THE SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN #2 (Titan)

[Von K]

Review from Stygian Dogs:

'The Savage Sword of Conan' Issue #2! Jim Zub’s BEST 'Conan' story!

[kemp]

This actually may be Jim Zub's best Conan story to date. 

The sketchy art was right at home with the grim undertones of the story, the sense of impending doom and tragedy represented in the boy that befriended and helped an injured Conan, not to mention those who hired the Cimmerian to protect them from danger. The odds were stacked against Conan being a hero, the best he could do was be an avenger and just find a way to survive in such an unforgiving world. 

To me the feature story felt very Howardian, it was pain, imagine being buried alive, it was a supernatural horror story, felt liked it delved a little into the literary traditions of American Gothic fiction and Cthulhu mythos. What a tale.

Going back to the art, it's not the type of art I would want all the time, but the story called for it. Just felt right in this case. Reminds me of something Frank Frazetta said about some of his paintings where technique had to suffer for the emotional impact to hit you between the eyes, like the Bran Mak Morn cover illustration, describing the mass of savage screaming warriors just coming at you. 

The Solomon Kane follow up did not disappoint, the ancient Celtic mythos come to life felt right, a real page turner. Too bad have to wait for the next instalment. Why can't they make fantasy movies like this anymore. 

Anyway, another masterpiece by Titan.