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Post by slegtvalk on May 5, 2021 16:24:56 GMT -5
I'm kind of relieved to hear that I'm not the only one. What a shame though. Like johnnypt said, a lot of the art is really amazing.
In the previous volumes I really liked the stories about young Conan growing up in Cimmeria, the story about Hyperborea was great, Conan's adventures with Nestor were excellent and the Connacht stories were also very good in a creepy kinda way. All in all this series has some really great stuff to offer, but Belit is just a train wreck. In Wood's defense though, Belit is an impossible character to handle and Conan does deify her in QOTBC. I just don't think he would submit to her in the humiliating way that he did in Vol. 6. Not out of any principle, but because it doesn't fit his character. Here's a man who would throw a woman into a cesspit if she betrayed him, now reduced to a mere lapdog. That's not the Conan I know ...
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Post by johnnypt on May 5, 2021 21:09:28 GMT -5
Some people, especially on another board, like to be contrarian and say how good the run is. Then when you bring up examples of things that weren't so good, the argument turns into "I just liked it..." To each his own.
Deuce had reached out to Wood to welcome him on board and was kind of blown off. I remember Brian did come by the old boards for a brief time...it didn't end well. Then again, he took the opposite approach Jim Zub has taken, both in writing terms and dealing with his audience. It's almost ten years later already and it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth just thinking about it.
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Post by slegtvalk on May 6, 2021 0:58:58 GMT -5
Well, I've really enjoyed Zub's writing so far. But unlike Midnight's Edge I also thought Aaron's story of the Red Witch was excellent. Is he out of the picture now? That would be a shame.
Anyway, though the story in Vol. 6 wasn't really good, I'm still looking forward to Vol. 7. If the art is of the same level at least we get some beautiful pictures of the Hyborian Age to look at ...
Well, my respect to Zub. Fans can be absolutely relentless in their criticism. In the mythopoetic genre artists have to realize that they are part of something that's bigger than themselves, if they don't you just get a disaster and when they can't handle criticism ... well, then you get something like Rian Johnson, I suppose. Anyway, kudo's to Zub for engaging with fans, but I guess if you're a fan yourself and you can see your artistic role as part of a bigger project, it can take some of the burden of you as well. Is he active on the forum or do you guys talk to him in real life?
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Post by Char-Vell on May 6, 2021 7:10:09 GMT -5
... In Wood's defense though, Belit is an impossible character to handle and Conan does deify her in QOTBC. I just don't think he would submit to her in the humiliating way that he did in Vol. 6. Not out of any principle, but because it doesn't fit his character. Here's a man who would throw a woman into a cesspit if she betrayed him, now reduced to a mere lapdog. That's not the Conan I know ... In the original tale, I feel Belit comes of as a horrific sociopath, and Conan's behavior is at odds with how he acts in the other stories. So Wood might not have been completely off base with that part of the characterization. Full disclosure: I'm in the minority here as I'm not the biggest fan of Howard's QotBC. I rarely revisit the story. |
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Post by johnnypt on May 6, 2021 7:26:53 GMT -5
Well, I've really enjoyed Zub's writing so far. But unlike Midnight's Edge I also thought Aaron's story of the Red Witch was excellent. Is he out of the picture now? That would be a shame. Anyway, though the story in Vol. 6 wasn't really good, I'm still looking forward to Vol. 7. If the art is of the same level at least we get some beautiful pictures of the Hyborian Age to look at ... Aaron and Asrar are working on a King Conan title that should be coming soon. You'll probably find Van Lente's characterization more in line with the stories. He makes his own deviations here and there but generally keeps the spirit. Brian Ching unfortunately chose a very sparse and scratchy style of art that isn't representative of his body of work and detracted my enjoyment of it. |
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Post by johnnypt on May 6, 2021 7:29:05 GMT -5
... In Wood's defense though, Belit is an impossible character to handle and Conan does deify her in QOTBC. I just don't think he would submit to her in the humiliating way that he did in Vol. 6. Not out of any principle, but because it doesn't fit his character. Here's a man who would throw a woman into a cesspit if she betrayed him, now reduced to a mere lapdog. That's not the Conan I know ... In the original tale, I feel Belit comes of as a horrific sociopath, and Conan's behavior is at odds with how he acts in the other stories. So Wood might not have been completely off base with that part of the characterization. Full disclosure: I'm in the minority here as I'm not the biggest fan of Howard's QotBC. I rarely revisit the story. In his defense, I'd say he probably got Belit more correct than he got Conan. Had he gotten Conan better, the odd things with Belit (the run home to daddy the way it was done, etc.) wouldn't have been so out of place. |
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Post by Deleted on May 6, 2021 7:59:06 GMT -5
I think the problem is cos Belit is originally of civilised descent, and tries to emulate what Conan represents throughout REH's QotBC.
That is why she dies in the yarn, Conan remains true to his heritage.
This is something really difficult for a modern civilised writer expanding on QotBC to comprehend, unless you happen to be Roy Thomas living in the late 1970s.
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Post by johnnypt on May 6, 2021 8:15:46 GMT -5
I think the problem is cos Belit is originally of civilised descent, and tries to emulate what Conan represents throughout REH's QotBC. That is why she dies in the yarn, Conan remains true to his heritage. This is something really difficult for a modern civilised writer expanding on QotBC to comprehend, unless you happen to be Roy Thomas living in the late 1970s. Howard's nothing but consistent on this point: it's the same reason why Conan is the only one to make it to the end of Beyond the Black River. Wood was very stringent on only using QOTBC as source material (and apparently directed as such by DH editorial). It didn't do him, as an writer who wasn't very knowledgeable about Howard's writing in general, any favors. Which is why they swung back to Van Lente and Bunn, who were Howard fans. |
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Post by slegtvalk on May 6, 2021 11:00:27 GMT -5
... In Wood's defense though, Belit is an impossible character to handle and Conan does deify her in QOTBC. I just don't think he would submit to her in the humiliating way that he did in Vol. 6. Not out of any principle, but because it doesn't fit his character. Here's a man who would throw a woman into a cesspit if she betrayed him, now reduced to a mere lapdog. That's not the Conan I know ... In the original tale, I feel Belit comes of as a horrific sociopath, and Conan's behavior is at odds with how he acts in the other stories. So Wood might not have been completely off base with that part of the characterization. Full disclosure: I'm in the minority here as I'm not the biggest fan of Howard's QotBC. I rarely revisit the story. I feel the same way. I was actually more put off by the portrayal of Conan in relation to Belit, than how Belit was portrayed as a character. And yes, she comes across as a total sociopath with narcisistic/borderline personality disorder - in Vol. 6 as well as in the original QotBC story. Her behavior is totally unpredictable and erratic. Wood got that right at least. The problem is not that Wood was set on making Belit Conan's "first true love", the problem is (in my opinion) that Conan apparently thought that routinely humiliating himself was going to endear him to her - which is totally out of character as far as I'm concerned. I probably shouldn't say this, but I've wondered if there is an autobiographical element here. Be that as it may, it's still more Wood than Conan in the end. |
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Post by slegtvalk on May 6, 2021 12:53:09 GMT -5
Well, I've really enjoyed Zub's writing so far. But unlike Midnight's Edge I also thought Aaron's story of the Red Witch was excellent. Is he out of the picture now? That would be a shame. Anyway, though the story in Vol. 6 wasn't really good, I'm still looking forward to Vol. 7. If the art is of the same level at least we get some beautiful pictures of the Hyborian Age to look at ... Aaron and Asrar are working on a King Conan title that should be coming soon. You'll probably find Van Lente's characterization more in line with the stories. He makes his own deviations here and there but generally keeps the spirit. Brian Ching unfortunately chose a very sparse and scratchy style of art that isn't representative of his body of work and detracted my enjoyment of it. Excellent! Looking forward to it.  |
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Post by terryallenuk on May 6, 2021 13:31:42 GMT -5
Yeah, Wood pretty much killed Dark Horse Conan off. Not that a better run would have stopped them losing it to Marvel. Wood did a better job with other properties, but everything about his Conan run was ill-advised. Yes when I read the first Northlanders collection , apart from the modern dialogue , I thought he'd be a great fit for Conan so it was a real disappointment. Also enjoyed his X-Men run. |
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Post by danieljames495 on May 6, 2021 14:28:45 GMT -5
I'm kind of relieved to hear that I'm not the only one. What a shame though. Like johnnypt said, a lot of the art is really amazing. In the previous volumes I really liked the stories about young Conan growing up in Cimmeria, the story about Hyperborea was great, Conan's adventures with Nestor were excellent and the Connacht stories were also very good in a creepy kinda way. All in all this series has some really great stuff to offer, but Belit is just a train wreck. In Wood's defense though, Belit is an impossible character to handle and Conan does deify her in QOTBC. I just don't think he would submit to her in the humiliating way that he did in Vol. 6. Not out of any principle, but because it doesn't fit his character. Here's a man who would throw a woman into a cesspit if she betrayed him, now reduced to a mere lapdog. That's not the Conan I know ... Nah That's definitely not an unpopular opinion. There were honestly some really interesting scenes but not for Conan. Maybe if the stories weren't Conan stories but just some completely different characters it would be better. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2021 0:52:40 GMT -5
 Conan Chronicles Epic Collection Vol.1: Out Of The Darksome HillsThe legend returns! Conan the Barbarian stars in epic tales by comic book veteran Kurt Busiek - including classics adapted from the works of original author Robert E. Howard! Whether he's warring with the violent Vanir or meeting a Frost Giant's daughter, Conan's savage sword is always close at hand and ready for battle! The story of "The God in the Bowl" is presented in all its terrifying detail - introducing Conan's notorious adversary, Thoth-Amon! But who is Janissa the Widowmaker, and what role will she play in the Cimmerian warrior's life? Beware the Horror on Uskuth Hill - and the Thing in the Temple! And when two Nemedians walk into a bar, it's no joking matter. Prepare for swords and sorcery of the highest order with the greatest barbarian of them all! COLLECTING: VOL. 1: CONAN: THE LEGEND 0, CONAN (2004) 1-19  Conan Chronicles Epic Collection Vol.2: The Heart of Yag-Kosha The Tower of the Elephant and other stories] Conan the Barbarian stars in more legendary tales filled with swords, sorcery, giant spiders and monstrous creatures - including stories adapted from the original works of Robert E. Howard] Stealing the priceless gem the Heart of the Elephant from an unguarded tower seems like child's play - but nothing's ever easy for Conan] Then, a dalliance with a magistrate's wife spells trouble, and Conan's adventures in the City of Thieves continue as he runs a gauntlet of threats both human and inhuman] But what grotesque horrors await him in the Hall of the Dead? And is anybody ready for Conan... the King? Plus, tales of Conan's youth as he braves the Battle of Brita's Vale - and rides a wild Cimmerian bull] Collecting: Vol. 2: Conan (2004) 20-39  Conan Chronicles Epic Collection Vol 3: Return To Cimmeria'Rogues in the House' and other tales of Conan] The Barbarian finds himself in the middle of a power struggle in an inspired adaptation of one of Robert E. Howard's most acclaimed short stories] Then, a lingering curse follows Conan on his journey back to his homeland - and great darkness lies ahead in a doomed city] As evil from his past moves ever closer, unfathomable terrors loom into view on the return to Cimmeria] The barbaric land of Conan's birth is a welcome change from the treacherous cities of the East - but when a tentative truce with the Aesir is threatened by the first woman Conan ever loved, he again finds himself at the heart of conflict that will test his formidable strength, cunning mind and passionate heart] Collecting: Conan (2004) 40-50, Conan the Cimmerian 0-7  Conan Chronicles Epic Collection Vol 4: The Battle Of Shamla PassConan leaves his trials behind for a new life - as a mercenary] Presenting all-action adaptations of classic Robert E. Howard tales, plus original adventures of everyone's favourite barbarian] Howard's 'Black Colossus' sees Conan face his bloodiest battle yet when the mercenaries of Amalric clash with the demonic hordes of Natohk] Then, Conan becomes the leader of Princess Yasmela's Khorajan army] But another princess wants Conan for herself - the immortal and vampiric Akivasha] The Cimmerian spends a tumultuous time fighting and looting with the Kozaki, a wild group of fellow mercenaries also known as the Free Companions] Plus, Conan faces pirate politics and a centuries-old mystery in an adaptation of Howard's 'Iron Shadows in the Moon'] Collecting: Vol. 4: Conan The Cimmerian (2008) 8-25
Conan Chronicles Epic Collection Vol 5: Horrors Beneath the StonesLegendary Conan scribe Roy Thomas returns to Cimmeria! When the beautiful Olivia appears aboard a captured ship, telling tales of prophetic dreams and great fortunes, Conan is set on a new path - the Road of Kings! It's a route that is full of terrors and that may lead him straight to the executioner's ax! Conan must brave zombie Hyborians, dragons and assassins - as well as the underground catacombs beneath Aquilonia, where lurk creatures more hideous and deadly than anything he's ever encountered on the surface! The Road of Kings is no place for weaklings! Plus, an action-packed adaptation of the classic Robert E. Howard tale "Queen of the Black Coast," in which Conan takes to the high seas with the pirate queen Bêlit!  Conan Chronicles Epic Collection Vol.6: The Song of BelitThe Queen of the Black Coast: Conan the Barbarian and the maritime monarch Belit are the undisputed masters of the Western Ocean - their names whispered in fearful awe. But while most seafarers know better than to challenge their reign, strange new threats are arriving from unexpected shores. Conan must return to Cimmeria to hunt an impostor destroying villages in his name - but discovers a shocking connection to his own past. In the wake of an unthinkable tragedy and an enormous strain, Conan and Belit find their bond buckling. As Belit returns to her childhood home, what she discovers in the sands of Shem could separate her from Conan - forever. Meanwhile, Conan seeks clarity through the mind-altering power of the yellow lotus - but will the visions revealed to him be more than he can bear? Collecting: Vol. 6: Conan The Barbarian (2012) 7-25  Conan Chronicles Epic Collection Vol. 07: Shadows Over KushFour savage tales of Conan! When a case of mistaken identity leaves him accused of sorcery, the Cimmerian finds himself the target of a powerful and deadly witch hunter -- but what is the true evil that stalks the shadows of Kush? A quest for legendary treasure brings Conan and his comrades into battle with an army of brigands and more -- but is the prize at stake worth the price to be paid? Cast into the desert and dying of thirst, Conan and the former slave Natala arrive in Xuthal, the city of eternal dreamers -- where a mysterious horror lurks! And a call for help from a mysterious lighthouse beckons to Conan amidst the scorching sands. But he realizes too late that he's stumbled into a trap -- for this is an oasis of blood! COLLECTING: Conan the Avenger (2014) 1-19 RELEASE DATE: 9 NOVEMBER 2021 CONAN EPIC COLLECTION VOLUME 8: BLOOD IN HIS WAKECollecting Conan the Avenger 20-25 & Conan the Slayer 1-12 Expected in January 2022 |
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Post by alexander on Nov 29, 2021 11:05:16 GMT -5
ok so I will avoid vol 6 "the song of Belit". Thx for the warnings guys.
What about vol.7 "Shadows over Kush"? Is it as good as the 1st 2 volumes?
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Post by johnnypt on Nov 29, 2021 12:54:19 GMT -5
ok so I will avoid vol 6 "the song of Belit". Thx for the warnings guys. What about vol.7 "Shadows over Kush"? Is it as good as the 1st 2 volumes? Still a bit lacking on the art side, but the writing improves. |
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