian overall. But he’s kicking it out of the park with Jane Foster: Valkyrie, a series to which I am now hopelessly addicted (and will begin reviewing here with issue #5). Tini Howard is being lauded for her work on the new Excalibur comic – but she blew it, in my opinion, with Age of Conan: Belit, which was a writing and artistic travesty of epic proportions.
Ultimately, love and enjoyment of the comic hobby is one’s personal preference. Here at Paint Monk’s Library, my objective is to share my thoughts (and the thoughts of our regular bloggers) on some of the books out on the shelf. And whether you are referred to as “a jerk, old fashioned, a judgmental idiot, a ‘crazy SJW’, incompetent, or just clueless” what you read here on this site is informed opinion. But it’s opinion offered with respect to all people who – like you – love the comics industry with all its glory, ugliness, creativity and petty disagreements.
We can share what we like about comics and what drives us crazy, but let’s do it with respect and dignified treatment of all, especially those with whom we have different opinions. One kind word is all it takes, or in some cases, maybe it’s holding back a negative word that doesn’t need to be shared.
In the words of Bill S. Preston and Theodore Logan (I’m putting a time stamp on myself here, folks) – let’s be “excellent” to each other. But that doesn’t mean I won’t tell you if I genuinely don’t like a comic book – and why.
As always, I am – Wally Monk, PM Library Editor