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Post by johnnypt on Jun 4, 2016 6:54:48 GMT -5
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. Exactly, we've seen when writers try hard to get things right and when they...don't.
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Post by emerald on Jun 4, 2016 12:45:52 GMT -5
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. Back when these were coming out I got more than a little frustrated at how many forum members were so violently opposed to the art that they were blind to Roy's easy familiarity with the character and the Hyborian Age. First off, as far as I am concerned there is no excuse for taking that for granted. I like to think that some of us might appreciate Roy's work a little more in retrospect. Second, Hawthorne's art started off less than impressively but got better as it went, and at no point was as it as bad as many forum members insisted it was. Both the post-Thomas era at Marvel and the 'post-Thomas' Dark Horse issues following Road of Kings featured artwork I found far less satisfying. Again, in retrospect I think many might see these arcs differently. Roy's second arc was notably better than the first, but both were solid stories featuring a character who walked, talked and acted like Conan the Cimmerian, striving and slaying in a recognizable vision of the Hyborian Age. Maybe it all owed more to Marvel than Dark Horse, but I still don't think Dark Horse has given us a better original storyline.
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Post by lordyam on Jun 4, 2016 15:23:19 GMT -5
Tim Truman and Kurt Busiek had great runs. Van Lente also got the character for the most part
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Post by lordyam on Jun 4, 2016 18:30:41 GMT -5
Issue #8: The Horrors Beneath the Stones
Recap: In darkness Conan lights a fire. It takes two tries but on the third he succeeds. Albiona asks if he can cook a chicken on such a little fire; Conan tells her to be quiet. She whispers "I'm hungry...and I want my Mommy...and my name is Albiona." Conan says that she saw her mother run down the trap door with the conspirators. He curses anyone selfish enough to drag a child into a conspiracy. Albion says that her mommy left her and asks if Conan is going to leave her too. Conan says yes. Albiona panickedly asks "You are?" But conan reassures her that it's only for a little while. She did want food after all. In the streets two men are running with food they've stolen from a fat merchant. Conan comes from around the corner and demands the food. They brandish their knives and Conan says "we'll see".....we cut back to Albiona sitting by the fire and Conan returns brandishing a chicken leg. He also got the basket they were carrying. He and Albiona chow down and Conan even gives her a pastry. She calls him barbarian. Conan asks why she calls him that. She says that's what her mom said Conan was but if Conan is a barbarian they can't be too bad. When they've finished Conan tells Albiona to stay there while he goes to find her mother and the other plotters.
Conan approaches the warehouse; there are two guards on duty and unlike most fictional examples they DON'T fall for the old "throw a rock to make a sound that lures them away from their post." Suddenly, Albiona walks up, demanding they stand aside and let her see her mommy. The soldiers remember that a little girl was among them so they pursue her. She trips but before they can do anything Conan slams their heads together and knocks them out. Conan says he ordered her to stay put and she says she wanted to help. Conan concedes that she did; his plan to rush them would make MORE noise so she did help. And as long as she's there they'd best go in together to find Mommy dearest and her friends. Getting inside they find the trapdoor was boarded shut to keep people escaping. Fortunately this doesn't put off Conan; he just uses a dagger to break the boards off.
Inside it's actually a large stairway; certainly not some bolthole carved out at the last minute. Albiona is scared and since Conan says they need to whisper she says she thinks it may be the catacombs. They find footsteps and Albiona quickly recognizes her mothers (they're smaller than the others). Conan compliments her sharp eye and asks her about the catacombs. She explains that her mommy told her that many years ago the people who worshipped Mitra were slaves to a powerful empire. To avoid persecution they prayed in the catacombs. The Empire's name was....Acheron. Conan is scared, and even Albiona notices. Conan admits he's heard it in fearful whispers. He tells her to keep moving and to call him "Conan" not "barbarian". They enter a large burial chamber....only there are no corpses. Not even clothing; not even dust. Just some baubles. Albiona is even more scared now. Conan tells her that she'd be a fool if she wasn't. He tells her to stay close and they continue their trek. As they pass one carved square for the bodies he notices movement and a crack. He leans closer....at which point a spider leaps on him. Conan manages to repulse it with fire and cuts it down. He gives the speech about how living creatures can be killed.....at which point Albiona points out the MASSIVE horde of insects and asks if Conan can kill them too. Conan realizes that he can't take them all, and theorizes that THESE things ate the corpses so he gives Albiona the torch. The way ahead is clear and fire recoils them. Therefore if Albiona shows him where to strike he may be able to clear a path when the need arises. They set off running, with Conan saving Albiona from an insect that leaps onto her. He continues to carve up the insects in front of him, and soon sees a doorway. There aren't any insects beyond there that he can see, so he orders Albiona ahead. Albiona trips and drops the torch, but Conan picks her up and carries on the hacking. Conan saves Albiona again, but she looses her bunny. Soon however they start piling on his leg. Conan tells Albiona not to open her eyes; just as she's about too a torch fwoshes in front of them. The other conspirators have arrived and using their fire torches they repulse the creatures. Albiona goes to her mommy, and Prospero expresses surprise Conan hasn't fled to Cimmeria (which Conan says he would if he had the sense the gods gave a goblin."
When the dust clears, Prospero says he initially thought Conan was screwed, when Arpello douchilly says "I told you he's my man. He's as tough as they come." Conan is outraged. He's not Arpello's man, especially after he saw the bastard leave "his men" to die to save his own hide. Arpello tells him to watch his tongue, but Conan cuts him off and says "or you'll what?" All this while giving him a death glare. Jhonn breaks up the bickering, and Conan grudgingly thanks everyone (even Arpello) for saving his ass. Theletis is angry Conan brought Albiona along, and Conan says he had little choice before calling her out for stupidly bringing her daughter into a death situation. Theletis says she had even less choice. Conan starts to argue but Jhonn and Prospero cut the argument off. Conan doesn't see the point. The fires seem to have driven off the flesh insects (which we learn are called Sarcophagi). Prosper points out that their torches alone are so god damned puny they wouldn't have driven the insects off by themselves. Jhonn explains that there are situations where the sarcophagi are not predators but rather food. When Conan asks what for, Jhonn brandishes his torch towards a door......at which point an arm of skeletons come hurtling through the door. Conan curses "Crom!" and the issue ends
Review: This was actually a damn good issue. Albiona could have easily been the annoying little brat character like we see so often but she actually ISN'T. Her complaining feels natural, since she's a ten year old who wants her mommy. She pulls her own weight admirably given the circumstances, and even helps Conan out, first by providing a distraction then by holding the torch. The buildup to the flesh eaters was very well handled, and we even get some nice background that would have fit in well with Howard (I can totally buy that during Acheron the worshippers of Mitra would have had to keep their faith secret and would do so by praying in catacombs.) The arrival of the skeletons make things even more intense and provides a great cliffhanger. If this was.....say....set before Conan's time with another hero this would be perfect Hyborian Age Pastiche. Conan's bonding with Albiona was also very well done. Overall a damn good issue. 8.5 out of 10.
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Post by lordyam on Jun 4, 2016 19:13:25 GMT -5
Issue #9: When Death Takes Wing
Recap: Conan stands in front of the conspirators, as Jhonn explains that THESE guys are the reason the shelves were bare. Conan asks that then the flesh eaters DIDN'T devour the corpses and Prospero says that Jhonn says they rose from the carved spaces and walked off. Arpello and Theletis panic (Arpello is bitching at Jhonn and Prospero to save him because he's royalty. Theletis tells her daughter not to look at the corpses.) Jhonn is surprised Conan is scared (Arpello is used to others dying for him, Thelitis is a pampered noblewoman) and Conan says that the supernatural scares the crap out of him. Jhonn admits that he fears death but not the dead. Besides, killing these guys doesn't violate the oath to never spill blood. As for sorcery....what is religion if not magic commanded by a priest not a wizard? Conan laughs out loud at this. Prospero points out that there's still a big ass zombie horde in front of them but Conan's in such a good mood he thinks he can make it. For now "I burn with seething life and I fear nothing that walks or crawls the earth." Jhonn muses Conan may be made a priest yet and Prospero despite thinking both are nuts draws his sword and immediately starts helping them kick ass. Arpello refuses to help and when Conan says that the way Arpello "is considering checking" is empty he runs off like a coward. Prospero tries to warn Conan, and Conan starts to get dogsled.
In her mother's arms Albiona sees a zombie of a child approach her before lunging. Theletis repulses it with a torch. Conan tries to move forward to help them but the zombies begin to overpower him. Before they can do real damage a torch is thrust into their faces, giving Conan room to maneuver his way out of the zombies dog piling him. Surprisingly it was Albiona who thrust the torch into the zombie's faces. Conan says that he owes her a debt. One that will be repaid. Ooooooooohhhhhhhhh foreshadowing. Albiona says he saved her lots of times. In the melee Prospero and Jhonn are having trouble; even when they dismember them the corpses continue on. Jhonn says that regardless they've been forced back into a corner. Meanwhile Arpello is advancing through the catacombs trying to find his way when he sees a crack of light. Assuming it's the light of the sun he starts picking at the hole. Back with Conan Jhonn and Prospero, they're all surrounded. Conan Jhonn and Prospero think they're doomed but are willing to go down fighting even if it is a horrible fate. Conan cuts down a zombie that approaches and splits it in twain. When the damn thing keeps moving they're confused why it continues to move. Jhonn notices something...a spider with a brain for a body, emerging from the corpse. He crushes it with his mace and deduces that these things must be controlling the corpses. The one he smashed shall scurry no more. Prospero is disgusted, but Conan is thrilled; these things aren't supernatural. They're just animals. And he's never met an animal that steel can't cut. All three charge in bravely. Albiona asks her mom if Conan Jhonn and Prospero know how many zombies are arrayed against them; Theletis says that they have willed themselves NOT to see how many there truly are. It's the only way they can continue fighting. She starts to muse that they are doomed when a loud shout emanates from behind them. They turn to see Arpello running in....pursued by hideous demonic fireflies. Arpello trips and Conan asks what they are (stopping the fighting in the process. Fortunately the zombies are just as transfixed.) As they huddle Jhonn is certain that they're doomed. For if the zombies don't get them the fireflies will. Fortunately, Conan isn't so sure. There's something about the way they move. Fortunately Conan is right; the bugs charge alright but it's at the skeletons. Arpello thinks they're after him but Conan points out no they just knocked him aside. They aren't interested in the living; they want the parasites in the corpses.
Jhonn realizes that the reason the brain spiders were hiding in the corpses was to escape the fireflies. Prospero suggests they make a retreat while both sides are killing each other. As they leave, Thelitis asks Conan which side he thinks will win. Conan says he's betting on the fireflies, but for now he thinks they should focus on getting the hell out of there before one side wins. Jhonn gestures for them to follow; he's found the corridor that he was looking for when Conan and Albiona showed up. They advance up (with Prospero taunting Arpello). Jhonn leads on, saying these stairs lead to the light of day. Conan points out that Jhonn knows a lot, and Jhonn says he studied the catacombs when he was learning to be a priest. It's why he suggested the warehouse as a meeting place. Prospero pulls Conan aside, telling him that he can tell Conan's probably going to leave when they reach the surface. Conan affirms this; he doesn't care who sits on Aquilonia's throne. Prospero says he could not be prouder to fight by Conan's side. Conan returns the compliment, saying that he can't imagine a warrior he'd rather have than Prospero.....he pauses for a second and then says "unless it be priest Jhonn the Gunderman. Jhonn appreciates this.
A short time later they're above ground; the building they're in is a granary that's far enough from the warehouse they don't have to fear running into Deucalion's men. Conan says it's time to take his leave and begins to wish them luck.....when Arpello says "Well Brothers and Sisters, is one of you going to tell him or must I?" Conan asks what he's talking about and Arpello says the others are at a loss for words. Conan again asks when he hears a noise that interrupts him. Arpello explains that they were meeting for a way to ASSASSINATE Deucalion. They weren't just plotting against him. They were trying to kill him outright. At least before something else happened. Jhonn tells Arpello to just tell Conan if he's so determined. Conan pimpslaps Arpello and forces him to a wall, ordering him to say whatever the hell the secret is. Propspero says that the timetable has been moved up. Conan asks what timetable as he kicks the bars of the window open. We see armed men in the streets; for once Arpello was being honest. Tarantula is in turmoil. Conan demands Prospero tell him what is going on. Prospero explains that his lord Trocero is besieging the capital. If Deucalion's tyranny can't be overthrown from within, it will be overthrown from without (we see him on horseback surveying the scene.) Conan says the petty squabbles mean nothing to him and that he'll cut is way through he royal forces and all that stand in his way...when Albiona asks "Are you going to leave us Conan?" Thelitis says "There is no reason for him to remain, child." Conan says he is going to leave but AFTER she's safe, and by extension her mother is too. AWWWWWW!!!! It seems Conan really cares about the little girl. Prospero says that to do that he'll have to stick with them; Thelitis is key to the plan. Jhonn says that they must attempt to carry out the plan and place his nearest heir on the throne. Conan asks who the nearest heir is. Jhonn says he knows who the heir is.....and points to Arpello. "Prince Arpello of Pellia."
Review: Well this was another great issue. It had everything a good conan story has, action intrigue great characters you name it. Jhonn and Prospero were downright awesome; Jhonn showed that while he seemed a stock character he's downright awesome in a fight, and Prospero shows just why Conan would count him among his closest friends. Albiona continues to be awesome, saving Conan from a zombie with a well placed torch to the face. Even Arpello accidentally saves them by freeing the fireflies, something that feels natural since it only buys them time to flee the hell away. It was also touching to see Conan come to care for Albiona; even though he doesn't care about the outcome, he cares enough for Albiona to ensure her survival. The reveal that Arpello is the guy they want on the throne.....yeah that's gonna test his devotion. 8.5 out of 10.
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Post by lordyam on Jun 5, 2016 3:43:53 GMT -5
Issue #10: Is Tarantia Burning
Recap: Unsurprisingly, Conan thinks that the idea of putting Arpello on the throne is completely insane. Arpello says that it is the duty of commoners to help those of royal blood, at which Prospero tells him to shut up. Conan tells Theltis to come with him and to bring her daughter out. Shelties refuses; she wants Deucalion to die for what he did to her husband. Albiona is just scared. The others beg Conan to reconsider and not fight and Conan agrees, but only because he cares for Albiona. Even the offer of money from Trocero doesn't phase him. Prospero and Jhonn whisper that Conan might be more noble than even he cares to admit. Thelitis finally tells Conan why she's here. Apparently Deucalion REALLY fucking wants to bone her; so much so that he'll let her into his quarters even if the palace is under siege. Albiona's prescence is to get him to drop his guard; after all who would plot mischief and carry it out with their kid present. They head to the royal apartments after getting hoods and putting them on everyone but Thelitis or Albiona. The guards initially are suspicious, but Thelitis reveals who she is and explains that the people with her are her "servitors." The king has told her to call upon her at any time, and asks them to hell their master she has come. The captain recognizes her and apologizes but states that Deucalion is busy marshalling his forces (or deciding how.) Prospero meanwhile says Deucalion is an idiot in that field. Thelitis demands they step aside; the guards move to arrest her when Deucalion shows up and orders them to bring her to his chambers.
Deucalion throws his arms open saying he knew she would come to him and how even with the war he's willing to welcome her with arms wide spread. They exchange flirting and to her credit Thelitis hides her loathing for the man who had her husband killed; Conan wants to gank him but the others say there are WAY to many guards. Deucalion also says Trocero has demanded his abdication lest he starve Tarantia into submission. Thelitis asks if he's considering surrendering. Deucalion says of course not and Thelitis says that they should retire to his chambers to celebrate his coming victory. Deucalion likes the sound of that, but first orders his men to feed the others AND Albiona (bastard) to his royal dragon. Thelitis protests but Deucalion is firm. At this point everyone drops their cloaks and charge. Deucalion wants them alive, for his royal dragon. Conan meanwhile is determined to fight. Jhonn and Prospero are quickly incapacitated and Arpello surrenders like a coward. Conan decides that the only things worth saving are Albiona and his own life. Realizing he can't save Albiona now he tries to escape and come back in later. He climbs up the walls to the windows and than leaps out. Incredibly Conan survives the fall despite being on the top floor. His sword however is not so lucky. Despite his injuries Conan heads back into the castle (both to save his friends and because the only other option is to head into the melee in the city and fuck that noise." Distracting one guard by throwing his broken sword Conan greets his question of "who's there" with "your guide to the devil's doorstep."
In his chambers Deucalion says that Theitis meant to betray him. Shelties says that they forced her at sword point by threatening to kill her child. She begs for a chance to make it up to him. Deucalion isn't convinced but he falls for it anyway because he's an idiot horndog who can't resist her lips be they telling truth or lies. Thelitis promises that from this moment they shall speak no more lies. In a hallway a soldier is leading the men to deal with the battle outside. Conan sneaks inside past him and kicks down the door to Deucalion's chambers...and finds Deucalion dead. Theletis stands over him with a dagger. Conan is horrified; they still have Albiona and they needed him as a hostage. Shelties says that she knew none of the people present who entered would ever eave the palace again. So she had a dagger on her inner thigh. It was the first place Deucalion looked, as well as the last. At this she stabs herself in the breast. Conan is amazed that Thelitis really hated her hubby's murderer THAT much and races off to save the others (mostly his concerns are with Albiona). Fortunately Prospero was injured, which leads a rather nasty trail of blood. to follow. Conan catches up just as the guards are about to throw Albiona to the "dragon" which is really a giant reptile creature dragged from the southern jungles (okay that actually works. Emperor Tiberius had a lizard all the way from fucking Java and that was on the other side of the world.) Conan orders the guard captain to let Albiona go but the captain, saying orders are orders, pushes Albiona in. Conan guts the bastard with his axe and dives in after Albiona. Jhonn takes advantage of his guards distraction and overpowers him, while Prospero shoves his guard in. Arpello continues being a cowardly little shit and cowers in fear. In the Pit Conan stares the dragon down and goads it into charging him while he jumps and taps the wall. When the beast rears up Conan kicks it so that it leans back and cuts the beast open from chin to stomach. The beast falls, an Conan picks Albiona up; she asks if the thing is dead. Conan says probably but they probably shouldn't hang around to find out.
Conan reaches the top of the pit, and is helped up by Jhonn. Prospero, having helped Jhonn kill the guards while Arpello stood around doing jack shit, has run off on an errand. Conan explains that Thelitis killed Deucalion, much to the joy of Jhonn and Arpello. They head out to meet Prospero, but not before Conan tells her to hide there until they return. When Albiona asks if mommy is in hiding, Conan gives her the bad news that mommy is dead. Up ahead they meet Prospero and Arpello wastes no time asking if the crown is his and if Deucalion's dead. Prospero says yes and no. Yes Deucalion's dead. No the crown isn't his. Instead he's standing with Namidides, Deucalion's younger cousin who has been a prisoner in the palace. Turns out they were going to put Namidides on the throne all along. Arpello is outraged and draws his sword....at which point Jhonn elbows him in the stomach and calls him a coward for only drawing his sword AFTER it won't do good. He explains that he should have known that the people would only accept a full blooded member of the royal family who was well liked by the people. They wouldn't except a prince of Pellia any more than they would a Poitainian.
Namidedes tells Arpello that he has nothing to fear as long as he is loyal, and Prospero says he'll give word for Trocero to lift the siege. Maybe Aquilonia has a worthy ruler at last. (Oh the irony). Namidides asks if he can count on Conan's fealty and Conan says "since I'm not going to rule this kingdom what the hell do I care who does. (I'd laugh out loud at this point the irony is so thick.) Albiona calls out to Conan and emerges from behind the curtain, asking if it's okay to come out now. Albiona is introduced to the King as the new Countess of Mandia and Conan comforts her saying she gets to rule a province and that the good men will look after her. Albiona hugs him saying she wants to be with him. Conan says that no she really doesn't. His life isn't for her but he'll come back and visit maybe. He gives her to Jhonn, who promises to take care of her. Prospero offers Conan a job in the Poitanian army. Conan politely declines; even if it pays better he likes living a life where he's beholden to no one, even if the guy he's beholden to is a nice guy. Still he'd like a horse and clothing that isn't drenched in dragon's blood. The next day he rides off, thinking that he's come in contact with several monarchs along the road of kings; none of them make him ant a closer look
Review: This was a decent conclusion but there was one moment that REALLY knocked the grade down. Conan jumping out the window and surviving. I was like CMON RRRRREEEEAAAAALLLLLLYYYYY?" I get Conan's tough but falling from a height that high would kill anyone. The fact Conan is able to walk into the palace overpower a guard, overpower another guard kill a fucking dragon and still only have lacerations is a major credibility stretcher. It's sad because otherwise it's a good story. Thelitis's death is surprisingly tragic; she is being selfish abandoning her child (and even expecting the kid to die to achieve her revenge). On the other hand, she had her reasons. Albiona and Conan say good buy and it's a touching scene. It was also nice to see Arpello get screwed over, but the astute reader knows that Namidides will turn out a monster himself. Overall it's a decent issue and a good end to the arc. 6.5-7 out of 10
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Post by johnnypt on Jun 5, 2016 8:48:20 GMT -5
I think I was a little more forgiving.
#10
When it was announced Roy Thomas would return to Conan, I have a feeling many fans were looking for issues like this one. The many strands of Conan’s kingship practically all pass through here. Trocero was always looked upon with suspicion as an advisor to King Conan since he had engaged in rebellion against Aquilonia. We see that incident here. We also see how Namedides ascended to the throne, welcomed as a great hope, knowing how that would end up. Albonia would later become a great supporter of the king and imprisoned for not turning her allegiance from him. De Camp & Carter came up with their own story as to why she was such a strong supporter. I’d thought it was simply because she believed in his cause when he took over the throne, but as we saw in the Black Colossus/Free Companions/Iron Shadows sequence, a lot of plot threads Howard wove were tied together in maybe too convenient bows. This is another case of that. For some reason, I didn’t mind it. In any case, the plot is very tight and moves swiftly. It also has several moments of strong resonance, especially when Conan has to tell Albonia about her mother.
I had a chance to see some of Dan Panosian’s original art on one of the sites. Frankly I’d love to see the full B & W version of this issue. Supposedly the coloring wasn’t exactly as they had intended, but it has a gritty quality to it that this particular story needed. And he threw a nice nod to the conan.com crowd with the broken sword since a poster complained about some detail of it on a preview page from #9. So all in all, this is probably the strongest issue of the series.
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Post by lordyam on Jun 5, 2016 15:41:04 GMT -5
Issue #11: A Cimmerian in Argos
Recap: Conan is riding a cattle scow bound for Messantia down the River Tybor; though the smell and the noise are making him reconsider his decision. Two of the rowers consider robbing Conan, since his armor and money are tempting. Fortunately one of them is scared to fight Conan and the other isn't willing to do it alone. Conan, having overheard, would have broken them badly. The captain of the boat comes out and while Conan is annoyed at first for him using the language of REAL sea dogs he changes his tune when Messantia comes into view. Conan's mind is on the war. The captain tells Conan he has something for him, and Conan complains that he wouldn't be here if a viper hadn't killed his horse. The captain says be it as it may Conan still owes payment. Conan agrees grudgingly, and hands over a gold braclet. When the captain pushes for more Conan threatens to cut off his hand. Conan leaves, passing up the opportunity to take a spiked helmet. Conan gets off the ship and heads into town. He asks a sailor if he can point him to the nearest tavern. The guy tells him that if he sees anyone from Tito's Argus there to remind them that they sail tomorrow with the morning tide. Conan continues on warily, since it's a perfect place for someone to get robbed and their throat cut. He passes an alley where some guys are ambushing a man in armor. Conan initially walks away leaving him to his fate, but as he does he overhears the guy getting overpowered. He comes back and breaks the neck of one of the men, and than effortlessly kills the other two after realizing they won't listen to reason. The guy he saved surprisingly knows who Conan is, and takes his helmet off to reveal.....Ivanos!!!!!!
Both are overjoyed to see the other; they both thought the other was dead. Ivanos asks what happened to their shipmates such as Krimsar and Olivia. Conan tells him that Olivia was restored to her father's house. Krimsar himself was murdered by an assassin who he encountered in the gold hills. Ivanos takes Conan's prescence to mean Conan walked away the winner. They walk away deciding to have a toast to Krimsar and Olivia, who deserves better than pirates in her bed. Present company excluded of course. A short walk later both have arrived at a tavern, with Ivanos telling Conan that the things regarding the war are rather....touch and go. They can only hope war has a chance to flourish. As they enter the tavern a Captain of the guard gabs the waitress's ass. She's annoyed and he continues to be piggish. She walks off and meets Conan and Ivanos. Conan starts flirting before she kisses Ivanos on the lips. Conan is bemused but accepts this. Ivanos introduces the woman, Shandi, to Conan and calls Conan the best captain he ever sailed with. Since the only other guy was Sergius, it wasn't much of a contest. They sit down over some ale and Ivanos admits he wants to wed Shandi when his bonus from being a soldier in Argos's army comes through. Conan takes this to mean that Argos is still hiring mercenaries in case war comes. Ivanos says they are but that any recruit needs to provide their armor if they don't want to be spear fodder. The sign in bonus should cover the cost but there won't be advance okay. Conan says he'll pay off some gold trinkets he has before admiring another waitress. Ivanos notices this and offers to have Shandi ask that waitress to join them later; for now he'll send Conan to someone who will fit him up. They walk out happily making plans; unbeknownst to them, Captain Hermias (the pig from earlier) is watching angrily.
Conan heads to his destination (passing the three corpses in the alley which surprisingly have NOT been removed.) He passes the Argus barely noticing it (he thinks that he's seen enough of the sea to last a lifetime. Oh Conan if only you knew.) Conan comes across a store with no sign, run by a man named Publius. Conan enters, saying that he's heard of him from both a good soldier and a cutpurse. Publius tells him one must travel in all kinds of circles. He's initially skeptical Conan has anything to offer but changes his tune when Conan throws down the sack of golden trinkets. Conan buys a shark hide belt with a gold buckle, shin pads, bracelets, and a spiked helmet (thinking maybe the scow master knew something after all.) He also gets a red cape. Publius tries to subtly mock him, but Conan tells him to cut it out. Publius tries to deny and says they must discuss payment. Conan offers his sack of trinkets, and Publius says it will "barely" cover the costs. He takes Conan into a backroom saying he has something to show him....and tries to trigger a trap door under Conan's feet. However, Conan isn't an idiot; he knows a trap door when he feels one and before Publius even reachs the string to activate it Conan's moved his feet to both sides away from it. Publius is horrified and Conan calls him a moron and tells him to sum up very quickly why Conan shouldn't kill him. Publius offers to give him the items free of charge, and when Conan points out he would have done that anyway he says he'll pay Conan the same sum again. Conan agrees, and walks off deciding he LOVES doing business with Publius. However, now he just wants a drink at the inn (or the Black Stag).
Meanwhile, Ivanos has returned as well, and is greeted by Shandi; they discuss plans but the piggish captain Hermias, drunk and taunted by his men for being a loser, grabs Shandi. Ivanos defends his woman's honor and Hermias drags Shandi away, obviously planning to rape her. He threatens Ivanos with the King's dungeon, prompting Ivanos to draw his sword and when Hermias draws his Ivanos impales him in a single move. The other guards get angry, and call Ivanos a murderer. Ivanos says that Hermias would have done the exact same thing, but they don't have it. Ivanos kicks a table over and grabs Shandi, running off into the night. He says they'll need to lie low till things die down. Soon after Conan arrives, and one of the bar patrons recognizes him from being with Ivanos. Conan says what of it and one of the guards threatens Conan, explaining what happened and demanding he snitch Ivanos out. Conan says he wouldn't say even if he knew, so the brutish second says Conan will be tortured into saying. He demands Conan throw down his sword belt and hand over the saddlebags. Conan looks like he's going to hand over the saddlebags, saying "You want my saddlebags? Very well then TAKE THEM!!!!" before clocking the guy with the saddlebgs. Gold comes piling out and everyone there starts grabbing for it. As the guards are distracted Conan moves to flee....but is tripped by a guy reading out to grab a bracelet. Conan moves to get his helmet and is clocked over the head with a bench by a guard. At first people think Conan's dead but the guard confirms that no he's alive. The guard declares all the gold to be confiscated and threatens ANYONE who doesn't comply. Unsurprisingly they all fork it over. He mockingly thanks them for being loyal subjects. He and the rest of the guards drag Conan into the night, declaring he has an appointment with Judge Macabrus in the morning, and an appointment with the executioner in the afternoon.
Review: This is the penultimate issue, and all in all it's basically set up for the final issue. It explains how Conan wound up in court, which in turn gets him on the Argus, which in turn leads to Belit. Ivanos coming back was nice, as I liked the guy. Conan's interaction with Publius was hilarious as hell, and it was nice to see Conan outfox the fat bastard. The bar fight at the end was quick but it did it's job. Other stray observations (such as the men considering robbing Conan and deciding not to) was a nice touch. However, it was very much a filler issue. 6.5 out of 10.
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Post by lordyam on Jun 5, 2016 16:42:54 GMT -5
Issue #12: Conan's Day in Court
Recap: Conan floats in the blackness, than is submerged in water.....waking up in a cell. Water has been splashed into his face, and Conan is NOT happy, growling so fiercely the men jest he must be some jungle beast. The leader (lieutenant, now Captain) Torio, demands to be called Captain since he'll surely be promoted for bringing in Hermias's murderer. Conan says he'll promote him right up the devil's backside if he's the one who hit him. Torio says he is and Conan calls him a coward and tries to strangle him (though this is after Torio says his skull must be as hard as rock less it would be shattered like the bench). The Iron on his leg (which he didn't notice before) prevents him from finishing the job. Conan begins to remember and Torio admits that he does believe Conan when he says he has no clue; however things have moved beyond that. Since it's past midnight he's to face trial today at dawn. He'll find Ivanos and relish his screams before he lets him die....."After I've shown his slut what it's like to be mounted by a real man." Conan spits right into his open mouth (nice shot) as he's laughing, prompting an enraged Torio to draw his sword. The Turnkey stops him, and when Torio gets pissed the turnkey tells him that if he kills him the judge will be annoyed and most likely sentence TORIO to death as well, as per his "usual" sentence. Torio backs down and agrees to leave Conan to the judge, swearing to kill Conan himself if the judge lets him go. Conan mocks him again and calls him a pussy, prompting the turnkey to remind him AGAIN that he can't piss the judge off. The Turnkey is forced to shut the door to stop further violence.
The doors slam shut and Conan speaks to the man who's been watching him (the fallen torch reveals him). He tells him to come out; he doesn't like being spied on and wants to know who's doing it. It's an old man named Publius (seriously how many Publius's are there? It's like Amalric and Valerius.) Publius explains he was keeping in the shadows since he doesn't think the guards would like a witness, even one who can only see by torchlight.) Conan asks what he's in for; Publius can't remember but he thinks it involves either a.) a young girl b) a goat or c.) a young girl AND a goat. Publius is glad to say he's never come before "old gallows breath" who our Cimmerian assumes is the judge everyone speaks of. Publius confirms it and says that while the judge does let men stew in their cells or tortures them in the end he ALWAYS hangs the poor saps. Not always by the neck. He also NEVER acquits anyone. Conan decides that there's no use troubling himself concerning an outcome that nothing short of an act of the gods will change. He falls asleep and the torch goes out. A few hours later Conan is awoken by Torio and the Chief Constable. Tori threatens Conan prompting the Constable to say it's up for the judge to decide if he's guilty or innocent (they share a look and than laugh their asses off.) The constable orders Conan unchained so he can be dragged to court faster; the judge wants to attend a gladiatorial contest where one of his gladiators competes in the afternoon so he wants everything done before daybreak. Conan is unchained but refuses to let the two men with them take him. He backhands them and when they protest (and Torio draws his sword). Conan says he'll only go with Torio if the others don't touch him. Torio agrees but orders Conan to walk in front. As they walk Conan comments that one of the men called him captain and Torio confirms that he was indeed promoted to Hermias's position. Torio says Ivanos did him a favor and perhaps if he's allowed to be the hangman for once he'll do Conan a favor as well.
The courtroom as it turns out is just above the royal dungeons since they want everything done quickly.) The Judge takes a while to show up, prompting the constable to say he left his horse outside so he can go to the games). At this point the judge is announced and he enters. We see an old fart who's well dressed. The judge, Macabrus, orders the charge be laid out. Torio explains that Ivanos murdered Hermias and that Conan refuses to divulge his location. More importantly two of his men were wounded taking him into questioning. Macabrus is surprised that a half naked barbarian could injure men wearing armor, prompting Torio to say Conan was well armored at the time. He presents all the armor Conan had earlier to show his point. Macabrus, being an asshole, assumes it stolen and says he'll have it as well as the sword. However, Ivanos's actions leave them short a soldier, and with war looming they could use a replacement, especially one of Conan's bulk. So for once he's willing to offer a deal; he'll give Conan a job in the army (if armorless) provided he snitch out Ivanos. Torio and the Constable are shocked (hoping the judge doesn't mean it) and Macabrus asks Conan where Ivanos is. Conan says he can't betray a friend, and Macabrus says he has a duty to the state to tell. Conan asks "My Duty to what state?" When Macabrus asks "To Argos, of Course!" Conan says "But I am not an Argossean and thus owe nothing to this kingdom or it's ruler. I am Conan a Cimmerian." Macabrus is outraged that Conan turned down his generous offer (in fairness it actually was quite generous) and asks if he's determined to dance the gallows rope. Conan refuses to speak so Macabrus holds him in contempt and says he won't hang instantly. Instead he'll be thrown back in the dungeons to rot in between visits with the torturer until he snitches. He asks "Do you SEE, Now, what you have come to?" Conan responds. "I see......that you are all mad"....before punching Torio in the face saying "SO I'LL TARRY HEAR NO LONGER!!!!" As Macabrus orders the guards stop him Conan reclaims his sword, slashes the throat of one guard and then leaps at the judge declaring "and since you wanted it as well judge so will you!!!!" Before splitting the judge's skull. A guard tries to hit Conan with a rod; Conan grabs it and drives the sword through his mouth. He throws the corpse at Torio and claims his mail. As another charges Conan slashes the throat of ANOTHER. He reclaims his helmet and puts it on JUST in time to prevent the swing of a sword from the High Constable from dashing his brains out. Conan turns, and the Constaple crumbles, demanding Conan stay back weakly. However, since he DID stop Torio taking his legs he'll leave the guy alive, and his sword arm intact so he can practice (since he's obviously the "high constable" for not lowering himself to swordplay.)
Torio, having gotten up, is thrown Conan's sword by Conan (who decides he rather likes the high Constable's). A guard tries to help Torio double team Conan, but since they're more fit for bullying servant girls this fails miserably and Conan kills the bastard by cutting his head in half. It's down to Conan and Torio; facing terrible odds Torio reveals he's actually a dirty coward, offering to stand down and let Conan flee. Conan wraps the greaves and decides that he TAKES his own freedom before engaging Torio. Torio tries to make a lie about how guards are coming but Conan's excellent hearing put paid to the lie and Torio finally works up courage and raises his sword...just in time for Conan to impale him in the stomach. Conan tells him his loss of fear was his last mistake and extracts the sword; Torio falls to the ground and Conan flees down the halls remembering the constable said something about his horse being outside. He clears the building and punches the guy tending the horse in the face before stealing it. He gets on as the guards approach, and rides off into the street. He's aware that he's likely to quickly run into a cul de sac....but decides since he has no other options on the end of the road of kings he's one hope; board a ship and go to sea. The issue, and series, ends with Conan about to jump aboard the Argos, ready to go off on a new adventure.....which anyone who read the series after knows ends badly.
Review: This was a worthy finale. On one hand Conan should have accepted the judge's offer. On the other hand, fuck you he makes his own freedom. The action sequences is top notch and it was fun watching Torio shit his pants in terror after facing a warrior in a fair fight. Conan leaving the Constable alive was nice, but the judge gets no mercy and frankly fuck the son of a bitch. All in all, it's a great end to the series. If only Brian Wood hadn't fucked it all up. 7.5 out of 10.
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Post by lordyam on Jun 5, 2016 16:46:52 GMT -5
Series Review:
When I started this I was sure I'd dislike it. I remember not being terribly impressed. So I was pleasantly surprised to see it held up MUCH better than I thought it would. There are problems certainly (inconsistencies with previous series, somewhat gimmicky elements, the introduction of characters who should be in yet, the undermining of Olivia's backstory) but all in all it was a serviceable enough piece of filler that bridged the gap between Cimmerian and Black Coast. Honestly I'm kind of surprised THIS is when sales began to decline; it's not a great series and yeah the art isn't the best but it's a decent enough series. I'd certainly read it if I had nothing better to do. Overall the characters were likable, and the second half was better than the first (I'd even say that the coup arc could work if it was a few decades earlier and another hero instead of Conan. Maybe it's how Vilerus got on the throne?) It got shit when it came out but I think that's somewhat unfair. Certainly it beats the shit out of Queen of the Black Coast (in name only). It's not as strong as previous series but it's worth your time. 7 out of 10.
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