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!
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By WALLY MONK – Paint Monk’s Library Editor When I heard that Moon Knight was being relaunched this summer (followed in a month or two by my favorite Jungle Lord, Ka-Zar), I was filled with excitement but also with much […]
My interview with Donald Glut was reprinted in the latest issue of Comics Unlimited! If you haven’t read this new bi-monthly yet, it’s one of the best comic mags I’ve enjoyed since Comics Journal was on the shelves years ago. […]
(AUTHOR’S NOTE: It has been no secret that I have had issues with Marvel’s relaunch of Robert E. Howard’s Conan. The one bright spot has been the writing of Jim Zub. I was a fan before he took up the […]
“This editorial is full of spoilers for all three issues of Empyre: Avengers. If you haven’t read them or had your fill of modern comic book plots that have been beaten to death, go read the comics and come back […]
“As children, we all grew up and played together. Sometimes we even shared our toys, our bicycles, and our skateboards. But the cardinal rule was to take care of the toys or bicycle that you borrowed. Woe unto the kid […]
November 5th, 2019 
Classic Conan Countdown, Reviews 
Comments Off on REVIEW: Chief No More & A Tower of Dark Shadows 
“The Bamulan witch doctors have finally had enough of the bronze-skinned Cimmerian and our hero is once again on his own. Discovering an abandoned ruin, Conan seeks shelter inside. But as with most abandoned places in the Hyborian world, not all is as it seems! Will Conan survive the Castle of Whispering Shadows?”
(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, #105.)
By ANDY MAGLOTHIN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer
This issue, we are treated to another one of Roy Thomas’ adaptations of previously published work. In this case, it’s an adaptation of L. Sprague deCamp and Lin Carter’s Castle of Terror.
Our tale begins with a flashback conversation between Conan and a … (Read More)
“THE STORY YOU NEVER THOUGHT YOU’D SEE – THE DEATH OF CONAN! It’s all been leading to this! The thief, the reaver, the slayer – CONAN meets his ultimate fate at the hands of the CRIMSON WITCH! But what lies beyond? And find out the secret history of the Crimson Witch and her mysterious underlings! Plus: The next chapter in the all-new novella ‘BLACK STARLIGHT’!”
By BOB FREEMAN — PM Library Writer
In what can only be described as disturbing, Jason Aaron and Mahmud Asrar finally tease the ultimate fate of Conan the King.
One can’t help but wonder if Aaron and Asrar will actually pull the trigger. I for one hope not, but I have to remind myself, these are imaginary tales — not canon.
In truth, only Robert E. Howard’s tales are gospel. Everything else is fan fiction.
There is the original Marvel canon to consider and Roy … (Read More)
“Nearly 50 years after he first brought the Cimmerian to the pages of Marvel Comics, the incredible ROY THOMAS returns to script the SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN! Teamed with the legendary ALAN DAVIS, get ready for an unforgettable chapter in the saga of Conan, as the barbarian leads a mysterious band of adventurers into the Himelian Mountains in search of a lost comrade. But Conan may get more than he bargained for as the startling truth behind the quest is uncovered! Set before Robert E. Howard’s “People of the Black Circle,” don’t miss the start of this ALL-NEW adventure fleshing out an important period in Conan’s history!”
By WALLY MONK – PM Library Editor
If you think I worship at the proverbial altar of Roy Thomas when it comes to Conan comic books, you’re right.
I do.
But it’s not undeserved. Not only was Thomas the man who worked to … (Read More)
September 4th, 2019 Conan (2019), Reviews Comments Off on REVIEW: Conan Vs. A Parade of Hyborian Kaiju in CtB #9 
“THE BEASTS OF CONAN’S PAST REAR THEIR FEARSOME HEADS! Gigantic spiders, man-apes, human-faced serpents, godlike aliens…CONAN has faced them all and lived to tell the tale! But as these creatures from the past return, do they presage a doom yet to come – one Conan is powerless to stop? Don’t miss this surprising turn on the march to the climax of the epic “LIFE AND DEATH OF CONAN”! PLUS: The next chapter in the all-new novella ‘BLACK STARLIGHT’!”
By BOB FREEMAN – PM Library Writer
I just closed the issue with a resounding sigh. Leviagod? Really? How did editorial ever sign off on this? Oh, I know. It’s the same group who thought Avengers: No Road Home and Savage Avengers were good ideas. Editorial is a milkmaid and Conan is the cow.
I feel like I’m beating the same old drum. Conan the Barbarian is a terrible comic. Jason Aaron’s … (Read More)
August 27th, 2019 Conan (2019), Reviews Comments Off on REVIEW: Esad Ribic’s CtB: Exodus Not A Comic Book 
“Calling this product a comic book is stretching it. In fact, it is a magnificent portfolio in comic form of Esad Ribic’s artwork. While working only a short time on the Conan property, he’s destined to become a legend in his own right and is paving his way into the illustrated legacy of Robert E. Howard.”
By WALLY MONK – Paint Monk’s Library Editor
There’s no question that Esad Ribic is an extremely talented artist. From his work on interiors in Thor to his recent covers for Marvel’s Conan the Barbarian, he has become a fan favorite and a respectable candidate to carry the torch as beloved illustrator of Robert E. Howard’s signature creation.
But Conan the Barbarian: Exodus is an artistic soliloquy and not a traditional comic. The few scripted words are in runes (I tried to translate them to no avail), and the bulk of … (Read More)
(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, #104.)
By WALLY MONK – Paint Monk’s Library Editor
Of all the Conan stories Roy Thomas adapted during his long run on the title, Conan the Barbarian #104 sticks very closely to the source material. But I am convinced that Marvel today would not publish this particular comic book as it was drawn or written. You’ll see what I mean in the actual review.
During Howard’s time, society looked at many things differently, and Howard’s blatant (and often caustic) observations about race and women were things that wouldn’t make it past editors today, and rightfully so. But we must be careful to remember that Conan’s world … (Read More)
August 23rd, 2019 Classic Conan Countdown, Reviews Comments Off on REVIEW: The Drellik’s Tale & Conan, Vampire Slayer 
“The Drellik King K’Chama believes he has found a suitable peer in Conan, and offers the barbarian the vampire’s curse and a lifetime conquering kingdoms at his side. Conan, of course, refuses – but will he be able to save his own life and that of his Bamula tribesmen and escape from the Men Who Drink Blood?”
(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, #103.)
By BOB FREEMAN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer
In the aftermath of the Belit cycle, Roy Thomas was looking toward his exit strategy. In slightly more than a year, his time on Conan the Barbarian would come to an end. While he’d still navigate the superior black and … (Read More)
“Journey into the Hyborian Age with Valeria, the hero from Robert E. Howard’s classic CONAN story “Red Nails,” on an all-new quest set before the fan-favorite tale! Before her careers as a pirate and mercenary and before she crossed paths with the Red Brotherhood and the likes of Conan of Cimmeria, Valeria was a young woman from Aquilonia, seeking justice for a crime gone unpunished. But as the formidable Valeria makes her way in this world, proving her capability against those who doubt her abilities as a young woman, she will find more than she bargained for in her thirst for revenge. Her deadly fighting skills will be put to the test and her trust will be shaken as she hunts her brother’s killer and comes into her own as a force to be reckoned with in the Hyborian Age!”
By WALLY MONK – Paint Monk’s Library Editor
Nothing could … (Read More)
August 21st, 2019 Conan (2019), Reviews Comments Off on REVIEW: SSoC #8 – A Crucial Hand & A Fateful Decision 
“NEVER DWELL ON THE HAND YOU’RE DEALT – EVEN IF IT’S DEATH! In the second part of Conan the Gambler, Conan’s job as a bodyguard in Shadizar lands him in a deadly game of SERPENT’S BLUFF! But if the cards are in Conan’s favor, will this absolve his debt or land him in further danger? It’ll take more than luck to win the prize this time! PLUS: The next chapter in the all-new CONAN novella ‘THE SHADOW OF VENGEANCE’!”
By WALLY MONK – Paint Monk’s Library Editor
The return of Conan the Barbarian to Marvel Comics has largely been a muddy mess with some scattered points of true creativity and talent mixed in the pot. Savage Sword of Conan #8 is one of these few highlights, and it’s a shame editorial at the House of Ideas didn’t kick off the barbarian’s re-launch with this particular creative team.
This issue resumes … (Read More)
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!
REVIEW: OAR #2 Renews, Refreshes An RPG Classic
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Welcome to Musings from the Monk, a semi-regular column written by the chief archivist and comic nut who organizes Paint Monk’s Library ...
REVIEW: Red Sonja #19 a Good “Jumping Off” Point
"JUMPING-ON POINT FOR NEW READERS. Sonja The Red, victorious. But ruling is impossible. And a young, old foe returns with a plan ...
Moon Knight Squares Off with The Sun King
REVIEW: MOON KNIGHT #193 (Written by Max Bemis with art by Jacen Burrows)
When the avatars of the sun and the moon get ready ...
INTERVIEW: Will Barry Windsor-Smith work on New Conan?
By WALLY MONK - Paint Monk's Library Editor
Marvel Comics has announced the release of a new omnibus edition of their Conan the Barbarian ...
Are you a fan of Mordheim? Discuss Proxy Miniatures and New Warbands on Facebook
"Alt-Heim" debuted on 5/10/18 for discussion of proxy warbands in GW's Mordheim
Paint Monk's Library has a new community group on Facebook for Mordheim!
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Do you enjoy surfing through comic book bargain bins? Join the Paint Monk as he discovers discounted treasures at comic book stores throughout the Midwest.
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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, … (Read More)