CONAN THE BARBARIAN ongoing series

[kemp]

There was a certain level of talent back in the twentieth century that is on occasion equaled, but never surpassed.

[Jason Aiken]

Jan 28, 2020 11:10:19 GMT -5 Taurus said:

I know I am mostly complaining, but I can't help: the art is so average. Where are the big names?

It's not the 80's, 90's, or even the 2000's or 2010's anymore. Comic artists aren't like what they used to be. As hun said a lot of the big names just do covers these days. I really think the animation and movie industry is sucking up a lot of insanely talented people who would have been comic artists 20-30 years ago.

[johnnypt]

Jan 28, 2020 11:10:19 GMT -5 Taurus said:

I know I am mostly complaining, but I can't help: the art is so average. Where are the big names?

Are there any big names any more? I mean for the newer generation. There are a lot of hot writers but I just don’t hear about artists the way Buscema, Perez et al were and are still talked about.

[darklordbob]

Feb 14, 2020 4:29:36 GMT -5 kemp said:

There was a certain level of talent back in the twentieth century that is on occasion equalled, but never surpassed.

I'm honestly curious about why that is. What was it about then vs now? The way they learned their craft, the tools available, their influences, just the people themselves, what was it?

[kemp]

Feb 16, 2020 2:51:02 GMT -5 darklordbob said:

Feb 14, 2020 4:29:36 GMT -5 kemp said:

There was a certain level of talent back in the twentieth century that is on occasion equalled, but never surpassed.

I'm honestly curious about why that is. What was it about then vs now? The way they learned their craft, the tools available, their influences, just the people themselves, what was it?

I have thought about that, and I remember reading somewhere in Icon about how Frank Frazetta was able to throw up a masterpiece in oil with believable looking heroes locked in action scenes, somehow sketching the scene and rendering detail on top of it in a relatively short amount of time, a talent, but also a skill that was developed through constant repetition from his time working as a comic artist and making deadlines without the luxury of an adobe photoshop at his disposal. John Buscema belonged to that frat club.

[darklordbob]

Shakes his fist at the heavens while screaming "PHOTOSHOOOOOOOP!" in unadulterated frustration.

[Taurus]

Feb 15, 2020 22:45:19 GMT -5 johnnypt said:

Jan 28, 2020 11:10:19 GMT -5 Taurus said:

I know I am mostly complaining, but I can't help: the art is so average. Where are the big names?

Are there any big names any more? I mean for the newer generation. There are a lot of hot writers but I just don’t hear about artists the way Buscema, Perez et al were and are still talked about.

I like Greg Capullo work on Batman, The Court of Owls. I know he works for DC, but his run on the Owl arch for me is just as good as it gets.
He is in my opinion a big name.
The way he draws Batman in action is awesome.


readcomiconline.to/Comic/Batman-The-Court-of-Owls/Full?id=77351#29

readcomiconline.to/Comic/Batman-The-Court-of-Owls/Full?id=77351#34

[Deleted]

Conan the Barbarian #13 Review

Sets up yet another Marvel Conan adventure worth exploring.

By David Brooke on February 18, 2020

When I found out Jim Zub and Rogê Antônio were taking over Conan the Barbarian story entitled “Into the Crucible” I audibly gasped. “Conan the Gambler” is a highly entertaining and well-layered story with tons of twists and turns that proved Zub has what it takes to make a good adventure especially for a hero like Conan. Antônio proved he can pull off the bulging muscle clad Conan–and those who face him–in the Conan 2099 story. Together we’re in for a treat, especially if you like death traps mixed in with intrigue.

This issue opens with Conan drinking and being merry but soon finds himself being pushed into a contest of strength. His competitors are not pleased as he defeats them and soon he’s kicking butt and breaking legs. This goes from bad to worse for Conan as one of these men was the city champion and so Conan must take his place. I will admit this same predicament happened in Zub’ “Conan the Gambler” story, but there are entirely different results here. The set up also includes a character who can speak the local language and plays a part in the death traps that ensue.

Yes, death traps! If you dig Indiana Jones you’ll probably love how this issue plays out. I’ll leave out all the details–this is an early review after all–but make no mistake there’s a good adventure vibe going here as Conan must decipher traps before they catch him. Conan’s wits are going to play a huge part in this series and I’m excited to see how Zub and Antônio keep his head above water (probably literally at some point).

The art by Antônio is strong, keeping the revelry fun and fancy-free early on and when things get serious quite sharp with easy to follow the action. A variety of characters are introduced and I think Antônio distinguishes them apart well enough giving each wrinkle to give us something to hint at who they are. Conan has a youthful demeanor in the issue that helps set the timing of the story. He’s not a teenager by any means, but he’s certainly not grizzled and scared either. That helps add a bit of doubt in his abilities since these stories may take place earlier in his adventures. Israel Silva gets the skin tones done right and the dry desert-like nature of the environment comes through in the city streets.

I will say one bit of dialogue threw me off. There’s a moment where Conan seems to doubt what he’s saying. It makes sense he’d be a little uncertain in a land where he doesn’t speak the tongue, but it’s very unlike Conan to ever doubt a thing he says or does.

I enjoyed this first issue immensely. Cut down the middle, it sets up the story with some good fighting and then breaks for some dark mysteries and adventurer traps. Sets up yet another Marvel Conan adventure worth exploring.

CONAN #13

IS IT GOOD?

I enjoyed this first issue immensely. Cut down the middle, it sets up the story with some good fighting and then breaks for some dark mysteries and adventurer traps. Sets up yet another Marvel Conan adventure worth exploring.

Sets up the adventure well including the supporting characters

Gives us a bit of action and some mysterious adventure

Conan has a bit of doubt in one panel that threw me for a loop

8.5 GREAT


Source:
www.adventuresinpoortaste.com/2020/02/18/conan-the-barbarian-13-review/

[Deleted]

Conan the Barbarian #13 Review by DISPATCHDCU

Conan has traveled to many places and has faced many challenges. He’s been a destroyer, a barbarian, a thief, a hired hand, an outlaw, a gambler, and most recently a King! Now, as Jim Zub creates the perfect jumping-on point for any new reader interested in CONAN THE BARBARIAN, we see Conan enter an unfamiliar city called Uttara Kuru where he doesn’t speak the language and is foreign to their customs. Somehow, whether it be his boastful pride or his sheer ignorant arrogance, Conan finds himself accidentally entered into the Great Crucible. Let’s dive into CONAN THE BARBARIAN #13 by Jim Zub and see just exactly what this Great Crucible is, how Conan got himself into this mess, and if he can get himself out!

Jim Zub gets his first crack at this amazing series and this reviewer found himself at times with an unfamiliar Conan while still having a ton of fun in the process. Let me explain. Zub’s character voice of the Cimmerian just didn’t seem to hit the mark of what we’ve been used to in SAVAGE AVENGERS or CONAN THE BARBARIAN #1-12 by Jason Aaron. Now, before you condemn him for this I would like you to take notice of something very important to his narrative. Both Conan’s from the other titles listed above were mature, grown, experienced, and surprisingly used his brain more than one would think a barbarian should. My point: Zub’s Conan seems young and Rogé Antônio even draws the great Cimmerian as youthful and almost green around the gills.

As silly as this is to say, Antônio illustrates a smooth, clean, and hairless (other than his head) Barbarian with no scars, wounds, or even dirt to speak of. On the very first splash page, readers see, Conan looks like a young buck who’s just begun his journey. Furthermore, Conan is supposed to be learned and know many languages. Well, he doesn’t know the language of THIS city. Therefore, this again points this reviewer towards a young Conan that’s maybe only a few years removed from Cimmerian. A finally, Zub narrates a line that says, “how many mercenaries, soldiers, and criminals have fallen before him over the past few years since he left Cimmeria for the first time…” Readers, it is my opinion that we are examining a fresh off the block Conan and need to give Zub some grace with his portrayal and characteristics of the Crom-fearing destroyer. With age come wisdom and maturity. And thus, Zub’s Conan isn’t there yet.

That said, the narration by Zub seemed a bit off. I understand that we are looking at a young barbarian but not a young narrator. As inexperienced as Conan seemed, which this reader can accept if he’s meant to be youthful, the narrator should still come across as confident, wise, and prudent. I can’t put my finger on it exactly but the expression and dialect just don’t feel like it’s from or around the Hyborian Age. Moreover, the narrator seemed too modern in his tone and language. My expectations of a Conan-esque narrator are simply someone knowledgeable, older, and seasoned. Maybe it’s the style I’m used to or maybe it’s that from the movies I’ve heard voices like Morgan Freeman or Mako Iwamatsu as the Wizard? Either way, the narrator sounded to me like Zub himself talking which didn’t blend well with the story in my opinion.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, this first issue was an entertainingly quick read that will get new readers to the heart of the story fast. It’s filled with action but not the type of action experienced fans would be looking for in a Conan comic. There isn’t a ton of violent, jaw-dropping melee that we’ve come to experience from the prior creative team but new readers will be engaged enough to come back for round two, especially with the cliffhanger. Nonetheless, it isn’t entirely what we’ve been used to recently, which may make long time fans feel a bit let down for Zub’s inaugural take on CONAN THE BARBARIAN. Given that Zub is obliviously trying to provide fans with a different interpretation on the character AND since we just came off Jason Aaron’s killer series where Conan basically died AND fought Crom, I think we need to give this new creative team some latitude as they introduce their story. For now, I’m all in for the first couple of issues to see where this story takes me. I think new and old fans alike should do the same.

7.5/10

Source:
weirdsciencemarvelcomics.com/2020/02/18/conan-the-barbarian-13-review/

[Deleted]

Another review:
thegww.com/conan-the-barbarian-13-review/

[Deleted]

REVIEW: New Team Brings Spark, Creativity to Conan #13

“INTO THE CRUCIBLE AS THE MARCH TO KHITAI BEGINS! Conan has faced many foes since leaving Cimmeria, but the greatest challenge lies ahead! A perfect jumping-on point for new readers as Conan finds himself in a city in the mystical Uttara Kuru, further on the eastern border than the young barbarian has ever traveled. And with the new city comes new dangers! Unfamiliar with the language, Conan inadvertently agrees to be the latest entrant to the Great Crucible. The people of the city support their foreign champion…but what deadly traps does the Crucible hold, and what will Conan sacrifice to overcome his ordeal? Writer JIM ZUB (SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN, AVENGERS: NO ROAD HOME) and artist ROGÊ ANTONIO (CONAN 2099, X-MEN RED) lead Conan on an all-new journey, as we begin a new era for CONAN THE BARBARIAN into undiscovered country!”

By BOB FREEMAN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

Here we are, at long last. With Aaron and Asrar’s arc behind us, we welcome a new creative team to Marvel’s flagship Conan title — Jim Zub and Rogê Antônio. Both are talented creators, but then, so were Aaron and Asrar. Will this pair breathe new life into what has largely been a disappointing reunion between the House of Ideas and Howard’s Cimmerian?

Let’s find out, shall we?

The cover is not a promising start. There is skill there, but E. M. Gist’s Conan is too stiff. The anatomy looks off to me. The sword is at an odd angle for the Cimmerian’s hands. His face is brutish — almost Hulk-like. And the hair is unnatural. I don’t like it. Unfortunately, my comic shop didn’t have the alternate cover by Toni Infante which I find much more appealing. Of course, searching the internet, that cover variant appears to be selling for $15, so I guess I’ll pass.

But one should not judge a book by its cover artist, so let’s see what Zub and Antônio have for us.

Part one of Into the Crucible, “The People’s Champion”, begins with some solid prose from Jim Zub and Rogê Antônio’s art is solid enough. It’s a tad more cartoonish than I generally prefer, but there’s good energy from the illustration, coupled with interesting and varied facial expressions.

So far, so good.

The lettering from Travis Lanham is consistent and non-invasive, while Israel Silva’s coloring is warm and inviting. Silva really enhances the art and takes some of the edges off, creating a pleasurable experience.

As for the story itself, I am intrigued. Tackling a young Conan, slightly more than 15 years of age, he’s brash and over-confident, and easily duped by his being in a foreign land and not understanding the native tongue. It’s a great set-up, and the inclusion of an interpreter helps keep the story grounded.

Once we find Conan inside the Crucible itself, he is in his element. Conan has always been a character with great instincts and quick reactions, so placing him in a death-trap, D&D-esque dungeon is a slick move on Zub’s part, considering his background in roleplaying games. He gets to synthesize the character’s strengths with his own.

I enjoyed the issue, but it certainly seemed to fly by far too fast. The March issue won’t get here soon enough.

I give this issue 8.5 skulls of my enemies. Zub and Antônio are off to a great start. Highly recommended.

I should point out, a firmer editorial hand would be nice. Some of the punctuation is a little dodgy at times, and being an Oxford Comma man, well, the lack of one on the title/credits page had my nape hairs on end.

Also, the lack of a prose tale waiting at the back of the book was met with a touch of disappointment. I had become accustomed to capping off the comic with some fresh Hyborian pastiche, even if the quality of such varied greatly.

I guess my end-cap will be reading some of Scott Oden’s latest Grimnir novel — Twilight of the Gods.

Source:
www.paintmonkslibrary.com/2020/02/20/review-new-team-brings-spark-creativity-to-conan-13/

[mindboggled]

For a sixteen year old, Conan looks way too old on that cover. He looks closer to his supposed age in the interior artwork, but still doesn't appear to be someone who is sixteen.

[attilaman66]

I would say that back in the day guy's like big John started off with realistic figure drawing for magazine ads. I think when they made the transition over to comics, some of the detail was lost in the tight deadlines and that's how we got some of the best if not the best comic art ever. Just MHO.

[Taurus]

Feb 19, 2020 15:07:32 GMT -5 @hunnu said:

Another review:
thegww.com/conan-the-barbarian-13-review/

Thirteen year old boys are capable of drawing at this level. Marvel used to be a very good company back in the day.

[Deleted]

Feb 24, 2020 10:05:02 GMT -5 Taurus said:

Feb 19, 2020 15:07:32 GMT -5 @hunnu said:

Another review:
thegww.com/conan-the-barbarian-13-review/

Thirteen year old boys are capable of drawing at this level. Marvel used to be a very good company back in the day.

It's not too bad. Kinda reminds me of Mahmud Asrar's earlier work.