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Posts Tagged ‘Ajaga’

July 17th, 2019 Classic Conan Countdown, Reviews 1 Comment »

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

July 14th, 2019 Classic Conan Countdown, Reviews Comments Off on REVIEW: Blue Was the New Black in 1970s Comics

REVIEW: Blue Was the New Black in 1970s Comics

(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, #96. Warning – SPOILERS follow!)

By BOB FREEMAN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

One of the things that really jumps out at me in this issue – Conan the Barbarian #96 – is Sholo, the black lion. For a magazine that is generally so spot on, it seems that some lessons are forgotten, and I see that here.

Comics’ central issue, especially in those pre-computer printing days, was color. It’s something I’ve always been fascinated by and have spent a bit of time studying. I’m not going to bore you with any of that now, but I do want to briefly talk about the color black in printed comics.

Comic shorthand for black tends toward blue. Batman’s costume was black and gray, just as Spider-Man was red and black. Blue, as the highlight color, tended to become dominant over time and the characters’ color schemes shifted. It’s something we see repeatedly, over and over again.

In Conan, the Cimmerian’s hair is blue highlighted, as are Belit’s raven tresses. Thankfully, we were never cursed with a shift to a more dominate blue for their Hyborian coiffures.

Sholo, Conan’s blue lion companion?

In the first appearance of Conan’s companion, Zula, he was depicted as blue-skinned, which looked rather absurd. His later depictions, using gray as the highlight, were a marked improvement. Here, in this issue, we are faced with a black-furred lion whose bristled covering is represented by blue, not so much as highlight, but as the far more dominant color. While it makes one think of the X-Men’s Beast, who began with gray highlights, but transitioned to the more traditional blue, in the end, it just doesn’t work.

With Sholo, much like Zula’s early appearances, it looks ridiculous, but black was a struggle for colorists in those early days of comic yesteryear. It’s one of those things we’re forced to overlook as long term comic fans.

It’s also one of the few things about modern comics that is an improvement over the past.

Review: Conan the Barbarian #96

We begin with Conan, called Amra the Lion, an uneasy companion of the legendary Sholo, a black lion who had once been bonded to an Aquilonian Lord. Having now bonded with the Cimmerian, Conan remains on-guard even as he recalls Belit and members of her crew being captured by the sorcerer Ajaga.

Uncovering a cave, man and beast enter cautiously but both fall victim to a trap that hurls them into an underground river. Conan faces off against a great serpent, but is jarred by its electrical charge when he strikes it with his blade. The Cimmerian changes tactics and kills it with a large boulder, but passes out from the exertion.

The barbarian is pulled from the water by Ajaga’s men. Coming to, Conan tries to fight free and is embattled by a jaguar. Conan delivers a mighty wound, but is then struck unconscious once more by a blow from one of Ajaga’s followers. Ajaga then collapses to the ground, writhing in seizure. Rising, he claims to have communed with Jhebbal-Sag and proclaims that Conan and Belit need be sacrificed at once.

Meanwhile, Sholo comes ashore, eventually finding Belit and helping her escape. He leads the Queen of the Black Coast from her imprisonment – and the Shemite she-tiger hopes it is to Conan the black lion leads.

Elsewhere, Conan is brought to an altar where Ajaga prepares to sacrifice the Cimmerian in the Feast of the Bloodmoon, calling forth the beasts of the jungle for this dark rite.

CAPSULE REVIEW:  Part One of “The Long Night of Fang and Talon” is a spectacular issue, fraught with action and suspense, and one of my favorites as a kid, to be sure. Roy Thomas is in great form as we near the conclusion to his fleshed out tale of the tragic love story of Conan and Belit.

Roy is a consummate storyteller, but I remember vividly that Buscema and Chan cover leaping out at me from the newsstand. There was no way I was going to pass this issue up — not that Marvel was ever in danger of me not dropping a dime and two bits on a Conan comic.

Of course this all leads to the flipping of the traditional ‘damsel-in-distress’ trope, finding Conan captured and in need of rescue from the she-wolf Belit.

Belit was such a great character, feminine yet strong. Hers was a commanding presence. It flies in the face of modern interpretation that women were disrespected in comics. There have always been strongly represented, and while many have decried Conan as being a book filled with “toxic masculinity”, to use the catch phrase of the moment, nothing could have been further from the truth.

On a scale of 1-10, I’d rate this issue a 9, only because that blue lion bugs me. On eBay, this issue generally is available for less than $10, and as low as $6.

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

July 11th, 2019 Classic Conan Countdown, Reviews Comments Off on REVIEW: A Cave Creature & The Symbol of Jhebbal-Sag

REVIEW: A Cave Creature & The Symbol of Jhebbal-Sag

(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, #95.)

By ANDY MAGLOTHIN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

Ajaga, The Beast King of Abombi commands three baboons to carry Bêlit off to join his other captive wives. Two Chiefs, Krato and Beeya, are still concerned about Conan’s whereabouts despite his plunge off the cliff into the dense jungle below.  

Ignoring their concerns, Ajaga explains there is no way Conan could survive the plunge.

The story transitions to a quick flashback of Conan battling two baboons during a plunge into some trees.  Large branches slow Conan and the simians on the way down, injuring one baboon enough that Conan flips him over, landing on the baboon’s carcass. Conan is knocked unconscious, but is still alive!

As Conan lies senseless, predatory animals spot the Cimmerian as easy prey until they are spooked by the roar of Sholo, the black lion. The roar of the ferocious beast startles Conan, and the barbarian’s initial response is to get away from the great cat.

Conan quickly realizes that Sholo is there to protect him from the other jungle animals, recalling Ajaga’s ability to control animals. It registers to him Sholo might be under Ajaga’s control, and follows the feline in the hopes of arriving at Abombi.

Bêlit awakens in Ajaga’s throne room and refuses to join him. Ajaga tells her he has no intention of working with her or negotiating – he intends to kill her. Bêlit lunges to attack the beast-king, causing his faithful leopard to quickly take her down. Ajaga’s guards take Bêlit to a prison cell with other captive women.

The story shifts once more to Conan and Sholo traveling through the jungle, driven by an unknown force which Conan assumes is Ajaga’s control over the great lion. The Cimmerian confirms Sholo’s connection to Ajaga exists, because the beast-lord is more animal than human. The pair discover a cave, but Sholo suddenly freezes when they approach a strange symbol in the sand. The startled ebony lion refuses to venture past the symbol so Conan enters the cave alone.

Conan finds G’Chambi hiding in the caves.  G’Chambi explains he keeps Ajaga’s beasts at bay using the sign of Jhebbal Sag, and Conan asks if he can use the sign to keep Ajaga’s beasts at bay while he rescues Bêlit. Before he can answer, G’Chambi is attacked and pulled into the darkness, his limp, mangled body slung back to the ground. A stunned Conan glances up to find a prehistoric beast crouched overhead, ready to strike.

Conan hurls a stone at the dinosaur, striking it in the head but not even phasing the creature.  The beast leaps at Conan, and the barbarian slices into its thick hide, causing little damage. The reptilian monster continues to attack and Conan can barely manage to dodge its ferocious assaults. Our hero flips the creature over, then lunges for his sword but the reptile is too swift and is on the Cimmerian’s back again. Conan rams the beasts head into the wall then breaks the neck of the stunned dinosaur-dragon.

After the battle Conan carries the severely wounded G’Chambi outside the cave. As he breathes his last, G’Chambi teaches Conan the proper way to draw the symbol of Jhebbal Sag.

CAPSULE REVIEW: The cover features John Buscema’s pencils and inks and highlights the battle between Conan and the saurian. I would imagine people seeing this image on the newsstand in 1978 grabbed it largely based on Buscema’s “dinosaur cover”!

As always, Thomas’ script and pacing keeps the story moving and the reader engaged. This issue picks up where Conan the Barbarian #94 ended and if both issues are read together, the tale makes more sense. Conan Saga #38 collects the two issues together (albeit in black and white) as does The Chronicles of Conan Vol 12 (Dark Horse Comics).  I’m not a huge binge reader, but with this particular story arc, it might benefit a new fan to go that route.

John Buscema’s version of Conan is my favorite and the work in this particular story line demonstrates why. His ability to provide unique attributes to characters (although it had to be accomplished with headdress coloring for Beeya and Krato) along with his depictions of anatomy and surrounding scenery demonstrates the effort he puts into his art. Look at the image of Krato looking over the cliff to the trees below.

It is a very small panel, yet unnerving for those who are afraid of heights. Skip to the battle between Conan and the ancient reptile creature. Conan’s facial features change multiple times during the battle: an initial look of shock, then determination to survive and finally, a look of desperation when he breaks the beast’s neck. You can’t ask an artist to work any harder than “Big John” Buscema did on each issue of Conan.

This feels like a filler issue, with little character development. It would have worked better as part of a double-sized issue. This comic is a necessary part of an ongoing Conan tale, but it doesn’t stand alone well. I give it 6 Aquilonian Luna out of 10.

Living life my own way – Andy from Aquilonia