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Post by lordyam on May 25, 2016 3:43:46 GMT -5
Well this is my final issue until tomorrow.
Issue #17: The Deliverance
Recap: We start out with two scavengers looting corpses when they find a Kothic bracelet. Conan watches from the shadows but snaps when they start playing with it. Conan effortlessly kills one and when the other guy begs for mercy Conan says "You want sympathy, dog? I'll grant it. Aye--the same mercy that you showed my dead brothers" before picking him up and breaking his neck with a single hand. Conan takes the bracelet and looks at it while cursing the scavengers. He recognizes it, and than turns to see it's owner. He says the name Galan (for Galan was his captain). He remembers his best captains and their fate and asks how many months ago it was when they crossed the Kothian border to Straonus's capital.
We flash back to Khorshemish a few months earlier; Conan and another of the captains are disguised as hooded merchants transporting buffalo hides (since those are all the rage with the ladies of Koth.) When the guards start poking it with a spear Conan manages to fool them by offering them bull testicles on the grounds that if they're ground up and put into porridge they make the user virile. The guards are so disgusted by this they let them go through. As they pass through Galan curses that they almost pricked his face. Afreet sarcastically comments how bad it would be to spoil his good lucks while Galan asks how they're to find where Khossus is locked up. Conan explains that he has friends, to which Galan points out that they don't know how to find them, especially since Conan didn't give word. Conan says he's pretty sure his friends will find them, at which point two hooded figures call out to him and ask him into an alley. It's Ineri. And blind Jerim. Conan greets them warmly, happy that Ereshka kept her word to give Iniri a home. Iniri also explains that Ereshka enrolled her in the schools of Mitra, making her even more potent. Conan says he'd thank her, to which Jerim says she is near. She apologizes for not being there in person but given the circumstances it would be unwise (we see Ereshka looking down through a window.) Iniri explains that Ereshka's family has no love for Strabonus, and as such Ereshka is happy to screw her uncle over. Besides she still owes Conan. However he came sooner than expected to the point they were only not unaware because of Iniri's powers. She asks why they came so soon. Conan simply says that something forced his hand. Iniri gives him a warning that she has again felt a darkness and twist in fate surrounding him. Conan says he makes his own fate, which Iniri says may be the problem. She tells him she has seen visions; An arrow from the sky, blood on black waters, ghosts the tongues of the dead. She ominously declares that Conan's will shall be taken and his soul tested but that he will emerge stronger....if he doesn't die horribly. Conan dismisses it and asks her to tell him where Strabonus holds Khossus. Iniri points it out and says Khossus is in danger, and that Conan should trust her premonitions. Conan tells Cashius Galan and Afreet to get back into the wagon. There's business
Back in Khoraja Yasmela is asking why Conan disobeyed her orders, to which Amalric points out that while he isn't entirely sure how "savages" operate but points out that still Conan is a man and that Yasmela has been treating him coldly lately, especially since Julion showed up. Yasmela says that she was drawn to him. (Really Yasmela? I think it was a lot more than "drawn" if you know what I mean;) You certainly didn't mind sharing a bed with him.)) but that after he insulted her guest and treated councilors like commoners, she even brings up how he cooked a royal dear on a spit. She says he's born for the battlefield. She's grateful he saved her kingdom but it is clear that he's not ready for courtly life. Someday maybe, but definitely not now.) She says that whether Conan returns with Khossus or not he will be punished. He has tested her and such insubordination cannot be unpunished. Amalric understands...than feels pain. His leg wound from Shamla is still hurting him badly. When Yasmela expresses concern for him he says she shouldn't worry about it. He walks off saying he'll be fine.
In the capital Afreet effortlessly takes out a sentry allowing Conan to throw a grappling hook over the wall. Afreet tells them to not get their throats slit. Alan says that they won't, especially since Cashius still owes him money from their last wager. As Conan climbs with Galan, two guards are playing cards. One of them asks the other to open the window, he does and notices something....right before conan runs his throat through. As the guard dies Conan engages his fellow and quickly overpowers him before running the bastard through. Alan decides to pocket the bag of coins, since they may need work after this. He's figured out that the mission is unsanctioned and off the books. Conan tells him he talks to much and leads him down. If Iniri's correct the cell should be near. In Khossus's cell, the fat jailer Maud'we is taunting the king. Turns out the the guards have been eating the food meant for Khossus while making Khossus eat THEIR food. Maud'we taunts him, saying he's going to be trapped with them for a long time, that Yasmela won't pay the ransom since she enjoys the throne too much. the taunts are interrupted when Conan and Galan burst through the door, Galan takes out the first guard, but when Conan fights Maud'we he uses a stool to intercept Conan's blade, disarming our hero before clocking him. Maud'we stand over ready to beat him to death when Galan stabs him in the back. Galan notices the bracelet and takes it (though Conan points out it was probably Khossus's). Conan opens the cell and is shocked to see that Khossus is barely in his teens. Khossus asks if his sister sent them. Conan says yes and takes him out. Galan is also surprised, calling the Khoraji curious while pocketing the bracelet. Conan says they have to be quick. They've made enough noise to bring the whole garrison. As they enter the hallway they see the soldiers immediately , and they're barring the window.
Outside Galan has procured two horses should they be needed and asks if there's signs of Conan and Galan. Afreet says not yet before saying it's been too long. If they don't appear soon they'll have to leave via the postern gate. Cassius says that at least he won't have to worry about the debt he owes Galan....at which point Conan and Galan send two flying out the window. Afreet tells him he'd better count coins soon. Both are on their way. Conan and Galan leap into the wagon from the window, Khossus on Conan's back. The captain of the guard orders his men to kill them lest Strabonus have their guts. As Conan lands he orders Galan and Cashius to move since the Alarm has been sounded. As they all ride Khossus thanks them, to which Conan says he should thank Conan when he's on the throne. Conan jumps onto one of the horses Cashius procured and Galan gives Afreet the coins he recovered, while keeping the bracelet. Cashius doesn't get anything though, because he still owes Galan money. Cashius is not amused, which causes Conan to order them to shut up. As the guards pursue Iniri overhears them and realizes they need help. Conan tells her to stay covered but she tells Conan not to worry and to reach the southern gate. Conan grudgingly accepts this and Iniri uses her powers to make a wall appear in front of the men, forcing them to use another street. Iniri wishes Conan to remember her words as they leave. The team breaks through the gates but just when Conan says they're home are an arrow is launched....which hits Khossus. Conan remembers what Iniri said about an arrow from the sky.
We flash back to the present, where Conan wonders who but a fool would end up here in such a miserable place with no food or water. Conan leaves the bracelet with Galan's corpse, and decides that if his road is such so be it. He lives. He fights. That's all that matters. He heads off determined to continue to the Vilayet sea.
Review: This issue is FUN!!!!! It's got everything a Conan story needs. A great cast of supporting characters (Galan, Afreet and Cashius are great supporting characters, with lots of personality), action sequences, humor that actually works in the story (Van Lente was more hit and miss with comedic moments), and a great sense of adventure. The story had the elements of a caper and high class infiltration. We had the inside men (Iniri Jerim and Ereshka) we had the archer dude, we had the two badasses and the guy who procured transport. It was wonderful to see Ereshka and Iniri again (I personally think Ereshka is a great Conan character, in that she's an aristocrat who happens to care about the lower classes unlike most of the other nobles) and their appearance worked like a charm. At the same time, we all know how the story ends; at Illbars with everyone but Conan dead. There were a few hiccups but overall this issue was damn near perfect. 9.7 out of 10. It's up there with "Ibis and the Serpent, Sorrow of Akivasha, Tower of Tara Teth, The Elephant Tower, Darkness and the Night and Man vs Beast).
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Post by lordyam on May 25, 2016 15:49:13 GMT -5
Issue #18: The Free Companions; the Chain
Recap: A fish corpse is lying in the marsh. A seagull starts picking at it. THEN three rats appear and swarm the bird and start biting it. THEN Conan jumps out and grabs a rat as the other two flee. Conan surveys his meal and decides it will do. As he's approaching the sea, food is becoming more scarce. The large eat the small and the strong eat the weak. Conan thinks he would laugh at the irony; this place is perhaps similar to the world he left.
We cut back to the past; Conan and his crew arrive as the sun sets. Galan has been sent ahead to tell everyone what happened; Yasmela and the others are waiting for Conan and the others to arrive and once they do Yasmela immediately rushes forwards to see him. Yasmela is upset at her brothers state, revealing she brought physicians. She thinks Conan got him injured for some reason and has her soldiers move to arrest the trio. However, Amalric's mercenaries move to defend Conan prompting a standoff even as Amalric orders them down. Fortunately Khossus manages to speak up and tells everyone "no it was strabonus who hurt me. Don't harm Conan." Yasmela agrees to have the men stand down, but strips Conan of his rank for insubordination. Julion will take his place. Conan asks Amalric what he thinks, and Amalric starts to say he had no say when he collapses. Conan rushes to protect him and holds him up. Amalric is forced to admit that his leg wound has become infected again. Julion orders Amalric and Khossus brought into the city, and tells Yasmela to be with her bro.
As the crowd leaves, Afreet points out that it's a pity Conan will be in the barracks, but hey at least he isn't going to die. Conan doesn't care; he became a mercenary for fighting, not rank. Shortly afterwards Conan is with Amalric, who is bedridden. Apparently the spear that pierced his leg has a stygian poison on it; the physicians never healed it and it always spread even when it looked check. Now it wracks his body. Conan asks Amalric what he should tell the men. Amalric says that the mercenaries are his life's work. He spent his entire life making them the most fierce legion ever and that such a force cannot die with him. He saw how they defended Conan regardless of the consequences and without a word from him. As such he realizes Conan is the only one they will ever obey should he die. He's drawn papers up so that Conan can legally take command regardless of what Yasmela and Julion want. He asks Conan if he will accept the charge. Conan says he will, and Amalric, happily gives his last words "it is good" before dying. Yasmela watches from outside, moved by the whole scene. She even cries.
Back in the present Conan wonders what the lion's banner gained him. A dinner in this fetid marsh? A battered helmet to fetch mouthfuls of water from rain? A legion of corpses? For now it doesn't matter. He eats what little food he has and uses his helmet to fetch water. HIs mind drifts back thinking "still how proudly the banner had stood, how brightly had the lance tips shone in the afternoon sun."
We cut back to the past as Conan and Julion stand before their armies ready to face Strabonus. Julion prepares to give the command when Conan's vision spots the generals approaching, accompanied by a flag bearer with a white flag. They both ride out to meat the generals, led by General Aguila. Aguilar says that he has been ordered to offer a truce to both Julion and Khossus. Julion reads it....Strabonus will cease aggression AND return Julion's lands if Khossus relinquishes any claims to Koth's southern territories. Conan realizes that Strabonus had no choice; the war with Corinthia blunted his taste for conquest and drained his coffers. Holding Khossus had been the last advantage he had; with Khossus free he has no more ammunition. As such, the armies withdraw from the field without a single drop of blood. In the camp Conan and the others are sitting around a fire drinking when Julion and his servant enter. Conan greets him rudely, and Julion admits that while he's gotten his land back he maintains his alliance with Yasmela. Since the treasury can't hold BOTH the mercs and his legions he's dismissed Conan and the others. Conan sarcastically says "hah. So be it. But before you go, some wine. Just a cup". He smashes Julion in the face while saying "I insist!" The servant gets pissed and threatens to kill Conan while Conan threatens Julion some more, but Julion defuses the situation. He accepts that Conan has reason to be pissed and offers for them to just call the score even. Conan agrees and Julion leaves, saying that they won't part as enemies and they may come that they'll need to be allies. As a consolation prize the Paymaster is giving them gold. He leaves.
Alan asks what they do now and Conan says they leave at dawn. Afreet asks where they'll go and Conan says "east." As the sun rises Conan surveys his men; he wants to go to lands beyond; Turan. Even his grandfather never went there. Yasmela approaches and they have a final conversation. Yasmela admits that she must learn to trust Julion's decisions, and that her brother rules Khoraja again. Frankly she enjoys it. Conan says that it's a pity. She wore the crown well; as well as any man. They shake hands and Yasmela says "Mitra go with you Cimmerian." Conan takes his horse saying "why would he not? The bastard seems to follow me wherever I go." Arriving back at the soldiers he's told the army is ready. Conan is happy and gives a speech. Though Amalric entrusted the army to him Conan expects no man to follow. Many of them are more experienced and those who wish to leave may go home. Those who wish to stay will be brothers of blood. The Free Companions. He'll promise only what Amalric did. Death or Gold. Hell or Plunder. None of the men refuse and they all head east through both and zamora, to turan, to the illbars river, to the storm.
The flashback ends and Conan continues his journey into the forests, getting nearer to the sea. We get a poem about Illbars written by Rinaldo the mad. One rat looks away after Conan.
Review: well that was a satisfying conclusion. Amalric sadly succumbs to his injury from shamla, but there's hope the legion will endure. Conan and Yasmela, despite their declining relationship, part on amicable terms, which I felt was wonderful. Even Julion showed that he was ultimately a bigger man by accepting Conan clocking him with grace. We do get hints that they'll work together again. Sadly Brian Wood's antics made such a mess that when Fred Van Lente DID adapt the story we got another prince entirely; on the other hand Julion was a nice chap so it was good to see him get a happy ending. Amalric's death was heartbreaking and it was touching to see Conan be with him in his final moments. Those who say Conan can't do emotional moments can suck it after reading that. However, there were some repetitive elements. Each issue ends with Conan walking into the woods and the flashback ending with doubts. I get what Truman is doing but I found it repetitive. Also for all his skills as a WRITER Truman's art is terrible. Not as bad as some of the Brian Wood art but it's bad. Still a worthy end to a great arc. 7.5 out of 10.
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Post by johnnypt on May 25, 2016 21:56:29 GMT -5
Issue #16:
Though I’m not 100% sure why the stories were “reversed” chronologically, this issue starts putting pieces together of how Tim envisions the saga going forward. The framing sequence puts it firmly just before the events in Iron Shadows. Julion is a prince from the Kothan province of Muric; when Yasmela introduces him it is as Al-Muric, which without the hyphen is the name of a rebel Kothan prince in the future story Xuthal of the Dusk. However, at the opening of Iron Shadows, Conan has been working for an unnamed rebel Kothan prince. The Dark Storm chronology posited the theory that the two princes are the same, and apparently Tim is laying the groundwork for that. It’s hard to believe that where I think this story is going that he’d go back to work for him at some point, but where Conan will be at that point, he may be desperate enough. And considering how much he dislikes Strabonus, anything is possible. So they haven’t thrown out the chronology altogether. Truman must feel he’s able to tell a better story having Conan already been a general rather than just having been a regular old foot soldier coming out of the events of Hand of Nergal. I’ll be curious to see if this is his reasoning when he writes the forward or afterward to the hardcover/trade collection.
Artwise, Giorello looks the same, but Truman’s artwork is given a different feel by the coloring compared to issue #14, issues #26 & 27 of the last series or the Songs of the Dead miniseries. Not better or worse, just a different feel.
Note-Fred obviously thought the two princes (cue the Spin Doctors) are totally different characters. Oh well, consider it a lost plot...
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Post by johnnypt on May 25, 2016 21:57:34 GMT -5
Issue #17:
I’m now beginning to see what Tim Truman has in mind for Conan with the placement of Black Colossus before Iron Shadows. In the Miller-Clark chronology from 1936, this is also how the stories are arranged. They speculated his pride wouldn’t allow him to be Mr. Queen and he left of his own accord (off to Cimmeria, they guess). But Tim is taking Conan from the highs of winning a war and a queen to the depths of hiding in a swamp just trying to survive. And the neat part about it is he’s making it Conan’s doing all right, but also making it a consequence of his own actions. This is probably a little too dramatic for what Howard would’ve done, especially having it be a result of Conan’s mistake. But in terms of this story, Conan has to learn at some point to weigh the consequences of his actions and this is as good a place as any. I also liked how he made Khossus basically into King Tut. Howard created the king’s name, but didn’t give any description of him as he was offstage for the entirety of Black Colossus. L. Sprague DeCamp and Lin Carter had him as a young man in their sequel “Shadows in the Dark”, while Roy Thomas did the same in his sequel from Savage Sword #3 “At the Mountains of the Moon” (he couldn’t do SITD at that point because DeCamp didn’t let him have the rights until later on, leaving it the only story Roy never adapted). He also turned the queen’s hand maiden Vateesa into a scheming villainess so I’m glad Tim chose a different path altogether.
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Post by johnnypt on May 25, 2016 22:01:12 GMT -5
Issue #18:
When Miller & Clark speculated why Conan left Khoraja, they guessed he grew tired of being “Mr. Queen”. Well, Tim makes the decision a little more decisive and out of his control. I also never pictured Conan as the leader of the army described at the beginning of Iron Shadows In The Moon, but again this is part of a larger picture Truman and Dark Horse are painting. It’s not necessarily fate or destiny (or Mitra) that will eventually lead him to future events, but they certainly play their part. Now this is an idea I think runs up against Howard’s concept of a character cutting and slashing his own way eventually to the crown of Aqulionia. As long as it’s on the periphery and not the major driving factor, I think they can get away with it. Another piece of the larger puzzle was Julion making sure he did not leave Conan as an enemy as they may need each other someday. This pretty much guarantees Julion will once more be battling Strabonus somewhere along the way as described in Xuthal of the Dusk (Note-too bad this wasn't a money back guarantee). But that takes place after Conan returns from his stint as Amra the Lion of the Black Coast, so we’re far off from that. Speaking of that nom de guerre, it’s interesting he accepts the mantle of Amalric, whose nickname and banner is, you guessed it, the Lion. If he has to accept it from someone else, it’s way better than the way Roy Thomas did, having Conan battle a Hyborian Tarzan for it.
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Post by lordyam on May 25, 2016 22:30:10 GMT -5
Issue #19: Kozaki part 1; Ghosts
Recap: We open with a Turanian patrol searching through the marshes, trying to find survivors. The second in command thinks it's a fool's errand, since they surely killed them all. The commander points out that the master Shah Amurath ordered them to do it, and perhaps he should ride back to his master and complain. Until then they keep looking (they very narrowly missing Conan.) They move out, with Conan resurfacing as they turn. One day has passed and Conan's come down with a fever over the night; most likely one of the rats he ate. By dawn he'd vomited the water and food in his belly. In Cimmeria he could find herbs but here he can barely think let alone stay conscious. Suddenly a boot falls and a voice tells Conan what a mess he is. It's Amalric!!! Or maybe not (there are implications it may well be a hallucination brought on by fever plus the general shitiness he's in.) Amalric asks how he came to be in this state and asks where the men are. Conan says that Amurath killed them all, and AMurath is outraged at him for loosing it all, putting his hand around Conan's neck. Conan demands he unhand him and raises his sword which makes Amalric even more frustrated. He yells that Conan was still a foolhardy youth when Amalric took him in and that he himself schooled Conan in civilized warfare. What's more he spent his life building that army and now Conan's broken it into CORPSES? Conan says that he's not Amalric; either he's a phantom or hallucination. AMalric is dead. Amalric says he is and that Conan will probably be joining him soon. Conan denies it saying that he'll pull through in a day or two. Amalric says maybe maybe not. However, he wants to know why they're in Turan rather than Khoraja. Conan explains that Julion let them go and Almuric is shocked; did Conan REALLY muck it up that badly? Conan looks away. Amalric expresses disappointment that Conan isn't in any fit shape to tell what happened; it would be a heck of a tale. Conan says "Yes. A Tale...." I think at this point Conan is telling the story.
After Amalric gave him the power conan saw no reason to squander the power; he took the mercenaries across Koth and Zamora, ravaging and pillaging and taking whatever the hell they damn well pleased; reavers not mercenaries. All as they worked their way to Turan. As they stand on a cliff a Turanian caravan passes by, at which point Conan and the others charge into the fray. Galan and Cashius take the wagons while Conan and Afreet take the priests (who Conan realized will surely have gold). One of them tries to unleash a spell on Conan before Afreet plugs him in the eye. Afreet is mighty proud of himself but Conan dismisses it as a handy toy for hunting while he'd like a sword for fighting. He orders the priests to throw the chests to the ground while he'll take their rings and baubles. Within the hour the caravan is taken, with Galan thinking that was pretty easy; surely if the rest of the country has the same fighting force they'll succeed. Afreet cautions that they are simply temple guards. Once they go beyond the pass the wolves of Turan will bare the fangs. After saying the free companions will need to muzzle them, Conan orders his fellows to gather the treasure and move out. One of the priests curses them, calling them Kozaki and saying Tarim will strike all of them down. Cassius mocks him and decks him in the face. Conan asks Afreet what Kozaki means and Afreet explains it means "men who marry their horses." It's what Turan calls the nomadic tribes and that the Kozak are the bandits and cutthroats who have no king but themselves and no home but the steppes. Conan likes the sound of that, and declares that they are indeed Kozaki. However he won't marry his horse. Afreet says "time will tell, Cimmerian! You've not seen Turan's when!" (hey I thought the Turanians in Marvel and Iasmini herself were pretty smoking). Cashius meanwhile state that "turan's women have not yet seen my fine hat!" (much to Galan's horror). Conan is amused and orders everyone to ride east.
As the sun rises in the east, we see the city of Akif (which looks like something out of Mesopotamia). This is the home of Shah Amurath, one of Yildiz's favorites to the point he guards the western caravan routes. All who sought trade with Turan desire his favor. Amurath is greeting one such man, a Shemite Chieftain. He asks what he's brought, and the Shah presents a naked girl named Olivia; daughter of the King of Ophir. Amurath is somewhat appalled but accepts the gift, since Olivia is easily one of the hottest women we've seen in any Conan series. He gives the cheiften scrolls of safe passage and trade leases, and the chieften calls him generous. As he leaves, he tells Olivia that Amurath is not kind. Amurath orders the servants to burn what little clothes Olivia has and dress her in Turanian silks. He tells Olivia that she is frightened but it will pass and soon she will forget her old life. As Olivia pockets a dagger without him knowing she says she will try.
We cut back to Conan and the crew, who are raiding the town that has Turan's royal granary (they need food.) However, while the bulk focus on the storehouses and stables, some (such as two dirtbags names Saja and Yulic) seek out women to rape. They start, but Conan interrupts them and throws Yulic against a wall. Saja tries to justify it, saying they just wanted a little fun, but Conan decks him and drags them both away, ordering Galan to put them in irons and strip them of rations for a few days; see if that we'll take them off raping. He won't have the army fall apart like a gaggle of butchers. He asks Galan for a status report, and Galan explains the town is theres. Conan orders them to empty the storehouses; then they'll head out and find a place on the coast to camp. Afreet's description of the inland sea intrigues him. As they move out Conan and Afreet see men on the hill. He orders Cashius to send out extra flankers just in case. On the hill we see that it's Sergius, Ivanos, Aratus and the guy who's fingers Conan cut off. Ivanos and Aratus are amazed to see their old unit, while the finger dude (who now has a blade on his wrist) recognizes Conan. Aratus is outraged, saying he has a score to settle with him, while the finger dude says Conan owes him a hand. Sergius says in due time and tthat the raiders do their jobs well, and that will prompt Yildiz's attention; more attention means more troops and any troops is bad for business. He declares that this is his territory and by Erlik's black heart he ain't gonna share it. He says that tonight they'll find Conan. If he won't parley they'll have to find a way to deal with him.
As night falls Olivia tries to cut the bars of the windows when Amurath calls out. Olivia hides the tool, saying that he has been kind giving her time for herself. Surely now she's lonely and wants comfort (as he says this he removes his robe and reveals that he's naked. Olivia cries in terror.....but fortunately we cut away from the scene. Instead we see a vision of the palace from afar. At camp Cashius modifies the hat he stole from the Turanian priest so that it fits. He asks Galan if he likes it, asking if it's as pretty as the bracelet. Galan agrees, but when Cashius offers to trade it for the wager, Galan says no fucking way. Afreet meanwhile is telling Conan about how when he was younger he watched the ships in the sea, and how the oceans in the west, beyond the lands of the black skinned men are even bigger. A sentry comes by asking to speak with Conan; Conan asks what it is and the sentry says that they have visitors. Conan berates the sentry for bringing strangers in, and Aratus responds "strangers, Cimmerian? Surely you've not forgotten the faces of two old comrades...nor I would think that of our new master (gesturing to Sergius.)" Conan recognizes Bergius, and Sergius introduces himself, explaining that he has come to speak with Conan of business.
Review: Well this was a great issue; Amalric's....whatever the hell it is is a wonderful touch. You really can't tell whether or not it's a ghost or if Conan's hallucinating due to his fever. Still it allows us to transition to a flashback, where we see how the Companions have come. Sure enough, these sections are among the highlights; The action is top notch, and the sense of Camaraderie between the four men is a joy to read. We also meet Shah Amurath and by god is this man loathsome. You really feel bad for Olivia in the situation, especially when Amurath rapes her (fortunately we don't see the act). This is contrasted with Conan, who is a barbarian yet stops his men from raping women (even if it is to honor Lord Amalric's dying wish.) Things are building up to a conclusion. 8 out 10
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Post by lordyam on May 25, 2016 22:35:56 GMT -5
Johnny. What did you think of Sorrows? I know some loved it while others like Taraniach hated it.
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Post by lordyam on May 26, 2016 2:49:30 GMT -5
Issue #20
Kozaki Part 2: Hell or Plunder
Recap: We pick up from where last issue left off, with Bergius saying Conan is giving him a cold greeting; is he sure he doesn't remember him? He says they've met before. Conan says he knows? How could he forget a fat pig asking him join his crew of cutthroats and deserters. Just like then he's interrupting the meal. Blade dude (who we learn is called Meshud) says that surely Conan must remember him and the fingers he sliced from his hand. When Conan doesn't Meshud is angry but Sergius tells him to back down. They're hear to talk. Conan tells him to say what he wants to say. Sergius says that they've been keeping tabs on the companions; in the past weeks they've taken caravans many towns and ports....the red brotherhood dislikes such competition, and they are left little to plunder. Worse, they're attracting King Yildiz. He'll send more troops to guard the coasts if they don't tone it down. He starts to quote a philosopher, but Conan repeats the quote, saying that the philosopher was a sexless monk who died penniless and that he should have gotten out more. Sergius is surprised; he thought Cimmerians were illiterate savages unable to read, much less quote great Kothian scholars. Conan says that living in Khoraja's palace gave him time to learn how to read. Now he does what Crom created him to do. Sergius rather sickishly asks "And did your god also intend for the princess of khoraja to hand the command of her royal army to a perfumed prince who better suited her bed?" Unsurprisingly Conan clocks Sergius, with Afreet holding Meshud at knifepoint (holding a knife at the neck and another at his balls) to keep him off. Sergius tells Conan he unwise to treat him with disrespect. The red brotherhood has vast reach and many men. He offers a final deal. Conan limits his raids to the southern shore and splits the profits and he may be willing to forgive the punch and allow him to share the bounty. Conan tells him to go to hell, saying his men go where they wish take what they desire and share with no one. He says "If this displeases your red brotherhood, then come try us! When your king Yildiz follows you, he can swim through your blood!" He orders them to get out and to take Ivanos and Aratus with them. Meshud tells Afreet that he'll remember his face and someday will gut him. Afreet says that if it's Erlik's will maybe. Today is not that day.
After they've left Cashius says he should have killed Sergius; Afreet says that Cashius has a point; the red brotherhood's crew would have been his due to their law. Conan dismisses it. He doesn't want more misfits to coddle. He orders Galan to post more guards on duty. Tomorrow they'll show these Turanians how to plunder. On the rise, Ivanos is telling Sergius that despite the threats, the Reds cannot hope to take them all. Sergius says there are still cards to be dealt. He orders Aratus and Meshud to keep following them and to report their moves. He they have a chance they should take a prisoner. If the brotherhood cannot take them, maybe the Shah can. We cut to morning, where Amurath stands in the window putting on a robe, talking about the glory of his city Akif. He tells Olivia (sobbing in bed) how his ancestors found wilderness and crafted beauty. They tamed the land, just as he shall tame her. EWWW!! Fortunately his monologue is cut off by a messenger telling him that the Sultan Yssiir has come, sent by the King himself. Realizing this is a big deal he gets dressed in armor and tells the messenger to show Yssiir to the council chamber. Once this is done Amurath greets Yssiir with the usual platitudes, but Yssiir tells him to cut it out; he's only heard because Yildiz ordered it. Amurath thinks that Yildiz wants to congratulate him on his upcoming wedding. Yssiir simply says that he may have nothing to feed his guests. He tells him that surely he's heard about the raiders in the south. Amurath dismisses them as common brigands to be dealt with. Yssiir tells him that they've looted towns and caravans assaulted priests....even sacked the royal granary a fortnight ago. Yildiz wants them dealt with immediately. He orders Amurath to find and slay them. As his helmet is being placed on, Amurath vows that he will do the job. Any wolf can be brought to heel with the proper bait.
Some time passes and the Companions attack a caravan. However, it's a trap. There are soldiers waiting inside the wagon. Suddenly trumpets roar and a cavalry charges them. Just when things seem lost we see Afreet and Conan on the ridge with an army of archers. Turns out Conan saw this coming and would have regardless of what fat Sergius told him. The arrows fly, decimating the cavalry and allowing the cornered soldiers a chance to fight back. Conan and Afreet have a brief archery contest seeing whether either can hit an opponent in a certain part. Afreet wins, but Conan.....largely misses (he was shooting at the head and hits the ass.) personally I would have used this to show Conan becoming better at the bow. They've been here for ages. They should emphasize that Afreet is teaching Conan more. But still that could just be me. Conan dismisses it saying Afreet can keep his sticks; he himself wants some steel. Conan and the rest of the force (five hundred cavalry) ride down, catching the Turanians even more off guard. Combined with Afreet's assault Amurath's captain says they need to retreat. Realizing the guy's right, Amurath grudgingly gives the order, consumed with rage and disbelief. As they retreat Galan is amazed. Conan realizes Amurath will almost definitely try again. He orders Galan to rally the men; they'll regroup at Illbars. He orders Afreet to stay there and keep watch on the valley in case Amurath gathers his wits. Afreet says he'll see them back at camp. Unbeknownst to them Meshud and Aratus are watching; Meshud is happy that Afreet's the target and Aratus brings him down with a thrown rock. As Meshud gloats about how he told Afreet he'd have his chance, Aratus orders Meshud to throw Afreet onto the horse. They need to get him to Sergius.
Two days pass and Amurath sits in his room brooding; he's still stewing at the indignity of how he was defeated by bandits; he's determined to make them pay. An advisor approaches him (while Olivia surreptitiously tries to either escape or listen in, I can't tell which), explaining that some men have appeared seeking an audience and that he thinks Amurath should hear them. Amurath tells him to bring them and pray to Tarim that he's right. When Sergius appears Amurath is shocked that they brought Pirates in, but intrigued. Before he hangs them he'll give them the chance to explain themselves. Sergius tells him he knows only that Amurath is a man of honor who is kind to this who do him service. He seeks the bandits and he (Sergius) knows where they've made camp. Amurath is skeptical asking why he should believe the word of a pirate.....at which point Bergius reveals that he has taken Afreet captive. He reveals Afreet is a captain that he delivers unto Amurath. Amurath regrets that he is pleased but a deal is a deal so he tells Sergius that if he leads Amurath to the raiders he'll get a hyrkanian galley. Sergius tells him that he'll find them at the river ill bars where the steppes meet the marsh. Amurath orders his men to take Afreet to the dungeon for info, at which point Sergius offers Meshud to help. He's talented with a knife and good at loosening tongues. As the night passes Olivia tries to get to sleep but can't find at. The screams from the dungeon are too loud. The next morning as Conan awakens he asks if there is any sign of Afreet. Galan says he'll send out a patrol once the sun rises. A sentry arrives to tell them some grave news and too look. Conan does and we see a horse riding into camp. On the horse....is Afreet's dismembered corpse. With the exception of Galan the three are speechless; even Galan can only say "gods....no". Galan asks who could have done it. Cashius recognizes the lack of fingers and guesses Meshud; Conan agrees, but he suspects someone else too. He realizes it's a warning from Amurath. They've been found. We see a horde of soldiers on the horizon.
Back in the present Conan finds himself on a dry patch of land. He sure as shit isn't in the place he was last time. He has no memory. Did he crawl, or did Amalric carry him? He tries to dismiss it. Amalric is dead as the shadows. He weakly shouts. "Curse you....go away. Leave ME!" He falls on his back with fever, thinking he's alone in the marshes of the Vilayet. Suddenly he sees mist move and a shadow appear in the mist. His eyes widen. As the mist parts, we see Afreet's skeleton!
Review: Well this got dark quickly. Conan spurns Sergius and insults him. Despite the good show he made against Amurath the first time, Sergius's betrayal means they've been made, and Amurath has the advantage. Speaking of which, Amurath remains as loathsome as fuck. It was great seeing him get knocked down a peg. The mystery of Amalric continues; is he just a hallucination or is his spirit helping Conan? Either way it's a damn good issue overall. With the exception of a few time problems (how the fuck did they not notice Afreet was missing for two days?) This is a good issue. 8.5 out of 10.
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Post by lordyam on May 26, 2016 3:24:45 GMT -5
Issue #21: Kozaki Part 3 Blood on the Illbars.
Recap: Afreet's....corpse or whatever approaches through the mist. Conan brandishes his sword, afraid. He says Afreet is as dead as Cashius and Galan yet is here like Amalric. Doesn't anyone stay in their grave. Still unsure whether they are illusions Conan breaks down somewhat, asking why he's come and what he wants. Is it to drag him to hell? Is it retribution for what he did? For what happened at Illbars (Conan actually cries as he asks this. Unlike in Brian Wood's series here it makes sense. These are his friends. He got them killed. He's in a fetid swamp and sick).
In the past, Amurath's forces charge as Amurath gives the order to slay them all. Conan realizes it's an ambush and orders Galan to take command of the archers. Cashius is to get the men in line. They'll show him how to fight. We get a blurb about how Rinaldo sang of the day when Conan was king. Conan Galan and Cashius fight for their lives, but are pushed back to the river. Galan tries to rally the archers but unfortunately Amurath orders the second wave to attack. His trumpeters signal, and a horde of soldiers bursts from the jungle. Conan realizes that he was so focused on the charge he left the flank vulnerable. He realizes than and there the battle is lost. He calls for Amurath to come down from the hill and face him even as he cuts men to ruin. As Galan and Cashius are the only two left, Cashius gives Galan the money he owes him. He won't die with a debt on his conscience. Galan says the free companions aren't finished as long as one still lives. Conan's horse is downed by an arrow sending Conan into the river. On the cliff above Amurath says he's going to leave; the generals will finish mopping everything up. His advisor asks what will happen to any Kozak who surrender. Amurath orders them to spare no one. Conan screams at Amurath as he gets an arrow to the leg. Galan and Cashius fight in the river when Galan sees Meshud standing behind the legion watching from a horse. Galan realizes that Sergius helped Amurath and starts to declare that they must.....when a Turanian spears him from behind. Cashius screams Galan's name and brandishes his sword to defend his body.....before being pilloried with arrows. Back with Conan he tries to fend off the soldiers, attempting to head north and rally any survivors to gather at the base of the steppes in woods. However, he's hit in the head with a mace and knocked out. Fortunately they think Conan's dead and move on, leaving Conan hidden in the foliage where he fell. He hears the cries of the dying and screams of the tortured until he finally looses consciousness.
At the same time Amurath's palace holds a massive feast to celebrate the victory. He decides to introduce Olivia to them, but when he goes to fetch her he finds that she's escaped by filing away a whole in the window. Olivia flees into the night unaware of the impact she will have on Conan's future. Amurath orders his men to fetch his horse. He won't allow her to escape. Back in the present days have passed, and Conan asks Afreet "if it's retribution you seek, then be done with it." Afreet finally talks, saying "Retribution? Aye Retribution But Not Against You!" A distance away Meshud is riding with some of Amurath's men; they're arguing why Amurath raced ahead and caused them to loose his trail. Afreet reminds Conan of what Iniri said. She said "Blood Black Waters, Tongues of the Dead. Your will be shaken your soul tested but you will be stronger if you live." He tells Conan to find his strength where it has always dwelled. In his rage. Conan hears three men on horseback, turning to ask how he is to fend them off....only to find that not only has Afreet left, he's left behind a bow and arrow. Seems Amalric and Afreet were VERY real. At this point Meshud and the sentries catch up to Conan, who has taken out the bow. The three charge (Meshud being VERY eager) and Conan, deciding that he's hidden in the swamps far too long opens fire, killing the first rider. His rage ignited and fueled by the cries of pain Conan downs the second. Meshud charges Conan and lashes out saying he will slice the flesh from Conan's bones, just like he did to the Hyrkanian. Conan dodges, taking the final arrow, dropping the bow, grabbing Meshud and driving it into the shoulder. Conan then impales Meshud with his sword, finishing the sadistic bastard forever. Conan decides that the free companions may be dead but he lives. And as long as he lives, so do the companions. At this point, Amurath and Olivia ride past him at breakneck speed. Conan pursues him after uttering a bellow. We get a compressed version of the opening of Iron Shadows. Amurath overtakes the woman, but as he threatens Conan calls out his name. We get a quick sword fight and as the narrator says that "Crom was not known for kindness or granting his children favors, however perhaps on that day he allowed himself a smile" Conan gorily finishes off Amurath by bisecting the fucker. The issue ends with the sun rising.
Review: Well that was fucking tragic. Sure enough, the brotherhood is all slaughtered like animals; Galan and Cashius (Conan's friends) are cut down like animals in a heartbreaking scene; even the money Cashius owed, which was comic relief the last couple issues, returns with devastating solemnity. And Conan for all his effort fails to stop it. Just like with the Aesir. Just like with Nestor. Seeing Conan at his most vulnerable, breaking down in front of the ghost of Afreet was tragic; Conan is so hard and badass, yet here all the guilt and frustration comes loose. He's at the point where he's willing to accept death if that's what his brothers want. This is Conan at his weakest; at this point I'd say that only the death of Belit comes close, and even then the experiences here may have tempered his soul enough to handle that hammer blow. Fortunately Afreet doesn't want revenge on Conan. He wants revenge on Meshud and Amurath. Instead he gives Conan the words he needs to find his inner strength, as well as the bow and arrow to even the odds. Somewhat odd? Yeah. Awesome. OH FUCK YEAH!!!! After watching Meshud's smugness last episode and Amurath's cruelty the entire three issues it was SO SATISFYING watching Conan kill the bastards. Honestly, this arc enhances Iron Shadows for me. Whenever I read it I just think back to this and it gets my blood pumping to see Amurath die. This is the only time we've seen Illbars and so far it's damn perfect. 9.8 out of 10.
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Post by johnnypt on May 26, 2016 8:06:26 GMT -5
Johnny. What did you think of Sorrows? I know some loved it while others like Taraniach hated it. Oops, thought I posted #14 & #15! I generally remember liking it. I'll dig those out later.
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Post by johnnypt on May 26, 2016 19:59:37 GMT -5
Here's the "missing" ones
#14
I did think it was a little odd to have Conan go hunting in the royal park, it was like something out of Robin Hood. I almost expected Conan to go swinging the deer’s corpse around to knock over some of the soldiers! As for the main part of the story, it reminded me a James Cameron film: Fialla goes into full “Ripley” mode against an alien creature attacking her village. Frankly I have no idea why the one Skrae returned, seemed like just a convenient plot device to return to the village. Truman seems to have fond something there that intrigues him. It reminds me a little of the fill issue for the last series where John Severin did the art for an odd story and I have a similar reaction: I don’t mind it once, but let’s not make this a habit. Howard never wrote a story of Conan in Cimmeria, it was left as something mysterious. With the Born On The Battlefield and Cimmeria arcs and at least another Howard hinted return later, it’s been given more than enough exposure.
#15
This is pretty much an alternative version of Chapters 18-20 of Hour of the Dragon, this time told from Akivasha’s point of view. Interestingly enough, the pattern I noted this time is each of the Truman-Lee stories after the FCBD story was related directly to a story of Conan when he was king: the two parter in Conan #35 & #36 followed Phoenix on the Sword, #40 is immediately after The Scarlet Citadel and as I said this is an alternative version of a section in HOTD. There were some online complaints about the shortened and reworked versions of Howard’s dialogue in these chapters, but considering it’s not the official adaptation of the story, I can let something like that slide. There were also a little questioning about Akivasha’s appearance in the story. No, not a question of the metal pasties, but her…weight. For an undead woman who lives only on blood, she’s, well, quite healthy. (I know, even after death, women still have to worry about their weight!) In any case, Paul Lee’s completely painted artwork is certainly a highlight. However, I’ll be glad to get back to the story proper.
Tia Carrere played Akivasha in Kull the Conqueror, which actually was a sort of inverse adaptation of Hour of the Dragon…the less said about that, the better (no offense Tia). There’s also the quite memorable encounter with the demon woman in Conan the Barbarian. However, that owes more to an incident in the Bran Mak Morn story Worms of the Earth than Akivasha. Just figured I’d mention it.
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Post by johnnypt on May 26, 2016 20:04:33 GMT -5
The Kozaki reviews:
#19
Apart from the opening section which is almost sit-com like in its set up for the flashback (in other words, just a little forced, the way they’d done it the past three issues worked fine), the issue concentrates on pulling out the stray bits Howard sprinkled in the early part of Iron Shadows In The Moon that describe how everyone got into the situations they were in when the story begins. I’d been wondering if there’d be anything more to the interaction of Conan and Sergius that’d lead to their “reunion” later, so the answer is yes. Truman has some very definite ideas on how and why the entire situation came about, though it doesn’t necessarily match my impression. But hey, he’s the writer. The other interesting part is the depiction of Shah Amurath. Howard described him as “supple”, normally a word he saves for the ladies, so he implied the guy was a tough dude. In the Roy Thomas-John Buscema version in Savage Sword #4, he’s drawn as a typical older guy, making his “enjoyment” of Olivia even more distasteful. Making him a virile younger man gives off a very different vibe. It’ll be interesting to see exactly how this develops even though we already know how and where it ends.
Giorello’s artwork this time around falls a little on the sketchy side, leaving some details out a little more often than I usually like. The one area where he doesn’t leave the details out is his depictions of the young ladies, he follows in Mark Bagley’s footsteps quite well in that regard! Sergius looks a little closer to the way he’s described in the original Howard story, though he’s not quite there yet. He has a very distinctive haircut which he doesn’t have yet, it’s still a few issues away though. But overall, these past two issues are solid examples of how Dark Horse said they would handle those arcs in between the adaptations, by referring to Howard and finding those incidents he didn’t actually show.
#20
This issue ties many threads together from Iron Shadows, threads that may not necessarily have gone together. As I’ve mentioned before, I never thought Conan was the leader of the Free Companions, just a warrior who happens to have been the only survivor. I also didn’t think that Sergius sold out the Kozaki or got his ship from Amurath. The story doesn’t say these things DIDN’T happen, but this just ties things up in way too neat of a bundle. The Hyborian world was large enough that all these individual events and characters do not have to be so closely tied to one another. It works as a dramatic device and it will work as a motivation for later events, but honestly, I would have preferred something not as overt and obvious. Otherwise, it’s another fine job on art by Giorello, with some brutal action sequences. He’ll have his work cut out for him next issue.
#21
Tomas Giorello really goes to town with the action sequences. I said last time he had his work cut out for him this issue and he comes through. We didn’t get a gigantic two page spread of the slaughter that Howard described, but we get it in small bits to get the idea.
Somewhere along the way I figured out possibly why the Dark Horse team decided to do Black Colossus before Iron Shadows rather than the way it is in Dale Rippke’s chronology, which had been followed up until now (though the stories are in this order in the original Miller-Clark one). Conan goes from a lowly mercenary after returning from Cimmeria, becomes consort to a queen and leader of an army by the end of Black Colossus, then is sent spiraling down to the depths of despair in the swamps of the Ilbars. From here he will continue onto greater heights as soon he will become a consort once more, this time to the Queen of the Black Coast and later a king on his own. I’m guessing Tim wanted to use this sequence of events to show how Conan became the warrior and leader of later years by having him achieve so much, fall so far and have to come back from the brink of mere survival. It’s almost like the scene in the Ten Commandments where Moses is sent out into the desert to be reforged (in CB DeMille’s words) into the man his people needed. This whole notion is completely foreign to Howard’s Conan. There are a couple instances where he pulls a Clint Eastwood-like resurrection to beat the bad guys, but nothing on this sustained level. As I mentioned last time, it serves the narrative very well and drives the story forward dramatically with all the twists and turns and (coming) retributions. It’s just adding an additional level to the stories I might not have put there. We’ll have to see how that aspect is handled moving forward through the next arc and after Tim is no longer the writer (oops, did I give something away? All in good time…)
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Post by lordyam on May 27, 2016 13:49:07 GMT -5
So how would you have done it? Just curious
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Post by johnnypt on May 27, 2016 16:26:38 GMT -5
I always thought the weakest part of Dale's reworking was the placement for Iron Shadows, it just doesn't feel like an early story. However, if DH was going to use it, they should have stuck with it. You have Conan coming down from Cimmeria looking for work and ending up in Hyrkania, learning archery. Then he hooks up with the kozaki, Iron Shadows happens, he loses the ship, heads inland, joins up with Amalric, you do Black Colossus, then when he finishes he heads to Argos and you do Queen. And no need for Road of Kings!
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Post by lordyam on May 27, 2016 20:04:45 GMT -5
Let's wrap this bad boy up: Iron Shadows in the Moon Part 1: The Island
Recap: We open up with a bunch of ebony skinned warriors binding a naked blond boy to a pillar. The exposition explains that the children of the nameless gods were a warrior race who fashioned themselves a city of towers hewn from sacred green stones. A golden son of heaven, hearing of their work, came wanting to learn their ways. However, the children of the gods became arrogant and thought themselves greater than the gods. So they decided to sacrifice the kid to glorify themselves. They taunt the kid and as the full moon rises they kill the boy by slashing him with knives repeatedly. When the kid is mortally wounded he lifts his head to the ceiling and cries out in a strange language. One of the warriors ends this by slashing his throat. As the kid dies there's a thundering sound and a bright light and a larger man with similar hair and build appears. This is the father of the boy, who came in answer to his son's plea. Seeing the corpse he casts a curse on them saying "Yagkoolan Yok Tha, Xuthalla! Yagkoolan Yok Tha Xuthalla!". A bright light erupts and when it fades the warriors have been turned to stone, petrified. The father takes his son and points to the moon; the warriors realize that they will only ever be free when the moon is full. Their pet parrot flies into the night. Turns out this is all from the book of Skelos.
We cut to the present day with....Olivia narrating the thing. She explains that her father was king of Ophir but that when she was twenty her sold her to a sheikh, who sold her to a trader, who in turn gave her too a shah. The Shah is a cruel man who enjoys having a princess as his slave. Eventually she tried to escape and made it quite far into the marshes of the Vilayet. However the Shah caught up with her and threatens to drag her back to his palace and continues to torture her despite her begging. The Shah moves to return them to Akif, where his people are celebrating the victory over the Kozaki. Olivia struggles, causing Amurath to force her to the ground after twisting her wrist. He threatens to drag her back to Akif by the tail of his horse, when both are interrupted by a rustling from the reeds behind them. Conan appears climbing over a small tree amazed that Amurath brought him hear. Amurath is shocked and in denial that the leader survived. Conan says that yes all died except him. He charges Amurath and the two face off, with Conan praising his good fortune. Olivia is completely terrified, yet unsure Conan can win. Nevertheless we see something from Amurath he never showed before. Fear. Conan mocks him while reciting his crimes on the wounded prisoners of war. Conan brings Amurath down by cutting him across the shoulder. Amurath begs for mercy, saying he was only doing what King Yildiz asked." Conan responds "Quarter? Aye! Quarter...such as you gave my brothers you swine!" before bisecting the motherfucker. But that's not all. Even when Amurath dies Conan continues to hack at the bastard's corpse with such fury that even Olivia (who hates Amurath) closes her eyes and presses her hand to her ears. Olivia is worried that she will be the next to die but Conan instead turns to walk away. Olivia realizes that while he's leaving her alone it's for the vengeful riders of Amurath to find. Realizing it won'g look good being found next to his corpse Olivia follows asking Conan to take her with him.
Conan asks who she is and Olivia gives him her name and a brief summary of how she was Amurath's captive who escaped. She begs him to take her with him. Conan points out that she's obviously scared shitless of him, but Olivia counters that she fears the Turanians even more, and that they will torture her if they find her besides their dead lord. Conan tells her to follow. He saw a boat in the reeds. Apparently it belonged to a smuggler or fisherman. Conan pushes it off and they both sail into the Vilayet. After some time Olivia plucks up the courage to speak to him and she asks if he was with the Kozaki band. Conan explains his name to her, and his situation (how he took the free companions east after the prince made peace to how a week ago the Shah smashed them in a 15000 on 5000 battle). He asks Olivia how she got far from Ophir and ran afoul of Amurath. Olivia explains that her own father sold her into slavery because she wouldn't marry a Kothic prince. Conan is openly shocked at this and Olivia comments that it's ironic that her people call Conan's barbaric. She tells Conan that the Shemite sold her to Amurath hoping to gain favor and how Amurath.....did things to her. When the feast was held yesterday she found an opportunity to escape. Amurath followed her, Conan showed up and well here they are. Olivia asks what will become of them. What if there are pirates or storms. Conan points out that he didn't ask her to come and says maybe he should take her back to the Shah's people. Olivia says no, any fate is kinder than the Turanians. As the sun begins to set Conan tells Olivia to get some sleep while he continues rowing. They go on through the night, with Conan continuing to row. When Olivia awakens it is dawn once more and they've stopped at an island. Olivia is impressed that he rowed all night without stopping, and Conan gestures her out to find food. Olivia sees the creepy ass parrot from the intro and Conan is amused saying he must be a thousand years old (Oh Conan if only you knew.) The parrot starts chanting the incantation from the intro, confusing both Conan and Olivia. Conan tries to write it off saying that he'll clean up and then look for food. Olivia watches and is somewhat attracted to him (even noticing he no longer looks scary and primal. However the memory of Amurath's abuses are still fresh in her mind. Conan finds some fruit and though it isn't filling it beats rats and roots. He hears a sound and pushes Olivia out of the way as a massive piece of stone building is hurled at them. Conan looks in the direction of where it came but can't see anything. He comments how unusual it is to find a stone like that on an uninhabited isle. And no living man could throw it across the glade. Olivia asks what could be there, to which Conan says death. They move to higher ground quickly and we see an ape watching from the shadows.
They finally arrive at the temple from the intro. It seems a place of evil. She feels a menacing aura coming off the statues. Like something is waiting....watching. Unbeknownst to them, there is a new player approaching. It's Sergius and his crew in their brand new galley. And they're on their way to isle to see if there's anything worth stealing.
Review: The Final Arc opens quite frankly with a lot of style. We get the opening scene of Iron Shadows, a more extended version of last issues. Again, watching Amurath die is VERY satisfying given all the atrocities this bastard has committed. The real stroke of genius is showing everything from Olivia's point of view. In the original story she was kind of just along for the ride; we didn't really get to see inside of her head. Here we do and we see things in a way that is far more fleshed out. She has more of a voice and her relationship with Conan develops more organically. The dialogue, while not quite the same as the original text, essentially captures the spirit so any complaints are basically nitpicking. The opening sequence, while striking, could have been introduced later in the comic but that's a minor complaint. However, isn't Conan still down with a fever? If so how the fuck can he row all the way to the isle for all that time without stopping? That....seems bizarre. If the fever's broken I'd buy it. Still, All in all it's a good start. 8 out of 10.
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