REVIEW: Vengeance in Asgalun & The Death of A King

Posts Tagged ‘Stygia’

June 30th, 2019

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REVIEW: Vengeance in Asgalun & The Death of A King

“It’s a Hyborian game of thrones, as opposing factions vie for control of Asgalun. Meanwhile, Belit, the Queen of the Black Coast, plots her final revenge against Nim-Karrak, the current ruler of the city and the man who usurped her father, Atrahasis. Will the Shemite hellcat finally send Nim-Karrak to the fate he deserves?“

(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 was published from 1970 to 1999. This is a review of Conan the Barbarian Vol. 1, #93. )

By BOB FREEMAN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

“You’ve got too many animals on the covers.”

In 1970, Conan the Barbarian came out of the gate swinging. Marvel printed over 200,000 issues of the debut comic and they moved nearly 60% of them. Very respectable. However, each issue after sold a little less than the one before and the title was in danger of being cancelled after just seven books (doled out over fourteen months).

That’s when Stan Lee asked to see the covers and commented on there being too many animals. “Get some more humanoid menacing-looking villains instead of these animals,” he had said.

Issue eight featured Conan and a beautiful damsel in the midst of a treasure horde as two skeletal warriors menacingly approached from behind. Sales ticked upward and the title flourished for the next two decades.

That’s the kind of genius Stan Lee was.

Review: Conan the Barbarian #93

Under Ptor-Nubis’s magical control, Conan, Belit, Zula, and M’Gora are commanded to fight to the death. Zula, however, is able to break free of the sorcerer’s spell, as he recalls that it was Ptor-Nubis who had sold him into slavery as a child. Zula strikes out at the wizard, killing him instead of his comrade, and ending Ptor-Nubis’ hold on them.

Zula, M’Gora, Conan, and Belit turn their attentions toward the surrounding Stygian soldiers, handling them easily. After, Zula and M’Gora set out to announce Belit’s return to the people of Asgalun.

As word of Belit’s return reaches the ears of Nim-Karrak, the king is convinced that Ptor-Nubis has been slain and thus goes into hiding as Prince Khamun takes command of the castle.

Seeking to consolidate his power, Khamun has the merchant Uriaz taken into custody, despite the growing unrest of the citizens of Asgalun. The High-Priest of Ishtar, Bal-Yamm, crowns Khamun as king and, as part of the ceremony, Urias is brought before the executioner.

The merchant begs for his life as the hooded executioner lifts his ax — but instead of taking Uriaz’ head, instead hurls the blade into Khamun’s chest, killing the newly crowned ruler. The executioner removes his hood, and is revealed to be Conan who calls Belit forth and proclaims her as the true and rightful queen.

Belit calls for the Asgalun to rise up against the Stygians, but they are poorly matched, until the arrival of Hyrkanian mercenaries.

As Belit observes the battle between the Shemites and Stygians, Nim-Karrak emerges from a secret door, slinking toward Belit with a dagger and venomous intent.

Zula reaches out with his magic and Nim-Karrak, believing that a stone lion has come to life, plummets to his death in fright, enraging Belit.

Belit’s claim to the throne is secured, but she refuses the crown, granting it to Uriaz instead, much to his horror.

Conan, Belit, and Zula leave the city as Akhirom approaches with a sizable army. Belit, having avenged her father, is eager to put this all behind her and return to plundering the Black Coast, with Conan at her side.

CAPSULE REVIEW: This was a big issue with a lot going on but it was so perfectly paced that it never felt crowded or too busy. Buscema and Chan bring a ton of kinetic energy to each and every page, but it’s the facial expressions that carry the weight of the story. They really outdid themselves.

Roy’s script is tight as he deftly maneuvers the political intrigue, brilliantly juggling the story and never letting it get bogged down in too much exposition.

This was a perfect marriage between the writer and artists that puts an endcap on Belit’s revenge arc and sets up the endgame for the Queen of the Black Coast storyline.

From the sweltering jungle action to the politically charged city-streets of Asgalun, Conan, while virtually a secondary character in the story, is still a dominate physical force, fluid and visceral.

That, in and of itself, is a neat trick, and one the creators should be applauded for.

On a scale of 1-10, I’d rate this issue a 9.5. On eBay, this issue generally is available for less than $10, and often as low as $7.

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

June 19th, 2019

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REVIEW: The Fate of Belit’s Father Atrahasis Revealed

By WALLY MONK – Paint Monk’s Library Editor

At long last, Conan is reunited with his Shemite pirate queen and he’s brought his new companion, Zula, along for the ride. Conan the Barbarian #88 continues the Stygian story line we’ve been following for some time now, and makes good use of the characters we’ve been reading about since the Hawk Riders of Harakht first made off with our heroes in Conan the Barbarian #75.

The fate of Belit’s father, Atrahasis, is revealed in this issue. At the risk of beating a dead horse – or rather the ugly stain of the horse at this point – I’d encourage those of you who are currently being visually victimized by the Age of Conan: Belit mini-series to read this issue of Conan and perhaps the next few that follow. Once you’ve got them in hand and begin to read, you’ll have a much better idea of Belit’s origin and her motivations as the pirate queen of the Black Coast.

The history-making artistic team of John Buscema and Ernie Chan continue their masterful pencils and inks in this issue. Their drawing of Conan – and depiction of Stygians, in particular – set the standard for how the characters and people would be drawn for the remainder of this long-running series.

Review: Conan the Barbarian #88

Conan is reunited with a suspicious Belit. The she-pirate meets Zula and regards him doubtfully, but adds that if Conan vouches for him, he’s welcome to come along. The trio is headed back into Luxur despite Belit’s recent escape, and here she plans to discover the whereabouts of her missing father.

Nim-Karrak, Belit’s uncle, now sits on the throne of her father’s city, and rumor abounds that dear old dad is bound in chains in the dungeons of Luxur. Much has happened, and for the first twelve pages of the comic, Belit recounts her adventure – and her rescue by Conan and Zula – in flashbacks told to the pair.

Belit explains that she and Neftha were transformed into serpents to make their way through the caverns underneath the palace. Neftha shared with Belit how the king, Ctesphon II, lived in fear of a wizard named Thoth-Amon to the point he spends sleepless nights in terror, reading over mystical scrolls and texts. As Neftha led Belit to his chamber, the king was indeed in a state of paranoia, reading the magical texts Neftha described.

Belit took the opportunity to attack Ctesphon, only to discover that he was actually the king’s advisor, Hath-Horeb, in disguise. The advisor informed the Shemite pirate-queen that Neftha was actually Ctesphon’s sister, and Belit was merely a cog in her plans to take over the throne.

Hath-Horeb knocked Belit unconscious, and she was rescued from the sarcophagus in which the advisor imprisoned her by Conan and Zula.

Re-entering the caverns below Luxur with Conan and the Zamballan, Belit leads the group to a passage Neftha had told her about, and they discover Neftha ready to be executed. Immediately, the group takes action – Belit makes her way to Ctesphon, demanding he tell her what has become of her father. Cowering, the king admits Atrahasis was executed years ago.

In anger, Belit pushes Ctesphon off a ledge to his death and in a shocking twist, Hath-Horeb crowns Neftha (who was almost executed moments before) as King Ctesphon III.

The newly crowned “king” orders the death of Belit and the capture of Conan and Zula. Belit throws a spear, slaying Hath-Horeb as the trio flees. Neftha orders her men to pursue.

CAPSULE REVIEW: Whew! I needed to catch my breath after such an action packed issue. Roy Thomas’ style of storytelling is something that is sorely missing from Marvel’s newest incarnation of Conan. As I read the many plot twists and turns in this single issue, I imagined how writers today would stretch it into a six-issue story arc, milking each plot twist for another $3.99 of each readers valuable income.

Conan the Barbarian #88 is a great example of classic storytelling, where the words and pictures work together – or sometimes alone – to tell a long and compelling tale. Narrative boxes fill in gaps in the artwork, and often the artwork does a better job making dramatic points than Thomas’ words.

George Roussos coloring is in full-swing here, continuing to accentuate the pencils and inks of John Buscema and Ernie Chan. Note the differences in the dark-skinned characters in the book – Roussos makes it clear that Stygians are subtly different in appearance than the Kushites, and it’s things like this that make Roussos one of my all-time favorites in Marvel’s pool of colorists.

Great storytelling, more quality art from the Buscema/Chan team, and the continued fleshing out of Belit’s background earn a 7.5 out of 10 for this issue.

On eBay, copies of this issue were available for less than $5.

May 30th, 2019

Classic Conan Countdown, Reviews

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REVIEW: Thoth-Amon, Serpent Men & Escape

(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) #89.)

By ANDY MAGLOTHIN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

Our tale begins as Conan, Bêlit, and Zula battle Stygian warriors in the catacombs of Luxor. As the fight progresses, the trio finds a secret passage that allows them to descend further into the depths beneath the city.

Zula shows some empathy toward the Stygian soldier’s fate – Conan and company are killing them simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Bêlit declares she will kill any Stygian, because they were the people who helped her Uncle overthrow and kill her Father. Conan reveals that as a Cimmerian, he holds a life-long grudge against the Hyperboreans and Picts and is indiscriminate about killing others if they stand in his way. Zula makes it clear he does not feel the need to kill anyone unless absolutely necessary.

As they travel further into Luxur, Conan, Bêlit, and Zula come to a split in the hallway with no knowledge where any direction may lead. An ominous, mysterious figure with a serpent ring stops the Stygian soldier’s pursuit of the group.

Thinking they have successfully evaded the Stygian soldiers, Conan and company stop briefly. They discuss what they will do when they finall escape the city. Bêlit and Zula’s plans with Conan differ – Bêlit thinks Conan is coming with her to avenge her Father’s death. Zula expects Conan to accompany him to Kheshatta. Bêlit vehemently objects – she wants the Cimmerian’s assistance to defeat her uncle and his wizard, Ptor-Nubis. Zula recognizes Ptor-Nubis’ name as the person who sold him into slavery and agrees to assist with Bêlit’s plan.

The story turns to Neftha with her councilor and guards. They are in a secure chamber to keep Conan and company from getting near them. As they are discussing how secure they are in the room, the door begins to buckle under pressure then suddenly explodes from the power of Thoth-Amon. The Stygian wizard reveals he had a vision she would be queen and assisted her by providing incantations to assist the process. Neftha asks what he expects in return and Thoth-Amon requests a place in her court as an advisor and has already taken steps against the barbarian and his cohorts.

Conan, Bêlit, and Zula are exhausted after the recent events and decide to rest. Conan offers to keep watch. Without warning, Thoth-Amon’s enchantments take effect, as evil forces control Bêlit, causing her to silently wander off deeper into the caves. She comes face to face with a monstrous serpent with a medusa-like head. Feeling the same mind control effects, Zula wanders to the same area but he is able to shake the spell faster and battles the giant serpent. As the fiend begins to crush Zula, Conan rushes to his aid and his barbarian scream distracts the serpent long enough for Zula to deliver a fatal blow.

The trio travel further but suddenly stop when Conan senses they are being watched. Shadows attack, throwing boulders from above. Conan narrowly escapes the falling rock by jumping down an incline. The impact leaves him unconscious for a moment, and he awakens with a minor but painful injury to his right leg. Bêlit and Zula approach the fallen Cimmerian and surprisingly, Bêlit attacks Conan! The barbarian instinctively stabs Bêlit deep into her chest and the fallen corpse reveals it to be a shape-shifting serpent-man. As Conan stares in disbelief, Zula attacks. The struggle lasts a little longer but Conan breaks the back of who he believes to be Zula. Again, the corpse’s appearance quickly changes to reveal a serpent-man.

Bêlit and Zula catch up to Conan who is distrustful they are his real friends. The Cimmerian demands they both recite the phrase “Ka Nama Kaa Lajerama” and the confused pair go along with his request. Conan explains he learned from Red Sonja the phrase gave power to regular men over the serpent-men (this was passed on from King Kull’s battles against the serpent-men in the days of Atlantis). The three move to an area of sunlight where they see Bêlit’s Black Corsairs waiting at the opening of the cave.

A cautious Conan recites the phrase “Ka Nama Kaa Lajerama” causing the M’Gora led Corsairs to reveal their true form – serpent men! As Conan, Bêlit, and Zula escape, they find the actual Corsairs waiting for them at the opening of the Western Sea.

CAPSULE REVIEW: Conan the Barbarian #89 sports another awesome cover by the Buscema / Chan team with a battle axe wielding Conan, the Medusa-headed serpent monster and arch nemesis Thoth-Amon. This cover is a favorite in my collection. It accomplishes what a publisher wants from a cover – catching the reader’s eye and providing a glimpse into the action inside.

Roy Thomas’ character development of Conan, Bêlit, Zula, Neftha, and Thoth-Amon is brief but provides insight into their narrative without the use of thought balloons. Conan, Bêlit, and Zula’s thoughts on killing are based both on their individual experiences and culture. Again, Thomas’ description is brief but shows the clear distinction between the character’s motivations. Neftha and Thoth-Amon’s budding working relationship is based on their mutual hatred for Conan and company. The issue ends with a cliffhanger as Conan, Bêlit, and Zula escape but the looming danger of Thoth-Amon threatens to resurface.

Thomas also brings in Conan’s previous experience with the serpent-men and Red Sonja, including the phrase “Ka Nama Kaa Lajerama” which Red Sonja had learned previously.

Buscema and Chan knocked it out of the park with this issue. The cover, Thoth-Amon’s dramatic entrance into Neftha’s throne room and the intense battle between Zula and the giant serpent are lasting images from the issue. Another unique touch the team provided was Bêlit’s look while she was under Thoth-Amon and the serpent’s spell. I’m sure it is difficult to show emotion or mental status changes in characters, but there is a clear distinction in Bêlit’s face in this scene.

Based on the writing and artwork, this is another solid issue from start to finish. I say this frequently, but this issue should be included in every fan’s collection. I give it 8 Aquilonian Luna out of 10.

Living life my own way – Andy from Aquilonia

March 24th, 2019

By Andy Maglothin, Classic Conan Countdown, Reviews

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REVIEW: A Giant, Raptor Eggs & A New Ruler in Harakht

By ANDY MAGLOTHIN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

Conan the Barbarian #77 wastes no time getting into the thick of the plot – the opening splash page shows our Cimmerian in the clutches of a gray-skinned giant. At the end of the last issue, Conan was thrown into a pit, where he discovered a sacred stone and was grabbed by the massive humanoid as he approached.

Conan quickly becomes the aggressor, climbing onto the giant and locking his arms around its neck. Without hesitation, the giant hurls the Cimmerian across the room with ease. As the giant holds the barbarian’s head to the ground, he swiftly grabs the sacred stone, intending to bash in Conan’s skull.

The scene abruptly shifts to the Temple of the Hawk-God, where we find brother-kings Mer-Ath and Neftha discussing Conan’s fate. Neftha asks Mer-Ath if there is any way he can intervene on Conan’s behalf. Mer-Ath stresses the decision is not his to make, it is up to his brother, Hor-Neb. Mer-Ath is merely a priest, but Hor-Neb is a warrior and thirsts to have all of Stygia kneel before him.

At the same time, Bêlit is being held captive by a group of guards. She is fighting to free herself when Hor-Neb demands they all stop fighting. Hor-Neb approaches Bêlit, asking why she is fighting so hard when he has offered her the queenship of Harakht – the Shemite hellcat has the option of either joining him on the throne or dying with Conan. As the conversation continues, Bêlit stops fighting and Hor-Neb calls for her release, stating that her choice is obvious. As Bêlit and Hor-Neb approach each other, she attacks him, clawing at his eyes proclaiming she prefers to join Conan in hell than serve with Hor-Neb on the thrown of heaven. Angered by her response and attack, Hor-Neb has the guards take Belit away.

Meanwhile, Conan has been pinned to the floor by the giant. The colossus’ arms are so long, Conan is able to pull his legs up, scissoring the giant’s head between Conan’s calves, but more importantly, pushing the rock from the giant’s hand. Conan flips the giant to the ground, grabs the giant stone with intent now to kill him. For some reason, Conan pauses for an instant when the giant stammers in a gloomy voice, “Go on, outlander! Kill me!”

Standing atop the giant with rock in hand, Conan opts against the fatal blow, instead asking the hulking humanoid how he came to live in the pit. The giant reveals his name is Gol-Thir, and he was placed there to keep an eye on the sacred stone and hawk eggs. Gol-Thir was one of the stronger guards in Harakht, and when Hor-Neb discovered the stone would accelerate the growth of the raptor eggs, the giant was placed there to stand guard. The energy of the stone caused Gol-Thir to grow to gigantic proportions within a short time. Conan requests Gol-Thir’s help out of the pit, and he agrees as long as Conan promises not to hurt Hor-Neb.

Gol-Thir assists by breaking the shackle around Conan’s neck. Using extreme strength and skill, Conan climbs the crooked, jagged rock facing back to the top of the pit. Conan creeps around the throne chamber until he enters an area where he finds Hor-Nab, Mer-Ath, Neftha, and a large number of guards high above him. Hor-Nab challenges Conan to decide he and Bêlit’s fate. There are two doors in front of Conan: one door has Bêlit and a passage to freedom, one door has certain death.

Conan refuses to pick and opts to scale the wall to attack Hor-Neb. He quickly discovers the king planned ahead – the top of the walls are freshly greased and Conan falls to the ground. Neftha asks Mer-Ath which door would allow Conan to escape safely. Mer-Ath says Hor-Neb told him the
door on the left housed Bêlit and lead to safety. With a slight gesture, Neftha alerts Conan to pick the left door – which reveals a razor-fanged giant leopard growling and ready for the attack.

Hor-Neb reveals he knew both Neftha and Mer-Ath would attempt to warn Conan, so he intentionally told them the wrong door. Hor-Neb calls for a guard to seize them. As a guard approaches Neftha, she grabs his sword, slicing into him and knocking him into the pit with Conan and the vicious leopard. The leopard sees the wounded soldier lying on the ground and attacks. Neftha flings the stolen sword to Conan and he opens the other door to reveal a bound and groggy Bêlit.

A third panel opens to reveal Gol-Thir, who enters the pit as Conan attempts to carry Bêlit to safety. Hor-Neb demands Gol-Thir attack Conan. The giant approaches the Cimmerian, their eyes meet and Conan realizes something is amiss. Gol-Thir grabs Conan’s arm, hurling him atop of the stone wall right in front of Hor-Neb. The giant’s legs are so weak from his rapid, uncontrolled growth, they snap beneath him.

Conan lands atop the wall and the palace guards attack. Conan seizes an opportunity to hurl his sword into Hor-Neb’s arm. The attack catches Hor-Neb off balance and he tumbles into the pit – right onto the leopard. The leopard takes advantage of another easy kill. Acting quickly once more, Conan grabs a soldier’s spear and jumps into the pit to face the leopard. The leopard springs high into the air and Conan times his attack to thrust the spear through the cat’s body. The guards once loyal to Hor-Neb now cheer for Mer-Ath as the bodies of Hor-Neb and Gol-Thir lie dead in the pit. This is a new day for Harakht – as king, Mer-Ath will transform the people from a war-mongering nation to one of peace.

CAPSULE REVIEW: Another awesome Gil Kane/Ernie Chan cover sets the stage for this action packed issue. We see many iconic covers from the Conan the Barbarian series, but this one does not get enough recognition. The perspective and intensity of the scene prepares the reader for a fun-filled comic.

Picking up where Conan the Barbarian #76 ends, Thomas gives us a cliffhanger battle between Gol-Thir and Conan before he transitions to a scene with Mer-Ath and Neftha. This cliffhanger keeps you wanting
more, wondering if the Cimmerian might be in major trouble – or worse – when we see him again..

Kudos to Roy Thomas who is credited as writer/editor and Archie Goodwin as consulting editor. Pacing like this is a credit to the comic medium! The team of John Buscema and Ernie Chan continues to impress with this issue. The intense dialogue and fighting between Conan and Gol-Thir is palpable from panel to panel. Details in the artwork like the stones, rock formations, and shadows all help set the mood and texture of the environment. The story behind the sacred stone provides some explanation for the giant raptors, but also leaves some mystery behind – where did the stone come from? Has it affected Conan or anyone else exposed to its magic? Is it in any way related to the Star-Stone way back in Conan the Barbarian #1?

On a scale of 1-10, I give this issue of Conan 8 Aquilonian Luna.

Living life my own way – Andy from Aquilonia

March 18th, 2019

By Wally Monk, Classic Conan Countdown, Reviews

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REVIEW: The River Styx, Giant Crocodiles & Hawk Riders

(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 was published from 1970 to 1993. This is a review of Conan the Barbarian Vol. 1, #75.)

By WALLY MONK – Paint Monk’s Library Editor

It seems like ages ago that I shared the sad tidings that our reviews of the first volume of Marvel Conan would come to an end. In reality, it’s been a mere three months, but your letters and encouragement have prompted Paint Monk’s Library to resume the countdown – and we plan to stick it out this time until the bitter end in Conan the Barbarian #275.

Before we begin anew with a review of Conan the Barbarian #75, I would like to thank all of you for following this blog, sharing your thoughts, and passing along kind words of encouragement both here, on Facebook and on Twitter.

A hearty “huzzah!” is also due to PM Library writers Bob Freeman, Andy Maglothin, Joeseph Simon, Troy Chrisman and Dean Plakas, who have continued to support the blog – and who all eagerly (and enthusiastically) agreed to help continue our classic Conan the Barbarian reviews.

When we last saw our intrepid Cimmerian in Conan the Barbarian #74, he had made swift work of a massive sea serpent while the crew of Belit’s Tigress set the Stygian fleet aflame in the Port of Khemi. This issue begins with a beautiful splash page featuring Belit, Conan and a slave-girl named Neftha outside the city of Khemi, watching the Stygian fleet burn.

This tale, and perhaps parts of Conan the Barbarian #74 begin a multi-issue story arc which will be concluded in Conan the Barbarian #77. One of Robert E. Howard’s most vivid landscapes within Conan’s world, these tales take place in Stygia, a dark land full of sorcerers and ruled by worshipers of the snake god Set. Inspired by mythological Egypt, Stygia is perhaps my favorite land in the Howard mythos.

Review: Conan the Barbarian #76

Conan battles Stygian raiders high atop the wings of massive raptors!

In the Stygian city of Khemi, it’s not safe to wander the streets at night. Briefly admiring their work in setting the city’s fleet ablaze, Conan, Belit and Neftha knock on the door of an Argossian merchant. When the tradesman answers, cursing the intruders, Belit’s drawn sword ensures their entrance to his home and temporary sanctuary from the wandering city guard.

Conan and his companions make small talk with the merchant, who bemoans his bitter luck and the late night intrustion. Belit makes certain to note that they have seen the merchant’s small skiff, loaded with merchandise, asking him if he is headed down the River Styx to the great city of Luxor. When this is confirmed, Belit informs him he’ll be taking three new passengers along.

**Belit wears black dye to disguise herself. This wouldn’t fly in comics today.**

Morning dawns, and soon Conan, his companions and the merchant are headed to Luxor. Conan is dressed as a slave trader, and both Belit and Neftha have dyed their skin to fit in more with the locals. As they travel down the river, both Belit and Conan reflect on the crocodiles along the riverbanks and the birds who nest among them. Here, we are given a good reflection and history of Stygia – Belit notes that at one time, an Ibis headed god was prominent, but the snakes and Set are the masters of the land now.

As the sun makes its way across the sky, the merchant becomes concerned, telling his oarsmen to pick up their pace. Conan asks him why he seems so shaken, and he informs the Cimmerian they are passing the City of Harakht. A mid-point between Khemi and Luxur, Harakht is ruled by a despot whose bad behavior is largely ignored. Harakht, the merchant says, is a safeguard against the neighboring land of Shem and the ruler’s misdeeds are overlooked because of the importance of the city.

Their conversation is cut short by brigands swooping down to raid the vessel atop giant birds of prey! These thieves, sanctioned by Harakht, have been raiding merchant trading vessels, intercepting them before their luxurious goods reach the capital city.

**The hawk riders strike swiftly and decisively.**

The first arrow takes the merchant down, and his body topples over the edge of the boat. Crocodiles swarm in for the kill, accustomed now to fresh meals whenever the hawk-riders appear.

Belit manages to hold her own, injuring one of the hawks, but is soon grabbed in one of the massive raptor’s mighty talons. Conan helplessly watches as Belit is carried away – but he has a plan of his own. As another raptor-rider swoops in, Conan grabs the bird’s tail, losing his sword in the process. The barbarian manages to throw the rider off, but finds that he cannot control the hawk.

Mustering all the strength he has left, Conan breaks the bird’s neck and it falls to the earth.

**Conan breaks the giant raptor’s neck in an effort to save himself.**

Conan lands on the banks of the River Styx, the dead body of the hawk nearby. He struggles to remain conscious, drifting in and out of reality. He finally regains his senses when he hears the sound of splashing water and a flock of ibis taking wing. Having just fallen from the heights, he now has to contend with the beasts of the deep. With only a dagger in hand, Conan dispatches the enormous crocodile, setting his sights on the city of Harakht and his beloved Belit.

Belit, Conan is coming to save you, never **fear**!

CAPSULE REVIEW: This was an excellent issue of Conan, both in the artwork and in Roy Thomas’ narrative. I miss the days of narration boxes, which do a great job fleshing out bits and pieces of immersive stories that artwork alone can’t express. The combination of Ernie Chan and John Buscema is a hit, and you can see the influence of Chan’s work in collaboration with Buscema’s pencils. The two make a true dynamic duo.

The action sequences within this book are first-rate; this issue contains some of the best fight scenes I’ve read in all of my issues of Conan thus far. Ironically, the cover wasn’t the strongest I’ve seen, and it certainly does not “pop” like many of the legendary covers featured on the iconic Savage Sword of Conan magazine. The final panel, pictured above this capsule review, is one of my favorite – you know that Conan is angry and ready for battle. After all, his Belit is gone, and there is no stopping the Cimmerian now.

**The action sequences in Conan the Barbarian #75 are lavishly illustrated.**

Conan the Barbarian #19-29 featured what we’ve called here the Makkalet storyline, involving the Turanians, Prince Yezdigerd and the Livng Tarim. Where that particular story arc got old very quickly, this one seems much more promising and certainly just as action packed. Before this 4-issue story arc is finished, we’ll be treated to more action and even more Stygian foulness.

On a scale of 1-10, I’d rate this issue a 7.9. Copies on eBay were available in various conditions for $5 or less.

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Posts Tagged ‘Stygia’

REVIEW: Vengeance in Asgalun & The Death of A King

Review: Conan the Barbarian #93

REVIEW: The Fate of Belit’s Father Atrahasis Revealed

Review: Conan the Barbarian #88

REVIEW: Thoth-Amon, Serpent Men & Escape

REVIEW: A Giant, Raptor Eggs & A New Ruler in Harakht

REVIEW: The River Styx, Giant Crocodiles & Hawk Riders

Review: Conan the Barbarian #76

Conan: The Podcast (Episode 2)

Conan: The Podcast (Episode I)

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Posts Tagged ‘Stygia’

REVIEW: Vengeance in Asgalun & The Death of A King

Review: Conan the Barbarian #93

REVIEW: The Fate of Belit’s Father Atrahasis Revealed

Review: Conan the Barbarian #88

REVIEW: Thoth-Amon, Serpent Men & Escape

REVIEW: A Giant, Raptor Eggs & A New Ruler in Harakht

REVIEW: The River Styx, Giant Crocodiles & Hawk Riders

Review: Conan the Barbarian #76

Conan: The Podcast (Episode 2)

Conan: The Podcast (Episode I)

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