This tale begins with our hero leaving Cimmeria and arriving at a tavern near the Kezakian Pass. As always he’s sitting alone, enjoying his buzz on when a blonde haired stranger arrives. He asks permission to sit with our barbarian and Conan says “Suit yourself.” The stranger obliges and begins telling jokes and talking Conan’s ear off, even offering him a glass of ale. But Conan, somber as always, ignores the stranger. But as the night progresses he eventually drinks from the cup, which he shouldn’t have!
The Creative Team:
Meredith Finch stays true to our savage sword holder’s image and keeps him aloof. The blonde haired stranger knows Conan well since Conan had a run in with his Uncle, Thorfel, years ago. Conan doesn’t seem to remember this at all. Conan is drugged and brought aboard a slave ship. Some good savage imagery here keeps the excitement level up. The slave ships destination is a country called Akif where a tournament is to be held and the winner will gain the general’s daughters hand as a reward. Before the tournament begins, they start the show with a lesser battle involving the captured slaves. I enjoy my savage tales quite a bit and this one’s up there with the best of them. Out heroes, mettle is tried once again and he has to show off why he is the future King. Great stuff includes a battle with our hero still weakened by the drug used to trap him, which makes him more vulnerable than usual, upping the stakes and the general’s daughter showing interest in Conan.
Luke Ross is every bit as great a Conan artist as we’ve had in recent years. Indeed, Conan’s visage reminds me a bit of big John Buscemas under Ross’ pencils. His face is a serious, no-nonsense scowl that sparks fear in the hearts of his enemies. He has the muscle-bound Hyborian age hero looking as right as he can be. Highlights include the splash of Conan taking out another gladiator wannabe in the arena and the final splash in a fitting display of rage and revenge.
In Conclusion:
This one issue story won’t go down as a classic but it is a great tale of intense fury and would probably make Robert E. Howard proud as Conan is pushed to his physical limitations. He’s up against the odds once again and the odds are afraid. His captors are impressed and the young lady aspires to be Conan’s love interest despite her father’s wishes. And the final page of this story is so satisfactory as we see…nah, no spoilers read it for yourself. *** (8.3 rating)
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Writer – Meredith Finch
Art – Luke Ross
Colors – Nolan Woodard
Letters – VC’s Travis Lanham
Publisher – Marvel
Author Profile
- Kevin Given has studied with “ Longridge Writers Group †and “ Writer’s Boot Camp †a speech/communications major from the University of Maine Presque-Isle/Orono sites. He has created the “ Karl Vincent Vampire Hunter †franchise which includes novels and comic books. They can be found on amazon, Indyplanet and Kindle. For a limited time you can get digital copies of “ Karl Vincent: Vampire hunter †# 1 and “ Files of Karl Vincent †# 1 for free on Indyplanet. Kevin is producing the third novel in the series “ Dracula Rising †(working title) and developing “ Foul Blood †into comic book form. Don't forget to check out the YouTube show " Comics: Let's Talk " hosted by Kevin Given
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