Let's Read - Conan the Road of Kings

[lordyam]

This was the third main series that came out; while it wasn't terrible it killed a lot of momentum the series has and it still hasn't quite recovered. If Slayer is good enough it may be the shot in the arm the series needs but we won't know until July so for now I'm gonna read Road of Kings, and when that's done Avenger, and then King Conan.

Issue #1

Recap: Two ships are aside each other on the water. Conan and the pirates are the crew of the first ship, and they are in the middle of slaughtering the crew of the other. Even as he does this, Conan feels that they're being just as foolish as the defenders by killing men when they desperately need to replace those lost to the Iron Shadows. Ivanos points out that they didn't make the Hyrkanians resist; in fact he thinks that they probably would have surrendered if not for their captain egging them on. Conan decides that if this is the case then he'll just throw a dagger into the Captain. He does so and while his fat blubber protects him from death it is enough  to demoralize the rest of the crew. Conan says that if they surrender their lives will be spared. Ivanos reinforces this by stopping one of the pirates from killing people. Conan offers a deal; they've been fighting to protect the fat profits of fatter merchants. There's no need to perish defending what can't be defended. Either throw down their weapons and live or die clutching steel in their hand. Unsurprisingly, the new chooses the later. Ivanos whispers to Krimsar (one of the crew) and we find that the crew has for the most part come around to having Conan for their leader (while one guy still dissents.) Conan offers the crew a position and at first those who don't think Conan will feed them to the sharks if they don't agree. Conan says no; he's a barbarian but he doesn't kill for the sake of it. Those who don't want to join are given the lifeboat and set free. In the boat the Captain CONTINUES trying to order them around, prompting one of the men to very strongly consider tossing the fat bastard overboard.

Back aboard Conan's torched the other ship. Ivanos thinks it's a shame to give up such a prize, but Conan points out they only have enough crew to man their current ship. Ivanos notes that Conan's made a good start but Conan's not so sure. Olivia interrupts his musing, amazed that Conan actually called the ship "the saucy wench". Conan tells her that he told her to stay below until she was called but Olivia protests "My Hair'd grow white and my bosom sag before you remembered me languishing down there!" Conan admits that he thought she'd take it as a compliment. If she doesn't he'll have another name on the mizzenmast. The Olivia. Olivia is touched and Conan carries her away, complimenting her that she's come a long way from when he found her. Olivia flirts. "Take me below and I'll show you just how far I've come!" Some of the crew are rather jealous that Conan has a woman and they don't but Ivanos tells him he sounds like Aratus, and they all know how HE ended up. At night Olivia is in bed with Conan having dreams about her father. He begs her forgiveness and asking how he could have done something like that to his favorite. He begs her to come back and Olvia shouts out "father!" Conan wakes up buck naked asking what's wrong. Olivia explains that she's dreamed about her father again. Conan thinks it's odd that she's squandering her dreams on the one who delivered her into slavery. She's sure he genuinely repents it. Ever since the incident with the Iron Shadows she thinks her dreams have been influenced that way. Conan says she's disturbing his sleep and Olivia asks him to take her back to her father in Ophir, and that he'll reward Conan with the Gold Ophir is famed for. Conan thinks it's more likely the guy will have him speared and tells her to go back to sleep. Oh and to keep the fact she's a princess quiet. If the crew finds out they'll probably try to ransom her. Conan nods off, but Olivia can't sleep. She goes out on the deck crying.

Several weeks pass and the crew become successful at the trade; they loot the ships from Sultanaphur and Aghraphur and even though they flee when the navy comes calling the greed of the merchants means they'll ALWAYS have ships to plunder. For a time, Olivia can forget her sadness and looser herself in the joy of the moment (and Conan's arms.) But only awake. At night it's another story. One day the pirates are watching two of their fellows beating the shit out of each other (and gambling.) Olivia says that if she can't go home she is happy with Conan. Conan jokes how it's good knowing he's her second choice at least and reassures her that he was busting her chops when suddenly the guy on lookout sees a becalmed galley dead ahead. Conan is suspicious since it's a light breeze. Ivanos is suspicious too but the crew doesn't care and want to attack. Conan gives in to the pressure (since it's still his first time he thinks maybe the crew is on to something.) As the ship approaches Conan and Ivanos have a brief chat; Conan points out that Ivanos isn't as interested in sea treasures; Ivanos says that he was born in Corinthia, but that he served in the Argossian army and spent time in Messantia. Conan asks if that's their chief point, and Ivanos says a part of him wishes he were back there. Just before Conan joined up he heard rumors that there was war in the offing there between Argos and Zingara over trade routes. Conan says that he's heard the western ocean is big; he'll have to see it one day. Ivanos says that hey, they're both young. Meanwhile the Galley's here for the picking. 

They pull up and notice that there isn't a man in sight. The lifeboats aren't there either; this leads Ivanos to assume that the crew must have taken them and abandoned ship when the sails couldn't be fixed. Olivia has joined them, and Conan warns the men to be careful. Of course, they largely dismiss it (with one saying Conan sounds like an old woman. His friend points out Conan leads them to treasure. Once aboard one of the men says there isn't any sign of anyone...but Conan notices a man sneaking out from under the sails and orders him to look out. Too late. The guy gets decapitated. Turanian soldiers swarm out from under the deck. It was a trap; Conan orders Olivia below deck while Ivanos says they have to lend the crew a hand. As they fight Conan realizes that the Navy must have stashed a battalion on the ship then fallen back just behind the horizon. One of the Turanians tries to shoot Conan with an arrow; Ivanos takes the shot, prompting Conan to yell "Damn all Turanians to hell" as he throws a knife in the shooter's forehead. Ivanos falls overboard and soon three soldiers charge Conan, knocking him into the water. Olivia screams but then she notices the captain ordering his forces to kill everyone there and then torch the ship. Olivia realizes she doesn't have any real options and dives in. As she swims she calls out Conan's name. Conan grabs her from below the water and tells her to be quiet. The ship is being burned, and for long as THAT happens the Turanians will be distracted. Olivia starts panicking and admits she can't swim. Conan knocks her out and swims away. Somehow he manages to find his way to land (perhaps it was a forgotten sense that was developed living among the shore.) They wash onto the beach unconscious and wake up. Olivia is a little miffed at being hit but Conan points out it was to stop her drowning them and she concedes that yes it might have been legit (okay this isn't domestic abuse.) Conan's rather bummed at loosing his ship; after that performance he probably won't have another one.

Suddenly Conan starts smiling. Olivia asks why and Conan explains that he sees a man clinging to driftwood. More importantly he recognizes the headband. It's Krimsar, one of the crew from earlier. Krimsar survived but he got a sliced leg. Apparently there's a current that tends to the shore. Conan explains they're on Turan's coast. Krimshar is amused that Conan brought Olivia along and after Conan bandages his leg is told that Conan swam all night with Olivia in his arms to reach the shore. He's impressed but Conan says that he broke a bull's neck on his day of manhood. If he can't swim all night what is he good for. He says he isn't good enough to stop his men from dying but Krimsar doesn't blame him. They were madmen in the grip of gold lust. Krimsar says he's back for Shadazir; his sailing days are done. When he asks Conan where he's going Conan looks, but upon seeing Olivia he decides that maybe they could go to Ophir and give Olivia back to her royal father. Olivia is overjoyed, saying her dad will reward Conan handsomely for returning her. Krimsar agrees and offers to travel with them since the road of kings is close by and leads both to their destinations. He also is amused to see that Olivia's a princess and starts offering to ransom her. Conan tells him not to think about it. They wander inland.

Review: Surprisingly this was actually a good issue. It had action and the sense of camaraderie between Conan and Ivanos was well handled. Olivia is also pretty good; I'm skeptical about the subplot of her meeting her father again but the explanation of how she has these dreams makes sense. Surprisingly it's the crew that gets themselves killed rather than Conan; I'm not sure how I feel about it. However, overall it felt like a good pirate tale. It's sad that the filler arc did a better job with pirate stories than the series dedicated to pirates. 7 out of 10. A good start

[johnnypt]

#1 (again, note the optimism)

I’m glad the editors didn’t make him try to a story any differently than he’s been doing for, what, 45 years now? If you’re lucky enough to get him to do a series like this, they had to get sense to let Roy be Roy. Even though the series was created with a specific purpose in mind, it doesn’t feel forced. We knew at some point Conan stopped being an inland pirate, so this explanation is as good as any other. When Mike Hawthorne was announced as artist, there was a little trepidation on some people’s parts that his style (a little on the cartoony side) wouldn’t quite mix with Conan. I’d speculated that the coloring would take that edge off of it, and I think I turned out to be right. It’s certainly a different style from Cary Nord or Tomas Giorello, but I thought it conveyed the action and emotions well enough.

One other tidbit-The first name of Conan’s ship, the Saucy Wench, does have a purpose. Towards the end of Howard’s life, he sold a number of stories to Spicy Adventure Stories (under another name) about a despicable lout named Wild Bill Clanton, who dealt in kidnapping, slavery and rape. The name of his ship in a couple of the stories was the Saucy Wench. So Roy gives a nod to Howard much like the appearance of a Sailor Steve Costigan like character in Conan #37, only with a more dubious heritage. It’ll be interesting to see if he continues the little nods along the way. I wasn’t sure how Roy would be coming back to a character he’s got a famous track record with, but for at least this first issue, it was a successful homecoming and in this holiday season of 2010, it sure felt comfortable having an old friend tell you a new story.

[lordyam]

Issue #2:

We open in the streets of Shadizar. Conan and Krimsar are watching some servants carrying a litter, with some guards accompanying it. Two of the guards are arguing; One of them is jealous that the elderly man is doing something fun while he's out in the rain and is trying to deny it. The guy mocking him is cut off by a dropped piece of pottery, and the guard who was complaining barely avoids getting hit by a piece of pottery. Krimsar and Conan come down, Conan yelling at Krimsar for failing to incapacitate the guard and leaving him to do it (as he does this he punches the guard out. Krimsar complains that it was his leg injury, and Conan replies that he'd better pray it doesn't give way as more guards show up. Conan and Krimsar fight them off. Conan does well but Krimsar only lasts because the other has difficulty seeing in the rain. Conan throws a torch in the guard's eyes, allowing Krimsar to impale him. The servants run away with the litter but fall in a puddle and sending the litter tumbling down. The servants (really slaves) run the hell away and we see the inhabitants of the litter. A perveted old man and a buxom blonde. The old man offers up his gems and the girl in exchange for letting him go. Conan and Krimsar take most of what the old man and woman have on their persons, but Conan stops Krimsar from stealing the girl's necklace; given how hideous the old man looks she's earned it. They flee arguing, leaving the old man and woman in the rain.

Back at the hideout, Olivia is lying on a bed when Conan and Krimsar enter; Conan gives Olivia a ring that he got, gives Krimsar the rest of the loot to fence, and than takes Olivia into their room to fuck her brains out. Later that night Conan wakes up wanting another round in the hay with Olivia to see her looking out the window (we get a rather nice shot of her ass). Conan assumes she's upset because the ring is too large; Olivia explains that she's dreaming her father begging her to come home. Conan says that they'll get to Ophir soon but first they need to get on the road but they need money. Olivia is worried that Conan will return to being a thief like he used to be. Conan assures her those days are behind him; having gotten to the highs he has been at in the past years has removed any desire to be a thief; their existence is starvling in comparison. Olivia is happy, and based on her experience with jewels the stones in the ring should be enough to get them to Ophir. Conan protests; it was his gift for her. Olivia says all she wants is to be reunited with her father. Olivia acts if they can leave for Ophir within the next day or so. Conan agrees and Olivia hugs him saying her father will reward him. Conan is skeptical though.

The next day Krimsar is begging Conan to reconsider; Conan says he'll be fine on his own. Krimsar manages to talk him into one more burglary, but Conan only agrees if it's done tonight. Krimsar agrees, saying there's a filthy rich merchant named Nitos. Krimsar's heard word he's moving his treasure to another city so maybe they should strike tonight. Conan agrees but says he'll tell Olivia. Olivia's been buying clothes for the road of kings, and she jokingly says she'll have Conan carry them. Later that night Conan and Krimsar have breached the defenses and are looking through a grate at the massive golden horde in there (Conan comments that it's enough to buy Olivia's father and give him to Olivia). Krimsar is impressed by the big ass ruby in the Gargoyle statues eye socket. Conan is skeptical though. Conan effortlessly moves the grate and they get down to the bottom on rope. Krimsar, being an idiot, takes the ruby jewel from the statue's eye while Conan contents himself with gold coins. Conan tells him to cut it out....then sees two tentacles erupt from the gold coins in front off him. Krimsar is grabbed by two of them, which burn right through his boots. Conan frees him and as he's picked up by more he cuts himself free. Krimsar begs Conan to help him, but Conan's trying to stop himself getting dragged down. He gets submerged, but Conan manages to cut himself free (even though coins don't part like water) and free Krimsar, resurfacing just in time. He resurfaces and a freaky octopus thing erupts from the gold coins.

Conan holds his own, but the the tentacles begin t overwhelm him so in a last act of desperation Conan drops the gargoyle statue onto the beast. Incredibly the beast is still kicking as Conan puts Krimsar over the shoulder and climbs the rope. When the beast still tries to reach them Conan sees that Krimsar still has the Ruby. He takes it from Krimsar and throws it at the beast. The beast accepts and sinks into the gold. Krimsar and Conan get to the top just as human sentries arrive and they escape. Krimsar again protests the idea of Conan leaving, but Conan is adamant. When Krimsar says tonight didn't count Conan throws him down and calls him out on his stupidity. All he has to show for his efforts are some gold coins. Krimsar is despondent until he sees that he also got gold in his boot. They walk away, happy the night wasn't a loss. At least not a total one. The next morning Nitos is yelling at his sentries for allowing Conan and Krimsar to escape and they protest they did their best. One of them protests, saying that whoever did it was no ordinary cutpurse. Still he'll give his life's blood to restore the ruby to it's place...At which point a guy behind him knifes him from behind and says "Do So!" the blood drips off the blade, and the monster coughs up the ruby. Nitos is impressed, assuming that the reason the warrior (Gamesh) understood is that in his own way is one of them (he has a strange eye and a sword arm). Gamesh hurls the guard into the pool and the creature eats him. Nits tells Gamesh that he hired him because he has a reputation as a human bloodhound. He wants Gamesh to find the men who invaded his home and kill them wherever they go. Gamesh's response? "Consider it done".

Review: This was a good issue overall. Refreshingly we don't get more Conan the Thief; Conan is past that chapter in his life. Instead he wants to help Olivia. The only downside to this was Krimsar, who was annoying and quite frankly an asshole. Still the fight in the vault with the monster, as well as the appearance of Gamesh hinting at things to come, elevate the issue. 8 out of 10.

[johnnypt]

#2-I had a slightly different reaction

Recently (note-remember this was written when the issue came out) Dark Horse started up the Robert E. Howard centric anthology Savage Sword where the opening story dealt with Conan back in his thieving days. Some fans complained that this is a part of his career that’d been dealt with enough already. This issue couldn’t have been welcome to them. Not only did it go over familiar territory (Conan breaking into a temple and battling demons), but the villain introduced is WAY over the top. It bore some resemblance to a recurring villain in Savage Sword of Conan in the early 80s. Roy didn’t create that villain, but it had the feel of those vaunted Avengers villains the Triumverate of Terror from #38 and their Hyborian Age avatars, the Brothers of the Blade from CTB #53. After last issue’s refreshing take, it all felt a little stale. The artwork as well took a step backwards toward a more cartoony look (booty shot exempted). Maybe it was just a one issue lull. But considering the bad guy just introduced appears on the cover of issue #6, we’ll have to deal with him until then at least.

[ascalante]

I think in this issue #2 there was a panel of Conan literally diving/swimming through a hoard of treasure. It was so cartoony, childish, and unrealistic that I remember thinking this was where Dark Horse Conan "jumped the shark". Looking back on it I think it's true, because it's mostly been downhill from there. Compared to the main comic's direction since then, Road of Kings seems like a masterpiece.

[lordyam]

Okay Issue #3:

Recap: Conan and Olivia have come to the city state of Thessalo (the second largest in Corinthia). Before they enter some louts are paying a dancer to dance, two men are playing bones and a cutpurse is stealing purses. The cutpurse gets caught in the act and stabbed at the same time one of the louts causes the dancer to loose her balance, which in turn happens at the same time as the bones are being thrown. The cutpurse falls onto one of the bones, causing the guy who threw them to try and claim victory. His opponents disagree (saying that the cutpurse falling on it before the rolling finished made it impossible) and they throw the guy out. Or rather, they TRY to throw the guy out because it seems like there's a stone wall on the other side. Conan throws the door open, with Olivia hiding beneath a cloak. Conan takes some wine meant for another and bribes the waitress into ignoring it. Conan tells Olivia he has business to see with a man he knows. Olivia protests, so Conan gives her a drink. Conan admits he's not sure his friend is still there, since he was considering moving on. If he is still here he doesn't know what reception he'll receive. He pulls over the dancing girl from over, who reveals that her name is Katurah. She flirts with Conan, causing Olivia to jealously call her a whore. Conan heads off an argument by asking Katurah to babysit Olivia for the time being. Katurah accepts when he gives her money but Olivia doesn't want Conan to be more than an hour. As Conan walks into the night he reflects that living on the Road of Kings is harder than he anticipated (or even Olivia anticipated); if the man he seeks isn't here he may have to resort to thievery.

Back in the Tavern Olivia is drinking the wine like it's going out of style, with Katurah mockingly calling her "princess" and telling her to cut it out. Olivia dismisses her and asks (while drunk) how Katurah knows she's a princess of Ophir. Katurah thinks she's bullshitting at first but than when Olivia goes into detail and says "Perhaps he'll even give me the star of khorala." Katurah's intrigued by this and Olivia explains that her father's queen has it now but that he will certainly give it to her....at which point she dozes off. Katurah covers her with a blanket and leaves telling Olivia to sleep tight. She goes from the back room to meet another man Fharos. Fharos is her owner; Katurah tells him he promised to free her if she found a way to pay off her debt and tells him about Olivia and Conan. Fharos is initially "yeah sure let's fuck" and starts fondling her....until she namedrops the star of Khorala. Fharos changes his tune; he's heard that the star is in Ophir and there is no way in hell a wench passing through would know. She asks if that ring will buy her freedom. Fharos says that it would and leads her down a staircase to show her something. She follows along skeptical, but does so regardless. Fharos says that two years ago a traveler with a taste for wine and worse couldn't pay Fharos off for his debt; so he offered a fish lizard that he kept in salt water and swore was a sea dragon. Fharos tossed it into a pool underneath the bar (Which was cut off from the sea when it retreated) and gestures. Sure enough a big ass dinosaur thing emerges. Katurah screams and Fharos pushes her in and locks the door. He comes into the room and wakes Olivia up before binding her, forcing her out and making her leave on a horse that''s tied to him.

Conan meanwhile has reached his destination, remembering the invitation of his contact. He climbs the wall, even though the invitation may not be in play anymore (it's been two or three years.) Inside a man is reading a scroll. He brandishes a dagger as he hears a noise. He turns to see Conan, and we find the contact is Prince Murilo from Rogues in the House. Conan sees that he's still dealing in stolen state secrets and assures him the sound was deliberate to see if he still had self preservation instincts. Murilo is surprised but calms down; he explains that since Nabonidus was the only one who knew he saw no reason to flee when Conan smashed his brains out. Conan explains his situation, and Murilo agrees to loan Conan what he needs. Conan expects there's a price and while there is Murilo assures him it's a lot less dangerous than killing a man. He wants Conan to deliver a scroll to a man in Belvarus Nemedia; Since it's on the road of kings Conan won't be inconvenienced. Conan asks Murilo why he trusts him and Murilo says that he knows Conan. His word is his bond. Inviolate. Unbreakable. When Conan is annoyed Murilo says that it's been a pleasure doing business with him again. Conan returns to the bar and overhears men complaining about Katurah's absence, as well as the absence of her boss Fharos. Conan arrives in the room where Olivia was taken from and decides to search the tavern. Sure enough he finds the door to the cellar passage (which Fharos forgot to shut). He sees the pool, Olivia's bracelet on the floor and a ribcage that recently belonged to a human. The dragon thing resurfaces with bloody teeth; Conan initially plans to leave (since even he fails to see the point of seeking vengeance on a stupid animal) when Katurah calls for help. She's on a patch of rocks begging Conan to save her. Conan dives in and reaches her. Conan asks if the bones are Olivia's; fortunately they aren't. Apparently the musician wandered in right after Fharos left, and while the beast was om nom nominee him Katurah fled to the rocks. The Dragon thing resurfaces and Conan tells her to take a breath. They dive below and dodge the beast before resurfacing. Conan forces Katurah onto the dry section. In a ballsy as shit move Conan dives into the beasts open mouth and drives the blade into the roof of the mouth. Fortunately this kills the beast and Conan swims out. HE gets pulled up by Katurah, who didn't take his advice to run because Conan still owes her money. They repeat the conversation of how it was the musician who's bones Conan found (though in fairness Conan points out that it is Olivia's bracelet; Katurah tells Conan that Orpho the musician stole it after finding it in her room and came down to try and steal something else.

Catarrh admits that she betrayed Olivia to get out of her debt but Conan is surprisingly understanding. He realizes people will do anything to escape slavery. He leaves and when Katurah asks how he'll recognize Fharos Conan says "first he'll be with Olivia. Then he'll be a bloody corpse at my feet." He takes the gold and parchment Murilo wanted him to take and rides off into the night. Unbeknownst to him several armed men are following him to take his head to Nitos.

Review: this was an alright issue but not as strong as the first one. It feels like Roy is making callbacks that aren't really needed; I noticed this problem in his later run of Marvel Conan. In fairness there needs to be a device to get Conan to point b and we do get a badass fight sequence. However his releasing Katurah is kind of out of character for him; if someone screwed him over you wouldn't expect him to be lenient. though given how horrible his brief period as a slave was maybe I'm wrong. Overall it's a serviceable enough issue but not as strong as it should be. 6.5-7 out of 10.

[lordyam]

Issue #4

Recap: We open with Olivia trying to ride away from Kharos (wait a second. In the last issue it was Fharos. Make up your mind Roy Thomas.) He overpowers, tackling her from the horse and prepares to hit her, but is shocked when she doesn't even react. Olivia tells him that she won't cringe. being beaten by Shah Amurath daily wrung out all tears she could have shed. Kharos tries to brush off his refusal to beat her as protecting merchandise, since he wants to get a ransom and the star of Khorala. Olivia says that's not going to happen; even though she was daddy's favorite she was the daughter of his favorite concubine rather than his queen, and the star belongs to his queen. Kharos forces her onto the horse and decides to head to the mountains with her; they would have had to leave the road of kings anyway since it only borders Ophir briefly and warns her not to try anything else or he WILL beat her. In Belvarus Conan is looking around for his contact. Belvarus isn't as grand as Tarantia but it's enough to impress Conan. Suddenly Conan remembers that Murilo gave him instructions to wear a ridiculous hat in order to attract his contact. Eventually his contact (a pretty woman named Shayera) approaches Conan with the password, and Conan is happy to ditch the turban and put it on some other poor bastard. Shayera gestures Conan to follow her; Conan is skeptical but begins to loosen his guard.....just as he steps onto a trap door in the middle of the street and falls quite a bit. Some guards waiting at the bottom, assuming Conan will be easy prey attack. Conan puts up a fight but is knocked out by one of them (who has a giant mace).

Conan wakes up in the throne room to a splash of water and is informed by the inquisitor that Shayera was never his contact; the Nemedians tortured the real contact into giving up the password and recruited Shayera in her place. We learn this is King Nimed, who has refrained from torturing Conan for the sake of getting information even though Conan insults him. He asks Conan for names, and that he can't read the scroll since he considers it a waste of time. The Inquisitor dude says it's a communication from exiled Nemedians in Corinthia to people living in Nemedia who want a regime change. Named asks Conan, but Conan refuses to talk since Nimed will have him murdered regardless. Nimed says that if he talks he'll be spared further torture before he dies. Conan refuses and tells him to go to hell. The king hits Conan in the face, Conan calls him a coward for hitting him with chains and guards present and Nimed says that's why the chains and guards exist. He orders Conan be given to the Inquisitor Arixtheus, but asks Arixtheus to get at least one or two names out of him. In the chamber Conan has been strapped into an Iron Maiden, with Arixtheus telling him that he will talk very soon and Conan telling him "what are you waiting for" and then that he won't break (or rather "we'll see"). Arixtheus starts using the mechanized pump and the spikes start to get closer. Arixitheus is about drive the spikes deep (they're drawing blood but haven't penetrated.) But before he can Gamesh impales him through the mouth, ironically saving Conan. Gamesh and his crew have entered the building and the crew start killing the guards. Gamesh explains why he's after Conan and even shows him Krimsar's headband to show that he's killed Krimsar. Conan tries to goad him into releasing him, but Gamesh doesn't bite (seriously, this guy's a lot smarter than Conan's other rogues). He orders Lotor to kill Arixtheus but he doesn't and just as Gamesh prepares to sever Conan's head as proof of the deed Arixtheus uses his last strength to release the cuffs retract the blades and free Conan. Arixtheus dies and Conan prepares to charge Gamesh. Just then more guards swarm in; most of Gamesh's thugs are wiped out. Conan saves Gamesh because HE wants to kill him and they fight to the staircase. Games tries to decapitate Conan while they're on the stairs (since hey he was ordered to kill Conan). Conan gets hit by an arrow; at the same time Gamesh hears more shouts from more guards. He can't tell which direction he's coming from and since killing Conan won't mean a damn thing if he dies at the same time he's declared that Conan will live for now; he runs down a corridor as Conan runs down the same corridor in a different direction; Conan's bought himself time. They exchange a final round of trash talk as they leave.

In the chamber Lotor cradles his master's corpse, happy that his master died smiling. He declares that his master is happy, both because he unleashed the death and suffering he so loved doing, and because no one will ever know HE was the intended recipient of the scroll. He weeps tears of joy as this happens.

Review: This is much like the other issues in the series so far; in some places it's weird. The trap Conan falls into is a "really?" moment and the king didn't really need to be Nimed; they could have had it be his father and nothing would change; Everything else though was great; Gamesh ironically saving Conan from Arixtheus, and then Arixtheus saving Conan to avenge himself AND unleash the destruction he so loved is very much the kind of reversal of fortune Howard and other writers at the time loved, and the twist that ARIXTHEUS was the intended recipient was pretty clever. Also, Conan being forced to wear the turban was actually pretty funny. 7 out of 10

[lordyam]

Issue #5:

Recap: It's the northern border of Ophir. Two guards are arguing; one of them swears he heard a noise, while his compatriot is telling him no one would be stupid enough to attack that gate due to the layout making it difficult to attack (in fact he says an army could not breach it before reinforcements showed up.) Still, the guy who swore he heard something (Karus) is convinced he heard something so he wanders off. HIs compatriot hears a loud thunk sound and asks Karus if he's alright. At first it seems like Karus is fine (his body is seen standing upright) but when he approaches he grabs the other guard by the throat. Turns out Conan quickly killed the guard and put on his clothes apparently. Conan quickly throws the guy against the wall and when he asks how Conan got there Conan says "My homeland's mountains make Ophir's look like a child's sand castles." He threatens the guard into giving information about Olivia and Kharos. The guard explains to him that two days ago a man and woman came on horseback. He ordered them to halt in the name of King Kennak. The man demanded to speak to whoever the hell was in charge of the outposts. An argument is headed off when Captain Jemal of the outpost shows up. Kharos removes the hood and explains that the woman is Olivia. Jemal recognizes her but is confused. After all, Olivia was sold to a Shemite Chieftain. The guards are skeptical but Jemal figures there's no harm in showing Olivia to Kennak, just to be certain. He started to order the men to hold Kharos, but Kharos quickly took Olivia hostage, explaining that if he didn't go with them he would kill Olivia. Then what reward would they get. Jemal agrees to take them both to the King, and Kharos said it was luck Jemal recognized her. She begs to just be taken to her father. He'll reward Kharos handsomely. Kharos says he'd better.

Back in the present Conan's captive says he swore that's all that happened. Fortunately Conan believes him. Unfortunately the guy Conan took out earlier was in fact not dead and calls for the alert. Conan curses his stupidity and climbs up the mountain quickly. They climb after Conan, with one falling to his death in the process. At the top they continue their pursuit of Conan, assuming that Conan won't be able to jump the cliff ahead off them. Conan does fortunately and taunts them. The guards turn to flee; Conan is confused, but then he looks down and sees at the bottom of a chasm is a great golden worm. It's also eating the gold veins coming out of the mountain's sides. He realizes that given the armor the Ophireans wear is also of Gold, that they had a reason not to follow. And since they were reluctant to follow what else might the thing eat. Unfortunately Conan accidentally disengages a small pebble which falls and alerts the beast. The beast begins to pursue Conan, and Conan realizes that the cape ring of the cape he uses IS made of gold. So he quickly removes the cape and throws it in another direction. The beast takes the lure and follows the cape into the chasm. Conan takes the opportunity to run.

We cut to the throne room of Ophir's capital Aurolla. We find that it's only gold leaf on the walls, and that the guards wear armor of Iron since gold armor is rather impractical for real soldiers. Olivia, Kharos, Jemal and some others are waiting for the King to show up and have been doing so for hours. Kharos threatens her again, and Olivia said he would have spared them the trouble of stabbing her right before the guards stab him. Kharos mocks her, saying that Conan probably wanted to ransom her off to her dad just like he did. King Kennak arrives, and confirms that yes Olivia is his kid. Kharos holds a knife to Olivia's throat, demanding the Star or ten pack asses worth of gold. He also says that Olivia had a dream he wanted her back. Kennak bursts out laughing. He explains he wanted her back only to have her executed. He has the guards arrest her, Kharos and Jemal (on the grounds Jemal was part of the scheme). Kharos looses the will to fight, since he'd get carved up anyway, and Olivia feels her dreams spoke true and yet betray her. As Olivia is taken away, she begs to at least see her mother again. Kennak coldly says her mother died six months ago. This takes the heart out of Olivia and she says "Do what you will with me."

As they are dragged out Kennak's wife Sophonesba comes out with her astrologer Necrodemus. Sophonesba tells him not to bait Necrodemus and makes an excuse that they were just consulting the stars regarding the gold excavations scheduled in the western provinces, which Necrodemus says are favorable. Sophonesba rubs Kennak's cheek, telling him he made the right choice concerning Olivia. Kennak appears rather dazed saying "What...was it...I did? I can't quite". She tells him he condemned her and the others to be beheaded. Kennak remembers but feels drowsy and goes to lie down until dinner. Once he's gone Sophonesba tells him that his incantations and castings did unleash the power in the Star of Khorala. Necrodemus boasts that the proper spells in the proper place in the proper time can give the ring the power to completely dominate a lover with the poor fool being completely in the dark that he's being enslaved. Sophonesba rants about how Olivia was a thorn in her flesh; a reminder about how her hubby loved a concubine more than he ever did her. Still, the concubine was dealt with by poison and the headman's axe will deal with the other. Necrodemus asks to return to his sanctum and continue his research; thanks to her patronage he feels like he's so close to being able to open the doors to the beyond. Sophonesba lets him go, saying he was born a dreamer and will die one. Nevrodemus looks up with a look of ecstasy. "Close....so very close."

At night, two men are discussing the impending executions, complaining that the Queen has talked the King into WAY too many lately. The executioner approaches, and the two comment that if they had their heads lopped off for a practice run no one would record their names. The Executioner jokingly asks them if one of them would be willing to provide a practice neck. They run off prompting a "I thought not." As Conan surveys from a rooftop the Executioner starts talking to himself about tomorrow's execution, as well as some fat merchant he killed a month ago. Conan drops down asking if he has to prattle on, and if it's true he'll whet a royal neck on the block tomorrow. The executioner asks who the hell he is, and Conan shows that he has no steel in his hands. The executioner points out that he has steel at his side and tells him to stay back and identify himself or he'll show Conan why people call him the dead maker. Conan identifies him, pretends to give him two choices, and than explains "Crom take me I guess there is no second choice." The executioner his angry and roars. Conan dodges a swing of the axe and draws his blade. The executioner proves surprisingly fast, blocking the sword blow and catching Conan in a grapple. Conan accidentally knocks over a bucket of water and slips in the water, landing against the headsman's block. The executioner raises his axe to deliver the death blow......

Review: This was another serviceable issue. However, the implication that Queen Sophonesba is the one who persuaded Kennak to abandon his daughter kinda takes the wind out of some of Olivia's tragic story. It feels like a total copout like how "oh no it was really the evil queen who did it and the father is actually not a bad guy." It's not terrible (trust me, after reading the Brian Wood stories I'm more inclined to be charitable here) this is better. Necrodemus is also a rather corny name. All in all it's not a bad issue, but it feels lighter and softer; somewhat out of place in Hyboria. 6.5 out of 10.

[lordyam]

Issue #6

Recap: As dawn approaches there is blood on the executioner's block. Jemal is trying to reassure Olivia that her dad will think better of having her beheaded. Kharos simply bemoans that THIS is his fate and that was it too much to ask for ten pack asses of gold? Sophonesba comes out and sits in the throne. Necrodemus points out that it's a pity the King was indisposed, and Sophonesba says that even with the ring, it couldn't QUITE give him the stomach to see Olivia die. Necrodemus asks if he should signal the execution to proceed; Sophonesba says not yet. She wants Olivia to plead for her life in vain. Olivia tells her she'll never grovel and calls her a witch. Sophonesba says she'll have to suffice for watching Olivia's head roll red in the dust and basically forces everyone to laugh at this even tough they're deeply uncomfortable. Necrodemus points out that the execution was scheduled for dawn and the sun is approaching, so Sophonesba asks where the dead maker is. He appears from between two columns. Sophonesba demands him to come over and do his job. "The executioner" instead tells her to come fetch him. Sophonesba threatens him with the possibility of execution, which Kharos quickly tries to encourage. Jemal asks if Olivia has gone mad, and Olivia realizes she knows the voice. The voice continues "You may take my head, queen, in truth, you can have all of me." As he says this the corpse of the headsman falls to the ground and Conan emerges from the shadows saying "I want only Olivia and I'll be on my way." Sophonesba is shocked to realize that Conan took out the executioner. and orders the guards to kill him. Conan makes mincemeat of his attackers and quickly frees everyone (all while reassuring Jemal he's a "former" pirate. He picks up the axe and throws it at the queen. It misses her (hitting the top of the throne) but it causes her to pass out. Necrodemus orders the remaining guards to kill Conan). Two more guards approach and Conan puts the sword away...only o throw the headsman's block at them, crushing them.

Jemal and Olivia quickly flee while Kharos frees himself. Conan quickly dispatches the last guard, causing Necrodemus to in desperation unleash the power's he's so long sought to wield. Conan says he needs Sophonesba as a hostage, but is quickly shut up when a cold wind blows in and a portal starts to emerge. Conan is scared and Necrodemus goes on a long monologue about how he spent nights pouring over the books of Vathelos the Blind before ordering Atlach-Nacha (the demon he's summoning) to take Conan down to hell. Unfortunately Atlach has other ideas and grabs Necrodemus instead. Jemal snaps Conan out of it and tells him to get it together. Conan says he dislike's sorcery and Jemal says he doesn't either but that they must.....at which point he sees Olivia brandishing the massive battle axe over Sophonesba's unconscious body. Jemal grabs the axe and stops her. Even though she ordered their deaths, she is still the queen....and her father's wife. Olivia also says that if her heart is right Sophonesba is the murderer of her mother. However she agrees. She can't lift the axe a second time. They run off, with Conan thinking Fharos (or is it Kharos) has fled for parts unknown. However, we see this is NOT the case. Hiding behind a wall, he takes the ring of Sophonesba's finger. Conan Jemal and Olivia run down the hall with Olivia saying she'll go with Conan if he can get her out of here. Conan says a woman is baggage he cannot carry in his line of work. Olivia thinks she won't be welcome, prompting Jemal to promise that he will protect her. Conan thinks it's a good offer but that he has a hunch that he would like to see play out.

They run to the Royal Apartments, and Conan quickly takes out the one guard on duty. King Kennak comes out, alerted by the sound of Conan's fist beating the guard's face. Olivia is cold when he says "Olivia?" But then Kennak drops to his knees and begs forgiveness; he also offers her her rightful place back, so he can spend what years he has left atoning for what he's done to her. Olivia says she wanted nothing more than to be his daughter but asks why he sold her to slavery. Kennak says he doesn't know what possessed him. It feels as though his will was not his own. Yet now, he feels like the master again. He tells her not to worry about Sophoesba. Somehow he feels her influence receding from the capital (as this happens we see Fharos fleeing on horseback with the ring.) Jemal asks Conan if he knew this would happen; Conan says he didn't but he wanted to see what happened when father and daughter stood face to face. Kennak asks who Conan and Jemal are, and Olivia says Conan was the one who restored her, and Jemal protected her. Kennak is filled with gratitude and offers Conan the job of captain of the guard; after such a breach there will need to be a new replacement. Conan politely declines but offers Jemal up for the job. Jemal is unable to speak, but Olivia assures her dad that he accepts.

Conan rides off later, musing that with Olivia suspicious and Sophonesba's hold gone there will be a lot of intrigue at court. Two days later, Conan is approaching the mountain gateway. He holds out the royal parchment guaranteeing safe passage when suddenly his horse is killed. Gamesh emerges from the shadows, saying that he rejoices that no man has killed Conan before he got his chance. The guard angrily turns his spear on Gamesh, saying that he was promised Conan's horse. Gamesh kills him, pointing out how stupid he was for thinking Gamesh would let him ride away after the guy witnessed him killing his fellows. He turns to Conan, and Conan asks how Gamesh found him. Gamesh explained that the Hyrkanian monks who took his hand and made him a living weapon also put libations on his eye so that he could follow a man's spoor as if it were a beacon. Conan tells him he should have stopped following, and Gamesh explains that once he's on the scent he can't stop following until he's killed the guy. As he says this Conan has had his sword shattered and has thrown it at him to distract him. Conan climbs the cliffs. Gamesh follows, calling him a coward and saying running won't help. Conan dives over the ravine, but Gamesh follows even there. They stand facing each other on the other side of the cliff, with Gamesh claiming that he will kill Conan and take his head. Conan says to take it if he can, and says that while he could charge he was hoping to offer him something to make him forget. Gamesh is intrigued and asks Conan what he planned to offer him even though nothing makes him forget his quarry. Conan throws him a sack of gold coins Kennak gave him, and Gamesh says he's disappointed. Nitos pays him well and while he is open to even greater amounts of gold what is to stop him from killing Conan AFTER he's taken the gold. Conan simply says "that" and points behind him as a loud hissing emanates. Gamesh turns and there is the big ass gold worm from last issue. It quickly grabs Gamesh and while Gamesh tries to fight back his sword, while useful against a man, doesn't do jack shit against the worm. It's only when he's being eaten that he realizes it was after the gold. Sadly before he can use the knowledge the worm eats him. As the worm turns to Conan Conan stands firm, hoping only that the scent of gold isn't on him. Fortunately it isn't. Conan leaps across the ravine and walks away, explaining that the death of Necrodemus taught him that abominations are only after what they're after, be it gold or human. Still he wishes the Hyrkanian didn't kill his horse, since there's a long way to the road of Kings.

In Numalia, Fharos is yelling at a fence and calling him an idiot, saying that the queen would surely give a roomful of gold for the return of her ring. The fence says he knows a young satrap in his native zamboula who'd pay even more. Fharos says that the fence will not even make him an offer for it. The fence says that he will make an offer, and as Fharos demands it one of the goons sneaks up behind him and cuts his throat. The fence simply says his offer is "A shallow grave, with no headstone, near where long jackals prowl." The men remove Fharos's corpse


Review: This was a decent enough finale; I don't really like the reveal that Sophonesba was the architect of Olivia's misery (though the Star of Khorala DOES make it relatively more palatable, since that damn thing IS established as controlling men's minds and Sophonesba actually DOES have her reasons for hating Olivia enough to do it.) The idea was that Olivia's plight proved that in their own way civilized men were WORSE than the barbarians. At the same time, there was a lot to like about the issue. The reveal that Conan took out the executioner, his grand entrance, and his knocking Sophonesba out with a throwing axe was damn cool and a major BOO YAH moment. Necrodemus's death was, while anticlimactic, also rather funny. Olivia's reunion with her father was heartwarming to a degree and it's nice to see her have a happy ending after all that misery. Sophonesba's fate is rather clever as well. She doesn't die, but her influence is gone meaning that while Karma might not get her NOW it most certainly will later on. Gamesh's death was also pretty cool; Conan triumphed using trickery rather than plowing his way through, showing how smart he's become in a lot of ways (though the mere existence of the gold worm raises a lot of questions.) Even Fharos gets his comeuppance when he tries to sell the ring and gets murdered by the fence. That's the final issue I have actually; sometimes his name is Fharos, other times it's Kharos. That got confusing. Still, overall it was a decent issue and wraps up most of the issues quite nicely. 7-7.5 out of 10.

[lordyam]

Issue: 7: Of Princes and Plotters

Recap: Conan is standing on a bridge facing the usual douchebag aristocrat and his guards. Only this douchebag aristocrat is Prince Arpello, who people may remember from the Scarlet Citadel as the guy who tries to take over Aquilonia when Conan is captured only to be killed by King Conan when he returns in triumph. Arpello's second in command orders Conan to identify himself, and Conan says he is just a wayfarer who crossed the Tybor river from Ophir a few leagues back. He asks that the Road of Kings lies along this route does it not. The captain of the guard says the he'll ask the questions and tells Conan to get out of the way so his lord can pass. Conan says that he's already across halfway; there's no reason for him to move and more reason for the entourage to move. The captain gets annoyed and tells him to move yet again. Conan says he'd have to jump off the bridge, so the Captain tells him to jump. Conan says "I'd rather not." The captain, Garaldi, is mocked by his boss and so charges Conan trying to cut him down. Conan effortlessly dodges by leaping off the side of the bridge yet grabbing the ledge climbing up and kicking Garaldi off his horse as he passes. Garaldi is knocked into the water and curses Conan. Arpello is impressed by Conan and allows him to continue crossing. Arpello asks Conan who he is and where he's headed. Conan explains that he's off to Argos because he was considering hiring his sword out for the border war. Arpello explains that Pellia, where Conan is now doesn't allow travelers to randomly cross the lands. Conan counters that from what HE has heard Peillia is just a province of Aquilonia. Arpello explains that as long as it pays taxes and tributes to whoever sits on the throne of Tarantia, is allowed ((like Poitain) to go it's own way mostly. He further tells Conan that he is bound for Tarantula after they make a brief stop and so offers to let Conan ride with them. Conan points out he has no horse, so Arpello forces one of his guards to give Conan his horse (ordering the man back to the barracks.)

They ride off and Arpello says he likes the way Conan handles himself. He'd also wager that he can handle a sword just as well. Conan says "there are men in hell who would agree with you, prince." Arpello tells Conan to forget Messantia and join his elite guard; he'll pay far better than Argos or Zingara. Garaldi is outraged saying that Conan is just a barbarian and a commoner. Arpello points out that Garaldi himself was a country bumpkin working in a pigpen when he found him and asks Conan what he says. Conan politely refuses; generous as the offer is he likes to keep his freedom and if his spirit moved him to an army is easier to desert than an elite guard. Arpello says that perhaps they'll think of a way to change his mind. An hour later the entourage arrives at the hovel that was their destination. Arpello is here to shake down some of the peasants who work his land, when the peasant protests that the drought means he barely has enough crops to feed his family. Arpello coldly tells him he should cut the throat of one or two of his kids, and the peasant says that the is a free man and starts to cite the King's law. Arpello gets angry and almost beats him to death with a mace when Conan grabs him by the wrist. Garaldi tries to turn the Prince against Conan but Conan points out that if he kills the farmer than the family won't be able to work the land and pay off the levy. Arpello protests he is owed wheat he is owed so Conan offers a deal to the farmer, saying he could deliver his levy in bits and pieces (like a small amount each fortnight) the farmer says it is possible. Arpello agrees but only if Conan joins the elite guard. Conan, not being heartless, agrees. Arpello rides away with everyone (Conan in tow) saying that Conan's right. Everyone does get what they want. Garaldi points out that Conan will probably desert the first chance he gets. Arpello says that when that happens he'll be allowed to kill the Cimmerian. Garaldi grins, obviously looking forward to it.

Two days pass and Conan and the others arrive in Tarantia. Conan is impressed, understanding why the people of Belvarus would be jealous of their sister kingdom. In fact he's so entrenched that when Garaldi insults him he doesn't hear him (which is good for Garaldi since Conan would have killed him). They ride through the city, with Conan being tempted by the women and taverns with scents and sounds...but Garaldi is watching him like a hawk so he refuses to leave. Eventually they arrive in front of a tavern where Arpello is told that his personal dining chamber is ready. Garaldi leaves for an errand (after getting permission from his lord). In the chamber the food is good, and Conan considers not deserting for another day or too at least when Garaldi returns and Arpello says it's time for them to get to the nights business. Conan realizes he's the one person here who has no clue what the "business" is. Realizing it would be rude to inquire he follows along. They leave, eventually heading to an old warehouse. Conan can't help but feel it reminds him of the house of Antiquities in Numalia, albeit slightly smaller. Also it hopefully won't have a man headed serpent. Arpello and his crew walk into the main from and are greeted by a priest named Jhonn, a young soldier named Prospero (here to see if his master is casting his lot in wisely) and a mother and her child. The Child is young Albiona. Arpello thinks it's stupid that the woman, Count Thelitis, brought her child, but Thelitis says there was no one at the manor she could trust since her husband was executed on the orders of King Deucalion. As the motly band begins to discuss matters Garaldi leaves saying he has to relieve himself. It turns out that the meeting's purpose is to plot the murder and overthrow of the Tyrant King Deucalion. Turns out Deucalion wants to take away the autonomy of Poitain, Pelia, and the Gunderland, crushing them under his heel. Arpello says that Tracer really wants Poitain to regain the independence it once had, and the priest Jhonn points out that the Sunderland nobility are also grumbling to see the productions of the forest and mines go to Tarantia. Theletis wants Deucalion dead for what he did to her husband. They all agree Deucalion must die.

Conan assesses the crew. Arpello seeks others to do his fighting even though he's allegedly "the butcher of Pellia"; Jhonn is a priest who mixes maybe sincere piety with a practical streak that uses religion to mask political motivations. Prosper is a noble soldier ready to do whatever the hell his master tells him to do. Thelitis wants vengeance. Albion, the child, is the only innocent. Suddenly Conan hears a guard make a sound, and we see the guard standing at the door get imapled through the small crack in the door. Three soldiers storm in demanding everyone throw their weapons down and plead for the King's mercy. Arpello panics, wondering how the elite guard knew they were there. Garaldi enters, revealing that he was the one who betrayed them and pointing to Arpello as the ringleader. Arpello is shocked but to his credit manages to recover enough too order his men to fight. They draw their weapons. Conan is only the second to draw his sword after Prospero, and fights alongside the others since he wears Arpello's brand and thus is a target. Even Jhonn breaks out a mace and starts busting skulls. Seeing Garaldi cut down a man he had shared a joke with only an hour before, as well as Thelitis cradling her kid, moves Conan to want Garaldi dead. Since the Elite guard stand in his way. Arpello meanwhile forces open a trap door and calls for Thelitis. Albion breaks out of her mothers grasp when she drops her stuffed rabbit and Arpello, being a dick, pulls Thelitis in before she can retrieve her child. Prospero fights until the last of his men falls before fleeing into the trap door. Jhonn presumably flees in the chaos. Soon Conan is the only one of Arpello's men still standing. Conan considers fleeing but when he sees the sadistic Garaldi advancing on Albiona to kill her Conan is overcome with rage and cuts his head and arm off with a single thrust before grabbing Albiona (who has retrieved her rabbit) and carrying her away through a door. They meet three more guards outside, but because they've dropped their guard due to the decreasing noise Conan effortlessly wastes two of them. He and Albiona flee into the night, with Conan realizing he has an even greater weight than he has ever carried before.

Review: This issue started off slowly, with Conan meeting Arpello. Arpello proves himself a slimy weasel just like he was in Scarlet Citadel, and he basically blackmails Conan into joining him. We get thrust into the main plot of assassinating the King pretty quickly though, which is when the issue picks up beautifully. The fight sequence with the guards is top notch and Conan shows a softer side by saving little Albiona when the others flee. Though there is an inconsistency (in Born on the Battlefield Vilerus is the King) the underlying plot is a pretty intriguing one and it was cool to see Conan in Tarantia for the first time ever. 8 out of 10.

[deuce]

May 30, 2016 19:43:53 GMT -5 johnnypt said:

#1 (again, note the optimism)

I’m glad the editors didn’t make him try to a story any differently than he’s been doing for, what, 45 years now? If you’re lucky enough to get him to do a series like this, they had to get sense to let Roy be Roy. Even though the series was created with a specific purpose in mind, it doesn’t feel forced. We knew at some point Conan stopped being an inland pirate, so this explanation is as good as any other. When Mike Hawthorne was announced as artist, there was a little trepidation on some people’s parts that his style (a little on the cartoony side) wouldn’t quite mix with Conan. I’d speculated that the coloring would take that edge off of it, and I think I turned out to be right. It’s certainly a different style from Cary Nord or Tomas Giorello, but I thought it conveyed the action and emotions well enough.

One other tidbit-The first name of Conan’s ship, the Saucy Wench, does have a purpose. Towards the end of Howard’s life, he sold a number of stories to Spicy Adventure Stories (under another name) about a despicable lout named Wild Bill Clanton, who dealt in kidnapping, slavery and rape. The name of his ship in a couple of the stories was the Saucy Wench. So Roy gives a nod to Howard much like the appearance of a Sailor Steve Costigan like character in Conan #37, only with a more dubious heritage. It’ll be interesting to see if he continues the little nods along the way. I wasn’t sure how Roy would be coming back to a character he’s got a famous track record with, but for at least this first issue, it was a successful homecoming and in this holiday season of 2010, it sure felt comfortable having an old friend tell you a new story.

This is not Roy in his prime. Granted. In fact, Johnny, you might rate it higher than I do (John C. Hocking is a huge fan of this mini). All that said (and as JCH says) RT tends to have a good ear for "Conanic" dialogue. I really have to wonder if DHC was trying to sabotage things with the artists/inkers. This wasn't RT's magnum opus, but it was good enough. The art killed it for many people. After this, the "ghost of RT" was dead and the New Conan Order could proceed with Brian Wood's "reboot".

Roy Thomas should no more be judged about his Conan legacy based on this work than Wood's comics ouevre should be judged solely on QotBC. 

[lordyam]

Fair enough. The action felt like Conan and a lot of the other elements (The fight sequences, the plotting against the king) they all felt like Conan. However there were inconsistencies; The king was named Deucalion even though he was already established as Vilerus; the thief dude being named both Kharos AND Fharos. There were a few moments that were WTF but overall this reread has made me more charitable to the series. I'd take it over Conan and Belit tripping in Ophir. Some things (Ivanos's backstory) were simple yet elegant. He went to Argos, and so felt relatively at home on the sea. It's simple, it's too the point.

Fred Van Lente had his flaws but he DID try to move things back to the original vision. He referenced past series; he had the characters feel like Conan characters. Fred made missteps but you got the feeling he actually READ Conan and try to understand it.

It's the difference between James Owsley and say....Bruce Jones. Jones just did not give a rats ass about continuity and the series never really recovered. With Owsley he at least made an effort to create a story that felt like the Hyborian Age even if some of his concepts were way out there.

[lordyam]

Also the art was very cartoonish and a major turn off. Hopefully if Slayer has good art it will be the shot in the arm the series needs. After all Xmen was rejuvenated with First Class; I've seen dissatisfied wars fans come back with Force Awakens. Craig rebooted Bond successfully

[johnnypt]

#3

This issue was a bit of a comeback for me. The part with Olivia getting drunk was fairly clichéd. Bu it didn’t include that giant one eyed, one handed bodyguard retread from last issue until the very last panel. It almost plays like a version of the Howard story Man-Eaters of Zamboula (published as Shadows in Zamboula). In that one, Conan ends up in an inn where there’s a hidden room where people disappear. The monster was a good twist on it. When the cover was revealed a few months back , I was trying to figure out how it would work itself into the plot, but Roy came up with a good old fashioned way to do it (the villain with the hidden cave). The artwork still leans to the cartoony side, but that’s just Hawthorne’s style so it’s going to fluctuate from time to time. There are some very nice panels with terrific use of shadows. Plus he seems to enjoy drawing those booty shots, we get a nice one when Fharos is introduced. Hopefully Roy will keep stressing the better elements as the story moves forward, but eventually that blade guy’s gonna be back. Oh well.

#4

When I read the end of the issue with its twist there, I thought it was vintage Roy. It reminded me of several older Conan issues where similar twists happen. The plot’s slightly complicated, not sure if I did a stellar job spelling it out. But it was serviceable enough. The only stretch I thought was the bad guy finding Conan only to help him escape to try to kill him later. It echoed of Charles Bronson protecting Henry Fonda in Once Upon A Time In The West, for the sole purpose of killing him himself later. Only they weren’t trapped in a dungeon stuck in an iron maiden. I actually didn’t mind Gamesh this issue since he got a little bit of a personality to him rather than being a Hyborian automoton. Artwork’s about the same as last time, Hawthorne’s good with the ladies but sketchy in other areas.

#6 (really didn't have much to say about #5)

This ends the first half of the story, it’ll take a break for a couple of months then pick up again for another six issues. This type of wandering story worked OK in the 70s, but these days, even the decompressed stories are a bit more focused than this. Roy did what Roy does, gave explanations for why the king would see his daughter and how the Star of Khorala ended up in Zamboula. That’s fine as far as it goes, but it wasn’t necessary. A king sold his daughter into slavery because…he’s the king, that’s it, no spells necessary. Mike Hawthorne tried to give a harder edge to his art as the series progressed. I think most of the Dark Horse audience really want to get onto the Queen of the Black Coast adaptation, but that’s not going to be until next year. Until then we got more Roy on the way.

BTW-The two issue Island of...whatever mini series is off on its own, so no need for a review. This'll suffice-it's a like a bad Savage Sword leftover. (Note-this mini coming in the middle of the two arcs certainly contributed to my growing dissatisfaction with the DH team's handling of the Howard characters)

[johnnypt]

Jun 3, 2016 22:01:57 GMT -5 deuce said:

This is not Roy in his prime. Granted. In fact, Johnny, you might rate it higher than I do (John C. Hocking is a huge fan of this mini). All that said (and as JCH says) RT tends to have a good ear for "Conanic" dialogue. I really have to wonder if DHC was trying to sabotage things with the artists/inkers. This wasn't RT's magnum opus, but it was good enough. The art killed it for many people. After this, the "ghost of RT" was dead and the New Conan Order could proceed with Brian Wood's "reboot".

Roy Thomas should no more be judged about his Conan legacy based on this work than Wood's comics ouevre should be judged solely on QotBC. 

I don't know if it DH purposely trying to screw things up or they had a very different idea of what a successful Conan comic in 2010-2011 would be or flat out they didn't really care.  It may have been a combination of all three.

You'll see when we get to #12 that I mention Roy's situation and don't hold this against him.  Flaws and all, it was still enjoyable, the second part more than the first IMO.